6 Soul Cry

7 Dreams Deferred: Politics Surrounding the Dream Act

8 Obama’ s Presidency: Success or Failure

10 State of Emergency: Black Male Graduation Rates

12 Money v. Passion: Choosing the Degree that Pays or the One You Love

15 Rising Stars

18 Does Absence Really Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

20 No Strings Attached: Friends with Bene!ts

21 Is She Worth the Money? Inexpensive Date Ideas if She Isn’ t

22 Frugalistic Chic: How to Dress on a Budget

26 Fashion Renaissance: Fashion X-clusive Photoshoot

24 "umb "ugging: Social Networking Bullies

29 "e Pitfalls of Too Much Technology

30 "umb "uggin: Social Networking Bullies

Dedicated to Saleha Huuda (May 27, 1989 - December 30, 2010)

The Line Up:The Line Up:

ZION 2011 3 ZION 2011 3

Words from the I am proud to present the 2011 issue of Zion. Within this magazine you will !nd a collection of stories that capture the essence of who we are as young, black students and professionals. I consider ourselves to be a bright and trendsetting generation. We are talented. We are brilliant. We are innovative. I think of the generations before us and re"ect on their collective strength, desire for change, passion for equality and genuine concern for one another. Even though some people may look down upon today’s generation, a part of me still believes that we inhabit what our ancestors exhibited.

Mahogany Renaissance symbolizes a rebirth, a revival, a renewal. #e pre!x “re” in Latin means again or back, so to put “re” before a word is to do it all over. To me, this signi!es a change, and as individuals we should always be experiencing a rebirth of ourselves, an awakening of our spirits, souls, minds and bodies. No one should remain unchanged. #is is why the purpose of Zion is to entertain, enlighten and upli$.

On behalf of the Zion team, it has truly been an awesome journey to produce this magazine. So as you begin to turn the pages, I hope that you are captivated. As you approach the end, I hope that you are ful!lled.

Anne-Marie Kabia

Words from the Editor:The Line Up:

Zion is the manifestation of education, insight and thought put in literary form. Zion was created so that you could be enriched and entertained by a collective, resounding voice that happens to sound similar to your own. Zion is you.

To simply put it…“How beautiful if nothing more,than to wait at Zion’s door.”

-Lauryn Hill, To Zion, 1998

Zion Definition:

4 ZION 2011

Zion Staff: BHM Calendar Zion Staff:

Special ThanksSpecial Thanks:

Editors:Anne-Marie Kabia, Editor-in-ChiefJamie Harrison, Executive Editor

Writers:Courtenay Tucker Brandon Daniel Elle NewboldMelva Avant Nickelle SmithBriana HammondsMontana WilliamsNetanya WynnTatila BrockJasmine EarlsShaneece Williams

Poets:Christopher “C-rite” HarveyMichou Phenelus

Charles Harris & the Knight Division of the College of Journalism and CommunicationsMembers of the Association of Black CommunicatorsTre Idlette and the Black Student Union

Cecil Du#e and Black History Month Programming

Layout Designer:Everton Allen

Website Designer:Courtenay Tucker

Cover Designer:Larry Rosalez

Makeup Artist:Eleni Rodriguez

Models:Sheina Mompremier, Cover ModelFashion X Clusive, Photoshoot

4 ZION 2011

ZION 2011 5

BHM Calendar BHM Calendar 2011:

Special Thanks

Tuesday, February 1RUB Movie: Tyler Perry’s For Colored GirlsReitz Auditorium

Wednesday, February 2!e Lottery Library East, 7pm

"ursday, February 3Mahogany Is...!e Essence of YouIBC and La Casita, 6-8pm

Friday, February 4!e Kick-O"Institute of Black Culture, 11:45am-3pm

Saturday, February 5James E. Scott Black Student Leadership ConferenceUstler Atrium Hall, 9am-4pmSleep Out for the Homeless Turlingtion Plaza, 9pm

Monday, February 7Black World AIDS Day7:30pm

Tuesday, February 8Supporting Black Owned BusinessesRuby’s Restaurant, 7pm

Wednesday, February 9Mind Your Manners: Lessons in Etiquette Friends of Music Room, 11:45am-3pmComedy ShowGrand Ballroom, 7pm

"ursday, February 10SpeakerGrand Ballroom, 6pm

Friday, February 11!e Miss Black and Gold Scholarship PageantGrand Ballroom, 7pm

Saturday, February 12Kids’ DayTB McPherson Park 11am-3pmTradition Keepers#e Heavener’s Complex, 4:30pm

Monday February 14“Gimme a Try” 7pm

Tuesday, February 15“Let’s Stay Together”7pm

Wednesday, February 16Lunch SeriesIBC, 12pmHealth Forum6pm

"ursday, February 17Behind the Bars: More than Just Music7pm

Friday, February 18Fashion X ClusiveGrand Ballroom, 7:30pm

Saturday, February 19FISS FestFlavet Field, 12pmFlorida Invitational Step ShowStephen O’Connell Center, 7pm

Sunday February 20Great GATOR Debate TournamentReitz Union Grand Ballroom, 6pm

Monday February 21Black Male ExtravaganzaGrand Ballroom, 6:30pm

Tuesday, February 22Casino NightBroward Basement, 6pm

Wednesday, February 23Speaker: Dr. Sherman JacksonGrand Ballroom, 7pm

"ursday, February 24FestivUs Plaza of the Americas, 11am-3pmA Tasteful A"airGrand Ballroom, 7pm

Friday, February 25A Night in Harlem: 1925Rion Ballroom, 7pm

Saturday, February 2613th Annual Health FairIdylwild Elementary School, 10am-4pmConcert Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 6pm

