Brownstone Blog

Brownstone Magazine Site is LIVE

2011-04-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Brownstone Readers, The day has finally come! Brownstone Magazine is now live. Please visit www.brownstonemagazine.com to view the new site. As a quick reminder, we will no longer be updating this blog. Check into Brownstone Magazine each month for more content and more fun. We hope that you enjoy Brownstone Magazine as much as you've enjoyed the blog. -- Brownstone Team

Spring Staycations

2011-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and mall mannequins are trading in their bulky wools for light florals. This could only mean one thing, spring is here! And with this change in weather brings the longing to drop your school books, take a vacation, and just get away. Of course realistically you can’t simply hop on a plane and get out of town. So, I’ve come up with a few “staycations” you can take in your own city that will make you feel like you’re miles away from home.

Take a Hike: Enjoying a hiking trail is one of the best ways to feel like you’re far away from the city when in reality you may only be a few minutes away from the hustle & bustle. Eaton Canyon in Pasadena is one such trail. About 20 miles outside of LA, this hidden treasure is filled with streams, brooks, and even leads to a waterfall! My friends and I visited this trail the other day and had the best time. Not only is it a good opportunity to exercise but the scenery is gorgeous. People bring picnic lunches to eat in front of the waterfall and there were even some guys who brought guitars to give an impromptu concert. With the greenery and the trickling sound of the waterfall you feel like you’re far away from home. And the best part? All of this is free!

Drive In Movies: Going to indoor movie theatres is such a normal thing to do. Why not switch it up, enjoy the warm weather, and save some money? Most Drive In Movie Theatres, such as the Van Buren Drive In Theatre in Riverside, CA that I used to frequent as a teen, show two movies for the price of one and allow you to watch from outside your car. My friends and I used to bring all kinds of snacks and goodies to munch on while we laid out on our blankets in the grass. Not only do you get more bang for your buck but you get to revel in the beautiful weather you’ve been waiting for all year.

Whale Watching: If you’re lucky enough to live by the coast, whale watching is a must do. For around 30 dollars you can take a 2.5 hour boat ride with a knowledgeable tour guide in the hopes of seeing Humpback whales! Even if you don’t spot any whales on your trip you’re guaranteed to see dolphins which are just as exciting. After your trip you can head home or bring your towel and bathing suit with you and make it a beach day.

Kayaking: Want to do something adventurous? Try kayaking. I was shocked to find out that at Kayaks In the Water in Long Beach, you can hit the water for only $8! Kayaking is a great activity to do with friends on your spring break or with your special someone on a date. It can be both strenuous and serene and the ideal activity to shake up your weekend. See, you don’t have to travel miles away to get a little taste of vacation! Have fun and enjoy the spring sunshine :)

-- Karissa Allen

Brownstone Team

Acne and Young African American Skin

2011-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

A good black skin care regimen, do you have one? You're never too young to start taking care of your skin. As a young African American you’re taught to be aware of your looks. But when acne introduces itself it has a tendency to make you feel self-conscious. Have you looked into the mirror lately and not liked what you see all because you’ve got black heads and pimples all over your face? Did you know that changing your lifestyle could be your best acne treatment? Why? Because the results will be long-term and the changes that you make will be good for more than just your skin. Your overall physical health, mental health and skin health will benefit. Acne can actually be controlled by the foods you choose to eat. Some of the foods you might want to avoid: • Pizza • Soda – caffeinated and decaffeinated, regular and diet • Breads made with enriched refined or white flour, this includes muffins, cookies, rice cakes and crackers. • Processed foods with trans fatty acids and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils • Dairy products — that means your cheese, milk, ice cream and half-and-half • French fries and white potatoes • Coffee • Sugar Are you wondering what’s left for you to eat? Here are some suggestions: • Fish and Poultry, but not fried. Baked, grilled, broiled or lightly sautéed is the way to go. • Vegetables — baked, steamed or broiled. When we say vegetables were talking about healthy green ones, white potatoes don’t count. • Fruits — most fruits are good but we’re not including lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges. • Herbal teas • Bread and cereals made from whole grain The secret to making these foods work is that if you have anywhere from 5 to 10 servings of vegetables and/or fruits every day, they’ll provide you with the fiber needed and give you plenty of antioxidants to nourish your skin. Instead of picking up a bag of chips or a can of soda, how about a salad, vegetable or fruit and a bottle of water? Using natural products and maintaining a healthy eating regimen is a great prescription for treating acne on young African American skin. -- Juliette Samuel Guest Blogger Author's Bio Juliette Samuel is a person who definitely knows beautiful when she sees it. Juliette has had a very eclectic career working in and around the beauty industry. She has worked as an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has also been a Professional Image Consultant. Currently Juliette works as a Skin Care Therapist, acting President and Chief Nose for NYRAJU Skin Care. As such she is in charge of product formulation and development of all scents produced for the line. Juliette is also a member of NAHA-The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, The Society of Cosmetic Chemist and is the Fragrance Editor for BellaOnline. What does that do for you? It keeps Juliette on her toes when it comes to the type of information that she’ll be able to share with you as readers of her blog or articles that she publishes on and off the web.

The Transition from the NCAA to the NFL and NBA

2011-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, all you seniors in high school that are playing sports like basketball and football. Have you ever dreamed of playing in the NBA or NFL? You plan on going to college right? Well while you think about it, listen up! You have heard about the NCAA tournament right? Well, most seniors in college now will get a huge shocker after this recent lockout speculation. The NFL lockdown has also had a huge impact on the many people in the United states. This effects teens personally now because most people watch and enjoy football. If this continues and goes on like NFL.com says, the United States and many football fans are going to be very anger and disappointed. We are going to lose one of the most POPULAR sports in America. Imagine how people will feel about this and the way they will take it. Me personally, I disagree with this totally and completely. Most college students dream of becoming a football player. Now it can't happen because of the NFL lockdown. Players would like more money and a better career. Most NFL players have put all their time and effort into this sport, and it has to end like this I know they are agitated.

-- Anthony Darby,17 and Jerriel Xavier, 17
Guest Bloggers from the Urban Media Foundation

Preparing for a Natural Disaster

2011-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2011 a huge 9.0 earthquake struck Japan leaving them hopeless with no shelter nor warning. It lasted 33 minutes which triggered a tsunami because the earthquake occurred beneath the ocean. 8,649 people were confirmed dead and more than 21,911 people were missing because they were unprepared. Here are some tips to help prepare for a natural disaster.

Top Ten Tips

Personal documents

Lots of water

Radio/batteries

Flashlights

Emergency kit

Food and snacks (nonperishable)

Blankets

Emergency drill routine

Emergency money

Toiletries (hygiene items)

Special Guest writers from the Urban Media Foundation -- Lafaye Mooer, 16; Zzzahkia Burnley, 14; Aaron King, 18

The Wait is Over

2011-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 long years in the making and we are finally proud to announce the launch of Brownstone Magazine on April 11, 2011. If you enjoy the blog, then you'll love the magazine! We're bringing you more original content, real interviews, new videos, and so much more! Stay tuned...the wait is over!

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

A Lesson In Luck

2011-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

What is luck? Are some people truly lucky or do they seem to always benefit from being in the right place at the right time? Today is St. Patrick’s Day and with all that talk about the “luck of the Irish,” it’s worth considering. Is it luck or something else that brings people their good fortune?

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Have you ever heard that phrase? It goes back to well before our time (5 A.D.) and was originally spoken by the Roman philosopher Seneca, but it is a phrase that still rings true today. Think about the “luck” you or some of your friends have experienced. Was it luck that got your friends free tickets to a concert, or was it a combination of their being present (preparation) when the tickets were being given away (opportunity)? If they hadn’t shown up to win the tickets, they would have had no chance of winning them, if you get my point.

But all that talk of luck aside, let’s look more closely at its components: preparation and opportunity. If you aren’t prepared, you will miss out on numerous opportunities. Think about it. Scholarships, college acceptance, job opportunities and the like are not things students get because they’re lucky. They are a result of hard work and dedication (preparation) and availability in the program or area they applied for (opportunity). While some people may consider themselves or others lucky, if they looked closely, they might find there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Perhaps luck is simply the evidence of things unseen. Most people are humble and don’t want everyone to know how hard they’ve worked or what they’ve sacrificed to get where they are, so it appears that they “lucked up” when in fact they’ve been at it for years. Think about where you want to go in life and the best route to get you there. Chances are it will take skill, sacrifice and determination. In reaching your goals, which would you rather be, lucky or hardworking? The choice is yours.

-- Brandi Nichols

Brownstone Team

Professional Portfolios: Start Your Academic Footprint Now

2011-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

During my junior year, I embarked on a rather enriching journey. I was told to create an academic portfolio. This sounded like a daunting task. I was heavily involved in school and I didn’t know if I could write about it all. As I began to work on it, I realized it would be a great opportunity to show people all the hard work I did in high school.

There were four major areas to the portfolio: autobiography, resume, outline of your extracurricular activities, and a list of certificates and awards. First, I took on the autobiography. I talked about everything from the types of classes I was taking to future aspirations. I even talked about my hobbies and interest. After that, I created my resume. Making the resume was like creating a shorter version of my autobiography. I provided dates of how long I was a member of certain clubs.

Then came the fun part: writing a statement on how my extracurricular activities helped me develop into a better person. This is the main part of the portfolio. I had to elaborate on why I joined them and the benefits that I received from joining them. Yet another opportunity to unleash my creative side! I was required to add photos to this part as well. Luckily, I had just received a digital camera as a gift, so I took a lot pictures when I was doing activities with my student groups. I would journal about my sentiments towards my groups and highlighted my more profound experiences. I made photo copies of the certificates that I got from being on honor roll and put them in my portfolio. Another important document that I put in was an unofficial copy of my transcripts. Lastly, I created my cover page with a famous quote that I liked and a photo of myself. After much hard work and diligence, I had created my academic portfolio!

Making the portfolio was one of the most productive projects I created in high school. My portfolio was impressive enough to get me a few scholarships for college. Having a completed resume also comes in handy now that I am applying for jobs. I don’t have to start a resume from scratch. Working on my portfolio also made me more fluent in Microsoft Publisher. At my school, every senior had to turn in a portfolio in order to graduate. My portfolio came in handy around that time. Having a portfolio is like having an academic scrapbook. It’s truly a great way to show yourself off.

-- Amanda Scurlock

Brownstone Intern

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Book vs Movie

2011-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Books and films are two amazing art forms. When one tries to become another, many important aspect of the plot can be lost in translation. I watched Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God two years before I read the novel in my AP English class. I was in the 9th grade when the Oprah TV special premiered. My mom had read this book prior and had many critiques. It wasn’t until I read Their Eyes that I understood why the film art form crippled the amazing symbolism of the story and even took out many parts of chapters.

I appreciate this book for being a great literary work. There was no better feeling than being given the opportunity to read a book by a Black author in a 12th grade class. What amazed me about the novel is how the book was written. Hurston writes the narration and the dialogue in two contrasting ways. The book is rich with symbolism and metaphors; comparing love to plants and nature. There is an immense amount of descriptive language in the novel; this made the book come to life to me. Their Eyes Were Watching God is a brilliant coming of age tale about the main character Janie who learns about love and life through two husbands and a lover.

The transformation from novel to movie can have advances as well as setbacks. The movie gives an overlaying backdrop; one can see the emotions on the characters faces when they speak and the audience is not forced to imagine what the characters and the setting look like. The movie is good at giving the audience a good gist of the plot. One of the setbacks of a film is the time frame. Almost every time I watch the special features of a movie, the directors express the challenge of keeping a movie under two hours long. This causes directors to cut scenes even if the movie didn’t even start off as a novel. Just imagine what becomes of novels that go into movies.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a beautifully written novel. The movie is an equally beautiful way to understand the themes of the novel. Although the movie was well made, it’s nothing like experiencing the story from page to page, getting a more in-depth look at the different stages of Janie’s life. Watching maybe more entertaining and time efficient, but building a personal interpretation to the story can be a more enriching experience.

A lesson that I got from Their Eyes Were Watching God is how important it is to be yourself. For the majority of her youth and early adulthood, Janie was coerced into being someone she wasn’t by outside forces. As the story shows us, it can be hard to break free from those types of forces. So many people hide positive talents and characteristics about themselves because the people around them frown upon those aspects. The story encourages the reader to be bold and do positive things even if some people around us don’t agree with your choices. Money and social status was of no interest to Janie. All she cared about was having strong connections with people. Sometimes striving for material items can cause us to treat our loved ones like items the same way that Janie’s second husband treats her. Even though I’m striving to graduate, I take the time out to meet new people; I’ve realized who I know can be just as important as what I know.

-- Amanda Scurlock

Brownstone Intern

Feeling Fabulous: An Interview with Jessica Burks

2011-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's not often that you meet a young woman under the age of 25 that is the CEO her own company. It's also uncommon for a young African-American woman to found a company based on improving the self-esteem of other young women. Jessica Burks is no ordinary woman and she founded Feeling Fabulous, an organization that concentrates on women and their self-esteem. Feeling Fabulous' mission is to encourage women around the world to "unleash and enhance their inner diva." We were eager to find out more about this organization and this extraordinary woman so the Brownstone Blog got the chance to chat with Jessica and this is what we found out:

When and why did you decide to create this unique organization?

Feeling Fabulous entered my heart in November of 2009 and the organization launched on January 1, 2010! I was inspired to start Feeling Fabulous after completing a workbook entitled " 30 days at 100%" by Crystal Wright (who is now my personal mentor). At the time my self confidence was so low and that book helped me ssooo much I wanted to reach out to women all over the world and inspire them in my own way! For my 30 days I looked in the mirror every morning and said out LOUD..."I feel FABULOUS!"

What are your plans for Feeling Fab in 2011?

For 2011 I plan on having our first Feeling Fabulous convention, and work with more of the local Jr. High Schools.

Brownstone strives to honor women of color. Are there any women that you consider an inspiration? If so, why?

I would honor my mother ( Sherri Burks Terrell). She's my number one cheerleader/fan, and stands by my side to make sure that I fulfill my hopes and dreams with Feeling Fabulous.

What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?

Blessed, Fabulous, Bashful :)

What kind of legacy would you like to create?

I would like for all my Feeling Fab members to remember me as a positive, risk taker who truly believes that with God your destination is endless.

Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

I just want everyone to know that you all have an inner diva. Sometimes we just need to unleash & enhance her! We are all beautiful and made just how God wants us to be! Keep you head up and know that the rainbow only follows the storm. Whatever situation you might be going through, know that God will always takes your bad and makes it work for your good!

-- Alexandria Bland
Brownstone Intern

The Trail Blazing Women in my Life

2011-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

This month is all about trail blazing women. The women who have made an impact in Black history. I took this opportunity to write about everyday women that are in my life, that aren’t necessarily acknowledged for the work they do but have impacted me in a tremendous way. These women have helped me work through problems and make solutions out of predicaments I was in. The trail blazing women in my life are my grandma Gloria Williams and my godmother Gwen Fortier.

My grandma was always my shelter to go to when I was sad, mad, depressed or getting in trouble. She would always console me as well as discipline me in a way that I understood. My grandma is the most genuine person I have ever met. If you looked in the dictionary under philandtrophy you would see a picture of my grandma. She just gives and gives no matter if she doesn’t have. I remember when I was younger she had about one hundred pairs of nice, expensive shoes and gave more than half of them away to anyone who wanted or needed them at the time. She would always provide a home for those in the family who needed. She even started a day care, where she watched our family as well as friend's kids and took them under her wing. My grandma was always lending an open hand to family and close friends, but she even took it further and always gave to homeless. If she had even a little to give to them such as food, even if it was down to our last bit my grandma was there to give it. This was just astonishing to me how someone would just give and give but never ask for anything in return. This act of giving and just caring for others became the foundation of my life. Because my grandma lended a hand in raising me, I always knew to take others into consideration before myself. She taught me to think of yourself last and you will benefit from it later. Those who don’t need to be recognized for lending a hand are those that truly care. My grandma on top of giving and lending a hand always loved no matter what. Despite the fact of what you have done to her, she always forgave you and prayed for for you in the process. You feel the love around her and she truly shines form the inside out which is why she is a trail blazing women in my life. And I acknowledge her for it everyday.

I also admire my godmother Gwen Fortier. Gwen is my formal music director’s wife. She is the epitome of what I want to be like when I grow up. Her determination and drive in life just shows through her work. She is just an amazing singer and devotes her life to music. On top of being the leader of our sopranos section she always has a very busy job and has a growing family. On top of that she is a lead vocalist, who has such a beautiful and anointing voice that you get chills when she sings. She always consoles me on my life as well as keep me in check. This act of maternalship is something any young women needs in growing up in life. The fact that she is so open about her life teaches me to not make the same mistakes she did. Her act of independence as well as her soulful and beautiful spirit makes her a trailblazing women in my life.

Trailblazing women don’t necessarily have to be someone who have won a noble peace prize or is well known within your community. Everyday we are surronded by strong women who nmake huge impacts in your life. My godmother and my grandmother are trailblazing women because they helped shape me and mold me to become a woman. And maybe one day through the knowledge they have taught me and the wisdom as well as the guidance they have given me; I will become a trail blazing woman also.

-- Jamiah King
Jr Correspondent

Desiree Rogers: Executive Chic

2011-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Desiree Rogers is one of those women that you look at and think “I want to be her!” She’s the CEO of Johnson Publications, the company that owns Ebony and Jet Magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and she most notably served as Social Secretary for the Obama Administration. (who knew such a job even existed?!) She has a Master’s degree from Harvard, yet she is still fly beyond belief and the life of the party. She’s achieved that mix of brainiac and sophisticated cool that so many of us strive for. Vogue Magazine even used Rogers as an example that “executive and chic can co-exist.” I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about Ms. Rogers before I began researching for this article, but I can now say that she is someone that us Brownstone girls can look up to!

Desiree Rogers was born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana, the daughter of a city council man father and a mother who ran day centers. Her house was always full of people from blue collar workers to local business leaders, and one can only speculate that her evolved social skills are a result of t his childhood. Ms. Rogers received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Wellesley College in 1981 and went on to receive her MBA from Harvard Business School in 1985.

Rogers is no stranger to powerful positions, she’s served as the Illinois State Lottery Director, President of People’s Energy Corp, and President of Social Networking for All State Insurance, but she is most known for her role as the Social Secretary of the White House under the Obama Administration. Desiree has been friends with the Obamas for over two decades, introduced by Desiree’s ex husband and Michelle Obama’s brother (the two played basketball together at Princeton). Ms. Rogers and the Obamas ran in the same social circle of successful upper middle class Black families in Chicago, and Rogers reportedly used her connects to pool together $200,000 for Obama’s Presidential campaign!

The Obama Administration has brought about a new era of politics for the obvious reason that Barack Obama is the first African American President, but also because there is a new perceived accessibility to the White House that didn’t exist before. This change can partially be credited to Desiree Rogers as she worked tirelessly to make the White House “the people’s house.” Ms. Roger’s main goal was to create a White House that reflected who the Obama’s truly are. She did this by planning events such as inviting a group of culinary students to the White House kitchen to review menus with Mrs. Obama, organizing the planting of the White House Vegetable Garden with local elementary school students, and dying the White House fountain green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Like most prominent women, Desiree Rogers did face some controversy. Rogers has a keen eye for fashion and a closet worthy of coveting, but some people thought that her clothes were inappropriate for someone in her position, especially during a recession. When she sat next to Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue, at a New York Fashion Week show, critics claimed that this choice was too showy and flamboyant for a White House figure. However, none of this criticism compared to what Rogers was faced with in November of 2009 when two socialites from Virginia allegedly crashed a White House State Dinner. The actual details of the event are unclear as the couple, Michaele and Tareq Salahi, claim that they were invited to the dinner and did nothing wrong (despite not having a physical invitation in their possession). Still, a lot of negative press was directed toward Ms. Rogers because as Social Secretary it was her role to maintain the guest list. A few months after this incident Ms. Rogers resigned from her position as Social Secretary.

Desiree Rogers is now the CEO of Johnson Publications, the world’s largest African American owned and operated publishing company. The firm is owned by Linda Johnson Rice who happens to be a good friend of Ms. Rogers. In her new position, Rogers’ goal is to reinvent Ebony and Jet Magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics into brands that are prominent and profitable. These brands have had a significant impact on the Black Community over the years and some might venture to say that her role as CEO may have an even greater impact on the Black Community than her position as Social Secretary.

What stands out most to me about Desiree Rogers is not that she was criticized for being too flashy or that she resigned from her White House position after a year, but that she stayed true to herself despite it all. She didn’t let criticism change how she dressed or how she carried herself, and she didn’t tolerate people who blamed the White House crasher scandal on her negligence. The Wall Street Journal quoted Desiree as saying “ All these rules we’ve put in place for ourselves . . . . ‘Ladies, smash them. Be who you want to be.’” And that’s my hope for you Brownstone girls, that just like Ms. Rogers, you will always have the courage to be exactly who you want to be.

--Karissa Allen
Brownstone Team

Assata Shakur: The Woman Who Inspires My Natural Hair

2011-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

One African American woman in history that has been a great influence to me is political activist Assata Shakur. In the 12th grade, I enrolled myself in a “Women in Literature” class at my high school. Our main reading was “Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur which fellow Brownstone writer, Chevonne Collins wrote about Wednesday.

What I liked about the autobiography was that the issues discussed weren’t trivial or stereotypical: they were real issues on race and politics. Finally, I thought, Black literature with substance. She touched upon the racial discrimination she experienced in the education system growing up as JoAnne Byron and the justice system when she became an adult after she joined the Black Panther Party and later changed her name to Assata Shakur.

