Caribbean delights

by Keisha A. Mitchell

Caribbean Delights:

Located front and center in the West End, and accessibly placed across the street from the West End Mall, Caribbean delights is both nutritious and delicious. Featuring West Indian cuisine, and vegetarian and seafood dishes with a Jamaican flair, Caribbean Delights is happy to serve students at a dollar off any meal price.  

Ru Sans

by Keisha A. Mitchell

Sushi anyone? Well Ru Sans is the spot. With a couple different locations throughout the city, namely in the Edgewood/Moreland area near little five points, and a Buckhead locale, Ru Sans features a full sushi bar and (get this) A dollar menu catered specifically towards us starving students. How Sweet? 

The Yearbook vol1-The Party Animals: Hittsquad ENT.

By Keisha A. Mitchell 

School/s: Clark Atlana University

Classification: Undergrad & Post Grad

            How did the city of Atlanta become a Mecca for nightlife anyway? Well, one could speculate, but when it comes to the college crowd a large part of that answer is found back in 2004, when a group of young men from approximately 900 miles away came to Clark Atlanta University; correctly diagnosing and curing what was then, a staunchly different collegiate party scene.  But Anthony Adighibe, Corey Felder, and “a number of other gentlemen” got it done, and Hittsquad Ent.  has been “upgrading nightlife” for students in the city of Atlanta ever since.

             Adighibe, and affiliates started as self proclaimed “flyer boys” for HittSquad in New Jersey where the company was initially formed. The group coincidentally decided to pursue higher education down south, and ended up at Clark Atlanta University where they sensed a much needed improvement on the party front. As Adighibe puts it “… [We] said, ‘Let’s do the party thing’. We got tired of seeing other people doing it.”

The group, who started humbly in Adighibes’ house doing parties once a month, quickly found success when their first party at the Atrium Entertainment Complex and Night Club, brought in a little over 1500 people.  From there, the former flyer-boys were able to turn Hittsquad Ent. from being a New Jersey import, into a substantial party and promotions empire and the groups’ accomplishments have yet to slow down.

“We’ve been on the senior party every year for the last four years.  [We’re] known for the Clark [Atlanta] homecoming and we’ve done Morehouses’ homecoming, [and] we were the first people to throw a fashion show in the GWCC (Georgia World Congress and Convention Center).” Say Adighibe. Ask what his favorite Hittsquad accomplishment is thus far and he can’t choose: “I can’t honestly name just one, there’s so many.”  Though, he can distinguish between the litter, one accomplishment definitely stands out above the rest as a testament to Hittsquads’ dominance. Adighibe puts it best “We’re not just college guys anymore, we’re known in Atlanta”.

             So now that Hittsquads’ at the top of the party scene for students, where could they possibly go next?  Well aside from doing their annual trips to B.E.Ts’ Spring Bling, and going into the philanthropic realm with their community service initiative “Hittsquad Helps”, Adighibe says he’s going grown. Well, over 21 at least.

“I wanna go in a different circle; I wanna actually do the 21 and up. That’s the era we’ve been moving in.”  And then there’s always the potential to take over another state, Adighibe elaborates: “Use the same formula we used four years ago and got to another city, and set HittSquad up.”

       If you would like to be apart of the party, or at least get pics of what you missed while you may have been sleeping underneath a rock, you can always go to Hittsquads’ website; www.hittsquadent.com , join one of their numerous Facebook groups, or the fan page, check out their party pics at www.ATLEXPOSEDMAG.com, or keep your ears perked for news of their next event. 

   

BookShelf: “It’s Ok if you’re clueless… And 23 more tips for the college bound” by Toni Morrison

 by Keisha A. Mitchell 

  

    

A departure from her black literature niche, Toni Morrison gives realistic and relevant tips to students. Inspired by her sons’ undergrad experience, Ms. Morrison weaves a mothers’ practical advice with your favorite aunts flair. 

The yearbook vol1-The Steppers: Isteptoo.com

By Keisha A. Mitchell

School/s: Morehouse founded, students affiliations are nation wide

        Classifications: undergrad, post grad, and grad students 

If college campuses are anything, they’re a microcosm of the world around them; static surroundings seething with amorphous social trends, changes, and subcultures. For many students the allure of assuming the role of participant in any one group or organization is too hard to resist. Nowhere is this phenomenon seemingly more evident than in the world of one of the largest and perhaps even most overlooked activities found on many campuses: Stepping.

            Stepping, which is a practice not specific to Black or white Greeks and is rumored to have began when white frats used to gather in campus common areas and sing. With the inception of Black Frats, the practice quickly took root amongst the new organizations and was eventually melded with more African American based influences like the dance styles of popular groups like the Temptations and Stylistics. The activities’ evolution found stepping becoming more prominent on black campuses, and with the Civil Rights, and Black Power Movements, more culturally centric.

