Dec 2017
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July 2015
Misty Copeland takes the World by Force One Ballet Slipper at a Time
Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer for one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States, American Ballet Theatre. In 2007, Misty made history by becoming the third African American woman to join the ABT. Born in Missouri, yet raised in San Pedro, Misty would be considered to many a “late bloomer.” She didn’t take her first ballet class until the age of thirteen. Many ballerinas Misty’s age begun tending for their craft much earlier in life. Copeland often doubted her ability to succeed because of her delay- but she had one thing that kept her undefeatable: irresistible talent. Misty’s grace, poise, and remarkable strength made her noticeable amongst many of the most renowned dance instructors and professionals. By the age of twenty five, Misty won the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight award for best dancer in Southern California. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history. Go Misty!
By Christiana Davis
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April 2015
Essynce Moore
As recently seen on TV, Essynce Moore is a young and thriving entrepreneur with a keen eye for fashion and style. Moore began to pursue her dream of fashion entrepreneurship at the tender age of six. She is the founder of Essynce Couture E-Botique, which features all of the new, trendy and different fashion looks for young girls. Not only is Essynce a dynamic fashion trail-blaizer, but she also has a passion for natural body products. This young prodigy has launched a product line for children and teens called “Wynk”. At only twelve years old, Essynce owns Essynce Couture University (ECU) where she teaches and inspires other teens. ECU teaches and sponsors entrepreneurship for the next generation.
Outside of being a talented entrepreneur, fashion diva, and visionary- Essynce is a normal girl just like you and I. She says that her inspiration for fashion comes from many different places. However, her biggest inspiration now is Disney’s Zendaya Coleman. Essynce admires the modern look Zendaya presents in all of her fashion ideas and styles, and hopes to work with her one day. Her advice to teens who aspire to make a difference is simple: Never Give Up. Essynce believes that there is power in persistence and determination.
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March 2015
Leah Sava Jeffries
The writers of “Empire” had us on our heels last week and at the center of it all was five year old rising star, Leah Sava.
Leah Sava Jeffries who plays “Lola Lyon” on the show stole America’s
Jeffries is an actress and model from Detroit who enjoys gymnastics, as well.
Sources say that it is unlikely that Lola will return for season two. However, her acting and modeling career is more popular now than it has ever been. Last year, she was the CD4 Kids Child Ambassador for hair care product Carol’s Daughter. And in November, she was named Entrepreneur of the Month by Little Entrepreneurs of America.
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February 2015
Amanda Buhs
Amanda Buhs, at only sixteen years old, has become one of Hollywood’s newest rising stars. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Buhs’ career began with theatre and school plays. She has now starred in various different movies, television series, and sitcoms. It is apparent that Amanda has not limited herself when it comes to her talent.
Amanda is now starring in “A School Paper”, which is a short film that emphasizes the effects of high school bullying. The movie also focuses on the meaning of friendship. Amanda takes on the leading role of a character named Sarah, a girl whose boyfriend affects her friendship with a young man named Greg. Buhs feels that she relates to this character in the sense that she, too, is a girl who defies the ordinary, and is driven by determination. The film, which was produced by Atkins Visuals and Ladie K Productions, is scheduled to release this summer. A School Paper has already made a huge impact on bullying within teen America, and has begun to succeed in festivals around the globe.
Amanda has worked on many different projects such as Love Story and Sudden Realization. Amanda only plans to grow and reach the masses with her acting career. The young starlet wants to tell her life story, while inspiring other young teens to live out their dreams just as she has. Buhs says that her advice to other young perspective actors is to “Never give up, and to keep pursuing whatever it is that’s your passion.”
When Amanda isn’t in front of the camera, she says that she enjoys spending time with her friends, going to the mall, and having fun just like any other teen.
Please visit the links below to keep up with Amanda Buhs:
Instagram: @AmandaBuhs
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December 2014
China Anne McClain
Known for her ground breaking rolls in films such
as "Daddy's Little Girls" and "Grown Ups",
China Anne McClain has become a young sensation.
The Georgia native comes from a very musical
family. Her father, Michael McClain, well known
producer, is one of the biggest inspirations in her
life. China says that although singing has always
been a love of her own, she was able to observe
what it took to become prominent in music from
her father.
China is not just a "one man show". She also stars
alongside her sisters Sierra and Lauryn in the girls
group The McClain Sisters. The group has recorded
multiple records and covered songs of classic Disney
artists.
