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NextIN Line Network Speaker Panel: “Medical Field”

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NextIN Line Network is conducted a speaker series at Stone Mountain High School.

We were glad to have a speakers from the Medical Field stop by to speak to our students.

Speakers:
Cherri Gray: Dekalb Medical Center Clinical Coordinator, Registered Nurse

Dicardo Anthony: Surgical Technologist

Makaila Hendricks: Physician Assistant- Student


Denzel & Pauletta Washington Raise $17M For Smithsonian

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Courtesy of I Hear That Girlgallery_showbiz-denzel-washington-pauletta-pearson-1132x509

Oscar winner Denzel Washington used his influence, likability & talent recently to raise millions in a fundraising event held at his LA home.

The multi award-winning actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist co-hosted the event with his wife, Pauletta, which set out to raise funds in support of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). With some of the biggest names in Hollywood in attendance, the event raised an incredible $17 million toward the cause, which included a $10 million pledge from Shonda Rhimes.

“There is such a historical significance to this project,’’ Washington told Variety. “It means so much for our community, our country and to future generations.”
According to the NMAAHC website, the museum “will be a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives and how it helped us shape this nation. A place that transcends the boundaries of race and culture that divide us, and becomes a lens into a story that unites us all.”

The total cost of the museum will amount to $540 million, and so far the US government has contributed half that amount. The remainder relies on private donations and events such as the one hosted by Denzel & Pauletta Washington.
“In this climate where so much money is being raised for the Presidency and The White House, it is incredible to have the support we received,’’ said Pauletta Washington. “It’s good knowing that even with so much going on, people are committed to making sure that this museum is successful.’’

Big thanks to the Washington family! Your efforts will go on to help educate, honor and empower millions for years to come!

The museum will open on September 24, 2016. Until then, you can check out their gallery, located on the second floor of the National Museum of American History, in Washington, DC.

We Need Better Ways to Predict Student Success

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Courtesy of Black Enterprise

DSC00206What does it take to succeed in college and then, later, in the workforce? We think we know—but do we?
Higher-education institutions and employers clearly believe measurements like ACT scores and grade point averages are the right yardsticks. But, sadly, these gauges cause us to overlook too many young people who could flourish in school and in the workplace.

Take Tony, for example.

He graduated high school at the top of his class, went to college as a finance major and landed prestigious internships at places like Chicago investment firm Loop Capital. After early success in college, his home life began to fragment. He had to sit out a year to live at home and help his mother. He re-enrolled locally at a community college after that, still needing to work two jobs to take care of responsibilities at home and save money to pay for school.

Because of the challenges Illinois is facing to get a budget passed, Tony is unable to get the grant money that low-income students who attend school in-state have typically been afforded. He used the little money he had saved to register for class but did not have extra money to buy books for his classes.

Understandably, his GPA suffered. And yet, his struggles helped him to hone tremendous leadership skills like persistence, resilience, teamwork and a remarkably strong work ethic. Unfortunately, he will not be in the pipeline for many companies upon graduation because his academic standing alone will rule him out. And that’s a loss for him and for the community at large.

As head of the Chicago Scholars Foundation, my charge is to transform the depressing statistics that overshadow my field and to get more young people on the path to success. My team and I work to break down barriers that low-income and first-generation college students face. The journey is arduous, and one of the biggest challenges we face is the long-standing focus on ACT scores and GPA as primary measures of success when evaluating our students.

That wrong-headed focus on academic performance is holding our economy back. For years, we’ve been trying to improve education, and despite progress that should not go unnoticed, we have yet to see a critical benefit of a more educated populace—improved diversity at leadership levels in organizations. This, we know, is where real systemic change will happen. Only five CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are black and only nine are Latino. Of course, not everyone can be a CEO, so we look deeper to discover that only 2 percent of executives at these companies are black and only 3 percent are Latino. There is only one African-American in the U.S. Senate, and only four have served in the history of our country. The list of disappointments goes on.

A focus on academics is too narrow. The real movement needs to become a leadership movement with an accentuated focus on the noncognitive skills we know are critical to success. We must encourage decision-makers to craft alternative and more holistic ways of evaluating our students.

