News According to N.G.

Golden Globes 2012 Recap!

2012-01-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Hola! Kedu! Hey Hey!

Its been awhile since the last post, but I am back. And guess what pushed me to blog today? The Golden Globes!!!! That's right. Last night was the 2012 Golden Globes, and in all my 5 years of watching award shows (lol) I have never seen a more cohesively glamorous audience of celebs. I missed the red carpet coverage because I was writing for an application, but I was able to enjoy the show.

Now, before I get to showing you my fav looks of the night (and there were SO many to chose from), I just want to comment on the host of last night's show. Ricky Gervais was HILARIOUS! Critics are saying he held back and was a bit "too tame" compared to his performance last year. I say NAH! He was perfect. Right on the money with every joke. Though, I have to admit I got a bit nervous towards the end of the show when he started carrying the wine glass filled with some inconspicuous liquor....was it scotch? I don't know, but he was great. His red wine colored three-piece suit with black lapels fit perfectly...dapper indeed.

Ok, now for the main event. I had a few stand outs. They are in no particular order after the first photo, but the first and my favorite is Tilda Swinton.

Yes, I am a bit bias because I would totally wear this ENTIRE look and haircut. In fact...*rubs chin* hmmm.....loll...something inspired by this coming soon hahah! The 51-year old actress is known for wearing Menswear inspired looks, and this Haider Ackermann tuxedo jacket and dress combo is no exception. LOVE IT!

Click to see more of my favs

Matt LeBlanc was definitely my pick for the best dressed man. The Navy blue tux w/ black lapels was great on his skin and fit perfectly

Octavia Spencer!!! She represented for the full figured women with this lovely lilac dress. The sleeves and ruching brought the attention to her waist and created an hour glass shape. The white handbag was also a nice touch (surprisingly cause I don't like white bags and/or shoes)

Reese Witherspoon was amazing in this dress. The red was bold and edgy...especially for her because she is usually safe

Salma Hayek very nice...but somewhat safe I must admit

Heidi Klum never does wrong. The turquoise necklace is a great touch for the sleek nude dress

Brad Cooper is always hot haha! And his great fitting tux only helps

Brad & Angelina looked flawless. Angelina's touches of red were subtle and chic.

Helen Mirren never disappoints. Her looks are ALWAYS age appropriate.

Michelle Williams...I'm in between with the headband. I think w/o it, she could rock her pixie cut and some chandelier earrings. She still would've done the dress justice I think.

Claire Danes sparkled in this dress by J. Mendel w/ a nice red lip. Totally different from her "My So-Called Life" days. Beautiful

Can't wait for the OSCARS now! How will they top these flawless looks? I'll be watching to see

Obama: U.S. will aid efforts to capture Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army

2011-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Ngozi Onuoha

Africa’s Kony era may finallybe approaching its end. In a letter released by the White House on Friday,President Obama called for the capture of Lord Resistance Army leader, JosephKony, as well as members of the army. This comes nearly 30 years after theestablishment of the LRA in Uganda.

In the letter addressed toCongressional leaders, Obama ordered the deployment of 100 United States militarypersonnel "into Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR)and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)". He acknowledged thedeployment of a small group to Uganda on Wednesday, and stressed the importanceof U.S. support in efforts to dismember the dangerous rebel group. "Theseforces will act as advisers to partner forces that have the goal of removingfrom the battlefield Joseph Kony and other senior leadership of the LRA,"said Obama. The goal: to demobilize the group responsible for nearly 30,000deaths as well as millions of mass rapes and malicious amputations.

Since his 2005 indictment inthe International Criminal Court, Kony has been a fugitive on the runthroughout much of Eastern and Central Africa. He is responsible not only forthe creation of the Lord’s Resistance Army, but the ordered destruction ofvillages and kidnappings of thousands of children—many of whom were used asfighters in his army. The LRA began as a movement in Uganda during the late1980s, but has since spread to neighboring DRC and further. In light ofdeclared warrants for their arrests, the LRA has continued their murderousrampage.

Deployment of remainingpersonnel is still subject to approval by the nations of interest. Stay tunedfor updates on this story.

2011 Nobel Peace Prize To Be Awarded To Three Women; Two African

2011-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here is another news brief from Face2Face Africa. This is great news and encouragement for all women standing firm in their beliefs! Who runs the world?!

