ISSUE 5
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NYOTA Magazine was founded
by two sisters who shared a love for discovering new talent and young entrepreneurs. Nyota /niːˈoʊtə/ means star in Swahili, this magazine focuses on finding and promoting the rising stars in fashion, music and culture. So if you know a young person who is serious about their craft, please contact us! The magazine will be released quarterly, (winter, spring, summer and fall).
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@nyotamagazine
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Cont 010
018 MUSIC
004 Contributors 005 Editor’s Letter
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008 Birthday Playlist 009 Back to School Playlist 010 Annalia Marie Inteview 014 Blonde Review 015 Where Are They Now? Vine Street 016 Sophie Beem Interview 017 On Repeat: Music We Love 018 Lemonade Review 020 Words of Wisdom: Cathy Block
tents 024 FASHION
024 Back to School Editorial 038 Halloween Formation 044 Skee Kow! Interview 046 But First, Let Me Take a Selfie 047 Yes, I’m a Tomboy 048 Wise Guy Interview 052 Words of Wisdom: Kareem Nuri
044
056
CULTURE
056 Will Trostel Interview 058 Will Photography Feature 068 Where Are They Now? Lauren Nefesha 069 Words of Wisdom: Rachel Hislop 071 The Unused Young Vote 072 Poetry 076 New Books & Movies 078 Thank you! NYOTA
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TEAM
NIARA WRIGHT Co-Editor in Chief and Artistic Director CAROL WRIGHT Co-Editor in Chief and Fashion Director JOCELYN NAARDEN Graphic Designer and Visual Director
FEATURES
ANNALIA Music SKEEKOW Fashion WILL TROSTEL PHOTOGRAPHY Culture
WRITERS
BRANDY MARKS @brandy.marks AMANDA MOLLOY ALEXANDRA MORROW ALEXANDRIA RODRIGUEZ @curlyhairedmua_ @glambyalexandria ELI BRAMNICK LAUREN NEFESHA @laurennefesha BRITTANY INSKEEP OFONIME IDIONG
MODELS
LOGAN COLE CHELSEA GREEN JOSELYN HAMILTON CHRISTIANA AMPOFO
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R E T T E L S ’ R EDITO It is truly amazing seeing your ideas come into fruition. It was last June when Carol told Niara that she wanted to create NYOTA and by September they were publishing the first issue. Here we are, one year later, publishing our fifth issue! We have grown so much since we started. We expanded our team, have had amazing contributors and have created great relationships in the process. In this issue, we celebrate how far we’ve come, look back on what we’ve accomplished and look forward to what’s ahead. This issue focuses on growth which you will see in each section with our “Words of Wisdom” interviews by industry professionals sharing their advice in their careers. We are so grateful for everyone that has contributed to Nyota in any way, shape or form and cannot wait to see what other opportunities will arise from this publication. All in all, we hope that Nyota inspires our readers to reach for their dreams no matter the circumstances and continue to shine like the stars they are. Instagram: @nyotamagazine Twitter: @NYOTAMagazine Youtube: Nyota Magazine Love your Co-EICs, Carol and Niara Wright
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#NYOTAMUSIC
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COMING OF AGE / FOSTER THE PEOPLE HAPPY WITH ME / HOLYCHILD PINK + WHITE / FRANK OCEAN RIDE / TWENTY ONE PILOTS TONGUE TIED / GROUPLOVE CHEAP THRILLS / SIA I GOT IT / SOPHIE BEEM BIRTHDAY / KATY PERRY 8 //
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to
schoo
l
GANGSTA / KEHLANI RANGE O D O O L B / U O Y O T T BES YOUNG / VALLIS ALPS BAD BLOOD / NAO
R.I.P
DOOR T X E N Y T R A P / E IC N T NO OOD H R U O B H IG E N E H T / 2 MY YOUTH USS WHAT THEY WANT / R STILL HERE / DRAKE
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#NYOTAMUSIC
Sequin Top by: Top Knot Vintage
An WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC START?
My interest in music started when I was
WHERE
IS
YOUR
FAVORITE
LOCATION
YOU’VE PERFORMED?
ing vulnerable and honest music, so the most prevalent inspirations are simply
in elementary school. I was always asking
My favorite location I’ve performed at is
relationships and personal experiences. I
to sing solo’s in the school plays and writ-
the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd in Los
also am inspired by novels, films, conver-
ing songs on piano. When I was in high
Angeles. When I was in high school I was
sations with friends. As far as the inspira-
school, a friend and I taught ourselves
a part of a girl group and we got to sing
tion behind my sound as an artist, I would
guitar and started co-writing songs based
there! Really cool venue and location.
definitely say it’s a blend of Ellie Goulding
off of some poetry she had written. I realized how much I loved putting words to music and that led me to Nashville to pursue songwriting further! 10 //
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and Troye Sivan; Ellie’s sound and Troye’s WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC?
I pull from so many different things to find inspiration for my music. I love writ-
lyrics.
a i l a nn
Interviewed By: Carol & Niara Wright Photography by: Mackenzie Maroney
DO YOU WRITE ALL YOUR OWN MUSIC? IF
WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE YOUR MUSIC
SHOULD WE EXPECT AN ALBUM FROM YOU
SO, WHAT’S YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS?
CAREER WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
SOON?
I do write all of my own music! I love
Within the next five years, I hope to be
Right now I am working on some singles
co-writing, as it was how I first fell in love
a couple albums in, playing shows/tour-
but there will surely be an album after
with songwriting! The power of more than
ing, headlining my own shows and writing
that. I wouldn’t say “soon” necessarily, but
one brain behind a song is fascinating to
songs for other artists!
everyone can be on the lookout for one in
me. But I definitely write by myself too!
the future. Definitely part of the plan!
The process is always, always, always dif-
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSI-
ferent. Sometimes it’s me alone at the
CIANS?
WHICH OF YOUR SONGS HAS BEEN YOUR FA-
piano or guitar, sometimes it’s me sing-
As I mentioned before, some of my big
ing a melody in the shower, or recording
time favorite artists right now are Ellie
My favorite song to record was “Not
voice memo’s while I’m out and about, or
Goulding and Troye Sivan but there so
About You”. It was actually the first full
writing to track with my producer friends.
many more! Ahh.. the 1975, Walk The
song I ever wrote on piano and it was so
That’s what I love about writing songs; the
Moon, Zella Day, LANY are some of my fa-
fun to see it come to life with the produc-
process always changes and keeps me on
vorites right now too.
tion behind it. Plus, it’s just so fun to sing!
VORITE TO RECORD?
my toes and keeps my creativity alive! NYOTA
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#NYOTAMUSIC
I KNOW YOU ALSO DANCE, HAVE YOU EVER
WHAT INSPIRED THE BEAT AND FEEL OF
Soundcloud under annaliamusic. There
CONSIDERED COMING OUT WITH A VISUAL
YOUR SONG STRANGERS?
will be more to come on Spotify, iTunes,
“Strangers” has a really cool story behind
ALBUM?