Today for denizens of HBCUs and campuses where Black Greek letter organizations exist, Stepping is a prevalent and common element to the social atmosphere. The sport is so coveted that many students, male and female, clamor for the chance to be on freshman dorm step teams during their first year (an activity which in many cases closely resembles pledging and often serves as a prelude to many students journey into Greek life).

Stepping, and steppers have adequate representation in most to all homecomings on these campuses (with the freshman step show being one of the most attended events in the homecoming lineup), most to all college parties (An attribution given to the Greeks who are known to breakout into their intensively choreographed routines at any moment several times during a single night), and in the overall day to day affairs on campus.

    What isn’t readily revealed however, is that Stepping, and its’ participants isn’t practiced the same from group to group, campus to campus, nor is it solely on campuses where there are African-Americans. As popularity of the sport grows, garnering it more attention from the media by way of television and film (i.e.; “Stomp the Yard”, and “How She Move”), solidifying its’ place in the social psyche of collegiate America, a whole underground network is cropping up that takes step seriously, to say the least.

 Enter ISTEPTOO.com, the first social networking site that serves as a “place for fans of step, steppers themselves, those acquainted with step, and for those who want to know about stepping events.” According to one one of the Founders Ronald Davis, “It’s a place for everybody to meet up”.

Founded by Joseph Andorful, Italo Brown, Ronald Davis, Brandon Earl, Brennan Manuel, Hannibal Scipio, and Bryan Wallace, ISTEPTOO.com was the brainchild of stepper enthusiasts turned Greek and step culture experts.  The group met in the AUC (Atlanta University Consortium) during their freshman year and all had prior exposure to the sport and wanted to expand their involvement with the activity on the collegiate level. The 7 eventually ended up going Greek as well some founders  mentoring younger steppers who embarked on  the same rites of passage they had a few years prior.  It was through their travels to other states, and colleges, and their interaction with other step teams that they saw a need for a viable and tangible network to be formed.

            “We always wanted real stepping to be brought to the forefront” says Davis.

 “We saw a lot of half stepping…we wanted to bring what we consider was the stepping and precision and definitely the entertainment factor.”

Davis  says the misconception about what Step actually is is partially credited to the sports lack of mainstream notoriety: “We feel like a lot of what step is got misconstrued as just dancing or thinking it was just isolated to certain cultures, or schools when that’s not true.” 

According to Davis, the amount of diversity to be found amongst the populace of steppers is completely contrary to what is often portrayed, but one thing that remains constant is the amount of discipline and creativity to be taken from it. “You have White steppers, and Latinos (especially in the North) and it [always] displays discipline and unity…I’ve spoken with them to see what they get from it…It’s something different for everybody but it brings people together, gives them something to devote their energy to creatively, gives them an out lease.

            Asked where he sees the site in five years, Davis says he just wants the project to remain sustainable and accessible, eventually aiding step in becoming mainstream. “ Really we just want ISTEP the company as well as ISTEPTOO to create a community that’s truly representative of the culture…We just want to grow in size and exposure … The goal for ISTEP is to become a household name and to be affiliated with anything step.”

  To become more acquainted with step culture, ISTEPTOO, or to reach out to the founders and find out how you can get involved you can reach them at their site www.ISTEPTOO.Com , or email Ronald Davis at RDAVIS@great8productions.com

                            

The Yearbook vol1- The Voices: The Yard Radio Show

By Keisha A. Mitchell 

School/s: Spelman, Morehouse, Hampton University

Classification: varied/undergrad

What happens when you mix radio, media savyiness, college students, and fresh coverage of pop culture?  You get YARD Radio.

Launched at Hampton University in 2004, the YARD is not your average radio show.  With representation on 4 campuses (the collective universities of the AUC and Hampton University), and a growing fan base, listeners tune in faithfully every week to get their dose of “pop culture for college students”  and the team that makes up the YARD works relentlessly to never disappoint. However, co-host Lauren Morton of Prince Georges County, Maryland and Producer Tyler Mccullers of Rosette, New Jersey want everyone to know that the YARD “is not solely, a radio show”.

 “ …What separates us from most radio shows ….to me when you think of a radio show you think of people sitting in a studio broadcasting for an hour or so, but the YARD’s so much more than that.”  Says Lauren “We’re a family, we’re a brand.”

            The show, which covers everything from your usual pop culture commentary to national news, to more pertinent information centered around the collegiate community, doesn’t stick to your average urban broadcast format either. Rather, in true media platform fashion, they bring their coverage to their audience, and nowhere have they been more successful in doing so than with their popular “Green carpet” coverage. As Tyler explains:

“[The] Green Carpet is a welcoming committee for events on and off campus. We try to help upgrade the status of an event…make it a little more interactive and fun.” 

