Anti-Video Girl | My sum is greater than all my "parts"



MISSION: Our purpose is to encourage and uplift African American girls that choose to defy the degrading stereotypes of scantily-clad and sexually suggestive African American women present in some hip-hop music videos. My sum is greater than all my “parts”….
	Achievement Spotlight Gallery	Welcome to the Anti-Video Girl website. Here, you will find a vast array of information about the positive young ladies that are making an impact in our communities. We hope you find this information useful and encouraging. In October, undergraduates Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller won the 2010 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge for creating a next-generation e-learning mobile application. Previous winners of the competition were from Harvard and Stanford universities. The women split a $10,000 scholarship and had their choice of a mobile device. Keels is in her first of two years studying computer engineering at Columbia University. She is part of Spelman's dual-degree engineering program. She spent three years in Atlanta and will receive a Spelman Bachelor of Science degree. In 2012 she will also earn a bachelor of engineering degree from Columbia. Engineering schools at 12 universities, including Georgia Tech, North Carolina A&T and the University of Michigan, participate in the program. Miller, a computer science major, will graduate from Spelman in 2011. The duo's mobile-only creation is the HBCU Buddy. The app, free on iTunes , educates users about historically black colleges and universities. It has customizable social networking features and information about every HBCU. Michele Brittingham of AT&T Services says the HBCU Buddy "is a very well-put-together and well-thought-out mobile application Miller says that Spelman's computer and information sciences (CIS) department trained students so well that failure was never an option. And that sentiment isn't just words; CIS students succeed at numerous endeavors. Both women were co-captains of Spelman's robotics team, the SpelBots, who are sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The SpelBots participated in its fourth International RoboCup tournament and tied for first place in the 2009 RoboCup Japan Open tournament. Founded and coached by CIS Chair Andrew B. Williams , the SpelBots were also the first all-women and African-American undergraduate team to compete. The SpelBots wrote the operating code for the robots to play autonomously, generally a graduate-level task. "It gave us the programming mentality to compete in the applications competition," says Keels. That same year, Keels and Miller were accepted into a weeklong session at Apple Inc.'s Cocoa Camp , where Apple engineers focused on building iPhone apps. Keels says, "We learned the basics about programming and then went off and taught ourselves the rest." The knowledge proved to be invaluable in the AT&T competition. Keels says, "We are programming geeks and knew that we had an opportunity to win, and a chance to compete and find out how we could do." To prepare for the competition, for three weeks they worked up a game plan, then spent the next six weeks programming for about eight hours a day. They conferred on Skype and used "a Web repository that allowed us to both touch and change the program in real time." The challenge began in March 2010 and culminated in September, when AT&T chose three finalists, evaluating the apps for usability, quality, innovation, utility and marketability. "We made a presentation and were informed that we were the grand-prize winners," says Keels. Since 2006, Spelman has received more than $31 million in grant funding for STEM programs and research . The school ranks second nationally in sending black graduates on to science and math Ph.D. programs, and from 1997 to 2006, it produced 150 students who earned Ph.D.s in science and engineering, according to a National Science Foundation survey. Founded in Atlanta in 1881, Spelman has more than 2,200 students from 15 foreign countries and 41 states. Beyond its liberal arts tradition, the school offersbachelor of science degrees in majors that also include biochemistry, environmental science and physics. http://www.theroot.com/views/spelman-college-students-win-national-mobile-app-competition Frank McCoy is a regular contributor to The Root . He covers business and technology
