Libyan Conflict Creates an International Coalition for Change
On Tuesday, Obama gave a speech to the nation on the state of the US’s involvement in the Libyan conflict. He directly addressed widespread concern as to why America has sent armed forces to Libya when there were so many economic problems here at home.
“We can make a difference,” said President Obama.” We must stand alongside those who believe in the same core principles that have guided us through many storms: our opposition to violence directed against one’s own citizens; our support for a set of universal rights.”
The President made it clear that the nation would not and does not fight for only the rights of American people. Instead, the fight is for the freedoms that belong to all people of the earth regardless of nationality.
This is a powerful statement. At times the economic and social struggles of the American people can foster a selfish mentality. The idea is that our social and political prosperity are not to be ours alone. Together a change can be made. As the international community under the umbrella of the United Nations combines forces to end the violent dictatorship of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, there is a statement being made.
As Obama said, “We can make a difference”. Although it has not been immediate for the Libyans people, a better future is definitely on the horizon.
The Changemakers’ mission is identical these core values. Together we organize initiatives that impact the well-being of society. The freedoms and advantages that we experience can be used to provide for those who are less fortune. Eventually, this will lead to the betterment of people around the world.
Today as we watch the unrest that Africa and the Middle East experience, it is obvious that people are coming together for the sake of equality. These conflicts have created an international coalition for change. As we maintain the same unequivocal view on human rights, nothing will stop this positive transformation.
Post by Essence Mcdowell
F.I.T HONORS VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Innovator. Activist. Entrepreneur. Rebel. Icon. Vivienne Westwood.
Whether you recall her setting international trends in the 1980′s, causing ooo’s and ahhh’s for her artistic cameo in the uber popular movie, Sex and The City, or for her efforts to stand against consumerism. She has had a tremendous impact on the fashion world as well as world-wide social issues.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology’s exhibit, which honored Vivienne Westwood’s legendary pieces and overall contribution to the world of fashion. The exhibit showcased footage of Westwood’s 1988 Paris runway show, the iconic “Rocking Horse” platform-heel shoes, the Pirate (1981) and the Time Machine (1988) collection as well as several other iconic artifacts.
The “Vivienne Westwood: 1980-89” exhibit will be available to attend until April 2nd. So please stop by the museum to experience this wonderful display of the works of the vibrant, ground breaking and original artist, Ms. Vivienne Westwood.
Posted by Sherese Durrah @sheresetyff
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Trend Report by GG Murayoshi
Today’s Trend Report will focus on channeling your inner creative ability to get this inspired featured look for less!
While us fashion lovers enjoy the season’s ultra-feminine and ladylike looks, every now and then our inner bad girl craves something with an edgy twist. And while we can achieve this look by pairing swirly babydoll frocks and combat boots or a pretty blouse and slim leather pants – Nothing reflects that tough-girl spirit like an insanely cool studded trench coat! It’s slightly dangerous, a little bit punk rock, and very chic all at the same time…It’s a must-have piece for your wardrobe this spring. In the snapshot below you can create your very own look in today’s edition of “Do it Yourself” with Erica Domesek
The inspiration behind this amazing challenge is the super sleek trench coat from Burberry Prorsum’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection which retails at $7,995 which is featured below in today’s DIY. The resulting piece has a luxuriously edgy look that is versatile and can be styled with a rugged ensemble or juxtaposed against a slinky, ultra bright frock!
Ingredients
-H&M Trench Coat ($60)
-Approximately 400 chopsticks or candy apple sticks
-Handsaw
-Gold spray paint
-Chalk
-Glue Gun
Before you begin: if you’re particularly good with a handsaw or know someone with a power table saw, proceed with Step 1. For those of you who don’t have those tools handy, you can make an alternative version of this trench by purchasing and using gold studs instead. If you choose to do the latter, please refer to the second set of instructions and note that this project will get a bit pricier.
1. Cut down chopsticks or candy apple sticks to about an inch with a handsaw or ask someone with a power table saw to cut down for you. You should end up with 164 pointy ends for each sleeve.
2. Once you finished cutting the sticks, it’s time to paint them! Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and are working on a flat surface. We suggest protecting your workspace with old magazines or newspaper.
3. Apply a layer of gold spray paint to the pointy tips. Leave them on your workspace for approximately 15 minutes or until dry. Flip them over and spray the other side.
4. Before you apply the spikes to the jacket, use white chalk to outline a rectangle on each arm, starting at the shoulder and ending at the elbow. You want it to be large enough to fit approximately 24 rows and five columns, but this will vary depending on the size of your jacket and how many spikes you want on it.
