ColorBlind Fall 2012

Why major in africana studies

on themove

meetcharity ward

DETROIT’S SOULFUL SONGSTRESSLearn how

study abroad encouragespersonal growth

COLORBLINDM A G A Z I N E

FALL 2012

More photos and content at colorblindmagazine.com.

Why major in africana studies

on themove

meetcharity ward

DETROIT’S SOULFUL SONGSTRESSLearn how

study abroad encouragespersonal growth

COLORBLINDM A G A Z I N E

FALL 2012


1ColorBlind Magazine FALL 2012 / DEPARTMENTS / CONTENTS

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

ColorBlind MagazineFALL 2012

COVER STORY

DEPARTMENTS

Women On The Move ............................. 10

Education ............................................. 4

Arts & Entertainment ............................. 15

Travel & Culture .....................................19

Opinion ................................................ 21

19

10

15


2 ColorBlind Magazine FALL 2012 /

MAGAZINE STAFF

Veronica Grandison - Editor and Founder

Leah Johnson - Editor and Founder

Brittney Moore - Editor and Founder

James Andrews - Marketing/Social Media Director

Tina Nelson- Photographer

Keith Walker - Designer

Erica Monet - Contributing Writer

Jill Grandison - Contributing Writer

Stephan Bradley - Contributing Writer

DeLean Tolbert - Contributing Writer

C O L O R B L I N DM A G A Z I N E



[ COLOR ]

[ ONE - COLOR ]

[ WHITE ]

P.O. Box 3269 Southfield, MI 48037www.colorblindmagazine.comFacebook: ColorBlind MagazineTwitter: @ColorBlindMag

enlighten . encourage . empower

3ColorBlind Magazine FALL 2012 /

When each of us came together as editors for our college newspaper we had no idea

we would decide to create a magazine that speaks for minority women. We were simply

girls that enjoyed telling stories by means of the written word. We often talked about

the “power of the pen” and how the newspaper gave us a voice. But,

this magazine, ColorBlind, gives us an even greater voice.

Originally, we were content with writing a yearly “Black History

Month” series for the campus paper in February. Seeing that we

were the only African American editors on staff, we knew we had a

responsibility to African American students on campus to tell our

story correctly. So, for two consecutive years we wrote articles each

week of February pertaining to black history, life and culture. The time

came though when writing of African diaspora topics only in February

grew old. We wanted our heritage and history to be celebrated and

recognized each month.

With that in mind, we formed ColorBlind, the magazine that celebrates

not only African Americans, but caters to minority women.

We want women to be enlightened and encouraged and feel

empowered when they read this publication. We strongly believe that

in order to have confidence in ourselves as minority women, we must

not forget or be blind to our past or our struggles while also realizing

that skin color should not be a barrier for success or personal growth.

In our cover story, you will read of successful black women

entrepreneurs, which will bolster the confidence of any woman and

prove that starting a business is possible.

We also invite you to read our special stories on education, which discuss the importance

of Africana studies courses and why we cannot give up on the Detroit Public School

system. Also learn how a visit to a foreign country is possible by means of a study

abroad program. With much excitement, we welcome you to our journey.

This is ColorBlind, the magazine that makes the minority woman not so minor.

Sincerely,

Veronica Grandison | Leah Johnson | Brittney Moore

ColorBlind Magazine Founders & Editors

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

JUST THE BEGINNING...

“Top, left to right” Veronica Grandison, Brittney Moore, (bottom) Leah Johnson

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MAJORINGin her history

Why did Dana Prater, 25, decide to

major in Africana Studies at Wayne

State University in Detroit, MI? What

has this field of study taught her about

herself and her history? Read on as

ColorBlind reveals her answers.

EDUCATION


ColorBlind: What led you to pursue Africana Studies in college?Dana Prater: I didn’t know about Africana studies courses until about 2 ½ years ago. I was a pre-physical therapy major and I had completed all my prerequisites. I was a full time student and I chose to take a few Africana Studies courses. Eventually I just ended up realizing how much I loved it and how much physical therapy really wasn’t working for me. I decided to make it [African Studies] with a concentration in cultural studies and [the arts]my major.

CB: What are some things you learned from your classes?DP: I learned a lot about the culture and the slave experience in my classes. In my first Africana Studies class, we focused on the Gullah people in the Carolinas. I learned that the people who lived on that island really retained their African roots and language. I’ve been able to study about Brazil, the West Indie Caribbeans, the American south and also the urban history right here in Detroit. We’ve also talked about the continent of Africa. It’s a big place, so even in one space in one part you can have people who speak many languages and

By Jill Grandison & Leah Johnson

dialects and practice different religions. I found learning about the psychology of African Americans to be interesting as well.

CB: How has taking classes in Africana studies helped you in your personal life as an African-American woman? What has it shown you about yourself?DP: First, it’s shown me that people of African descent have so many backgrounds and so many stories and are from all over the world. What really struck me was that sometimes being a Black person living in America, I think we have a skewed view like we’re the only people and sometimes we don’t know or think about how the slave trade didn’t just affect us. Black people who came here were really like the smallest percentage and most people of African descent went to Brazil and the Caribbean islands. That just really opened my eyes.