I do dance! I haven’t thought about a col-
it. I actually wrote it one night when I was
lective visual album but I have released
pretty down after having the exact experi-
a video to the stripped down version of
ence I sing about in it. It started out really
“Not About You’ that’s up on my You-
slow and was a rough voice memo in my
tube account. I’ve definitely given a lot
phone. It had a different title and cho-
of thought to releasing choreographed/
rus. I brought it into the studio because I
improvised dance videos to go along with
thought it had something special and had
my songs though. I’m sure you’ll be seeing
potential to go in a different direction so
a bit more of that.
my producers made a track and I re-wrote the chorus to be more upbeat. That’s
WHEN DID YOUR LOVE FOR DANCE BEGIN?
when I got the line “strangers in familiar
I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old
crowds” and landed on the title “Strang-
and I have been in love with it ever since.
ers.” I told my producers they made my
20 years later and I am teaching competi-
“sad-song-turned-happy” dreams come
tive dance and it barely feels like work to
true with that one.
me. It’s definitely a huge passion of mine
LASTLY, WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND
and will always be a part of my life.
YOUR MUSIC?V
Right now, you can find my music on 12 //
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etc.
That's what I lo ing songs; the changes and keep and keeps my cre
love about writprocess always eps me on my toes reativity alive!
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Frank Ocean’s
BLONDE REVIEW Written By: Amanda Molloy
Frank Ocean’s presence in the music
themes are present throughout the re-
industry has always been one of mys-
cord, but the main focus is on love: the
tery—from the beginning of his career
conception of love, the inevitable expira-
as a ghostwriter to his sudden entrance
tion of love, and everything in between.
into the mainstream to the unexplained
Channel Orange and Blonde are two
hiatus that left fans in shambles for years
great albums in two very different
as they anxiously awaited his next album.
Musically, it seems as if the producers
ways. Channel Orange is the type of re-
For a while, it seemed as if questions of
were willing to go anywhere and every-
cord that you can listen to as you drive
when the R&B artist’s next record would
where with this album. You get everything
around aimlessly. Blonde is more com-
be released turned into speculations of
from classic and dreamy (and Beyoncé-
plex and dense in the way that you can’t
if. In a 2012 interview with the Guard-
fueled) “Pink + White” to hazy and intro-
merely keep it on as background noise:
ian, he even stated “Storytelling’s a dif-
spective “Seigfried”. “Solo” is accompa-
getting the full effect of the album re-
ferent thing… it’s the more interesting
nied by a single organ playing a simple riff
quires your utmost attention and noth-
part about making music for me… So
throughout the duration of the song while
ing less. Yes, both records are dark. Both
much so that I might not make another
the unrestrained use of synthesizers and
will take you through journeys of loss
album. I might just write a novel next.”
electric guitars on “Nights” makes the
and societal struggle and unrequited
Due to the highly publicized buildup, it
ninth track a standout. A large portion of
love. Both are undeniably Frank Ocean.
comes as no surprise that the sudden
the album seems to be heavily influenced
However, Blonde shows growth and
release of Frank’s latest album Blonde
by the likes of psychedelic masterminds
perseverance in a new, innovative light.
caused the internet to spontaneously
Tame Impala, including my personal fa-
I think it’s important to note that Blonde
combust in joy and relief all at once. The
vorite, “Nikes”. The five-minute-long track
requires patience. It requires a peace of
hour-long record received widespread
sounds a lot like a distorted, hypnotic
mind as thoughtful and contemplative as
praise from both fans and critics alike, and
daydream, and as much as I truly appre-
the album itself. You’ll become transfixed
it’s easy to tell why. While he may not have
ciate the production that went into the
and unsure about its meanings, but that’s
written that novel, Blonde is a prime ex-
song, I believe that what really made it
what makes the album so striking. Over-
ample of Frank’s exceptional ability to tell
my favorite was its deep lyrical content.
all, I think that many fans will agree with
a story and give it purpose; it’s as much of
What struck me as amazing was the fact
me when I say that Blonde was very much
a personal narrative as it is a work of musi-
that the song mentioned so many heavy
worth the wait.
cal expression. A self-proclaimed concept
concepts within the first few minutes: ev-
album, it blurs the lines between intima-
erything from violence to materialism to
cy and outspokenness in beautiful way.
strained relationships and beyond. Such
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Whe r e A r e the y Now? VINE STREET Written By: Eli Bramnick
You may remember Vine Street as Nyota’s very first music features, but since then a lot has changed. The band has decided to go their separate way, but that doesn’t mean they stopped making music. I got the chance to catch up with one of the band’s previous members, Eli Bramnick.
So basically I am part of a program called the School of Rock Allstars, which is the top one percent of the 23,000 students across the country. There were three rounds of auditions. We are touring all around the country and playing gigs such as lollapalooza in Chicago, mo pop festival in Detroit, and red rocks amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. I am gigging with them through the 31st. And back home, I am working on an instrumental hip hop album with Nealon. we are trying to create a compilation album with several featured musicians and rappers, but still sticking with the core rhythm section of me and Nealon. We have recorded base tracks for a few of the songs and expect this to be a work in progress.
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Interviewed By: Carol Wright
It’s not everyday you run into a singer on the verge of superstardom, but at Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival that is exactly what the Co-Editors of Nyota Magazine did. If you haven’t heard of Sophie Beem you’re going to soon. This New York native is signed under Beyonce’s label Parkwood Entertainment and has already been making waves with her songs Girls will be girls and Skyline. We got lucky enough to have a quick chat with the rising star. CAROL: How do you feel about being at Made in America
and Performing?
CAROL: What song are you most excited to perform? SOPHIE: I’m actually performing two new songs. I’m really
SOPHIE: I am so excited. It’s my first festival I’m performing
excited about that, I’ve never performed them before so I’m
at ever, and I went by the stage yesterday and I’m just so
not gonna give them away but, actually I can give one away,
excited.
Nail polish.
CAROL: Can we get some info on your outfit. I love it! SOPHIE: Thank you! It’s by Namilla, it’s from V-files. I picked
it out back in New York and I love the brand, it’s amazing.
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CAROL: Thank you so much! It was nice meeting you! SOPHIE: Thank you, you too!