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Liberia's president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has quite a number of outstanding accomplishments to be proud of. Sirleaf is a Harvard University alum as well as a successful economist and activist. Until late August, her most notable accomplishment was becoming President of Liberia in 2006 and the first female head of state in African history, but last week President Sirleaf added one more to her list: Noble Peace Prize winner.

Leymah Gbowee, Liberian Peace activist

"I received the news through my special assistant and it is indeed an honor," said President Johnson Sirleaf in a brief statement issued in Monrovia, Liberia. "I am accepting it on behalf of the Liberian people. Each of them has contributed to this peace." Sirleaf shares the honor with two other women, peace activists Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman. All are being honored for their women's rights work.

Gbowee, another Liberian woman, is a former social worker internationally recognized for organizing the peace movement that eventually led to the end of the country's second civil war in 2003. Her efforts are believed to have resulted in the election of President Johnson-Sirleaf in 2005.

Sirleaf and Gbowee's co-recipient, Tawakkul Karman, is a Yemeni journalist turned politician. Karman is known in Yemen as "the Mother of Revolution" and will become the first Yemeni woman to win the prize. The women will join 10 others in Stolkholm on December 10, 2011 for the Nobel Prize ceremony.

Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai dies at age 71

2011-09-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

I just wrote this news brief for Face2Face Africa, and I thought it was only right to post it here. Dr. Maathai was an icon whose accomplishments are great examples of the African woman's power! We are amazing beings capable of overcoming obstacles with grace and humility...black and beautiful...thoughts flowing like the Nile. Right on Dr. Maathai! Right on! Here it is:

Africa mourns the loss of environmentalist,activist and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai. The Kenyan icon died late Sundaynight while undergoing cancer treatment. She was 71 years old.

For many, Wangari Maathai is a legend whose name is to become synonymous with Nelson Mandela and Kwame Nkurumah. In 1971,Maathai made history as the first woman in Eastern and Central Africa to attaina doctoral degree, and in 2004, she became the first African woman to win aNobel Peace Prize. Maathai’s initiatives to promote conservation areinternationally recognized; most notably, her creation and leadership of theGreen Belt Movement led to the planting of 20-30 million trees in countriesacross the continent.

Maathai was also an accomplished writer and theauthor of The Challenge for Africaand Unbowed: A Memoir. She will not only be celebrated for herhistoric accomplishments, but for her resilience in the fight for democracy,women’s rights and environmental conservation.

I plan to read The Challenge for Africa soon. I will be sure to write a few responses after.

R.I.P. Dr. Maathai

"I AM TROY" (October 9, 1968 – September 21, 2011)

2011-09-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the most captivating stories of the last few weeks has been that of Troy Davis. The Georgia man accused of killing an off-duty officer in 1989, warmed a spot on Death row since his conviction in the early 90s. Davis' fight to prove his innocence spans 20 years, and after countless attempts at repeal, the fight has come to an end.

Troy Davis died at exactly 11:08 by lethal injection on September 21, 2011.

What seems to be even more frightening than the idea of an innocent man's execution has shown itself to be the fact that this is the reality of countless victims of the United States' criminal system. Now, I want to be clear. I say these things not to take a side (I try my best to stay objective), but to get you thinking.
Life has proven to me over the years that it is no longer unpredictable. Yes, UNPREDICTABLE. We are born, we live and we die. In between this, there are moments teetering on choices. Some will be bad...others will be worse...a few will be good and the most important ones will often times be surreal. At any moment, your life can be changed dramatically. Knowing this and most importantly, EMBRACING it has proved to be the key to enjoying "Living Life".
For Troy Davis, that "surreal choice" was the moment he allegedly came to the rescue of a homeless man being assaulted outside of a Burger King. That homeless man and an officer lost their lives in his moment, thus ushering Troy into the chapter of his life that would define his identity...legacy...memory.

Life....o life. Unpredictable cycle of moments with a beginning and ending.

R.I.P. Troy Davis

Feed to grow. Teach to fly...

2011-09-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Kofi Annan

Patrick Awuah makes the case that a liberal arts education is critical to forming true leaders in 2007. http://www.ted.com

Absolutely fabulous.

ARISE Mag's "Made In Africa" Sneak Peek

2011-09-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

*grinning* Guess who got the opportunity to witness ARISE Magazine's comeback?! ME! Now, I had no real part in making this a reality. I merely followed my gut and took a chance (something I try to live by as a future journalist).

