The Modern Day Madam CJ Walker

I think one thing that all black women (young and old) can relate to is the great lengths AND money we go through to upkeep our hair. You may wake up two hairs before school starts to flat iron your hair or you may stay up late at night to braid your hair so that in the morning it has that cute wavy look. Whatever the case may be, whether your hair is short or long...natural or weaved up; we can all agree (for the most part) that it takes effort to maintain our hair to make sure that it's looking fresh and presentable! I know I do! You can catch me in the hair salon religiously every two weeks.

Aside from the look of our hair, what we put in it is also important. I know when I was a teenager my bathroom cabinet was filled with everything from Motions to African Pride hair products. You name it, I've tried it! Now, after watching the documentary Good Hair, I discovered that the black hair care is a multi-million dollar industry. Surprise? Not really considering the amount of money black women will spend on their hair. But the surprise came when the film pointed out that there are hardly any black-owned, let alone women-owned hair care companies. That just doesn't make sense to me! Madam C.J. Walker made a fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for Black women. As women shouldn't we have more control over an industry that effects us directly? Luckily, there a few women following in her footsteps. Check out these hair care companies owned by modern day Madam C.J. Walkers!

1. Karen's Body Beautiful - Karen Taupin Saunderson created KBB to promote a healthy, holistic approach to beauty by creating handmade hair, as well as body and bath products made from a diverse selection of the highest quality natural ingredients from around the world. KBB offers products such as milk honey and hair butter for different types (natural, relaxed, press) of hair. Helpful tips are also given on how to apply each product. Prices range from $10 - $25. Check out her hair products here.

2. Miss Jessie's - If you have naturally curly hair or want to wear your hair natural then you should definitely check out Miss Jessie's! Co-Owners Miko and Titi Branch created Miss Jessie's to carve out a niche to help woman with many of their hair and life challenges. Many of their products like the famous curly pudding help enhance those natural curls. Prices range from $2 - $58. Check out Miss Jessie's products here.

3. Carol's Daughter - Named after her mother, Lisa Price started Carol's Daughter in her own kitchen! She began experimenting with fragrance, essential oils and natural moisturizers to make gifts for her family and friends. Family clients soon turned into celebrity clients such as Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith. Try her newest rosemary mint or Disney's Princess Tiana collections. Prices range from $10 - $55. Check out Carol's Daughter products here.

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Sing To Me Muse: A Pictography of African American Female Musicians Through Time

Throughout time, music has been the ever-changing piece of art that illustrates the hardships, pain, and triumph within many minority groups. America’s first taste of African American music was slave music during the 1800s. We then continued influencing music through jazz, blues, gospel, and even rock’n roll, just to name a few genres. Instead of giving you an extensive spiel on their works, Brownstone decided to take a more visual approach and show the beauty of a few African American women, such as Bessie Smith, Aretha Franklin, and even MC Lyte, exuded through classic photos taken throughout their timeless careers.

Take a look at the inspiring women that have made the stamp for us in all categories of music.

Jazz- Billie Holiday

Blues- Bessie Smith

Gospel & Soul- Aretha Franklin

Rock 'n Roll- Tina Turner

Rhythm & Blues (R&B)- Whitney Houston

Rap & Hip Hop- MC Lyte

Within all of these photographs the essence of the ultimate woman is exuberant. Full of grace, attitude, beauty, and strength, regardless of any hardship, they overcame; especially in a community where the growth of the black woman was looked down upon. As music continues to evolve, we are grateful for the gift of song these women have used to tell their stories and for the imprint they have left in music over the decades.

--Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern

Nikki Giovanni: The One Who Inspires My Voice

A woman who demands confidence despite her seemingly fragile frame, Nikki Giovanni has a voice that proudly constructs the strong presence of the Black community. She has spoken of a Black woman's sweat, tears, love, and power without any hurt in her tone. She has written of the struggle that characterized the Black Power Movement, and has used such power to argue for the civil rights of others outside the Black race. Nikki Giovanni is a name so powerful that even Kanye West referenced her in Hey Mama. Undoubtedly a notable figure as the author of numerous poetry books, a Grammy nominated album, and the inaugural poem for Barack Obama, Nikki Giovanni sincerely embodies what I myself hope to inspire in future generations: passion.

