E N T E R TA I N S ,
I N S P I R E S
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I N F O R M S
Volume 9 – Number 30 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
BETHUNECOOKMAN UNIVERSITY:
HEAD. HEART. HAND. 113-YEAR LEGACY OF EMPOWERING STUDENTS
DON’T MAKE CHRISTMAS GIFTS A GUESSING GAME. ASK.
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CLASSIC RIVALRY RATTLERS AND WILDCATS FACE OFF IN ORLANDO B-CU Interim President Judge Hubert Grimes
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CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE STILL, I RISE
2017
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Miss Bethune-Cookman University Aminata Seye All great things have small beginnings. I am Aminata Seye, a senior matriculating in the field of international studies from the great Bethune- Cookman University. I humbly serve as the 64th Miss Bethune-Cookman University. I am African by blood and American by paper. Dakar, Senegal, is where my heart is deeply rooted. This third-world country has been my motivation to make something of myself so that I can go back and bring change. I am a sister to two and a daughter of two phenomenal beings who encourage and have molded me to become the very best that I can be. Since my freshman year at this illustrious institution, my goals have been to graduate with honors and work for a United States ambassador. Working in the foreign services will allow me to help those less fortunate than myself and open new doors for them as they have been opened for me. My ultimate goal in life is to live comfortably, attempt to repay my family for all that they’ve invested in me, contribute back to my HBCU and help anyone I can, while uplifting and motivating through positivity, dedication, and being a servant leader.
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Miss Edward Waters College Tashan Shavoyne Alexandria Morley Miss Tashan Shavoyne Alexandria Morley is a native of Nassau, Bahamas. She is the daughter of the late Ryan Wood and Tamatha Morley. Miss Morley is a senior Criminal Justice major and an honor student. She is a proven leader among her peers, royal court, and family. She has served as Edward Waters College 2014-201 Homecoming Duchess, 2015-2016 Miss Kappa Alpha Psi, 2016-2017 Miss Junior, Miss Faces Modelling Troupe, the Captain of the Cross Country and Track & Field Teams, a chartering member of Faces Modeling Troupe, Inc., and a member of TRiO. In her leisure time, Morley enjoys spending time with her younger brother and Cross Country Track & Field teammates. Upon graduation, Morley will pursue a law degree. Miss EWC’s future aspirations are to become a juvenile attorney and ultimately, a judge. Her daily motto is “You always go to the top of the fountain to get your drink. If you go to the middle, you’re going to get pressure. And if you go to the bottom, you’re going to get dirt.” Morley always believes that preparation precedes blessings. She understands that the best preparation for tomorrow is best prepared today.
Miss FAMU’s photo by Ernest Nelfrard/Rattlers United
Queens Miss Florida A&M University Michelle Marva Johnson
Miss Florida Memorial University Khadija Alexander
Michelle Marva Johnson is a native of Dallas, Tex., and a graduate of the Newman Smith High School. Currently, she is a senior business administration and theatre and performing arts student. She is proud to serve Florida A&M University as the 2017-2018 Miss FAMU. Her mother Vivian Johnson, served as the 75th Miss FAMU and her brother was the 12th Mr. FAMU in 2011. She is focusing her platform on “education, safety and engagement of the Rattler Student Body.” “I have developed a love for Florida A&M University that is unparalleled. It is with the conviction of the 110 women that have reached for the mantle before me that I have decided to follow in their legacy to become an HBCU Queen of my university,” she explains. She has served FAMU as a resident assistant on campus, vice-president of the Peer Mentor Program in the First-Year Experience Program, vice-president of the Dallas Club, a presidential ambassador, an executive leader in the Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and owner of pageant coaching service – MARVAlous Pageantry.