ON REPEAT: MUSIC WE LOVE TRAVIS SCOTT: BIRDS IN THE TRAP SING MCKNIGHT
BON IVER: 22, A MILLION
FRANK OCEAN: BLOND
SCHOOLBOY Q: BLANK FACE LP
MAJOR LAZER: COLD WATER FT. JUSTIN BEIBER & MO
CHANCE THE RAPPER: COLORING BOOK
COLDPLAY: HEAD FULL OF DREAMS
LIL YATCHY: ONE NIGHT
KANYE WEST: THE LIFE OF PABLO
TAME IMPALA: CURRENTS
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#NYOTAFASHION
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS
Written By: Jeanita Hosea
Hold Up serves as the next step in this
When life gives you lemons, make lem-
narrative of grief. In a fight to figure out
boy, bye” croons Beyonce, who also had
where his loyalties lie, this is an ode to her
us bopping our heads and putting actions
partner letting him know she’d “rather be
to the lyrics, even if we weren’t going
crazy” then “walked all over”. “Hold up,
through a breakup. Ultimately she wants
they don’t love you like I love you.
to show strength and confidence in the
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love
midst of an emotionally tugging moment,
you” she continues, as we begin to notice
highlighting her “sorry, not sorry” attitude
the playful horns, light bounce of the pia-
that she isn’t thinking about her ex.
no melody and upbeat instrumentals that
Queen B has earned her title through
Her sixth solo studio album, Lemonade,
juxtapose the content of the song - which
the dedication and hard work she encom-
is by far one of her most diverse albums
transcends from resentment and rage -
passes in order to succeed in life. There-
to date. With impressive visuals and en-
and in turn tricks the listener.
fore, she has a right to flaunt it right? “She
onade. That’s exactly what Beyonce did.
capsulating sounds from country to r&b
Don’t Hurt Yourself, the third track on
grinds day and night, She grinds from
to trap, Beyonce has portrayed the very
the album, arguably stands as the peak
Monday to Friday, works from Friday to
grit and cycle of violence, police dissat-
point of her anger and we are not given
Sunday”. 6 INCH is a workers anthem that
isfaction and revenge fantasies. As she
any time to rest after the previous track.
empowers women to keep making mon-
touches on what is rumoured to be JayZ
“Who the fuck do you think I am? You ain’t
ey and stay on their grind - referring to
cheating on her, we feel every ounce
married to no average bitch boy, You can
six inch heels as a symbol for wealth and
of her emotion and plea to not only be
watch my fat ass twist boy, as I bounce
power.
heard, but understood and respected.
to the next dick boy”. There is no playing
As we continue through this 12-track vi-
“You can taste the dishonesty, it’s all
around with Beyonce - if you hurt her you
sual album, we get a glimpse of what it
over your breath” sings Beyonce, as we
hurt yourself. Love is a two way street and
was like for Beyonce growing up in Texas
are quickly thrown into the intense and
this guitar thrashing black woman’s an-
and the lessons she learned from her fa-
secret mind of an artist from the very first
them depicts the hate and betrayal that
ther (Daddy Lessons), how to make things
song, Pray You Catch Me. With a softened
comes along with it also. But Beyonce’s
work in a relationship shaken by insecuri-
beat and a mixture of strings and percus-
tolerance for cheating is wearing thin and
ties and trust issues (Love Drought) and
sion she introduces the suspicion, emo-
she isn’t done letting you know that.
also that although you make promises to
tional intimacy and pain that will drive the
As she continues to give us an anthem
stay, once that trust is broken, its harder
whole album. Setting the mood for us as
for every emotion, Sorry falls nothing
to forgive and forget (Sandcastles). But
listeners - we were about to embark on a
short of a middle-finger clap-back break
whatever has happened in this relation-
beautifully poignant journey.
up anthem. “Middle fingers up, put them
ship, Beyonce is moving “forward” - which
hands high. Wave it in his face, tell him,
in track 9, British singer James Blake,
Swiftly transitioning into the next track, 18 //
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WITHOUT THE VISUAL, THE LYRICISM AND THE DESIGN OF THE MUSIC MIGHT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE GOSSIP AS LEMONADE MARKS BEYONCE'S MOST POLISHED WORK YET.
sings the lyrics in a soft voice rather than
ney for Beyonce and all Lemonade listen-
cé’s most polished work yet. The songs
in anger.
ers. This song illustrated a very deep love
are a dazzling series of edgy with tune-
It’s been an emotional journey, not only
that went through disappointments, in-
ful collaborations with a diverse range
for Beyonce, but for us as listeners as well.
securities and pain only to come out the
of guests. The visual storytelling mixed
We’ve come out on top and track 10 Free-
other side determined to keep going.
with the conformity of contemporary mu-
dom is now all about transformation. “I’m
The album ends with Formation, the po-
sic has allowed us to tell the story of our
telling these tears fall away, fall away,” Be-
litically lead single from the record. After
lives and for Beyonce, this journey, this
yoncé begins. “May the last one burn in
the whirlwind of feelings - from paranoia
album has helped her come into her own
flames.” Dedicated to black women, she
to anger to sadness to forgiveness — we
- accomplished, wise and in complete de-
suggests to herself that she can empower
end at Formation, the black power an-
fense of herself.
women to break free of the chains that so-
them. She talks about New Orleans post-
ciety places on them proclaiming, “I break
Katrina and showed snippets of graffiti
chains all by myself, won’t let my freedom
on a wall which said “Stop Shooting Us”,
rot in hell”. As she addresses the history
which was defaced in support of the Black
of slavery forced upon African-Americans
Lives Matters movement. Releasing this
and the cry for freedom, she is joined by
single on what would have been Trayvon
Kendrick Lamar who touches on institu-
Martin’s 21st birthday, Beyonce touched
tionalised racism and police brutality.
on the power of the black women and
All has been forgiven but don’t be mistake it as being forgotten in this next
praises her appearance, “I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils”.
groovy upbeat love ballad. All Night which
Without the visual, the lyricism and the
was produced by Diplo, serves as the the
design of the music might have been lost
end of what has been an emotional jour-
in the gossip as Lemonade marks BeyonNYOTA
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CathBylock WORDS OF WISDOM:
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU REALIZE MUSIC WAS YOUR PASSION? I don’t remember music not being my passion! I can recall being 3 and 4 years old and having my ears pressed up against a radio or record player speaker listening.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN WRITING SONGS? I wrote my first complete song at 9 years old.
YOU HAVE HAD SOME OF THE GREATEST ARTISTS OF ALL TIME SING YOUR SONGS, WHAT DOES THAT FEEL LIKE AND DID YOU EXPECT SUCH SUCCESS?
and if I expected it? You have to work very hard and only think positively. You have to visualize success to have it.
WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST SETBACKS WHEN YOU FIRST ENTERED INTO THE MUSIC BUSINESS? You have to be in it, to be in it. It’s a catch 22. It requires tremendous persistence and a strong back bone.
WHAT MADE YOU BEGIN TO WRITE CHILDREN’S MUSIC?
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU GET TO THIS POINT? My family, without a doubt!
DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO PURSUE A MUSIC CAREER? You have to really want it! That is, if there is anything else you can do you that makes you equally happy, you should do it. If you must do music (and that person
I’ve always enjoyed kids, and have been
will know if that is who they are), then
interested in writing music for children.
they need to work very hard and put the
It’s wonderful to see their happy faces
thousands of hours in. You have to be so
when you make music with them!
good that you can’t help but be noticed. The only difference between those who
When I finished music school, I had a
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START TEACHING?
wish list of artists I wanted to work with.
When you’re passionate about what you
nally, there are different levels of success.
While I’ve been fortunate to work with
do, and spend a lifetime learning about
If a person is happy with where they are,
many terrific artists, definitely, one of the
it, it feels good to want to share and pass
that’s a success!
greatest joys was working with Al Jarreau.
that knowledge on.