The “Green Carpet”, which has boasted the appearances of everyone from Keri Hilson

and Farnsworth Bentley, to Morehouse President Robert Michael Franklin Jr., has

become an undeniable trademark and testament to the shows’ expansiveness. According

to YARD participants  however, this expansiveness isn’t always recognized or

appreciated:

“Our pioneers’ goal wasn’t just to stay at Hampton” Lauren says. “It’s very important for

us to get around to PWIs (predominately white institutions)…” Tyler concurs: “[The]

Yard is not just a black radio show… We try to open ourselves to everybody.  We try to make it a platform for college students and everybody to

use …the next school we’ll jump to is a PWI.”

             So outside of diversifying their listening audience, what else does the YARD Radio Show have planned next?  Quite simply, a lot.

“[We have] television shows in the works, homecoming, fashion shows, launch parties…If you hear about it, the YARD will be there. Simple.” Says Lauren.

“I wanna be on a college campus in the Netherlands” Tyler Mcculler says of the shows progression in the next five years, but more immediately he says there’s a “whole bunch of new stuff planned for this upcoming year.” Including more of a presence on the show from other campus influentials

“I definitely want to get a lot more campus figure heads on the show this year. SGA Presidents and let them talk about what they plan to do.”

    When asked for advice on how to run Atlanta on a budget, the YARD had some notable suggestions.

Tyler starts: “If you’re broke but if you do have a car, Fellinis’ is definitely where you need to be at.”  On being a student in the city Lauren adds:  “We’re not located in some backwoods, in some random part of the city. We can hop on a train and go almost anywhere we want. Concerts, dance performances, arts performances, [the city] has so much to offer.”

 And After you had your fill of the city, be sure to check out the YARD Radio show during their live broadcasts on Thursdays at 9:00 form WSTU station 98.1, or from their podcasts. To find out how to get down with the YARD be sure to friend them on Facebook, screen name: The YARD Radio Show, or check out their website at the www.yard radio.com  

The Yearbook vol1- The Creative: Sobriaus Ibim

By Keisha A. Mitchell

School/s: Georgia State

Classification: Junior

            For every great party flyer, there’s an even greater visionary commissioned to succinctly visually convey just how dope the event listed will be. Having said that, there’s a good chance your favorite flyer may have been created by none other than graphic designer and entrepreneur Sobarias Ibim, aka Sobi.

           The Atlanta, Georgia native says he knew from an early age exactly what he wanted to do: “I always knew I wanted to be in the graphic design industry.”

Sobi, who started out doing comics in elementary school, developed his company Maximum Animation LLC by the time he was in middle school.

“When I went to college, I want[ed] to form a company and make it legitimate.”  

Doing just that, Sobi has turned Maximum Animation LLC into a media and graphic design consultant/firm, and today, he actively does designs for different businesses and individuals throughout the city of Atlanta.

             When asked what inspires him, Sobis’ answer is simple “What inspires me is what everybody else is doing. When anybody’s doing something, I like to go left… [that way] I have a competitive edge over the others.”

            While that competitive edge has definitely helped set Sobi apart from his peers, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t see others as necessary. Sobi says that networking, and interaction with others has helped him gain much of his success. He explains:

“Most of the stuff I’ve learned and needed I learned by meeting people outside on a day-to day basis.” He continues: “Network as much as you can and get to know everyone. They can refer you to the best spots and the best people; you definitely can’t depend on juts school to get you where you need to go.”

         And Sobi is going places indeed.  In the upcoming year expect to see a lot more of the graphic designers work. Sobi explains “In the upcoming year, expect to see us working with a lot of big name clients.” And Sobi doesn’t plan on stopping there.

“I’m satisfied with what I have now, I’m blessed with what I have now, but I’m always reaching for more, so be surprised if you see us working on something [entirely] different.”

       As Sobi knows, we’ll be watching. And if you want to grasp for something graphically stimulating in the meantime or even just catch up with Sobi to inquire about how to join his team you can always check him, or his works out  on his website, maximum-animation.com, or on Facebook, screen name: Maximum Animation, or follow the companys’  tweets on Twitter.com/maximum animation.

            

BookShelf: The Alchemist: by Paulo Cohelo

By Keisha A. Mitchell
      

                                         


A story about wisdom and awareness, Paulo Cohelo elegantly and astutely crafts a tale about a young shepard in search of his treasure. So good, this book is easily a weekend read.
 

The Yearbook vol1- The Writer: Jessica Spaulding

by Keisha A. Mitchell

School/s: Spelman

Classification: Senior

So you think Spelmanites have no fun? Think again, and while you’re at it, look for Renaissance woman and Harlem, NY native Jessica Spaulding the next time you’re on Spelmans’ lushly landscaped campus.