The show took place September 15th and featured Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi, Jewel by Lisa, Asibelua, Bunmi Koko, Tsemaye Binitie, Pierre- Antoine Vettorello and Klûk CGDT. Here are a few picks that summarize my night...

Attended with my team. Follow @MosAfriQ , The women working to connect the pieces of Africa's future.
Coming soon!

Very happy to meet Helen Jennings, editor of ARISE and the woman who helped me get to the event. Wish I took a good picture with her and "Uncle Nduka" lol

Finding Middle Ground: When Journalists and Social Media unite...

2011-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I've been on a quest to discover all the possibilities social media presents to budding journalists (such as myself). Its rare that I find an article with useful information, but when I do, I get excited even if it is not exactly for journalists, but rather for communicators in general. Here is an article that appeared on my Twitter newsfeed a few minutes ago. I thought it was great. Did I ever mention how much I love Twitter now?! I'll save that for another post...

How are journalists using social media?

by Jackie Lampugnano

As a PR professional, one thing I’m always interested in is the mind of a journalist. As someone who believes that social media is a valuable business tool, I’m constantly preaching to my fellow PR professionals about how social media can be used to connect with journalists (sorry guys, I’ll get off my soapbox eventually).

I know some of them are on board, but there are still quite a few that aren’t sold on it yet.

Well, yesterday the topic came up in a Twitter conversation I was having with a freelance journalist: Matt Lindner. Currently, Matt writes sports feature stories for ESPN, so he and I don’t work together professionally but we do enjoy a good sports conversation.

Yesterday, though, Matt and I were talking about social media and PR. More specifically, how the two tie together. I was very interested to hear his point of view as a journalist. Because I was so interested, we followed up the conversation via email where Matt was able to expand beyond 140 characters.

So what did I learn (right from the horse’s mouth) about how journalists are using social media?

They’re seeking out relevant story ideas:

“As a feature writer, I’m constantly looking for the stories that are going to get people talking. Part of my job is keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of sports, asking questions the fan would ask if they had the platform that I do,” Matt said.

Where is he looking for these ideas?

“The people and organizations that I follow on Twitter are those that I feel are relevant—relevant to me, my readers, and to the conversation that I’m hoping to further in both the world of sports and pop culture.”

An example from Matt: “I’ve got another pitch to my editors in the works right now that I learned about after an old professional acquaintance that I met last summer and kept in touch with on Facebook posted something on her page.”

They’re listening to what you’re saying :

Who/and what do they listen to?

“The biggest ‘secret’ to getting my attention is to have an active account,” said Matt. “If you’re talking, engaging, humorous without pandering, I’m going to listen.”

He also added: “The problem a lot of organizations run into is that they have social media accounts and they want to have a lot of followers, but they don’t want to share. Or if they do share, they only post messages that are blatantly promotional, serving only to further their own interests without acknowledging the needs or wants of their digital fan base as it were.”

They’re doing research:

Matt told me: “In my previous life as a local television news reporter and in my current one as a national freelance sports writer, social media was an integral and indispensable tool in my toolbox. I cannot tell you how many times one of the influencers I followed tweeted about something cool they were doing, or some random nugget of information which caused me to think more about them. I’d investigate it further and work with my editors to see if there was a story there.”

They’re building relationships:

This is a huge one for PR pros to keep in mind. I read some great tips about this recently:Fifteen Ways to Use Twitter to Build an Army of Adoring Journalists.

Matt explained to me why relationship-building (rather than just blinding reaching out) via social media is so crucial to the PR-journalist relationship:

“If I’ve had prior contact with you and you’ve got a story idea that you think I might be interested in, by all means pass it along and I’ll see what I can do. But if I’ve never heard of you, and then I get a tweet like ‘Hey @mattlindner, have you heard about our widgets and gadgets? You should totally write about them’ you will get blocked in a shorter period of time than it took me to type that sentence.”

I’ll leave you with one last comment from Matt to sum up the bottom line of the role social media plays in the PR-journalist relationship:

“Media is constantly changing. And an increasing number of journalists are on Twitter and Facebook, using them to listen to what the public is talking about. I’ve used social media to reach out to sources that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get ahold of through traditional means.”

So there you have it. If you weren’t sold on it yet, I hope this post helped you realize yet another opportunity that social media provides to us.

2011-09-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

I am always down for an opportunity to support upcoming African leaders. This young woman, in particular, is a renaissance woman. I'm always amazed by her budding business venture, academic and extracurricular projects and most of all, her heart.

