Babygirlz Magazine

Why for Black Girls?

2010-01-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

As we get closer to launching, I thought it would be a good time to address this issue. Why? Because the question has already been posed by a few. Did I initially feel that I needed to answer the question? No, I didn't. Why? Because I felt it was within my right to want a publication that spoke to the struggles we, as Black women endure, on our chase to metamorphosis. Do I feel that we are the only ones to have said struggles? No, I do not. I do recognize that a lot of what we go through as women, as people, cross culture lines. However, because of the triple "threat" of gender, race, and class, our struggles are already far removed from being compared to those of others.

Now. Let me say this. If, at some point, I am approached by young women of other nationalities, who feel that their life is a fit for Babygirlz, I will NOT turn them away and will, in fact, welcome them to the fold.

Speaking from the heart, I wish for EVERY girl to succeed. I realize that we are all reared in different ways, there are actions of people that we know (and sometimes not) whom we imitate and base our lives around, there are men (and sometimes women) who we place on higher plateaus than ourselves - and in the process forget ourselves. Then we are left at a point of trying to figure out WHO and WHY we are.

The scenarios are limitless.

Nevertheless, the goal of Babygirlz is to provide as many tools and resources that will allow for an easier/clearer roadmap to the WHO and WHY, based on that young woman's character...and not the character of someone else. Strength, confidence, self-love are just some of what will emerge from this relationship and we proudly step up to the challenge.

Radio Interview: KECG 88.1, El Cerrito High School

2010-01-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Funny how things happen. I was sitting in Starbuck's one day at the end of last year assessing the site for Babygirlz. I was searching for content and fillers on the actual interface, but I needed another opinion. I saw these two teenage girls at the counter waiting on their morning coffee and asked one of them over to the table to "take a quick look" for me. "No hurry" I tell her..."but if you could call/email me when you think of something, I would appreciate it". Well, a few days pass and I receive an email from Katrina reminding me of who she was and letting me know that she was in a radio class at her high school. She was requesting to interview me about Babygirlz as part of her final grade for the semester.

After a few schedule conflicts, on January 11, 2010, Katrina, Leodisha (her producer), and I, were able to sit down and discuss Babygirlz.

These two girls were amazing! They knew their stuff! They had their questions together, they had their heads on straight, and they were ready. I was very proud to see them in action. My hope is that I can get the both of them to work on Babygirlz in a contributing writer capacity because they would be perfect as they both have aspirations to have a magazine.

Yes, the interview was taped, but unfortunately, my copy isn't very clear. When I can catch up with the instructor, I will request another one that I can possibly download for your listening pleasure.

It was a very proud moment since it was my first time getting on the airwaves and having the opportunity to discuss Babygirlz in a public forum with so many listeners.

Peace,
Traci

"New Year...New Happenings!"

2009-11-29T10:37:00.001-08:00

"Growth Beyond Boundaries"
***

I am happy to announce that Babygirlz will be launching in the New Year - 2010! I wasn't sure I wanted to wait, since I've been eager to launch, for quite some time, but it took mere seconds for me to re-think it.

I am excited by a new year's launch as it symbolizes a highly anticipated beginning for me. I will provide none of the logistics in this update because you've gotten those before (when I thought I would launch this past Summer), I will only say that "It is definitely happening...I know that for sure".

As you know, this magazine has been my dream, since 2003. I am ready to get it up and going so that WE can be a MAJOR part of changing lives. I have no doubt that Babygirlz will start a movement, worthwhile to thousands, of young women.

Until next time,
Traci

Obstacles...don't mean it's time to give UP!

2009-10-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

So, last I reported, there was someone that was to help with building the site for Babygirlz. It may be that I spoke too soon because while he did begin work, it was hard to keep him on the project. This individual is going through his own issues, in life right now, and I just hate that what he is going through kept him from fulfilling my need for Babygirlz to come alive.

Yet, this mere obstacle doesn't mean that I am supposed to give up, it only lets me know that it's near and to keep moving. Why else would it keep getting sabotaged so close to completion. The only thing stopping this is that I don't know how to build sites myself. That is all about to change though. What this has taught me is that I have been too long dependent on others to help me get this project (that is very close to my heart) off the ground. I am making room in my life to gain the experience I need to remove the middle man.

I "thank you" all for coming by to check the status of Babygirlz and I sincerely regret that I have not given an update before now, but life happens sometimes, and things get neglected...it won't happen again. I will update every step of the way.

I love you all!

Sincerely,
Traci

Do what you can...and God will do the rest!

2009-08-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to check in with how when we do what we are able to do, "God does the rest".

It's absolutely wonderful that young girls are so cared for and that so many people want to reach out to help. It's amazing! I love it! A lot of strong, beautiful, women have come forward to offer their assistance when this magazine goes "live" and even during its infantile stages, and it is such a good feeling to know that this venture will involve so many.