Khadija Alexander, also known as Lola, is a naturalist with a magnetic energy and a passion for the arts. She hails from the small, lively island of Jamaica, unparalleled in beauty and renowned for its great minds. Lola is a first semester senior and a Communication major with a focus in Television Broadcast. She was Miss Black & Gold in 2015-2016, then she was elected Miss Senior in 2016-2017. Presently, Lola is the elected Miss Florida Memorial University for the year 2017-2018. On her campus, she worked hand-in-hand with her best friend to revive the Jamaican Students’ Association, which has since placed first runner up, and then first place consecutively in the annual Culture Night Show and Competition. She is a second soprano and active member in the esteemed Ambassador Chorale, and has performed with the group at several churches and high schools across the state. Her motto in life is, “What is to be will be, for time will reveal all.” She hopes to empower her peers to find an inner sense of ‘Black Pride’ through unlocking the secret to wealth and success.
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HOLIDAY RECIPE
CAKE
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces 2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1 cup coconut milk 1 teaspoon coconut extract Frosting: 4 sticks (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature 8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 tablespoon coconut extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 2/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut (1 7-oz. bag)
Coconut Layer Cake
DIRECTIONS Step 1 Make cake: Place a rack in center of oven and preheat to 350ÂşF. Grease and flour 2 9-inch round cake pans. Step 2 In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar until light, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Reduce speed to low; beat in half of flour mixture. Beat in coconut milk and extract, then beat
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in remaining flour mixture until just combined. Divide batter between cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Turn out onto racks to cool completely. Step 3 Make frosting: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until light, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in extracts. Chill 15 minutes.
Step 4 Assemble cake: Place 1 cake layer on a serving platter. Spread with 1 1/2 cups frosting. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining frosting on top and sides. Sprinkle remaining coconut over top and sides of cake, pressing to adhere. Chill for at least 2 hours and up to a day. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
Make the Most of the Thanksgiving Weekend Instead of sitting on the couch watching football, take a hike or get a massage this Thanksgiving break. By Mary Williams
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hanksgiving is all about family gatherings over good food, enjoying parties, dinners and celebrating the event with musical parades, festivities and football. This long-awaited weekend is celebrated with great enthusiasm and thrill throughout the nation. While most of us are following the same traditions from the past few years, there are some looking for a new way to spend the weekend with family and friends. If you are among those who believe your Thanksgiving rituals need a boost, here is a list of activities that will help you utilize your weekend to the utmost. Watch a movie: Watching a movie is a good way to make any day interesting. Whether you wish to watch a latest movie or have a stack of DVDs you haven’t watched in a while, movies can carry you off to a carefree afternoon. Call up your movie buddy, set your home theatre and watch them all. And if you want to get out of the house, head to a nearby theater and enjoy a movie with a tub of popcorn.
Meet your old friends: When was the last time you met your favorite group of friends together? Don’t even remember, right? Then, this Thanksgiving Day plan an outing with your high school buddies and make your weekend a great one. Hang out at your favorite place, eat at that popular restaurant and have lots of fun. Can there be a better idea of spending a weekend? Pick up the phone, fix a plate and raise the toast for your friendship. Go for a family picnic: A family get together is a fun way to interact and come closer to all the family members who spend a lot of time apart. Thanksgiving weekend is an ideal time to spend some quality time with family and create magical memories. Going out for a picnic will not only double up the fun of the weekend, but will also help you make your family members happy. Take a long drive and choose a spot to spend the day. Spare time for yourself: The hectic routines have stolen our “me time,” selfcare and introspection. While the whole
world is busy celebrating the event, how about giving some attention to yourself? This might sound strange, but there are moments in life when we need to focus on our own well-being. This Thanksgiving weekend, go to a spa, meditate and relax yourself with the pleasures that make you feel good. Escape to a stress-free break: It’s time to take that long-awaited break because your job and other priorities didn’t let you do so for the last few months. Take friend or family member with you make the best of this Thanksgiving Day. You could even explore new destinations, take a hike or visit a favorite spot. There are so many choices. Check your local bulletin boards, newspapers and events calendars to see what new events are taking place on Thanksgiving and go for it! This article is courtesy of ArticleFactory.com