However, Assata’s view on hair had the biggest impact on me. She expressed how stress-free and low maintenance it was to wear an afro. When I read that something struck a nerve in me . I realized how self-conscious I was about my hair. I was a “shampoo, press and curl” girl back in my high school days. Many girls at my school would get either presses or weaves. I would get a little afraid when my hair would “go back to Africa” at some places. When people told me that my hair was “trained,” I considered it a compliment until I read this book. An afro was more than just a hairstyle to me, but a symbol of my love for my Black heritage. This was definitely something the “man” wanted to suppress during the days of the days of the Black Power Movement. No longer was I excited about getting my hair done every other week. I felt like I was assimilating to the conventional constructs of beauty; being a beautiful women meant you had long, straight hair. These very constructs were created to undermine the Black race, implying that our distinct features should be considered ugly and unacceptable. Sadly, my surroundings would not approve; Los Angeles didn’t seem politically inclined to me and my beautician (older sister) would not allow me to.

I wore an afro for the first time in public during my freshmen year in college. I figured the Bay Area would embrace this style more than Los Angeles. I felt a little insecure at first, I didn’t know how people would react. I got many compliments from older people. One person called it “psychedelic,” others were amazed with how much hair I had. People of different races even complimented me. I felt liberated in a way. I was able to express myself in terms of my culture. Wearing an afro was a lot less worrisome as a press. Neither rain nor sweat scared me. What made me sad were people that couldn’t understand why I would wear my hair like that, all people who disliked my hair was black. However, I didn’t let stop me from wearing my afro; I honestly like showing off how thick my hair is.

This book showed me a side of Black history I never learned about before. I feel incredibly empowered as a Black person every time I read the book. The Afro has become a signature of mine. I wear it a lot more at home now than at school. It is my favorite hair style, mainly because of the remarks I get. I figure that people from other races wear their hair natural, why can’t I?

-- Amanda Scurlock

Brownstone Intern

Assata: The Unheard Voice of the Black Panther Movement

2011-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I didn’t learn about Assata Shakur in school. In fact, the extent of my Black History education in school consisted of learning about slavery, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King. Of course, these are all HUGE people and events in the story of African Americans… but there is also so much more to Black history. And SOOOOO many more people, like artists and inventors, politicians and revolutionaries.

My senior year in high school, I read the Autobiography of Malcolm X and it changed my life. It’s one of those books that I couldn’t put down! (If you’re not big on reading, then check out the movie version.)

Recently, I finished reading Assata, which became another book high on my list of favorites. In honor of Black History Month at Brownstone, I would like to pay homage to this legendary woman.

Who is Assata Shakur? I’m glad you asked.

Well, to be brief, Assata (who changed her name from JoAnne Chesimard) was an activist and a revolutionary. She was a member of the Black Panther Party in the 70’s and was incarcerated and wrongly convicted for a crime she did not commit. The book actually starts with Assata being almost fatally wounded after being shot (multiple times) & dragged across the pavement by a New Jersey State Trooper.

Leading up to that, she had been regularly criminalized by the police as well as the media.
As you all probably know, racism was a lot more explosive and hostile in those days. Organizations like the Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the NAACP worked hard to fight for the fair treatment and opportunities of African Americans, who were OFTEN treated unfairly. Some of these groups were infiltrated by the Police, the FBI, and/or the CIA in order to destroy them through the Counter Intelligence Program, or, as it’s more commonly known, “COINTELPRO.”

Unfortunately, for some of these groups, their mission worked. Assata, and other members of the Black Panther Party, were manipulated, blackmailed, and some were even killed as a result of this program. Mostly because they fought to defend equal rights and take a stand against oppression.

Can you imagine that happening today?

If you saw something happening around you that you felt was totally unfair, and you spoke up about it, can you imagine going to jail for it?

While in prison, Assata was regularly treated poorly by guards (sometimes was beat by them), judges (who tried to use the legal system against her), doctors (who wouldn’t give her adequate treatment during her recovery from being shot or while she was pregnant), and even members of the jury (who were all ready to vote that she was guilty before even listening to the trial.)
All this because she didn’t sit down and just accept racism. She, and the rest of the Black Panther Party, promoted Black pride. They had breakfast and recreational programs for the Black youth in their community, and protected members of their community from police brutality, that was prevalent in poor Black areas.

She endured a whole lot and lived to tell the story. After she was wrongly convicted, she escaped from prison and was given political asylum by Cuba, which means she can live freely there. She now resides in Havana, Cuba.

If there’s one thing to take away from Assata’s story is perseverance. This woman fought injustice in a time where the odds were stacked against her, and continued to fight for freedom when everything else around her seemed hopeless. Many of us haven’t had to face circumstances as tough as hers, but if she dealt with all that adversity and kept going, we should look to that as an example when we find it hard to keep going. Sometimes you have to really dig deep, find your inner strength, and keep fighting for whatever you’re fighting for. Keep going!
And check out the book when you get a chance.

“I wasn't just a Colored girl. I was part of a whole world that wanted a better life. I'm part of a majority and not a minority. My life has been a life of growth. If you're not growing, you're not going to understand real love. If you're not reaching out to help others then you're shrinking. My life has been active. I'm not a spectator" - Assata

-- Chevonne Collins

Brownstone Team

Introducing Our New Partner: The Black Girl Project

2011-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Brownstone is proud to announce our first partnership with The Black Girl Project. The Black Girl Project is a nonprofit organization founded by Aiesha Turner that confronts the issues that most-impact girls head-on all within the context of being a Black female in an ever-changing world. BGP originally began as documentary film about Black girls and the diverse lives they lead (the good, the bad, and the in-between)and has grown into a movement to uplift, support and nurture Black girls everywhere. BGP provides tools, guidance and support for girls to prepare themselves physically, socially, emotionally and culturally for the responsibilities of young adulthood. Through literature, the arts, individual and group work, along with a host of interdisciplinary modes BGP helps bolster self-esteem, critical thinking and leadership skills. We feel that The Black Girl Project is the perfect partner to help give a voice to the stories we tell here at Brownstone. Stay tuned as we feature more work from BGP in the upcoming months.

Check out some snippets from BGP's film here. Also, help support them as they raise funds to expand the BGP film and create materials for educational outreach. You can help donate on their Kickstart page.

What Does Your Hair Say About You?

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

If I used the image above to define myself I'd definitely be "ghetto fab" because I love how that particular hairstyle looks. Even though I love that hairstyle, my current look is similar to the intellectual style shown. I'm almost positive that the person who took the time to create this cartoon photo is either joking or crazy. There's no way that someone's hairstyle can dictate what type of person they are. I know plenty of cultured women that don't have dreadlocks and the fashionistas I know would never have that blonde haircut. Despite the fact that I disagree with some of the labeling shown in the picture, I can't help but take notice to the truths shown. People do judge others based off of their hairstyles.

Lately I've been wearing my hair in a straight bob style in order to look "professional" when on job interviews or at my internship. I personally dislike getting my hair pressed on a regular basis, but I've been doing it because I feel like it's the right thing to do. Do I subconsciously think that my hair in its natural state in unprofessional? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I don't. What I do know is that people perceive me differently when my hair is straight.

As a person, I'm no more or less professional with my hair straight than I am with it puffy so it should not make a difference, right? I've honestly had guys tell me that they prefer when girls go get their hair done (meaning relaxed, pressed and/or flat ironed). I've heard numerous women, on television and elsewhere, claim that getting their hair done helps them keep a man. On the other hand, I've recently come in contact with many young women that are embracing their natural hair textures. I am glad that I've been able to see both sides of the spectrum.

Unfortunately, some natural hair textures are more easily accepted by others. Those of us with kinky (or nappy) hair are often seen as the types that need their hair done the most. Those with natural wavy hair or loose curls can easily get away with not straightening their hair without worrying about the opinions of others. Hair length is also an issue for some of us. We want longer hair for whatever reason so we'll get extensions that can possibly damage our natural hair. Maintaining healthy hair is what should be our priority.

The truth is, it should not matter how you wear your hair nor should it matter what texture your hair is. What other people think about your hair shouldn't matter either. What should matter is the person you are and the person you are becoming. If you choose to wear your hair straight, do it. If you prefer your natural kinks or curls, wear them with pride. As young women, we are far too concerned with what other people might think. We base many of our personal decisions on what we think others will say. We should stop doing that.

So what does your hair say about you? It shouldn't say anything and what others say about your hair shouldn't matter. I welcome your feedback and would love to read your opinion on the topic. How do you currently wear your hair and why is that your preference? Do you have any interesting hair-related experiences to share?If so, feel free to post them below.

Thanks for reading,
Alexandria B.

Brownstone's Valentine's Day Playlist

2011-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone enjoys a good love song! Certain songs remind us of a special moment like a first kiss or maybe the one we've been dreaming of. On the other hand, love songs can remind us of a painful heart break. There are plenty of good and bad emotions that are evoked from love songs, but today we're focusing on the positive:) With Valentine's Day just a couple of days away, it's the perfect time to pop in your favorite slow jams and celebrate L-O-V-E.

I like love songs that get me singing. It doesn’t really matter if they’re old school jams or the “nu-nu” hits...you know songs you never quite learn the lyrics to. I just like singing and expressing myself through music. This year, why not make a special playlist for your boyfriend? Or if you're single play songs that celebrate your love for yourself. Brownstone created a list of songs to help get you started. Check out our Valentine's Day playlist:

1. All I want is You - Miguel feat J Cole
2. Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
3. One in a Million – Neyo
4. There Goes My Baby – Usher
5. Baby - Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
6. Everything to Me – Monica
7. Promise Ring -Tiffany Evans featuring Ciara
8. Just A Kiss-Mishon
9. First Crush- Keke Palmer
10. Pure Love - Raven Symone

What are your favorite love songs? We'd love to add them to our playlist.

-- Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Take Time to Plan

2011-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Now that school has started back, it’s exciting to be in a learning environment with your friends. As a student, school comes with various assignments, extracurricular events and your regular day-to-day activities. If you’re involved in a lot of activities then you know firsthand how difficult it can be to keep up. One skill that is great to have and master is time management. Time management is an important skill to learn so that you are able to accomplish the tasks that you are given in an efficient manner. When you’ve completed the task you’re able to move on to the next without getting backed up.

It took me a couple of months to realize that I was wasting countless hours throughout my day on the internet. I went through this phase were I would go on YouTube to get fashion and makeup ideas and watch video after video. I think a lot of it started because I was so happy to finally have my own laptop. Throughout high school, I didn’t own one. I used the computers at my school. So when I got my computer I went overboard. Now that I look back on those days I know I could have spent those hours doing other things.

The way I began to take control of my time was by writing in my planner and completing the assignments one step at a time. I would ask myself, “What small step can I take to get closer to completing an assignment?” One of my favorite options would be to stay on my computer but instead of watching videos I would record videos of myself talking about what I plan to write in my paper. My video recording would act as my brainstorming process to get my thoughts flowing. Then when I was ready to write, I had it under control. Other useful options are using an oversized calendar or dry erase board. If these options do not work for you, your phone is also a great choice. Once you’ve found out what works for you. Your life will be that much easier. You will complete those big assignments and be happy to check them off your list. You will become more reliable and the problem of forgetting things won’t sneak up on you as often. You know what works for me; now tell me what works for you. What has helped you stay on task? Please share your tips suggestions and comments.

-- Carla Banks
Brownstone Intern

Blazing a Trail, Leaving a Legacy

2011-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

According to Dictionary.com, the term “trailblazer” literally means “a person who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness; pathfinder.” Can you think of anyone who has made it easier for you to live your dream? Anyone who faced haters and nonbelievers, knowing that they had what it took to succeed? Let me share with you an example of three African American women who did just that.

Althea Gibson: The first African American to play tennis at Wimbledon.

“I knew that I was an unusual, talented girl through the grace of God. I didn't need to prove that to myself. I only wanted to prove it to my opponents.”

Raised in Harlem, New York in the 1930’s and 40’s, Althea Gibson knew all about hardship and overcoming obstacles. Growing up on welfare from time to time, and not having a real interest in school, Althea struggled to find something she excelled at. Once someone put a tennis racket in her hand however, the rest as they say, “is history.” The combination of her talent and love of the game did not go unnoticed. She went on to not only compete in, but win several tournaments that were previously closed to African Americans, including the French Open in 1956 and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Althea was not only the first African American woman to play in these tournaments; she was the first African American person period given the opportunity to play in them. She faced her haters head on and let her racket do the talking.

Mae Jemison: The first African American female astronaut.

"Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live."

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Mae Jemison graduated from Stanford University in 1977 where she completed dual degrees in Chemical Engineering and Afro American Studies. Dr. Jemison went on to attend medical school at Cornell University and served with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and Liberia before applying to NASA’s astronaut training program in 1986. Dr. Jemison was 1 of 15 people selected for the program out of nearly 2,000 applicants and on September 12, 1992, she became the first African American woman to enter outer space when she took part in an 8-day mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Dr. Jemison once said, “One of the things that I'm very concerned about is that as African-Americans, as women, many times we do not feel that we have the power to change the world and society as a whole." Dr. Jemison is proof of course, that we can accomplish both.

Toni Morrison: The first African American author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

"If there is a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it."

For some people, it is easier to critique than it is to create. There is less to lose when you borrow from the thoughts and words of others. It takes an almost fearless individual to stand up and be heard. For author Toni Morrison, she believed she had stories worth telling and tell them, she did. Many of you may be familiar with her work, ranging from her first novel, The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, where the main character believes life would be easier if only she had blue eyes, to more haunting works like Beloved, later made into a movie starring Oprah. It was her desire to tell varied stories on topics both taboo (race, gender) and troubling (slavery, murder) that brought Toni Morrison recognition and eventually critical acclaim in the form of both a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize. Morrison won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, making her the first African American to do so. A graduate of Howard University and later Cornell, Morrison always loved English. It would be her way to touch the world.

So Now What?
Perhaps tennis great Althea Gibson said it best. When asked about her accomplishments later in life, Althea said, "I always wanted to be somebody. If I made it, it's half because I was game enough to take a lot of punishment along the way and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me." These women were successful because they believed in themselves, and someone else did too. They not only had the talent, they had the dedication it took to reach their goals and the courage to deal with anyone or anything that got in their way. They had to deal with racism and sexism, but they kept pushing. They may have had some days where they felt like giving up, but they kept trying.

Have you ever wanted to give up? Have you ever thought that what you were doing wasn’t worthwhile? What if these women had stopped believing in themselves? Who would Venus and Serena Williams have to look up to if Althea Gibson had let racism stand between her and the tennis court? How many more years would we have had to wait to see an African American woman in space if Mae Jemison had not literally decided to go where no black woman had gone before? What if Toni Morrison had been happy simply being an editor of other people’s books? The world would have missed out on one of its greatest writers. These women took a chance and in doing so provided not only the world, but young African American women like you with real life role models. Dr. Jemison is still doing her thing, and Toni Morrison will most likely write until the day she dies. Whatever they decide to do now, they have already influenced so many, and contributed so much to the world. They blazed new trails and never looked back. Their legacy will live on long after they have left this world.

Do you have a goal you want to accomplish one day? Do you believe you have what it takes to get there? Are you surrounding yourself with people who support you and your dreams? If your answer is yes, then keep doing what you’re doing. If you answered no to even one of those questions, think about what you need to do differently to achieve your dreams. Trailblazers are not people who stand by waiting for an opportunity; they are people who go out and create one. Look at these three examples and be encouraged. Dr. Jemison once said, “The thing that I have done throughout my life is to do the best job that I can and to be me.” If you do that, the rest will come naturally. Create your own opportunities. Blaze your own trail. What will your legacy be?

-- Brandi Nichols
Brownstone Team

Meet our newest writer, Brandi Nichols! Brandi is a native of California who recently relocated to Texas. Brandi graduated from USC with a degree in Public Relations and went back later to receive her master’s degree in School Counseling. Brandi enjoys writing, reading and making people laugh. Her favorite book is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

Who's That Girl? - A Profile of Jamiah King

2011-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

You may have seen her around school or read some her fantastic blog posts here at Brownstone. But do you really know the young lady in this picture? In case your were wondering "Who's that Girl?" meet our fabulous, jr correspondent, Jamiah King.

Name: Jamiah King

Nickname: Miah

Age: 16

High School: Berkeley High School

Favorite after school activities: Dancing in dance production, reading Leaser novels, singing in my church's choir, taking pictures and journalism

Favorite color(s): Olive green, turquoise

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate always, even though I am allergic

Bookworm or social butterfly: I stay in my books first because that's my main priority but I am a very social person who loves to be around others.

Clean freak or pack-rat? I have my moments. I think of myself as a clean freak outside of my home but at home I can be a pack rat but not for more than a month. My room has been clean for awhile. My room may be dirty but my closet stays clean always, it is color coordinated.

American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance: That's very hard to choose because both dancing and singing are my passions. And American Idol this year is blowing me away, but SYTYCD is such a beautiful show.

Twilight or Harry Potter: Neither, I'm not into the trend of science fiction or the whole Edward vs. Jacob.

If I could delete one subject from school it would be __chemistry__.

Biggest pet peeve: Cracking knuckles

If I could only eat one thing for a week it would be __biscuits__.

I would love to visit __Japan__.

Favorite singer(s): Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild, John Legend

Songs that annoy you on the radio: pointless club bangers or one hit wonders. Basically any song that says "swag" or "base God" or cusses too much.

Favorite place to shop: Ross, got to love a bargain.

Describe your sense of style: My style fluctuates. It depends on my mood for that day. Each day I have an outfit on, I have a theme to go along with it.

Favorite make-up item: Lip gloss (Victoria Secret slice of heaven or Bath and Body Works pink mint)

Guys: skinny jeans or baggy jeans? Hmmmm? Depends on how they where them.

What makes you unique? My spontaneous personality and drive in life.

What do you want to be when you get older? Happy

What are your plans after high school? College and lots of traveling. Hopefully study abroad, I definitely don't want to be in a cubicle.

If I were president, I would __try my best to include everyone's input and benefit the people and not myself and try not to be bias__.

Something new you would like to learn: Learn how to speak more than one language, besides English fluently.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be & why? Chasing Pavements by Adele or Fix You by Coldplay. They both are encouraging songs that deal with making mistakes and just not giving up, just try harder.

One goal I would like to achieve in 2011 is ___to find myself and be confident with oneself___.

What African American women inspire you? My grandmother.

I am proud to be a young black woman because I am not perfect but I aspire the best of myself and encourage others to do the same.

What does Brownstone mean to you? Brownstone means power and sisterhood.

The Black Woman: A Rose by Any Other Name

2011-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Jezebel…Mulatto…Mammy…Single Mother…Welfare Queen

Throughout history, Black women have been called many names that were meant to define what others saw in us, but only limited our own self worth. As a teenager, I didn’t have positive female role models who looked like me outside of my family, except for my all time fav Maya Angelou. All the influential women I was used to seeing were on television or singing on the radio. Even today, the NeNes and Nicki Minajs seem to get more recognition than the women who slaved to fight for our rights.

In the classroom, we always skimmed over the Black heroines, focusing on the usual Black History superstars like Martin Luther King, Jr and Frederick Douglas. (No disrespect, but remember behind every man is a strong woman) I found it disappointing how I knew more about the infamous stereotypes of Black women such as mammy and the irresistible mulatto, but hardly about Black women leaders in history. Yes this is important to understand, but when you focus on the negative you often fail to see the positive.

Today, we know the legacy of our history greats such as Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, and Sojourner Truth, but not enough emphasis is placed on their individual journeys. At Brownstone, we believe that there is power in telling your story and sharing your journey. It’s hard to understand one’s legacy without acknowledging both. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that Black women have an amazing history of strength and determination, love and passion, resilience and faith. I am so proud to be a black woman.

In honor of Black History Month, Brownstone is highlighting the stories, journeys, and legacies of Black women of the past to the present. We want you to know that Black women are more than the roles we’re portrayed as on television. We are more than the over sexualized images seen in music videos. We are CEOs, first ladies, lawyers, doctors, etc. There are so many facets to who we are as women and it’s time for the world to know! This month, check out the women who are jumping over the barriers that have historically placed Black women in a box and are calling their own shots. We hope you’re inspired and learn something new :)

-- Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Brownstone Women's Spotlight: A Profile of Lisa Hampton

2011-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

The stars will always shine, the birds will always sing

As long as there is thirst, there's always the real thing

Coca-cola is always the one

Whenever there is fun, there's always Coca-Cola…

She’s got the Coke smile, the Coke realness, and the Coke spirit. Even better, she’s got a Coke job! Everyone, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Lisa Michelle Hampton, Account Manager for the world’s largest producer and distributor, Coca-Cola. As we can imagine, Coke’s mission is to “refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and make a difference.” In my opinion, Coke couldn’t have chosen a better woman of color to represent and embody its purpose. See for yourself!

Kyle Holland (KH): Lisa, the Brownstone team and I first want to thank you for allowing us to feature you this month. We really feel that our readers could learn a lot from your experiences and goals…so thank you!

Lisa Hampton (LH): (huge smile)

KH: Let’s start with Coke, since it’s currently such a major part of your life. What is your position and explain to us a bit what you do?

LH: Well, I’m an Account Manager, which at Coke, means that I manage the pricing, delivery and brand marketing of our Coke products all over. From malls, movie theaters and restaurants, to mom and pop auto shops and even prisons. I also manage accounts at college campuses, which I’m really excited about.

KH: Sounds fun... did you have any idea you’d be an Account Manager for such a great company?

LH: No clue! I fell into the industry directly after college. I started off with Pepsi with an amazing deal and here I am now. I’ve been in the industry for almost 4 years now…wow how time flies!

KH: So with all your responsibilities at work, who helps you hold it all together?

LH: My husband, Brandon. I honestly couldn’t do it alone. He’s my support. He sees the happy me, the sad me…and everything else in between, lol. He’s the one who puts me back together every day.

KH: Besides Brandon, who else keeps you motivated?

LH: Jesus, definitely! I grew up in the church and in a strong faith based family and I know that it’s because of Him that I’m where I am today.

KH: What church did you attend?

LH: Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood.

KH: Did you ever feel like you were living a double life, growing up as a “church girl” and also a part of the “in crowd” at school?

LH: Not at all. I had a lot of friends in school. I was student body secretary and Homecoming queen, but I was also on the usher board. My church family has always been great. They actually call me an honorary usher because I’m a mommy now…they gave me the title when I got pregnant and couldn’t stand in the aisle at church anymore…lol.