Outside of the world of music, McClain can be seen in the Disney Television series Ant Farm. At only sixteen years old, it is evident that this young starlet has a bright future.
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November 2014
Quevenzhane Wallis
At the tender age of eleven, Quevenzhane
Wallis has already made acting career a
household name. Famous for her roles in
films like Beasts of the Southern Wild &
12 Years a Slave, it has become clear that
Wallis is an anomaly!
Quevenzhane, who was born in Louisiana,
didn't break into the acting world so easily.
In order to audition for her first film,
Beasts of the Southern Wild, casting
directors requested that actresses be at
least six years of age in order to audition.
At the time, Quevenzhane was only five-
and she didn't let that stop her.
After blowing the casting directors away
with her charm and sincerity, Wallis
landed the role. From then, her successes
have obviously outnumbered her years on
Earth. This December, she will feature
alongside R&B celebrity, Jamie Foxx,
in Annie.
This young, shining star has been a nominee of many awards including the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance and the Disney Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Her talents do not stop at acting, however. Just in May this year, Quevenzhane was named the face of Armani Junior, Giorgio Armani's line for children and teens. She has made history by being the first major child celebrity to be the face of a luxury brand.
It is clear that Miss Wallis has a great talent, and an even greater future in store for her. She is truly an inspiration.
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October 2014
Gabrielle Jordan Williams
She hails from the state of Maryland and was
inspired to found one of the most successful
businesses of our time, Jewelz of Jordan. At only
thirteen years old, Gabrielle Jordan Williams has
not only been recognized by McDonalds 365 Black
Awards for her outstanding spirit of
entrepreneurship, but she has made herself a
significant factor in the world of business. Jewelz
of Jordan is an business that was created in 2009.
This store sells handcrafted accessories made by
Gabrielle herself. Gabrielle’s inspiration to create
jewelry came from watching YouTube tutorials at
the age of seven. Inspired and business oriented,
she created her own enterprise that caters to the
world around her. In 2011, Jewelz of Jordan
became an online store due to the high demand.
Not only has Gabrielle conquered the world of
business, but she has also become a best selling
author.
Her book, The Making of a Young Entrepreneur: A Kids Guide to Developing the Mind-Set for Success., became an Amazon #1 bestselling book and has yet to stop growing in popularity. Gabrielle’s accomplishments as a young woman are innumerable and will continue to inspire those around her. Go Gabrielle!
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September 2014
Angel Coles
Angel Coles is a senior at Saint Mary's Academy. She attended the third Annual Healthy Wealthy and Wise conference hosted by The Founder of Forgiving for Living, Wendy Gladney Dean. Wendy Gladney was a guest speaker during the Idream for Racial Equity program that she participated in at The Univeristy of Southern California Campus.
DG: How did attending this conference shape your perspective as a leader?
Attending this conference has helped me understand exactly what a leader is and how I can lead those behind me. I went to sessions that were lead by successful leaders that provided me with the essentials to start my path of leadership. My vision of leadership is to be a role model, activist and optimist.
DG: What did attending the conference consist of?
During the conference I assisted in a Vision Board Workshop, which is a workshop designed to help young women map out their future by cutting out miscellaneous quotes and pictures, from a magazine that help them view their future in a positive light. The workshop was also designed to remind the girls of their future goals because saying your goal and not writing your goal, this goal becomes a dream.
DG: What is your message to young women who aspire to be strong leaders within their communities?
My message to young women that aspire to be strong leaders within their community is "Never stop believing in yourself, and always go above and beyond."
DG: What do you like to do in your leisure time?
In my leisure time I like to watch television and read articles online about college and medicine
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August 2014
A Bachelor's Degree at Fourteen
Thessalonika Arzu-Embry, who is a resident of Great Lakes, is preparing to receive her Bachelor's degree at only fourteen years old! Read more about her dynamic story below-
This summer, I committed myself to taking some college courses at my local Junior College. My goal was to have at least six college credits completed by the beginning of my senior year of high school. Much to my knowledge, I had thought that I was getting ahead of things, until I read Thessalonika's story, and automatically felt behind after reading what she has done within her lifetime.