Monday February 28Closing CeremoniesGrand Ballroom, 6pm

6 ZION 2011

We once lived on the land of the freeNow we live in our how to beDancing, singing, carrying baskets on our headTo come pick cotton to be his butter and breadStrict orders had to do what he saidMal-nourished we were barely fedSome couldn’t take, so they found a way fedBut if they were caught, they were shot or beaten dead Emancipation proclamation is his name He took the keys and unlocked the chains to setbeaten deadBut since this was our mentalityYou wouldn’t believe if I told you some of us stayed in slaveryBecause that is all we knewIf I had nickel or dime for every time we were call niggers or colored, I can change the sky from blueTell me it ain’t trueArson on our black neighborhoods day to dayPrayer over our loved ones life that was lynched awayControversy of equalityWe were made to believe that dirt was the only thing beneath weBut we found a way to survive By believing black is beautySpoken words made us realize that dreams do come trueAnd we bleed the same color so I do not have to give up my seat for youFought !re with !re, protest made a standUni!ed, we marched as one million manTook two steps forward, hosed four steps backBeaten like dogs because they say human quality we lackLet freedom ring, let freedom ring, things have to changeInstead of giving our seats up on the bus, we grab our umbrellas and walk in the rainNow they need us, they’re missing that extra changeSo we demanded that everyone is treated the sameBlack people have a historyIt’s not all bad but it’s not all good

Now our black communities worry about what sign those rep their hoodSo I ask the question,Why?Why did they go through the things they went through? And speak the words they spoke?Just so years later we still could be labeled as a jokeWhy did they !ght for equal rights? To give us a chance to learn to write and readNow we have free education and act as if we don’t want to succeedWhy were they slaughtered? And literally le$ hung out to dryNow we take advantage of the days that passes us byWhy did they love each other and treat everyone as fam?Now we kill our fellow brother with conscious of giving a damnWhy did they work hard? Knowing everything comes from hard laborNow we look for the easiest way to get paperWhy did they teach their young to do better?To know everything comes from planningLook at our kids nowSeems like young gangsters in trainingOur brothers and sisters that lived through this time Fought so that life style, we would be con!nedNo disrespect, but I hear some say “I can’t do it cause the cracker holding me back”So I don’t think it’s human qualityIts common sense you lackWhere we come from to where we are nowYou can do anything you wantIt’s not that you can’t do the things, you don’tTake time to understand the agony and painAnd don’t let their years of impetuous su%ering be in vainI know the past is watching the present and asking my question whyIt’s like that hard cold rainListen to their souls cry

-Christopher “C-rite” Harvey

Image courtesy of english-online.at

SOUL CRY

ZION 2011 7

Image courtesy of globalgrind.com

At the age of 8 years old, Argentina “DREAMer” was told she and her family were going on a vacation to Miami—little did she know it would become a permanent one. She became a student of Miami-Dade County Public Schools where she excelled and developed a love for writing. But unlike most outstanding high school students, when the time came to apply to college she found herself at a road-block. While acceptance letters to Boston University, Ithaca College and even the University of Florida rolled in, her lack of a social security number halted her requests for !nancial assistance.

According to the UCLA Center of Labor Research and Education, she is one of 65,000 undocu-mented students that graduate high school each year. In1992 the U.S. Supreme Court granted every student the right to an education under the 14th Amendment –citizen or not. Since then, students like her have been brought up in public school systems around the country their entire life but have nowhere to turn a$er earning their diploma. “Clarke accepted and gave me $20,000 as an international student but when I called to tell them I was undocumented they said they don’t allow students like me, so that was a set back,” says my DREAMer friend. Today she counts herself one of the lucky ones, because despite recently being deported, her parents have decided to do whatever it takes to pay for her education at Sante Fe College where she studies journalism. Her only hope is the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act also known as the DREAM Act. Perhaps this panic trickled down to grassroots organizations, because they were able to bring more attention to the DREAM ACT then it had seen in the 10 years it’s existed. But what would passing the DREAM Act mean for her? #e bill provides education and a pathway to citi-zenship to undocumented students who entered the United States involuntarily under the age of 15, earned a high school diploma, have been admitted into the U.S. Military or institute of higher education, and are currently between the ages of 12-35. More importantly, it would also qualify them for !nancial assistance. In Alachua, the Gainesville Inter-Faith Alliance for Immigrant Justice worked tirelessly to collect thousands of petitions and resolutions from profound local Leaders, including University of Florida Presi-dent Bernie Machen. IFAIJ was only, part of the movement that took the nation by storm. Not since the Civil Rights Movements, did many feel, there had there been so many incidents of civil disobedience from coast to coast. For example, in Oakland, CA, students de!ed deportation to free Steven Le. And in Miami Students traveled to D.C. – by foot in order to demand their rights. December 18th was a sad day -- despite the many compromises that were made this bill failed by a mere !ve votes in Senate. Is it over though? In his recent State of the Union address President Barak Obama said, “I know that debate will be di%cult and take time. But tonight, let’s agree to make that e&ort. And let’s stop expelling talented, respon-sible young people who can sta& our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation.” While students continue to !ght, opponents feel that the Act is a form of amnesty, it will waste taxpayer’s money, redistribute aid to these students, and ultimately allow them to bring more family mem-bers into the country. “I am not a criminal. To even be considered you have to have a clean record and now you have to wait 6 years to become a citizen and then wait 25 years to bring in one person.” It was mindblowing that she was willing to be so honest with me. And in respect to her privacy “DREAMer” is an o%cial term used to refer to undocumented students.