Feyisola Ogunfemi was Miss Nigerian Independence 2009, and since her reign ended it seems she is on a mission to cement her footprint in New York's Nigerian community. Still running on the platform of education, Feyi--now founder and director of Statuesque Events by Feyisola--is preparing for her biggest event yet...The Afripreneurs of Tomorrow Scholarship Ball.

This is the first ever ad to be featured on News According to N.G.! *cue claps* SUPPORT FEYI! but more importantly, SUPPORT THE FUTURE!

Afripreneurs of Tomorrow Scholarship Ball

Nelson Mandela hospitalized, but "alive and well"

2011-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, is currently hospitalized in Johannesburg. Sources say he is "alive and well" as the 93-year-old African icon continues to show his strength.

YOU'RE IN MY PRAYERS MADIBA!

And Miss Universe 2011 is...an African!

2011-09-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

My new job as Managing Editor at The Campus News Magazine leaves me with a little less room for my favorite pastimes; less than I had imagined. I miss reading a good novel, crocheting sweaters and watching exotic pageants. Ok so, I don't do any of those...(I'm a news junkie...sue me), but tonight, I've been locked in the office working on layout...and following trending topics on Twitter.

#1 Trending topic: The Miss Universe 2011 pageant

Not much can honestly be said about the pageant under usual circumstances. To those around me, it is really nothing more than a glorified fashion show extravaganza. Perhaps, dare I say, it is really a collective of not-quite -supermodels smiling and promoting AIDS and world peace (and this year, GOD). What made this year different from others, however, was not the show's location, beautiful Brazil, but one startiling occurance....one that has Africans on twitter going nuts.

An African contestant had made it to the top 5!

To be more specific, Leila Lopes, Miss Angola, was the crowd favorite before the question and answer period had begun. I personally thought this was major! Yes, I find every opportunity to promote the continent, but that doesn't take away from this moment. Reading the Twitter updates intently, I waited for the announcement. Angola and Philippines seemed to be the favorites...until Phillipines placed third.

And before I knew it, she was crowned.

Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011

The 25-year-old is now the second woman representing an African country to win the title. She is absolutely stunning isn't she?

Fun fact: Her parents are actually Cape Verdean

Credit: Associated Press Photos

Afro-Color Wheel: NYFW S'S 2012

2011-09-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

*yells obnoxiously* NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!!!! Yes, it is that time again. Fashion's Night Out kicked it off and now the festivities shall begin. Face2Face Africa Fashion & Arts posted this photo from Mara Hoffman Spring 2012 show yesterday.

I actually love these looks. I'm excited to see what else is in store for the week.

Big announcement: *plays Quest Love drummroll instrumental*
ARISE MAGAZINE's "Made in Africa" is this Thursday!

Arguably Africa's Vogue Magazine, ARISE is making a NYFW comeback! I saw the commercial on CNN of all places, last night.
ARISE MAGAZINE COMMERCIAL

Very excited for them! . 7 designers from across the continent will showcase their designs in Avery Fisher theater. Talk about colors! I can't wait to see the photos!

Stay tuned 'cause you know I'll post them.

Wikileaks: Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe Is Dying Of Cancer

2011-09-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a news brief I wrote for Face2Face Africa on September 7th. Controversy surrounds Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe, as Wikileaks reports he's dying of cancer. Major news for the country under his control for 30+ (Can you imagine?!) years.

By: Ngozi Onuoha

Controversial source, Wikileaks, reported Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has cancer last Friday. The claim was made public after a 2008 conversation between Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono and former US ambassador James McGee was leaked via a US Diplomatic cable.

News of the 87-year-old Mugabe’s alleged ailing health has quickly spread across Africa as media outlets around the world scramble to confirm the news. According to the cable written by the US embassy in the country’s capital, Harare, Governor Gono told McGee that President Mugabe has prostate cancer. The cancer has spread to various organs throughout his body, and doctors have advised him to step down from power after predicting the cancer will lead to death within three to five years.

In a statement given to Zimbabwe’s privately owned newspaper, Daily News, Gono dismissed the claim calling it "fiction" and further saying he does not possess the "power to shorten or elongate people's lives.” According to BBC World, Mugabe dismissed rumors that he was dying of cancer and suffered a stroke in a September 2010 interview with Reuters news agency. Though the truth has remained hidden, many sources have circulated reports that the president is battling advanced cancer.