Michelle Obama says there are three people youths need in their lives: one who walks ahead who they look up to and follow, one who walks beside them who is with them every step of their journey and one who they reach back for themselves and bring along after they’ve cleared the way. We need to not only be the people who youths look up to but the people who reach back for them, fight for them and bring them with us along the way. To do so, we must change the paradigm for college and career acceptance.

NextIN Line Network Speaker Panel: “PR & Marketing”

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NextIN Line Network is conducted a speaker series at Stone Mountain High School.

We were glad to have a speakers from the Public Relations field stop by to speak to our students.

Speakers:
Eugenia Johnson: PR Director of The Garner Circle

Ronnika Ann: CEO & Sr. PR Director of iGN PR

College Readiness X-POSED: ATL Metro College Upward Bound

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13686512_641080546058198_478454662523768447_nCollege Readiness XPOSED is a 2-hour high impact and interactive workshop designed to help high school students prepare for college admission. Students will get exclusive insight of what goes on during the admissions process. The workshop will focus on providing students with fundamental knowledge to help students gain access to college.

NextIN Line Network want to thank our Colleges for coming out:
Cedric Walker: Clayton State University – Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Joseph Echols: Clayton State University – Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Ronald L. Cetoute: Albany State University’s Graduate School

Andra Brantley: Georgia State University

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

 

Work Readiness X-POSED is Back At Yells Inc.

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NextIn Line Network will be back for the second time at Yells Inc. conducting our Work Readiness X-POSED program August 22nd, 24th, 29th, & 31st.

“Work Readiness XPOSED” is a career and professional development program that significantly impacts the growth and development of participants in the areas of job readiness (soft skills). Program includes: interviewing skills, resume & cover letter writing, self-marketing tools, relationship building, critical thinking skills, and abilities that enhance talents, aptitudes, abilities and interests

To schedule a workshop contact us at 404-828-0468 or info@nextinlinenetwork.com

How To Make Extra Money In Retirement

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Courtesy of Black Enterprise

Retirement

(Image: iStock.com/Susan Chiang)

While all groups in the United States struggle to save enough money to live comfortably in retirement, the issue is particularly striking for African Americans.

According to the Urban Institute, the average white family had more than $130,000 in liquid retirement savings, compared to $19,000 for the average African American family.

This makes it imperative that people in the black community, and others, figure out ways to supplement their retirement income.

“Most likely for most of us, life in retirement isn’t going to look a whole lot different from our life before retirement,” says Carla Dearing, CEO of SUM180, an online financial planning service created by women for women.

“That’s the life you’ll need to fund—not the one with the private jet, and sumptuously landscaped manse with Adirondack chairs dotting the grounds and a view of the ocean. Since that’s not the lifestyle most of us are preparing for, most of us will need about 80% of what our annual costs are right before we retire,” she adds.

Dearing offers the following tips to help boost retirement income.

  • Rental income of all types is a great contributor to your annual income. Imagine if that same woman converted her basement into a one-bedroom apartment and rented it to her nephew for $600/month—that’s a total of $7,200/year. Or, rather than renting a portion of her home’s interior, this woman realizes she can gain income from some land behind her house.
  • The sharing economy—also known as the shareconomy or collaborative consumption—is the term used to describe peer-to-peer-based sharing of access to goods and services. What you need to know is that it provides a host of new sources for income. Among popular services are Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit and DogVacay.
  • Asset sales are a way to supplement income within a given year. For example, my dad sold his Harley to my nephew last year. He opted to take monthly payments of $200 until it was paid off; netting him a total of $2,400 for the year. Another example is selling your Hummel collection on eBay and then, when the cabinet is empty, selling it on Craigslist. Typically these aren’t recurring sources of income, but don’t discount creativity. I learned of an insurance agent who shops at Walmart on Black Friday and then sells the items he bought at a deep discount for 4x their original price on eBay.

While saving for retirement is one of the biggest challenges facing the American public, it’s important to keep in mind that with a little creativity you can supplement your savings and create financial security in your golden years.

Kobe Co-Launches $100M Venture Capital Fund for Tech, Media, and More

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(Image: Lakers.com)

The Wall Street Journal reports that retired basketball great Kobe Bryant launched a $100 million venture capital fund with entrepreneur and investor Jeff Stibel.

Investments will go to entrepreneurs in the technology, media, and data industries.