DREAMS DEFERRED: Politics Surrounding the Dream ActBY COURTENAY TUCKER

8 ZION 2011

As more and more Americans learned about the possibility of having the !rst black president and the change he promised to bring, Barack Obama continued to gain support, es-pecially from the African American community. Even though most non-incumbent candidates usually vow to bring change, Barack Obama’s campaign promised a di&erent type of change. He “promised to adopt a more civil, inclusive governing style and to search for common ground in an attack on the country’s problems.” All the change Obama possibly could bring if elected president would be enough to change political history forever.Out of the 16 million African Americans that voted on Election Day in 2008, 95 percent voted for Barack Obama. Critics suggest the only reason most African Americans voted for Obama in 2008 was because he was black. African Americans were excited about having the !rst black president, but also the change he promised to bring was appealing to all Americans. President Obama hit the ground running a$er his inauguration. He bailed out sev-eral business corporations, won the Nobel Peace Prize and signed a few bills that would a&ect a majority of Americans, if not all. Walking into o%ce, President Obama inherited many problems. As the United States de!cit continued to grow, the economy was of great concern to all Americans. President Obama planned to save the economy with his $789 billion stimulus plan and by bailing out corporations such as General Motors and the Federal Reserve’s American International Group

Image Courtesy of commons.wikimedia.orgBY Tatalia Brock

ZION 2011 9

(AIG). He gave each corporation strict rules on how the money should be used. He was also able to create 2.1 million jobs with his American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by the end of 2009. Although Obama did plenty to help boost the economy, the United States in"ation rate is still increasing. Another problem President Obama faced was handling international relations with the Middle East. A$er being in o%ce for only nine months, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama received the reward because of “his extraordinary e&orts to strengthen international di-plomacy and cooperation between people.” However, Americans were still angered by the fact that Obama promised to send troops home within 16 months, but instead sent thousands of troops to Afghanistan and focused less attention on the war in Iraq. President Obama also tried to bring about change through the bills he signed. Health care reform created lots of controversy between Democrats, Republicans and the American people. Although Obama’s Health Care Plan would insure tens of thousands of people, it would also require that every American have health insurance or pay a penalty. Another bill that brought about change was the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. President Obama repealed the policy in December of last year; which allowed him to ful!ll one of his campaign promises and take a huge step forward for gay rights. President Obama has had his share of challenges these past two years and has experi-enced some successes as well as failures. Two thousand eleven is well on its way and even though Obama’s presidential ratings are low, he still has a chance to win the 2012 election. Ultimately, it is up to the American people to decide the fate of this country.

10 ZION 2011

When one thinks of the common stereotypes surrounding the average black male, it is di%cult to perceive success outside of being an athlete or musician. Prison-bound, poor, remedial and STD recipient are some of the labels that may sound familiar. In fact, when looking at recent reports on the percentage of black males who are graduating from high school and college, the results are discouraging, and seem to further perpetuate the stereo-types. According to the Schott Foundation’s 50 State Report on Public Education and Black Males, Florida has the second lowest number of black males graduating from high school with 37 percent. New York is the only state that has a lower percentage of 25 percent. In addition, Florida has four of the nation’s 10 counties with the lowest rates of graduating black males. #ree of those counties have the !rst, second and third lowest graduation rates: Pinellas County with 21 percent, Palm Beach County with 22 percent and Duval County with 23 percent. Dade County has the eighth lowest performance rate with 27 percent. In those four districts, the white male graduate percentage is nearly twice as high. Furthermore, with so few high school graduates, there is an even smaller amount of those who enroll in college. According to a CBS News report, approximately 36 percent of black males graduate from college in the U.S. Keep in mind that many black students that attend college are either the !rst in their family, or come from economically disadvantaged homes. In fact, 70 percent of black college students that drop out cite lack of !nances as the cause. In spite of this, Florida ranks 5th in the nation for its number of black college graduates. According to the Gainesville Sun, Florida State University currently has the highest number of black graduates at 74 percent. Schools such as the University of Cen-tral Florida and the University of South Florida reach close to the halfway mark with 53.7 percent (UCF) and 46.2 percent (USF). However, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Uni-versity and Florida International University fall at the bottom with only 39 percent of black graduates. #e University of Florida, which currently has the highest overall percentage of college graduates, falls close behind FSU with 73 percent. Interestingly enough, the univer-sity’s overall student black population is just eight percent of the overall student population. #e university’s overall student graduation rate is nearly 83 percent. In addition, according to the 2009 State University System Annual Report, UF is 17th in the nation with its number of African American Ph.D students. Sadly enough, as research shows, the number of black males that graduate decline as the level of education increases, particularly from middle school to graduate degree programs. According to a report, done by Dr. Bernard Oliver, a UF education professor, approximately 21 percent of black males in high school have college readiness. “#ey succumb to the stereotype that blacks don’t do well, particularly at predom-inantly white schools,” said Oliver. “If you have self concept, you’ll be resilient and overcome some barriers.” Oliver said that one of the reasons why black males !nd it di%cult to succeed in college is due to a lack of “a network of college culture, friends and associations.”