            This senior is not only an artist, poet, and author, but she also owns her own publishing company and has been known to host a show or two around the AUC.

Spaulding, whose arrival at Spelman is attributed to her trips to Atlanta in the summer during her formative years, said she chose the institution because of the “aesthetic”, and was looking for a “metro city with a slowed down feeling”.

How influential has Spauldings’ choice been on her creative output?  Who’s to say, but when it comes to inspiration Spaulding says she draws the most from “regular shit….my life”  She says: “When I was [young] I tried to find  shit outside of myself to inspire me then I realized I had more than enough to keep me going.”

When talking with Jessica it becomes apparent that perhaps no one thing has kept her going more than her drive and innovation.  As a freshman at Spelman, Spaulding made history along with a few of her other peers when they started “Thursday Nights at Jazzmans Café”.  The weekly show turns the Morehouse Barista into a lively poetry and music showcase, and many notable names have stopped through the venue since the shows inception. 5 years later, the event is cementing itself as an AUC tradition.  

Of the accomplishment she says: “It was really just an eye-opening experience. Being a woman, hosting that [at] an all male institution, and at the time being the only woman apart of it…As a person it just let me know I could handle it. It opened my eyes to my ability multitask.”

And multitasking she’s been doing ever since. Spaulding started in the creative vein as a painter, and would incorporate some of her writings into her projects. Realizing the featured poetry was actually good, she decided to go the spoken word route and found much success as she began being featured not only at her own venue of Jazzmans Café, but alongside some of the most prominent female names in the Atlanta poetry scene, including Queen Sheba.  Spauldings’ latest project, a therapeutic memoir about her love life, is as she describes it: “…an essay. This book that was a paragraph to help me go to sleep [laughing], has turned into my life’s’ work.”  She says the book is about her relationships before and throughout college and how they’ve affected her. Spaulding believes the emphasis placed on being an educated woman in todays’ society causes “unprecedented” strain on many women’s’ lives, not just in the romantic realm.

            “As a whole, we haven’t really been taught how to navigate relationships in this world.” She says.

“…So I’m trying to get a little bit more [into] activism, teaching both men and women how to love each other.” 

One of Spauldings’ largest hopes for the project is that it will help prevent the sense of anger and hopelessness so many women seem to face in the realm of romance: 

“How do we prevent the 40 year old ‘angry black women’ from getting there? They were 21 once. I wanna prevent [that] anger.”

If any one’s equipped to do so, it would be Jessica Spaulding. Aside from the book, in the upcoming year she says you can expect to see her “…having a lot of fun, or not seeing me at all.” Spaulding will be graduating in May2010 as an English major and plans to attend NYU next fall. Of her overall experience in Atlanta, she says the city “is one of the places you make the best of it…” She continues, “The thing I enjoy about Atlanta is the ability for students to do things for free or at discounted rates …If you really took the time, you could have a really quality experience and you can have that, if you want it.”

She advises getting an email account to stay abreast of happenings throughout the area. And if you wanna know  how to stay informed about Jessica and what she has planned next, add her on her Facebook screen name; Jessica Maria  or follow her on on twitter @ JaytotheEssica

Are You Living Life With Purpose or By Default?

By Margaret Garvin, PhD, LPC; President of Ascent Performance Consultants, Snellville, GA

Purpose:  The reason for which something exists or for which it has been done or made.  

Default:  A preset option automatically selected if the user does not choose one.

     If you live life with Purpose, you design your own life, are driven by a compelling desire, and admired for your achievements in life.  You enjoy the thrill of overcoming challenges in reaching life’s destination.  A purposeful person handles adversity by developing alternatives to problems and seeking solutions. By living life on Purpose, you daily pursue excellence and know who God designed you to be.  You asked the biggest life question “Why am I here?” And you live life on purpose and with purpose.  You are strong enough to make hard decisions, take risks, and endure comments and criticisms of others and apt to wholeheartedly pursue your primary purpose, live out dreams, and find personal fulfillment.  Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote on the definition of life’s purpose: "The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wants me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live or die." This is living with purpose.

