The Pentagon Project is a  growing and influential non-profit organization focused on uplifting and liberating  African American female students from financial hardship through scholarships, resources, and opportunities. The Pentagon Project was founded by four Tennessee State University alumnae – Evelyn J. Shropshire, Fredrica M. Piphus, Marsheila J. Hayes, & Sherrae M. Hayes in 2008. Check out how these four dynamic ladies allowed their idea to come to reality!

Let’s meet the FABULOUS ladies behind THE PENTAGON PROJECT and understand this great concept…..

What need was there to develop the Pentagon Project?

As four best friends attending TSU, we each knew the needs of undergraduate women and made the decision, even before graduating, to give back in some manner as alumnae.  Financially, college can be a trying journey for most.  Application fees, textbook costs, food, extracurricular activities, etc. keep students on the never-ending decision continuum – “Do I eat noodles this week, so I can buy books next week?” and so many other questions become part of a person’s thought process.  And as young women who graduated from TSU we felt that we could help our “little sisters” navigate the journey better along the way based on our experiences and the power they each already have within.

Share with the C.O.R.E Readers some of the activities that the Pentagon Project has done in the past and any future events

One pressing need, lack of money for textbooks, led us to begin our first initiative in 2008 – The Pentagon Project Book Scholarship, now named the Dr. Sandra Waters Holt Book Scholarship.  Since 2008, we have expanded our efforts to include two more initiatives.
Our Liberated Woman to Watch Award, which awards an underclassman involved on campus with a professional and fashionable watch as encouragement to continue her efforts and let her know that she is a rising leader on the move.  The Apply Yourself Initiative awards a young woman in high school with a college application fee sponsorship to ease the financial hardship of senior year.

In the future, we hope to expand our efforts to include the So Fly Initiative, a fully-funded college visit for young woman in high school.  Flipping through a college brochure is one thing, but having an opportunity to walk an actual campus and meet key faculty and staff is another.  Envisioning oneself in college is all the more possible during an actual chance to visit, and making the choice to do what it takes to get there is even more achievable.  The Pentagon Project is working to make this initiative a reality.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you ladies and why?

S. M. Hayes: We are deeply inspired by Dr. Sandra Waters Holt.  As the Director of the University Honors Program, she truly provided each of us with necessary resources, support, guidance and simple words of encouragement throughout our journey at TSU.  Her spirit inspired us to pass on what she gave us to other young women, and without her The Pentagon Project would not be where it is today.
Fredrica and Evelyn: We both have a deep passion of the late, great Lena Horne because of the grace and natural elegance she embodied.
Marsheila Joy: I am a believer in the “fabulosity” that Kimora Lee exudes

Sherrae : I truly admire the historical footprint left by Mary Church Terrell.

Where do you ladies see the Pentagon Project in 5 years?

In the next five years we hope to:
– Expand our scholarship from one awardee to five awardees at TSU and beyond
– Expanding our other initiatives to reach three times as many awardees or more
– Continue our relationship with TSU and become one of the lead alumni groups creating change on campus

C.O.R.E Magazine is all about Empowerment. What does empowerment mean to you?

S. M. Hayes: Empowerment is a journey.  People become empowered bit by bit, picking up lessons, encouragement, and “aha” moments along the way as fuel to push forward and make dreams, reality.
F. Piphus: To me, empowerment is being able to help other women activate their untapped talents.
E. Shropshire: Empowerment is all about love.  I am an advocate of love.  In order to have the desire to motivate and inspire others, you must have confidence, or a love of self, and you must also love the people.  If you do not love the people, your efforts to assist them will be futile and not impactful.  Empowerment is loving yourself enough to pass that feeling on to others, by any means necessary.
M. J. Hayes: Empowerment means loving yourself, and others, on purpose.  It’s acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, highs and lows, and still being able to look at ourselves and say “Honey…you are pretty damn wonderful and there’s no one else like you!”  In the words of Marianne Williamson, ‘…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’

What are some of your FAVE Inspirational Quotes??
Sherrae:  “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass
Fredrica: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13
Evelyn: “Every truth has four corners: as a teacher I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three.” ~Confucius
Marsheila Joy: “ You can do anything you put your mind to, and you can do it in stilettos.” ~ Kimora Lee Simmons

C.O.R.E Readers check out these FABULOUS ladies at www.thepentagonproject.org

Contact information for individuals who want to learn more about the Pentagon Project.
Feel free to reach out to us: contactus@thepentagonproject.org and follow us on Twitter @aliberatedwoman

1) A traveler. I’d like my words to mean more because I’ve experienced new cultures and explored the continents of this world in unique and exciting ways. From my few trips to Latin American countries I’ve learned so much more than I could ever learn in a classroom. I’ve learned more about the historical impact of slavery in the Americas and capitalism than I’d probably ever learn in any of my Barnes&Noble reads.