An individual to say the least, Giovanni has a 'thug' tattoo on her arm, and has even said that she "would rather be with the thugs than the people complaining about them." The recipient of twenty five honorary degrees and the first Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, Nikki Giovanni has never slowed down since the day she started her God-given path of writing. A social activist, a voice for the people, and a lung cancer survivor, she is a true inspiration.

One of my favorite poems that she's written is called Ego Tripping. If you have EVER had that day where you just feel like you aren't all that and everything more, then this poem is for you. I instantly fell in love with the way Ms. Giovanni illustrates a woman only the way a woman can. This poem makes me feel that strong, beautiful, and invincible...aka all that and everything more. When I read this poem, I feel Michael-Jackson-BAD!

Ego Tripping (There May Be a Reason Why)

I was born in the congo

I walked to the fertile crescent and built

the sphinx

I designed a pyramid so tough that a star

that only glows every one hundred years falls

into the center giving divine perfect light

I am bad

I sat on the throne

drinking nectar with allah

I got hot and sent an ice age to europe

to the cool my thirst

My oldest daughter is nefertiti

the tears from my birth pains

created the nile

I am a beautiful woman

I gazed on the forest and burned

out the sahara desert

with a packet of goat's meat

and a change of clothes

I crossed it in two hours

I am a gazelle so swift

so swift you can't catch me

For a birthday present when he was three

I gave my son hannibal an elephant

He gave me rome for mother's day

My strength flows ever on

My son noah built new/ark and

I stood proudly at the helm

as we sailed on a soft summer day

I turned myself into myself and was

jesus

men intone my loving name

All praises All praises

I am the one who would save

I sowed diamonds in my backyard

My bowels deliver uranium

the filings from my fingernails are

semi-precious jewels

On a trip north

I caught a cold and blew

My nose giving oil to the arab world

I am so hip even my errors are correct

I sailed west to reach east and had to round off

the earth as I went

The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid

across three continents

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal

I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean...I...can fly

like a bird in the sky...

Now you know this poem is a point. If she didn't say it exactly the way it needed to be said, then I don't know who can do it better. Her work will live on for future generations; that much I am sure of. My words can't do her justice, but she is truly an amazing woman for the work that she has committed her life to.

The funny thing is that I was ignorant to her existence a few weeks ago. Although many of us don't admit it, the painful truth is that we don't spend time researching the people who have made positive contributions to this world in our community. We can sing every Ne-Yo lyric and ray every Jay-Z song, but we don't know about the Nikki Giovannis and countless others who have made a name for themselves working hard for this generation to have better. Our culture especially has a rich history of powerful figures besides Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. It's 2010, and I think this Black History Month, everyone should find more black heroes to celebrate. My discovery was Nikki Giovanni - who will yours be?

--Brittany Allen

Brownstone Intern

Brownstone Women's Spotlight: A Profile of Trenise Ferreira

Living Her Dream

Before I tell you about my wonderful conversation with author of Seven-Oh!-Seven: Livin’ the Dream, Trenise Ferreira, I’d first like to say that she is one of the most beautiful and intelligent women here at University of Southern California. Trenise Ferreira began writing Seven-Oh!-Seven: Livin the Dream when she was fifteen years old, in December 2006. She completed the book before her graduation from Vacaville High School in Vacaville, California, in June 2008. After graduation, Trenise went on to the University of Southern California, where she majors in Broadcast Journalism and minors in Cinematic Arts. At just 19 years old, she now has her book published, and is currently writing the second installment of the Seven-Oh!-Seven Series, called Seven-Oh!-Seven: Kiss Me at Midnight.