If you live life by Default, you may be doomed to wander aimlessly throughout life without any rhyme or reason for your actions.  If you live by Default, when adversity and obstacles block your path, you hide, turn, walk away, and live in denial.  If you live life by Default, you have a daily pursuit of mediocrity.  You may change jobs, change schools, change mates, or change cities, and still feel unfulfilled and empty. You don’t have any peace of mind.  You seek satisfaction from shopping, drugs, overeating, over work, too much television, sex, or other addictions.  You are constantly sick and tired and want to remain isolated from others.  Your biggest question is “Why am I here?” It goes unanswered. You try to please everybody else and forget about pleasing yourself.  A philosopher said “Following the herd is a sure route to mediocrity.”  People who live by default are not willing to be brutally honest and make hard decisions. People who live by default prefer convenience over challenge and prefer to play it safe rather than to take risks and live their dreams. Taking risks means you might fail and incur some embarrassment. Not everyone is internally secure enough in themselves to endure some ridicule, laughter, and rejection from others. That’s living by default. It’s frustrating, lonely, and unfulfilling.

How To Find Meaning and Purpose in Your Life

1.     Write at the top of a sheet of paper, “What is My Purpose in Life?”

2.     Then answer these questions:

a.     What would I do for free just because I enjoy doing it?

b.     What gives me reason to get out of bed each day?

c.     What is it that I’d do even if my life was threatened for doing it?

3.     Now, make four columns on the page. Label them as Others, Qualities, Values, Passions

a.     OTHERS: Write the names of people who seem truly alive to you and inspire you -- friends, family, and acquaintances.

b.     QUALITIES: List your personal qualities that are similar to those you admire.

c.     VALUES: Identify your core values. Values define what you stand for in your life.

d.     PASSIONS: Write down your Passions.  Passions are the things that you love to do (sports, arts, any skills, talents, and abilities).

There may be multiple items that resonate with you deeply.  Begin experimenting with what you like to do and what interests you. Explore those options and you'll get closer to your Purpose. Seek help from a professional counselor, life coach, or clergy to help you define and live a purposeful life.

The Yearbook vol1- The Cool Kids: Art Nouveau Magazine

By Keisha A. Mitchell 

School/s: Morehouse, Clark Atlanta University, and Savannah College of Art & Design

Classification: Senior, and post grad students

According to the folks at Art Nouveau, “Art is everywhere”, a fact they prove again and again weekly through their webzine Art Nouveau Magazine. Founded by Kendrick Daye (also featured in this issue), and operated by a powerhouse group of other individuals including Dane Young (Publicist), Art Nouveau Magazine is redefining what art, expression, and success look like in the city of Atlanta. 

            According to Young, the Art Nouveau movement was spawned from the need to promote cultural literacy and artistic appreciation amongst urbanites. Young explains: 

“I ran into a group of gentlemen that possessed the same visions and ideas for entertainment as I did. Together we agreed that there was a lack for the appreciation of art among the urban community, and instead being looked down upon for our differences we used it to form a medium that praise individuals like us.”

             Thanks to Young and his affiliates, Art Nouveau Magazine has turned into a viable media platform that has far superseded its original goal of bringing arts appreciation to the urban community.  Hailed as “the new generation of the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance cultural movement”, and recognized by notable media outlets such as Time Magazine, Art Nouveau is setting a standard in the city that Young says has been very conducive and supportive of the Magazines’ success:

“Atlanta is somewhat the birthing place of Art Nouveau. The culture and acceptance here has allow[ed] for us to grow as an entity among the underground scene as well as in the corporate arena.”

            As they’ve grown, Art Nouveau has expanded their perpetuation of art by including music. This crusade is mast headed by none other than their own indie label “Nouveau Music”, a project Young says is encapsulated by its diversity:

“The vision behind Nouveau Music can be summed in one word which is “Diversity”. We wanted to hear a sound that caters to us, us meaning the eclectic African Americans. You seldom hear music on the radio like Gwen Stefani, John Cash that has a black face and still addresses urban issues.”

The premiere artist on the label, Corinne Stevie, is a boasting point for Young:

“We are so glad to introduce this label to mainstream, our first artist Corinne Stevie is a great talent that has the skills, pose and grace of Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, and Mc Lyte. She is what’s needed in HIP HOP right now, someone that embodies the essence of it all and is not just a look.”

What’s to expect next from the cornucopia of culture? “Just expect the unexpected; we like to do things our way.” Young says.

To stay connected to what’s culturally relevant on the underground arts scene, get new favorites for your playlist via the Nouveau Music artist, or to just check out what all the fuss is about, visit www.Artnouveaumagazine.com,  or check out their blog at

 www.an-mag.com .

Book Shelf: The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips

by Keisha A. Mitchell

 Set in rural 1950s’ Georgia, “The Darkest Child” is a tale about love, freedom, and acceptance. Even if it comes at the expense of your familys’ expectations of you.

Slice Pizza Bar

by Keisha A. Mitchell

Quaintly located in the cool shopping /arts district of Castleberry Hill near the AUC, and with a downtown location as well, Slice is always a place to eat, and be seen. Featuring a menu of gourmet pizza dishes (most for under  $7 dollars) and a fully loaded bar for those of us over 21, Slice is definite must for those looking to grab a piece of the Atlanta social scene. 

