Nia White | Staff Writer

Protective styles are a form of expression and hair care in the Black community that offer a break from the daily manipulation of hair.

 “Protective styles keep your hair tucked away to reduce manipulation which is proven to aid in hair growth,” said Camille King, senior Biology pre-med major, self-taught stylist, and owner of Hair Worth a Millie. “The more your hair is manipulated from brushing, pulling, and tugging, the more likely your hair is to break off. Your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair strand so keeping them tucked and protected reduces breakage.”

  Some Hampton University students and alumni specialize in providing protective styles to students on and off campus and the surrounding Hampton area. Business owners include Ariana Greene, Kayla Waite and Camille King. 

Ariana Greene is a 2020 graduate of HU, cosmetology student and owner of Ariana’s Canvas.  Kayla Waite is a senior strategic communication major, self-taught stylist and owner of Slayed by a Goddess. Camille King is a senior biology pre-med major, self-taught stylist and owner of Hair Worth a Millie. 

“I provide so many styles from braids, [faux] locs, twists, cornrows and natural styles,” Greene said. 

The type of protective style most effective varies by season. 

“These [protective] styles are meant to reduce manipulation and or styling time for your hair. [They] also protect your strands from the harsh weather,” Waite said. 

  During the winter when the weather is harshest, full coverage for hair is best. This protects from damage and gives the hair a break from manipulation.

 “For colder months I really like doing [faux] locs on clients because it’s full protection like a coat or scarf for your hair, your hair isn’t exposed, “ Greene said.

  Other protective styles for the winter include “wigs and weaves [because] as it gets cold, it becomes more difficult to keep your hair and scalp moisturized. Wearing wigs and weaves can protect your hair and scalp from all extreme environmental elements  enhance hair growth,” King said.

  Warmer months are the time for lighter protection, that don’t weigh down the hair as much. 

  “One good protective style for spring would be bob butterfly [faux] locs, they give off a playful vibe and are lightweight so they don’t irritate you in the summer heat. Marley and Havana twists are good choices as well,” Waite said.

“I love all braided and twisted styles for the summer! They are so versatile and pretty,”  King said. “Whether you choose to add hair or style your natural hair, it will be bomb. Just remember to keep your hair moisturized using oils, creams and butters.”

  Protective styles also depend on how long they will be kept in and the overall goal of getting the style.  

“I would consider any form of box braids, like goddess braids or knotless braids long term styles. Twists, depending on the texture can also be considered a long term style,” Waite said. “Marley twists which typically are more coarse will usually last longer than passion twists. Straight backs, butterfly locs, and most jumbo styles would be short term.”

The type of protective style can also differ depending on hair density.

  “Hair texture as in 4a-4c doesn’t matter but the density is really important. [For] clients with fine hair [or] thin hair excluding texture I recommend lighter styles like knotless [braids] or a few feed-in tribal braids. For thicker hair I would not typically recommend knotless [braids] but [faux] locs are cool,” Greene said. “Honestly it depends on how the client likes their hair to shape their appearance too.”

  While protective styles are mainly protective from weather and manipulation they also offer other benefits. 

  “[If installed correctly by stylist] protective styles help because they can give low tension styles that give you a break from your hair,” Greene said.  

Gabrielle Chenault | Lifestyle Section Editor

“President-elect Biden can enact this plan his first day in office, debt relief needs to be made a priority.” In a roundtable interview with several student journalists from around the nation, including Hampton University, Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke about her student loan debt relief initiative.

Although student debt has been an existing national issue, the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated this. 

“This plan will help to close the wealth gap between African-Americans and White Americans by 25 points,” said Warren. According to the Brookings Institution, the current difference between the current white and Black average wealth gap is 6.7 points or $791,700. The Massachusetts senator’s plan calls for fairness when it comes to economic wealth and the potential for economic growth. 