5. Space the gold spikes evenly in each row and use dabs of hot glue or super glue to secure each spike onto the jacket.
6. Wait approximately 10 minutes or until the glue is completely dry before wearing the trench.
7. Roll up the sleeves, Own it and WORK IT!!
PHIL METHAZINE “DOPENESS”
Add Phil Methazine on Facebook. Great Artist , Generates vivid ideas for fashion designers. Phil is talented in his craft and has a keen understanding of bringing a persons idea to life on paper.
ARTS BEATS & EATS
Arts, Beats & Eats is a monthly networking mixer in the city of Philadelphia that contributes to the well-being of society through health initiatives and community service efforts. Arts , Beats & Eats is an event where individuals can grow personally and professionally. Monthly themes focus on “giving back” through toy , book , clothing and food drives. Other themes surround educating our guest on health , political and social ills that plague our community. Individuals are able to enjoy live art , spoken word , wine tasting and fine music while shopping different local vendors.
This Month’s theme surrounds “Stress Relief”. Our guest will be educated on events and matter that causes and relieve stress.
Andre Iguodala “Bowling For Promise”
Changemakers Organization was elated to attend Andre Iguodala’s “Bowling For Promise” Event. Philadelphia nonprofit “Stars Within Reach” & “Dre” will kick-off a 10-day statewide campaign to increase awareness and support for educational programs benefiting children with autism and children impacted by poverty.
Children were all smiles as they bowled and pooled with their favorite sixers for a beneficial cause. I was excited to be apart of “Change” as me and my partners @Curran_J (www.kingsruletogether.com ) , @Babyloncory and @Giannilee (www.babyloncartel.com) hung out and enjoyed a game of bowling and pool with great meaning. Check out photos by clicking the link below.
Post by Shaheed Rucker @change_makers , Photos by Gianni Lee @Giannilee
HIS ADVERSITY BECOMES AN INSPIRATION TO MANY
Anthony Robles was born with one leg but that has not deterred him from accomplishing his dreams of winning the NCAA wrestling title in the 125-pound weight class this pass Saturday night. He ended an undefeated season by overpowering Iowa’s champion Matt McDonough, 7,1, in the final.
Due to years of utilizing crutches, Robles has a powerful grip strength, which has been coined as his competitive advantage. It doesn’t hurt that he also has a natural and remarkable upper-body strength and can bench 305 pounds.
After his defeat, Robles said “I didn’t get into the sport for the attention,”. “I wrestle because I love wrestling, but it inspires me when I get kids, even adults, who write me on Facebook or send me letters in the mail just saying that I’ve inspired them, and they look up to me, and they’re motivated to do things that other people wouldn’t have thought possible.” He surely has inspired me.
Posted by Sherese Durrah @sheresetyff
TREND REPORT by GG MURAYOSHI
This season has something for every fashion lover, Unless you’ve been willfully ignoring all fashion news lately, you’re probably aware that the ‘70s are back in a big way this spring. From Marc Jacobs zip-zag knits to Sonia Rykiel’s billowy wide-leg pants, they are thrilling looks inspired by the hedonistic, polyester-friendly era. Take your inspiration from these looks when making your spring shopping list!
Remember everyone is entitled to their own style!
Spring Fashion Tip: Pair a dinner jacket with dress shorts to accomplish an equally chic polished look
Below is a snapshot on how to create your own fab look with the newest trend “disco earrings” Hope you like.
Micheal Jordan Ditches Kobe Bryant to sport “Cool Greys”
Last Saturday in Charlotte , Micheal Jordan had a few words with North Carolina’s Basketball team and swingman Harrison Barnes. Jordan heckled Barnes for wearing the Nike Zoom Kobe VI , Kobe Bryant’s latest shoe.
“If I see you in them Kobe Bryants, man, I’m gonna cut you right off,” Jordan said. “I don’t care if your feet kill you, you’re gonna wear them Jordans.
“Wait ’til I tell your momma, man. I’m gonna tell her. But if you’re gonna keep winning, you can wear them. But that Duke game, you got killed.”
Jordan said that if the Tar Heels win two games in New Jersey this weekend and get back to the Final Four, he’ll supply the entire team with the tough-to-find (and quite pricey) Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cool Greys,”along with “anything you want.”
Post by Shaheed Rucker @Change_makers
J.Cole | DJ Diplo | Chase Allen | DJ Aye Boogie
I enjoyed a well organized show by SPECTRUM ( Student Planning Events Commitee To Represent Undergraduate Minorities)at the University of Penn. Under the warm “Friday Night Lights” 3 artist and 3 DJ’s hit the stage for a dope concert. I had a chance to check out a few of my current favorite artist in J.Cole and Philadelphia native Chase Allen (www.IamChaseAllen.com). There was never a jaded moment as DJ Aye Boogie(www.ImAbstract.com) and DJ Diplo kept the crowd engaged by spinning the latest in House , Hip Hop and R&B. Check out the Photos by clicking the link below.