The $100 million is funded exclusively by Bryant and Stibel. The two are not yet seeking outside investors.

Bryant told WSJ that helping others succeed, in this case, by backing budding entrepreneurs, is important to him at this stage of his life.

Not an Endorser

“The most important thing I enjoy now is helping others be successful. I enjoy doing that much much more, that’s something that lasts forever, and hope they do that for the next generation,” said Bryant.

Stibel said the partnership was not about having Bryant act as a famous front man or endorser for companies that are funded.

“We don’t want to be in the business of investing in companies so someone can use Kobe as an endorser. That’s not interesting,” he said to WSJ. “The point is to add real value.”

Athletes Turned Business Moguls

In contrast to the many stories of professional athletes going broke in retirement, today’s crop of African American athletes is increasingly business-savvy as both entrepreneurs and investors.

Last year, LeBron James inked a lucrative deal with Warner Brothers for his production company, SpringHill Entertainment.

Shaquille O’Neil is an entrepreneur with many business ventures including investments in Google, Vitamin Water, and the Five Guys burger chain.

Tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams are also astute business people. Venus owns an interior design business, is part owner of the Miami Dolphins with her sister, and owns multiple Jamba Juice franchises.


How Do Your Teens Use the Internet?

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(Image: iStock.com/sturti)

How do your teens use the internet? Are they playing online video games, or signing up for free classes? Are they learning more about our election process, or about celebrity gossip? How they use the internet may be an indication of their socio-economic status.

According to an article by the World Economic Forum that examines research from the OECD, in many countries young people from wealthy or poor backgrounds spend roughly the same amount of time online.

[Related: [REPORT] Students Who Use Tech in School Don’t Fare Better]

But it’s how they use the internet that really matters, not how long they’re online.

The research shows that the difference is stark: Higher-income teens “were more likely to use the internet to search for information or to read news rather than to chat or play video games.”

It’s not that wealthier kids aren’t playing video games too, they are. But that isn’t the only way they use the internet.

Based on data from more than 40 countries, the report concludes that the so-called digital divide persists despite there being equal access to the internet. The access may be equal, but low-income students are choosing less profitable ways to spend their time.

Time Online

According to the report, both higher-income and lower-income teens spent roughly the same amount of time on the internet. Disadvantaged students spent as much time online as wealthier young people; in some countries, they spent more time online.

“But in all countries, what students do with computers, from using e-mail to reading news, is directly linked to their ‘socio-economic status,’” states the WEF.

“Equal access does imply equal opportunities,” says the OECD report, but “[Students] may not have the knowledge or skills required to turn online opportunities into real opportunities,” the report says.

Fluent Reading Skills

Although many seem to equate internet access with higher quality education, the greater need is for fluent reading skills, the OECD says. That is what will close the digital divide:

“Proficiency in online reading and navigation requires students to plan and execute a search, evaluate … information, and assess the credibility of” online sources.

It will also unlock the rich resources of the online world to young people of any socio-economic status.

‘Politics Are Becoming Pop Culture’

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US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, December 6, 2015 to attend the Kennedy Center Honors. The honorees are singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas actress, actress and singer Rita Moreno, Conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson.    AFP PHOTO / CHRIS KLEPONIS / AFP / CHRIS KLEPONIS        (Photo credit should read CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, December 6, 2015 to attend the Kennedy Center Honors. The honorees are singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas actress, actress and singer Rita Moreno, Conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson. AFP PHOTO / CHRIS KLEPONIS / AFP / CHRIS KLEPONIS (Photo credit should read CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Combatting the stereotype of apathetic youth, Rock the Vote – the nonpartisan nonprofit created to see young people through America’s political process – has found a new way to galvanize and inspire millennials to vote in the upcoming election in November…

Art.

Using innovation and creativity, the organization partnered with #Cut50 and other national and community partners to launch Truth to Power, a campaign to “mobilize young people in the 2016 election” by way of a large-scale pop-up art exhibition, cultural convening, and community organizing event series. The event was held during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

But just how are art and politics blending together to make change?

“You see politics becoming pop culture,” political strategist and VH1 correspondent Carri Twigg told NewsOne.

With pieces that touched on hot election topics like criminal justice reform, gun control, and LGBTQ rights, the art exhibit – which featured artists from Keith Haring to Shepard Fairey – brought to light how voting in the upcoming election can change policy.