CB: What was an inspiring/interesting thing you’ve learned in Africana studies?DP:I learned interesting things in my Afro-Latino class. Everything was so new to me. It was interesting and deep. Also, the most rewarding thing is being a graduate now and still feeling like I have so much to learn. I have so much more to explore. That’s the best thing about Africana Studies, I still get excited about it.

CB:How has your study of Africana studies influenced your relationships with your peers?DP:Growing up in public schools, you don’t really learn a lot about African-Americans or people of African descent who may not live in America. So when I name people they [my friends] never heard of before or I ask my friends, ‘why do you think this?’ they appreciate that I’ve brought all this new information to the table. They’ll often ask my opinion about African-American social issues. Sometimes I come across people outside of my circle who very much want to believe only the small information that they’re taught and stereotypes and don’t really want to challenge that. And most people don’t understand the options I have [careerwise] as an Africana Studies major.

CB: Africana Studies is not a subject many students decide to get a degree in, especially African-American students unfortunately. Why was it such a good fit for you?DP: I finally found something I truly love and I think everyone isn’t fortunate enough in college to find that. People forget that’s the reason you go to college — is to find what you love. I feel like Africana studies found me, and help put me on that path. And most people don’t understand the options I have with an Africana Studies degree. I don’t feel limited in the type of job/career I can have.

CB: How else can people learn about African American culture and history if they don’t pursue it as a major? DP: Well, for those in college, you don’t have to major in it, but if you’re interested in it, just take a class or two. For those in high school, consider talking to your teacher about a particular topic related to African-American studies that you are interested in. Most importantly, be self motivated, be willing to learn on your own. Personally, although I have a degree in Africana Studies I know I will continue to do research. Don’t wait to take a class, especially if one isn’t available. Do your own research.

CB:What reason should other African Americans learn about their history?DP:It definitely gives you a sense of self. It gives you a root that you might not have if you don’t explore it. To me, learning about African Americans coming out on top through trials and tribulations always makes me proud. Learning about one’s culture can help them better understand their culture’s present struggles. Anyone who takes the time to learn about their culture and their history is going to be in a better and more positive place.

Dana Prater has plans to pursue graduate studies in Art Administration or Museum studies. She previously interned at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (thewright.org) as an assistant program coordinator. Prater plans to ultimately do more work with exhibits at museums in order to educate the youth. “This is my way of bringing to light people who have impacted our history,” Prater said.

EDUCATION


1538 Ninth St, NW, Washington D.C. is the primary address credited for housing the beginnings of a black heritage organization.

At that location in 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History began the structured task of researching, collecting and gathering information pertaining to the life and history of African Americans. Woodson’s D.C. home morphed into the headquarters of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) until 1970, and ASALH remains in existence today.

Stemming from Woodson’s sincere interest in preserving and recording the history of African Americans, ASALH’s mission remains to “promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community,” according to its website (www.asalh.org).

Today, ASALH sets the annual theme for Black History Month, and sponsors an annual convention to celebrate and study African Diaspora life and history, amongst other activities. ASALH has campus-based branches, branches in states including California, Florida and Illinois, and organizing branches including the Detroit Branch.

“We have the responsibility to carry on the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and to tell our own history,” said Kathie House, the Detroit branch’s Coordinator for the organizing year.

House, a woman driven by love for her community and for African American culture, saw the need to resurrect ASALH’s Detroit branch, previously led by Arthur Johnson. She took the advice of Dr. Karl Gregory to host ASALH meetings at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, and ASALH-Detroit began meeting at the Museum in June 2011.

To date, ASALH-Detroit has 41 members and individuals that live as far away as Saginaw, Michigan have expressed interest in joining. The member base of ASALH- Detroit includes people

from all walks of life: professors, teachers, genealogists, and students. Most ASALH-Detroit members are also members of The Wright Museum.

“The Museum is an anchor in our community, we enjoy that our member base is made up of Museum members too,” said House.

During its organizing year, ASALH-Detroit is particularly focused on recruiting young people, enabling them to have a foundation built on history, and also to promote awareness of this esteemed organization.

“ASALH is such an important organization because of the sacrifices and tireless efforts people have made and continue to make to keep African American history relevant,” said LaNesha DeBardelaben, Museum Archivist for the Charles H. Wright Museum. She first learned of ASALH during her undergraduate days as a history major at Kalamazoo College. However, she never affiliated with a branch because there were none nearby.

“One day, while walking back to my office at the Museum, I came upon a visitor who was looking for what he called ‘the Dr. Carter G. Woodson group’,” said DeBardelaben. “I then found out that there was an ASALH group organizing here in Detroit. I pointed him to the room, and have been involved in the Detroit organizing efforts ever since.”

House agrees that ASALH is a great resource for young people interested in learning more about their history and culture.

“There’s a sense of belongingness and community that comes from participating in ASALH and a wealth of educational opportunities,” she said.

ASALH Detroit meets every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at The Wright Museum. Contact Kathie House at [email protected]. or visit Asalh.org for more information.