He was on my wish list! As far as success 20 //
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succeed and those who do not, is, the ones who do succeed never give up. Fi-
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back to school Editorial
Photography by: Carol Wright
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BLACK FORMATION 38 //
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Dresses/Skirts: 1.Eli Thari, $398, Halsbrook.com 2.Chicwish, $37,Chicwish.com 3.American Vintage, $120, Question-air.com 4. Rosetta Getty. $810, Net-a-porter.com 5.Chicwish, $45, Chicwish.com 6.Roksanda Kidron, $1,265, Net-a-porter.com
2.
3. 1.
6.
4.
5.
1.
2.
6. 3.
5.
4.
Accessories: 1. Azalea Paula, $59, Azaleasf.com 2.Janessa Leon, $185, Forwardbyelysewalker.com 3. Mixit, $28, Jcpenny.com 4. Topshop, $17, Topshop.com 5.$99, Nordstromrack.com 6. $110, Nordstromrack.com 7.Yoins, $6.21, Yoins.com 8.Chicos, $49, Chicos.com 9.Boohoo. $12, BooHoo.com
9. 7.
8.
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WHITE FORMATION
1.
1.Faith Connection, $395, Farfetch.com 2.Topshop, $225, Topshop.com 3.Kiki De Montparnasse, $595, Lanecrawford.com 4. Nastygal, $68, Nastygal.com
2.
3. 4.
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HOLD UP 1.
Dresses: 1.Jean Louis Scherrer, $1,200, Farfetch.com 2.Marysia Victoria, $550, Mytheresa.com 3.John Lewis, $87, Johnlewis.com 4.Valentino, $2,500, Farfetch.com 5. Maison Pere, $535, Modaperandi.com 6. Asos, $42, Asos.com 7. Asos, $57, Asos.
3.
2.
6.
7. 4.
Shoes: 1.River Island, $110, Riverisland.com 2.Charlotte Russe, $38, Charlottrusse.com 3.Giuseppe Zanotti, $795, Nordstrom.com 4.Call it Spring, $45, Jcpenny.com 5.Boohoo, $60, Boohoo.com 6.Aquazzura, $790, Forwardbyelysewalker.com 7.Aquazzura, $865, Forwardbyelysewalker.com
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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HURT YOURSELF
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1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
1.
3.
2.
Bras: 1.Moschino, $91, Luisaviaroma.com 2.Calvin Klein, $33, Net-a-porter.com 3. T by Alexander Wang, $59, Matchesfashion.com
Coats: 1. Yoins, $91, Yoins.com 2. Saks Potts, $1,185, Brownsfashion.com 3.Confetti, $950, Theconfettiboutique.bigcartel.com
Leggings: 1.Miss Selfridge, $35, Missselfridge.com 2.Miss Selfridge, $44, Missselfridge.com 3.River Island, $27, Riverisland.com NYOTA
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Skee Kow Interviewed By: Carol Wright
DO YOU HOPE TO ONE DAY SPONSOR FAMOUS SKATEBOARDERS?
Of course it would be great to sponsor a great skateboarder that everyone knows, but in many cases the skaters already have a lot of sponsors and wouldn’t drop them for a small company like us. We are more likely to get a good rider onto our team and letting them personally prove them self in the industry with all the help we can possibly give them. FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHERE DID THE NAME
company, but starting a company by your-
TREVOR, YOU HAVE A LOVE FOR SKATE-
SKEE KOW COME FROM?
self always involves risks. I came to Trevor
BOARDING AND NIKITA YOU HAVE A LOVE
The name Skee Kow, is the name of
with the idea of starting a skateboard
FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. DO YOU THINK YOUR
Trevor’s cat who is really fat and only has
company and he instantly wanted to do it.
TWO PASSIONS COME TOGETHER WELL FOR
one eye. The black and white cat is wor-
I (Trevor) have always thought about hav-
SKEE KOW?
shipped in his house and while we were
ing a skateboard company since I started
This helps us a lot and certainly works
going through the rigorous task of com-
riding. Boards were always so expensive
out really well for the company, Trevor,
ing up with a name, we were also drawing
and it sucks to be going through a board
is able to advertise our skateboards and
logos as well. Nikita came up with a rough
a week. I love art and was super psyched
clothing by riding with them. Nikita is able
idea of the logo once the name was talked
to be able to put some on a skateboard.
to take pictures for promotion as well as
about in more detail and we liked it and ran with it.
work on the website to make it look more WHO COMES UP WITH THE DESIGNS AND
Trevor and I went through a pretty long
attractive to the customers.
MAKES THE SHIRTS?
process of selecting a name for the com-
Most of the designs are designed in
pany. We had to go through about forty
house, with Trevor coming up with most
ideas for a name and pick out the one
of the ideas and then working with Nikita
It’s really a lot of fun to see your product
which would best suit the company. Trev-
to turn them into a reality using Illustrator
that you designed on your friends, neigh-
or, and I thought that “Skee Kow” would
or Photoshop. One of the board graphics
bors, family, strangers or even your ath-
be our best option.
which we recently dropped can be greatly
letic director. Design and art has always
credited to the help of our close friend Er-
been fun for the two of us so it never gets
nie Griptape.
boring.
HOW DID THE COMPANY COME ABOUT?
I have always wanted to start my own
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WHAT MOTIVATES THE TWO OF YOU TO CONTINUE DESIGNING SHIRTS AND BOARDS?
SINCE YOU BOTH ARE YOUNG, WAS THERE ANYONE THAT TRIED TO DETER YOU FROM STARTING THE BUSINESS BECAUSE OF YOUR AGES?
Everyone has been really supportive of the idea and the company, and we always get compliments on how great it is that we are starting a company at such a young age. There hasn’t been a single situation where somebody has said, “You guys won’t succeed.” WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AMONG OTHER SKATE BRANDS?
Our price and designs are the biggest factor from standing out from other brands, while most skateboards are sold anywhere from $50 and $60. we keep our boards affordable at $42. They’re made out of the same, hard rock maple and use the same glue as other name brands but we just cut our profits in order to sell them at a cheaper price. We hope to work
STARTING YOUR FIRST COMPANY IS SOMETHING THAT WILL TEACH YOU SO MUCH SO FAST SO IT’S DEFINITELY WORTH IT JUST FOR THAT REASON EVEN IF YOU DON’T SELL ANYTHING. with environmental companies in the fu-
fast so it’s definitely worth it just for that
ture in order to maintain the tree popula-
reason even if you don’t sell anything. At
tion and stop deforestation.
the same time It’s all about connections,
IG: SKEEKOWSKATEBOARDS
your brand image, quality and a little bit DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANY-
of luck. If you have those things you will
ONE OUT THERE HOPING TO CREATE THEIR
have the opportunity to be successful.
OWN CLOTHING BRANDS?