Despite rumors, Mugabe—who has held power for 31 years—and his political party Zanu-PF continue to prepare for the country’s upcoming elections. Zanu-PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party have not yet agreed on an election date, but President Mugabe has said it will take place before March 2012.

The day that changed the world: September 11th 10 years later

2011-09-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 10 anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. I was 12 years old on that day, and though I moved with fear for the week following, I had no real idea of the tragedy's impact on the world's present and future.

Here is an interesting story about an artist named Michael Richards who unfortunately lost his life that faithful day. Richards' story, taken from http://rachelstewartjewelry.tumblr.com/, is an eerie and interesting one. Take a look...
-N.G.

Michael Richards, artist: born New York 2 August 1963; died New York 11 September 2001.

Michael Richards was probably working in his studio on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Centre north tower on the morning of 11 September. According to a colleague Richards’s last two sculptures were bronze versions of himself pierced by airplanes and accompanied by meteors and flames.

For the last 10 years he had worked repeatedly with imagery of flight, including feathers, wings and plane parts. The work for which the 38-year-old artist will surely be best remembered was entitled Tar Baby vs St Sebastian, a bronze sculpture made in 1999 consisting of his own life-size body pierced by model planes rather than arrows.

This bizarre congruity between Richards’s art and the direct manner of his death might seem typical of that odd semi-psychic ability known to artists. Christine Y. Kim, Assistant Curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem, acknowledged, “We had scheduled that I would see his new work [that week]. His creations often dealt with technology such as aviation, ironically.” But it should also be noted that Richards would have applied for this “studio-in-the-sky” specifically because of his interest in flight and aviation.

He was extremely happy with this new, raw studio space granted to him as one of the 15 artists in the “World Views” programme run by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The LMCC was started 30 years ago and ran the World Trade Center Studio Program to take advantage of the small pockets of empty space always available in these mammoth buildings.

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council offices at 5 World Trade Centre were destroyed but Liz Thompson, its Executive Director, found time to honour Richards, the only artist to have died in the events: “We think he worked late into the night. He was so promising. He was on a tear.”

Richards would often spend the night in his studio rather than embark on the lengthy commute back to his home in Queens. “He would work through most of the night and into the morning,” said Kira Harris, a close friend. According to a studio neighbour Richards had cooked dinner, watched the Monday-night football and at midnight was still working on his sculpture. Thus “See you later” are his last known words.

This sculpture is currently at the North Carolina Museum of art, everytime I go I get really emotional when I see this….not only because of the way he died but that more people didnt know about him and it was only through is death that I found out about him many years ago..

Pay attention to artist when they are alive.

FNO update

2011-09-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Fashion's Night Out was last Thursday September 8th. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it out to the festivities, but I found some great photos of looks I thought I'd share.....

Luella (http://sierraluella.blogspot.com) cute! Loving the Janet J in "Poetic justice" meets Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America" look.

Nneoma (@OGNEE) with the Blue Haram pants and Susy with the red blazer and grey skirt....love their looks! Big fan of keeping things simple.

How about Ms. Wintour smiling?! She seems to be a bit softer since FNO began three years ago, but I can;t help but cringe each time I see her crack that painful grin. Either way, her and the CFDA are doing an awesome job with FNO. Love La La's bun :)

In Preparation for Fashion's Night Out 2011

2011-09-05T18:37:00.001-07:00

Make Sure to stay tuned to News According to N.G. this Fashion week. It is proving to be major...

First stop... FASHION'S NIGHT OUT! I can't believe its already 3 years...wow. Here is an article I wrote for The Campus Newspaper after attending the first FNO in 2009:

New York Fashion goes GLOBAL

by Ngozi Onuoha

“Let's put the fun back into the City!” was the tag line for one of the most extravagant events to hit the streets of New York City. On September 10, 2009, Fashion's Night Out kept store lights bright and sidewalks busy till 11pm to raise money for the National September 11^th memorial and museum along with the New York City AIDS fund. Sponsored by American VOGUE, CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), NYC & Company and the City of New York, the global celebration of fashion and philanthropy was created as a fun incentive to lure shoppers out of their recession frumps and into spending frenzy.