STATE OF EMERGENCY: BLACK MALE GRADUATION RATES

BY SHANEECE DIXON

ZION 2011 11

Even though the statistics are quite disheartening, there are school districts that are performing above the state level. #ere are more black males that are graduating from high schools in Alachua County than those in other low-performing districts. Newberry High School and Eastside High School, located on the east side of Gainesville and known for its poverty-stricken areas, have an 82 percent graduation rate for its black males. Buchholz High School has an 89 percent graduation rate, making it the highest among schools in Alachua County. Hawthorne High, Gainesville High and Santa Fe also have high numbers, with their black male students graduating at 73 percent (Hawthorne), 67 percent (Gainesville) and 62 percent (Santa Fe). According to Karen Clarke, the director of secondary education for the Alachua County School Board, one of the county’s key objectives in helping black males is to help those students who have truancy issues in school. “We have a pretty good rapport with agencies that deal with juvenile students,” said Clarke. “We have a student attendance review board. We try to work with students and families to get them to come to school.” Clarke said that the Student Attendance Review Board consists of law enforcement and agencies that meet once a month looking for students that have numerous unexcused absences. Representatives from organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Corner Drug Store work with families to !gure out why students aren’t going to school and how to alleviate the issue. On the college level, there are some signs of improvement in Alachua County as well. At Santa Fe College, where approximately 1,125 black males are currently enrolled, graduation rates have increased over the past few years. Before the college implemented its “My Brother’s Keeper” program in 2006, the graduation rate for black males was well below 50 percent. For this academic school year, it is 76 percent. #e MBK program seeks to mentor and advise black male students at the college through student support services such as tutoring and academic advising.“Santa Fe has taken a proactive approach to something that is national, but we’re starting in our own backyard,” said Angela Carter, MBK program assistant.According to Carter, many of the black male high school students in Alachua County attend Santa Fe. Ironically, a large portion of Santa Fe graduates don’t transfer to UF, but seek homage in other neighboring universities such as UCF and USF. However, she recognizes how imperative it is to have programs like MBK. It is uncertain what the future holds and although there is some improvement shown in Florida for the education of black males, it is evident that much more work needs to be done.

Image courtesy of edweek.org

12 ZION 2011

We are all familiar with the concept that money does not bring happiness. However, a 30-year-old college graduate on the verge of getting his home foreclosed because he can no longer a&ord his mortgage isn’t happy either. Money may not bring happiness, but the lack thereof is not a pretty situation. For this reason, choosing your major in college can be a critical decision. According to Forbes.com, students pursuing degrees in !elds such as engineering or business start out making an average of $20,000-$30,000 more per year than a student majoring in psychology. Chemical engineering takes the top spot for money-making majors with an average starting salary of $65,000. #ere are those who !nd these areas interesting and have a win-win situation. However, there are also people who have dreams of being in other !elds that may gross only a fraction of that !gure. We have to remember that at the end of the day, bills are a reality. If you can do what you love and live a comfortable life, then more power to you. Choosing you major is a big decision, so be sure to get all your numbers straight before you make a !nal choice.

Choosing the Degree that Pays...

BY NICKELLE SMITH

ZION 2011 13

Many people agree that America has gone into an economic depression, one that is comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930s. With the economy at such a downturn, many people in the workplace are going back to school to obtain a degree to increase their chances at getting better jobs. So imagine the pressure that young college students are facing as they embark on their collegiate careers in the majors they choose. Students are beginning to steer away from what they love to do to pursue something that they feel may give them a bigger paycheck. However, choosing a major for that reason is not all that it is cracked up to be. #ere are students who majored in !elds such as accounting and engineering who are !nding themselves disappointed and unemployed. Employers value candidates who can think independently and communicate and analyze information. Many of these attributes can also be acquired through liberal arts degrees. Take for example, Ted Turner. To the dismay of his father, he majored in classics, but eventually became the founder of CNN, one of the largest news networks in the country. #ough his story is extraordinary, it shows that your major doesn’t necessarily de!ne how much money you’ll make in the future. It is possible to do what you love and be successful. Just keep in mind to have a game plan that prepares you for the working world.

BY SHANEECE DIXON

...or the One You Love

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14 ZION 2011

Students !nd that sometimes the !nancial aid check just isn’t enough. However, do not fret. You don’t have to call mommy and daddy and ask for help, if you are resourceful and utilize your talents. Here are a few ways for students to make money on the side while on their academic grind:

1. Braid/Weave/Cut hairFor African American women, hair care is very important and becoming increasingly expensive. If you have a knack for braiding or weaving hair, you can o&er your services at a low price. If given the option most students would choose to pay $40 for the same quality as a $150 hair style. A well groomed young man is always a hot commodity. Although hair care isn’t as expensive for young men, getting a quality fade or tape up may be di%cult in certain areas. If you are talented at creating specialized designs or giving a clean hair cut, o&er your services and watch the cash roll in.

2. Take notes in class and sell themIf you’re skilled at taking accurate and organized notes, why not get paid for it? In every class there are students who are unable to make lecture and need the information taught in class for the next assignment or exam. You can o&er to sell your notes as supplements to other students’ notes.

3. Sell Textbooks If you’ve spent at least one semester at a college, you know the big business that textbooks can become. At the end and beginning of each semester, students have the option of selling books back to book stores at re-duced prices. Many times students can make a higher pro!t by selling their used books to students taking their course in the next semester.

4. Donating plasma#is is not for the squeamish, or people who may faint at the sight of blood. You can help others and make quick money at the same time. Most plasma banks allow donations about once a month and can pay up to $45 per session.

5. Doing nails#is is an indulgence that many women are willing to spend the big bucks for. If you’re skilled in pro-viding a quality service, then advertise your talents and build clientele.

At some point throughout your college career, the topic of the future and !nances comes up. What better time than the present to take a leap into the world of !nancial investments. Here are two relatively risk free ways of investing money to get your feet wet.

(DRIP)DRIPs are great ways to begin stock market trad-ing. #e appeal is that these stocks are not only worth the price you paid for them, but also the dividend that the company will pay out. When you buy shares of that company, they will give you a percentage quarterly regardless of how the stock is doing in the market. It is called a reinvestment because the company uses that percentage each quarter to buy more stock, so it compounds over time. One of the most important aspects of this is researching a solid company in which to invest, one that you can see progressing over the next 10-20 years.