Based on Trenise’s high school experience, Seven-Oh!-Seven: Livin’ the Dream revolves around Neece Fierro, the narrator, along with her friends and all that comes with relationships, high school, and drama! I’m so glad to be interviewing such an accomplished young woman that I can call one of my best friends here at USC! I’ve known Trenise for 2 years now and I’ve never met a person who stood by her beliefs and thoughts more. As we all grow in college, we must also be aware of the positive and negative habits people try to change in us. Since I have known her, Trenise has only grown for the better. This young, determined, and intellectual woman had her mind set on finishing a book, getting it published, and selling them everywhere and anywhere. So far, Trenise Ferreira has accomplished all of this!

Rebecca Matey (RM): Hey Trenise! What’s up? How was your weekend?

Trenise Ferreira (TF): Becca! My weekend was ok. Nothing special haha.

RM: So where did you get the idea for your book?

TF: So I was at home during winter break in high school and I was watching Laguna Beach. It got to the point where the story line was a joke and I figured I could write something better. So I told my mom, and she was like sure! Then I just started writing.

RM: Did you face any discouragement? If so, how did you make sure you kept writing?

TF: Of course! I got haters all the time. There were a whole group of kids that openly ripped on my book because they weren’t in it. But what they failed to realize is that I was writing the book from my perspective, so it isn’t false if they were missing from my story. Other than that, friends and family were completely supportive! That’s what really kept me going.

RM: What is your ultimate goal for the book?

TF: I want to be a best-selling author. I want to be a household name where every family knows about my book. My ultimate goal is to just get young people to read and I feel like I can. I am the right person for it and I want to make a difference. A lot of young people don’t read and I want to foster reading habits because reading is the best way to learn things. It takes you places you never thought you could go. In real life, you can’t always do the things you read in books, so when you read, you’re free to do all these things. The book has a message and it’s from my perspective and my experience. I want to show that this is also real life and if one girl sees herself as one of the characters and can change for the better I will be happy because too many girls are doing too much that isn’t benefiting and preparing them for the future. There aren’t enough minority role models and I want to show girls that you can be pretty and smart and not nasty to get where you want to be in life.

RM: You talk about being a role model for these girls, what female has inspired you or inspires you the most?

TF: Other than my mom, because she’s brilliant and perfect and has done everything for me, I would say J.K. Rowling. She has done what no other author could do. I mean, she got kids in kindergarten to read 900 page books! It's amazing how she could come up with something that is getting so many people to read all over the world. I want to have that kind of influence. To be able to hear kids talk about my books for days and make daily references to it like my friends and I do about Harry Potter!

RM: What have you learned from writing this book?

TF: I’ve learned that if I want to do it I can do anything. As long as I put the time and effort I can do it. Success is hard but I want it so I can get it. And I have to tell my story and if you don’t like it, at least you’ve read and hopefully learned something. I have learned so much about myself because I took the time to sit down with my thoughts and write a book. And if I hadn’t done this I wouldn’t learn what I did from writing this book.

RM: What advice do you have for our Brownstone readers?

TF: They need to know that no matter where you’re coming from or what obstacles you may face, you should always go for what you want because the only thing standing in your way is yourself. If you want to go to college, get a degree, AND become president, know that it’s possible because society is changing. We weren’t allowed to vote and now we are in congress and the senate. Never compromise for anything or anyone to get ahead because you are not going to like yourself or be happy in your “success” if you compromise who you are to get it. Many people think that if you’re a girl and want to be somewhere you have to do someone to get there. Don’t sell yourself for a dollar value!

RM: Well thanks so much for talking with me! I’m so glad the Brownstone readers have someone like you to look up to!

TF: No problem! I love what I’m doing! And want to see growth in our community!

If you would more information about the book or want to order a copy visit http://www.sevenohseven.net/

--Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern

Networking 101

They say it’s all about who you know these days. No matter what your goals in life may be, it is important that you begin networking now, to position yourself for success in the future. Networking? How do I do that, where do I begin? You’re probably thinking that you don’t even know the first thing about networking or making yourself more valuable. Maybe you see yourself as too young to worry about networking, and don’t see how it can pay off for you. Don’t fret, networking can prove beneficial when you need recommendations for college applications or job applications. So don’t view networking as a chore but rather as one of the easiest steps you can take to affectively enhance your future opportunities.