KH: That’s hilarious! And how is being a mom so far?

LH: You know, everyone says your world changes when you have a child. And they’re not wrong. My world did go from all about me, to all about my son. But for me, that’s not a negative thing. It baffles me everyday how much I love my son. It’s crazy how much love a person could have for their child. He’s 2 ½ now and I’ve enjoyed every bit of him.

KH: Do you think motherhood is something you learned, or have you been teaching yourself along the way?

LH: For me, it started when I was a child. It started from my mom and how she’d handle me and my brother and sister in all kinds of situations. My mother is no longer with me, but I use her when I’m teaching my kid. She was and still is my biggest role model. She was my best friend. I, still to this day, admire her and look to her strength. I watched how she would wake up, tend to a husband, 3 kids, work a full day, and come home and do it all over again…every day. I hope I can be ½ the mother she was to me, to my children.

KH: How did your mom pass?

LH: From lung cancer. This August will be the 6^th year since God took her home. I still can’t believe it. That by far has been and still is the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make. Learning to live life without my mom has been a struggle to say the least.

KH: How do you deal with it?

LH: Friends, family and ultimately Jesus. I feel God has intentionally placed people in my life, like you, who continuously offer words of encouragement and unconditional love. That alone helps me get through the day.

KH: Lol…one thing I loved about your mom was how funny she was, even when she didn’t realize it.

LH: LOL! Me too…yea, my college experience was the best and worst time of my life. On one hand, I left my parents, my family and all that I knew, to embark on a journey. Yet, on the other hand, it gave me a chance to learn more about myself and life in general. Plus, I grew even closer to you and Kristin. We had so many good times. I used to love staying up until 2 and 3 in the morning with you guys just laughing feeling free. I got to take all kinds of classes…classes that I didn’t think existed. I went to an opera for the very first time at the San Francisco Opera House for my Music 132 class, and I studied the history and culture behind prostitution in my Sociology of Prostitution course. But my life completely changed when I lost my mom. My best friend was gone. I don’t even have the words to express how devastating that time period was for me. But I knew she would want me to return to school and finish strong…so I did. And looking back I’m so proud of myself for accomplishing all that I did, especially given the circumstances.

KH: I agree, your college experience was definitely filled with ups and downs. If you hadn’t gone to college, what would you have liked to become?

LH: An actress!

KH: What woman of color influenced you the most when it came to pursuing this dream?

LH: Halle Berry. Mainly because she’s half black and half white, just like me. So, seeing someone of mixed race made me feel like it was possible. She always seemed positive and respectful and that’s what I wanted the world to know about me.

KH: Was it hard growing up mixed?

LH: In some instances, yes. Overall, it wasn’t something that kept me from living life, but it definitely helped shape who I am. I would go to Wichita, Kansas to visit family and be the darkest one in the whole city, having to answer questions like, “why are you so dark?” Then, I would come back to LA and be called a “light bright.” So, it definitely taught me a lot about balance and appreciating and loving both sides of my family.

KH: What advice can you offer our Brownstone readers?

LH: …This advice to myself as well. Never stop dreaming. Never give up because you never know what God has in store. No matter what life throws you, always hold on to your dreams.

KH: That’s awesome. Thank you showing our Brownstone readers who you are. I have personally seen you blossom into your best self, despite it ALL. Your faith in God and zest for life is something I know our readers can apply to their own lives. Please continue to “refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and make a difference,” cuz we all need you!

LH: Will do!

--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Extracurricular Activities: Education Beyond the Classroom

2011-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

My Extracurricular Activities at Crenshaw High School

Elite Choir: 4 years
Girl’s Steppe Team: 4 years
Food From The Hood: 4 years
Academic Decathlon: 1 year

These four groups added much excitement to my high school experience. I still remember my routine: steppe practice was held at lunch time, choir from 3-4pm after school, Food From the Hood (a community service organization) was 4:30-6pm, and Academic Decathlon was on the weekends. I loved the fact I was so involved in my high school. Everyday I would learn more valuable things than I could learn in a classroom. I was allowed to express my talents and learn both academic and professional skills. Back then, I did not know how much these experiences would help me. Many things I learned from these extracurricular activities that I still use today. I don’t how I would have survived high school if it weren’t for extracurricular activities.

Being involved in student groups teaches you facts about a terribly important subject: yourself. The groups that I was a part of exposed me to all types of personality traits that I had; I learned which ones were good and which ones needed changing. Food From the Hood taught me how to look people in the eye when I spoke to them. This lesson was very uncomfortable for me to learn at first. It also showed me how reserved I was while the steppe team showed me that I was a team player. Some other things just came more naturally. I was extremely loyal to the girl’s steppe team and attended every practice. I was very cooperative and hardworking in that space.

Extracurriculars have this amazing ability to teach you things that you will never learn in a high school classroom. Food From the Hood played a major part in enhancing my public speaking skills. We used to do presentations at elementary schools, interviews and panels. Those experiences made me more and more comfortable with speaking in front of groups of people. If it wasn’t for that, I would probably be as intensely shy as I was in my preteen years. Choir transformed me into a confident singer, doing a solo now is a lot easier than it was when I was in ninth grade. Academic Decathlon prepared me for a typical college reading load; I didn’t believe it would until my first semester at UC Berkeley. Every decathlete receives a large reading guide upon joining. In order to do well on the decathlon, you had to study the reading guide diligently. I learned different reading strategies that helped me to read faster and remember what I read. These strategies came in handy when I had large reading assignments in college.

The activities and groups that you get involved in really pay off when you are applying for college. Colleges like applicants who were members of groups and teams; they consider you “well rounded” or a person that’s more than just book smart. Schools like to see dedication; being in one group for all 4 years is more credible to them than being in five groups for one year. By my senior year, I got leadership positions in both Phi Gamma Shaw and Food From the Hood. I made sure I took good account of all the challenges that came with those roles in my personal statement.

Extracurricular activities should make you want to do well in school, just like how mine activities did for me. At my high school, you could not be a member of a group or activity if your GPA was too low. I refused to let that happen! If you see an extracurricular that you’re interested in, visit one of the meetings, audition or try out; let your ambition drive you and nothing else. Extracurricular activities are one of the greatest ways to learn.

-- Amanda Scurlock

Brownstone Intern

Tips to Enjoy Valentine's Day this Year

2011-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day swiftly approaching, it's important to start making plans. Whether you're like me and still waiting on Prince Charming to ask you to be his Valentine, in a relationship, or single you'll be able to benefit from these three tips.

1. GET AN AMAZING OUTFIT
In my opinion, the best part about Valentine's Day is being able to wear a pink and/or a red outfit. A few years ago I purchased an expensive pair of hot pink, suede boots specifically for the holiday but I don't recommend that anyone do the same. You should opt to wear something that is fairly inexpensive or versatile enough to be worn again. Needless to say, those boots have been in my closet collecting dust for the longest time. Forever 21 has tons of amazing items to choose from. Target is another place to purchase fashionable V-Day clothing. These tights, for example, are available there for $7 and would go well with a skirt of your choice. Solid colors are great for layering so pick a color scheme (pink/red, red/white, etc.) and chances are you'll be able to wear this clothing regularly.

2. EXCHANGE GIFTS WITH FRIENDS
You don't have to have a boyfriend to have an excellent Valentine's Day. In fact, your female friends probably know you best anyway so why not exchange gifts with other single friends? These gifts can be both thoughtful and inexpensive. This compact and tweezer set is sold at Forever 21 for less than $5. TopShop is also an excellent site to find affordable trinkets for your friends. Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without cool cards and candy so revert back to those days in elementary school when you passed out cards and candy to everyone. It'll be tons of fun. If you have a large group of friends I'd suggest participating is a "Secret Cupid" gift exchange in which you don't find out who your Valentine is until the actual day.

3. PLAN A PARTY
An after-school social gathering would be a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Make cupcakes or other heart-shaped snacks because they'd be an excellent addition to the party. If you're considering the Secret Cupid gift exchange with your friends, the party would be the perfect time to swap gifts. Also, If you're searching for awesome decorations look no further than your local dollar stores because they usually have affordable party favors that are sure to help with the event's theme.

Finally, if you've planned your outfit but won't be spending Valentine's Day with friends because you're in a relationship, your plans should be a bit different. You may need gift-giving tips as well because your guy is more than likely not interested in tweezers or socks. As I previously mentioned, I'm still waiting on Prince Charming to appear so I'm not sure that I'm the best person to give tips in this department, so if you have a boyfriend and are clueless about what to get him, feel free to check out this previous Brownstone post for advice. Whatever you choose to do this Valentine's Day, be sure to have fun and share your plans with the Brownstone Blog via twitter.

Thanks for reading,
Alexandria B.

Skincare from the Inside and Out

2011-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I was a senior in high school, I noticed that my skin was particularly dry and in a bad condition. The breakouts on my face occurred more often and my face peeling from the weather became a big problem. I began to use different cleansing products in hopes of fixing my problem, some days my breakouts were under control and others they were lowering my self-esteem. At this time, I eventually accepted the breakouts as something that would one day pass. When I went to college my problem became a priority that needed to be faced once and for all. I began to look on the Internet for helpful tips to treat and prevent breakouts. After learning some factors that can cause breakouts, I figured mine were caused by the wrong cleansing and moisturizing practices, lack of proper sleep, poor nutrition, touching my face with dirty hands and stress. Yes stress!! I was a busy body when I was in high school; I thought I could take on the world. I was involved in everything I could get my hands on. Everyone around me encouraged participation, but I didn’t realize at the moment that I was doing TOO MUCH and it was wearing down my health.

There are many factors that can affect the condition of your skin, starting with what you eat. There is a quote that I’ve been told about your skin, “You have to take care of your skin from the inside out.” Makes sense, but I thought lotion would do the trick. But guess what? It’s not that easy! Your skin needs antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids to build and nourish your skin. You can get omega 3 fatty acids in salmon, vitamin A in fortified cereals, vitamin C in oranges and Vitamin E in various nuts.

Instead of helping my skin out I was stripping the natural oils that it created by washing my face with various cleansers and facial scrubs. Harsh cleansers cause your skin to overproduce oil to compensate the oil it lost, causing even more breakouts. Therefore it's important to find a mild soap or cleanser that works best for you. Some people can use the same soap for their body and face, while others can’t. I use a facial soap I bought from Skin Essence a local day spa in Inglewood, the soap works wonders.

Exfoliation is another big thing to remember. They say there is dead skin that is waiting to be removed to allow the new vibrant skin to shine through. I think exfoliating once a week is a reasonable amount for young girls. That is not to say you have to scrub, scrub, scrub. A bath sponge, loofah or shower mitten will do the job. Make sure to gently scrub your body in circular motions.

To ensure that your skin stays protected and sealed away from the free radicals in the air, moisturizing is very important. I try to use jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil, raw shea butter and occasionally lotion. Lately, I use the jojoba oil the most, and during the colder winter days I melt the shea butter and mix in the olive oil.

Tip that will save your skin:

A great tip for soft feet is to apply shea butter to clean feet before bed and wear socks. When you wake up the next morning your feet will be so soft.

If you wear make up, remember to clean your brushes often to get rid of the bacteria that may grow.

Don’t forget to change your pillowcase often. There is build up on you pillowcase too! Wash away those germs.

Drink a lot of water to flush out toxins and proper hydration. You’re going to need that extra moisture especially in the winter months.
Sun block is needed in the rain or shine. Protect your skin from UV/UB rays

REMEMBER: Not ALL skin types are the same. Find out what works best for you and stay ahead of the game with your skincare.

Below are a list of helpful products I mentioned in my post:

-- Carla Banks
Brownstone Intern

Makeover Your Manicure

2011-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love manicures & pedicures. It’s one of the quickest ways to turn my mood around. The only bad thing about getting your nails done is the amount of time the nail polish lasts. Within a few days of school, chores and after-school activities, your nails are probably chipped, dull and ready to be re-polished. With the time it takes to meticulously apply polish and waiting for it to dry, no one really has the time to repeat this process every few days. When I was in high school, the only way to keep polish on for more than a week was to have acrylic nails; but I haven’t had acrylic nails since my high school prom! There’s nothing wrong with having acrylics but I like my natural nails and luckily I’ve found a few new products that make polish on my natural nails last like acrylic! Yay!

So what are these magical products I speak of? The first is Shellac by CND. It’s a UV based nail polish. It goes on just like regular polish, and requires a base coat, top coat and UV nail dryer. I just had my first Shellac manicure on Wednesday. Since then (5 days later), I have not had one chip on my nails and they are still just as shiny as they were when I got them done. It’s amazing! Typically they last 2-3 weeks. Another perk is by using the UV dryer, it only takes 2 minutes for your nails to dry – Literally 2 minutes! The UV dryer is required because it helps adhere the polish to the top & base coats, making it last longer than regular polish. Have you ever walked out of the nail shop without being super careful not to touch anything or hit your nails? Well, you won’t have to do that with Shellac. Shellac is also easy to remove. Simply soak your nails in acetone for about 10 minutes and your natural nails will be back to normal.

Another alternative for natural nails is Minx. I tried Minx nails over the summer while I was in New York. Unlike Shellac, Minx is not a polish at all. It’s actually like a sticker that adheres to your nails. The manicurist will shape the adhesive to your nails and then you will sit under a hot dryer so that the Minx can “melt” on to your nail. It looks great and comes in lots of funky designs and patterns. It will last about a week, but after that week is over it will start to peel on the tips. It’s easy to remove, just peel it off like peeling off a sticker and there is no damage to your natural nails. And just like Shellac, the best part – zero dry time!

A Shellac or Minx manicure will cost you more than a regular manicure, but there are more benefits to these procedures just a plain polish. You can go on either of their websites http://www.cnd.com/Consumer.aspx or http://www.minxnails.com/dnn/ to find a shop that’s right for you. You can also buy Shellac products on Amazon or eBay, but I don’t know that I would want to buy the required UV dryer for my house. Since it’s a little more, I’ll probably splurge every now & then. Save it for a special occasion like prom or homecoming. I also hear that OPI also has a UV gel product called Axxiom. I haven’t tried it, so I’ll leave that up to our readers to review :)

In other nail news, I did however find a new polish for the home manicurist. Serena Williams and OPI have recently teamed up and created a fun new polish line. Serena has come out with the Glam Slam collection. Simply Smashing/Black Shatter is the first duo in the collection. First you polish Simply Smashing on your nails, and after it dries, apply a top coat of Black Shatter. The Black Shatter will “crack” on your nails creating a unique design. I have yet to try this, but it looks fun and I look forward to seeing how my nails turn out with it. Serena & OPI plan to have more colors coming out soon… I can’t wait!

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Interracial Dating: Still Taboo?

2011-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

My grandmother was a white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. We went everywhere together. Looking back, I'm sure it looked strange for people to see a little brown girl holding hands with an elderly white woman. The waiters and waitresses at the Olive Garden we frequented probably wondered if I was really her biological granddaughter. But I didn't notice. I didn't notice that our skin was a different color or that our eyes were different colors or that our hair differed in texture. All I knew was that she was my Grandma Betty and she was my favorite person in the entire world.

I grew up in a house where race didn't matter. I have a black mother, a half white/half black father who everyone assumes is white, and a white grandmother. In high school I had friends of all ethnicities and a white boyfriend. I always loved seeing interracial couples. To me they were reminders of how far our country had progressed. Fifty years ago a black man and white woman could never walk around in public holding hands, and now not only can they date but it happens fairly often. It wasn't until I got to college that I started seeing interracial relationships in a slightly different light.

Up until college I had primarily non black friends. This changed my freshmen year at USC when I decided to live on the African American themed floor. I was surprised at how negatively my new girl friends would talk about interracial dating, especially when it came to a black guy dating a girl of a different race. They informed me that they had known black guys in high school who claimed that they would not date black girls. The guys gave all types of reasons for their discrimination, saying they were less attracted to black girls than girls of other races and that girls of other races were easier to get along with. This was shocking to me! I had never heard anyone say that they wouldn't date a specific race ESPECIALLY their own. Then I started to see it. At parties many of the black guys would approach girls of different races before they would approach the black girls. On campus there were certain groups of black guys that I would only see with girls of other races and never with black girls. I became more and more bothered by the thought of interracial dating.

As I mentioned before, when I was in high school interracial dating never bothered me. It happened, I was even a participant, but I always felt like the motives behind each interracial pairing came from a good place. There would be black guys who would date a black girl, move on to a Hispanic girl, then move on to a white girl and it was no big deal. I never experienced feelings of betrayal and never questioned the reasons why that black boy asked that Asian girl to the dance instead of a black girl. Is interracial dating common in high school now? Is it something that happens often? Is it talked about? Does seeing a black boy with a girl of a different race somehow make you feel less attractive or less desired?

It’s been seven years since I first started having these conversations with my college friends and my feelings on the topic still flip flop. A fair amount of people would probably say that there's nothing wrong with not wanting to date outside your race. Many of us were raised with the “Cosby Show” ideal, hoping to one day become a successful black woman with a successful black husband and five well behaved black kids. That is indeed a great picture, but who's to say that you can't have just as strong of a relationship with a white boy? Or that you won't have plenty in common with a Hispanic boy? The black family is a beautiful thing and something to be admired, but by placing limits on who you will interact with and who you allow yourself to like, you might miss out on new, exciting, and potentially life changing experiences.

On the other hand, I DEFINITELY think it's wrong to say that you won't date within your race. To me, that is an example of self loathing at it's ugliest. It's so fitting that I'm writing this article on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. A man who spent his life fighting for equality would probably be appalled to see such discrimination within his own race. In some ways we've come so far since the "I Have a Dream" speech, but in other ways we have so far to go.

Personally, I believe in love. I believe that you can't help who fall in love with and you shouldn't help who you fall in love with. I think a black girl can fall in love with a white boy, a black boy can fall in love with an Asian girl, and a white girl can fall in love with a Hispanic boy. My grandmother, the white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, was disowned by her family and chased off the family property with a shotgun because she married a black man. But it was worth it to her because she was in love. She didn't let her family's perception of black people or society's assumptions about black people keep her away from my grandfather. In the dating game, don't let any prejudices or stereotypes keep you from doing what you want to do. Remember that no one person or one race is the same, and if you keep yourself from having a relationship with a person of a certain race because of your own biases and stereotypes you will only be limiting yourself.

-- Karissa Allen

Guest Blogger

Less is More...

2011-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's hard to bring in a new style that’s original and sets you apart from your peers. Instead lets set ourselves apart from everyone else, in a good way, by using less time in creating perfection. This year is a new year, so why not be more confident with your style as well as take some time back from your morning routine by taking less time to get ready.

I am all about time management and doing my daily routine as quickly as possible so I can save more time in the morning to do other things that I usually forget because I am focusing so much of my time on getting the right look such as, cleaning my room or even eating breakfast at times. I figured out if I take away less time away from trying to perfect my outfit, then I would have time in the morning to myself. I noticed that when I put too much effort into my outfit, it never turns out the way I want it and all that time was wasted on trying to perfect an outfit that I know longer want to wear anymore. So, I usually just change that outfit and get dressed in the nic-of time and it works out. Less is definitely more this year! The less time and effort you use in an outfit and trying to look perfect the more your outfit looks effortless and usually turns out better than you thought it would.

The key to looking effortless but still cute this new year is to most importantly take less time into getting together and not trying to get everything perfect. So what if you’re not matching and mixing different prints together, it usually works out cute and chic anyways. This year I’m not all about matching and getting things right, I like that I would mix purple and green together with gray and black. Even though these colors may not even usually look good together. So mix different patterns together. The key to pulling off not matching is to keep one neutral color such as black or gray, or even creme or a tanish brown color. The key to pulling off mixed prints is to keep it the same color. For instance you can mix florals with stripes just as long as there is one key color that they have in common which is usually black. So go out and take on this new year by saving some time as well. Take risks and remember less is more in 2011.

-- Jamiah Lashay (Berkeley High School, Age 16)

Jr Correspondent

Eat Healthy, Eat Smart!

2011-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

The first time I realized my eating habits were hurting me was my performance during track practice in high school. I would eat lunch then an hour later go to practice. I wasn’t able to train properly because my body felt sluggish and out of breath. I used to eat salads for lunch, you may think, “ Whats wrong with salads?” Well, the salads I ate were packed with chicken, croutons, cheese, and a thick ranch dressing. You can see why I couldn’t perform at my full potential. The food was heavily processed and loaded with fat. At that point I didn’t drastically change my eating habits, but ate a smaller amount of the salad. I eventually incorporated fruits to snack on during passing period and began to pack my lunch.

One of the benefits of eating nutritious foods are your body is able to work more efficiently and function better. Your chances of getting illnesses like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure in the future can be lowered by altering your eating habits.

After my first semester in college, I gained about 15 pounds. At this point, I took a P.E. class the next semester and was introduced to food journaling. At that point, I felt it was very useful and that I would use this tool in the future. A food journal basically includes what you ate for the day. You can start your own food journal by writing down what you eat at the end of each day. If you want to be more precise, you can estimate the servings, were you actually hungry and your mood. Including these options can tell you if you’re actually eating because of hunger, celebration or because the food is there. It is an evaluation on yourself and only you can express why you ate two bags of chips. One thing I’ve learned from making food journals is I am more mindful of what I am putting in my body. Sometimes you don’t realize all the food you have consumed. Here are some tips that can help you stay in control of your dietary health.