With more than 100,000 employees and an annual revenue of over 10 billion dollars, Fashion is one of the largest industries in New York City. It is a business that functions on fantasy, thrives on glamour and builds on dreams. Fashion is often considered a world of its own, but with the gradual deterioration of the economy the pockets of the American people tightened. The light that once shined brightly on the multi-billion dollar business had slowly began to dim. Searching for a plan to make fashion fun again, VOGUE Magazine created Fashion's Night Out. Designers began preparing for the historic night as VOGUE magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour and VOGUE's Editor-at-Large, Andre Talley both appeared on daytime and late night television programs promoting the event. Wintour assembled a team of top models and designers to create a public service announcement aimed at getting viewers informed and excited as September 10^th approached.

Anna Wintour, designer Michael Kors and the cast of Broadway's “HAIR” kicked off the event at Macy's department store in Queens Center Mall around 5pm. Critics of the “Ice Queen” editor believed she would be a no-show. To the surprise of many, not only did Wintour arrive at the Macy's, but she also greeted fans with a smile- a rare and almost uncomfortable gesture. Reporters hustled for photos and fans rushed to purchase the official Fashion's Night Out t-shirts. The night was young.

The 'A' train was packed as fashionistas clad in designer duds, rushed to the Fashion's Night Out designated locations all around the city. SoHo streets were chaotic as pedestrians stopped traffic in all directions, quickly entering and exiting shops along Broadway and Prince street. Many waited on long lines to get a glimpse of their favorite designers and celebrities. Pop superstar, Rihanna, made an appearance at Intermix dressed in a hooded, short black dress by Alexander Wang, while scores of fans flocked to the BBC/Ice Cream flagship store to get a picture with music producer Pharrell Williams, co-owner of the line Billionaire Boys Club. PRADA was just one of the stores in the downtown Manhattan neighborhood offering champagne and music as bands like The Rapture performed live.

On fifth avenue, models greeted fans and shoppers in the Fashion's Night Out t-shirts. Supermodel in the making, Chanel Iman took photos with fans in Versace, and designer Zac Posen painted signature gowns in the window of Bergdorf Goodman while VOGUE's Editor-at-Large, Andre Talley hosted a fashion game show only floors above.

The night came to an end promptly at 11pm as people piled onto the trains, empty handed yet excited to have had the opportunity to participate in the Fashion's Night Out festivities.

In the days following the event, stores reported sales that night below mediocre. Many believe the attention was unintentionally diverted from the need to shop and placed on the designers and models who only seemed to come out in public during New York Fashion Week.

Fashion's Night Out was essentially created as a temporary remedy for the fashion industry's economic slump, and though many did not go out to shop, the event should not be considered a failure. For the first time, fashion, as an industry, was accessible. Designers, models, celebrities and even Ms. Wintour, were approachable and interacting with fans, and fans were grateful.

For more information on Fashion's Night Out go to www.fashionsnightout.com

#SAVESOMALIA

2011-09-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

In the last, two months...Somalia's children have captured my heart. The drought has killed close to 50,000 children.

These photos capture the current climate of Africa's horn children....and my HEART... #SaveSomalia

Now begins a photo-ganza...

2011-09-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

I've decided to finally add photos to this blog. What is a story without the image to bring it life?

Inset: Designers from African Fashion Week 2011. All so talented and humble.

Did I mention it took place during my birthday weekend? Yeah, great birthday present. I got the opportunity to walk for Korto Mormolo, talented Liberian womenswear/jewelry designer.

Such a fabulous collection of designers, colors, fabrics and spirits. 2 years an counting. Let's see what next year will have in store for me and African Fashion Week NY/ Adiree team.

Major Railway Project to Connect Key Cities in and Around Kenya

2011-08-08T14:03:00.001-07:00

Here is a news brief written for Face2Face Africa Magazine.

Published: 8/3/11

By: Ngozi Onuoha

The Kenya Railway Corporation is polishing plans to construct a rail line originally proposed in late 2010. The 62-mile commuter line linking Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and 12 new train stations across the country, will cost the state-owned business an estimated 16 million shillings ($178 million). The project is an attempt to relieve road congestion and appease frustrated air travelers commuting to Kenya’s busiest airport.

In an interview with reporters in October 2010, Kenya’s transport permanent secretary, Cyrus Njiru, expressed immense optimism on behalf of the government. “There will be great relief on the roads when we link JKIA with Embakasi and the city centre,” said Njiru. “This is part of the government’s traffic management policy.

In an effort to be “a world class provider of rail transport services”, Kenya Railways is currently remodeling stations in townships surrounding Nairobi, the country’s capital city. A station in Syokimau—slightly south of Nairobi—was the first to be completed and a station in Mombasa is soon to follow. Many interested in the construction of the new train stations point out connections to capital cities in Kenya’s surrounding areas will play an integral role in efforts to develop the horn-region of the continent.