	Oct 2011 Danielle Moné Truitt is a Renaissance Woman. You may ask what she does...the question is "What doesn't she do?" Her passion for the arts run deep. The triple threat is an amazingly gifted actress and singer who can dance. http://www.daniellemonetruitt.com. Danielle studied at California State University where she received her B.A. in Theatre Arts. After college she went on to do professional theatre at Sacramento Theatre Company, California Music Circus, and B Street Theatre, where she is currently a company member. As a working actress, Danielle has done commercials, plays, and movies. She is proud to have been a part of the cast of the Academy Award Nominated Animation The Princess and The Frog, where she played the role of Georgia and did Video Reference work for Princess Tiana. Danielle performed the movements and facial expressions for the princess. In addition to her love for performance, Danielle loves to create. Because of this passion she started Just Be Theatre Company. The purpose of Just Be is to create opportunities for up and coming actors, directors, writers, and performers by creating and performing original works that speak to this generation. When Danielle isn't performing or helping others express their creative selves she is diligently serving at "The Living Room" (www.tlrnetwork.com), where her husband Kelvin Truitt is the Pastor. There she is the Head of Small Groups, the Worship Leader, and she co leads the women's ministry The Gate Called BE-U-Ti-FUL. The Gate Called BE-U-Ti-FUL is a womens movement that isdedicated to helping women recieve healing, peace and overall balance in their lives. Danielle just recently produced and performed her own One Woman Show entitled "3". It is the first installement of the series Nappy Hair and Other Black Girl Blues. Inspired by real-life experiences, “3” takes a look at the lives of three women connected by friendship and history, while delving into the social and cultural issues rooted in misconceptions of race and beauty. Conceived and performed by Danielle Moné Truitt and written by Anthony D'Juan, "3" captures the breakdown, growth and resurgence of female esteem in a powerfully dramatic performance. This show is a platform for Danielle to be able to speak to issues that concern women and offer an environment for women to express themselves and recieve healing from the "blues" they may be experiencing in their lives. It also gives her the opportunity to create theatre that is creative and relevant to this generation. Being a black actress in Hollywood is tough, but rather than complaining about there being a lack of work, Danielle has decided to create her own opportunities. She is making her own path. Danielle currently resides in Los Angeles, Ca with her husband and son. Whether she is performing on stage, singing in a studio, decorating an event, or taking care of her husband and son, Danielle is making her mark in this world and hopefully a life will be changed for the better because of it. * * "Never allow other people or yourself to convence you that you don't have anything special or unique to offer the world. You are amazing and there is no other person on the planet like you. Embrace your strengths and work on your strengths. That is were your purpose lies. Not in striving to be good at things you are not gifted in. That only creates comparison and insecurity. Comparison and insecurity are direct enemies to your destiny. Do your best to remain confident in who you are no matter what life brings your way. You will face hard times in life, but it doesn't mean that you don't have what it takes to be great. Enduring throught hard times is actually what produces greatness!" -- Danielle Mone` Truitt http://www.daniellemonetruitt.com "Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon... must inevitably come to pass! -Paul J. Meyer August 2011 Dr. Phoenyx Austin is a physician, writer, and media personality. She graduated Salutatorian of her high school class, earned her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Florida, as well as her Doctorate in Medicine (MD) from Meharry Medical College. From a young age, Dr. Phoenyx knew that she wanted to be a black woman that would influence the world in a great and positive way. She marveled at the eloquence and grace of women like Oprah Winfrey. And at the age of 14, after reading the epic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by the great black novelist Alexander Dumas, Phoenyx knew that she too wanted to be a writer. And she has accomplished more than just that. Since graduating from medical school in 2008, Phoenyx’s star has continued to rise. Her articles have received mass attention on many popular urban blogs, and she has also been featured in Essence. A phenomenal mix of brains and beauty, as well as a talented woman with undeniable charisma, Dr. Phoenyx has also had the opportunity to appear on popular television morning shows such as Let’s Talk Live in Washington, D.C., and has been invited on syndicated radio shows like The Russ Parr Morning Show and The Warren Ballentine Show. She is also currently working on her first book. Dr. Phoenyx describes it all as an “incredible experience” for someone who just loves to engage, enlighten, and entertain audiences. She has been able to touch the lives of so many with her words, and has stayed true to her initial desire to be a positive representation of black women. She is a shining example of how