Another amazing aspect of this plan is the strong impact it could have for  African-American women. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019, African-American women were the most educated group in America and the most likely to seek a postsecondary degree. This plan calls for the removal of $50,000 in student loans which will drastically change the lives of millions of Americans. This is very relevant specifically if you view Hampton University’s makeup. The university comprises 34% male and 66% women. Since women are seeking more collegiate degrees, they obtain more loans which accumulates more debt.

Vice President-elect Harris, Howard University alumnus, has spoken at length in support of this bill and also supports providing free education for low-income students. She stated that if the student’s family makes under $125,000, they should be able to get a free education at any HBCU. 

The recent success of reform within the New York State College system speaks to the efficacy of nationwide reform. In 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Excelsior Scholarship which states that students whose families make under $125,000 will receive a free education at two and four-year schools. Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has proudly spoken to the success of this bill and endorses the notion that more states need to follow suit. 

Senator Schumer has partnered with Senator Warren on the debt relief plan and together they have spoken to various economic teams and local leaders to ensure this program will be effective. “The best way we can get this plan passed is by educating others. The more people that know about this plan and support, the better chance we have at it succeeding,” said Warren. 

As the Zoom meeting came to a close, Senator Warren reiterated why this plan needs to be passed and the impact it would have on Americans: “This plan isn’t just for current students. It’s for graduates who have thousands in debt, students who are scared to attend due to financial issues and even those who dropped out due to the cost. The difference it could make in people’s lives would be transformative and as a society, we need to make this a priority.”

Tigist Ashaka | Staff Writer

Periods.  Something women get every month and a topic that men get so uncomfortable talking about. So let’s talk about it. What is really in the products? Many pads have toxic chemicals which cause damage to the body. Why are we using products that have a heavy chemical base?  There are many reasons why we should use organic products when it is that time of the month. One reason is that it is good for the environment and also for your health. 

According to the World Health Organization, many pads and tampons contain chemicals such as dioxins, furans, pesticide residues and fragrance ingredients that can cause hormone issues. These chemicals can cause problems with your immune system, developmental problems, and reproductive problems such as endometriosis, painful periods and even infertility. Dioxins are absorbed through the tissues of the vagina and can introduce these hazardous chemicals into our bloodstream. 

Hampton University student Angela Session, a second-year Cybersecurity major on the Criminal Justice track, said, “since I started using organic pads, my period has been shorter and wasn’t as heavy as it used to be.” 

Another student at Hampton, Aijeé Morris, a senior Criminal Justice major, said “I’ve used both organic pads and tampons. With organic pads, there’s no itching or irritation, and my flow usually is lighter than it is when I use commercial brand pads.” 

Some other students know the benefits of using organic products but haven’t transitioned yet because they want to make sure that they have found the right products that fit their needs. 

“I don’t use organic pads, but I want to because I’ve heard of how unhealthy regular pads are,” said Sydni Saunders, a third-year psychology major from Hampton. “I am only apprehensive about using them because I want to make sure I get the right ones.”

There are many organic products women can use. One of the most popular is a company called The Honey Pot. The Honey Pot is the world’s first plant-based feminine care line and was created by Beatrice Dixon, a Black woman. Additionally, Ruby Love is a period panty that provides “first-time kits” for teens. 

These are just two Black-owned products you can try out, but there are more. Find what fits you the best, whether it is a pad, tampon, period panty or even a dive cup. Most importantly, make sure it is organic and free of harsh chemicals! 

Deja Dodson | Staff Writer

It is no surprise that holidays have been affected by the pandemic. Families have had to do Zoom calls for Christmas or Skype for Thanksgiving. However, how will couples be able to spend an intimate holiday together while staying safe during the pandemic? Here are three ways you and your partner can safely celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Drive-In Movie Date

Dinner and a movie has always been a classic date night idea. However, since the pandemic, there has been an increase in drive-in movie theaters.  

According to Insider writer Sophie-Claire Hoeller, drive-in movie theaters were extremely popular in the 1950’s and 60’s and are currently making a comeback. The increase is because it’s a fun way to get out while socially distancing. It’s important to note that before you attend a movie, make sure that you and your date have tested negative for COVID-19. Due to being in a confined space, you need to ensure that your health is excellent before watching a film. 