My Food Journal

Day 1

Breakfast: fruit smoothie (pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, orange juice)
Snack: unsalted cashews

Lunch: tuna sandwich (whole wheat bread, tuna, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)

Snack: carrots, celery, and an apple

Dinner: baked tilapia and salad

Day 2

Breakfast: Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds, toast and banana

Snack: crackers and grapes

Lunch: chicken breast sandwich
Snack: fruit smoothie (strawberry, banana, strawberry, yogurt, water)

Dinner: tofu stir-fry with brown rice (tofu, green beans, brussel sprouts, green peppers, red peppers, broccoli and carrot)

Day 3

Breakfast: Quakers whole oats/oatmeal

Snack: chocolate chip cookie and soymilk

Lunch: “taco wrap” (whole wheat lavash bread, soy meat filling: onions, red peppers, spinach, curry seasoning, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes)
Snack: N/A

Dinner: spaghetti (whole wheat pasta noodles, spinach, tomato pasta sauce)

Tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit the amount of sodas, sugary juices, and chips
- Incorporate fruits, vegetables and water daily
- Limit the amount of fast food
- Have snacks on hand so that you wont be vulnerable of eating fast food
- Plan ahead, stay in control
- Reward yourself with an occasional desert.

Staying Active
The way I stay active and in shape is through playing rugby for my school. Before I joined the team I worked out at the gym, took fitness classes and swam. Some other ways to workout is running at a park, going to the beach and walking on the sand. Taking dance classes, riding bikes and rollerblading are also good ways to workout. Every thought about walking around the perimeter of your school with a buddy three times? That’s a way to get some extra walking in. Whatever way you decide to get your physical activity make sure it’s something you enjoy so that you can reap the benefits.

-- Carla Banks
Brownstone Intern

Meet our new intern Carla!

Hello Brownstone Family! I am honored to have the opportunity to tell my story, give my advice and be connected with this community! My name is Carla Banks and I am a junior at UC Berkeley with an American Studies major. I am originally from South Los Angeles and attended Washington Prep High School. I am very athletic, health conscious, goal oriented and funny. Some of my goals in life include but are not limited to becoming a certified personal trainer, a beautician, a founder of a nonprofit and ultimately a congresswomen.

I am very passionate about fitness and health. I am BIG on working out and getting my friends involved! Lately, I have spent time training my friends at the local gym. My background is in track & field in which I played throughout my high school years. At Cal, I am a member of the Women’s Rugby team, my position is outside center or inside center. This is my second year playing rugby for Cal.

As I writer, I hope readers can take my experiences and learn from them.
That young girls will be able to be a positive influence on other girls around them and have the tools to take on any challenge that they face. - Carla

New Things Coming to Brownstone

2011-01-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

If you love the Brownstone Blog, then you'll love what's coming next! It was always my dream to create a magazine that empowered young girls of color. However, it took it a little more work than I expected. Well get ready because later in 2011 we'll be bringing you the Brownstone Magazine. So, stay tuned...more details to come!

-- Tymika Morrison
-- Video by Alexandria Bland
Brownstone Team

Brownstone Tips: Applying for Scholarships

2011-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you ask me, a college education should be free of charge. I've learned that money can be the reason why many students opt not to finish college and join the workforce as an alternative. I, for example, left Texas Southern University after one year due to the expensive out-of-state fees there. I have been working full-time ever since.

Leaving TSU is one of my biggest regrets. Many people in my situation would have chosen to put school on hold indefinitely to work. Others would have participated in both activities simultaneously. Luckily, I chose the latter because I will finally be graduating this spring. Working while attending college has been extremely difficult for me and with the job market in its current state, I'm sure it is as difficult for others. It is my goal to get others to learn from my mistakes. With this as the case, I'd like to share an important message with you. There's a way for you to earn money for college that does not involve any type of employment. This method is simply applying for scholarships.

There are so many scholarships available to students that many of us never hear about. The secret is to search for scholarships and not be lazy. I encourage you to apply early as possible because deadlines vary. Start by visiting sites like Fastweb that enable you to get information about scholarships that are directly related to you. If you're close to high school graduation or already in college, you should consider looking into scholarships available at your school.
If you're considering going to a Historically Black College or University, you may find scholarship opportunities available to you from the NAACP. Greek letter organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. also have scholarships available to qualified students. Join as many mailing lists as you can so that you can stay in-the-know about what's available to you. Stay involved in your community as well as school activities so that if a scholarship requires community involvement, you'll feel even more qualified.

Use the links provided and apply for scholarships as soon as you can. I waited until just before my senior year in undergraduate school to start applying for them, but this was after numerous student loans. I was awarded two scholarships in 2010 and I can't help but wonder what I could have accomplished if I had attempted sooner. I hope that you'll take my advice and not hesitate to apply for scholarships. Since a college education isn't free of charge, it's important that we take the initiative and offset the costs. You'll be surprised when you see what a good G.P.A. and a strong essay can get you.

-- Alexandria Bland

Brownstone Intern

Meet our new intern, Alexandria Bland! Alexandria is a current senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills and majors in Communications. Her career goal has always been to become a broadcast journalist yet and she enjoys blogging as a hobby. With this as the case, she started her own blog, WhatAlexWrites. She is happy to have found the Brownstone Blog and looks forward to contributing to it for she sees it as an outlet to influence other young women.

Alexandria strives to stay as busy as possible in order to reach her professional goals and this is evident throughout her involvement in numerous activities. She is currently an intern for both, the Brownstone Blog and Fox News Los Angeles. She also mentors for the Los Angeles Public Library's Adult Literacy Program. All of these activities are in addition to her full-time employment at a Social Services agency. Alexandria's personal motto comes in the form of a Will Smith quote, "I want to do good. I want the world to be better because I was here." Welcome to the team Alexandria!

WHO'S THAT GIRL?

2011-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

In Her Own Words: A Profile of Alexandra Scott

Nickname: Alex

Age: 16

High School: Berkeley High School

Favorite afterschool activities: Volunteering with Kindergartners

Favorite color(s): Purple

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate

Bookworm or social butterfly: Bookworm

Clean freak or packrat? Packrat

American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance: American Idol

Twilight or Harry Potter: Twilight

If I could delete one subject from school it would be _____.

I would delete Spanish because I’d rather learn the language from living in the country, not just in a classroom!

Biggest pet peeve: I hate it when people don’t answer their phones!

If I could only eat one thing for a week it would be Mashed potatoes.

I would love to visit Thailand.

Favorite singer(s): It’s a tie between Katy Perry and Adele!

Songs that annoy you on the radio: Bottoms Up by Trey Songz

Favorite place to shop: Forever 21 and Express

Describe your sense of style: Kind of a mix between preppy and trendy.

Guys: skinny jeans or baggy jeans? Baggy skinny jeans

What makes you unique? My sense of humor is really… unique.

What do you want to be when you get older?
I want to work and/or own my own publishing house.

What are your plans after high school?
Go to college somewhere in New England and then go get my MBA.

If I were president, I would put the funding back in schools!

Something new you would like to learn:
I really want to learn another language other than Spanish and English, maybe French. I’m not too sure yet.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be & why?
She’s a Genius by Jet because it’s super motivating!

One goal I would like to achieve in 2011 is ______.
To not procrastinate as much as I did in 2010

What African American women inspire you?
Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Ntozake Shange – their writing is amazing.

What does Brownstone mean to you?
Brownstone is a community where I can go to for tips and advice that I can’t get anywhere else.

Editor's Choice: I Love My Hair T-Shirt

2011-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's very rare that we see cartoon characters that look like us and portray us in a positive light. In fact, I haven't seen a black cartoon show for kids since Disney's The Proud Family. So, I was very excited to see Sesame Street's "I Love My Hair Video" last Fall. For me it was great to see a children's program bring such an important issue for Black women to mainstream television. Many Black women struggle with their hair and it is crucial that we teach young women like yourself to embrace their hair at an early age. Plus, I think that it teaches other cultures to respect other differences. I especially love that little Black girls can see a cartoon character that looks like them and loves her hair.

As we've discussed numerous times on the blog, hair is a huge part of our identity. Chris Rock explored the topic in his documentary Good Hair and India Arie has made it clear that she is not her hair. We know that we should embrace our hair...no matter if it's natural or pressed, curly or straight, growing out of our head or sown on! But it isn't always easy to be confident about your choice when you have people telling you that one way is more right than the other...

That's why I was excited to see that there is an "I Love My Hair" T-shirt available online for $25. I soooo want one for myself to show that I too am proud of my hair! I get my hair pressed every 2 weeks. I don't wear my hair natural (wish I could...not knocking anybody who does) and I'm okay with that. You don't have to announce it to the world, but I think it's cool that you can rock a shirt to show your appreciation for a unique part of yourself. The shirt is super cute!

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

His Yes, Your No

2011-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

"I said yes to your number and yes to you dating me
Yes we can be together but you gotta wait for me
The first time I said no
It's like I never said yes (like I never said yes)
I said yes we can be together, yes you can stay with me
but when I say no not tonight you actin so ungratefully
The first time I said no it's like I never said yes"

Has this ever happened to you? You're dating a guy...you give him your number, you let him call you and take you out, but when you say NO to having sex with him he starts to trip. Did you give into his shameless plea or did you stand firm with your no?

Some guys have a lot of nerve! They think that just because they text back and forth with you or take you out on a date that they're ENTITLED to sleep with you. Really? Two months of simpy messages and a happy meal dinner should never lead to getting the goodies! They're crazy to think that a couple of yeses will lead to the big yes...and like Beyonce said "You must not know about me!"

Check out what happens in the song when her dude tries to pressure her into having sex.

"You was at my house
I was sitting on my couch
You was really buggin so I told you to get out
I had been misjudging you
You had a lot of nerve
You to damn old to be so immature I hope you learn
You said I move to slow
I showed you to the door
You said you'd call me later
I said don't call no more
It is cool if you can't wait for me
Im glad you let me know
Cause you showed me your true face baby the first time i said no"

Don't feel afraid to walk a guy to the door of your life if he is pressuring you to do something that you don't want to do. Just because you've said yes to some things doesn't mean that you should feel obligated to say yes to everything. You should never have to lower your standards to keep a guy. Of course the guy is going to say things to make you doubt yourself like:

"If you loved/cared about me...
I think you're special
If you don't, there are plenty of girls who will
We like each other a lot, right?

Stay strong ladies! This is all apart of his game. Guys will say anything to make you feel bad. But, don't let him guilt you into having sex. You are special and beautiful, but not for his reasons. The right guy will respect your morals and wait for you. The right guy will never pressure you to anything you don't want to do. "Hangin' out" with someone is never grounds for having sex. Oh and just because two people like each other a lot is not a good reason to sleep with each other either. You should be able to date someone without any strings being attached.

When a guy shows his true colors, don't hesitate to chuck up the deuces. If Chris Brown and his boys can, then so can you...lol. Besides, don't you want a guy who likes you for you and not just your body? So, if you're in a situation where a guy starts to huff and puff because he isn't getting his way, let your values support your no and keep it rollin' to the next one. The right guy won't be threatened by your no and appreciate your yeses ;)

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Year in Review

2010-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Brownstone readers!

2010 has been a great year for the Brownstone team. We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us and helped spread the word about what we are doing. Starting a blog and maintaining it is NOT easy, especially when you have a full-time job! So, we'd also like to thank the countless number of guest bloggers and jr correspondents who have lent their voices to Brownstone over the past year as well. I hope that you've enjoyed our content as much as we have. Here are the top 5 posts of 2010:

Top Blog Posts of 2010

As we celebrate our successes, it's also important to remember the lessons we've learned along the way too. Creating Brownstone has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things I've done in my life. I've learned that going after your dreams takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Although, the process has taken longer than I expected, I know that we will eventually achieve our goals. Like my teammate Kyle said in her November post, "Dream but Don't Sleep," if the dream is worth dreaming, it’s not a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN. So in the new year, I want to encourage you to go after your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be. If you want to try out for the dance team at your school, go for it! If you want to finally get an A in chemistry, do it! If you want to get a job this summer, apply! Don't let your fears or haters hold you back! Yes the journey will be hard, but the outcome will be amazing. Here are some words of wisdom that I have learned on my journey:

Don't be afraid to go it alone....not everybody is going to believe in your vision.
Be your biggest cheerleader...if you don't believe in yourself who will?
Be patient...nothing happens over night.
Anything worth having is worth fighting for...so be prepared to go to bat for your dreams!
Surround yourself with positive people...who will uplift you and keep it real.
Persistence is key...when one door closes knock on another, the right door will eventually open.

Let's make 2011 a year of action! Our team is very excited about the new year and we plan to keep working to ensure that Brownstone continues to represent the voices and interests of African American teens. We have new writers joining our team and we'll be introducing some exciting new features. As always, please continue to spread the word about Brownstone to your friends or relatives who are between the ages of 14-18. We wish you the best of luck in 2011! Happy New Year!

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Ujamaa

2010-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

After weeks and weeks of shopping and getting everything just right for Christmas, I look up and it’s gone already. It’s crazy, inside of 1 day, I said (or text’d), “Merry Christmas!” about 50 times and heard it at least 1,000 times on tv. I guess we say it so much because it will be another 364 days before it’s time to say it again. How many times did you say Merry Christmas? Better yet, how many times did you say Happy Kwanzaa? Do you know anyone who celebrates Kwanzaa?

The cool thing about Kwanzaa is that it was created for our very own community. It is designed to represent African as well as African American culture and the concepts, values and practices that symbolize the beauty and depth of our culture. Kwanzaa was founded on the Kawaida philosophy, a communitarian African philosophy that exchanges the best of African thought and practice with the world. And so for each year, for seven days, from December 26 through January 1, we come together to celebrate principles that emphasize culture, community and family.

Today’s principle is Ujamma, which symbolizes cooperative economics. This principle encourages us all to support our own businesses, stores and shops, and profiting from them together. In honor of Ujamma, here are some fun ways to invest in our community:

Eat breakfast or lunch at the Serving Spoon

Visit the Eso Wan Bookstore

Get your hair done!

Support your church. They’re businesses too!

Download free wallpaper from the Kwanzaa Android App

Ditch that Starbucks frap and find a new favorite drink at A Cultural Affair Coffee Shop

Take a dance class at Lula Washington Dance Theatre

Quench your thirst at Juice-C-Juice on Melrose

Support our newspapers! Our Weekly, The Sentinel, LA Watts Times, etc.

Planning a New Year’s kickback? Get some party favors from Amazing Wrapper

As you can see, there are so many easy ways to support Black owned businesses. So easy, you can use today to jumpstart a whole new way of buying. Just think how much our community would grow if we all made it a point to support black owned businesses. Maybe you’ll want to start a business of your own!

Happy Kwanzaa!

Kyle Holland
-- Brownstone Team

New Year, New Goals

2010-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

To some people, making New Year’s resolutions is passé. They feel like waiting for the New Year to make a change can be typical or even a form of procrastination. And, to some extent, I can agree with that if people make resolutions that they don’t intend on keeping. But, the start of a new year is like a renewal for some people. In many ways, it’s how some people stop looking back and begin to see hope/optimism in looking ahead.

So, with the New Year being only a few days away, I challenge you not to make New Year’s resolutions, but to make New Year’s Goals. Goals tend to be much clearer, tangible, and focused than making mere resolutions.

For example, someone may make a New Year’s resolution that they want to lose 20 pounds. But it usually stops there.

Goals, however, focus more on the how. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds in 2011, then part of that goal is to plan how you will get there. Will you join a gym? How many pounds do you need to lose each month so that you reach 20 by this time next year?

That makes sense, yes? Yes.

So, take stock of your life right now. Think about 2010. Was it a good year for you? What are some things from 2010 that you want to improve on in 2011? Grades maybe? Fitness? Relationships? What would you like to have accomplished by this time next year? Or in six months? Or even next month?

Once you think about it, write it down. That’s so important. Write out your goal, and then make a plan to see it through. For example, say you want to have money saved up for prom in spring. What do you have to do between now & then to save up that money? How much do you have to put away every week so that you have the amount you need by spring?

A lot can change in one year. A LOT. And it’s up to you to get the ball rolling. Put your vision down on paper, map out ways to make it happen, and then follow through. Remember: “You have the power to create your future.” Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and successful 2011!

-- Chevonne Collins

Guest Blogger

Showcasing Your Talents

2010-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

So many young women were blessed with special talents but never showcase them. Are they too shy? Are they too scared? Do we want to be accepted by a certain crowd, so we'd rather bury or hide our talents? I have always been a very modest person about hobbies that I may be good at. Rather it was crocheting hats for my sister and my grandma, singing in a choir, or coming up with and styling outfits for my peers. Instead of showcasing my talents, I would actually hide behind my talents. I am a very outgoing person who would share my other girlfriends talents instead of sharing my own. My own closest friends didn't even know that I was a singer until this year when I started to invite my friends to my church's events. But I had to realize that by not showcasing my talents and actually sharing them I was depriving myself from actually being myself as well as depriving my friends from experiencing my talents and performances with me.

This weekend, I experienced this first hand. I am a dancer. I have been dancing every since I could walk, but have been taking lessons since I was in third grade. This weekend, I had the honor of being an angel in my churches annual Christmas production. I had a solo within the the production and the feedback I received from the little ten minute solo impacted me so much. I felt so proud of myself just for showcasing my talent and passion for dancing with a group of people I have grown up with and known since I was five. The audience gave me so much positive feedback such as how powerful my dancing was and how much the audience was moved as well as felt empowered by my dancing. I don't think I have ever realized my gift of dancing because I have never showcased this talent of mine. I always was just one of the dancers but never was a soloist even though opportunities to do so were given to me. It felt good because most people didn't even know I was a dancer. It made me realized that even though most of the audience didn't even know me but got to know me through my dancing and performance. It just made me want to go out and scream to the world that “Hello World! My name is Jamiah Lashay King. I am a dancer, a singer, a poet, a leader, I am a black woman.” By showcasing my talent I showed more growth than I have ever before. It's good to be modest at times but sometimes you just need to claim that spotlight that you deserve and let your light shine! So realize who you are and the great women we can become by showcasing our talents. I know that everyone out there is really good at something, you just have to realize it.

-- Lashay King
Jr Correspondent

Be a Hostess with the Mostest

2010-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

The air feels a little crisper, smiles seem a little warmer, and pockets feel a little . . . emptier. It's Christmas time everyone!! My favorite time of year for many reasons, one being that it's an excuse to throw a party! There are so many fun things you can do with a holiday party and the great thing is you can host one without spending a ton.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party:
Whoever came up with this idea was a genius, because the only thing you really need to do to ensure success is make sure everyone participates in the theme. A fun twist to this type of party is to challenge your guests to try to make their outfits cute and stylish despite the fact that they are wearing ugly sweaters. At the ugly Christmas sweater party I'm hosting this year, a prrize will be given to whoever makes their outfit look the best. Stores like Walmart and Kmart sell the sweaters in every style/pattern/color you could possibly desire. To avoid looking frumpy, go for a Kid's Large instead of a Women's/Junior's size.. Or,to be more creative, wear a large sweater, pair it with a belt to accentuate your waist, and make it into a dress. To spice the sweater up even more, choose a trendy piece to wear with the sweater to balance the antiquity of the look. Try something fun like a sequined skirt, pleather leggings or leather knee high boots.

White Elephant Gift Exchange:
Buying presents for every one of your friends can get expensive so a white elephant party is the perfect way to avoid spending an exorbitant amount. As opposed to a traditional Secret Santa gift exchange, The White Elephant spin gives you the option of trading in your default gift for something you'd rather have.. If you really want to make things interesting bring a gag gift. That way you can make sure that someone will want to trade their gift and an element of competition will be added.

Party Dresses:
Because who doesn't love an opportunity to get dressed up? How many times have you seen a gorgeous dress on a mannequin in the store window and wished you had somewhere important to go? Host a Christmas party where everyone invited has to dress up! Serve hors d'oeuvres and drink apple cider out of champagne flutes. Set up your computer to play Pandora's "All I Want for Christmas is You" station and you'll have everything you need. If you don't want to go out and buy a new dress, this is the perfect excuse to wear the Homecoming dress you wore once and never thought you'd touch again!

Baking Party:
Christmas is one of the only times it's socially acceptable to excessively stuff your face so why not take advantage? Invite your close friends over to bake with you. There are so many easy and delicious holiday recipes online. Two of my favorites are caramel pecan cookies and butterscotch gingerbread cookies. When the baking is done you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while snuggling on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and watching the Santa Clause franchise :)

The electric charge in the air during Christmas could be due to the millions upon millions of lights strung across every house, mall, and plaza in sight, but I'd prefer to think of it as the energy of Christmas cheer. It would be a travesty not to capitalize on such a festive season with a party, and my suggestions will allow you to throw a great one without dipping into your piggy bank. I hope you all have a fabulous holiday and amongst all the Christmas sweaters, gift exchanges, and ginger bread houses don't forget the real reason for the season:)

-- Karissa Allen
Guest Blogger

Brownstone Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas #5 - 7

2010-12-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's the 3rd week of our Brownstone Holiday Giveaway. We hope you've enjoyed our gift ideas so far. This week, we'll talk about what to get your boyfriend this season. Check out these cool suggestions.

Idea #5: Dog Tags

Russell Simmons, Gucci and many more brands have put dog tag chains back on the fashion map. They're fashionable, cheap, and can be customized and engraved with initials or a cute message for that special someone.

Idea #6: Poppin' Tags

You can never go wrong with clothing! Yeah, it may sound cliche, but if you're on a budget buying clothes might save you a lot time. But don't just get something that YOU want to see him in. Think of him and what he likes.

Idea #7: A Gift from the Heart

What do you get your boyfriend when you don't have money? Your parents won't hand over the cash and you definitely don't have time to pick up a seasonal job. Why not surprise him with a romantic dinner? You can cook his favorite dishes. Even if you can't cook, ask your mom or best friends to help. Then you can write a nice letter about how much he means to you and give it to him at the end of the meal.

Ladies, you don't have to spend mucho dinero to buy a good gift. Get creative! Remember the holidays are about giving from the heart!

-- Brownstone Team

How Confident Are You?

2010-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

For a 10 year old, Willow Smith sure does have a lot a confidence! Yesterday, jr correspondent Alex Scott wrote about ways to find your inner confidence. Like Alex said, being a teen can be hard especially when you have so many outside factors trying to tell who you should be.