There is so much that goes into a com-
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOUR MERCH?
pany like this. We have so much love for
Our merchandise can be found at our
the sport and the drive needed to be suc-
online store, http://skeekowskateboards.
cessful. Starting your first company is
com/ or in some local skate shops in New
something that will teach you so much so
Jersey!
NYOTA
MAGAZINE // 45
#NYOTAFASHION
BUT FIRST, LET ME TAKE A SELFIE
:)
Written by: Alexandria Rodriguez
Alexandria Rodriguez, of Glam By Alexandria on Youtube, shows you how to be selfie ready for the fall.
Eyes: Too Faced Chocolate Bons Bons Palette Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow in Medium Brown Lips: Sephora Cream Lip Stain Shade #1
Eyes: Juvia’s Place The Nubian Palette, Urban Decay Vice Palette, Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner in Woodstock Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow in Medium Brown Lips: Colour Pop Ulta Matte Liquid Lipstick in Stingraye
46 //
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Eyes: Too Faced Chocolate Bons Bons Palette Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow in Medium Brown Lips: Sephora Cream Lip Stain Shade #1
YES, I’M A TOMBOY Written by: Brandy Marks
“Style knows no gender” is my favor-
ing in the shirt, I actually felt cool and em-
ite thing to say. Gender neutral fashion
powered. I started buying more and more
is very trendy right now and was slowly
of the distressed post- apocalyptic Kanye
sneaking into the fashion world last year.
inspired clothing and now it is half of my
I already had an androgynous style be-
closet. Don’t get me wrong, I still love
fore it became a movement in the fashion
wearing my bodycon dresses and other
industry. While working as a full time as-
more feminine silhouettes but I don’t de-
sistant manager at PacSun, I became ob-
pend on those styles to define my femi-
sessed with the men’s side of the store. I
ninity. For me, being able to rock men’s
was drawn to the post apocalyptic, Yeezy,
clothing has a lot to do with being 100%
Fear of God looks and some of my favor-
confident in your femininity and who you
ite pieces were long length tees, joggers,
are. It’s not the clothing that determines
moto and distressed denim, long length
your beauty. Rock your personal style as
crew necks with side zipper vents and
you see fitting to you, whether that be
long length hoodies. One day, I tried on
feminine, masculine or everything in be-
the men’s small long length tee with my
tween.
joggers. While other girls may have felt too covered up or like they were drownNYOTA
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#NYOTAFASHION
Wisdom is often thought to come with age but Terohn Hyatt of Wise Guy proves that he is wise beyond his years. We chatted with Hyatt to discuss his brand, his vision and what it means to be wise.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO DESIGN?
ture. We’re a nation filled with skilled art-
I stepped into the design world after one
ists in many different lanes. We have cre-
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF,
of my old friends contacted me to start a
atives from all different walks of life from
WHO IS TEROHN HYATT?
brand with him. We figured we did not
skaters to painters. Together we join and
I’m a young entrepreneur trying to make
want to pay for designs, so I started pick-
create a powerhouse full of creative con-
it in this flawed society. I’m from Atlanta,
ing up on how to design clothing & graph-
tent and put it out to the world.
GA originally then moved up to Jersey/
ics. Since then I have left that partnership.
Philly to continue school. I originally did not
WE ARE ALL WONDERING, HOW DID YOU
like fashion, but as I started designing I end-
WHAT IS WISE GUY AND WHAT DOES WISE
COME UP WITH THE BEAR? DOES HE REPRE-
ed up loving it. My goal is to create a culture
GUY MEAN TO YOU?
SENT SOMETHING?
that everyone is proud to be apart of. 48 //
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Wise Guy is a lifestyle based upon cul-
Originally, before we even had the
name, my old partner and I wanted a figure that would replicate good and bad. My cousin ended up drawing the bear (Guy), sideways and we loved it. Later he would be turned around and cleaned up. Since, he has become the figure for unity in our nation. One side is rough and one side is nice and well kept, I want you to look at it as a world. There are rough lower class parts of the world and there are well kept middle/upper class parts of the world. I wanted Guy to signify that you
a lifestyle. The Wise nation is the creative
can come from anywhere, but make it to
community that we have built up over the
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BRAND IN 5
the other side. The stitching in between
past 2 years. Wise Guy Apparel which is
YEARS?
the 2 is ripped because it isn’t perfect, but
our clothing, Wise Guy Production which
In 5 years I see Wise Guy as being the
it sticks together because that’s the only
is our video production, Wise Guy Skate
powerhouse for media, fashion, upcom-
way it can be a complete bear.
which is our skate team, and Wise Guy
ing creatives content, and thousands of
Music which is our music section of the
accessories options. It should be a house-
I UNDERSTAND THAT WISE GUY ISN’T JUST A
company.
hold name.
BRAND. WHAT ELSE DOES IT ENTAIL?
packages for upcoming creatives looking
Wise Guy is the main company, with different sub branches. It’s most importantly
We also provide branding
for branding help (logos, videos, photo,
DO YOU HAVE ANY HELP? WHO ARE THE KEY
etc.)
MEMBERS OF YOUR TEAM?
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#NYOTAFASHION
For the last 6-7 months I have been fo-
things that involve community unity. We
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL ME-
cused on building an elite team that sets
also challenge our creative community to
DIA?
the perfect vibe for Wise Guy. We are all
follow their dreams instead of just selling
creatives and we all have our own lanes.
clothes.
There’s DJ(Derek Waters) Vice President, Samantha Maharaj Fashion Coordinator, Parish Flanders Advertising Manager, Turquoise Wilson Head Stylist, Ritchie King
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS?
Daymond John, Rob Dyrdek, Chance the Rapper, My mom
pher, Sherrod West is the Executive Pro-
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO OTHER
ducer + Director of productions, and Scott
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
tions.
Don’t second guess following your dreams. Just make it happen and do it, you’ll enjoy life a lot more.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER STREET WEAR LINE?
What makes Wise Guy different is the
WHEN CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT COLLECTION?
feel that you get once you step into the
We are hoping for late October, early No-
Wise Life and our events. Once you fol-
vember. Yes I know it’s off schedule , but
low us, you’re hooked, we consistently do
we had to make sure our quality is the top.
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via Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr.
Photo Director, Mike Shields Photogra-
Parry is a Producer + Director of produc-
Shopwiseguy.com @wiseguyapparel
NYOTA
MAGAZINE // 51
#NYOTAFASHION
m e e r Ka N uri WORDS OF WISDOM:
AT WHAT AGE DID REALIZE YOU LIKED TO
to be in the know. Simple yet significant,
DESIGN?
not a lot of bells and whistles, that’s what
I don’t know that I can say exactly what
guides me.
strawberries. That process of never ending growth and development keeps me going. There’s always something else to improve, create, or work on. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FABRICS FROM?