A lot of our local traditional movie theaters have opened back up with COVID guidelines such as separated seating, mandated mask wearing and a limited number of people inside of the theater. This method has not been everyone’s favorite movie experience due to it being a bit more pricey.

With Valentine’s day being such an intimate holiday, you may want to hug, hold hands or even share a kiss, so being in the comfort of your vehicle is a great way to not only get out of the house but to be comfortable while enjoying a movie.   

Hiring a Personal Chef

Cooking for your lover is always a great idea; however, if you cannot cook or even if you want to spice up the at-home date night, you can always hire a great chef to come to cook up a meal.

Restaurants have begun to shut their doors again in many counties and states. Restaurants have now resorted to only offering take out orders or outdoor dining. While outdoor dining is a great idea, in most cases, the weather does not cooperate. 

To eliminate reheating food, having a personal chef come to your kitchen and making a great meal might be a better alternative. It’s important to ensure that the chef has tested negative prior to entering your home, and wears a mask the entire time. 

Romantic Walk

Getting out of the house and walking is a popular idea due to long hours on a computer for work or classes. Finding a lovely park that is not too crowded has been discussed as a great idea this year for Valentine’s Day.

“To me, Valentine’s Day is about the simple things that make each other happy so spending quality time together while getting fresh air is perfect,” said Hampton sophomore Kira Johnson. 

In the DMV are some nice areas to walk this year including: Watkins Park in Kettering, MD, Aquatic Gardens in Northeast Washington D.C. and Waterfront Park in Alexandria, Virginia. Due to the weather being colder, make sure to dress warm! Bringing some picnic snacks/food might add a little spice to the nice walk this year on Valentine’s Day. 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s important to make sure you stay safe if you choose to celebrate. Romantic walks, drive-in theaters and hiring a personal chef are some of the great ways to celebrate with your friends or significant other. While it truly doesn’t matter what you plan for February 14th, it’s important to remember that your gift or perfect day should come from the heart and that you’re safe while doing so.

 Nia White | Staff Writer

As we look back and honor our ancestors, this year is like no other considering the pandemic and events in the Black community over the past year. We must still find a way to honor those who came before us and the lives we have lost along the way. Over the past 15 years the Black community has seen changes in all aspects of life, particularly through government with the inauguration of the first Black President Barack Obama in 2008 and the inauguration of first Black female Vice President Kamala Harris this year. 

During this time we have also seen the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the murders of Trayvon Martin, Philando Castille, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These events all contribute to the establishment of Black history and will be remembered in the years to come.

  There are so many things that have made life difficult for Black people in America. 

“I learned [about] systemic racism, and how the institution of slavery and growth of America because of it has caused a gap in Black and African American lives to other racial counterparts. These things need to be talked about more because they are important for change and not repeating but to also recognize that we are more [than] slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Ashley Iglehart, a graduating senior and history major. 

As Black people in America we must take a step back from our current knowledge and examine what has come before us to lead us to where we are now. 

“The easy part is finding the answers, but the hard part is knowing the right question,” said Sadiki Muhammad, a junior history major.

  This year’s Black History Month celebration will be different than any other because of our circumstances. In order to honor the past, acknowledge our roots and remember the lives we have lost, we need to adjust. There will not be the same demonstrations, events or exhibits at museums. We must take matters into our own hands and do our own recognition of the past. Iglehart suggests watching films such as, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fruitvale Station,” “Red Tails,” “The Loving Story,” “Just Mercy” and “When They See Us.”

Many students tend to utilize social media accounts as a way of learning more about particular topics, especially Black history. Social media provides an easier way to not only access certain information via reliable accounts, but it also allows for the permeation of such information. 

“On Instagram I would recommend @wearepushblack, @blackhistory and @blackhistoryintwominutes,” Muhuammad said.