This infusion, Twigg said, is changing the trajectory of who the White House is engaging with. Using President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as examples, Twigg said that by reaching out to millennials through art and pop culture, the nation is giving voice to a new generation of voters.

Watch the full interview above.

Work Readiness X-POSED Program at YELLS Inc

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14202736_1079859848735792_2626670493864632370_n“Work Readiness XPOSED” is a career and professional development program that significantly impacts the growth and development of participants in the areas of job readiness (soft skills). Program includes: interviewing skills, resume & cover letter writing, self-marketing tools, relationship building, critical thinking skills, and abilities that enhance talents, aptitudes, abilities and interests

We were glad to have:
Kimberly Thomas: I Hear That Girl
Chivon Ferguson: The Pretty Girl Problem
DeNorris Johnson: Solution Architect
Kadeem Dunwell: Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta
Joseph Echols: Clayton State University
Ronald Cetoute: Albany State University

To schedule a workshop contact us at 404-828-0468 or info@nextinlinenetwork.com

The Making of A True Leader Training Workshop: Clayton State University

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NextIN Line Network Presents: “The Making of A True Leader” Workshop for Clayton State University Campus Life Student Leadership Training. Friday, September 30th 12pm-2pm.

 

 

NextIN Line Network CEO, Alton Walker, Keynote Speaker for the Burdell’s School of Entrepreneurship

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14713787_10157487586080136_642172190342658834_nNextIN Line Network CEO, Alton Walker, will be the Opening Keynote Speaker for the Burdell’s School of Entrepreneur Conference on Saturday, November 12, 2016

What is the Burdell’s School of Entrepreneurship?

B.SoE is a one-day startup conference where some of the best and brightest minority entrepreneurs give practical tactics on growing your business, no matter what stage of the process you are in. For high school and college current and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as young professionals, BSoE is a high-intensity, interactive (and fun) conference to help you change the face of entrepreneurship.

Burdell’s School of Entrepreneurship is Curated by The Black Burdell as well as conference partners.

Get your tickets today!!!

http://www.bsoeconference.com/

 

HERstory Brunch Inspires Women to Share Their Stories

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I Hear That Girl! and We Got Soul Restaurant, brought together women from all walks of life to the first HERstory Brunch.  The event was hosted by I Hear That Girl! founder, Kimberly “Isis” Thomas and owner of We Got Soul, Cola Pettiford.  The upscale brunch was held at the posh event location, The Pink Hotel, in Stone Mountain, GA.  Attendees were treated to a private tour of the facility and led into the room to enjoy delicious eats by Celebrity Chef Maurice and share their stories.

Herstory Brunch

HERstory Hosts: Cola Pettiford and Kimberly “Isis” Thomas

“…Regardless of how much money you make, your education, or anything else; your story is still important…”- Kimberly “Isis” Thomas

 

Herstory Brunch

Blogger, Mone’ Wallace, speaks at HERstory Brunch.

The event was created to show every woman that their stories were important.  Host Isis had this to say, “I believe that every woman has something to share that can help encourage, empower, and inspire someone else.  Regardless of how much money you make, your education, or anything else; your story is still important.  That’s what we want these women to know today.”

 

There was lots of socializing, networking and smiles throughout the 2 hour event.  Check out more of the pictures below:

 

Avoid Unnecessary Stress: Finals Week

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Finals Exam Week comes around twice a year in a student’s life. At the end of the first and second semester. It has to be one of the most stressful times you will ever experience. The grade from your exam will either make or break you. It’s almost like your entire life depends on the outcome of your test. You could be doing great in all your classes the entire semester and one exam grade will ruin that for you. This is why most students, if not all, don’t seem to be the same carefree, easygoing students we once were during syllabus week.

ahmad-stressedThe entire campus looked sleep deprived and exhausted. The library was also packed. Students were either studying or sleeping with their legs kicked up on the coffee table and using their book bags as pillows. You couldn’t walk by without hearing someone discuss how they think they either passed their final or failed it. The week felt like it would never end.