Look Around You- Pastors, teachers, advisors even bosses can be good individuals to network with. As we honor black women, this Black History Month, find a woman that you find inspirational, whether she be working in a soup kitchen or at your local MAC counter.

Don’t be an Introvert- Now it might seem like you have nothing in common but just starting a conversation about the perks and hassles of the occupation can help you find common ground with the woman you want to network with.

Set Yourself Apart- Now that you’ve got the conversation started; offer a piece of information that sets you apart from the crowd. Mention volunteer work you have done or a class you are taking that really makes you excited.

Be Direct- You don’t know what opportunities may come, you just know that you want them! Make sure you exchange contact information so that you can follow up and take advantage of any opportunities given to you. Also, it is important to keep the lines of communication open between the two of you so that you show that you are serious.

Follow Up- Let your contact know that you are grateful for the chance to network and possibly gain understanding from them by sending them a thank you card. This adds an extra touch of personality for anyone looking to gain an advantage. Keep a log of who you meet and who you decide to network with, if they have a business card, HOLD ON TO IT!

This week I’ll be starting network journey with my religion teacher, Dr. Betty Long. I chose Dr.Long because of her background with leadership studies, which is a field that I am interested in. Though it has been hard to actually track her down, I am not going to give up. Best of luck to all of you also, though it might not seem like it now, these are the first steps in the long race of life. Making connections early will pay off as the building blocks to your future success.

--Amelia Jones
Brownstone Intern

Be Heart Smart

Since Valentine’s Day has now come and gone, you might blow a sigh of relief that you won’t be seeing an overabundance of the color red until the 4th of July. But that is not the case because on top of being Black History month, February is also Go Red for Women month sponsored by the American Heart Association. You may be thinking you are too young to be concerned about heart health, but it’s never too early to start focusing on your health as well as the health of our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters and friends. Heart disease can cause heart attacks, strokes and death. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Black women are more likely to develop heart disease when compared to white women and if this is our number one risk as we enter adulthood, I think it is extremely important to understand this disease and the prevention of it.

With all that said, you still may be wondering what exactly you can do. The first step is to get creative. Check out the American Heart Association website for ideas and ways to help out in your community. It is as simple as typing in your zip code to locate an office near you. One example of youth getting involved is the Jump Rope for Heart program. You, along with the help of your teachers or parents, can form a team of classmates to participate in a jump roping event that helps to raise money for the American Heart Association. Not only are you helping your local community, but your are getting in a good workout as well!

If you do not have the time to add one more extracurricular to your plate, start as simple as becoming a at home advocate. Simple ways to get involved are:

• Wear a red pin or a red ribbon this month to remind your family and friends the importance of heart health.

• Encourage exercise with your family by taking a walk after dinner or going for a hike on weekends. No matter what activity you do, the goal is to get moving and get the family involved!

• Eat healthy. Fruit, veggies and whole grains are key foods to keeping your heart healthy. If your family doesn’t always eat healthy, research some recipes on sites like Food Network and ask your parents if you can help out in the kitchen. Change will not happen overnight, but slowly incorporating healthy foods will help your family in the long run. Keeping cholesterol numbers in control is one heart healthy benefit of a good diet.

• Heart disease is often a silent disease, so be a cheerleader for the women in your family. Keeping up with doctor visits can also help prevent the disease.

Even though you may not be at risk at this point in your life, as a young woman knowing the threat of heart disease is important. We all know someone who has either been affected or could be affected. Remember to do your part by eating healthy, staying active and sharing information with your loved ones.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Turn Vday into Me Day

It’s Valentine’s Day, you wake up and realize you have no red roses flooding your room, no box of chocolates on your dresser. Yup, another indicator that you’re single, but don’t panic.

The history of Valentine’s Day was one of passion and sorrow. St. Valentine was sentenced to execution because he was marrying young couples against the will of the Pope. He fell in love with the prison keeper’s daughter and before his execution, wrote her a letter signing it, “Your Valentine.” And from there this fad was born.