Ryan Leslie

by Keisha A. Mitchell

 Classify him how you will, but musician/producer/singer/writer/mini-mogul Ryan Leslie makes the word genius look like an understatement. This one man band took the college world by storm when at the age of 15 after he ascertained a then perfect score of 1600 on his SATS. He then went on to graduate from Harvard at 19 and pursue music fulltime. After garnering notice from Diddy, Leslie became the shiny suit mans protégé and began writing and producing for many big name acts. Today Leslie is still making moves and his album (as well as his Youtube channel) stand as no less than a testament to that fact.  Whether its great production and composition that your ear covets, or if you just love a great song concept with matching lyrics, Leslie offers something for all. With his hits “Diamond Girl, and Addiction (featuring his protégé Cassie), and more conceptual covers like “Irina, and gibberish”, Leslie has earned the title of no less than Beast. 

 

YearBook vol1- The Host: Zamir 'Green Tea' Walton

By Keisha A. Mitchell 

School/s:  Georgia State University

Classification: Senior

            Is it a drink? Is it an herb? Is it a flavor? No, it’s a host, and his name is Green Tea.

23 year old Zamir “Green Tea” Walton is a poet, rapper, author, event planner, and veteran host hailing from East Point, GA and has been providing the college students of Atlanta with social events for the last year through his organization The H.I.  Ink Arts Society.

What is H.I. Ink you ask?  Well as Green Tea explains it: “Highly Inspirational Ink Arts Society [is] art dedicated to the upliftment of people, more channeled towards life-giving art forms.” Through events like Tilted Mics (a monthly arts showcase held at Niche in the Castleberry Hill district and cosponsored/hosted with the W.O.R.D organization), Art of Hearts, and the Inkblot Indie Arts Festival, Green Tea does just that, and adds a bit of whimsical flair while doing so.

In the event planning, and promotions business, there is arguably no one trait more important, than the skill of networking. As a promoter, this is something Green Tea knows very well, and apparently so does his 3,325 friends on Facebook.

“[Networking] is extremely important on the business/professional level, and on a social networking level. In essence the more people you know the more people will support you …You’ll always have somebody who may be subconsciously supporting you.”

Alongside the creation and production of “life-giving art forms”, Green Teas’ organization H.I. Ink seeks to add a new facet to their mission by becoming a source of support for agenue artists looking to break out on the Atlanta indie music scene. This journey into artist development will be tested primarily on none other than Green Tea himself, as he prepares to launch his debut album in early winter of 2009.  So what can audiences expect in the meantime? As far as events go, Green tea hasn’t said he’s stopping, but does plan on slowing down in the upcoming year to focus on his other projects:

“There will be events later on in the fall, but they’re going to be in more intimate settings. …I’m personally working on album, as well another book. ..After the launch of the album, you’ll see a lot more events.”

The album, entitled “See Green Grow”, will showcase a departure from Greens’ poetry prowess and highlight his foray into the world of Hip Hop, as well as feature some local acts like Richelle Brown, and Corrine Stevie. Whether or not, Green will be able to cement himself as a staple on the Atlanta arts scene is yet to be seen, but Green says his efforts have never been purely about his own advancement and the impression he hopes he and H.I. Ink leaves is greater than that of himself 

“I definitely want H.I. Ink to leave an impression with [people] that inspires them. That’s always the point, to inspire them…I’m not really big on Green Tea blowing up, but I want people to blow up around me.”

 To get your dose of inspiration, or just to get a sample of Green Tea, he says you can always “befriend Green on Facebook”. , screen name  Zamir ‘Green Tea’ Walton, or true to his name, you might spot him sitting in one of your local college coffee shops, working on new ways to bring inspiration and flavor to your day.

                  

New Beginnings: Fall 2010

by Gloria Solomon

Whether you are a freshman or a returning senior, this 2009 Fall semester is a new beginning for you.  Be encouraged that this can be your best year yet and you can achieve all your goals.  It is a choice, it is up to you.   Pray about this decision and God will direct you.  Psalm 32 states that God will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  He will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)

There will be challenges and obstacles as you progress to meet your goals.  Look at these as opportunities to grow and develop.  As a wise man once said, when there is nothing but lemons, then make lemon aide.   Remember that God is with you and no one can stand against you, and he will never leave or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5 NIV)  With God on your side you will be successful. 

This may be the first time you have been away from home, family and friends and in a new environment. But with all new things, there comes great opportunities for growth-physical, mental and spiritual. Take advantage of the change and embrace your new environment.  You will find one thing in life that is constant, that is change.  I know you are strong and courageous because you made the decision to come here.  You will adapt to the changes and come out on top.