The internet. I’m always looking and
age I realized I liked to design, I’ve always
When talking about simplicity you can’t
exploring. My first bag was made from
been a creator. I started writing sheet
overstate Apple Inc’s influence on design
fabric I found on the remnants table at
music as soon as I learned my first instru-
as a whole, so let’s toss Steve Jobs in the
a fabric store. My second bag was made
ment which was in second or third grade.
mix. Elon Musk’s first principles approach
from fabric I took off a couch that was be-
That was also when I started skateboard-
is something I encountered a little bit
ing disposed of. It took me four or five
ing and used to sneak my dad’s power
later on and is definitely influencing my
bags before I really started searching for
tools and try to build ramps with scrap
designs going forward.
IKEA furniture,
fabric, I’ve found a couple of good online
wood. They never worked, I had no idea
Leonardo Da Vinci. 98% of my influence
outlets that I’ve used for the last year or
what I was doing, just a thought in my
and inspiration comes from engineers,
so but now am transitioning to get mate-
mind but I would spend hours on the
that’s what I am at heart. An engineer.
rial direct from the manufacturers due to
internet looking up and looking at blue-
The names of the bags, however, are bas-
the inconsistent inventory I encounter.
prints of ramps and learning anything I
ketball inspired.
could about the process. I think it’s just in my blood.
DO YOU PLAN TO EXPAND YOUR LINE? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FASHION
Definitely! I currently have three models, the two primary ones are the Fundamen-
INSPIRATIONS?
Who is a
tal and the FastBreak, a backpack and a
What, would be every-
duffel bag. I’m literally just about to cre-
thing. Honestly if I could get away with
ate the pattern for a smaller version of
When you
just wearing jeans, chucks and white tees
the FastBreak, am currently field testing
see diamond quilting inside a car you
everyday I would. Throw in a real nice
a higher end backpack, and about 80%
know you’re on another echelon. That’s
three piece suit every now and again and
through a sample of a briefcase. With
why my first bag was diamond quilted all
I’d be gold. I have a book on Yves St Lau-
that being said I still have models in my
over, and why the laptop pockets on all of
rent with dresses and old sketches, that
mind that I need to get to…sigh.
my backpacks retain the diamond quilt-
was great to see. I don’t know that I even
ing motif. Also the youngest of my older
consider what I do fashion as much as it is
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER
brothers, Khalil, is an influence in a way.
my desire to just make really nice things.
BEEN GIVEN?
He doesn’t wear clothes with large brand-
What motivates you to keep designing?
ing on them, I follow suit. That’s why there
My desire to create, everything inspires
is no logo on the outside of my bags. It is
me. Last year I bought a rose bush very
important that the design is simple, with
late in the season, this year I got to see it
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE
an understated significance.
High end
bloom from early on and that process was
ELSE TRYING TO START A BAG COLLECTION?
clothes are like that. Take Ralph Lauren
just amazing. I planted them right in front
Start, you’ll figure everything else out
Purple Label, you can’t spot it because it
of my door so every time I leave my house
along the way. That’s just how life works.
doesn’t scream for attention. So you have
I see them, and my melons, and lilies, and
WHAT AND WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR
hard question.
DESIGNS?
As far as my backpacks go I would say high end vehicle interiors.
52 //
Ralph Lauren, Pininfarina.
NYOTA
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Do something everyday towards your goals no matter how small.
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#NYOTACULTURE
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#NYOTACULTURE projects. Thats how you grow and really interact with you camera. YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO SHOOT FROM A VERY DISTINCT ANGLE OR HAVE A DISTINCT FOCUS POINT. DOES THIS COME NATURALLY OR DO YOU PLAN OUT EACH PHOTO YOU TAKE?
A lot of time I go onto a rooftop or
WILL TROSTEL
abandoned building knowing what I am getting myself into so I already have ideas in my head. However, I also tend to have to shoot on the fly as well. For example, street portraits. If you miss that moment you’ll never be able to get it again. So really I’d say it’s 50/50. YOUR PHOTOS ALL HAVE A DARK EDGE TO THEM, IS THIS INTENTIONAL OR DOES IT COME WITH SHOOTING THE GRITTY PARTS OF A CITY?
At first, that had a lot to do with how I was editing. Lower exposure, add contrast, add grain, etc. But then I grew as a photographer like everyone should and I began to do more simplistic styles of editWHEN DID YOU REALIZE PHOTOGRAPHY
ing and kind of wanted the photo to speak
WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
more for itself and not the edit. I think I’ll
It started gradually. I became interested
always have more of a gritty style to my
in filming skateboarding and then as time
work, at least for a good while but I like
went on I began to focus more on photos
to mix things up. I honestly have photos
which then turned into paying jobs. And
of just about every style you can think of.
then there is now, which is doing this fulltime for a living. DO YOU TAKE YOUR CAMERA WITH YOU EVERYWHERE? CONSIDERING YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL BE SOMEWHERE AND SEE SOMETHING PICTURE PERFECT.
I wouldn’t say I take it everywhere, but half of the time I’m going out somewhere it involves me bringing my camera along. That’s the thing, do what you need to do to get paid and live but bring your camera along and do your own little random fun 56 //
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IF YOU WEREN’T A PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’D BE PURSUING AS A CAREER?
I’d probably be working full-time in retail still. Thankfully, photography has taken me elsewhere. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS?
Samuel Elkins and Elise Swopes. Check both of them out. The world around me is my biggest inspiration hands down. A lot of what I do involves just walking around and seeing what comes my way. I play it as I see it. And so far, its never let me
the day at a local high school event. See-
on the way to making this a career but
down.
ing how much he meant to this children
in the end it’ll be worthwhile. I wouldn’t
and how he was giving back was such a
trade my hustle for the world. Too much
good moment.
good comes out of constant effort. Much
WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOU APART
love y’all.
FROM OTHER STREET PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Honestly, I think it’s my ability to expand. I feel like with Instagram everyone gets caught in the loophole of shooting
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Be prepared to overcome many hurdles
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT WILL TROSTEL AT:
WilliamTrostelPhotography@outlook.com
what they see everyone else doing and it creates a bubble effect. I’ve always just kind of posted and shot what I wanted that particular day. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO CONTINUE TAKING PICTURES?
The simple fact of knowing I get to do what I love, meet amazing people, see amazing places, and survive all because of this piece of plastic and my hand. WHERE IS THE GREATEST PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY HAS TAKEN YOU OR THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY HAS LED YOU TO? (AS A FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHER, THE BEST PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY HAS LED ME HAS BEEN CREATING NYOTA)
Recently I just got the opportunity to shoot a press package with Jarred Odrick of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and what his interaction with his mother at their home as well as document him later in NYOTA
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#NYOTACULTURE
WILL TROSTEL FEATURE
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#NYOTACULTURE
Whe r e A r e the y Now? LAUREN NEFESHA Written By: Lauren Nefesha
Exactly a year ago, in NYOTA’s first issue, we interviewed Lauren Nefesha. See what she’s up to now. It is incredible that a year has gone by
but the results were well worth
and I feel like so much has occurred in
every cent spent, every minute
such a short amount of time. When we in-
spent, every relationship built,
terviewed, a year ago, I sat with the ladies
and every sacrifice made.