Being someone's valentine is much more than a fancy dinner or a dozen roses. It is a day to demonstrate your compassion towards your partner. Don't settle! Make sure they're really the one before you go out and buy them that "perfect gift" or spend a day at the mall looking for a pair of flats in the right shade of rose to match your new lip gloss. Ask yourself if it's worth it and if you find yourself questioning your so-called boo, forget the day of puppy love festivities and do something for yourself. It's okay to be single. Just because you don't have a valentine doesn't mean that you're not special. Think of February 14th as just another day in 2010 and take one day to focus on you! Still having trouble getting out of bed? Here's some ideas:

1. ALL THE SINGLE LADIES! Call your single friends over for a “Daddy’s Girls” marathon. Sit back and pop in the series DVD of Angela and Vanessa, two independent and fiery young ladies who don’t need any man but their daddy.

2. Lay off Facebook and Twitter! Stop snooping around trying to see what your ex is doing for their new boo. Resume tweeting on the 15th.

3. Catch up on all your work! Since Vday is on a Sunday this year, there is no excuse why you can’t spend the day getting well acquainted with that Math book that’s catching dust in your locker. Take your books to Starbucks and have a date with your homework.

4. Read a good book. OK, OK, I know for the most part, we don’t like to read unless it is assigned to us, but getting lost in a book is a perfect way to get your mind off of your single-ness. Head to Barnes and Nobles and be surrounded by escapes.

Like I said, just because you don’t have a “significant other” on Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean that you have to be depressed. Go do something to get your mind off of it. Look at it this way, you could’ve been that prison-keeper’s daughter… <3

--Jessica Chapman

Jr Correspondent

Valentine's Day 101

With Valentine’s Day a couple of days away you’re probably thinking one of two things. Either “Yay, I can’t wait to see what my boo got me” or “Who cares? The 14th is just like any other day!” No matter whether you admit it or not this holiday often raises questions about proper dating etiquette. Who better to ask than a guy? We asked our guest blogger, Derrick Harris to answer some questions about Valentine’s Day that we know some of you have been dying to ask.

What should I do if I don’t have a lot of money, but still want to do something special for my boyfriend?
Ok, now it’s time to get creative, so let’s jump right into it! You have to figure out what will make your boyfriend smile. What will he get the most use out of? These gifts are the best because they require actual thought and time. Here are some good suggestions:

· Purchase a CD wallet from your local 99¢ Store. Download some of his favorite albums and burn them onto blank CDs. You can make as many as you want and personally design the CDs. He will appreciate your time and recognize the thought you put into it. He will also have all his favorite albums in one CD book that you made just for him.

· Another idea for a day or night out; take him out on a fondue night at the beach or park. You can make a nice set up grab some candles, blankets, and romantic music, and share some dessert (ex: candy, rice crispy treat, fruit & chocolate, etc). Fondue is fun and romantic. All you have to do is melt any type of chocolate in a container and use fruit (strawberries, apples, grapes etc.) marshmallows, candy, rice crispy treats to dip and share with your partner.

What are the top 5 Valentine’s Day presents that a girl should NOT give a guy?
1. Flowers
2. Attitude
3. Anything you got your last boyfriend
4. Huge stuffed animals
5. School supplies

How do I get a really cute boy in my class to notice me out of all the girls at school?
The easiest way is to talk to him. This guy has to know you exist. I would start out by just saying a quick “Hey” to him. This is the easiest way. He has to look at you square in the face for his “ManMind” to process. He will notice you from here on out. Guys are slow and scared. We need help opening our eyes and matching them to our heart and mind.

Do guys really care about Valentine’s Day?
Guys generally care whether they’re in a relationship or not. Whether we are in love, seeking love or would just rather play Madden 2010, we ALL still get that “Awww it’s Valentine’s Day” feeling like women. And just like women, a secret admirer makes us secretly melt. Guys care because women care.