The ambitious scholar will be graduating from Chicago State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. And although many would call this accomplishment extraordinary, Thessalonika sees it as any ordinary obligation. She says, "My college experience is a traditional college experience for me — it is just that I have completed it faster. ” Embry has a 3.9 GPA and is a member of her school's Honor Society. She gives all of the accolades to her mother, whom she believes has pushed her to where she is today. “My mother is a strong inspiration to my success. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, and when she finished her tour, she home-schooled my brother and I,” she said.
How did Thessalonika get a high school diploma and an undergraduate degree all before the tender age of eighteen? That's simple, she was home schooled. After she earned her high school diploma at the age of eleven, Thessalonika passed a college entrance exam that allowed her to be enrolled as a student at Chicago State University.
Outside of being a child prodigy, Thessalonika is a normal teenager. She enjoys working out after she prays. She aspires to pursue her graduate degree, and continue to study in the field of psychology.
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June 2014
5 Different Ways to Stay Busy During the Summer
It's finally the most anticipated time of the entire year for students all around the year. When the busy corridors of schools around America settle, there are plenty of kids stuck around the house with nothing to do! Keep reading below to find five fun, different, and productive ways to stay busy during your summer vacation.
1. Start a new book collection!
Reading can be fun when you read something that captures your interest. Pick up a book, or a series over the summer. Reading not only helps to expand your imagination, but teaches you things you never knew.
2. Community Service Projects
Get involved within your community. There is always a way to give back. If you wish to see change with your environment, you have to be the one to stand up and make change. Cleaning city parks, volunteering at retirement homes, or shelters are all productive ways to get involved in your community.
3. Exercise!
Taking care of your body & health is one of the important things for teens today. This summer, commit yourself to exercising more. Work at your own speed, and find something that you truly enjoy. Whether it's running, biking, swimming, or playing a sport, you should find something that keeps you fit.
4. Create a Photo Journal
Moments don't last forever, but memories do. Creating a photo journal throughout your summer not only allows you to remember the memories you make, but is a very good way to document the different activities you do.
5. Overnight Movie Marathon
During the summer, the best movies come on television. Invite some of your best friends over, surf the channels, and watch movies all night. It sounds extensive, but with a couple of your favorite movies, or classics, the time flies by!
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March 2014
Ankofa Billips
A native of Los Angeles, California, Ankofa Billips is changing her world one law at a time. In the summer of 2013, Ankofa teamed up with an organization called the California Youth Think Tank. She was chosen along with twelve other ambassadors to challenge the lawmakers on a topic of their choice that affects the youth. Recently, she traveled to Sacramento to meet with superintendents to talk about the crisis on school counseling. Read more about Ankofa below!
How did this experience change you?
It allowed me to realize that the youth do have a voice in our government. But, also, this voice has to be presented properly. I have learned that all of the changes that need to be made to amend this crisis has to be done within our community. Through this, we as the youth, can go into our local government systems and take a stand.
Describe in detail what is this organization & state the name:
California Youth Ambassadors is a part of a youth center that I participated in. Through this, I got connected to a program called the California Youth Think Tank.
What extra curricular activities do you enjoy? Also, please tell us more about your inspiration behind this accomplishment.
I enjoy softball, liturgical dancing, and participating in Junior Statesmen of America. What inspired me was that I have and will always be an advocate for justice. I believe that the youth must fight for what they desire; of course, in the most respectful manner.
Go Ankofa!
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JUSTICE (January 2014)
January signifies the life and accomplishments of one of the most dynamic men that the world has ever known. This man,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15th, 1929. He defied the barriers of racism through spreading a
message of love, unity, and equality. His myriad of homilies struck an echo of parity for the generations to come.
When we think of Dr. King, we often fail to recognize the strength his wife, Coretta Scott King, possessed. Born as the third of four children, Scott had an irresistible sense of tenacity. Many people described her as a tomboy and a “wrestler”.
She later went on to study music and become active in politics and society.
Scott joined the NAACP and after, won a scholarship to study music in Boston.
Scott joined the NAACP and after, won a scholarship to study music in Boston.
While studying at school, Coretta met the love of her life, Martin Luther King, and since then, they had been inseparable. Throughout his many tribulations in the race to social equality, Coretta never left her husband’s side. She ultimately had to acknowledge her husband’s death and carry the mantle that he had no longer been able to hold.
We Honor You, Mrs. Coretta Scott King
Rest in Peace
Born in Tylertown, Mississippi, Ruby Bridges was thrust into the circus of segregated school systems.
We Honor You, Ruby Nell Bridges Hall
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Trinitee Stokes (December 2013)
The Trinitee is the daughter of Taronta and Kia Stokes.