But here we have this little girl with superstar parents who just won't let society put her in any box. From her personal style to her music, Willow promotes "I am who I am and your opinion isn't needed." She's calling the shots and letting everybody know it. Just today I saw a headline that said "Willow Steps Out With New Hairstyle." I immediately clicked on the link to see what crazy new look Willow had now. And to my surprise it was a bowl cut. It made me wonder where does this little girl get all this confidence? At 10, she's more bolder than I am at 26.

Whether you're a fan or not, there's no denying that this little girl is comfortable in her own skin. So let's talk about! Where's your confidence level? Do you worry about what other people think of you? Do you think twice before drastically changing your style? Where does your inner confidence come from? We'd love to get your opinions, so speak on it!

-- Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Self Confidence

2010-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Self confidence is something that is hard to have for a young woman now. Whether it is because of the images the media gives us or the harsh comments from our peers, it’s an unfortunately common thing for girls our age to have a low self esteem. Having a healthy self esteem is an important thing to have in school and later in life in our future careers. In school it’s important during test taking, as to not second guess yourself, and when you’re being interviewed by the college of your choice to display your strengths to the interviewer. Later in your career, it’s important that you believe in yourself as a business woman so you’re able to get the next big promotion or raise. Having high self esteem is a difficult thing to achieve and something that I have trouble with everyday. I do, however, have some tips on how to help improve your self confidence.

Create a list. Make a list of everything that you wish was different about yourself on a piece of paper. Now on a second piece of paper write down everything you love about yourself. For example, those awesome brownies you make that your friends beg you for; how well you spike in volleyball; your amazing photography skills. This is your time to brag about yourself! Write down everything you love about yourself, down to the really little things, like how well you can paint your toe nails or how quickly you can read a book. Now take the first list of all the bad things and get rid of it. Tear it up, rip it, burn it, crumple it, just get rid of it! After doing so think back on how it made you feel to see the short list of all the things you wished you could do better and compare that to all the list of all the good things you do. You can do whatever you want with the new list, but I suggest keeping it so you can add more to it later when you think of new things or so you can look back at it whenever you aren’t feeling that great about something.

Make a mantra for yourself. Think of a bunch of words that make you feel really great about yourself. Whether it’s a quote that you memorize and repeat to yourself or it’s just a bunch of words that make you feel great. Think of things that work for you. If you aspire to go into the fashion industry think of things like Vogue or New York City or even just the word “fierce,” things that remind you of your goals and make you feel confident that you’ll get there. If you’re an aspiring author, think of authors that you aspire to be like, think: Alice Walker or William Shakespeare or another author you look up to. Think of something that makes you feel good about you. Don’t pick something that makes you feel good about that thing or something someone says you have to do. Think of anything you want!

Just stare at yourself. I know this sounds kind of weird, but it works. This is kind of like the list thing, but this is more for you visual people out there! Just look at yourself and compliment yourself. Don’t say a single thing that’s negative. Just compliment everything about yourself. If you’re usually really shy when it comes to something about yourself, compliment it even more! I know it sounds weird to talk to yourself, but it helps! If you love every part of yourself, so will everyone else. Every time you pass a mirror, don’t think about things like “I wish I had different hair” or “I hate my skin”, think “Wow, I love my curls/shine today” or “My skin looks really great today.” I’m not saying to become self absorbed and look at yourself in mirrors for hours. I’m just saying to say something nice. Don’t criticize yourself every time you see yourself. Just take some time out of your day and remind yourself of the beautiful young woman you are.

Those are the things I do to give my self esteem a boost. Some you do everyday, some you do sometimes. I hope you use them on your bad days, but feel free to modify them to meet your needs! Do you have any rituals or things you do to help your self esteem? You should tell us! Leave a comment or send in an email.

-- Alex Scott
Jr Correspondent

Teen Profile: In Her Own Words

2010-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Savannah Roberson

Nickname: Savy

Age: 16

High School: St. Bonaventure High School (Ventura, CA)

Extracurricular activities: ASB, soccer, dance team

Favorite color: Orange

Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla

Bookworm or social butterfly: Bookworm

Clean freak or pack rat? Clean freak

American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance: SYTYCD

If I could delete one subject from school it would be math because it’s my least favorite subject.

Biggest pet peeve: Feet! I don’t like feet near my face.

Favorite singer: Christette Michelle

Songs that annoy you on the radio: Any song by Rihanna

What makes you unique? I don’t put myself in situations socially where I know that I am going to have to make tough decisions.

What do you want to be when you get older? A dentist

What are your plans after high school? I want to play soccer in college, possibly attend Stanford University.

Favorite place to shop: Wet Seal

Describe your sense of style: Very casual

Something new you would like to learn: I really want to learn how to solve a rubix cube.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be & why? Winner by Jamie Foxx/Justin Timberlake because I don’t quit very easily and I work very hard.

What African American women inspire you? Florence "Flo-Jo" Joyner. Her athletic ability to do things made me want to be like her!

What does being an African American mean to you? Doing whatever it takes to make my ethnicity proud.

What does Brownstone mean to you? Brownstone is a place to go to get advice about school and fitting in socially.

** If you think that you rock or know someone who should be featured in our teen profile please contact us at BrownstoneMag@gmail.com.

Seeking College Interns

2010-12-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

We are currently looking for college Spring interns, who have a passion for empowering young girls of color in their community. 2011 is going to be a busy year for us and we're going to need A LOT of help! We are currently seeking individuals to help write content for our blog and help enhance our social media presence.

Writers
We need strong writers who can communicate fresh, innovative stories that are original and easily relatable to our youth audience. Topics range from fashion, beauty, body image, relationships, health, and professional development.

Social Media Intern
We are also looking for an intern who has experience managing/growing Twitter and Facebook accounts for a business (not just for personal use).

Qualifications/Requirements: Must have good grammar/writing skills, experience or interest in blogging/social media. Looking for responsible individuals who can handle hard deadlines and work independently. Experience with digital media is a plus!

This is a non-paid internship. If you are interested please contact Tymika at BrownstoneMag@gmail.com. Writers please send your resume and writing samples. For those interested in the social media position, please send a cover letter and your resume. Deadline: December 22, 2010.

-- Brownstone Team

Baby It’s Cold Outside!

2010-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

The weather is changing and it’s time to pull out the sweaters, boots & coats that were carefully tucked away last winter. When I started to pull out my winter apparel, I discovered I was in need of a new coat. There are some great trends, colors and prices out there if you are in the market for a new coat. These are great items to put on your Holiday wish list. You know how much parents and grandparents love to give clothes, so why not nudge them in the right direction?

Women's Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket
Old Navy -- $59.99

This is so cute! All the latest trends are bundled into one warm coat from Old Navy. Plaid, a hoodie and a fit that sits right at the hip, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.

Women's Ruffle-Collar Wool-Blend Jacket
Old Navy -- $59.50 (Jacket comes in more vibrant colors)

Old Navy is getting a shout out twice with this coat. It has a non traditional collar, but still maintains a cute feminine touch. This vibrant color works on almost any skin tone and is much more fun than a boring black coat. Get a color that represents you because everything does NOT always have to match.

AE Puffer Coat
American Eagle Outfitters -- $89.95

A coat doesn’t always have to be wool. This is a great, more casual option that is perfect to wear with jeans.

Sean John Coat, Long Sleeve Tie Trench
Macys* -- $99 (Now on SALE for $44.99 online)

Ok yes, this is a little expensive, but remember a coat is an investment. It will last for many seasons, so it’s ok to spend a little more. The belt that cinches the waist gives this coat a nice touch (and did you check out her gloves – HOT!)

Geometric Peacoat
Sears -- $39.99

The military look is in, and this coat gives it an edgy twist. From the collar to the buttons, this coat will give you a sleek and sophisticated look without breaking the bank.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

When I was 17...

2010-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt that being a teenager can be hard at times. It's a crucial time of growth. Your body is changing and so are your interests. In the famous words of Britney Spears, you're not a girl but not a woman yet. And sometimes you may feel alone or like no one understands you. It is our hope that Brownstone will be a resource to help you along your journey into womanhood. But more importantly that you'll share your own stories to empower other girls your age. For those reasons, we decided to share with you some of our experiences of being a teenager. For most of our team, high school was almost a decade ago, but I think that you'll find that not all that much as changed. We all had different backgrounds, dreams, insecurities, regrets that I think that you'll be able to identify with. If we survived, then you can too! Check out "When I was 17..."

Tymika Morrison (TM)

Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Long Beach CA

Kyle Holland (KH)

Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES), Los Angeles CA

Karissa Allen (KA)

San Gorgonio High School, San Bernardino CA

Chevonne Collins (CC)
Oak Park & River Forest High School, just outside Chicago IL

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself as a teenager.

TM: Cool, Focused, Soft spoken

KH: This question reminds me when people used to call me a “ghetto nerd.” I think what they meant was that I was into school but still a cool person. But in my own words I would say: studious, social and loyal

KA: Driven, eager, positive

CC: Athletic, Funny, Introverted

What clubs/extracurricular activities were you involved in?

TM: I was in Young Black Scholars (YBS), wrote for my high school newspaper (The Highlife), danced for 2 years, and was a Polyette (drill team). Oh and my friends and I would go to our class senate meetings, but weren't really involved...lol.

KH: I was involved in Leadership, Class Council, Performance Choir, Play Production and Cheerleading.

KA: Marching/Concert Band, Peer Leadership, Key Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, Ballet, Jazz Dance, Volunteer at the local hospital

CC: Cheerleading, Basketball, & Softball

Were you a follower or leader?

TM: I hate the word follower because it tends to have a negative connotation but I wouldn't call myself a leader in high school. I was just there. And by that I mean that I was a member of several organizations on campus and had my core group of friends. I only had one leadership position (managing editor of the school newspaper) and I wasn't the leader of my group. Although I wasn't a leader in the typical sense, I was still very active but I wouldn't consider myself a follower because I've always made my own decisions.

KH: Leader for sure

KA: At times a little of both

CC: A little bit of both. I was a leader by being a thinker - having my own opinions on things & voicing them when necessary. Also, I led by not succumbing to peer-pressure & doing things I wasn’t necessarily comfortable with (usually… I did give in to peer pressure a couple times I’m sure; we all do… but most of the time, I didn’t). I was a follower because there were team captains, group leaders, & and others in leadership positions who I had to answer to.

Would you describe yourself as book smart or a party animal?

TM: Definitely book smart. I've always been a "nerd." I rarely went to parties in high school unless it was somebody's birthday.

KH: I was definitely a little bit of both. I was a book worm in disguise. Earning good grades and getting into a great college was very important to me, but I also made it a point to have lots and lots of fun…sometimes too much fun.

KA: Definitely book smart. My friends and I would go to the movies and go shopping but we rarely went to parties.

CC: I was book smart, but still knew how to have a good time. :)

What was your biggest insecurity? How did you overcome it?

TM: My biggest insecurity was my weight. In high school, I was considered "thick" before Beyonce made it cool. All my friends were skinny, so I was considered the biggest (in my eyes) in the bunch. I would always compare myself to them...wishing that I was smaller. My senior year I was determined to lose weight. I did a bunch of diets, including the Hollywood 48 hour diet where you eat NOTHING and only drink the solution. (Ladies don't try it!) I ended up losing a lot of the weight before my freshmen year of college, but gained it back with my freshmen 15...lol! Surprisingly, all my friends in college were "thick" though and I didn't really care anymore. I wasn't the odd one out anymore.

KH: My biggest insecurity was my standardized test scores. I always kept them a secret from everyone, including my best friends because my scores were never as good as I knew they should have been, especially since I was a straight A student. I took countless SAT, SAT ll and ACT test prep courses, from Princeton Review to Test Masters. My scores improved a lot, but it was always an area that I had to justify in college applications etc.

KA: This is not so much of an insecurity, but I was shy and afraid of public speaking. I overcame it by joining Odyssey of the Mind/Destination Imagination which required me to put on performances at assemblies in front of the entire school. I realized that I liked performing and that being in front of people wasn’t so scary after all.

CC: I didn’t know it then, but looking back now, it was probably my body. I had always been really skinny but in high school, puberty set in & I developed really quickly & wasn’t used to getting so much attention from boys. I wore a lot of big shirts, jeans, & sneakers as a way to cover up. I typically shopped in the men’s section for clothes unless it was something for church or a special occasion. Big clothes were in style at the time anyway (think TLC or Aaliyah), so I got away with it. I think I just overcame this insecurity with time. I started college at 17 and got more comfortable in girls clothing & wore sandals for the first time in God-knows how long. Gradually during my college years, I shed my tomboy image & became a girl. Lol!

Who was your celebrity crush?

TM: Ray J (pre Ray J of Love days of course)

KH: I didn’t really have crushes on celebrities…I really liked Usher though.

KA: Justin Timberlake

CC: Grant Hill & LL Cool J

Describe your first date.

TM: My first date was with a guy who lived an hour away from where I lived. I met him at my grandparent's church. After a year of cat and mouse we finally went on a date. I drove to him(Bad move ladies! He should come to you!) My grandmother drove us to the movies and we saw the movie Shrek. I remember being really nervous throughout the whole movie because I knew at some point he would try to kiss me. After the movie while we were waiting for my grandma to pick us up, he leaned in and gave me a kiss.

KH: When I was in the 8th grade, my dad (of all people) dropped my boyfriend and I off at the Century City mall to go to the movies. I had on a long sleeve, red and black, Guess t-shirt and some black jeans. I thought I was SO cute! We watched the movie, holding hands of course, and I just remember having a good time. I was crazy in love with this guy…who happens to be my current boyfriend now too! Funny how life comes full circle.

KA: I can’t remember my very first date, but typically my boyfriend and I would just go to the movies on a Friday night and eat Chipotle afterwards.

CC: I wish I could remember enough about it to describe! I think it was the homecoming dance my junior year in high school. I do remember my “boyfriend” at the time didn’t have a driver’s license, so he picked me up in this old 1978 limo. It was definitely a clunker & my friends had jokes about it all night. I was so embarrassed, but aside from that, we had a fun time.

What did you want to be?

TM: I think I wanted to go into marketing.

KH: I wanted to be a “businesswoman,” as if that were a job title or something. What the heck is a “businesswoman?” I think what I was trying to say back then was that I wanted to be the one who called the shots, a leader.

KA: I wasn’t entirely sure but I was interested in Journalism.

CC: An architect or a graphic designer.

Favorite hangout spot:

TM: This hamburger stand called Tommy's was the hangout spot. They had the best seasoned fries.

KH: My friend Lisa’s house. She lived right across the street from the school so that’s where we would go before and after school…and many times during school. Oh yea, I was a ditcher. I don’t recommend it though.

KA: Chipotle

CC: My best friend’s house.

Favorite memory:

TM: One memory that stands out is when my drill team advisor took our team to Las Vegas for our end of the year banquet. Being 16 in Las Vegas you couldn't tell us that we weren't grown. We had so much fun! We took a really nice charter bus up there and stopped at the outlets in Barstow on the way. In Vegas, we walked the strip and hung out at GameWorks. We had our banquet at New York, New York, which was really fun. That was my first little taste of freedom and I enjoyed every bit of it!

KH: KKK: Kyle, Kamille and Kimberly. The three of us rolled tough. We ate a lot, laughed a lot and made the best out of high school.

KA: My friends and I dressing up like burritos on Halloween by wrapping ourselves in aluminum foil and then going to Chipotle to get a free burrito.

CC: I have a lot from that year: My senior class brunch, my senior class trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my high school graduation, and starting college. I did all of this when I was 17.

One thing you know now that you wish you knew then.

TM: I wish I would have cherished my teenage years a little bit more. I had it soooo good! I really didn't have a want for anything. Things are different now that I am an adult. I have bills (rent, student loans) and a full-time job. I miss not having any real responsibility and having the ability to have my mom take care of things for me. Many times I hear teens say, "I can't wait until I'm 18 or 21." Believe me you can! They say time is of the essence and my advice is to live in the present and make the most of your teen years!

KH: I wish I would have known that at the end of the day, it’s not so much about your grades, or awards…it’s about building relationships, doing what you love doing and giving back to your community in some way. Had I really known this back then, I wouldn’t have gotten so caught up on trying to look good on paper.

KA: I can’t say there’s really anything I wish I would’ve known then. But if I could talk to 17 year old Karissa, I would tell her that even though the breakup with her boyfriend feels like the end of her world, life will go on and it will all be for the better. I would tell her to take a little more time to have fun and enjoy being a teen, because in a few years life will all be about responsibility! And I would tell her to always remember the values her parents instilled in her and not to change herself or what she believes for anyone.

CC: If I met my 17-year-old self today, I would say: “Keep being “the nice one,” but don’t be so nice that you become naive. Trust your gut & if your instincts tell you that something doesn’t seem quite right, it probably isn’t.”

Hope you enjoyed that little flashback!

-- Brownstone Team

Brownstone Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas #2-4

2010-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the week again! In case you missed it, every Friday leading up to Christmas, Brownstone will reveal a gift idea (or more) from our Holiday Gift Guide. Today, we're focusing on gifts for your parents. Shopping for your parents can be very hard. What do you get the two people who have sacrificed so much for you? Well don't worry Brownstone is here to help and hopefully alleviate some of that stress. Check out this options:

Idea #2: Michael Jackson: The Experience (Wii)

Dance, sing and enjoy the holidays with the Michael Jackson: The Experience Wii game. Depending on where you purchase, the game runs between $35-$50. This is a great gift for parents because its the perfect way to bring the generation gap closer. I'm sure your parents grew up with Michael Jackson and now you can enjoy a fun family game night with the addition of this game to your collection.

-- Recommended by team member Martine Rouzan

Idea #3: Customize Your Gift

Get creative this holiday season and make your parents a gift. However, this particular idea is for dads. A online company called Zazzle will allow you to personally design a tie. You can put your picture on it or create your own design. This is really a cute idea that your dad will really appreciate the thought behind. Not feelin' the tie idea? You can also personalize other gifts on the site as well. Check out Zazzle.com for more information!

-- Recommended by team member Kyle Holland

Idea #4: Spa Basket

Your mom works hard all year long, why not pamper her before the new year begins? I know it can be hard to treat your mom to a spa trip at 16, but that doesn't mean that you can't recreate the spa experience for her. Try putting together your own spa basket, with products that you know will help her relax. For example:

Scented candles (find her favorite scent)

Sugar body scrub

lofa scrub

Aromatherapy products

Bubble bath

lotion

You can easily find these products at Target or Bath and Body Works for a reasonable price.

-- Recommended by team member Tymika Morrison

-- Brownstone Team

Favorite Holiday Dishes

2010-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

The best part of the holiday season is the food! Turkey, ham, greens, sweet potatoes, need I go on? Each family has their own special traditions. This year, the Brownstone editors are sharing our favorite holiday dishes. You might even see something that you'd like to try with your family. Feel free to share with us your favorite dishes as well! Happy Holidays!

Tymika Morrison - Mac and Cheese

My favorite holiday dish is HOMEMADE mac and cheese (none of that Kraft box stuff). There's just something about cheese that I can't deny. My aunt normally makes the dish for our family dinners, but this year I'm excited about making the mac and cheese for Christmas. I'm trying to put my own spin on the recipe. My aunt normally uses cream of mushroom in her recipe, while I plan to use half and half. Plus, I'm going to use at least four different types of cheeses. I hope to start a new tradition with my family....mmm I can't wait to taste it! (Recipe below is from Patti Labelle) Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound elbow macaroni

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese

1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups half & half

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2 quart casserole. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, add the oil then the elbow macaroni and cook until macaroni is just tender (about 7 minutes). Do not overcook. Drain well and return to the pot. In a small saucepan, melt the first measure of butter. Stir into the macaroni. In a large bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese. To the macaroni, add the half & half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheeses, and the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and dot with the remaining butter. Bake until it is bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes.

Kyle Holland - Chocolate Chip Cookies

My mom is a great baker. When my sister and I walk in the house and see a pan of brownies or a chocolate cake, we just look at each other and say, “Belinda’s Bakes.” That’s what we call my mom’s imaginary bake shop that we tell her to open every time we take a chocolaty bite. Of all the sweet treats my mom is famous for, I’m looking forward to her chocolate chip cookies the most this holiday season. Here’s the thing…I hate nuts! But everyone in the house loves them. You would think she’d make a special batch without nuts just for me. HA, yea right! Instead, she waits until I take a bite and yell, “MOMMY! You said you weren’t gonna put in any nuts!” My whole family gets a kick out of it, and I just get over it. Why? Because I am thankful she made them in the first place! Enjoy! Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts

1/2 coconut (here’s the not so secret ingredient)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Then, mix butter, all sugar and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually add eggs and flour mix. Stir in chocolate, nuts and coconut and bake for 25 min.

Martine Rouzan - Spinach Artichoke Dip

I love the Thanksgiving because it’s the official kick off to the holiday season. Good food, family & friends… what more could a girl ask for? My absolute favorite thing to eat during the holidays is my grandmother’s cornbread dressing or my mom’s red velvet cake. Unfortunately, I can’t share those recipes… or I would have to kill you right after :) Whenever I hear about favorite holiday foods I always hear the same things – foods from the main course. But what about the food you munch on while you’re waiting on dinner to finish cooking? One of my holiday favorites, and a favorite among my friends & family, is my spinach artichoke dip. I think appetizers are just as important as the main course on this day of feasting and celebration. I actually stole this recipe from a former co-worker and tweaked it a little bit and if you like cheese you will find it truly amazing. My dad always requires his own stash and my cousin even gets mad if I don’t make it! For this recipe you will need:

3 cloves of garlic (or more if you like)

1 stick of butter

8 ounces of cream cheese

16 ounces of sour cream
16 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts (sometimes I can only find 6 ounce jars, 2 of these should do the job)

1 small package of frozen spinach

2 cups of parmesan cheese

Splash of Worchestire sauce

Melt butter in a pan and add the garlic until tender. Thaw the spinach and drain any excess water. Chop artichokes into small pieces. Add the sour cream, cream cheese, artichokes and spinach into the pan with the butter. Stir and allow the mixture to cook until completely warmed through (it will begin to bubble). Add the splash of Worchestire & 1 cup of the parmesan. Stir mixture until parmesan is melted. Pour the dip into a serving dish and sprinkle the rest of the parmesan cheese on top. You can even get creative with it by adding lump crab meat or shrimp. Serve it any way you like… in a bread bowl, with crackers, tortilla chips or veggies. It’s definitely not low fat so don’t eat too much! The best thing about it is you can remix the leftovers in so many ways. Make a turkey, spinach & artichoke Panini by spreading some of the dip on bread. Add some of your leftover turkey from Christmas dinner and grill for a warm, afternoon treat. Or you can make an omlette with the dip as the filling. However, on the day after Christmas, I like to enjoy it just simply as a dip with crackers as I kick my feet up. Happy Holidays Brownstone family!!