I’ve only been dating my boyfriend for a month should I get him something for Valentine’s day?
Yes . Even if you guys have been dating since February 13th @ 11:59 p.m., a valentine kiss, dinner, movie, greeting card, school gram or vday hug is expected. Valentine’s Day is a 50/50 day for love, understanding and sharing token gifts. So unless you told him you all are not exchanging gifts, then I’m sure he has something for you too!

What should I do if I don’t like the present my boyfriend gets me?
Do NOTHING!!!!! Well, do something, but nothing initially. So he got you a “GUY’s Gift” that you don’t like. Ok, I admit guys do this. Accept the gift and smile like you love it. For future presents my advice would be to express what you like when you guys are at the mall or out on the town. Say “Wow, Derrick I love these UGG Boots. Wouldn’t they look great on me?” If your man doesn’t know what you like, then you gotta trick him.

How do guys feel about paying on a date? Is it the responsibility of the person who asks or should it be assumed that it’s the guy’s responsibility?
Money is a huge factor when it comes to dating. When a guy asks a girl on a date, he should pay for what he has PLANNED for the date. Likewise, when a girl asks a guy on a date, she should be prepared to pay. Most guys will offer to pay for at least a portion of the night (parking, drinks, movies). The problem is a typical date consisting of dinner and a movie (without movie food) totals over $50 dollars. If it’s a mutual date expect him to at least pay for himself. But always be prepared to have your own cash. Either way he wants to go out with you, so never let money hurt a good time.

Do guys prefer to approach women or would they mind if a women approaches them?
Guys have no real preference. But if you want him to be interested in you and he hasn’t picked up on your signals, you are going to have to step it up so he is aware.

How much is too much to spend on a Valentine’s Day present?
I wouldn’t say there is a limit, but you don’t want to put a lot of money and pressure on your man. Valentine’s Day is more about love and the thought behind the gift.

What’s an appropriate gift to get for a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day?
Guy’s like gifts just like women. For starters, I’d say get a blank card and tell him how you feel. Anything else is just icing on the cake. The best gift for any guy is something he will use often. These items might include hats, video games, shoes, shirts, iPod accessories, gift card to his favorite stores, etc.


--Derrick Harris
Guest Blogger

Derrick is a student at Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in Business Marketing. In his spare time he enjoys DJing.

Brownstone Women's Spotlight: A Profile of Kristin Jones

From Windsor Hills to the White House

“Hey Hun!!!” She opened the door and greeted me with her signature bright smile. “Hey stranger!” It had been 3 months since I last saw my old college roommate, Kristin. I walked inside her apartment, noticing all the modern décor and thought to myself, same ol Kris. Unique, fun, ambitious, creative, smart…the list could go on for days. “Take your shoes off, get comfy.” Typically, when the daily grind keeps us entrenched in our separate lives, Kristin and I always find the time to update each other on our families, professional lives, relationships…the usual. This time, however, I knew our conversation would be far more inspiring than any before. Kristin just returned from Washington D.C, where she interned for the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Now more than ever before, I am honored to call her my friend, and it is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you Ms. Kristin Therese Jones.

Kyle Holland (KH): Kristin, first of all, thank you so much for sharing your internship experience with all of us…tell us, how did you get the internship with the First Lady?

Kristin Jones (KJ): It was so random. I saw an email blast for the internship and although I was hesitant, I applied. I figured I had nothing to lose.”

KH: How extensive was the application process?

KJ: The process was very simple. I uploaded my resume, along with an essay on my commitment to public service, a brief memo to the President and First Lady and 3 letters of recommendation.

KH: What was your role as an intern? What projects did you work on?

KJ: I interned for the Scheduling and Advance office. As an intern, I worked in the department that creates and maintains the First Lady’s schedule and her appearances offsite. The team and I, when given the opportunity would visit and meet with the event organizers of any offsite venues where she was scheduled to speak or make an appearance. The First Lady operates under a tight schedule, so there isn’t any time for surprises. The goal is always to ensure that all the details were ironed out in advance.

KH: Can you describe a typical day?