Bank CDs are timed deposits. #ese are also low-risk investments because they are insured. #ey di&er from institution to institution, but the premise remains the same. #ey are !xed term and interest rate accounts. #e money is intended to be held until maturity, or the end of the term at which time the money can be withdrawn together with the accumulated interest. In exchange for keeping your money in deposit for the agreed term, many institutions o&er higher interest rates, and some o&er variable rates in which you can readjust your rate. In general, larger deposits and longer terms are given higher interest rates. Also, smaller institu-tions tend to give higher rates.

Best Ways to Invest in CollegeBY ELLE A. NEWBOLD

BY ELLE A. NEWBOLDSIDE HUSTLES

ZION 2011 15

Shaydrian Jackson’s Q&AQ: What inspired you to be an artist?SJ: #e freedom of expression. I’m a fan of honesty. I like to be able to say what I feel and know that someone will relate because it’s coming from my heart. Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your music?SJ: I have no particular goal, and it’s not in the sense of hopelessness. I choose to have no goal because when you set goals, you place limitations upon yourself. Why shoot for the moon, when I can have the galaxies at my !ngertips.Q: What is it like to work together?SJ: I don’t even feel like it’s work. Collaborations work best when there’s a connection beyond hip hop. A$er the music is done, I still have a friend.

MarQuise Mickey’s Q&AQ: Why is hip hop for us, but not controlled by us?MM: It’s more than just making the music, getting the money then leaving. We need to control the image, the distribution and make sure any type of money taken from us is gonna bene!t our community. #e artist is the pawn. If we can have somebody in the game who could be the pawn and the king, then hip hop would be too powerful.Q: For the people who have given up on hip hop, what would you say to them to ignite hope?MM: Fear of a Black Planet, Google it.Q: What is it like working together?MM: #is project is like a game of one on one with two of the greatest going at it. We’re competing against each other, but there’s no loser because we’re learning about life from each other.

This hip hop duo has a unique and refreshing perspective on music and lyricism.

They’re currently working on their album entitled “Huey v. Riley EP,” a little pres-

ent for all the Boondocks fans out there. “Huey v. Riley EP” covers a wide array of

revealing the state of conscious ignorance.

Contact: shayj.bandcamp.com & goodtuesday.bandcamp.com

“I embrace being misunderstood because when I don’t search for an understanding, people look to understand me.”

-Shaydrian Jackson

“!e best thing that ever happened to me…a girl broke my heart and I gave the remaining pieces of my heart to the world.”

-MarQuise Mickey

BY ANNE-MARIE KABIA

B

16 ZION 2011

Brandi Hill is an extraordinary young woman who utilizes her photography talent to buy school supplies for children in South Africa and provide them with a$er-school care. She raises money to support these children by doing photoshoots. She will be hosting a fundraiser called Portraits4Portraits from Feb. 26-Feb. 27 to bene!t students in Sand Sloot, a rural village in South Africa. #is fundraiser will allow Gainesville residents and students to get amazing portraits while helping students in Sand Sloot receive school portraits.

Q: What inspired you to use your talent to help children in Africa?Brandi: When I came back from Africa the !rst time, I was experiencing a slight culture shock. While there, I remembered the frustrations of working at the schools with lack of supplies-I mean basic supplies- like paper and pencils. It was common to see a student over there wearing a pencil tied to a string around his/her neck. Pencils were held like treasures. My !rst week back in the States, while washing my clothes in the residents hall, I glanced in the washer and saw a pencil – A BRAND NEW PENCIL WITH AN ERASER! It seemed like everywhere I went I saw pencils. I just remember thinking to myself, something so simple and so abundant to us in the U.S. can make the world of di&erence to them. I used the only thing I had- my talent in photography. I started charging more money for shoots, then saved up enough to "y back, and back again, and again and eventually moved there a$er graduation. Q: What do you do to help the children?Brandi: Currently, I have an a$er-school program that is operated by a local woman in #abane. It o&ers homework help, a feeding scheme through a local grocery store and ARV medications for all of its 17 participants. I also o&er my photography services throughout South Africa and other countries in Southern Africa, speci!cally for government schools that cannot provide their students with school pictures. It’s quite an awesome thing to service schools over there. It’s not uncommon to see children cry in joy seeing themselves in a photo.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your photography?Brandi: Aside from continuing to give my talent to provide portraits abroad, I am beginning to realize that my

Contact: 904-434-2281info@brandihill.com / www.brandihill.com

photography can bridge the gap between my clients on this side to the kids I work with in Southern Africa. I also hope my work can break down the negative stereotypes the West see in African children. #ese kids have innovation in their genes, and this is o$en overshadowed by their socio-economic conditions. I am currently seeking out camera donations to begin providing photography lessons in low-income housing projects in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. I am hoping photography can open doors for these children as it did for me.

BY ANNE-MARIE KABIA

ZION 2011 17

18 ZION 2011

You rarely hear the words “long distance” and

“relationship” being used in the same sentence,

especially when it comes to college students. I once

heard from a friend that a long distance relationship can

be a recipe for disaster. Maintaining a long distance

relationship while in college (whether in state or out of

state) can be quite a task.

Jessica Jackson is a third-year sociology major at the University of Florida. She is no rookie to this game. Jessica and her boyfriend, E.J., a football player for Langston University, have been dating for two years and !ve months. #ey have been dating long distance the entire time. #ey met at a Christian summer camp in Georgia in the summer of 2006. While mentoring the inner-city youth, they became well acquainted with one another. #ey talked on and o& for some time and o%cially became an item in the spring of 2008. Jessica and E.J. have had their ups and downs, but haven’t looked back since. Even though they do have the opportunity to see each other on extended breaks, she does admit that being in a long distance relationship can be a little frustrating. “It can be a little hard when it comes to trusting the people around him,” she said. “I sometimes wonder if females are going to respect the fact that he is in a committed relationship.”