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HOLIDAY TIPS
DON’T STRESS OVER GIVING. HAVE A PLAN. Don’t make Christmas gifts a guessing game. Ask. By D. Shenell Reed
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hristmas. Stressful, right? You have to make sure the halls are decked and the food is on point. You are exhausted from cleaning the house and fixing up the extra room for Aunt Bertha—because you know how picky she is. Your funds are running low, because you have tried to outdo yourself on outside decorations, yet again, only to have your next-door neighbor win the most festive house award. And let’s not mention the anguish you feel over finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Now things just got out of control. But they don’t have to. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, not go crazy trying to please other people. But if it is important for you to have just the right presents as a part of your holiday traditions, do it stress-free this year. Nobody can help you with everything you 56 ONYX MAGAZINE
choose to include in your holiday repertoire, but hopefully these tips for gift buying will let you check one thing off your list. Make a list of who you’re going to gift – Who in your circle really should receive a gift from you? Immediate family is probably the logical route to take. Also, it’s safe to include nieces, nephews, and godkids. But does your office throw a holiday party complete with gift exchange? What about church and community gift-giving events you attend? Do your closest friends have an annual gift exchange over dinner? Be sure to put all those people on your list, too. Don’t wait too late to get started – This is what really messes us up. How many times have you been in the department
up the dollar amount to $100 or more. Whichever amount you choose, make sure it won’t stress you financially and let nothing change your mind. Don’t forget to calculate shipping and handling if you’re shopping online. Also, online gifts are a great way to go, as they often cost less. Besides, you save on gas and shopping frenzy headaches. Know the person you’re gifting – Remember, this gift is not for you, so don’t buy that silk scarf you’ve been eyeing for yourself. Shopping for others can be a chore. Don’t be afraid to ask others who are more familiar with the person. Also, engage them in conversation and pick up on what they say. You might be able to detect that a person loves golfing or reading. So, a set of golf balls might be attractive or a gift card to a bookstore might do the trick. Ask for hints – Some families draw names from a hat to determine who each person will shop for. On the name card is a list of the types of things they like—or need. Sometimes people are up front about what they want. “I want a blue sweater with white polka dots; I want a gift card to a grocery store.” Other times, they may be
a little less obvious. “I like hiking; I enjoy traveling.” That leaves the door open, but at least you know to check out the sporting goods store. Avoid clichés and make it special – Flowers, cards and candy might be all right gifts for a surprise, but for special occasions, you want to make the gift, well… special. Don’t be afraid to add a little of yourself in the gift and make it an experience. Remember when you and your sister took that first trip to your favorite hot spot? Say it was Jamaica. Why not gift her with a hand-crafted bowl from Montigo Bay to commemorate your trip? Make sure you wrap it nicely and play reggae music in the background while she opens it. Just make it fun! Give back – We can’t save the world, but perhaps we can plant a tree. Think about donating to a favorite charity in the name of someone. Or, invite family and friends out to the local mission to serve those who are in need. What better way to spend time with those you love? And what a wonderful gift to give someone who may have received nothing at all?
Doc McStuffins: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
TOP TOY FOR CHRISTMAS 2017 TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP! store on December 24, it’s 5:30 p.m., the store closes at 6, and you still don’t have a gift for Aunt Bertha? Fall collections come out in the summer and stores have great holiday sales throughout November. As you see something appealing, make note of it and jot down the name of the person who you think might like it. That will give you a good start. Decide your budget and stick to it – Don’t go broke trying to purchase Christmas gifts. Set your dollar amount make it final. You may decide that each person will get a $10 gift card or $25 present. For those closest to you, you may
Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins is learning all about baby care thanks to her role as a Chief Resident. Preschoolers can nurture and care for their baby dolls right alongside Doc with the All-in-One Nursery, an adorable role-play center full of exciting doctor features and accessories to explore! Use Doc’s portable electronic patient laptop to diagnose, featuring a light-up screen, sounds and lullaby music. The light & sound stethoscope is perfect for checking baby’s heartbeat. When it’s time for a checkup, measure baby’s height and weight on the scale and use the special nursery tools. After the checkup is complete, give the baby patient a bandage from the sticker dispenser. When it’s time for a nap, spin the baby mobile and rock the cradle the best prescription for sweet dreams! This toy is for ages 3 and older. The doctor is in! Doc McStuffins can fix your toys with a little help from her friends Stuffy, Hallie, Lambie and Chilly. Description by Toys R Us
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