I could not sleep or think straight. My mind was constantly in testing mode. All I thought about was how to convince me professors for extra credit even though they made it quite clear that they do not offer it. I thought about all the times I could’ve kissed up to my professors throughout the year and all the free tutoring sessions I should’ve attended. The papers and projects I procrastinated doing were piling up and were all due at the same time. It was definitely crunch time. I had to get my life together and I had to do it quick. I studied and prayed to God that I would come out on top.

My parents did not send me to college just to find out I was trying to pull my grades together at the last minute when I should’ve been doing that all semester.

Not only did I have to make sure I finished all my work and see to it that I passed all of my tests. I had my parents continuously asking me how was school and how was I doing in school. If it’s one thing I know about my parents, it’s that they do not play when it comes to school work. My parents did not send me to college just to find out I was trying to pull my grades together at the last minute when I should’ve been doing that all semester. So I smiled and told them everything was going just fine. Deep down I was crying, panicking, hoping and wishing that I would get everything done in time with excellent grades.

After an extremely long, sleepless, gruesome week of memorizing formulas and going over significant dates in history it was time. It was my turn to see how the rest of my college career would play out. I felt like I was ready, but I was also nervous. As a student you already know which classes are easier for you and which classes you have to put a little more extra effort in. All my history courses were a breeze. History is literally a subject that doesn’t change. You go over the same thing each year so everything was already stuck in my brain. I passed my first two finals so I was feeling good. I even gained some confidence to take on my math final.

It’s important to work hard now and play later.

In the end I passed every single one of my final exams. I even passed all my courses with A’s and B’s. The week that felt like it would go one forever finally ended ..for now. I made myself proud, and I made my parents proud. I reached the light at the end of the tunnel. The sleepless nights were definitely worth it. All those assignments I was struggling to complete were finally done. Those late nights when your roommate begs you to go out and the parties won’t pass your classes for you, but there will always be more. It’s important to work hard now and play later. The moral of the story is to get your work done when you are supposed to, take advantage of your extra credit opportunities, and study, study, study. It’s the key to life. When you earn the grade you were struggling all week to get you’ll become aware of the potential you have. Take on finals week with confidence! Get that grade so you can get that degree.


Aicha Aicha Diallo is a freshman student majoring in Political Science. Aicha has been writing stories, poems, and blogging since she was 9 years old. You can find more from Aicha on Instagram (@missaichajolie) or Twitter (@missaichajolie).


4 Ways the Philmor Academy Girls School is creating Girl Bosses!

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Kimberly Thomas of I Hear That Girl & Chief Marketing Officer of NextIn Line Network, recently accepted a position as a Pathway Teacher at the Philmor Academy Girls School in Lithonia, GA.  This private school is educating girls on a whole new level.  Founded by Sherrie Raymore, the Philmor Academy creates a culture of scholarship, sisterhood and the pursuit of excellence. It is the first of it’s kind for the city of Lithonia in regards to minority private schools.

Philmor Academy Girls School, a grades K-8 private school, is preparing young women today to be leaders of tomorrow through STEAM, Communications/Media and the Arts. Our goal is to ensure that each student is provided with a holistic educational experience that will equip all students with the tools for becoming successful. With a focus in the areas of STEAM and Communications/Media, our students will develop academically, think critically, lead purposefully, and make healthy and responsible decisions.

I teach Radio/Media, at the school.  And I love the hands on approach to opening the minds of our young girls.  We are showing them that there is nothing that is impossible.  My girls will soon be launching their very own radio/talk shows to share their viewpoints and use their voices to empower other young girls.  I am so happy to be a part of this amazing school and below, I will give you 4 ways Philmor Academy Girls School is creating “Girl Bosses”:

1.  Daily Affirmations

15078628_1165122020221086_1006137939526246226_nThe girls begin their day with affirmations that remind them who they are, their potential and encourage them to expect nothing but the best.  Repeating these affirmations cultivates a belief of confidence, surety, and boldness in our students.  They in turn exhibit the level of confidence in their work, their conversations, and interactions.

 

2.  Sisterhood

Research confirms that students who attend gender-based classrooms achieve an edge in the real world.  Philmor Academy girls learn to listen to one another, accept each other, and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.  They are encouraged to uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.

 

3.  Pathways

Beyond a wide array of core content classes, Philmor Academy Girls School students enjoy the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their talents in a variety of media/broadcasting, the arts, and STEAM curriculum.  I see this each week in my Radio 101 class.  When I entered radio, I was 16 years old, and soaked up every experience.  It is what has allowed me to become the woman I am today.  Opportunities like this at an early age, provoke girls to achieve goals that aren’t “typically” expected or afforded to women.