.Reading books is also a way to increase your knowledge of Black history. Books are the oldest form of knowledge and the most reliable. We can learn about our history through literature by reading books such as “Bound In Wedlock: Slave and Free Black Marriage in the Nineteenth Century, They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South and Beloved,” said Cassie Herring, graduating senior and English major. 

Reading to gain knowledge is very important especially in today’s society where so much is digitized. “Reading historical books is imperative. Whether you choose to further your understanding of a historical event, figure, civilization, religion or political system, it all benefits the world view that we continue to shape and form over time,” said Barry Jones, a graduating senior and English major.

  Now is the time for Black people in America to catch up on our history, so we can further our own knowledge and educate the next generation. “I think learning history at our home is easier than ever before. Now, we are fortunate to have books, documentaries, docuseries, social media profiles, websites [and] articles to explore our roots,” Muhammad said. With history at our fingertips, we can honor the past and keep it from repeating itself.

Mia Concepcion | Staff Writer

The month of February officially kickstarts the 57th national celebration of American Heart Month (AHA). It is a time where Americans unite to fight the leading cause of death in both men and women (heart disease) by spreading awareness with helpful preventative measures.

The American Heart Association has planned free digital experiences for each week in February that will feature medical doctors and a roundtable for black women discussing heart health. 

Starting on February 1, the AHA partnered with award-winning journalist Tamryn Hall, Star Jones, Nancy Brown and Svati Shah for a panel discussion sharing women’s personal victories combating heart disease. This panel coincided with their initiative launched in 2004, “Go Red for Women.” “Go Red for Women” was designed to help others fight the paralyzing effects of heart disease. Its motto is an acronym that encapsulates its mission:

G: Get your numbers.

O: Own your lifestyle.

R: Realize your risk.

E: Educate your family

D: Don’t be silent. 

Another initiative that was inspired by women’s debacles with heart disease is “Research Goes Red.” “Research Goes Red” was created in hopes of expanding research on women’s struggles with America’s leading cause of death. Participation from women is highly encouraged.

The AHA has also issued some national holidays this month to make this celebration even better than the last. On February 7, National Wear Red Day took place. National Wear Red Day is a holiday in which men and women across the coast will wear red to stand in unison with others against heart disease and strokes. February 7 to February 14 will be Congenital Heart Defect Week. To conclude the month, the International Stroke Conference will be taking place from February 18-21. 

Now is the time to involve everyone in this initiative to spread awareness on heart disease and how it can be defeated together. Local members from the city of Atlantic City have decided to share a few ways they’re taking back their health this month.

Dr. Paul Larty, a trained doctor at Volgograd Medical Institute, says that exercise is a core component of maintaining heart health. He claims that the heart weakens when one’s body mass index is too high.

59-year-old Atlantic City native, Sheila Concepcion has been extremely cautious in maintaining her health. 

“This month, I’ve committed to working out six days a week. I started taking back my health during the pandemic and I’m currently in the best shape of my life,” said Concepcion.

The repercussions of the pandemic have increased sedentary lifestyles, resulting in unwanted weight gain. Doctors even report that COVID-19 exacerbates pre-existing heart conditions of those surviving the virus. Now is not the time to procrastinate on cardiovascular health. Take charge of it today!

Shirmarie Starks | Staff Writer

Between the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, there are over 4.5 million apps available for download according to statista.com. We are all familiar with social apps such as Twitter, Facebook and TikTok, but what about other apps that can provide value and help improve your lifestyle? There are a plethora of really genius apps out there. Here is a list of 3 extremely useful apps for your phone.

Google Calendar

This simple scheduling and time-management app is ideal for both the technologically savvy and technologically challenged. Google Calendar allows one to create color-coordinated calendars based on different areas of life. These calendars can include personal, work, family and even birthday calendars on one single interface. Since the calendars are individually curated, a user can also invite people to edit or simply share their calendars with friends. With this feature, your availability can be compared to others in order to make plans accordingly. Google Calendar also has a feature to create goals, reminders and tasks so that users can stay on top of their life. The app can even connect with your Google Mail account to automatically import events such as meetings and concerts into your calendar. As if this is not enough, Google Calendar is also able to sync with other calendar platforms such as those found in iOS, Android and Windows. Users can access Google Calendar from a laptop, but the convenience and constant updates from the smartphone app makes this app very useful.