Here are a few tips to handle the challenges/opportunities that may arise this semester
1.  Stay on task by planning
2.  Focus on your goals
3.  Ride out the storm, it will pass
4.  Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH)

You have taken the first steps to fulfill your purpose by choosing to get your education in Atlanta.  Completing your education is so important today.  The job market is competitive and a good education is the start to having a competitive edge in pursuing your career goals.  But keep in mind, you can have some fun and enjoy the journey while accomplishing your goals. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

 

Be Encouraged,

Gloria Solomon

Keri Hilson

by Keisha A. Mitchell

 In  a perfect world, maybe R&Bs’ new “it-girl” would have taken her Theatre major degree  from Emory University and became your younger siblings’’ theatre teacher. But luckily for us, the world isn’t perfect, and Ms. Keris’ debut LP under the same name has hit the airwaves and set the hip hop set ablaze. The sexy and soulful songstress worked for many years behind the scene in a production group known as The Clutch. The trio worked on behalf of everyone from  Ludacris to Britney Spears and in 2006 Hilson was spotted and scooped by Timbaland and then signed to his Mosley Music label. Today, Hilsons’ songs cover the familiar and the fun. Tracks like “Slow Dance” find the singer crooning seductively with come hither lyrics and missy-esque production, while songs like “Tell Him the Truth” find the lady lamenting for forgiveness in a very real way.  Though she may be no Beyonce, or Ciara even, now that this songbird has landed, The R&B scenery has definitely just gotten a little better, and may even sound a little sweeter too.
 

The YearBook vol1: The Freshman: Keith J. Davis Jr

by Keisha A. Mitchell

School/s: University of Houston

Classification: Freshman

What do you call an 18 year old who is a marketing maverick, established author, tenured business owner, motivational speaker, aspirational actor, budding model, and just now embarking on his freshman year in undergrad? Amazing? Prodigal? Inspirational? You could. Or, you could just call him Keith J Davis Jr. and say hello, because when it comes to college, he has arrived.

Hailing from Houston Texas this graduate of Flatbush Springs High School has more than made moves.

                  Keith was raised in a household big on business practices and ethics, and quickly caught the entrepreneurial itch passed on by his father. “My first business was selling hats” says Keith.

This first business venture led to a host of others, as well as a myriad of accomplishments. Though he admits he wasn’t able to participate in your typical after school extracurriculars, by the time he was in high school, Keith was teaching Junior Achievement classes to his peers. Classes he says were “a great opportunity”; “Throughout [that] I was able to impact some students and encourage them to think outside of the box..To create opportunities for yourself”.  

 In 2007, Keith launched his own newspaper “FYTYA” (For Youth, Teens, and Young Adults) and by 2008, had established himself as a published author with this first book “Young? So What! …Tips for becoming a successful young entrepreneur”. Keiths’ book has been gaining national attention, and the young author is currently in the works with penning a deal for Kroger book-signing tour. 

For one who has accomplished so much so soon, college should be a cakewalk right? One would think, but Keith also admits the road ahead holds some challenges for him: “The challenge has definitely been to balance both education and business and to stay on top of both of them.” 

If there is any one thing that can help Keith manage, it’s organization and determination, a secret the young author knows all too well.

As he says “you have to prioritize…When you have a goal or a vision I always recommend to lock in on that goal or that vision and be relentless in your pursuit of getting that”. 

            So with goals set, and focus on attaining that aim, Keith will set out to conquer the collegiate world and bring even more influence and success to his new peers. Along with the aforementioned Kroger book tour , Keith also is in talks to partner with Rice University to launch a mentoring program, as well as continue on with his different business ventures alongside the consultation he currently does for other business owners. If there’s one thing Keith wants you to remember after coming into contact with him or his story it’s this quote:

                      “In every endeavor you pursue in life there will be obstacles are only those _________ you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” 

To catch up with Keith about his different projects, or to get a copy of his book be sure to check out his website: www.keithjdavisjr.com , or friend him on his Myspace and Facebook screen name: Keith J Davis Jr, and for booking call 713-272-9511.

BookShelf: The Dead Emcee Scrolls:The Lost Teachings Of Hip Hop.

By Keisha A. Mitchell

      

     Occasional actor Saul Williams  published prolific poems that chronicle the origins and purpose of hip-hop, and its affect on us a populace from conception to present. After reading these works ask yourself : “Is Hip Hop really dead?”. 

Cheat Sheet : Student discounts

by Keisha A mitchell

              What’s worse than a recession? Living on a student budget in a recession.

If you’re new to Atlanta and ant to find things to do that wont break your piggy bank and have you calling your parents in shame then have no fear; The CHEAT  SHEET is here. 