ASALH Continues Work ofDr. Carter G. Woodson

By Leah Johnson

Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Detroit Branch

EDUCATION


We’ve all heard about the negativity surrounding Detroit Public Schools. The press has constantly showcased how debt, violence, and academic failure have seemed to plague an educational institution that was once seen as the silver lining of the city’s future. At one point, it seemed as if the city was doomed when it had to seek assistance from the state and Emergency Financial Managers were called in to rectify the situation. But, as the old saying goes, we may be down, but we are not out. Due to the positive mentality of dedicated administrators and teachers, DPS is being revitalized and restored to the excellent and victorious state it was once in.

Part of that revitalization stage has already begun to take place. Detroit Public Schools and Governor Rick Snyder announced in March that a plan is being designed to reconstruct DPS Schools, according to an article in the Detroit Free Press. Fifteen schools that have been considered low performing schools will be taken over and placed in a new state school district. These changes went into effect on July 1. The Education Achievement Authority (EAA) will be in charge of making the necessary changes to transform the low-performing schools. The EAA is made up of 11 Board members with seven members appointed by Snyder, two appointed by DPS and two appointed by Eastern Michigan University. The Detroit Free Press reported that school years would be extended to 210 days -- 40 more than the 170 minimum for Michigan schools, and teachers will be paid $5,000 more than the state’s average, though the board did not disclose contract terms.Yet, it’s not just the administrators, organizations, and legislators who are transforming the school. The students also play a major role in the restructuring of DPS.

There are plenty of young people who are moving the city in the right direction and are challenging the pessimistic outlook of DPS. And they haven’t given up on their school.

Just take a look at Cass Tech student Krishna Paul, who maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school and attends the University of Michigan pursuing studies in pediatric surgery. Paul was honored with the Excellence Awards Scholarship from the district during the 28th Annual Excellence Awards Banquet, which was held in May.

Or consider Renaissance High School senior Omar Sankofa II, who was recently honored with a $24,000 journalism scholarship from Ford Motor Company and attends Michigan State University pursuing a degree in journalism.

Paul and Sankofa are examples of the many DPS students who are concerned with their future and want to make a difference in the lives of others as well as in their community.

Tionna Lowe is another student who represents the positive images of DPS. Tionna Lowe, 15, is a sophomore at Thurston High School. During her freshmen year, she attended Detroit Edison Public School Academy and played on the school’s Junior Varsity basketball squad.

goodthe

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DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AND THE STUDENTS WHO

DIDN’T GIVE UP ON THE

TROUBLED INSTITUTIONBy Veronica Grandison

EDUCATION


While a student at DEPSA, she planned to create a dance program for Detroit Edison students, and began collecting signatures from students who wanted to be involved. She also worked with her school principal to implement the program for students at the schools. “I wanted to start the program for kids to keep them out of trouble,” said Lowe. “If they are in the program and actually dedicated to dancing, then they won’t risk getting in trouble.”

Her goal for the program is to not only have it be an after school activity, but she wants to compete against other school dance teams. “I want to make it fun for the students,” Lowe said. As the oldest of seven siblings, Lowe said she wants to be a role model for her brothers and sisters so that they will go down the right path in life. After graduating, Lowe wants to study criminal justice at the University of Southern California and become a lawyer.

Philip Boone is yet another student who has maintained a positive outlook of DPS and has made the best of his scholastic experience. Boone attended Renaissance High School and was a star on the school’s Varsity Basketball Squad. He recently graduated from Renaissance and was accepted to many colleges including Bethune Cook College, Central Michigan University, and Bowling Green University. He is currently attending Earlham College on a scholarship. Boone maintainiend a 3.0 or higher GPA all throughout high school and is majoring in Psychology and Sociology in college. His motivation? His parents.“They are the main reason I am the way I am and they always told me that if I start something, make sure I finish it.”

Boone says he doesn’t believe a lot of the negative images that the media portrays about DPS. Admittedly, though, he said he did have doubts about attending DPS for high school. “At first, I didn’t want to go because I heard DPS was ghetto. But, my brother took me to a basketball game at Renaissance one time and everything was clean, and I was in love with the school and wanted to go there.” He says he credits Renaissance’s good teachers and dedicated counselors as the reason why he was able to succeed in school.

Believe it or not, these students are our future. This saying may sound cliché, but it is so very true: leaders are not born, they are made. In this case, it is students like Paul, Sankofa, Lowe, Boone and others who will be moving our country forward one day. But, their dedication and passion started and was nurtured in Detroit Public Schools. They did not give up on the city or its school system, so why should we?

EDUCATION


Empowering women is what ColorBlind Magazine is

all about. What can be more powerful than a female

entrepreneur? She calls the shots, she is her own boss

and she dictates her own success. The Fall issue of

ColorBlind invites you to meet four business minded

women who aren’t afraid to hold their own. Learn how

Tanya Allen persevered to create a unique product

for women. Latisha Johnson owns a successful event

planning company in Detroit, and “Dirty Pearls” is

the jewelry line of college students Jasmine Perry

and Jane’t Ali. All these women have seen their vision

become a reality and they encourage you to pursue

your dreams too.