KJ: That’s hard because I feel like every day was different. My major role as an intern was to manage all of the invitations the First Lady receives. There were thousands of invitations per day. It was my job to sort and track every single invitation, whether they be from global leaders or citizens. My boss would then host a meeting with Senior staff to discuss and review the invitations.

KH: What did you enjoy most about your internship?

KJ: I just think it was phenomenal to walk into the East Wing of the White House and be exposed to those around me. Not just the First Lady, but also those who work for her, who I consider the ‘unsung heroes.’ These are the individuals who made my White House experience most amazing. Who would have thought, a girl like me could accomplish something so great. I remember the day after President Obama won the election, I felt I could do anything. It opened up a world of possibility. Before, I never thought the White House was a place where anyone would want me…I’m still trying to take it all in.

KH: What are your future plans now that you’ve completed the internship?

KJ: Applying to Business School. I am really interested in learning about the realm of Educational Entreprenership. Prior to the internship I worked for Teach for America. I am very interested in creating an educational consulting firm that focuses on creating culturally relevant curriculums across content areas to better engage multicultural populations.

KH: What woman has inspired you or inspires you the most?

KJ: My mom. She has always been so supportive of me. She helps me figure out what my next move in life is going to be. She actually pushed me to apply for the internship in the first place. Sometimes it’s a lot of pressure but I think she’s amazing, and she pushes me to be my very best.

KH: Describe what you were like as a teenager for those who don’t know you personally.

KJ: “I think I was a normal teenager. I was a cheerleader and very involved in student government. I liked to read and school was very important to me. I liked to hang out with my friends and have fun. Even in college, I got involved, I pledged…I had fun. I had balance and that was a good thing for me to have in the White House. It helped to relieve the pressure.

KH: If you could leave one piece of advice to our Brownstone readers, what would it be?

KJ: I just encourage young girls to try your hardest and love yourself. You’re always aware of what your best is, what it looks and feels like, so get to know yourself in that capacity.

KH: I agree. That’s wonderful. Well Kristin, you’ve done it again. You are truly an inspiration to all of us and I know you have positively impacted our younger readers. Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to use your story to inspire young African American women.

KJ: No prob. Thank you and the Brownstone Team for creating a platform where young girls can be themselves and learn from each other…I’m excited.

To learn more about Kristin’s internship or opportunities at the White House, visit, http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships


Kyle Holland

--Brownstone Team

Behind the Scenes: Black Women Calling the Shots

Although, we are seeing more leading roles for African American women on the small and even the big screen (Zoe Zaldana in Avatar, Mo'Nique in Precious), it's very rare that we hear about the Black women in film on the opposite side of the lens. These women are the storytellers. The women who make sure the story is told correctly from beginning to the end. Take a look at some of the few Black women who are holdin' it down and calling the shots from behind the scenes.

• Gina Prince-Blythewood: If you’ve watched The Secret Life of Bees then you know Gina’s work. Gina directed the film which she adapted from the best-selling book by Sue Monk Kidd. She first discovered her love for directing while attending UCLA’s film school.
  
  Credits: Love and Basketball (director), The Secret Life of Bees (director), Felicity (writer), South Central (writer), A Different World (writer)
  
  
• Kasi Lemmons: Kasi is most known for her role as Ardelia Mapp in The Silence of the Lambs. She later went on to direct several films.
  
  Credits: Eve’s Bayou (director),The Caveman’s Valentine (director), Talk to Me (director)
  
  
• Sanaa Hamri: Born in Tangier, Morocco, Sanaa struggled to become an actress before deciding to try directing. In 2000, she taught herself to use an Avid editing machine and surprisingly has never taken a film making course. Before directing movies, Sanaa directed music videos for Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Joss Stone, Common, and Jay Z just to name a few.
  
  Credits: Something New (director), episodes of Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Men in Trees (director)
  
  
• Mara Brock Akil: After graduating from Northwestern University, Mara began her career writing for the 90's critically acclaimed series South Central. But Mara is best known for her series Girlfriends, which aired for eight seasons. Along with her husband Salim Akil, Mara owns the production company Happy Camper Productions.
  