Image Courtesy of thefrisky.com

Does Absence Really Make

the Heart Grow Fonder?BY Jamie Harrison

ZION 2011 19

An important piece of advice her dad gave her is, that no man wants a nagging female; address the situation and let it go. “I can get kind of snappy about girls, but I’m working on that,” she said. Jessica shared that the key to dealing with a long distance relationship is communication. “If something is bothering you and you don’t talk about it, then eventually it will blow up,” she said. “Honesty is what keeps me going.” She also explained how the little things in a relationship cannot be forgotten. “Every couple goes through that honeymoon phase, but things do get real, real quick,” she said. “So we try to keep things fresh.”

Diana Mena, a third-year student studying Portuguese at UF, has been dating her boyfriend, Austin, for one year and seven months. Austin is a third-year student at the University of South Florida. Since Diana is from Tampa, she gets to see Austin whenever she travels home.Diana explains that trust is another important factor when it comes to long distance relationships. “If you don’t have trust then you don’t have anything at all,” she said. Being apart gives her the opportunity to enjoy the independence that comes along with being in a long distance relationship. “You get to have your own friends and own life, independent from him,” she said. “If I don’t want to talk to him, then I don’t have to.” Like Jessica, Diana feels as though the long distance relationships aren’t for

20 ZION 2011

A new phenomenon called “friends with bene!ts” relationships has swept university campuses throughout the nation, leaving desperate and lonely students partially satis!ed in their quest for love. According to students, “friends with bene!ts” resemble real relationships because most of the same a&ection and time is shared, but the title attached to the relationship is completely di&erent. In a traditional relationship, the couple considers the each person their boyfriend or girlfriend, but in “friends with bene!ts” situations, that is not the case. “I would never say I was with a girl if we were ‘friends with bene!ts,’” Maurice Hurt, a 23-year-old sociology student, says. “I mean, it counts as a notch on your belt, but not a real relationship.” #e relationships can vary in seriousness, but don’t necessarily mean that someone is stuck in the friend zone, he says. “If you really like her, you’ll start treating her di&erent, and a relationship will come out of it,” Hurt says. “It’s not just girls, but guys catch feelings too.” Others argue that “friends with bene!ts” relationships should be a formal thing or an agreement between parties to “compromise.” “It can be strictly business,” Justin Williams, a 23-year-old family, youth and community sciences student, says. “But you de!nitely have to talk about it before you do it.” “Friends with bene!ts” can change into a real relationship if an emotional attachment grows, according to Williams. “You start to care,” he says. “And if you start to get mad about the littlest thing the other person does, that means you have feelings.” For many, the relationships are a quick !x to appease loneliness, but aren’t good for long-term satisfaction. Others entertain the idea that gender plays a major role in determining the success of the relationships. Chandra Simons, a 23-year-old criminology student, says in most cases, it’s the woman who is emotionally a&ected and more likely to be hurt. “Most females set themselves up for failure if they think they will get a relationship out of that situation,” Simons says. “Normally, it’s the female who catches feelings, and at the end of the day it’s not really worth it.” While students agree that most are willing to accept these relationships, others argue that dating standards have reached an all-time low, and participants in “friends with bene!ts” relationships are just settling. “I’m not a big fan of them because they resemble real relationships, but they aren’t,” Lanie Whittaker, a 19-year-old family, youth and community sciences student, says. “It’s like taking advantage of someone.” All the feelings are there, but the person is not a&orded the privileges of a real relationship, Whittaker says. “You can get mad if they do something wrong, but technically you can’t do anything about it,” she says. “It’s just not right.” Whatever your position is, one thing is certain. #e quest for love is path that many journey. While some students ful!ll this need through publicly recognized relationships, others would prefer a “friends with bene!ts” relationship.

BY JASMINE EARLS

ZION 2011 21

1. !e Walmart Date: An interesting dating idea when neither you nor your lady friend have anything planned or any real money to spend. Take a trip to Wally World and each of you grab a basket. Go around and grab seven items that describe you. You don’t purchase any of the items, but they help in getting to know someone during the initial stages of dating. You’ll save money, and she’ll think it’s cute.

Total Cost: $0 (Minus variable gas costs)

2. !e Cooking Date: Always a fun date, especially when one or both participants are familiar with the kitchen. It allows you to showcase your domestic skills as well as eat a potentially delicious meal. Also, cooking takes time and that’s time spent together getting to know one another. Usually both parties contribute to the cost of grocery shopping.

Total Cost: $15-$20 (Keep costs low. Don’t try and cook !let mignon)

3. !e Kisses Approach: An interesting, inexpensive tactic that isn’t so much for dating as it is to add a romantic "air to things. Purchase a bag of Hershey’s Kisses and invite your lady friend over. Before she arrives, place a Kiss on the ground from the door to wherever you want her to end up. Under the !nal Kiss place a folded piece of paper. Once she arrives, picks up every Kiss along the way and unfolds the paper, the paper will read “I kiss the ground you walk on.” Corny? Yes.Cliché? Maybe. Cheap? De!nitely!

Total Cost: $3.00

Men, put them to good use and show these women that dating isn’t dead…it just took a vacation.

Some would say the art of

dating, like chivalry, is dying

at an accelerated pace. What

is the reason behind the

decline in dating? The same

reason behind the decline

in everything else: the

economy. Prices are going

up while a young man’s pockets remain the same.

Men now have to be wary of how they spend funds when courting women.

For example, dinner and a movie have now become Redbox and a Hot Pocket.