1 Second Everyday

After facing a pandemic and being quarantined for almost a full year, finding the joy in each day may be hard for some. That is where this video-diary application comes in. 1 Second Everyday (1SE) allows users to record one second of video or to insert a picture for each day of the year. Afterwards, the pictures and/or videos are mashed together into a single video. This video can capture anywhere between a week, a month or even a year’s worth of time and memories. Having the app also encourages users to go out and try new things – pandemic approved, of course. Maybe you will finally check out your local coffee shop with the nice mural on the side wall. Maybe you’ll even go hiking on a trail within your state. Piecing together the positive moments in your life, and possibly even the important negative ones allows you to visually see how the little things truly add up.

Peloton

The Peloton app is a convenient way to get active at home or a gym if you are comfortable doing so. Peloton offers mobile classes in areas such strength, cardio, cycling, and treadmill running/walking. Users can access calmer choices such as yoga, meditation, or even complete outdoor runs to the voices of Peloton staff members to fulfill their workout goals. HU student Angel Hobbs, a fourth-year in the 5-year MBA program said that “My favorite things about Peloton are the challenging programs that are designed for you and the enthusiasm from the Peloton instructors.” For almost every class, Peloton displays the level of difficulty from beginner to advanced. They also give users the numerical level of difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10. If you have accountability partners and would like to work out with them, Peloton also has the ability to connect you with your friends. “Being able to follow my friends on Peloton so that we can hold each other accountable” is what HU student Lundon Williams, a senior nursing major, enjoys about the Peloton app. On November 10, 2020, Beyonce Knowles announced that she was partnering with Peloton to provide a free 2-year Digital Membership to students from 10 HBCUs. Fortunately, Hampton University was included in the number. Go redeem your Peloton subscription by Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and accomplish your fitness goals!

Google Calendar, 1 Second Everyday, and Peloton can all be found within the Apple App Store and Google Play Store! Whether you want to stay organized, create memories or get a quick workout in, these three apps can help you get it all done!

Kennedy P. Buck | Staff Writer

Believe it, see it, and then achieve it. 

This probably seems like a typical cliche phrase that people say to themselves to calm their nerves and minimize their stress, but really this is a form of manifestation. The exact definition of manifestation from Merriam Webster is the “public display of emotion or feeling, or something theoretical made real.” This means that when a person honestly believes and sees something happening and does everything in their power to make sure it happens, that dream, or goal will most certainly happen. 

The question on many people’s minds will be, “does manifesting your dreams and goals work?” It works according to that person and their mindset. When someone starts to include speaking things into existence in their daily routine, it becomes more than a habit, it becomes a mentality. Just adding little things to the end of your sentences will change your mindset: “I need to expand on my writing skills before I start at my dream job as a magazine editor this summer.” By adding it into your everyday conversation, you are making a small mental note to yourself to not only apply this to your life but to also make sure it is followed through. 

According to a survey done by Study Break, by 2018 a trend was beginning to show that more people were not only speaking things into existence, but also putting pictures of their goals up around their house to remind themselves to never lose faith. StudyBreak also went on to say, “Speaking something into existence is an easy task to fit into your daily routine; in fact, by doing so, you are already becoming a part of the trend.”

Some useful tips to manifest your goals is a combination of the following things. First, write and post your goals in a place you see daily. It can help by posting them on your mirror or somewhere by your bed. Next, set a reminder to recite your goals daily. It can seem tedious at first but it helps to build a routine. Finally, personalize it to fit you. Not all manifestations will work for you. Create some that will specifically motivate you. 

It is also important to note that speaking things into existence any type of way will not work. A person must have confidence when speaking things into fruition and truly envision whatever they want happening. Manifestation is key and remember to believe it, see it, and you can and will achieve it. 