She is 7 years old and recently relocated from Mississippi.
She is a natural born entertainer and has confidence like
no other, driven, and is destined for greatness. Trinitee
is very engaging with her bubbly personality and
vivacious spirit.
She is a triple threat and loves reading, cooking, ballroom
dancing with her dad, fashion design, songwriting,
traveling, and Jacuzzis. Trinitee loves God and studying
the bible. She also takes ballet, hip-hop, piano, swimming,
tap and has Southern, African and British accents.
Trinitee began her acting career at the age of 3 and is a veteran to theater. Since moving to California, Trinitee has booked national commercials, voiceovers and a pilot. Her voice for Disney’s new Princess Tiana doll will be in stores soon. She is on a hot pursuit to fulfill her destiny with the gifts and talents God has blessed her with.
Trinitee also wants to be a mermaid when she is not on set making movies.
She is so excited to be launching her own fashion line.
Trinitee is a student at The Hollywood Launch Academy and recently
graduated from B.O.S.S. The Movement, a 20 week entrepreneurship
Course for youth. And guess what?... She just released her first original single,
"I WIN"!!!
The song can be sampled or purchased on itunes.
Trinitee’s favorite saying is, “Don’t give up hope.” Stay connected with THE TRINITEE on Facebook for exciting news and updates. Follow her on twitter and Instagram @the_trinitee. For bookings and musical Performances, contact Ron Stokes 747.777.0972.
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"NICKAYLA TUCKER" (November 2013)
Not only has she acted alongside Akeelah and the Bee’s Keke Palmer, but she’s been on Broadway for The Lion King and toured internationally in the renowned Annie! These are the many accomplishments of NicKayla Tucker. Keep reading for more on this young and talented actress, singer, and dancer.
Being a part of The Lion King cast was an amazing experience. The whole cast was like one big family and it was a dream come true to be there. My fondest memory of New York is the entire Christmas season. I love everything about Christmas and spending the Christmas season in New York was beautiful.
Are being in a play and being on a TV show different? Which do you enjoy more?
Performing in a play and working in front of the camera are definitely totally different experiences. I have a different
love for both scopes of work but my preference for my future goals is to do more TV shows and
movies.
I have quite a few goals for myself within the next couple of years but the most important project in my eyes is going into production for a
movie that I wrote.
What is your most valued accomplishment?
Being a supporter of St. Anne's Infant and Maternity home for the past 10 years is my most valued accomplishment.
If you could give advice to any teens your age, what would it be? Why?
My number one piece of advice to teens my age is to be you even if it makes others
uncomfortable. Never let go of who you are to satisfy others because at the end of the day you have to live your life for yourself.
How can we further learn about you?
You can follow me on twitter @kingnickayla, listen to my sounds
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AN EXCLUSIVE -EXTENTED STORY (October 2013)
Smart, Talented, Innovative, and Beautiful- Of such are few of the many words to describe upcoming triple- threat, Lexee Crystal Harris
DG: When did you realize you had a love for journalism and writing?
LEXEE: I think it really started in middle school; I’ve been into reading ever since I was a little girl. I wrote a lot in middle school. One day I went to my room and I really enjoyed it.
DG: How long did it take you to write and publish Samarakan?
LEXEE: It took about three years. I started the first volume in 2010 and it didn’t get published until 2011. That same year I published the second one. The last one was published in 2013
DG: If you could give advice to other teens who wish to follow in your path, what would it be?
LEXEE: I think the best advice I can give is to keep your head up & do what you want to do; do what the best thing is for you. People will constantly try to discourage you. People like a genuine person, and someone who’s real. Get used to hearing people say “no”, because the more no’s you hear the closer you are to getting yes
DG: What is Samarakan about? Where can it be purchased?
LEXEE: Samarakan is about a girl who is in an arranged marriage and she’s not happy with it. The husband she’s arranged with is horrible. Eventually, she falls in love with an American man & she’s going run away with him. Her husband goes America to find her. You can purchase them on Amazon and createface. It can be bought on my website. www.lexeecrystal.com
DG: Where does the inspiration for your song writing come from?
LEXEE: Singing and songwriting comes from a lot of different places; mainly dreams and life experiences.
DG: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
LEXEE: That one’s always hard for me, because I have a ton. A few of my biggest inspirations are other songwriters. I like their thought process and what they choose to write about. Actual people in my life are inspirations, as well.