Don’t worry though fellas, here are some inexpensive dating alternatives

available to you:

Image Courtesy of ConsumerQueen.com

BY BRANDON DANIELS

IS SHE WORTH THE MONEY?INEXPENSIVE DATE IDEAS IF SHE ISN’ T

22 ZION 2011

Up !rst, Christian Louboutin shoes. Everyone wants the gorgeous shoes with the !ery-red sole, but these shoes run anywhere from $445-$3,000+. I don’t know about you, but these shoes are way out of my budget. If you’re in the same boat, get replicas of the traditional Louboutin black platform pumps for $15.99! Go to amiclubwear.com to !nd these. #ese Amiclubwear heels are black suede platform pumps with the red soles you’re dying for. Leotards are making a comeback this year and would be a great addition to your closet. Keri Hilson looked hot in hers in a photo shoot she did for Rap Up magazine. She gave her audience a bit of rock glam with the cropped jacket, medallion necklace and gloves. Get a laced onezie from urbanout!tters.com for $28. Keri’s striped bodysuit looks cute, but a lace bodysuit can give an even sexier, edgy look. #is is the third and last steal I have for you. Disney Channel star, Selena Gomez, wore a beautiful, so$-blush colored dress with a feminine frill on her right shoulder to the People’s Choice Awards on Jan. 5, 2011. #is creation comes from the ready-to-wear brand, Paule Ka. Buy a similar look from bebe.com for only $44.99! #is Bebe dress is a strong pink color with a so$ening, ladylike frill for a one shoulder look. I know that we can be a little proud sometimes, but don’t reject these fashionable steals. Save your money and stay stylish at a reasonable price.

As women, fashion is a top priority. However, with clothes, shoes

and accessories comes high expenses, expenses we may not

always be able to afford as college students. I know you’re

Versace-addiction rescue,” but let’s be real, if you take a piece

of lint from the carpet of the store, you’re out of this and next

semester’s tuition money. Now, I know the Versace example is a

bit extreme, but splurges can hurt your college budget, especially

when you can get a similar item for a much lower price. Take a

look at some of my favorite fashion steals.

Image courtesy of mademoisellemelkey.blogspot.com

BY MONTANAWILLIAMS

ZION 2011 23

When it comes to makeup, there are no rules. That’s right, no

rules. However, there are some boundaries. For people just start-

ing out, these boundaries can be a bit fuzzy. Here is a list of color

recommendations based on skin tones from the fairest of ivories

to the deepest of ebonies.

Olive skin:

Dark skin:

Fair skin:

Light skin:

Image courtesy of moderncosmetics.com

BY MELVA AVANT

24 ZION 2011

Working out at the gym can be quite a challenge

for black women. In hot and humid environments,

it is important for a woman to protect her hair from

breakage. So in order to stay in shape and maintain

healthy hair, here’s a list of different hairstyles.

12Braids A common hairstyle used time and time again. Braids not only guarantee consistency, but also help with the growth of your natural hair. #ere are various styles with braids that could work according to your preference. #ese include micro-braids, corn-rows, box braids and goddess braids.

Twists Another popular style that works with natural and relaxed hair are twists. #is style protects the hair from brittle, split ends. Plus, it’s easy to pull up into a ponytail during a workout.

Image courtesy of aliciakeysbude.co.tv

Image courtesy of makeupandmane.com

BY SHANEECE DIXON

5PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLESFOR THE GYM

ZION 2011 25

543Bantu Knots (China Bumps)#is style can work with all hair types. #e hair is parted into several sections, which are then twisted up into small coils. Not only does this style hold up while in the gym, but it cre-ates luxurious curls a$er taking them out.

Sew In or Wig OutIf any of the previous choices prove to be too time consum-ing to take care of, you can choose to sew in extensions or put on a wig to give your real hair a break from all the wear and tear. #ese styles can usually last for about a month before it’s time to change it up.

When in doubt, keep it simpleIf all else fails, a simple ponytail or bun will do. Keep in mind that to prevent excess sweat from reaching the roots of your hair, it’s best to wear an elastic headband to cover your hairline.

Image courtesy of rythmnblues.wordpress.com

Image courtsey of perfectlocks.com

Image courtesy of exposay.com

26 ZION 2011

Fashion RenaissanceWITH FASHION X-CLUSIVE

ZION 2011 27

28 ZION 2011

ZION 2011 29

Need to avoid that guy passing out "yers? Whip out your cell phone. Is your friend talking about something that just isn’t all that interesting? No problem, send out a few texts. You get on the bus and everyone’s head is down, headphones in their ears and checking emails on their Blackberry. #e bus was once a place to start up a casual conversation with a friendly person sitting next to you, but now this act is a strange and distant memory. Electronics are more than constant connectivity. #ey are constant interruptions. Imagine having dinner with your family and your phone goes o&. Instead of politely excusing yourself or ignoring it, you proceed to respond to the updated Twitter post. #en comes the ultimate test of your ability to e&ectively maintain two conversations: the one with your family and the one with your social networking friends. Can you do it? In most cases one party gets less of your attention, and the atmosphere of a personal connection is dispelled. We’re all guilty of it. Constantly being connected with everyone can take away from the personal face-to-face communication. Sometimes we would rather confront someone through a text than call or meet in person. However, problems can arise because tones and in"ections aren’t captured in texts and meanings can be misunderstood. I’m not a total technology hater because I can admit to its countless advantages and impact on my life. Because of Facebook, text messaging, instant messaging and Skype, I can still talk to my best friend from Okinawa, Japan. Even when I returned to America and she was overseas, we were still able to keep in touch and maintain our friendship. Without these advancements in technology, I’m not sure if our friendship would’ve survived the distance. #e old saying still holds true. To whom much is given, much is required. In this day and age, with the technology we have at our !ngertips, we are able to connect with others like never before and yet it means we have to make even more of an e&ort to maintain our relationships on a personal basis. So the next time you and your friend schedule that lunch, turn o& your cell phone and give them your undivided attention.