-- Brownstone Team

Brownstone Women's Spotlight: A Profile of G.S. Wolff

2010-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

G.S. Wolff is the author of a refreshing new novel, The Girlz of Galstanberry. Wolff got her inspiration to write by listening to the girls of her mentorship program and focusing on their unheard voices. They were tired of reading books that just did not relate to them. In addition to writing, Wolff holds a bachelors degree in Neuroscience and a Master of Science. She is a Mathematics professor and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Martine Rouzan (MR): Can you tell our readers about your book, The Girlz of Galstanberry, and what inspired you to write it?

G.S. Wolff (GW): I have a mentoring program for girls and the girls I work with expressed that current books did not accurately reflect them. Books like Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars, only focus on one type of girl from one geographic area of the United States. I was inspired by the unique voices of girls and the differences among girls that were not being addressed. Expressing different cultural & socio-economic backgrounds was important to me.

MR: I noticed while reading excerpts from the book that all the girls are from difference cities across the U.S. and they all wear different shoes to reflect their various personalities. How did you decide on the different cities and traits for each character?

GW: If you take a look, the book it has a horizontal cover. You have to turn the cover to look at each girl. An example of the cover is on the website. The poses, facial expressions, shoes and skin color among each girl are all different. They all wear the same uniform which enforces that they follow the same rules and traditions but never lose sight of their individuality and unique personalities. For example, the fan favorite, Brandi is wearing ballerina slippers to spotlight her interest.

For the cities, I wanted each part of the US to be represented in some capacity. I have characters from the South, Southwest, Midwest, East Coast and West Coast. I love Atlanta because it has one of the largest populations of Black professionals. The Midwest was important to me because I am from the Midwest and I wanted the auto industry to be represented. As for the East Coast, in books we usually see wealthy, Caucasian girls representing this area, however the East Coast is very diverse and deserved to be represented in a different way. My East Coast character is Puerto Rican and from the Bronx. The West Coast character is funky and free-spirited, so San Francisco was the perfect choice for her. This is opposite of the “typical” way Asian girls are represented. Readers usually never see a red head girl represented in books, most likely you will see a blonde or a brunette. The red head character is from Texas which has their own culture and own accent that has been incorporated into the book.

MR: What were you like as a teenager? Are any of these characters modeled after you and your experiences growing up?

All my readers tell me I look like Brandy. I don’t necessarily agree, but the one thing we do share is our hair. I have really big hair and I wanted Brandy to also have big hair. Each girl is an aspect of my personality. Some reflect friends and some are even named after girls I know. Lillian is spunky and Fei is very independent which are both reflective of my personality. I was bullied growing up and it was important to me to incorporate that into the book as well. People often stand by, watch and don’t do anything while others are being bullied. I wanted to address this issue because it was something that was so close to home for me.

MR: I love the Galstanberry Motto: "May all Galstanberry Girls pursue their dreams, stand their ground, persevere though obstacles, and live without regret." How do you incorporate this motto into your life?

GW: The motto comes from 1926 chapter. It is a reflection of my own life. I really want girls to persevere through their obstacles and approach life with a zest. Don’t let anything stop you because you are scared. It may be pretty heavy from a middle school girl to think about but it’s important to know this early so you live life to the fullest. The stand your ground comes from bullying which reflect my own experiences growing up. I wanted something deeper for middle school girls to ponder so they wouldn’t only consumed by gossip and materialism.

MR: What obstacles did you overcome in publishing your book?

GW: I started writing in May 2010 and it just poured out of me. Writing a book for girls was natural because I have a program for middle school girl. Everything I do I think of them in the background. I didn’t know of literary agents, which are like sports agents for authors. I submitted about 20 query letters about my book and received rejections from all of them. This was really disappointing because this is a book about real girls rather than sci-fi vampires or really rich Caucasian girls from the East Coast. There is no ethnic diversity in the books currently available for my market. All the books in Borders are the same. The rejection was difficult, but I realized f I really wanted this to happen, I had to do it myself. I’ve had my mentoring program for 10 years and I knew how to register a name and the other paperwork involved in starting up a company. I took the money I made from my fellowship, hired a team to draw the girls, found an editor and someone to manufacture the book.

I then pitched the the book to Detroit Public Library, who pre- ordered 100 copies due by October 13th. That along with two scheduled book signings meant I had to work on a fast timeline. I now have my own publishing house and my book is the only one. I sacrificed my summer for my book; I would work in the lab from 9-5, come home and write all night. I wrote everyday at every moment where I had free time and it was well worth the pressure.

MR: Can we expect more books from you soon?

GW: Yes!!! Definitely the series will continue. I want to hear what girls want. I will probably start writing the next one soon to come out next year.

MR: Thank you for your time, I look forward to checking out your book and I hope our readers do to!

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Brownstone Holiday Gift Guide: Idea #1

2010-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends! Today is the craziest shopping day of the year: Black Friday! How many of you were dragged out of bed by your mom to stand in a store line at 3 AM? Well if you did brave the long lines this morning, then I'd have to say that you're one of the dedicated ones. Me?...not so much. I've never been one to wake up early unless I have to do something really important like catch a flight. My new philosophy is, "If they don't have it when I get there, then it wasn't meant for me to have!"

But now that the holiday season is in full motion, it means that you will eventually have to hit the malls to get those perfect holiday gifts. No worries! Brownstone is here to help you along the way with our Holiday Gift Guide. Every Friday leading up to Christmas, we will offer a gift option or two to assist you with your shopping. Hey, you might even find something you like to put on your own Christmas list!

Idea #1: The Kodak Pulse Digital Picture Frame

The Kodak Pulse is a very cool gift for a friend (or yourself...lol). Everyone loves taking cute pixs of your friends doing crazy things or family members at special events. With the Kodak Pulse, you can easily receive pictures from others right onto your digital frame, as well as upload pictures to Facebook. Here's more information:

Cool Ways to Upload Pixs

Create your own e-mail address for the frame to easily receive new pictures
Send pictures from a computer

E-mail pictures from mobile phones as soon as they’re taken—perfect for sharing on-the-go

Adding your own pictures to the frame from your computer is incredibly simple
The PULSE automatically links to friends and photo albums on FACEBOOK and KODAK Gallery sites, so you can see new pictures on your frame when they’re posted

Easy to Use

Hassle-free pictures—there’s no software to install, making setup easier than ever

The PULSE automatically alerts you as soon as you get new pictures from friends and family

Wirelessly add or replace pictures with built-in Wi-Fi

You can also insert a memory card or USB drive to start viewing your pictures right away

Displays pictures beautifully

Pictures look amazing on the 7 in. high-quality digital photo display (800 × 600 pixels)

featuring KODAK Color Science and LED backlighting.

Visit experience.kodakpulse.com to see it in action.

The Kodak Pulse is the gift that keeps on giving. Who doesn't like looking at pixs of their friends and themselves over and over again? The Kodak Pulse is an awesome reminder of all the good times shared in life. Your friend will love you for this thoughtful gift! I know I would ;)

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Baby Got Back

2010-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well everyone knows this song by Sir Mixalot. It’s a classic and as soon as the words “Oh..my..God Becky” come on everyone is sure to know the words that come next. Even though this song is catchy and gets your attention, it’s very derogatory and makes you wonder about your expectations as a young black woman in the black community. I struggled this month to figure out what to write about and just thought to ask my female peers about what they think their role is supposed to be as young black women, as well as what have they been judged on. One of my best friends came up with the idea of the black body image in black society. Her exact words were, “I feel stereotyped the most physically as a black woman. I feel like I have to conform into the views of black women or else I’ll be an outcast within my own race. (i.e.: big butt, hour glass frame).” Her words really spoke to me and made me realize that even though I may not be paying attention to how others view me, I am always being judge by my own community. Pop culture and songs like this make our community believe that Black women as a whole all have a role in our society to be “thick.” The lyrics to this song “I like big butts and I cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny. That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist and a round thing in your face. You get sprung, want to pull up tough. Cause you notice that butt was stuffed,” seem to encourage the idea of being thick and having a coke bottle shape. I feel so uncomfortable within my own body sometimes, because I am not “thick” and don’t have the “coke bottle shape” that our society seems to pressure our women into being like.

I talked to more young women and they all agreed that as black women, we have to look a certain way to please both our black women and our black community. It’s seen as shameful now when a black girl doesn’t have any curves and no butt. So many teenage girls feel less black or less of a woman without having curves. Black guys don’t make it any better by preferring girls with curves over those who aren’t as curvaceous as others. It seems to me that black girls in our communities don’t make it any easier in accepting our bodies. So many of my peers at school talk down to black thinner girls and it seems that within our black community if you are thin than you are looked down upon and are seen as less of being black just because you aren’t curvy. I’ve been called skinny and my friends make me feel as if my body is not normal and I feel like I need to gain wait and put on a few more pounds. I get so consumed in my looks sometimes because I try to fit into this “black barbie doll” type of body image. I am here to say that ladies we are just as beautiful with our without our natural curves. We should just accept our bodies for what they already naturally are like. You don’t need “back” to be beautiful.

-- Jamiah LaShay (Berkeley High School, Age 16)
Jr Correspondent

Dream...But Don't Sleep

2010-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Langston Hughes asked it best:

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--
And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

--Dreams Deferred by Langston Hughes

What do you think happens when your dreams are put on hold? It happens to all of us. Whether it is for school, a job, or even family, we all sacrifice our dreams in some way just to make it through the daily grind. But given that life sometimes forces us to put our dreams aside, does this mean we should let them die?

I must admit, it’s hard to stay passionate about something that’s always pushed onto the back burner. For me, I struggle with becoming an entrepreneur. Should I resign from my day job and put 100% of my time into running my own business? Or should I get my head out of the clouds and continue on the road I’ve started? I fight with these questions all the time.

For anyone, I think that if the dream is worth dreaming, it’s not a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN. This goes for myself too. Who cares if I have to wait a few years to actively pursue my dream? If I'm really on fire about it, I won’t let it rot or sag. It will eventually explode into greatness and success. And just think, if you're not passionate enough about your dreams to the point that they"ll explode if ever placed on hold, how could we expect people to believe in us?

This is why I really like the quote, “dream but don’t sleep.” For me it means, if your dreams have been deferred, keep dreaming. Work towards them little by little until reality allows them to manifest, or like Langston Hughes writes, explode. Don’t simply have a dream and sleep on it because by the time you wake up life will have passed us all by.

What do you think happens to a dream deferred?

--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Fabulosity for Less!

2010-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

I opened my wallet. Thirty dollars. Just enough for a mani/pedi! That leaves me with exactly 0 dollars for the rest of the week. But what do I really need to buy this week? Well my gas tank is on empty. But an empty tank really means that I have 40 additional miles. And there’s absolutely no way I can show my face in public with chipped nails. Mani/pedi it is!

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why are we so hasty to spend the entirety of our money on things that don’t last? Everyone wants to look good and keeping up with the trends is something that many of us pride ourselves on, but how we can we keep our look fresh and updated without going completely broke? The solution is simple. Learn how to do basic aesthetic maintenance yourself and become a smart shopper!

Remember when you were little and your mom would buy you a cheap set of nail polishes from the 99 cent store? You were perfectly content doing your own nails, but for some reason as you got older you decided that you needed to go to the nail salon to have nice looking nails. That isn’t true! For difficult maintenance such as cuticle removal I do recommend going to a nail salon every couple of months, but basic filing, clipping and polish changes can all be done at home. All you need is quality nail polish (my favorites are “Lincoln Park After Dark” by OPI and “Neon Pink Voltage” by China Glaze), a nail file, nail clippers, q tips and polish remover. I used to have a difficult time painting my nails because it would get so messy and I would get nail polish all over my skin. But, after observing nail techs at salons, I realized that I was applying too much polish to each nail. When you dip the brush in the polish, make sure you wipe off the excess polish on the edge of the bottle before you apply to your nail. To remove the polish that does manage to get on your skin, dip a q tip in polish remover and lightly coat the edge of your nail bed. Make sure to coat your nails with clear nail polish to minimize chipping. To make your polish last even longer, apply clear nail polish once a day.

As black girls, hair is always a big concern. We will steadily make our bi monthly hair appointments and remain loyal to our hair stylists even though the price of a press n curl seems to rise by 5 dollars every time we go! Thankfully, I have found that it is possible to create full shiny locks on my own. Because my hair tends to be really dry, I always give myself an oil treatment before I wash my hair. I prefer to part my hair in sections and saturate it with Ojon Restorative Treatment. After forty minutes I rinse out my hair and then proceed to wash it with TRESemme Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. I pat my hair dry and apply Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla leave in conditioner. I then use a blow dryer with a comb attached to detangle my hair and get it as straight as possible, and coat my hair with Carol’s Daughter Lisa’s Hair Elixir which gives it an extra shine and acts as a heat protector. Lastly, I divide my hair into small sections and use a Gold N Hot pressing comb and flat iron to straighten. Everyone has a different hair type and hair preference so it’s important to experiment with products and find a regimen that works for you. Remember, though, that the key to healthy hair is to use plenty of conditioner and the least amount of heat as possible. When you do use heat, make sure that you always use a heat protector.

Shopping is another area where a lot of us get into trouble. Take a minute and think of all the fashion trends that have occurred over the past five years. Think of how many of those trends you wore. Now think of how many of those trends you still wear. My point exactly. I don’t recommend depriving yourself of shopping because, just like dieting, if you consistently deprive yourself of this joy you will only end up binge shopping. Instead, when you receive money pick one item of clothing you really want and buy that and only that. This way you satisfy your shopping appetite without spending everything you have. If you can’t manage to limit yourself to just one article of clothing, then try to stick to less expensive stores such as Forever 21 and Wet Seal for trendy items and only shop at more upscale places for fashion staples, articles that will never go out of style.

There are so many great things you can do with all the money you’ll start saving!
Savings Account –If you put 10% of any amount of money you receive into a savings account, you could actually build up a substantial amount of money within a few years. Imagine how rewarding it would feel to be able to put down a down payment for a car or pay the deposit for your first college apartment all on your own!

Charity – Every penny makes a difference. You may feel that even though you only receive a twenty dollar allowance or only work part time after school that you can’t make a real difference but that’s not true. Non profits and charities utilize any contribution they receive and depend on all donations, big or small, to function.

Safety– Life is unpredictable and you never know what unexpected situations will arise. It’s always smart to have extra padding in your wallet.

Looking good and maintaining fabulosity is important to all of us but you don’t need to spend beyond your means to look flawless. Strive to become more resourceful. Trust me, it’s worth it :)

-- Karissa Allen
Guest Blogger

Brownstone Holiday Giveaway

2010-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Attention all Brownstone readers! We are hosting our first holiday giveaway (YAY!) As December approachs we look forward to our favorite parts of the holiday season. Mine happens to be waking up Christmas morning and seeing my family all together. Well, Brownstone wants to hear about your favorite holiday story or what the holidays mean to you. So get those creative juices flowing and get ready to write. One lucky winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to the store of her choice.

Rules: In order to win a lovely giftcard from the store of your choice, you must write about:

a.) Your favorite holiday memory OR
b.) What the holidays mean to you

Submissions can be in the form of a poem, story, pictures, blog entry, video....get creative! The entry must be from 300-500 words. If you submit a video it must be under 5 minutes. Picture entries must have 3-5 pictures with a short explanation. Please e-mail your entrees to BrownstoneMag@gmail.com and include your name, age, and phone number so that we can contact you.

Regulations: The Brownstone Holiday Giveaway begins November 15th (12 am PST) and ends December 10th (11:59 pm PST). All participants must be between 13 and 18 years old. All participants will be entered into a drawing and one winner will be chosen December 12th and announced December 13th on the blog. In addition, all entrees will be featured on the blog. The winning entree will have a special feature on Christmas Eve.

We look forward to receiving your entrees. If you have any questions, please don't hestitate me at BrownstoneMag@gmail.com. HAVE FUN!

-- Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern

The Silent Code of the Streets

2010-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Bobby Maurice Tillman (age 18) was stomped to death outside a house party in Atlanta. Allegedly, a fight had taken place between two girls, when one of the girls hit a guy. Instead of hitting the girl back, the guy said that he would hit the next person who walked outside. Unfortunately that was Bobby. It upsets me that this young man had to die over such a senseless act.

Immediately, I thought about my July post, "Simmer Down: Learning to Control Your Anger." We have to learn to control our anger. It is never okay to allow your frustration to cause you to lay hands (or feet in this case) on another person. We have to learn to walk away. Just because you decide to look the other way doesn't make you a punk or weak like others may think. Be smart about the decisions you make. Remember all it takes is one bad decision to ruin your future.

But aside from the anger issue, I have a huge issue with (1) teens watching someone getting beat up and (2) not saying anything about it. I don't understand what's cool about watching a fight. It seems very barbaric to watch two people try to hurt each other. Have you ever watched a fight before? If so, what kept you from walking away? I'm not going to lie...when I was in high school I watched a fight or two from afar. Sadly, there was something exciting about watching a herd of people ran from one end of the quad to another. But now, I see nothing fun or exciting about watching people fight especially when it's ending in death. Another question I have is why aren't people calling for help? Or trying to break up the fight? I wonder how the teens who watched Bobby Tillman die feel? It's sickening on all parts. I'm upset at the 4 young men who beat him to death and the teens who watched in amusement or even shock.

If you take away anything from this post, I hope that you will think twice about watching the next fight that takes place around you. Don't be a spectator at such a barbaric event. Also, don't be afraid to leave and call for help and if you do see something don't be afraid to speak up about it. There seems to be a really stupid code of the streets known as "Stop Snitching." You're supposed to protect your friends when they get caught doing something wrong. I understand wanting to be loyal BUT don't let your friend's bad actions get you caught up as well. There have been many stories where I've heard people, especially girls taking the fall for their boyfriends (we'll cover that in a future post). Don't be stupid, speak up. Help save a life! If you were like Bobby...minding your own business and suddenly found yourself the victim of a fight would you want people to stand by and watch...say nothing? Think about that...

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

How Do You Rock?

2010-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Black Girls Rock, Inc. They recently aired an awards show which motivated me to delve a little deeper to find out about this movement. I’m glad I did because their mission is inspiring, necessary and very close to home. BGR was started by Beverly Bond as a company that focuses on music and empowerment. Like Brownstone, Beverly was inspired to begin BGR as a reaction to limited images of women of color in the media. Check out the recent interview she did on the Today Show.

Beverly promotes mentorship and uses music, self expression and creativity as tools of development which made me wonder, what are other ways that Black girls rock? Well, there are so many I don’t know where to start!

Fabulously Fierce – Fierce, strong, tough… Whatever adjective you choose, Black girls are as tough as they come. We stand on the shoulders of our grandmothers, mothers and aunts to create a powerful force to be reckoned with. Black women from earlier generations have paved our way and we should look forward to embracing the inner strength to fill those shoes for generations to come. Being a girl is not always easy with the stresses of school, relationships and family, but knowing who you are and the strength you possess will ensure that you ROCK!

Gorgeous Gals – Black girls rock because Black is beautiful! We are all a stunning variety of features. From a wide range of mahogany kissed complexions to our many hair types, a Black girl’s beauty is incomparable. It’s amazing to realize how different we are yet we share one beautifully common bond. Remember to proudly show it off and make it a priority to celebrate your unique beauty everyday because you never know who will be inspired by you!

Constant Creativity – Beverly does an amazing job at getting girls to realize their creativity through music, but a Black girls talent manifests in so many ways. Whether its music, poetry, sports, art or fashion, Black girls are always pushing the envelope when it comes to getting creative. No matter what level you are at in your journey, never forget that your gift is still powerful and worth sharing. Sure, the Black Girls Rock movement is amazing and now known around the nation, but remember, it started out just as a t-shirt logo and grew from there, so don’t be afraid to start from scratch in order to make your rock star shine!

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Tips for Overcoming Personal Statement Writer's Block

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year for seniors: College Applications! Dun, dun, DUN... For those applying to UCs and CSUs the November 30th deadline is fastly approaching. One critical element of the college application process (and in my opinion the hardest part) is writing your personal statement. A personal statement allows a school to get a glimpse of who you are as a person outside of the academics. Your personal statement gives you a chance to tell your story.

So, you may be thinking "What exactly am I supposed to write about?" Well the answer is simple...YOU. Your life experiences, amibitions, inspirations, etc. I heard many cases where people wrote about obstacles they overcame (like deaths in the family, pregnancy, drugs, etc) or situations that challenged them (i.e. growing up poor, single parent household, raising siblings). If this doesn't ring a bell for you, don't worry! Just because you didn't live a hard knock life doesn't mean that you don't have a story to tell. Talk about an experience that makes you unique, your hopes and dreams, why college is important to you. Everyone has a story that needs to be heard.

Personal statements for UCs and CSUs were open-ended when I was applying to college. (I think they ask you a specific question now) I didn't have a tough childhood (not to discredit anyone else's story) so I chose to write about my involvement in an organization called Young Black Scholars (YBS) and how it prepared me for college. I was honest about my experience, stating that I hated getting up early on my Saturday mornings to attend these college prep workshops. But I also explained the value in these programs and how they helped me develop discipline and an appreciation for higher learning. Yes, this was a simple story, but I was able to show my desire to excel and growth as a student. Writing my personal story was hard and required many, many drafts. Remember it can be done! Here are some personal tips to writing a great personal statement:

Keep it Real/Stay True to Yourself. Don't make up things to make yourself to make your story sound juicer than it is. Be honest about your experiences.
Get Creative. Don't just tell your story! Paint a picture and leave the school feeling like they know you. I started my personal statement with a funny anecdote to draw the reader in.