following your heart and passion can lead to great things. And there is definitely more to come from Dr. Phoenyx! Advice to young girls: I am a woman that truly believes that you can accomplish great things if you know who you are and are unafraid to go after what you want. We women are infinitely powerful and beautiful. We hold so much potential within us. But sometimes we sell ourselves short because we allow others to define us. Do not look to others to define you- define yourself. I get emails all the time from young woman wanting to know about what they should do about their lives, personal and professional. And, ultimately I’ve found that people (myself included) sometimes seek advice, not because we don’t know the answer to our question. We seek it often because we want affirmation from others. We already know what we want to do, but we’re just afraid we may be making the wrong choice. But I had to learn that life is about failure and success. It is a package deal. You don’t get one without the other. So when it comes to life, love, work, or whatever, you can’t be afraid of failure. Remember, you are infinitely powerful and precious. Be unafraid to be YOU- and be unafraid to go after what you want. If you want to learn more about Dr. Phoenyx or contact her, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter @Dr_Phoenyx. June 2011 Nicole Updegraff, Author Why I wrote the book. The greatest gift you can give a child is that of absolute self love and acceptance. Three years ago I was stunned when my then 3yr old daughter came home from a playdate crying and saying she wanted her hair to be straight and yellow. I knew my girls would likely struggle with insecurities at some point in their lives, we all do, but I never imagined it would begin so soon. At age three my precious child had already found something in herself that she felt wasn't good enough, something that needed to be fixed. To say that that broke my heart would be a gross understatement. And so the search began. I searched high and low for books about absolute self love and acceptance. The problem is that these books are hard to find for three years olds. Even harder for three year olds who look like mine. Eventually I took matters into my own hands and wrote and illustrated, " I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" The thing is, we all start out loving ourselves. We are playful and carefree and don’t worry about the superficial things we put so much stake into as adolescents, teenagers and even adults. Somewhere along the way something convinces us that we are less than perfect just the way we are; that our differences are something we should be ashamed of. My hope is that this project will be a reminder to all children that it’s okay to be yourself. In fact it’s perfect! Being unique is what makes each of us magnificent! Through writing this book I've been able to do something for my daughter and other little girls that a conversation couldn't do; I was able to get her to realize that she is exactly what she is supposed to be. There is nothing about her that isn't "good enough". Positive imagery is so important. A three year old may bot be able to process a conversation like a 16yr old can, but she can certainly recognize a fun character in a book who looks like her and tells her she is perfect. And that's what "I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" does. It says to our children that they are perfect just the way they are, whatever that way might be. I really hope it catches on! What I'd like to say to adolescent girls. It's so important that young women know their worth. If someone told my 6 yr old the sky wasn't blue she wouldn't believe them, she wouldn't internalize that nonsense. She would consider that person off their rocker and not give them a second thought right? We all KNOW the sky is blue. Why don't we KNOW how awesome we are? Why do we internalize the off comments that people make about us or believe people when they tell us we aren't good enough? Why do we feel like we have to do extra to make people see our worth? Do things with boys to get them to like me, or dress a certain way to warrant attention, or treat this girl a certain way so these other girls will think I'm cool... We have to get to a place where we truely believe that we are awesome and if someone doesn't recognize that it means they're crazy, just like the fool that told you the sky wasn't blue. We also need to get that being able to recognize talent or beauty in someone else, however different it may be from ours, doesn't mean that we are any less perfect the way God made us. Stop comparing yourselves. We don't have to be carbon copies of each other. We are unique for a reason. Embrace your differences, celebrate them! Love who you are! The world will be a much better place for it. Nicole Updegraff & Daughters April 2011 The organization, The Black Girl Project, began as a film with the same