The Pitfalls of Too Much Technology

BY BRIANA HAMMONDS

30 ZION 2011

Social networking sites have been a facet of everyday life for quite some time now. From the creation of sites like BlackPlanet.com back in the Stone Age to the movie-spawning mogul of Facebook, social networking is an integral part of any typical college student’s life. For a while Facebook reigned supreme among social networks until the recent introduction of a new kid on the block: Twitter. Like Facebook, Twitter began as a professional and social network, but as most things open to the average person, devolved into a cesspool of profanity, slander and vulgarity. You know, good ole’ fashioned entertainment. However, one tweet evil that cannot be le$ unchecked is “#umb-thugging.” #umb-thugging also known as e-thugging, is the act of using social networking websites to harass, degrade and/or intimidate another person. It is the equivalent to stand-ing behind a fence and throwing rocks at the Rottweiler on the other side. Just like the fence, hiding behind a computer screen gives some people unshakeable testicular fortitude to say outrageous things to others. However, when taken from behind that protective screen, these e-thugs exhibit completely di&erent behavior. Instead of being belligerent toward the target of their online assaults, e-thugs will probably avoid their target. It’s like one day walking by the yard with that same Rottweiler, and the dog is on the outside of the fence with no leash so you quickly turn around and run. I know what you’re thinking, “#at’s pretty feline”… and you’re right. #e act of hiding behind a computer screen and antagonizing someone runs along the same track as talking trash behind someone’s back. It’s something that shouldn’t be done, but it is, and it causes far more problems than one would assume. Why? Simple answer: #e average person takes everything said on Twitter/Facebook just THAT seriously. Slip up and say something sarcastic without putting “Lol” at the end of your sentence, and you might have an angry mob, complete with torches and pitchforks, knocking at your door. Sounds foolish, right? #at’s because it is. Bottom line: Stop thumb-thugging. Do something more productive with those your thumbs, like plug a leaky faucet, send a gladiator to his death, thumb wrestle or make thumb puppets. Anything is better than thumb-thugging.

Image courtesy of "oridacriminaldefenselawyerblog.com

Thumb Thuggin:SOCIAL NETWORKING BULLIES

BY BRANDON DANIELS

ZION 2011 31

2

45

1MacBook Air

iPad

Motorola Xoom Tablet

Polarez GL20

#is is the new and improved spacious Mac with a sleeker track pad that allows its users to tap, pitch, scroll, rotate and drag with ease.

3#is is Google’s !rst touch screen tablet, which features front and rear facing cameras, a cam recorder, Adobe and Flash Player.

#ese are Polaroid sunglasses designed by Lady Gaga that feature outward facing 1.4 inch OLED display under each eye for the world to see things in your perspective.

#is is a small outdoor compact camera with a built in GPS system that gives its users the best of both worlds.

It’s a great way to experience the web,

photos, emails, videos and movies with just the touch of a !nger.

Image courtesy of apple.com

Image courtesy of inhabitat.com Image courtesy of xp30camera.com

Image courtesy of techchee.com

Image courtesy of nexgadget.com

TOP 5 GADGETSFOR 2011

Haiti,  My  Love

32 ZION 2011

My country is not a !rst world nation Nor is it a core state

#e people aren’t the envy of the worldNor is our natural resources something to be prized

Quite the opposite We are an impoverished people

No high end malls or extravagant theaters to be beheld Our state is very much volatile

And the rest of the world would prefer to turn a blind eye to usBut still I love my country so

I love you with an undying passion that is hard to put into words I think about Haiti and my heart so$ens My eyes become saturated and pour out

#is is the only way I can manifest my love for you Haiti You have been through many tribulations Haiti

But you have remained strongAnd it is that strength that you have passed unto me and the rest of

your kidsAnd that strength will never fade no matter what misery we face

Because it is our God given gi$ I love my Haiti

My passion for Haiti oh my passion for Haiti I will love you until I can’t love anymore

My heart is for youMy heart is always for you

Now that my eyes are openingEven though they are not yet fully opened they are still !xed on you

Haiti my love

Jan. 12, 2011, marked the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s earthquake. We pay tribute to the nation of Haiti through the words of this poem.

-Michou Phenelus

Cheri  Ayiti

ZION 2011 33

Payi m pa premye lè w panse de nasyon nan lemonn Ni li pa yon nasyon debazMoun li pa yon pèp ke rès lemon byen regadeLè!ni se pa pou di nou gen anpil resous natirèlNon, nou pa chanse konsaNou se yon pèp pòv Nou pa gen bèl sant komèsyal avèk gwo tayant pou fè moun plizePayi nou gen anpil enstabiliteRès lemonn ta pipito fè tankou yo avèg lè yo wè nouMennsi sa mwen tèlman gen lanmou pou payi mCheri mwen renmen w avèk yon pasyon ki de!sil pou m dekri avèk moLè m panse de Ayiti m santi kè vinn sansib Epi zye vinn bouke li kòmanse kriyeSe sèl konsa m ka manifeste lanmou mwen gen pou ou AyitiAyiti ou pase anpil tray ak misèMen ou toujou kenbe fòSe fòs sa ou bay ni mwen menm ak rès pitit ou yoNan kennenpòt mise nou pase fòs sa ap toujou avèk nouPaske se Bondye ki ba nou kado saMwen renmen Ayiti mO Ayiti pasyon mwen gen pou ou M ap renmen w jiskaske mwen pa ka renmen ankòKè m se pou ou li yeKè m ap toujou pou ouKonnyeya zye m kòmanse kale Menmsi li poko kale !n nèt l ap toujou !kse sou ouAyiti Cheri

Jan. 12, 2011, marked the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s earthquake. We pay tribute to the nation of Haiti through the words of this poem.

-Michou Phenelus