Philmor Academy

Isis teaching a class on the importance of branding in radio.

4.  Community

The staff and faculty at Philmor Academy serve as passionate role models for the students.  Women like Sherrie and myself are excited to pour into these girls because of our passion to empower young black women.  Girls at Philmor Academy will be surrounded and supported by amazing women in the community who serve as mentors for the school.  This level of positive support helps young girls thrive into young women.  The Philmor Academy culture prizes leadership, character, integrity, and kindness, which means your child will enjoy a safe and supportive environment in which to learn—both about themselves and about the world around them.

 

It’s always great to see institutions created to provide positive support for our community.  I am happy to be a part of Mrs. Raymore’s vision.  It has always been my belief that if you empower the women, you empower the community.  Our little black girls need us and I salute you Mrs. Raymore for the Philmor Academy Girls School.  I Hear That Girl! For more information on the Philmore Academy Girls School and/or to register your child to attend, visit www.philmoracademy.org.

My first run in with campus racism

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I was raised in an area filled with African Americans. My parents’ home is located in an area where hard working blacks thrive. The high school I graduated from was almost 100% African American and had a 100% graduation rate in 2015. I never attended a predominantly white school because the area I lived in did not have much white people. All the clubs I joined, sports I played, classes I sat in, and grocery stores I shopped at were filled with beautiful people of color.

When I graduated high school I decided to attend a school with more diversity. An institute where I could interact with other races and gain more knowledge and understanding of other backgrounds. The first few weeks were going well. I was meeting new people and learning things I did not know before. A few more weeks passed and I noticed people physically expressing their negative beliefs. I starting noticing people wearing t-shirts with the confederate flag printed right along the front of the shirt. It was exposed for the whole campus to see. This was my first time ever seeing something like this in person. The person and shirt left me speechless. I was disgusted. Just knowing there are people in this world that actually support the meaning and idea behind the Confederate flag infuriates me.

“…you can imagine the look on my face or anyone’s face to realize that students are being harassed and degraded because of the color of their skin in an environment that is supposed to feel and be safe.” 

A few weeks ago as I was leaving my 9 am class to go meet up with some of my friends I heard someone shouting a few derogatory remarks behind me. I was not sure if I was hearing correctly. It was early in the morning of course and anything between 8 am to 10 am does not register in my mind properly. I kept hearing the phrases become louder and bolder,

“white power not black power!”
“Vote Donald Trump to restore power!” and even a dumb phrase like,
“If it’s black take it back.”

At this point I knew my hearing was perfectly fine. I kept walking and contemplated for two seconds whether I should or shouldn’t say something to the person. I heard giggles and laughter from what sounded like a young lady behind me. I knew something had to be said because obviously she found it amusing. As if the entire existence of black people is to be used as punchlines to pathetic jokes. I turned around and began to tell the young man to shut his mouth, he quickly interrupted and said “It’s okay to not be white,” to patronize me. From there he quickly ran out the door with his friend trailing behind him. I could not believe what I just experienced. I was in utter disbelief. It was like everyone around me was already used to this type of behavior. No one seemed phased by his words. As I told different people about the ordeal they did not have the reaction I was looking for.

Racism like this happens on campuses all across the U.S. Some are heard of and others go unnoticed or are not given attention. There are people whose sole purpose on going to school is to further their education and make connections that will last forever. So you can imagine the look on my face or anyone’s face to realize that students are being harassed and degraded because of the color of their skin in an environment that is supposed to feel and be safe. Younger generations love to tweet and make memes about Black Lives Matter and the election in November, but many are not doing anything about it. You cannot make a tweet and expect the oppression of black people to end then later go back and continue on like there aren’t race issues amongst us. We need to continue being more proactive. We must stay consistent so our voices can be heard. Racism will not end overnight, but it will improve. Peacefully protesting and joining clubs and organizations of people trying to reach a common goal can help you stay motivated in fighting the cause. Always remember to remain yourself melanin, coconut oil, hair coils and all. Get your education, stay smart, and undistracted. Racism on campus is a battle thousands of students endure daily, but with persistence we will get through it.