  Credits: Moesha (writer), The Jamie Foxx Show, (producer), Girlfriends (producer), The Game (producer)
  
• Sara Finney-Johnson: A USC alum, Sara has become one of the top director/screenwriter/producers of Black sitcoms.
  
  Credits: The Parkers (writer/producer), Family Matters (writer/producer), The Parent 'Hood(writer/producer), Moesha (writer/producer)
  
• Shonda Rhimes: Shonda earned her bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and her master's degree from USC's School of Cinema-Television. After graduation, she struggled as a writer and took on odd jobs such office administrator and counselor at a job center. After years of dedication and hard work, she finally hit it big with Grey's Anatomy.
  
  Credits: Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (writer), Crossroads (writer), The Princess Diaries/The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement (writer),Grey’s Anatomy (creator/producer), Private Practice (creator/producer)
  
• Felicia Henderson: Felicia's passion for writing landed her a job in television at NBC as a Creative Associate. After attending the prestigious Warner Brother's Writing Camp, she landing an apprenticeship on the hit sitcom Family Matters. Later, Felicia would go on to create “Soul Food: The Series,” a one-hour drama for the Showtime Network based on the hit film, “Soul Food.” She currently teaches television drama writing at the UCLA film school.
  
  Credits: Family Matters (writer), Fresh Prince of Bel Air (writer), Moesha (producer), Sister, Sister (producer), Gossip Girl (producer), Fringe (Producer)

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Looking Back to Move Forward: An Ode to the Trailblazer

When you think of inspirational women of color, who comes to mind? Some say, Oprah for her ability to turn a failing talk show into a multi-million dollar nationally syndicated show and for being considered one of the most influential people in America. Others may say Halle Berry, for her effortless elegance, star power evidenced in her Academy Award win in 2001 and for her ability to captivate audiences even at age 40. Yes, both Oprah and Ms. Berry deserve their props for being great 21st century role models, however, when I think of inspiration, I think back to the lesser known trailblazers who opened the door for me to have the freedoms I enjoy today. This Black History Month, I want to salute the women whose words challenged the system, encouraged their fellow sista to reach for greatness and most importantly continue to inspire today. Now, it would be impossible to name every trailblazing woman I find inspirational, so I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten and included the quotes that I’ve come to love and use for encouragement. May you learn about someone new and hopefully their words will inspire you also.

Top Ten Inspirational Pioneers

10. Angela Davis - A political activist who worked to uplift the Black community and erase gender discrimination.

“Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime.”

9. Josephine Baker - An international star whose shows captivated the world. She also fought for racial equality.

“The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.”

8. Alice Walker - A beloved writer whose books highlight the Black experience and bring voice, in particular, to the female struggle.

“And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see - or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.”

7. Bessie Coleman - In 1921, she became the world’s first Black licensed airplane pilot and also opened a school to teach Black women how to fly.

“I refused to take no for an answer.”

6. Maxine Waters - The outspoken Congresswoman from Los Angeles has committed herself to improving the status of her fellow African American, and is currently the most senior African American woman in Congress.

“I have a right to my anger, and I don't want anybody telling me I shouldn't be, that it's not nice to be, and that something's wrong with me because I get angry.”

5. Barbara Jordan - A political trailblazer who became the first Black female senator in 1966, a post that had not been held by a Black person since 1883.

“Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.”

4. Shirley Chisolm - The first Black woman elected to Congress was a political trailblazer as well. In 1972, she was the first major party Black candidate and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“Tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.”

3. Lorraine Hansberry - A pioneering playwright and activist, whose play, A Raisin In The Sun, was the first written by a Black woman to be performed on Broadway.

“There is always something left to love. And if you haven't learned that, you ain't learned nothing.”

2. Wilma Rudolph - Though plagued by disease and having to wear leg braces in her childhood, she refused to accept defeat. The exceptional athlete won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.

“I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself. I remind them the triumph can't be had without the struggle.”

1. Mary Mcleod Bethune - Pioneering educator who founded Bethune-Cookman College , the National Council of Negro Women and also served during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.

“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”

--Amelia Jones

Brownstone Intern