of Nyota Magazine and spoke about an
Currently, I have been exploring the in-
world around me. Thank you to Nyota
album that I was working on. I was in the
fusion of different musical genres such as
Magazine for believing in me and sharing
studio completing a song called, Out of
rock, funk, and hip-hop to create a very
my music, my story, and my life with your
the Dark, and hoping to drop that single
specific and unique sound. The Thesis
audience. I will forever appreciate you all!
soon. I decided to hold off on putting that
album was just a part of this exploration
song out and instead I decided to com-
an album release party that ended up be-
I HAVE LEARNED TO LISTEN TO THE FLOW OF MY HEART AS I INNOVATIVELY EXPRESS MY INNER THOUGHTS AS WELL AS THE WORLD AROUND ME.
ing a part of my final thesis presentation.
and I look forward to growing as an artist
I received the Most Distinguished Thesis
and boldly embarking on unknown ter-
award and since have been promoting
ritory to blaze a trail for many new and
the album and working on new music.
upcoming artist. I have learned to listen
The Thesis album was a process that took
to the flow of my heart as I innovatively
much dedication and focus to accomplish
express my inner thoughts as well as the
plete the entire album before promoting any singles. In a short amount of time I decided to include my album, The Thesis, as a part of my graduate school thesis. I did a study of Christian women in hip-hop and The Thesis album became the soundtrack to my actual thesis. I completed this project with
68 //
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l e h c a R Hislop WORDS OF WISDOM:
WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW HAS THAT
them make us a beautiful life foundation
had no idea what the women in this build-
INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER CHOIC-
out of virtually nothing is the constantly
ing did, but they were all gorgeous and
ES?
my driver. I would not be a fraction of the
friendly and smelled amazing. I would
I was born and raised in the East Flat-
woman that I am if it wasn’t for their love,
pour over the magazines and play in the
bush section of Brooklyn New York to
their sacrifice and their discipline. They’ve
makeup testers. I was just so enthralled
working-class immigrant parents. My
taught me the value of hard work, kind-
with this world, but where I grew up, we
parents were both relatively young when
ness, gratitude and respect, and there is
didn’t know that marketing or journalism
they had my sister and myself, and were
no career to be had without those virtues.
was a career choice. It wasn’t until my senior year of High
in a country that wasn’t their home, (and for my Cape Verdean mother there was
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU REALIZE WRITING
School that I took a journalism class as
also a language barrier to overcome) but
WAS SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO TURN
an elective to get out of taking gym that
neither one of them ever had an excuse.
INTO A CAREER?
I realized “hey, I am pretty good at this.”
They worked hard, kept tight schedules
My mother worked for the union that
Professor Trant was my teacher’s name.
and did whatever it took to make sure that
serviced the L’oreal building when I was
He pushed me to join the school newspa-
my sister and myself were well looked af-
younger. She’s the type of person that
per and when I began looking at colleges
ter and taking advantage of every oppor-
makes friends with everyone and the
I grappled between studying Marketing
tunity this country had for us.
women in that building were no excep-
and Journalism and decided on Journal-
My parents may not have the best un-
tion. They would send home magazines
ism. I once heard Michelle Obama say “if
derstanding of the entertainment indus-
and makeup testers for me and some-
you can write well, you can do anything
try, or the details of my work, but watching
times I would tag along to work with her. I
well,” so it is a choice I will never regret.
NYOTA
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#NYOTACULTURE
YOU HAVE AN AMAZING CATALOGUE OF
Prior to social media celebrities were able
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS AND
JOBS. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP WORK-
to share what they wanted to share, when
HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU GET TO THIS
ING HARD UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR GOALS
they wanted to share it and then fade
POINT?
OF WORKING OR INTERNING FOR COMPA-
away and have the fans focus on the art.
I am a hard lover with a stubborn ex-
NIES SUCH AS NYLON, GLOBALGRIND OR
We now see everyone looking to visible
terior, which means that I take friend-
PARKWOOD?
figures, who often happen to be celebri-
ships really serious and once I pull you
NYLON magazine was my first intern-
ties, and putting pressure on them to be
in, you’re in for life. I believe in tribes and
ship when I was a sophomore in college. I
political, then putting a magnifying glass
the importance of friends with good big
remember being so intimidated by every-
to their efforts and being hyper critical.
hearts and connecting good people to
thing about being at a fashion magazine
DO YOU THINK THAT THE ENTERTAINMENT
other good people. This has helped me.
and around all of these cool editors and
INDUSTRY IS OBLIGATED TO HELP?
I have coworkers who have become fam-
their fancy wardrobes while I was work-
This is a tricky. I believe that if someone
ily and friends of friends who are virtu-
ing part time in retail to be able to afford
wholeheartedly believes in the stance
ally strangers who have propped me
the metro card for the commute to my in-
they are taking, are informed and are will-
up. As one of my favorite people always
ternship and maybe lunch. I was always
ing to do the work to stand firmly in their
says “steel sharpens steel.” Keeping good
position, then ab-
people around you who cheer for you the
solutely speak up,
way you would cheer for yourself are key
but I do not believe
to growth.
WORK HARD. BE KNOWN FOR YOUR SMARTS AND TENACITY
in the public pin-
AND WHEN YOU DON’T SEE A
pointing who they
DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR
believe should be
YOUNG GIRLS OR ANYONE WHO IS TRYING
WAY, MAKE ONE.
the voice and forc-
TO TURN THEIR DREAMS INTO A REALITY?
hyper-critical of my work even as an in-
ing them to speak
Do the work. So often I see young girls
on topics that they
who want all of the merits but don’t want
may not be informed or passionate about.
to do the work to get there. Work hard. Be known for your smarts and tenacity
tern and that is a gift and a curse that has followed me throughout my career. That,
WHEN YOU WERE A YOUNG GIRL COULD YOU
and when you don’t see a way, make one.
and I keep a solid group of friends that in-
HAVE EVER PICTURED YOURSELF ACHIEVING
Also, sleep. Take care of your physical
spire me. When I see them win it makes
THE THINGS YOU HAVE?
health and your mental health. There is
me want to continue to push myself as
Ha! Never. Sometimes I remind myself
no merit, personal or professional, that is
well. Wishing everyone well on their pur-
to stop and think about all of the amaz-
worth having if you aren’t present as your
suits, and meaning it, will bring you to
ing things this life has afforded me. Be it
best self to enjoy it.
heights you may have never imagined for
the simple things like my health and the
yourself.
health of my loved ones, or the more complex like my career and the ‘pinch me’
HAS TODAY’S POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT AF-
moments it has put me in. It’s so impor-
FECTED THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD?
tant to stay grounded, and to continu-
Absolutely. Thanks to social media we
ously remind myself that even when I get
have a transparency with the entertain-
down on myself I have made it to places
ment world that was previously unknown.
young Rachel didn’t even know existed.