C O V E R S T O R Y

on the

womenmove

COVER STORY


teamworkMAKES THE DREAM WORK

JASMINE PERRY & JANE’T ALI:

By Leah Johnson

COVER STORY


Fashionistas Jasmine Perry and Janet Ali weren’t discouraged when their T-shirt

line Amor Jasmine Jane’t didn’t succeed two years ago. Instead, under the Amor

Jasmine Jane’t umbrella, they created Dirty Pearls, a unique line of Swarovski

pearl bracelets. “We became geared more towards accessories because the demand

there is higher,” said Perry, 22. Perry and her business partner Jane’t Ali, 24,

create pearls with a kick for any woman who considers herself to be fashionable.

“Fashion is not only about wearing what’s trendy. It’s about wearing what’s trendy

and making it look good,” said Perry.

Both girls love being businesswomen, but give their education high priority as well.

Perry is majoring in Journalism and Screen Studies at U of M-Dearborn and Ali

is a student at Wayne State University majoring in Africana Studies. They know

firsthand the challenge of balancing college life with their business, but they

wouldn’t have it any other way. “Like any college student, we have to work [to

support ourselves], but it’s so important to start a business that you are passionate

about because without drive to do well you’ll never find time to invest in it because

you must make time for it,” said Ali.

Perry and Ali don’t have set hours to attend to Dirty Pearls work, but when their

product is requested for a fashion show or to be on display at a boutique, the girls

get to work, sometimes making 80 bracelets in one sitting. And their work has not

been in vain. Currently, Dirty Pearls is sold at Franklin Vine at Twelve Oaks mall in

Novi. Perry and Ali are looking to expand in the next five years to release a line of

necklaces with their bracelets.

“I get a rush of excitement when I see or hear about someone wearing our bracelets,”

said Ali. “I had dinner with my cousin and she was wearing one of our signature

bracelets… I was so thrilled because she didn’t know that she was going to see me

that day and to me it showed that she truly likes her bracelet.”

Ali and Perry are proof that collaboration produces fine results in a business.Dirty

Pearls allows them to express themselves creatively, be their own boss, and be

young, determined women of color.

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Working sixteen-hour days are what helped entrepreneur Latisha Johnson of Detroit, start her business Prestige Meetings and Events in 2010. But for Johnson, working sixteen hours to build a business she loves was never a burden.

“I was determined to do this,” Johnson said. “I started the business because of the number of corporations in the Detroit area, so I wanted to establish a name locally and then branch out.”

Her business is a premier full service meeting and event planning organization that provides a one-stop shop for their clients (prestigemeetingsevents.com). The company offers complete event planning, on-site management and specialty linen and furniture rental.

Johnson, 36, wholeheartedly believes her degree in finance from U of M- Dearborn is what helped jumpstart her company so quickly. She didn’t hesitate and decided to leave her job as a sales marketing manager at the Marriott Hotel in the Renaissance Center.

“You’re always nervous taking on a new endeavor…but I hate feeling stagnant, there’s an internal drive no matter what I’m doing, I have to be passionate about it.”

She now puts her all into her company. Johnson enjoys giving her customers insight and enlightening them on things they can do to be better negotiators.

“I’ve realized my greatest passion for the business is in negotiating hotel contracts,” Johnson said. “I really enjoy doing that but I won’t tell you what you need to hear to sign on the dotted line.”

This year, Johnson plans to hire a fulltime event planner for her company and since some of her clients are out of state, she wants to reach out to other organizations that are based throughout the country. Johnson’s drive to expand coupled with her work ethic will no doubt help her reach her goal of being a millionaire by age 40.

“I lost my stepfather last year, “ said Johnson. “I now realize that I got my work ethic from him. We had a newspaper route and he made sure that I flicked my wrist just right to make sure the paper landed perfectly,” she related while demonstrating her wrist flicking technique.

Johnson advises aspiring entrepreneurs to ask for the assistance of others who own a business and to remain focused.

“I’ve said all my life, being an African American woman, anything that has been done I can do it. What makes me any different?”

By: Leah Johnson

DRIVE TO SUCCEEDLatisha Johnson:

COVER STORY

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Thomas Edison once said, “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Detroit entrepreneur and businesswoman Tanya Allen knows firsthand the power of that statement. In the 1980s, Allen came up with the idea of putting wings on female maxi pads. However, when she shared the idea with her friends, they laughed at her, so she decided against moving forward with her concept. Little did she know that her idea would one day become the internationally known female product, Always. “That taught me a very valuable lesson, which is, when God gives you an idea, if you don’t use it, He will give it to someone else,” said Allen.

Upon learning that the product she thought of was now in grocery stores around the country, the first thing Allen did was repent and told God that if He gave her one more idea, she would not let it go to waste. And the idea and name for her business came to her instantly. Allen is the President and Owner of ForeverFresh, which is a line of disposable undergarments

for both men and women. The line features bikinis and briefs and contains a built-in incontinent pad “pocket” to be used when extra absorbency is needed. The product can be used for a number of purposes, including during times of minor incontinence, menstruation, vaginal infections, and it comes in handy for exercise and traveling. Allen worked hard to develop her product. Still, there were many obstacles along the way. She had to start and stop her business twice.The first time she started ForeverFresh, the product was in 200 K-Mart stores. The buyer ordered 90 percent petite and small sizes of the undergarments, but since the average customer wears a large or extra large, Allen was not able to sell the product. So, she went back to the drawing board and devised another plan. The second time she restarted her business, she targeted the medical industry, and landed a glove contract with a major hospital. But, she was not able to compete on the level of other major companies when they found out she was selling the same products they were. Once again, Allen had to devise

Persevering Despite Setbackstanya allen:

By Veronica Grandison

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another way to market her product, but in each instance, she learned a valuable lesson.