name. Aiesha Turman was a coordinator of an afterschool cultural arts and literacy program for high school students in Brooklyn when she began to notice that many of her female students were experiencing a lot of the same issues that she faced when she was their age. After mulling it over for quite some time, Aiesha decided that she wanted to make a documentary film that explored the individual lives of Black girls, but also showed them as human--something we rarely see in mainstream media. She wanted the film to do more than just "sit there", Aiesha wanted it to spark dialogue, change and create community. She sought fiscal sponsorship and the organization,　The Black Girl Project, whose mission is to help equip young women and girls with the tools needed to become healthy, self-actualized women, was created.　 Right now, The Black Girl Project is planning an all-girl youth-symposium, co-leading twice-monthly workshops with the Urban Yoga Foundation, and developing a workshop series. Currently, Aiesha is on　Kickstarter　until the end of March to help raise funds to package the DVD for sale, create a curriculum and teacher's guide, and create a companion book. You can find The Black Girl Project on Facebook and Twitter　as well. My "words of wisdom" for young girls would be to work at getting to know who you are, figure out what your needs, boundaries, values and goals are so that you can make wise choices in any situation and surmount any obstacles that may crop up on your path. Aiesha Turman, Director The Black Girl Project www.blackgirlproject.org March 2011 Putting Sisterhood on the Agenda Every Day St John, VI—While Sisterhood Agenda’s Global Training Academy is new in the Virgin Islands, Sisterhood Agenda is an award-winning global nonprofit organization that was founded almost twenty years ago by Princeton graduate and Ashoka Fellow Angela D. Coleman, a resident of St. John. Serving over 5 million constituents each year with over 3,000 Global Partner agencies in 32 countries, Sisterhood Agenda’s new Global Training Academy in the U.S. Virgin Islands includes youth activities, programs, training sessions, workshops, and retreats, plus an expansion of its innovative online media and educational system. “Sisterhood Agenda is here to empower women and girls in the Virgin Islands and around the world. Women, girls and service providers will come here for youth programs, training, workshops, retreats, and other educational activities that uplift and aid in the self-development of women and girls,” states Coleman, President. The agency creates and implements activities for women and girls with special emphasis on females of African descent who are historically at risk, traditionally underserved and marginalized. Sisterhood Agenda’s four empowerment principles are: sisterhood, self-knowledge, self-development, and self-esteem. Many believe that this type of youth development is critical: “We have to pay attention because they are our next generation of leaders, teachers, and entrepreneurs. They need our guidance, protection, love and support so that they make good decisions for themselves and their communities. This is truly a community effort where everyone is invited to participate.” Coleman’s vision is to establish a training ground for youth, parents, service providers and others interested in uplifting and supporting women and girls in their development. In addition to the Sisterhood Agenda Global Training Academy, Sisterhood Agenda projects include: Sisterhood Empowerment Project A Journey Toward Womanhood Positive Media Sisters: Healthy & Empowered (SHE) Weight Control, Health & Wellness System Sisters In Business www.sisterhoodagenda.com Dec 2010 Nia McAdoo, Founder Cocoa Babies Cocoa Babies, which began in 2005, is an online boutique featuring clothing and accessories geared toward families of color. I created the company to offer a healthy alternative to the inappropriate tees that were being marketed to teens. I felt that there had to be an alternative to what I was seeing and after researching at area malls and online I realized that there was definite void in the market. The goal of Cocoa Babies has always been to offer a positive and trendy line that appeals to both parents and children. I truly believe that it's important to create and promote positive messages for children, especially children of color and Cocoa Babies is a reflection of that.　 Any words of wisdom, advice, you would like to give young girls about life, business, goal-setting, etc?　 About Education:　 Times have certainly changed from when I was growing up in Buffalo, NY but one thing remains the same and that's the value of a good education. Whatever path you choose its important that you learn to communicate effectively and you learn the value of a dollar. I encourage children to read on a regular basis so that they continue to strengthen their comprehension and writing skills. I think that a lot of children are running into problems with basic skills because of how often they are exposed to social media which encourages abbreviated writing.　 