DG: Where can we find out more about you?
LEXEE: Most of my info is on my website. www.lexeecrystal.com
- Christiana Davis
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Lexee Crystal Harris (Sept 2013)
This month, Designer Girl features Lexee Harris,
a nineteen year old singer, songwriter, model,
actress and author of a comic book series
titled Samarakan!
Born in Minnesota on January 12th, 1995, it was obvious that Lexee Harris was destined for greatness. Through expanding her talents, Ms. Harris has learned to sing in other languages, taken acting and dancing classes, and vocal lessons. In 2011, Harris launched her own series of comic books titled Samarakan. Samarakan is a timeless tale of forbidden love. More recently, she has published volumes two and three, as well.
Nevertheless, Lexee has become a triple threat.
As an alternative- pop singer, Harris has recorded
multiple songs and composed various different
projects.
Lexee Crystal’s talents are innumerable and the
sky is the limit for this young and inspired young
woman.
Go Lexee!
-Christiana Davis
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YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ON THE RISE (August 2013)
This month’s Inspiring Stories is in debt to Phoenix native sisters, Halle and Brea, who created America’s first Natural Beauty Hair Care Line for teens! Besides having a hair care line, this dynamic duo has expanded their brand and designed apparel. Check them out-
DG- How old are you?
SISTERS- Brea is nineteen and Halle is thirteen years old.
DG- What is the source behind your innovation?
SISTERS- We wanted to give girls what was missing in the market. We were fed up with the same old things.
DG- How did you come up with the name, Sweet Dream Girlz, for your cosmetology line?
SISTERS- We came up with the name for the brand after listening to Beyonce's Sweet Dreams and said that's it!
DG- What are your goals for your cosmetology line & apparel collection? Do you plan to broaden your company in the future?
SISTERS- The skincare is sold from our web store. The skincare, apparel, sneakers and accessories are sold in specialty stores. Currently, we are speaking with mass market retailers about carrying our products in 2014.
DG- How does your designing process work? Do you all create together or separately? Is it ever hard coming up with ideas for your line?
SISTERS- We collaborate in the design process. It’s never hard to come up with ideas because we are the target market and gain ideas from our friends. Most of the time, we tend to want so much that we have to slow down.
DG- Do you have any advice for girls who wish to be fashion designers?
SISTERS- It is very competitive. You have to know that at the start. Don’t listen to everyone's opinion and stay true to you.
DG- If our readers seek to learn more about you, where can they go? Do you have a Facebook or website?
Website: www.sweetdreamgirlz.com
Twitter:@swtdreamgirlz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Dream-Girlz/155980977797299?ref=hl
-Christiana Davis
-Christiana Davis
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Marqueta Pippens (July 2013)
Marqueta Pippens (July 2013)
DG: How long have you been modeling?
MP: 11 years- Six full time, after that it's only
part time on and off.
DG: What is some advice you could give to
young girls who aspire to be models?
MP: Do not pay an agent up front to be signed.
I cannot stress this enough. Your best bet is to
research the top agencies and try to get signed by
them. If you haven't heard of an agency don't sign
with them until you research them and know a lot
about them!
DG: What is the most essential or important thing
about modeling for women?
MP: Always stay true to you. If it's something you don't feel comfortable with or you don't want to do then don't do it. You are in business with yourself. Also, have patience. You will not book more than half of the jobs you go on castings for. But the ones you do book is what matters. So don't give up, stay true to you and be patient. It takes a while to get signed sometimes. But don't give up.
DG: How did your education incorporate into your success as a model?
MP: Well, because I went to Fashion School and studied Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing it played a huge part. I even got to model for my school. While in school, anything that had to do with fashion we studied. And because modeling is a huge part of the fashion world, it helped to study it in school as well.
DG: Have you worked with any well-known photographers or models in the industry? What were they like?
MP: Photographers probably not. But I have worked with a few of the well known models from Americas Next Top Model, and a few girls that I’ve seen in magazines and billboards all over the world. I also caught myself on many castings with somewhat famous models. I would be in line for a casting and turn around and see all these well known familiar faces. It was flattering to know that I was in the lineup to get the same job as these other well known models. Made me somewhat proud of myself. Most of the girls were very humble. They wouldn't really announce who they were. They were just like anyone else.
-Christiana Davis
Your doing a great job with the youth!!
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