“The first time I started the business, I learned that you have to know your customer’s customer,” Allen said. “And the second time I went into the hospitals, I learned that you have to focus on your core competence. I was trying to sell all these other things before I could get my primary product off the ground.” Sometimes the best business advice comes from experience, and in addition to learning from her challenges, Allen says the best training ground for her was working in retail. Working as a cashier at a grocery store taught Allen customer service skills, and it gave her the mentality that the customer is always right.

ForeverFresh is now on the path of success, thanks in part to Allen’s partnership with the non-profit organization TechTown, which provides entrepreneurs with helpful resources to jumpstart their business. She also collaborates with Services To Enhance Potential (STEP), an alternative workforce in Dearborn, which helps Allen assemble and distribute her product to stores.

ForeverFresh is now sold in 160 Walgreens stores in Michigan and can be purchased through Amazon. Believing in her product and having faith is what has gotten Allen this far with her company.That is why she donates a lot of her time and her product to homeless shelters.“My philosophy is to lift as you climb. I don’t want to be so focused on building my business and nothing around me because I might miss out on things I could do to help people as I am going forward,” she said. Her ultimate goal is to build a youth center where kids can learn about international business.

Allen has endured a long journey to get ForeverFresh where it is now, and she admits it has been very scary at times, but it is through this experience that Allen is able to impart wisdom on other up-and-coming entrepreneurs. “You have to be willing to follow through with your dreams. You can imagine how many people laughed at me when they saw disposable panties,” said Allen. “But my comeback is ‘Can you imagine what people said when somebody created toilet paper. But, can you imagine us living without it now? A lot of times we are so quick to laugh at things instead of thinking that could be a good idea.”

Tanya Allen and her daughter Tamarah Renee, who is a Customer Service Sales Manager at ForeverFresh, market their product at a Walgreens in Detroit. ForeverFresh is sold in 160 Walgreens stores in Michigan and is also available on Amazon.

COVER STORY

Tanya Allen (right) and her daughter Tamarah Renee (left) pose for a shot during a marketing demonstration at a Walgreens in Detroit.


With only a guitar in her hand, singer/songwriter Charity Ward creates urban folk melodies while belting out a love song to her true passion: music. At her live performances, the crowd feels every song. They rock back and forth in a smooth motion, and sing along with Ward, especially every time she performs her debut single “Sounds Like Love.” The song could easily be about the joyous feeling of falling head over heels for the first time, but the metaphorical phrases translate into something much more personal.

“I wanted to dive into the fact that there is so much art and beauty around us, but a lot of times it’s often overlooked because of what’s commercially popular or we aren’t tuned into our muses,” Ward said during a phone interview.

genre-lessCharity Ward: Detroit’s

own soul songstress explains why she

refuses to be typecastBy Veronica Grandison

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“And from there, the song became my thesis statement about how I feel about music.”

“Sounds like Love” is a perfect example of Ward’s soulful, acoustic musical style and her colorful songwriting ability.

Ward is one of many up-and-coming artists trying to make a name for herself in the music industry. Yet, what separates the 21-year-old Detroit native from other artists is that she does not set boundaries when it comes to her art. She prefers to think of it as “genre-less.”

“I say genre-less for the sake of being globally relatable and being able to relate to every different sound. My music is jazz, soul, neo-soul, country, folk, and I don’t want to pick one genre, I want to be all inclusive about the abundance of different influences of music that are present. “

It was Ward’s diverse musical upbringing that inspired this “genre-less” musical mentality she possesses.

She grew up listening to spirituals, gospel, jazz, and soul music, all of which echoed from the walls of the Ward household. Stevie Wonder is one artist in particular that she listened to as a child and whose music still plays in her house every Sunday.

Ward gets very excited when discussing the Motown legend, who she says instilled in her a love for music and is responsible for her being the type of creator she is.

“I idolize Stevie Wonder,” Ward said, eagerly.” No one can put a genre on him; his music is for everybody. It’s like soul music for the masses.”

We can all thank Mr. Wonder for Ward’s eclectic style, but the musical training she received was also instrumental in her musical career.

She studied piano as a child, but began playing guitar when her mom encouraged her to pick up another instrument.

Ward’s teacher, folk guitarist Joel Palmer saw something special in her that she says she did not see in herself at the time.

“The few months that I started playing guitar,” Ward explained, “are the few months when my identity crisis ended and I saw myself as a beautiful person. I understood then that I was capable of creating beautiful things and that does something for your self-esteem.”

She became so confident in herself that she performed for the first time only seven months after taking guitar lessons.

Ward sang an original composition “Butterflies” during a talent show at summer camp when she was 13-years-old and it was then she recognized the true power of music.

“The song was very inspirational and people loved it,” said Ward. “I realized that I could reach a lot of different types of people and that music, more specifically my music, was capable of changing the way people felt.”

This life-changing experience inspired Ward to further pursue music as a career, and she continued to sharpen her skills by studying commercial music at Tennessee State University.