About Business:　 I'm often contacted by teens who are interested in starting their own business and I always tell them to dream BIG. I want all young ladies to know that they can achieve anything that they put their mind to, it could be anything from selling the most cookies in your girl scout troop to wanting to own your own company. It's 2010 and while we are still breaking down barriers there are still many FIRSTS that we can achieve. Terri Sewell became the 1st black woman elected to the US house from Alabama this year and so I challenge you to think about who will be the 1st female president because it could be you.　 About Life:　 Always demand respect and know that it's OK to say no when you don't feel comfortable doing something. Young ladies are exposed to so many conflicting images and sometimes they do things to fit in but it's always OK to be yourself and to stand up for what is right. Sept 2010 Breyon "Bre" P. is an Honor Graduate in the class of 2010 with a GPA of 4.125 and is ranked 6th in her class. She was accepted into over 10 colleges, but accepted a Full Academic Scholarship to Tuskegee University where she plans on majoring in Engineering this fall. In addition she was one out of seven seniors in her County School District selected to be a Super Senior with a front page featured article in the local paper. During her senior year she received academic achievements for: Senior Top of the Class, Excellence in Government, Cardinal Scholar Athlete, Excellence in AP Language Arts, National Honor Society Excellence. Bre is a graduate of her local County Youth Leadership Program where she learned how to be a positive role model, keep positive influences around her and to lead with integrity. That training must have really paid off because her peers voted her as: Osborne High School 2009 Homecoming Queen, Miss OHS, and Female Student Leader of the Year! Bre credits her accomplishments to her faith in God, her strong determination to succeed, the strong support of her family and friends and her High School who trusted her and gave her endless opportunities to strive as a leader and grow as a young lady. While in college she plans to graduate with honors. On a broader view her future career will embrace creativity, problem solving, and making a difference in the world. " Just dare to be different and see what is in store for you." August 2010 At the tender age of 12 years old, not only is Jayda D. a statuesque 6 feet tall, but she is also a developing post player in basketball. Jayda began her basketball career with the Upward Sports Organization, where she learned the importance of being coachable, having respect for other players and teammates, and increasing her skills. Jayda’s competitive edge and winning spirit are readily apparent. She has become one of the top scorers and rebounders since joining her middle school junior basketball team! During the off season, Jayda participates in the AAU Basketball Association where she is being exposed to national competition in preparation for success on the court. Jayda is determined to attend a Division I university on both an academic and basketball scholarship. She would love to attend either UCLA or Tennessee State University, with goals of pursuing a career as a doctor or lawyer. Jayda believes that a career with the WNBA would be the pinnacle of her success. Jayda is a young lady of great character, integrity, and sportsmanship. Her parents and family are extremely proud of her accomplishments as a scholar, athlete, and person. And Jayda, don’t let anyone tell you differently…tall girls rock!! July 2010 Brooklyn is a honor student from metro Atlanta. The Adventures of the Earth Saver Girl is her first storybook with several more to come. She decided to do this book because she thought it would be a good way for kids her age to learn about the importance of protecting our Earth. She plans to do a series of The Adventures of the Earth Saver Girl, the first one focuses on Litter. She is currently researching for her next book which will focus on pooper scooping. Visit www.earthsavergirl.com to learn more about the book and the adventures of Earth Saver Girl. Visit http://www.earthsavergirl.com/shop/index.html to purchase the book and other merchandise online. June 2010 Tayler R. is a nine year old honor student that will be entering the fourth grade in Fall 2010. She loves music, art, dancing, cheerleading, styling hair, and stepping in her Church group. Tayler is enthusiastic about college and intends to focus on Business and Cosmetology. This future entrepreneur plans to open a full service salon and spa. Tayler has received numerous awards for academics, physical education, ballet, and the completion of Junior Achievement. Tayler is an intelligent girl on the fast track to success!!