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young people have a vote BUT THEY DON’T USE IT Written By: Alexandra Morrow
It’s 1971, and the 26th Amendment
In 2008, youth voting rates peaked at
way to get young people interested in
has just passed, approving the vote for
about 44.3 percent. The only other time in
voting to to start early and then keep re-
18-year-olds. The room gets loud with ex-
history they have been nearly as high was
inforcing the message. It’s time to inspire
citement. This would do it. This would sin-
in 1971, the year the 26th Amendment
maturity and leadership and in order to do
gle-handedly end the Vietnam War. This
was passed. This year’s presidential can-
so, it’s time for the leaders, the teachers,
would give young people a voice in their
didates don’t seem to be attracting young
and the adults of this nation to support
futures and their lives. This would change
voters as Clinton and Obama once did.
and promote civics education in schools,
everything.
“Yes We Can,” Obama’s campaign slogan
and encourage millennials to stand up for
has long died, and now young voters are
their beliefs and then choose a candidate
left saying, “No We Can’t.”
that represents their voice.
It’s 2016, the 26th Amendment still stands. There’s no war. Yet there are threats of terrorism, a vast disparity in
This year’s diverse presidential candi-
The future of our nation lies our hands,
wealth, rising costs of education, and
dates include a woman, a Cuban-Amer-
the ones with a voice, the ones who can
fewer jobs. Young people now have a say.
ican, a Socialist Jew, and a reality televi-
legally vote, the ones who have their first
They have a voice. They have a vote. Yet
sion star. Sounds appealing to the youth
vote this November. In 1971, 18-year-olds
they don’t seem to care.
vote, right? Yet the Democratic candidates
obtained the right to vote. Now, more
Young voters might be apathetic. They
range in age from 53 to 74. They aren’t
than ever, they must use it.
might also be angry, disillusioned and
young, and therefore they don’t excite
hopeless. In 2014, the Pew Research Cen-
and encourage first time voters to enter
ter conducted a study revealing that mil-
the world of politics. Bernie Sanders is
lennials are the “first in the modern era
the “alternative” candidate, the outsider
to have higher levels of student loan debt,
who promises to make tuition free at all
poverty and unemployment, and lower
public colleges and universities. But he’s
levels of wealth and personal income than
a 74-year-old man with uncombed white
their two immediate predecessor genera-
hair.
tions had at the same stage of their life
Yet perhaps the crucial reason why
cycles.” Young voters are left thinking
young people don’t vote is because they
that their voice doesn’t matter, or won’t
aren’t taught to vote. If millennials aren’t
change anything.
taught about civics and government, they
The 2016 election draws a sharp con-
may grow up without a sense of the im-
trast to that of President Barack Obama.
portance of civic engagement. The best NYOTA
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UNTITLED Written by: Ofonime Idiong
We slowly destroyed ourselves trying to become. Become what we believed was more I guess We started to disappear, fade evaporate like old tapes whose music grew even more silent as time went by Was this all we were meant to be shadows of past selves we once distrusted So I bask in the self sabotage Destruction at its finest Tell me what happens when it’s all gone Me I mean Tell me will they love me like they whispered to me before Tell me will save me like they failed to before I looked down to see blood soaked flesh We looked up to see smoke screen eyes We looked down to see We looked up to see But nothing was the same Tell me will they save me like they once forgot to Am I pretty now Do you love me now We smelt of cheap vodka and cigars bought by the local corner store We fell asleep drenched in our own fears We fell asleep to the sounds of trains as our own private lullaby Tell me will they still save us like they promised to We had broken hymens and concrete hearts Broken rhythms And tear soaked dreams The train slowly leaving like a tainting lover who only came by to get his fix Tell me will they save us like they once promised to Tell me do you still love us like you once forgot to We lost We tried I promise we did But they blinded us and we gave in without a fight Convinced us that freedom was just a social construct 72 //
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So we found ourselves at sleazy motels at two am in the morning With him on top and us lying there looking up at the ceiling fan Back alley blow jobs as he called us his pretty baby Mamas last words replaying in our heads How did we get here How did we survive here Tell me will they still save us like they promised to Will you still save us Tell me I am still your baby girl Cause even with your skin pressed against my neck I still loved you Even with your unwanted Penetration I still wanted you Tell me will you still save me like you once promised to Like you once forgot to Maybe this time I’ll go When the train comes back around I’ll be at the station you don’t have to drop me off. I’ll Find my own strength you know Find me one of those Mr rights Cause all I ever was to you was a back alley three am cum baby Cause the motels got too pure for your atrocities The wall turned red and started to bleed cause they couldn’t take your sins no more So many next time the train comes around I’ll leave Take the vodka you drugged me with Memorize it’s sent so the next time I smell it I’ll know to go running So... Promise me you won’t come looking for me Cause I got to save myself like I once forgot to Dust off that old record or maybe get a new one That’s what I’ll do I’ll get A digitally remastered one Become a brand new woman Or as brand new as a 68 voyages wagon can be But until then Tell me do you still love me Like you once promised you would Because strength is a fixture we lacked You saw that and that why we learned to love you even as we watched you chain us and throw away the key NYOTA
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CASUAL Written by: Brittany Inskeep
compulsively writing “casual” on the page seeing is believing, right? so i keep writing and i keep driving i travel through space and time creating rhythm and rhyme the extremity of fear the lack of ambition but even still, i was sent on this mission there is a high i can’t explain a day you conquer all your goals and aims a feeling of satisfaction overtakes your nature overtakes your past overtakes all the feelings that never last you’ll climb higher, you’ll burn brighter are they always being honest when they say “you’re a fighter”?
74 //
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New Releases
Written By: Carol Wright
s e i v o M
MISS PEREGRIN E’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHIL Based off of th DREN (SEPTEMB e best-selling bo ER 30TH) ok, this story fo Butterfield) w llows a young ho discovers an boy (Asa ab an doned orphan tragedy. He so age after a fa on learns that mily th e ch ildren have po emies. wers and man y en-
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (O CTOBER 7TH) This movie ba sed off of the novel by Paula an Rachel Wat Hawkins is ab son (Emily Blun out a womt), a 32-year-ol the end of he d alcoholic reel r marriage to ing from Tom, who left As Rachel take her for anothe s the train to r woman. an d fr om work she with watching becomes obse a couple that ssed liv es a few houses house, and star down from To ts to believe th m’s at th ey have the pe Not knowing th rfect relations at Megan and hi p. he r hu perfect. One da sband’s relatio nship is far from y Rachel discov er s th at Megan is ch band, and afte eating on her r one drunken husnight Rachel’s life takes a da rk turn.
DOCTOR STRA NGE (NOVEMBE R 4TH) This beloved co mic is coming to life. We get Stephen Strang to see the stor e (Benedict Cu y of Dr. mberbatch) on Dr. Stephen St the big screen range loses hi . After s ability to oper finds new purp ate after an ac ose when a m cident. He ystical being kn reveals that D own as the An r. Strange is th cient One e newly design ated sorcerer Supreme.
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Books
COMING OUT OCTOBER 4TH
COMING OUT OCTOBER 11TH
COMING OUT NOVEMBER 15TH
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THANK YOU 78 //
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