Railway lines to Ugandan city, Kampala, has served as the inspiration for plans to extend lines into Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis-Ababa and most recently, Juba, the capital of newly-formed nation South Sudan. If Kenyan Railways enters a contract with foreign design company, Japan Port Consultants Ltd., the cost of extending the railway system to Ethiopia and South Sudan is estimated at $7.1 billion. The proposed extension could be completed by 2018; however, development is currently on hold as Kenya Railways continues the search for funding.

Kaptain Afrika: A Call To Save

2011-08-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wrote a commentary/opinion piece for Face2Face Africa Magazine, an online magazine launched in March 2011. I'm currently the Assignment Editor at F2F and working with a strong team of young Africans to "Restore Africa's Image". Check us out at www.face2faceafrica.com

Published 4/22/11

By: Ngozi Onuoha

It was not too long ago when a group of African Student Union members and I gathered around a composition notebook to share ideas for a show. Classes were done, night had fallen, but excitement kept our mouths moving and our imagination active.

What were we discussing? Africa. More specifically, we shared ideas for our first fashion show. Our goal was to provide a platform for young African designers, and in the process, change the City College student body’s perception of the continent. This desire carried us over the challenges that followed, into the day of the event and past the show’s success.

A few days after the show, our headlining designer Jeffrey Kimathi sent a video via Facebook. In the video, Kimathi details his concept for a campaign inspired by a shirt in his Jamhuri Wear collection. The shirt displayed a large ‘A’ for Africa and the photo shoot concept revolved around an African superhero named simply “Kaptain Africa”. “It’s about giving the power to the kids,” said Kimathi. “’cause you know people like Amilcar Cabral, Dedan Kimathi, Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, Mandela, we need more of those heroes.”

Nearly two years later, I watch the video in the comfort of my living room surrounded by news reports of post-election riots, ethnic cleansing, fiery revolutions and turbulent protests. I shuffle through webpage tabs with stories of young people fighting for their futures as they lose friends and family members to the violence and issues that provoked them to fight. I hear the call for an African hero that possesses the strength of the continent’s history—quite possibly, Mandela’s intellect, Nkrumah’s diligence and Kimathi’s courage—and I recognize the need for change.

Now, more than ever, Africa needs to be saved. It seems we have approached a moment that will define the future of the continent. The images of Africa fed to us by mainstream media are showing young people in action—a reaction to the older generation’s decisions. I often talk to my friends about “this generation” and the power we possess as citizens of a modern global society. I am not naïve to believe we will be the generation to change the image of Africa.

In the “Kaptain Africa” campaign video, there was an African photographer capturing an African model bringing to life the idea of an African designer. The key here is team work. Africa will progress, but it will take more than one person’s, faith, dreams and efforts. Face2Face Africa is just an example of what we can do when we work together for the good of our motherland

This is not a plea for bags of rice to be sent to the Red Cross or for money to be donated to Save the Children, it is a call for African action. The truth is, Africa does not need a superhero because it has heroes that are super. Every African is given the power from birth. It is our blood. The stories of our history give us strength and our musicians provide the theme songs as we wear kinte and Ankara capes waving in a cool, calm wind.

While that may be a cartoonish depiction of an African superhero, our weakness is serious and simple. What is our kryptonite? Greed. It is what has kept politicians from changing the conditions of continent’s people; water from house sinks, light from bedroom lamps and health care services from mothers preparing to give birth. If the actions of young people in Libya, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Tunisia, Nigeria and Gabon have not moved you to change, then perhaps this will. Africa needs its children’s help. This is my call to save.

The BIG W

2011-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER FAVORITE ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE CAMPUS ON OCTOBER 27, 2010

To drop or not to drop? That is the question boggling the minds of countless CCNY students at this point in the semester. Deciding whether a class is "drop worthy" can be very stressful, but even worse is the reality of an "F" on your transcript. As the November 17th deadline for withdrawals fast approaches, here are some tips on how to know what to do:

'A' IS FOR ABSENT. In most courses offered at City College, a student is allowed three unexcused absences before a grade is affected, and two late marks equal one absence. If you are on your 4th or 5th absence, opt for a "W" before your professor submits a "WU"-"withdrew unofficially." A "WU" means a student attended a class at least once and has been dropped based on failure to attend class consistently.