Photos & Post by Shaheed Rucker @change_makers
Shavonne DeAnne “Spring/Summer 2011″ release
It was a deep pleasure to have been invited to Shavonne Deann’s (www.shavonnedeann.com) Spring/Summer 2011 release. In every aspect the event was a great success, Great people, Great Music, Great Fashion. I was elated to see such flair designs. Each look expressed panache and excitement for the season ahead. The vibrant color schemes and cheetah prints merged precise. It was a sincere enjoyment as I engaged in a very special evening as an admirer of fashion and creativity.
To check out Shavonne’s work visit here www.shavonnedeann.com , Also follow her @ShavonneDeAnn
Photos & Post by Shaheed Rucker @Change_makers
Arts Beats & Eats “Toy Drive”
Arts Beats & Eats is a monthly philanthropic networking mixer for entrepreneurs , young professionals and artist to network and grow in their desired field. Organized & Hosted by Shaheed Rucker of Changemakers Organization (Changemakersorg.com) , Curran Swint (Kingsruletogether.com) and Gianni Lee ( (Babyloncartel.com). Each 1st sunday of the month we assemble at Primo Bacio Ristorante to generate growth and development in the self and career.
This month’s sub theme was “Toy Drive” for the holiday season. Changemakers Organization collected over 300 toy’s for children that reside at the Wordsworth Academy (www.wordsworth.org). Wordsworth provides high-quality human services to children and adolescents who have special learning, social adjustment, dependency or behavioral health needs.
Follow the organizers here @Change_makers , @Curran_J , @Giannilee
Click the link below to view more photos
Arts Beats & Eats “Black History”
Arts Beats & Eats is a monthly philanthropic networking mixer for entrepreneurs , young professionals and artist to network and grow in their desired field. Organized & Hosted by Shaheed Rucker of Changemakers Organization (Changemakersorg.com) , Curran Swint (Kingsruletogether.com) and Gianni Lee ( (Babyloncartel.com). Each 1st sunday of the month we assemble at Primo Bacio Ristorante to generate growth and development in the self, the community and career.
This Month’s Arts Beats & Eats sub theme was “Black History” Our goal was to shed light on prominent “Un-Sung” African Americans that contributed to American and African American history.
Follow the organizers here and click the link below for more photos
@Change_makers , @Curran_j , @Giannilee
Iris Bonner “GOAL DIGGER”
In times where everyone depends on reliability, One artist depends on creativity and autonomy. Autonomy ; the quality or state of being self-governing; Iris Bonner a Philadelphia based artist has been dedicated to her “GOAL DIGGER” campaign. A campaign based on the climate of engaging in individual accomplishment and self reliance oppose to dependence or gold digging. Bonner has been performing live art at different events such as American Dreaming and community service based Arts Beats & Eats mixer she has been gaining local recognition and her work is acquiring public acknowledgement. Iris has been diversifying her talents into other forms of art, she’s recently utilized her talents towards fashion expanding her campaign to a broader audience. To view more of Bonner’s work visit her at www.thesepinklips.com
For More Photos click the link below
Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
On a cold rainy day in NY me (Shaheed Rucker , @change_makers) , Curran (@Curran_J , www.kingsruletogether.com ) and Fajr ( @stylishthought , www.stylishthought.com ) decided to attend the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show. The show consisted of a host of great vendors and shops on the east coast. Although I didn’t purchase anything due to the suspect prices my name was pulled from a raffle. I received a $400 voucher to a massage spa in Manhattan. I guess i made out on top. Check out the photos below by clicking the link.
Chicago in Black & White
I always had a deep interest in Photography and the city of Chicago. I traveled to Chicago in January to embrace a cold windy day in the “Windy City”. The gloomy clouds and cold weather sparked the idea of capturing all black and white exposures. I traveled downtown , North Chicago , West side (K – Town) and attended a Bulls game. The game was an important game vs the Orlando Magic. MVP candidate Derek Rose took control of the game and proved why he is in the top runnings for MVP by beating a Championship caliber Orlando Magic team despite missing there center Joakim Noah due to a hand injury. The experience was a thrill and I look forward to visiting Chicago again this summer for the “Taste of Chicago”.
LA ALL-STAR GAME 2011
The experience was bliss. A great performance by Rhianna , Star studdered audience and a great game by the NBA’s best. It felt even better that Kobe Bryant won his 4th All-star MVP (tied 4th alltime).