So when you think of what high school you will attend and what college major appeals to you most don’t think of yourself just in terms of your career. Who do want to be? What characteristics would you like to possess, to nurture, to embody? How will you get there? What steps do you need to take to be a good friend, an honest daughter? Remember that there are small things that separate good from great, so strive for greatness.

-Tenicka Boyd

Hey Beautiful Ladies!

So going natural sometimes can be well…a little scary. Getting used to a new texture, trying to come up with funky hairstyles and pushing past others opinions can seem like an impossible task while simply trying to balance your classes. Yes, the fact that it’s just hair remains but it also takes a mental change to switch up on what you think is beautiful. If you are transitioning from permed hair to natural hair, you may need a little EXTRA encouragement. It’s always good to know that you’re not the only one going through the change.The best point is to remember that you are FLY & GORGEOUS no matter what hairstyle you rock!

Check out these vids of fly teens showing and talking about transitioning…

Good Morning Loves!
Since the world has been welcoming Miss Blue Ivy Carter, we thought we would grace you with a new vid from the fly mother. Check it out…

Beyonce- I Care

By Nikia Pope

I admire women who pursue their goals and dreams with a relentless mindset, who possess an indomitable spirit. Sadly enough, not enough of those type of women get the recognition that they deserve. Well that is over, I have dedicated my effort and energy to shining the spotlight on women  who are already shining in their own right in an effort to help them shine even brighter. To bring awareness, to women who are creating their own rules, I don’t know about you but I love those type of women. Those are the women who Inspire, Motivate, Break the Rules and make History. The year of 2012 is all about empowering women, our women’ black women. I created this series specifically to assist women in their effort of creating their own reality and inspiring other women.

I am proud to present to you the first installment of the Women on the Rise Series.

Warning: This young mogul in the making will provide extreme Inspiration, after our Interview I found myself even more inspired to pursue my own dreams.

Name, age (it’s up to you if you want to include your full name)

Megan Gilchrist, age 25

Where you live or where are you from? Where is your business stationed at?

I’m from Minneapolis Minnesota.  I now reside in Los Angeles California for the past year.

As a Child, What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never really liked that question.   I did what I felt.  I was into ice skating, gymnastics, ballet; tap jazz, modern, point, hip hop.  Then when I hit 7th grade I was into sports volleyball, basketball softball and track.  I always knew I was creative and had fun dressing up and making things. I didn’t want to limit myself to one thing.

What do you do for a living or things you would like to do?

I create.  Right now my focus is my jewelry line.  I want to do so much more.  When I see something at a store that I like, I tend to pick it apart and then decide, I can do that myself, or if I buy it, in the long run somehow I end up revamping it.

From where/who do you draw inspiration?

The slightest thing can trigger my inspiration.  I watch old classics movies; listen to really off set music sometimes to kind of draw from different genres.

Lately it’s been from minimalistic artists such as Piet Mondrian, and my mother who is a fine artist, Condetia Madrid.  I’ve been listening to Little Dragon, a Swedish group with an Asian girl lead singer, and I YouTube inspirational stories at least twice a week to get my heart pumping. (Seriously look up the story of Sylvester Stallone and how he made “ROCKY”, amazing.)

 In pursuing your dreams what challenges have you faced and how have you overcame?

When you are taking not such a safe route and depending on yourself, your own product, you can become stuck, you may feel in a slump/ self adsorbed.  You by all means necessary have to stay moving.  There was literally about a month, I did not leave the house, I was depressed. I kind of started straying from what I started.  I sure it was self doubt, behind it all.  But if you do one little thing at least every day, to keep your dream relevant, it can never die.  I blogged, I counted that as work, I followed new people in my field, I count that as work, I journal, I painted, I did anything that kept my creativity going, and soon enough I was getting orders left and right, I had people inquiring and I was back in the game.