Don't be Afraid to Expose your Faults. If you received bad grades don't be afraid to explain why. Or maybe you have a parent on drugs. Don't be afraid to show your weaknesses or talk about disadvantages that may have held you back. The key is to expose your faults and explain how you overcame them.

Show Growth. It's important to show what you've learned from a situation.
Don't Restate What's on your Application. Your application is like your resume. When writing your personal statement try to talk about a situation that isn't easily seen on your application. Allow the reader to learn something new about you.
Answer the Question. Read the prompt carefully and answer only what they ask you. Try not to go off topic and definitely stick to the word count you're given.

Peer Review: Ask your teachers, counselors, parents, etc review your personal statement before you submit it. It's important to get different perspectives during the editing process.

Good luck writing your personal statement! If you would like help, please feel free to contact me at BrownstoneMag@gmail.com

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

What to Save and Spend on this Winter Season

2010-11-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey girls! Winter is quickly approaching and it's time to start taking better care of our hair! I know that sounds like a lot of work, but with the right tools, it’s actually really simple. All you have to is know what to splurge on and what to save on.

Shampoo: SAVE

Whenever I wash my hair, I just grab whatever is in the closest. You can buy shampoo from the dollar store or your local beauty supply store. As long as you make sure to scrub your scalp, your hair will be strong and grow healthily.

Conditioner: SPLURGE
Conditioner is the one thing that I will spend major money on. Conditioner helps tame my hair and makes detangling it so much easier. I don’t know where I would be without it and it’s the one part of my hair routine that I follow religiously. The conditioner I use is one by Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Treatment, it’s kind of pricey but it leaves my hair silky, soft, and shiny. I have to actually go to a salon to get it, but if you go online to they have a salon locator that carries the line.

Flat Iron: SPLURGE
From all of my experience with flat irons, I’ve found that if I pay for enough for one, it will last me forever! With less expensive flat irons, they work well for a while, but around the fifth or sixth time I use it, it starts to fizzle out or start to develop problems. Only after I finally bit the bullet and bought a more expensive Solia flat iron, did I notice how much longer it has lasted me. You can buy one on Amazon, for a little over $70. I know it sounds like a lot but trust me, it’s worth it.

Hair Dryer: SAVE

I know this sounds weird, spend money on a flat iron but save on a hair dryer. You would think these things go hand in hand right? Wrong. Because of all the heat you use on your hair, you should try to keep it all at a minimum. If you plan on flat ironing your hair, you should air dry your hair in a braid or up in a bun so you don’t damage your hair with unnecessary heat. If you can avoid using a hair dryer, then you should. However, I know that sometimes school or extracurriculars get in the way and you have to get your hair done quickly, so I think that you should look for less expensive hair dryers for those kinds of days. If you keep your hair drying to a minimum, a small inexpensive hair dryer will last you years! The last time I got a hair dryer I was around eight (and I still share it with my mom) so I can’t say that I have any solid suggestions, however all of my friends have said that they have gotten their hair dryers from Target and I found one that was under twenty dollars and is super cute! I’ve researched the reviews and talked to a bunch of my friends and I think that this is a great buy! They come in a bunch of different colors and I think I might pick one up from my local Target.

Hair Treatments: IT DEPENDS
I understand that taming your hair as a young African-American female can be a pain. Sometimes you just want to chemically treat it when it gets tough. Though I discourage you from doing so and embrace your natural hair texture, if you decide to do so, it does depend on what kind of results you want. If you want just a better way to tame your hair and keep the curls down, I recommend just buying a less expensive boxed treatment. But if you do decide to go that route, make sure to go online and research which boxed kits would work best with your hair type and what kinds of results you expect. Another option that would fall on the pricey side is if you want to completely get rid of your curl -something I strongly discourage! You would want to go into the salon and pay a stylist for a relaxer treatment. One thing you have to keep in mind with both of these treatment routes is that both require a lot of upkeep and you would have to touch up your roots every four to six months as your hair continues to grow, so that would eventually rack up the bill. When I was younger and I relaxed my hair, I used an olive oil based one. I found that it kept my hair straight and soft. You can buy it on Amazon for around eight dollars and it’s the best at home relaxer I’ve ever used.

There you go ladies! Everything you should save and spend on this winter season! I hope you all have fabulous holidays and winter fun!

-- Alexandra Scott (Berkeley High School, Age 16)

Jr Correspondent

Editor's Pick: Convertible Mittens

2010-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies, this month I'm raving about my favorite winter find this season: convertible mittens. Sounds a little high tech, right? But, if you're like me and you have long finger nails, then you're probably used (and highly annoyed) to getting holes at the tips of your gloves. Not cool! Who wants to walk around with a finger poking out?

I recently was in American Eagle Outfitters and saw the cutest pair of mittens. It's kinda hard to describe, but basically convertible mittens are kinda like hobo gloves (gloves with the fingertips cut off), but the cool part is there is an attachable flap to cover your fingertips. So, if you're outside you can keep your fingers covered from the cold and if you're inside you can take off the flap so that your fingers are free and can still stay warm. Simply genius! I did some research to find out that these gloves are EVERYWHERE and come in so many cute styles (plain, strips, animal print, etc). This weekend, I bought a pair of dark gray convertible gloves from Target for only $10.99. I can't wait to get another pair! Check out these cute convertible mittens:

Forever 21 ($4.80)

Forever 21 ($5.80)

BDG Convertible Gloves ($16)

Mixed Stripe Convertible Gloves ($16)

AE Luxe Convertible Gloves (19.99)

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Decisions, Decisions...

2010-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

As a kid, you’re asked pretty often “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I never had a real answer to that question. I used to always say “doctor” just because it sounded good. It would impress people.

But, as you get older, you are expected to have more of a solid idea. A lot of students start college & immediately have a plan, know exactly what they want to major in, and get going. But, for some people (me included) it’s not always that clear. You’re still figuring out what you want to be.

I used to wish I were one of those people who would say things like, “Ever since I was a kid, I just knew I wanted to be a dentist… I just knew I wanted to be a dancer… I just knew I was going to be a teacher…” and so forth. Sometimes, it takes a while before it comes to you. But, if you’re in high school or college & you still haven’t a clue, here are some things I learned along the way that may help you as you figure it out:

Figure out what you’re good at and foster it. I’ve always been somewhat creative and I knew this about myself. I love writing, so I write often. What are your hobbies? If you enjoy drawing or singing or even math, try to be the best you can at it. You never know where it can lead you. You may even be able to make a living off of it.

Participate in activities that are related to what you like. Most schools have a lot of options for extra-curricular activities, like: the school paper, athletic teams, choir/chorus, debate team, student government, etc. There may be a group or club at your school whose specialty is something you’re interested in. If so, join them! You never know what you’ll figure out from it.

Research majors. Before you begin applying to colleges, take a look to see what majors they offer and what the requirements are for you to graduate in that concentration. It may help to match up your skills/talents with classes you have to take to major in a certain area. Looking at the kinds of majors the schools are offering can also give you some ideas.

Take general requirements. If you are applying for college or starting your freshman year, it’s okay to go in as an undeclared major. But, in the mean time, take those classes that are general requirements for all students. No matter if you end up majoring in music, engineering, communications, or pre-law, General Education requirements are… well… required. (Or, “Gen-Eds” as we called them at my school – UIUC, holla!) Those classes included things like math, science, english, and history. In order to maximize your time there if you’re undecided, load up on Gen-Eds. It will help you to stay on track to graduating on time.

Research careers that may interest you. One thing I realized is that there are a LOT of different careers out there; some that might be really interesting to you that you may not even know about! Once I realized I wanted to work in television, I then had to figure out exactly what it was that I wanted to do & what I was skilled at doing. My graduate school (shout out to Syracuse) really helped me figure that out. So even if you think you may like, for example, law, find out the various types of careers or specializations there are within law. You may be able to pinpoint something that will spark your interest.

Talk to people who do what you might like to do. These people usually offer so much wisdom & insight. Seek out someone who does what you’re considering & reach out to them if you can. Ask questions about their experiences. Who knows, they may even be able to help you out in the future. ;)

Much success to you all!

-- Chevonne Collins

Guest Blogger

Halloween Costume: Tricks Aren't for Kids

2010-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girl can say anything about it." – Mean Girls

Gone are the days of the cute little fairy or big round M&M Halloween costumes. Enter our childhood's replacement: the sexy school girl and naughty nurse. Like the quote from Mean Girls says, Halloween seems to be the one day of the year when it's okay to walk out of the house wearing next to nothing. I am officially calling Halloween the "Who Can Wear the Least Clothes" contest! Some girls just have no shame. *shaking my head* Even traditional costumes (i.e. teacher, maid, police officer, referee) are made more provocatively. Let’s be real here, there isn’t anything better? Where is the creativity? We may have bypassed the kiddie section, but that doesn't mean immediate access into the video vixen club!

So, it seems like we’re left with two problems: (1) How to find an original costume and (2) one that is still respectable at the same time. Here are a few suggestions I hope you guys can take from:

Go to the thrift store first. Some of these thrift stores should be called costume heaven because there is just so much you can find and put together that is probably cheaper than anything you can find online. I would suggest JetRag or Out of the Closet!

Remix a generic costume. For example, instead of a police officer, try being a member of the SWAT Team or something. What about cute zombie or pirate? It’s so easy to forget that there are other costumes besides walking out the house like a Victoria Secret model.

Be a celebrity. I’ve heard of many people being Nicki Manaj, Lady Gaga, Beyonce or Rihanna, but the cool thing is that celebrities have soooo many looks you could probably find at least 10 different Gaga or RiRi looks.

Make it a group act. Going as a group is lots of fun! Be the Supremes, TLC, Destiny’s Child or even the Fanta Girls. This is easy because you can get really creative with your costumes. Just match in some way and you’re good to go! So who’s gonna be Beyonce?

Bring the old school back. I'm sure you're heard your parents talk about how fun the 70's where. Why not go back in time and create a costume from the 70's, 80's, or even the 90's? For the 70's, you can find a pair of bell bottoms and an old afro wig to rock. For the 80's, get some leggings and an off the shoulder shirt. Don't forget the side ponytail! And for the 90's, try cross colors. Jump, jump if you remember Kris Kross. (lol...that was probably before your time)

The main point you guys should take from this is be creative and don't feel like you have to show off your whole body to have a good costume. A costume can be cute and still have more than five strands of fabric. Trust me, when you go out to any Halloween events you won't be attracting the right attention. Guys shouldn't only take notices of you because your assets are hanging out! Okay, that enoug of me sounding like a mommy. Go out and have fun, be innovative and try new things this year! Make your costume. No one else will have it because it was made by your own hands. Feel free to send us pictures (brownstonemag@gmail.com) of the master pieces you're created!

-- Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern

Politics: Not Just for Adults!

2010-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

So on Friday, President Obama came to my school, USC! People weren’t allowed to camp out so they slept in the library till about 5 am and began lining up. By 11 am, the official time for gates to open, the line had become 4 miles long, wrapping around the ins and outs of the school! If you guys have been keeping up with politics, there are a lot of important issues on the California ballot such as the state budget, environment, whether to legalize marijuana and electing our next governor. President Obama came for a Democratic Rally to encourage and stress the importance of voting in this election. His presence was so surreal and approximately over 37,000 people were in attendance.

I know you’re in high school and can’t vote in the upcoming election, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t understand what's going on in the political world. Has your teacher ever asked you about a current event in politics and your immediate answer was, “I dunno” or “I’m too young, none of this effects me.” I know that in high school, I just followed whatever my parents said without knowing anything about the candidates or what issues they stood for. The reality is that eventually, you’ll be able to vote and it won’t be any good if you only choose whoever your parents are voting for or who looks better.

Politics may seem like a very boring topic, but think of it like this; Everyday people complain about gas being too high, no jobs, schools are too big, not enough teachers. All of these issues affect you too! You aren’t excluded because you’re not of age to vote. So, you might want to start caring about these issues and get involved now. Here are a few ways your voice can be heard:

1. Get Involved in a Campaign: Find an issue or politician you really love and help out in a campaign. This is an easy way to really learn about the issues and plans for the future. If you’ve heard about a politician that you like a lot or even a campaign, google them and see if they have any nearby offices. Contact them and see how you can get involved with their campaign.

2. Go to a Rally: Going to a rally with friends, seeing the celebrities that also support the issues, and seeing people like President Obama speak is so much fun! You hear what his plans are for a country that is just as much yours as it is for adults.

3. Join Organization that Promotes Youth Voting: Orgs like Rock The Vote and Youth Vote really bring a youth together, engage them in the issues, and also entertain them at the same time.

Voting is the only way to change things. We are the people and We the People need to make sure that our country is run well. Get into politics now and you’ll have no problem feeling insecure about voting in the future! Trust me, I wish I knew what half my classmates knew when I first got into college. If I went on a trivia show about our governors or senators, I would have probably gotten all of the questions wrong. So get to know about your politics now, therefore you won’t be so behind when it’s time to vote. Take a look at this video and see how much you know about our politics!

-- Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern

Tolerating Differences in Others

2010-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Did you happen to notice classmates, teachers or friends wearing purple this past Wednesday? Or maybe while logged on to Facebook or Twitter, you wondered why some of your friends’ or followers’ pictures were purple? Well Wednesday, October 20, 2010 was Spirit Day. According to The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) website, “the idea behind Spirit Day was first created by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month. Just like "Spirit Week" held in many high schools, Spirit Day can be summed up in three words: "Everyone Rally Together.” There was not a parade or actual rally, but just a simple opportunity to show support by wearing purple. Spirit Day is so significant now because of the recent media coverage of youth being bullied, and in some cases, bullied to death, over their sexual orientation.

We all have the right to express different opinions, however when we disagree with someone on something as serious as sexual orientation, it is important not to act out in a way that will harm others. The media has shared several stories about teenagers who have decided to take their lives as a result of the bullying. Media outlets such as CNN and People Magazine recently showcased the story of Tyler Clementi, an 18 year old Rutgers student who committed suicide after being bullied by his roommate. His roommate decided to live stream an intimate moment of Tyler online for everyone to see and make fun of. This was an extreme violation of privacy and as a result, the embarrassment Tyler felt lead to the decision to take his own life. No difference in opinion should ever result in a person wanting to take their own life.

It is imperative to recognize that bullying can be manifested in many different ways. Most of us may just think of bullying as physically hurting another person, but teasing, taunting, name-calling and sending harassing texts, e-mails or wall posts are also considered forms of bullying. Although Spirit Day prompted me to think about this writing this blog, remember bullying can come from anything, not just sexual orientation. Our ethnic or cultural backgrounds, style of dress or interests are all things people choose to pick on. I urge you whatever differences you have with someone, simply leave them as that. It’s ok to disagree, but causing harm to someone else is not the answer. Think about how important your life is and the lives of the people you care about. Remember the person being bullied is also someone’s sister, daughter or friend and we just don’t know how sensitive our words or actions are to them. Life is too special to be unexpectedly interrupted by bullying.

Most importantly, if you are being bullied or know someone who is, tell someone! If you are not comfortable talking to your family, friends or school counselors there are also anonymous options. LGBT youth in need of immediate help should contact The Trevor Project 's 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Sites like Facebook also have information on how to prevent online bullying. The resources are there, so if you need help please reach out and remember you are not alone.

-- Martine Rouzan

Brownstone Team

The Best School for You

2010-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are two pivotal moments I remember: the moment I knew and the moment I knew without a doubt.

The moment I knew that the University of Southern California was the school for me happened during the fall of my senior year of high school. I was on a tour of USC and hadn't expected it to be much different than the other tours I'd gone on. However, from the moment I stepped on the campus I could feel that this school was different. Every college tour guide I'd encountered had emphasized that students should choose the school that makes them feel at home. I tried to imagine myself at every school I had visited and was unsuccessful. But as I looked around USC with its beautiful brick buildings, huge green trees, and throngs of students on bikes who looked genuinely happy to be on campus, I just knew USC was for me.

I did however realize that even though I had this overwhelming intuition that USC and I were made for each other, I had to be practical. USC may have been beautiful and the students may have seemed friendly and approachable, but the truth is that application fees are expensive and in order for me to decide to apply to USC it had to meet some important criteria.

Major/Area of Interest: Although you may not know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, it is important to think about the subjects you love and the careers you can picture yourself pursuing when applying for schools. If you are interested in medicine and can imagine yourself as a doctor, a nurse, or an advocate of public health, then you should look for schools that have diverse health programs. As a teenager, I was very interested in media and entertainment. USC has one of the best Communication and Media schools in the country with many opportunities for internships. So, although I wasn't exactly sure what aspect of media I wanted to pursue, I knew that USC would give me plenty of options.

Location: Not only should you think about the type of atmosphere you want to spend your college years in, you should also think about where you might want to live after college and what kind of job opportunities might be available to you in the city each school is in. As I mentioned before, at the time I applied to college I was interested in media and entertainment. I knew that applying to a school in Los Angeles would be a perfect fit for me because I would be minutes away from record companies and movie studios. I decided toward the end of my college career that the entertainment industry wasn't for me, but I wouldn't have been able to realize this about myself if I didn't have access to entertainment internships.

Diversity: This is especially important for us Brownstone girls. College is amazing because you are exposed to people and experiences that you may not have been exposed to in your home town. However, it's always nice to be able to walk through campus and see familiar brown faces. It was important to me that I went to a school where diversity was not only noticeable but celebrated. While on my campus tour, I learned that USC had several different "diversity floors.” One of these floors was targeted toward African Americans. Students who lived on this floor boasted of the strong support system they had and the lifelong friendships they made. If a minority presence on campus is something that's important to you, then make a point to research the quantity and quality of the minority population at each school you apply to.

The moment I knew without a doubt that USC was the school for me happened the summer following my campus tour. I had chosen to go to USC and was on campus for my freshmen orientation. As the USC Marching Band began to play our victory song "Conquest," I felt a surge of pride wash over me. It was the first time I really felt that I was a part of the Trojan family and would be a Trojan for life. At that moment I knew without a doubt that I had made the right choice. The fact that USC met all of my college criteria combined with the overwhelming sense of home I felt whenever I was on campus led me to apply to the school and ultimately decide to attend. I know the process of applying to schools can seem daunting, but as long as you think critically and wisely about the criteria you want your college to meet, I'm confident you will find a school as perfect for you as USC was for me :)

-- Karissa Allen

Guest Blogger

Did He Really Just Say That?

2010-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last month, I was hanging out with my friend and he started humming the tune to this familiar song. Immediately, I knew the tune and finished the line "met her at the club, and I said what's up." He was shocked that I was actually singing the lyrics to "Toot It and Boot It." (Apparently it's okay to hum as long as you don't sing it...lol) What I thought? I don't agree with the song. I just like the beat and the lyrics are catchy. So what?!

Yes, I had become a member of the "I just like the beat" club. But then I started to hear the song in constant rotation on the radio and the degrading lyrics started to pop out at me more and more. "And she toot it from the back and you know she made it clap...I can supply the pipe only just make sure it's tight. We can do it all night and after that you gotta go cuz you ain't my wife!" Whaaaa, did he really just say that? So, if he's basically saying that he wants to hook up with me and then kick me to the curb, then why am I still bobbing my head? Not cool!

This isn't the first song to talk about women in a disgusting way and it won't be the last. Check out some of the lyrics to these popular hits, I'm sure if they haven't already they'll have you asking did he really just say that?

B*tch (Remix) - E-40 featuring 50 cent and Too Short
I'm sure everyone loves the part in the hook where the guys says, "50 cent, Too Short and E-40 say TRICCKKK." (that's in the edited version). But did you catch this line: "I hate to tell you but you're in love with a whooore. And chances if a n*g#as try he'll scooore. Man f that b*tch." Or how about this "You love her, I f-ed her. She my jumpoff, she yo baby mama. You kiss her. I twiss her. Then send her a$@ back to you before you miss her." Okay *side eye*...really???
Tie Me Down - New Boys featuring Ray J
How about these lyrics? "You can't tie me down like a pair of shoe strings. Yeah, ya cute, so what? But let's get it through ya head. Yeah we make love sex weed all in the bed. It's the best and I love her but things don't change when I'm not faithful you be feelin' all pain. Now you stuck like a stain and I can't believe that. Baby girl 100 I ain't tryna do that. Got too many girls, and ain't let it go. Cuz my life is great and you ain't nothing but a hoe."

So these boys are saying all these demeaning things about girls and yet there are a bunch of girls dancing in the video like it's nothing? It just seems weird to be dancing like it's a party when a guy just called another woman a hoe. I'll let you marinate on that!
Can't Stand You -ROD

This song isn't that bad, but the fact that he had to add "B*tch" at the end of each sentence in the hook is unnecessary. ROD says, "I can't stand you....Bi-otch"

I feel really conflicted listening to songs like this just because they're fun to dance to or sing. A hard beat doesn't erase the lyrics that are being said. As young women, we tend to be these guy's biggest supporters. But what does that say about us? The more I think about it, by singing along we're saying that it's okay to "toot it and boot it" or call me a hoe. A guy can vent about his frustrations about the opposite sex without having to disrespect her or call her out of her name. *just saying*

I know it's hard to ignore a song when everyone else thinks it's a hit. But why not be the first to say "No I won't stand for that?" When you hear the song on the radio change the station or if it starts playing at a party sit that song out. Believe me it will take discipline. But by supporting these songs we are only saying that it's acceptable to portray women in this way. The young boys (if they don't know better) will think it's okay to think and say these things. As young women we should start to take a stand now! Just think how powerful it could be if girls joined together to boycott these songs. Of course there are always going to be those girls who don't care and will continue to dougie to songs like "B*tch," but for the few who choose to stand up change could come. So, if you have to ask, "did he really just say that?" Then maybe that is a song that you shouldn't be listening to...