                  

                                                                         Freebies:

 In Atlanta, a little free or a lotta cheap goes a looooong way. Check out these places and see for yourself.

Steel: Free sushi in one of the citys premiere restaurants can never be bad right? From 5-7 pm on Wednesdays come take a seat at Steel Sushi bar in Midtown  and enjoy free samples of their best sushi dishes; California Rolls, Shrimp Tempura, and Spicy Tuna. And if you’re ballin on a budget then you can even snag full fledged appetizers for 5 dollars. For those of us that are drinking age (wink, wink) then make sure you snag their infamous $2 sake bombs at the bar.

West End Nails: Conveniently located right up the street from the AUC in the West end, this nail spot has been known to gladly offer discounts on pedicures and manicures to students. Just present them with your student I.D & let the beauty treatment begin.

Busy Bees: Another restaurant a comfortable distance from the AUC, Busy Bees is an award winning soul food restaurant has served the likes of Jill Scott, Outkast and others and will serve you with their food at a discounted price. Just present them with a student i.d. and eat up at up to 10% off.

Papa Johns: Call up your nearest Papa Johns and ask Papa how u can score one his Papa Johns Student ID cards. That’s right, possession of one these guarantees you one large/1 topping pizza for 8.99 whenever you call this pizza chain.  Great for those days when you just cant make it to the café.

Groupon.com: This sites specialty is sending you coupons. All it takes is a simple signup. No questionnaire, No schemes, just discounts by the tons. Even though you may not use them all, the site sends outs a different coupon everyday so you’re guaranteed to come across a savings that’ll spark you’re interest sooner or later. 

The Writers Block: JIhad Kheperu

 Run This Town
 by Jihad Kheperu

    Ah gee whiz, they think we kids
but we keep enough whiskey to whisk wigs
thrills, shit thats what the risk gives
chils, damn thats what the wrist gives
lifts, courtesy of spliffs we twist to tip the stars in our favor
hello Jupiter, Earth eat my vapors
Mom I will see you later
but now I gotta go see a man about some paper
My God, shot straight no chaser
                                                                                    I find myself unphased bruh
                                                                                    seems i see thru all you haters
                                                                                    TGI-x-ray bans an arm and a leg is what I payed sir
                                                                                    but i'm happily an amputee if it means i ampley
                                                                                     prepped to be the next eclipse
                                                                                     but try not to stand in my light
                                                                                      i guess i got left on the path to do right
                                                                                     just tryna find and empty V, true life
                                                                                      and she can rise this son, all night
                                                                                      and when the ride is done, onara-Say
                                                                                     by and by its all goodbyes
                                                                                      so we dont waste our time tryna fly
                                                                                     I just go, as fast as I can
                                                                                     cloud inside my head, lighting bolt in my hand
                                                                                     and in my chest there is thunder
                                                                                     Ran this town, nowhere left to run bruh.                                

Remember when? : Nickelodeon

 By Keisha A. Mitchell

 With Shows like "Are you Afraid of the Dark?", "Rugrats" (the original version with the bighead version of Tommy), "Double Dare", Legends of the Hidden Temple", "Rockos Modern Life", Doug", and more, Nickelodeon not only raised a generation, but spawned a whole era of latent socially conscious programming for Americas then-developing youth.

Asher Roth

by Keisha A. Mitchell
    

                                    

Don’t let the pale skin fool you, Asher Roth is no Eminem, and that’s not a discredit to his lyrical capability. This unapologetically suburban rapper hails from Morrisville, Pa. Roth, who found commercial success with his single “I love college” has gained buzz not only for his style of delivery, but for the diversity of his content. With lyrics ranging from “I love college (yeah), I Love drinking (yeah), I love women (yeah)…” to “I’m the Farakahan of hims…”  Roth makes the very real but often overlooked face of Hip Hop (middle class white suburbia) seen.   Roth alleges he didn’t discover Hip Hop till ‘98 when he heard Jiggas “Hard Knock Life”. After 10 years of finding hip hop enjoyable, but wholly unrelatable, Roth decided to take his shot.  During his sophomore year at West Chester University as an elementary education major, Roth posted songs on his Myspace and was subsequently courted by several different labels (including Def Jam and Warner Bros to name a few) before settling in a joint contract with Schoolboy Records and SRC/Universal.  With the release of His debut LP “Asleep in the Bread Aisle” , Hip Hop might just have to usher in the genres “other brother”. 

The Waffle House

By Keisha A. Mitchell

 Not just a southern dining staple, but arguably a Georgian subculture, Waffle House has more than solidified themselves as noteworthy dining experience.

With most menu items priced under $4 dollars, some of the fluffiest waffles found anywhere and more than 100 restaurants  throughout Metro Atlanta alone, what’s not to love?