What is your mission for your business and for your life?

I want to make people feel as good as I feel when I complete a vision into a finished piece.  I want to create careers for others and be happy everyday doing it.

What mark/ legacy do you want to leave on the world?

I want to be an inspiration for people to do what they love to do.  There is no better way to live life.  There is nothing worse than feeling that nag, or weight on your shoulder because you are about to do something that your heart is not into.  You have to go for it, and give it your all and the time is right now.

What’s next for you?

I am working on my label “GILCHRIST.” I want to make this a long lasting career, to do that I need to make it timeless and chic, yet still have that Gilchrist edge. I’m currently working on my new site, there are several designs that I need to get out, I have a few collaborations with other designers in the work and some Pop-Up shops.

Favorite Inspirational Quote and/or Book and what about it connects with you?

“Cannibals prefer the spineless”- unknown

I’ve been on this quote lately.  It says little but so much.  Humans can be so aggressive when they detect any weakness.  Or people will try you, question you and try to deplete you.  So I take it as motivation to be strong, aggressive and fearless.  I have a very soft voice and kind presence and I think some people judge too quickly.  So I want my work to speak for me first, and my designs are strong and aggressive, and this is only the beginning.

Advice you can give to other young women.

What do you love to do?  Do it.  Find yourself, love yourself and be able to take care of yourself.

What are your fave beauty products?

I swear by Murad facial cleanser, and Yves Saint Laurent “Elle” perfume.

5 words that describe you.

Resilient, Courageous, Brave, Determined, and free.

5 things you have in your bag/purse?

I’m very, very picky about handbags these days.  The ones I have my eye on are a few thousand, so until the contents of that purse double the price tag of that purse, I won’t wear one.  That’s my truth

Where can we find more info about you? Website? Blog? Social Networking Sites?

You can view some of my work on www.all4ours.com /@all4ours

My personal blog: www.yomegz.com / @yomegz

–By Nikia Pope

Name: Tyanthia Jordan

Age: 14

City: Nashville, TN

Grade: 8th

What’s your dream job and why?

I want to be a artist or to be a professional basketball player.

Which hobbies do you love to enjoy?

Drawing, playing basketball, playing any sports that are really great like: softball, volleyball, soccer a little bit

Who is your biggest celeb crush?

Mindless Behavior and Chris brown

Fave song to JAM out to right now?

Boo thang by Verse Simmonds

If you could change 1 thing about the world what would it be?

Violence in the world

What does empowerment mean to you?

To uplift yourself and others!

What are your plans after high school?

To go to college and get my degree so I can work

How have you helped someone in your life lately?

By helping my mama through her surgery

Who is your role model & why?

My role model is my granny because I love her and she loves me. She has always been like a mom to me.

Rockin’ Natural Hair?? Awesome! Sometimes getting a routine of doing your natural hair can be fun but get a little boring at times. It’s always good to check out fresh hair inspiration to remix your style selection. Check out the vid of how to rock the high puff!

Items Needed:

-Wide tooth comb

-Spray Water bottle

-Elastic Headband

Good Morning Beauties!

As young females, there is so much pressure to fit  into the perfect box of what everyone considers “beautiful.” Make up, clothes, diets are just a few things we do to create the “perfect” look not to impress ourselves but others.  From how you rock your hair to how much you weigh even the complexion of your gorgeous skin tone, the media makes it difficult to accept and embrace the beauty you naturally have. Even though we all have days where we might second guess our looks it’s important to  realize that your true flyness comes  from  inside. Yeah, I know you heard that a million times but it’s true!.You’re gorgeous on the outside but what truly makes you stunning is being able to offer your talents,  sharp mind, and creative ideas to the world.

Check out young poet Miss Rashida Rogers  “Beauty”

So  Girls, how do you fight beauty stereotypes?

Hey Loves!

Here goes your weekly dose of of music

Check out Jacob Latimore feat. Diggy- Like ‘Em All

Hey Lovelies!

It’s Tuesday! Time to check out a fresh vid for you to jam out to this week.

Check out the official Fireball video by Willow Smith feat. Nicki Minaj