Aicha Aicha Diallo is a freshman student majoring in Political Science. Aicha has been writing stories, poems, and blogging since she was 9 years old. You can find more from Aicha on Instagram (@missaichajolie) or Twitter (@missaichajolie).

NextIn Line Network Returning to Clayton State University for the “Making of A True Leader: Part 2 Workshop

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Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of A New Design (4)NextIN Line Network Presents: “The Making of A True Leader” Part 2 Workshop for Clayton State University Campus Life Student Leadership Retreat. February 17th & 18th at the Forest Hills Mountain Resort.

3 Little Ways to Use Social Media to Market Yourself

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With social media marketing, it doesn’t have to be a lot to be effective

By: Black Enterprise

One of the most common questions I get asked is how business owners can use social media to market themselves.

There seems to be a lot of information out there, in terms of how to use social media to market yourself. With new tools being made available all the time, and older tools acquiring new features (I’m looking at you Instagram!), it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

The good news is, you can use social media in small ways to market yourself. At the end of the day, it’s a whole lot of little actions that can add up over time in a big way. Keep that in mind, as you implement social media using these simple, small tactics:

 

1. Show Behind-the-Scenes

 

Do you want to know what audiences on social media love? Behind-the-scenes content! I’m serious—they eat it up!

I’m going to go out on a limb here, and assume that the reason why behind-the-scenes content is so popular is because we crave to see public figures and businesses that are willing to pull back the curtain and show us their real lives. In the intangible yet constantly connected digital world, we ironically crave to make real connections.

One of the ways you can do this is by using the Stories feature on Instagram or Snapchat (if you’re still into it). For example, I make short videos, where I explain marketing concepts as I’m working on them. This gives a behind-the-scenes look into my business as well as provides value for social media followers. It doesn’t take a whole lot to do this either; the videos are literally 10 seconds long. It’s simply a matter of remembering to do it.

 

2. Live-stream While You’re Working

 

A few days ago, I was interviewing the founder of a local meetup group for freelancers for my podcast. I posted about it on Instagram, and I instantly received requests to live-stream the interview. Since the people asked for it, we gave it to them.

It ended up being an excellent idea. Not only did I show viewers how I set up for a podcast interview (that’s the behind-the-scenes stuff I was talking about above), we also took live questions from the audience while I was recording. This was a hit—and all we had to do was fire-up Instagram and start recording a live video of something we were already doing anyway!

So, rather than trying to invent new content all the time, you can use social media to show people what you’re already up to.

 

3. Share Wins

 

Another small way you can use social media is to share wins with your audience, as they happen in real-time. Did you get featured in the press? Snap a picture of the article and post it on social. Did you hit a new milestone? Post about it on Facebook. Did a client text you an amazing testimonial? Ask them for permission to use it, take a screenshot of it, and put it on Instagram.

 

The Bottom Line

 

It’s not difficult to use social media to market yourself, if you remember that it’s all about small actions adding up over time. Using social media in some of the aforementioned ways can help you take things one step at a time and eliminate any potential for becoming overwhelmed.

 

 

 


Amanda Abella is a full-time writer who specializes in online business and finance. She’s also an online business coach and the Amazon best-selling author of Make Money Your Honey.

Detroit student, Dannah Wilson, gives stirring response to Betsy DeVos

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The new President selected a cabinet to head various departments in the US Federal Government.  One of his selections are for Betsy DeVos, a woman with absolutely NO experience in higher education or education period. She has been tapped to oversee the United States Education Department.  She is undergoing glaring scrutiny during her hearing, as she is most known for steering funds away from public schools.  The most articulate, searing, and insightful response to her speech came from someone who would be the most affected by her confirmation.  Dannah Wilson, a 17-year old Detroit student, gave a stirring speech in response to Betsy DeVos’ confirmation hearing.

Dannah WilsonI am moved by the passion and intellect from this young lady.  She not only confronts the issues that plague our public school system, she provides insight and possible solutions for what is so greatly needed.  She gives a perspective that only a student invested in the system can give.  As always, I Hear That Girl! stands behind women, young and old, that use their voices to speak up for their beliefs and the empowerment of their communities.  To you Dannah, we say, “I Hear That Girl! and we stand in solidarity along with you.”  View her entire speech below:

 

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