Gabrielle Chenault |Lifestyle Section Editor

“President-elect Biden can enact this plan his first day in office, debt relief needs to be made a priority.” In a roundtable interview with several student journalists from around the nation, including Hampton University, Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke about her student loan debt relief initiative.

Although student debt has been an existing national issue, the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated this. 

“This plan will help to close the wealth gap between African-Americans and White Americans by 25 points,” said Warren. According to the Brookings Institution, the current difference between the current white and Black average wealth gap is 6.7 points or $791,700. The Massachusetts senator’s plan calls for fairness when it comes to economic wealth and the potential for economic growth. 

Another amazing aspect of this plan is the strong impact it could have for  African-American women. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019, African-American women were the most educated group in America and the most likely to seek a postsecondary degree. This plan calls for the removal of $50,000 in student loans which will drastically change the lives of millions of Americans. This is very relevant specifically if you view Hampton University’s makeup. The university comprises 34% male and 66% women. Since women are seeking more collegiate degrees, they obtain more loans which accumulates more debt.

Vice President-elect Harris, Howard University alumnus, has spoken at length in support of this bill and also supports providing free education for low-income students. She stated that if the student’s family makes under $125,000, they should be able to get a free education at any HBCU. 

The recent success of reform within the New York State College system speaks to the efficacy of nationwide reform. In 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Excelsior Scholarship which states that students whose families make under $125,000 will receive a free education at two and four-year schools. Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has proudly spoken to the success of this bill and endorses the notion that more states need to follow suit. 

Senator Schumer has partnered with Senator Warren on the debt relief plan and together they have spoken to various economic teams and local leaders to ensure this program will be effective. “The best way we can get this plan passed is by educating others. The more people that know about this plan and support, the better chance we have at it succeeding,” said Warren. 

As the Zoom meeting came to a close, Senator Warren reiterated why this plan needs to be passed and the impact it would have on Americans: “This plan isn’t just for current students. It’s for graduates who have thousands in debt, students who are scared to attend due to financial issues and even those who dropped out due to the cost. difference it could make in people’s lives would be transformative and as a society, we need to make this a priority.”

 Kennedy P. Buck | Staff Writer

Fifty-five years ago, the US Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed any discriminatory voting practices. This Act was passed because at the time many Africans Americans couldn’t exercise their right to vote in the southern states without having to answer difficult questions from a literacy test or paying a poll tax that a lot of people could not pay at the time. Many prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, fought hard to make sure African Americans gained the right that every citizen should be free to exercise.

Decades later, many African Americans find themselves still fighting for the right to vote. Many find themselves having to deal with unnecessarily long lines, issues with their ballots or the media undermining the importance of voting. Many young Black citizens question the validity of their vote. The answer is yes; your vote does matter. Black voters have always been a major demographic that politicians need in order to truly win an election. Every vote counts, but a Black vote definitely counts.

“African Americans cannot afford not to vote. We must vote for people who have our best interest in mind, heart and soul,” said the Black Voice News reporter Aubry Stone. Stone breaks down why Black citizens should be exercising their right to vote now more than ever in her article Why African Americans Should Vote. 

“We can’t expect to win with every vote, but if we don’t vote, we can certainly expect to lose,” Stone said. African Americans have had a long history of discrimination, violence and abuse with the judical system. By voting, they can begin to elect people who will truly represent them.

The pandemic has made many people question the purpose of voting even more. Some wonder how safe the polls will be for in-person voting, and some wonder about the accuracy of mail-in voting all together. There are many ways to continue to vote while still being safe. For those who choose to go out to the polls, be sure to sanitize, wear a mask and remain six feet apart when standing in line. For those who simply do not feel safe enough to go out to vote, then mail-in voting and absentee voting is often an option depending on one’s local election laws. 

Before voting, make sure to research who the candidates are and see how they can best serve not only your community but all Americans. This is extremely important because things such as social media have previously influenced which candidate is chosen. If Americans want to see a change, it all begins with voting. If African American votes in this country truly did not matter, they would not make it this hard. Our voices matter, and our votes matter too.