Babygirlz is going to work overtime serving as the empowerment tool that so many of our young girls need - that many of us needed growing up. We are taking it back to the "village" to make sure our girls get to, early on, realize their potential and be fearless enough to pursue their true destiny. To not have any dreams deferred. To have self-love. To have belief in oneself that will shine through.

My sister's signature used to read "Every mother has the power to make her daughter feel beautiful". Though I believe with my whole heart that is true, there is always going to be that mother that didn't have that herself, so is incapable of how to give that to her daughter; thus continuing the cycle. This is just one of many things that will be addressed with the magazine, as there are many. I just focused on this one, in particular, because it speaks to some of what is missing and some of what needs to be restored/built.

Imagine a world of Michelle Obama's...beautiful, confident, educated, powerful, and making her own choices!

Imagine. This magazine is going to serve a TRUE purpose.

Babygirlz (Web) Magazine

2009-07-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

The idea for Babygirlz was born in 2003 when I was in constant contact with a young lady that was very close to me at the time. She was going through a tough time with life's growing pains and there seemed to be no end in sight for her. She had a lot of turmoil in her family life, problems with focusing on school, feelings of inadequacy, etc. Since I was a person she confided in, I felt compelled to take her under my wing. I kept her as close to me as I could while becoming a mentor, of sorts, for her.

During that time, I was a college student and often took her with me to class to get her used to the idea of higher education and the diligence that went along with it. However, nothing could pull her from the road she was so determined to succumb to.

Year after year, she and I would connect on some level and at times I really thought I was finally getting through to her. I made several attempts over time to ensure that she always felt good about herself, to let her know that she is destined for greatness because God places none of us "here" for mediocrity.

I placed actions behind my words by introducing her to certain areas of life previously not visited. I sometimes took her to my job, taught her software programs, and discussed work ethic with her. I even talked at length with her about the lack of options available when education is not something possessed. After so many years of resistance from her, I came to realize that all the talking in the world would not heal the hurt she was living with. She'd endured a lot in her life and had internalized it for so long that: 1) Either I could not reach her, or 2) I had to find new ways to increase the chances of reaching her. I opted for the latter, and in the process, began thinking about all the other girls in the same situation who may or may not have the same support in their lives; yet could use it, and the idea for Babygirlz was born.

Although I don't feel I succeeded in helping bring her into her true self, I honestly think that just being there when she needed me to talk to or to see her through whatever transition in life she was engaged in at the moment, made a difference. I am still very much a part of her life to this day and I will continue to do what I can to help her as she journeys through.

The primary goal for Babygirlz will be to provide a safe haven, and an outlet of sorts, for young women who feel that they need/want a guide for those parts of life that are baffling, hard to handle, or even unfamiliar to them.

A hopeful Summer 2009 Launch...

2009-07-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Things are pretty exciting right now. After 6 years, and 3 different designers for the Babygirlz site, we are finally getting close to a full launch. Sometimes what we need is right there in our faces for the taking. All 3 of the individuals that I previously worked with, were paid...yet did not finish the job. After enduring the disappointment for 6 years, there were times in there, that I did give up. Yet, my dream kept resurfacing in some way or another. Whether it was me seeing a young girl that needed my help, or my son asking "Mama, I told my teacher that you have a magazine...when is it going to come out?", it was ALWAYS there. They say when our dreams keep confronting us, we should not ignore them.

The last of the individuals to partially take on my project left "completed" last week and sent all the files that she'd worked on up to this point - for me to finish on my own. Well, if I had the capability to design a site, I would not have waited this long to see Babygirlz come to fruition. That's neither here nor there. Just when I was about to give up, I had my newfound Sistah, Akilah (in ALL her wisdom) snatch me back to reality. Then there was Barbara, who NEVER let me give up and was always there offering whatever I needed in the form of research. And I can't forget Christa who is my confidante, my sister, and believes with her whole heart in ME.

With this last "let down", I listened to what these women had to say to me, individually, and I began my conversation with God. He knows that I listen, but He also knows that sometimes I let the day get so loud that I do not hear. So, on this particular day, last Saturday to be exact, I listened and I acted. I sat with myself and became one with my thoughts. It came to me! I remembered that the man my cousin has children with, is a software engineer. I called my cousin (who lives 3,000 miles away in Ohio) and asked her if he was still doing that type of work. When she confirmed that he was indeed still building sites, I asked her to give me his number and to please let him know that I would be calling. Long story, short...I called, he said "yes", and he also said as long as I buy memory for his computer, he will bring the whole site to life for me. God is GOOD!

I will be honest, with everything that I have been through, I am not in full relaxed mode yet, but I remain hopeful. Not only that, I can visualize it so I know that it's near. I also know that I will NOT give up at any point until I am up late nights trying to bring a new issue into the next month...

My girlz have waited long enough and there has not been a moment that went by that I have not thought of how I would help them through their journey called life, so I know THIS is meant for me. If I can touch one life, that would make me happy...to touch many would be so rewarding.

Thank you for your patience.

Peace,
Traci