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

I Am Not My Hair

2010-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

There is an old saying that "a woman’s hair defines her beauty." Back in the day, if a woman cut her hair or put chemicals on her hair, she was considered ugly or unsuitable compared to a woman who had natural hair or hair that was longer. It was like you were shunned or looked down upon if you shaved your head or wanted a short bob or short hair style. It was considered butch and unfeminine. Now in days this saying or "rule" might not be as strictly used as today. Fashion icons such as Rihanna and Halle Berry embrace the idea of changing your hair and showing that short hair can be just as versatile and sexy as longer hair. But this concept of hair and what is considered “beautiful hair or nice hair” still exist today. Women are stereotyped and receive different attention from their hair style they choose or prefer to have. Women are either looked highly upon because of their hair and are well accepted in this society or they aren’t. Why are we defined by our hair? Why is hair so important?

Our hair defines us. It’s an emotional attachment that is very hard to get rid of. It’s like a security blanket that we can hide under or embrace it. In this society, we are first off judged by our looks and appearances, our hygiene and how we dress. But what I have noticed most is that African American women seem to be defined and put into categories because of their hair. It’s kind of like “hair profiling.” Unfortunately, we as women are judged by our hair. In this society where media has become a major influence in urban culture, it seems like weaves, permed hair or straight is widely accepted more than those who like to wear their hair natural, big and kinky. You can even see it for yourself such as in commercials and other advertisements. In these commercials most of their advertisements are about taming your hair and getting it as straight as possible. I find it hard to find a style mogul or celebrity who sticks to herself and embraces the natural texture of her hair. It seems like the era of Chaka Khan and Tina Turner are dying off and the era of Melanie Fiona and Lauren London are striving and growing.

As women we are perceived by our hair, we receive different attention by the way we wear our hair. I have even experienced this myself. I like to change up my hair a lot. I like to be versatile and tend to change up a style about every week or so. I have noticed either myself or by watching my peers and other women around me that their hairstyle reflects their mood and the attention they get. It seems like this society is very bias about natural hair and big hair. I even at times am bias about a certain style for a certain occasion. I have noticed for special occasions a lot of women tend to go for straight hair as opposed to wearing their hair in an afro or in kinky curls. I even do this myself, for dances and parties as well as for interviews; I go for straight hair. We as women can also be bias to certain hair types and not even know that we are being bias. We match up certain outfits to hair types. If I wanted to look descent and more fancy or classy with the outfit I was wearing I would go for straight hair rather than go for my wavy locks.

The way you wear your hair can say a lot about a person. People automatically look at you and how you look, dress and carry yourself and make assumptions and overall judge you because of your appearance. You get certain attention just by your hair and what you wear. I have been turned down when I wear braids or my hair kinky as well as not looked at as beautiful as my peers who tend to straighten their hair more often than I do. I hate being judged by my hair. Even in professional settings we are looked down upon. In going around and applying for jobs I would straighten my hair and not wear it naturals as to not be looked down upon or accepted in that setting. This is how people would look at your hair and these are some of the assumptions they would make.

Curly/Kinky Hair
This person tends to be more natural and have a natural/bohemian type of style. They can also have a very laid back or jazz type of style. They are very versatile with their hair and style.

Straight Hair
This person tends to be very classy and fancy. Like to dress up all the time, even if they were just running errands. Like to look good, and always stay on top of trends.

Edgy/Short Hair Cuts
This person tends to take risks with their style and with their hair. They don’t like to stick to one type of trend, they have an edgier style and like to change up their hair/style very often.

Overall, we as women and people are always going to be judged on our looks and appearances but, we don’t have to accept what the media says or how/what media wants us to look or act like. If we prefer curly/kinky hair, like I do, I say embrace it and work with it to the best of your ability. You can work kinky hair to a party/function just as well as working straight hair. You can feel just as confident and trendy in this style just as much as any other style. If you prefer straight hair, I say go for it, it’s all up to you and what you like. Be original and lastly just know you shouldn’t be defined by your hair because you are not your hair. You are defined by being you. Yourself.

-- Jamiah LaShay (Berkeley High School, Age 16)

Jr Correspondent

College: As Simple as 1, 2, 3

2010-10-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

First semester of college is underway and you're finally getting into the groove of things. It’s exciting, scary and liberating all at the same time. Who would've thought new best friends, new teachers and a brand new perspective on life would become the new normal. Don’t you wonder how everything will turn out? Which major to choose and what those 1st semester grades will look like? I know for me, I was definitely anxious about a lot, but after my 1st semester in college, I realized it was "as simple as 1, 2, 3.” It didn’t take long to get into the routine of going to class, attending meetings, volunteering (and eating lots of good food). My journey from high school to college was fun, and I'm so thankful I made it to the other side. Here’s a list of some of my experiences, memories and just stuff I learned along the way….A to Z.

Always strive for an A.

B’s are good too…just B on time to class!

Confidence is key.

Don’t let harder classes intimidate you.

Eat home cooked food whenever you can...you can't have Top Ramen and Easy Mac for every meal.

Favorite college paper topic/questions: Does the media reflect public opinion, or establish public opinion?

Graduate! Focus on graduating. It will really keep you focused! Besides, you're not doing all this for nothing, right?

Have an open mind to everything (your first day of school, the people you’ll befriend, and new discoveries).

“I am somebody, and I won’t be stopped by nobody, I got my fist in the air and the movement in my feet, I got love for my people and it starts with me!”

Jog, dance, hike. Do whatever gets you moving. That freshman 15 will creep!

Kreativity puts a whole new spin on boring assignments.

Learn, laugh, love.

Mass Communications. This was my major in college. I loved it!

N*gg*r…racism is real. It’s subtle so don’t let it hit you in the face.

One in every three girls on college campuses is raped or sexually assaulted.

Plagarism is a no no!!! Have academic integrity PLEASE!

Question everything.

Read. There will be some stuff you have to read that you’ll hate, but it’s all worth it once you read something that means a lot to you.

Study study study! Study groups always worked best for me.

Teenage pregnancies can make going to college tough so think twice.

Umoja. This is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and it means to strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Voice your opinions and thought and listen to others’.

Work hard, play hard.

X—DARE to be different.

Y not do a semester at sea? Take a film class? Become a mentor? This is why college is cool.

Zzzzz…no snoring in class!

-- Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Boyfriend Drama: Is HE Worth It?

2010-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

In your eyes he's the guy of your dreams. After months of back and forth texting and hanging out after school, you're finally a couple. Things were great in the beginning. He'd walk you to class, take you out on the weekends. But now he's becoming distant. The calls are coming less and he doesn't seem to have much time for you. Or maybe you're dating the guy who is all "lovey dovey" when nobody is watching, but tries to put on the "you ain't gonna tie me down" front when he's around his boys. Whatever the case, you find yourself constantly arguing with him, questioning if all this drama is really worth it.

Relationships are very hard to maintain. All successful relationships have one key ingredient: COMMUNICATION. Even at your lowest moment, it's important to feel comfortable enough to voice your concern if you find your self unhappy. I'm sure that you've heard this before, but you have to put the well being of yourself first. Maybe you have different expectations for the relationship. I don't why, but a lot (not all) of boys tend to be allergic to commitment. (It must be in the water or something) Or maybe you want to spend more time with him than he's willing to give. You must see if there is a way to find some common ground in the relationship.

You definitely don't want to end up with a guy that has the "you ain't gonna tie me down" mentality! The guy who only thinks about himself and has no consideration for your feelings. The guy who only gives at your expense. If you're at the point where you're unsure about your relationship, then maybe it's time to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some questions to ask yourself?

Does he make me cry more than smile?
Is my focus on my boyfriend effecting my school work?
Do I stay up worrying about him at night?
Does my opinion of myself go down when he's not around?
Do I put my boyfriend before my family and friends?
Am I most happy when I'm with my boyfriend?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then maybe it's time for your boyfriend to go kick rocks. No guy is worth your tears, stress or low self-esteem! It's unfair to you if he's walking around without a care in the world, meanwhile your world is torn upside down.

Ladies, if I can leave you with a couple words of advice it would be: Never stay in a relationship out of comfort or just so that you can have that "in a relationship" status. Trust being single isn't the end of the world, especially as a teen...there are SO many more fish in the sea. Also, never let a guy make you feel like you are less than what you are worth. The amount of attention a guy gives you shouldn't dictate how good you feel about yourself. Remember you are priceless and any guy should be willing to go the distance to be in your pressence. So the next time your dude is acting a little shady, consider asking yourself is HE worth it?

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Parents Just Don't Understand

2010-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

They may nag you about the clothes or make-up you wear, refuse to let you stay out past 10 p.m. or even pressure you about getting good grades. Between the constant nagging and high expectations, sometimes you think "man, parents just don't understand!"

They don't understand what it feels like to be rejected by a crush. They don't understand what it feels like to be alone. They won't understand why you chose to take that one smoke of weed (even though you've vowed to never do it again) and they definitely won't understand why you chose to lose your virginity. I bet your list could go on and on of things you think your parents will and won't understand.

But let me give you once piece of advice that I think is very important when it comes to the relationship you have with your parents or guardians. Don't shut your parents out because you feel unheard or misunderstood. Your parents should be your #1 resource when it comes to solving problems.

I recently saw an episode of the Cosby Show, where Denice's friend kept a secret from a parents. Rather than tell her parents about her health scare, she chose to keep it a secret for 4 weeks out of fear that her parents wouldn't understand. Dr. Huxtable was disturbed by this and held a family meeting to make sure that his children knew that they could come to him and his wife regardless of the situation. A line that stood out to me is when he says "We love you and I don't think that anyone can care for you with the love that we have. No one cares more than your mother and me." I thought that was so deep and very important for us to remember!

I know this is easier said than done because sometimes our parents just get our nerves. When I was 13, I would stay the summer with my grandparents. I've always had a smart mouth, which my mom has always said would get me in trouble. And that summer it did! I was constantly getting in arguments with my grandma about chores and other things that I can't quite remember. But I do remember talking back to her in a tone that wasn't respectful. At the time, I didn't think that she understood me. A lot of the time, I just wanted to do my own thing and not be bothered. But she continued to bother me and get in what I thought was my space, which escalated my irritation. Looking back, I should have communicated more with her about how I was feeling and definitely watched the way that I spoke with her.

I know that there are probably more serious issues that may be keeping you at a distance with your parents, such as boys or sex. You may think "How could my parents possibly understand? My parents were teenagers decades ago." It may be a different time, but believe me it's the same story. Sometimes it may feel easier just to hold things in or just tell a friend, but one thing that your parents have that you or friends don't have is WISDOM. 9 times out of 10 they've probably been there and done that...probably invented it..lol. Plus, like Bill Cosby says in the clip, your parents have a love for you that no one else has. They may nag or pry into your business, but trust that it's only coming from a place of love.

Last, I want to leave you with some advice for handling your frustration when you think your parents just don't understand:

Check your attitude: All the huffing and puffing isn't going to make things better. It will only escalate the tension between you and your parents. Oh and if you feel like it's hard to control your attitude face-to-face, try writing a letter to your parents expressing your opinions.
Respect authority: Your parents support you financially and emotionally. If it weren't for them you'd be on the streets. Acknowledge, respect, and remember that the next time your want to slam the door or runaway. When you show respect, you receive it in return.
Watch your mouth: Cuss words or any foul language should never come out of your mouth when talking to your parents or any authoritative figure for that matter. Even if you disagree with what your parent(s) are saying, suck it up and take it. Then when you've calmed down, go back to your parents and restate your point of view. Trust it will save you from getting the black smacked off of you ;)

Even if you don't have parents or your relationship with them is horrible, it's important to find someone who you trust to speak with. It can be a school counselor, grandparent, aunt or uncle...even a mentor. You don't have to go it alone. There are people who will understand.

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Editor's Pick: Organic Lotion Must Have

2010-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

As a teenager, you not only want to smell good, but have a scent that stands out. I mean who wants to walk around smelling funky all day? There's Dove, Bath and Body Works, PINK...so many options to choose from. What's your favorite scent? Me? I've always been a Bath and Body girl, even as a teen I went from warm vanilla sugar to now using black amethyst. But I recently found a new lotion that I absolutely love and wanted to share with our Brownstone readers.

I don't know about you, but Target is one of my favorite places to shop for everyday cosmetics. I love going up and down the aisles looking for new products to use. Did you know that Target recently started carrying African American hair care products like Miss Jessie's, CURLS and The Jane Carter Solution? This was a huge accomplishment, considering that it can be hard to find hair care products made specifically for our hair in mainstream stores. But I was even more excited when I found out that Target carries a line of natural and organic skin care products designed by an African American company called Shea Moisture.

I became an instant fan as soon as I unscrewed the top off and smelled the sweet scent of the coconut and hibiscus lotion and body wash. The scent is bold without being overbearing. Even though both were $9 each, I knew I had to have this product. One, it's organic (which is probably better for the skin), two it's made by an African American company (which I'm always down to support) and third, it's a product that I'm pretty sure not a lot of people know about (I like to be different)...until now :) If you're looking for a new scent, I recommend trying Shea Moisture. You'll definitely stand out from the usual suspects with this unique fragrance. Try it, you can thank me later ;)

-- Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Love for Others, Not Just Yourself

2010-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Attention, Attention! We have a problem! There is a deficiency in L-O-V-E. It’s time to talk about the lack of love and concern for those around us. I mean, I just don’t feel it! There is really a selfishness that needs to end ASAP. I’m starting to see a stinginess amongst the youth that is really bothering me. As an individual with family all over the world (I am Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Lebanese) I know that my world does not exist completely within the borders of America. When I was 16, I went to London and realized that American history was not the history of the world. Not only my immediate family, but the news as well, made fun of how ignorant Americans were and still are.

There are so many luxuries that we take for granted and even complain about because our eyes have not seen the struggle of third world countries. There are plenty of things that we can do inside and outside of our community and country to start the improvement of our global community. We should start helping others out of the kindness of our hearts. The You-Owe-Me Syndrome needs to seize to exist! Whether it’s something as small as listening to a friend in need or grand as going abroad and helping in Haiti, we need to stop complaining and start acknowledging the world outside of yourself. Instead of writing a person off because of their flaws, how about search for their attributes and accentuate those?

I want us to begin to change who we are and who we want to see ourselves as. Ladies, leave your mark on this world as someone that positively impacted that impoverished Ugandan girl suffering from AIDS or the Haitian family struck by the earthquake, instead of the girl who only thinks of herself. So here’s what I say we do:

Get a Journal: Monitor yourself. Write down what you are happy to have. Write down what you wish you had and hadn’t done in the day. It’s so easy to overlook the simple things in life that make us so blessed to be in America.
Do Community Service: Don’t do this because it’s mandatory. Do it because people that are far less privileged need this. It will make them happy knowing that youth care about them.
Help Abroad: There are several organizations that allow students to travel abroad to do community service projects. Hopefully, I’ll be going to Belize this winter to help in an orphanage.
Read the News: This can be boring and depressing sometimes, but you guys need to start hearing the reality of the world and even find out about causes you can help change.
Join a Club: If there is a cause that you are passionate about, there may be a club in your school that has it. If not, make one! My high school didn’t have a Black Student Association, so my best friends started one and we began helping out our community.

When I do these things, I know people are happy, but I also am happier. See if this brings a bit more happiness in your life. Here’s a quote to leave with you guys…

"The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor." ~Hubert H. Humphrey

-- Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern

Struggling with Stereotypes

2010-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Unfortunatly, stereotypes run rampant in the African-American community. I know you have heard the terms oreo, square, hood rat and ghetto girl, just to name a few, but I could honestly go on listing examples of derogatory ways we describe classmates, co-workers and sometimes friends. Stereotypes will always be around but as a teenager, stereotypes can have a negative affect on the way you perceive yourself and the people in your community.

One of the most dominant stereotypes is the ghetto girl. This is a stereotype that constantly appears, whether it’s in the media, at school or in our neighborhoods. In the media, especially on reality shows, we see just about any young black woman categorized as ghetto or hood. But what exactly makes her ghetto? Is it the boisterous voice, the creative choice of clothing or just because they live in a certain area? It irritates me that in our society, everything that is negative or broken is classified as ghetto. When people use the word ghetto are they also insinuating that a girl who may be strong, independent and driven is someone who is broken and cannot accomplish anything just because of the color of their skin or where they are from?

We can’t just blame people who are outside of our community for perpetuating these stereotypes because we often do it to ourselves. Have you ever heard the term oreo? Not the cookie, but the stereotype that some one is black on the outside and white on the inside. This is something I struggled with a lot growing up. I grew up in a black neighborhood, but attended predominately white schools. Often, I spoke and dressed differently than my neighborhood peers because of the schools I attended. I was very involved in my community, so I often found myself being told I was “acting white” or that I was an oreo because of my choice to use proper English instead of everyday slang. It’s hard to know that someone thinks you are any less black because of your adaptation into your surroundings.

The most important thing to remember when faced with stereotypes is to know who you are and know how to defend yourself. No, I am not saying defense as in getting into a fight with anyone who classifies you into a stereotype. However, it is important to challenge that person on what they are saying. You hear a peer say, “Ugh, that girl is so ghetto.” Ask what makes her that way and why they choose to use that terminology. Be the advocate within your peer group to stop the stereotyping or at least the one trying to help figure out why it is being used. Many times we use certain language because it’s pleasing to the crowd we are in and we just want to fit it. As you transition out of high school, you will learn that fitting into the crowd is not always the best option for you and that standing up for what you believe in is actually a more comfortable position to be in. No one enjoys the negative wrath of stereotyping , so remember to pay attention to what you say and how you say it.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

The Not So Sexy Side of Sex

2010-09-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

The number of African American teenagers (ages 13 to 19) who are sexually active is, as always, concerning to our community. Adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among Black teenagers are higher than any other community, including Hispanics and Whites. This is the not so sexy side to sex. We all know someone under the age of 20 who has either gotten pregnant or has contracted an STD. You may think that you're invincible and somehow exempt from this reality, but this is the same attitude that actually makes us more vulnerable to becoming pregnant or infected. Before learning the hard way, take a look at some helpful prevention tips…

Get Tested

If you have already started having sexual intercourse GET TESTED, even if it was only one time. You can never be too sure and you can’t always trust your partner. One of the most common STD’s among women is human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that only females can be tested for. So, if a guy has it, he has no way of knowing if he’s putting your life at risk. Getting tested also means that you can get treated. Many STDs are treatable and/or can be managed, so it’s important to be proactive and see your gynecologist regularly. It may be uncomfortable guessing whether or not you may have something, but there’s way more comfort in knowing for sure!

Birth Control

The best birth control is not having sex at all. BUT, if you’re past that, there are plenty of birth control options that can help in preventing pregnancy and diseases. There are condoms (including female condoms), oral birth control and lots of other options that will help you be more responsible if you are choosing to engage in sexual activities.

Community

If you know someone who you think is going down a dangerous path, help them! Let them know about resources that are out there. We are a community and our actions do affect our lives in some way. Help yourself, and help others because it will make a positive impact!

Resources

--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Roadmap to True Beauty

2010-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

As I was cleaning my room the other day, I decided to watch some On Demand music videos to break the monotony of the task. I skimmed through my video choices and decided on Ciara’s “Ride.” I turned the volume up and watched her intently as she sang, "I market it so goooodd, they can't wait to try-y-y-y me." Her long black weave looked flawless, her six pack was amazing, and her legs went on for days. I made a mental note to cut down on my spending for the month so I could afford to buy a pack of 20" Indian hair, hit the gym 7 (maybe even 8) days a week, and master her body roll in time for my best friend’s upcoming party. I had a long way to go!

Later on in the day, I got in my car and turned on the radio. The lyrics, “My chick bad, my chick hood, my chick do things that your chick wish she could” streamed through my radio. I love this beat! As I was dancing in my car I started to think, do I know how to do things some other girl wishes she could? Should I be able to do things some other girl wishes she could? Hmmm that must be why I don’t have a boyfriend, there aren't enough girls who envy me for being able to do the things they wish they could.

Have you ever had days like this? Where everywhere you look and everything you see seems to confirm the fact that as a girl, your worth is determined by your looks and your sexuality? Days where it seems that the only thing boys are interested in is how long your hair is, how tight your body is, and how provocatively you can dance? It is so easy to get caught up in the standard of beauty and the intense sexuality that popular culture and music portray. I mean let’s face it, it’s fun to get all dressed up and dance to lyrics like “drop down low and sweep the floor with it.” But that’s all it should be, fun! Think of these songs as mere entertainment, not a guideline on how to become a desired and beautiful girl.

So if physical appearance and sexuality don’t define a truly beautiful girl, what does?

-Her Heart
A girl with a beautiful heart is kind and thoughtful. She has an innate joy about her that makes people want to be around her. She is giving and, although she loves to pamper herself, she always finds a way to help out others.

-Her Spirit
A girl with a beautiful spirit prefers to think of the glass as half full rather than half empty. She is optimistic and enjoys the subtle humor of everyday life. She loves to laugh and takes pleasure in knowing that no matter what happens in her life, it all happens for a reason.

-Her Mind
A girl with a beautiful mind is eager to learn and open to new experiences. She is ambitious with goals for her future that she is determined to achieve. She is investigative and loves to find out new information. She doesn’t let anyone think for her and is not afraid to speak her mind.

Is it bad to want to feel pretty? Absolutely not! Is it OK to want to switch up your style, add an extra piece to your hair, or work on your fitness? Of course! The problem comes when the entirety of your energy is based on how you look and how closely your look matches the popular standard of beauty. By no means is it wrong to dance with your friends and sing a long to silly lyrics. Problems do arise, however, when every lyric from every song is taken to heart, and you start to believe that your worth is associated with how well you can "pop lock and drop it." Looks are only skin deep, but your true beauty comes from your heart, your spirit, and your mind. You, my lovely readers, are beautiful :)

-- Karissa Allen
Guest Blogger

Meet our newest guest blogger, Karissa! Karissa Allen is a graduate from the University of Southern California. She works in Operations for Smashbox Cosmetics, and hopes to return to school for her MBA within the next few years. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.