TSU was not only a musical training ground for the local artist, it also played a role in helping to develop her style. It was here that she further developed her performance skills, learned how to play jazz guitar (which is the reason why she says she can’t write music without playing jazz chords) and it was in her dorm room that she wrote what would become her first single.

Ward is now seeing her musical aspirations come to fruition. She has performed with established neo-soul musicians such as Raheem DaVaughn, Kindred the Family Soul and Eric Roberson. Opening up for these artists has given her the opportunity to see what the stage feels like and aspire to be on their level.

“With the large stage, large audience, the bright lights, and the full band, it always leaves me with this feeling like I need

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to be up here a little longer, so I aspire for more because of what the opening opportunities have inspired me to do,” said Ward.

Ambition is a quality Ward most certainly possesses.

In addition to performing, she is prepping for the release of her debut album, “Sounds Like Love”.

The first single, also titled “Sounds Like Love” was released in 2011 and during the summer, it was in heavy rotation on Detroit radio station 107.5.

The song has also become an audience favorite at her shows.

“I’m seeing now that when I perform it, people know it, not just the hook, but the verses. I could only have hoped that my first release would have the impact that it has had. It’s just really been what I wanted it to be,” Ward said.

Renowned musician/producer Amp Fiddler, who produced the single, was one of the people Ward worked with on the album. Ward, who calls Fiddler, “Uncle Amp” developed a close kinship with the seasoned producer and she says he is someone she looks up to as both an artist and person. Ward also collaborated

with drummers Thaddeus Dixon and Eric Gatson, who serves as her musical director.

The album, she says is reflective of her journey not only as an artist, but also as a woman.

Take the song “Undescribeable,” for instance, which is a puppy love ballad she wrote when she was 16-years-old. The song explores her affections for a boy who she thinks is simply irresistible and makes her speechless every time she sees him.

Or “Before You Know,” a socially conscious song she wrote in reaction to the massive earthquake that struck Haiti. This song expresses the deep appreciation one should have for life, love, and happiness as opposed to putting so much worth on meaningless tasks and materialistic things.

Ward covered the production cost of the album out of pocket and through fundraising. She raised $1,000 in one day from the fundraising platform Kick Starter, which helps fund creative projects through donations. She surpassed her original goal of raising $5,000.

Local entrepreneur Drake Phifer is another supporter who instantly recognized Ward’s

musical flair. Phifer, who owns the music promotions company Urban Organic Management, which books shows for music artists such as Ward, said that after seeing her perform at a show, he wanted to be a part of helping her succeed as an artist.

“I think her songwriting capability and her natural appeal with the audience is amazing. She has almost a mystical appeal about herself. She is not like a lot of artists who are all about the name. If you are really into music, you know artists like Bob Marley, Minnie Riperton, Marvin Gaye, they all had this kind of mystique about them, a spiritual component to their music, and she has that.”

Like those legendary musicians, Ward reaches people through her sincere lyricism, and distinctive approach to various genres of music.

Until the album’s debut, Ward is continuing to release music online via sites such as iTunes, Rhapsody, and through her website (charityward.com).

As an independent artist, she says her main priority is to remain creative and win people over with her ability to produce music on a consistent basis.

So far, people have been feeling what the young artist has to say and her fan base is steadily expanding. (She was recently featured in Jet Magazine’s young artists to watch) Detroiters got the first dose of Charity Ward and now she is ready for the rest of the world to hear what she has to say.

“I always want my music to represent something greater than just music, or something audible,” she said. “I think my music tells a story and hopefully that story is powerful and connects to someone along the way.”



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UsherLooking For Myself June 12

Usher spawned a number of hits with his last album Raymond vs Raymond and made “OMG” an official part of the everyday language, all while reclaiming his wild bachelor status. Now, he’s back to claim his status as one of the hottest R&B male artists in the game with his sixth album, Looking for Myself. No one could have predicted the various risks Usher took with this album. Nobody could have forecasted quirky doo-wop grooves and electrified soul from the same man who got the world crunk with the simplistic phrase “Yeah.” The first single, “Climax” may have thrown some off guard with its taboo title, but if you know anything about Usher, you know that beyond his sexual appeal, he has a lot to offer. “Climax” is a minimalistic, electro-soul tune that has Mr. Raymond stretching out his falsetto range as he laments a love lost. Just a point of advice: don’t expect to grab some headphones at work and listen to the album. The music will have you itching to bust a move.

Frank OceanChannel OrangeJuly 17

Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated albums this year, Frank Ocean’s eclectic smash debut Channel Orange was

ColorBlind Picks: Top 5 Albums

something of legend for a while. He rode the mixtape circuit for a minute and had fans dying for him to release an album, but we finally got something this summer. One thing to note about Ocean: venturing into his music is like taking a journey to another world and coming back with a sense of sensual satisfaction. That’s exactly what you get when listening to R&B, pop seduction on tracks like “Pyramids,” or on the glossy mid-tempo joint “Sweet Life” where Ocean glorifies the fancy lifestyle of the rich, but admits there is more to life than affluence. Then he can make you feel so sympathetic on the tragic love ballad, “Bad Religion” where many believe he bears his soul to another man.