FORGET THE POKER FACE. If you've fallen behind in a class, ask yourself-for real-can you catch up? If you know you have the drive to push yourself past the mistakes of your semester's beginning then stick it out. Remember though, your grades are not poker chips; don't gamble with them.

SEEK (ANSWERS) AND YE SHALL FIND. Your professor is the best person to consult when considering dropping a class. Go during the office hours listed on the class syllabus and be aggressive! Ask him or her to tell you where you stand. Be specific and inquire about attendance, assignments, tests, class participation and any other factors that determine your success in the class. Listen to the responses you're given. Sometimes hearing the reality of your situation may be the push you need to stick it out or not.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. In the end, be honest with yourself. Assess your grades in the class thus far. At this point in the semester there should have been at least two exams or papers due. If your grades add up to a C or below, ask yourself, truthfully, if you can complete the class. No one knows you better than you know yourself.

Also keep in mind that your decision to drop a class is serious. Don't withdraw because you prefer more free time or because you just can't cope. Yes, an unharmed GPA is wonderful, but it has consequences. You lose the money you paid for the class, and you may set yourself back a step in the race to graduation. And what about graduate school? If you're thinking about getting a post-graduate degree, make sure that every "W" has an explanation that will answer their "W"-"why?" Best of luck this semester!

"AMERICA WAITS FOR NEW TEAM OF SUPER TEACHERS"

2010-12-07T11:33:00.001-08:00

Below is an article written on October 27, 2010 for The Campus newspaper website. I'm interested in Education news and policy. After watching 'Waiting for Superman, I was curious to see how education students at City College are preparing to tackle the challenges of teaching in New York City's public school system.

New York, NY- In January of 2003, former president George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. States across the country adopted the changes under the policy hoping to close the achievement gap that had slowly divided the nation's children. Seven years have passed since the act was signed and America’s kids are still lost. The recent buzz surrounding the movie “Waiting for Superman” has many looking to each other for answers, and to the sky for a savior. What do we do when an entire nation is left behind? Who do America's children turn to?

“Waiting for Superman” follows five ambitious, young children and their painfully optimistic parents as they prepare for charter school lotteries in New York, Washington D.C. and the Los Angeles area. Audiences leave the theater rejoicing in the acceptance of two students, angered by the condition of our nation’s public school system, and armed with enough statistics to write a 15-page research paper. Many may ask why America is ranked number 25th in global reading and math comprehension. Others may wonder why our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. has the lowest percentage--12%--of 8th grade students who read at the appropriate level.

But a big question posed throughout the documentary: ‘Where are all of the good teachers?’ Simone Harmon, a CCNY senior with a focus in early childhood education, hopes to be one of them. She had a lot to say when asked what makes a good teacher; “A good teacher is passionate and personable,” says Harmon. “They have to not only teach the students, but love

them like they’re their own kids. I want to be a teacher because I had great teachers. I want to have the same impact that my 4th grade teacher had on me.” Though she is a product of a charter school education, Harmon insists that she wants to teach at public schools in low-income Bronx neighborhoods; “You know, Kipp Academy was probably the best part of my entire education,” she says. “It was a family and I learned so much, but I don’t understand why there is a lottery now. Kids shouldn’t have to enter a lottery to get a good education. When I become a teacher, I want to work in schools in the Bronx. Places where good teachers are needed.”

“You can’t have great schools without great teachers,” said Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone’s Promise Academy, at the end of “Waiting for Superman”. Tiffany Williams, a former CCNY student, agrees with Canada, but points out that the problem with our teachers should be examined beyond the classroom; “The movie exposed the danger of bad teachers, but I don’t think they should take the fall for the problem. Someone passed them through teachers college, someone hired them, and someone is not holding them accountable.”

Williams, the director of youth development at the Development Organization Reaching Children to Achieve Success (DORCAS), is not a schoolteacher but believes that everyone has the power to change the future of education in our nation. “I believe if we continue to support good education models and support good teachers who make this work, we have a chance at education reform,” she said. “But everyone is responsible. If you are not a classroom teacher, you are a voter, you are an example, you are a potential mentor/volunteer. Hopefully, we all start asking the right questions, like ‘how can I help make a change?’”

AN INTRODUCTION

2010-12-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to N.G. Onuoha's professional blog!

Here, you will find samples of my work. I will post clips of my favorite pieces, photos, as well as links to other pieces written for various outlets.

Its Your News According to N.G.

ENJOY!