ERIC BENETThe OneJune 5

There are a lot of perceptions about soul crooner Eric Benet and unfortunately, a lot of them have to do with his personal life. But, one thing that can’t be said about him is that he cannot sing and does not put out quality work. Benet’s last few albums bleed soulful R&B, include tender accounts of the ups and downs of love, and are etched with a sexy falsetto voice that can melt hearts. Benet’s latest album, The One already has many anticipating its superb quality ever since the first single dropped. ColorBlind

predicts “Real Love” being one of the top wedding songs of 2012. Appearances on the album include Shaggy, his daughter India Benet(who also appeared briefly on his last album) and hip hop heavyweight Lil Wayne.

G.O.O.D. Music LabelCruel SummerSeptember 18

Kanye seems to be the man when it comes to creating dope phrases to add to the hip hop vocabulary. “That “s%^^” cray” became the highlight of his highly acclaimed song “Niggas in Paris” from the Kanye/Jay-Z collabo Watch the Throne and now he and his GOOD music crew are at it again. This time, it’s “swerve” and it comes from the group’s first single “Mercy,” from their collaboration album, Cruel Summer, which was released on September 18. Kanye is in pretty good company with artists like Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, and Detroit’s own hip hop star Big Sean. Sometimes egos can get in the way when collaborations takes place, but the G.O.O.D. Music crew doesn’t let anything get in the way of their cold beats and ridiculous flow, especially from Kanye. Take a listen to “New God Flow” and you’ll see what I mean.

T.I.Trouble ManSeptember 26

T.I. is back and his swag is one hundred thousand million. He proves it with his latest single, “Love This Life,” the debut single from his highly anticipated new album, Trouble Man. The laid back, almost ballad-esque song sounds like a follow-up to “Whatever You Like” where he tells his girl that she loves the million dollar lifestyle he provides for her. Doesn’t quite seem like a song you would hear on an album titled “Trouble Man,” but T.I. is a multifaceted artist who can straddle both thug life and thug love. It will be interesting to see what kind of tracks T.I. will share with his audiences who have seen him at his best and worst personally.


Here are some of the albums that Colorblind was rocking out to over the summer. Also listed are a few albums that we are looking forward to hearing this fall. Enjoy!


Bonjourno! Join Arlinda Myslimaj a recent University Michigan- Dearborn graduate with a degree in Accounting as she tells of her journey to Padua, Italy. Arlinda will work as a Tax Analyst at Deloitte Accounting Firm in Detroit, Mi in January 2013.

ColorBlind: What year did you travel to Italy and how long were you there?Arlinda Myslimaj: I traveled to Padua, Italy during the summer of 2009 from beginning of May to the end of June.

CB: How did you become interested in the study abroad program?AM: I remember being a freshman and hearing about the potential opportunities of studying in Italy with the college of business at U of M-Dearborn but I had never thought I would be able to live in a different country on my own, and taking classes for that matter. I took two courses while I was there; a Marketing course and an Organizational Behavior class. You had to be junior status to register for these courses which allowed me enough time to decide if I wanted to take the courses in Italy instead. I lived with my parents throughout my college career and traveling abroad was an opportunity to test myself to see if I could actually survive on my own. (I did actually make it alive!).

Destination Italia! By Leah Johnson

TRAVEL & CULTURE

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CB:Why would you recommend study abroad for other students?AM: I would recommend studying abroad to everyone, especially while you’re still in school.We get too comfortable living in our daily routine that we forget sometimes that there’s actually a different world out there to experience. For me, during the trip I met a lot of different students from many different countries. They were there studying abroad as well, which allowed me to learn their perspectives on business topics. The experience I had in Italy opened many doors for me, considering the fact that many business firms today are or planning on becoming a global company. Once I listed the program on my resume, most of the interviews I had with business firms focused on the study abroad and they were interested in learning more. It was a great way to start off talking about my accomplishments.

CB:What’s your best memory while being there?AM: My best memory would have to be the food and trips we took every weekend. We visited the main cities like Milan, Venice, Rome, Bologna, Verona, Vincenza, and Sottomarina. At each city we would visit the main attractions and learn about its history. I definitely miss the “easy going” lifestyle that they have. Every day was an experience, from learning how to send a postcard and buying bus tickets to learning how to make “Pasta alla carbonara” from my Italian friends.

CB: What tips would you give to those considering study abroad programs?AM: If you have the opportunity, take advantage of it. I spent two months and learned a lot, but there are other programs that go for a semester or year long. There are also scholarships available from the school that help you financially. My courses were taught in English but if you’re studying a foreign language, a study abroad to that specific country would be an awesome experience; you’d probably learn more than you would expect.

CB:What did this trip help you learn or confirm about yourself as a maturing woman?AM: As women in a business world we have to take more risks and be open to the opportunities that come our way. I definitely took a chance with the study abroad and I can fully say that it changed my perspective of how I look at myself to this day. A few of my friends can testify to this fact. [Before the Trip] I was just another student, getting good grades and following the process of school and I wouldn’t say I didn’t have any self-confidence in myself but I was definitely shy to the idea of stepping out the box. Taking the two courses abroad helped me improve my communication skills, overcome my fear of presenting in front of a group of people, and living in a new culture and experiencing their everyday life. Most of all I would say that it provided me with the skills to become an independent woman, which at the same time it helped my parents see and appreciate that as well.

TRAVEL & CULTURE

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Black. Woman. Engineer.

When those three words are said together, people are really caught off guard. Why are we so awestruck when we meet someone who fits the bill? Could it be because most black women engineers are not only incredibly brilliant, but also quite attractive? OK, that’s enough boasting about my colleagues. But really, why is it that we find black women engineers so fascinating? This discussion leads me to look at the engineering pipeline. It is quite clear that the United States has a pipeline problem. Research shows that there simply are not enough students in the United States pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). More specifically, there is a dearth of women and minorities entering the STEM pipeline.

Here is the issue. The shortage of minorities in STEM careers is not solely a problem for minorities to deal with. If we, as a society, fail to adequately educate and prepare ALL of our students, then the ENTIRE American society will suffer. According to the recent census data, today’s ethnic minority groups will be tomorrow’s majority by the year 2050.

Now let’s focus on the engineering field. Currently, minorities receive only 4-5% of the engineering degrees awarded each year. Consider what that number might become if the education systems continue to fail and today’s minorities become the majority. It is quite daunting.

Now consider this: regardless of race, girls often lose interest in engineering around the age of 12. Let us now assume this average 12 year-old girl is black and in a poor school system. I surely would be surprised to see her 10 years later as an engineer. But the great thing is there are many women who have not only earned engineering degrees, but have other great achievements, even against all odds. But, how do we help them defeat the odds?

I believe that the key to improving the United States engineering pipeline and increasing engineering degrees earned by women and minorities rests in how we educate our students and how we expose them to various fields. The ways in which we expose our young men to engineering apparently are not the ways we should engage our young women. The methods must be different. We have to show our women while they are young the many opportunities they can have as an engineer. While every young girl is not destined to become an engineer, we cannot continue to allow society and the media to tell our daughters they must settle for to be administrative assistants, medical assistants and cosmetologists. These are very respectable jobs, but that is not all that’s out there for these young girls. It must become our responsibility to educate our daughters about the real accomplishments of women like Madame CJ Walker. Only then might they be able to see themselves outside of the confines which society has placed on them.

Chew on this thought: While Madame CJ Walker’s achievement in selling hair care products made her a millionaire, her skills in mixing ingredients which would be used to straighten and grow our nappy hair did not simply make her a great cosmetologist but a profoundly successful BLACK. WOMAN. ENGINEER.

BY DELEAN TOLBERT

About Delean: She received her bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2010. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering in December 2011. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree from Purdue University.

Making Female Engineers the Majority, not the Minority

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The way some African American men view African American women is disrespectful.

Vulgar language. Physical violence. Blatant disrespect.

Do I approve of it? Definitely not.

Am I mad about it? YES.

African-American men, listen up to one of your own: Just because some women willingly

degrade themselves in videos, you should not consciously decide to degrade all black

women. As far back as I can remember, I have always placed a high value on women

of all races and will continue to for the rest of my life. So, I wonder: “Why don’t other

black men do the same?”

But, allow me to explain: Women work as hard as or harder than many men, but yet

still have endured many obstacles that men have not. For example, women’s suffrage in

the past, and currently the right to have wages/salary comparable to that of their male

counterparts. To push the wage cap idea further, the graph shows the median weekly

earnings of full-time wage and salary workers, by sex, race, and ethnicity in the United

States in 2009. In 2009, the median income of full-time, year-round (FTYR) workers

was $47,127 for men, as opposed to being $36,278 for women. The female-to-male

earnings ratio was 0.77. The female-to-male earnings ratio of 0.77 means that, in the

year 2009, female FTYR workers earned 23% less than male FTYR workers.[1]

SOURCE: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

About Stephan- Stephan Bradley is a junior at the University of Michigan, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies with a sub plan in Global Environment and Health, and a minor in Spanish. After his undergraduate career, Stephan intends to pursue a dual degree - a Master’s in Public Policy (M.P.P.) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.)

By Stephan Bradley

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - Something we need more of when it comes to women’s rights

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We encourage our readers to write for the opinion section. Send your

submissions to Email Address here ColorBlind Magazine reserves the

right to publish all submissions unless specifically informed in the letter

that it is not meant for publication. Publication of all submissions cannot

be guaranteed.

OPINION

Males, especially African-American males, should have a standard of respect and

admiration for women, not only because African-American women help to serve as

America’s mothers—and what some would argue to be America’s backbone—but

because as a race African-Americans have endured many trials and tribulations, and

even today earn a lower median weekly earnings than several other races, as the United

States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ graph shows.

Thus, divisions in race, and in-race degrading should not take place. If anything, males

should take their role and help to uplift themselves and their African-American peers.

As Aesop, a Greek slave and fable author stated, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highlights of Women’s Earnings in 2009. Report

1025, June 2010. http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2009.pdf

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. CONTINUED

The opinions are not those of ColorBlind Magazine. However, ColorBlind does strictly adhere

to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which says: “Congress shall make no law...

abridging the freedom of speech or of the press...”

- Something we need more of when it comes to women’s rights

opinionWHAT IS YOUR

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ColorBlind Fall 2012