Meet the HW Interns

This is the Harlem World Magazine Intern Team for Spring 2012. Get to know these Harlem residents one by one.

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down at Harlem World Magazine office to interview my colleague intern Shani Ealey a Harlem-lover, outgoing, friendly,and a spiritual loving woman. She’s a part-time student at Columbia University working towards her Master of Arts in African-American Studies. Shani resides in Harlem, NY.

Lisbeth Henry: Where are you from?

Shani Ealey: I am originally from Stockton, CA. I completed my undergraduate degree in San Francisco, CA. I am absolutely in love with San Francisco and in an ideal world would love settle down in the city by the bay.

LH: What is your nationality?

SE: African-American.

LH: How many siblings do you have?

SE: I have three younger sisters.

LH: Why did you move to New York?

SE: I moved to New York because I was accepted into Columbia University for graduate school. Being here is like something out of a dream and I feel blessed every day to be able to have this opportunity.

LH: What is your favorite thing about Harlem?

SE: The people are my favorite aspect about Harlem. Harlem is a cultural hub for black folks. I have never lived in an area with the amount of diversity in the black community that is present here in Harlem.

LH: What do you for a living?

SE: I am a part-time administration assistant at the Institute for African-American Research at Columbia University.

LH: What are your interests/what are some of your passions?

SE: I would describe myself as very Pro-Black. I love black culture in its many shades and colors. I love reading about black history and the ways in which the African Diaspora is connected. I love writing short fiction stories, cooking, and playing spades. To relax, I put on my work-out gear go for a run around the reservoir (Central Park). Once work and school work is done, going out with friends is my favorite pastime.

LH: What type of music do you listen to?

SE: Naija (Nigerian) music all the way!

LH: Thank You.

By Lisbeth Henry

Today I got the chance to sit down and get to know a little better the music loving, jewelry designing, and aspiring fashionista Miss Lisbeth Henry. With pictures galore showing off her talent in modeling, a handbag line created in 2007, and goals to further her career in fashion, Lisbeth is looking to break grounds as Harlem’s premiere go to fashion girl.

Shani Ealey: Where are you from?

Lisbeth Henry: I was born and raised in Harlem, NYC. My family is from Dominican Republic.

SE: What is your favorite part of Harlem?

LH: My favorite part of Harlem is 125^th street. I love the mixture of cultures, fashion, people and street vendors and its history.

SE: What makes you happy?

LH: What makes me happy is given the chance to wake up every morning. I love abstract painting and making jewelry. I enjoy extra curricular activities such as West African Dance, I’ve been doing this since October 2011. My work out routine: boot camp ,boxing and running.

SE: What are your goals and aspirations?

LH: I’m an artist and free-lance model. I’m looking forward to becoming a print model and getting more into the fashion industry, broadening my horizons and getting into hair styling and jewelry making within its due time.

SE: When did you get into fashion?

LH: I’ve always been in love with fashion. Fashion fascinated me from a young age. Around the age of eighteen I started to find myself and decided to go to college for Fashion Marketing and Merchandising at New York City College of Technology ( NYCCT) in Downtown, Brooklyn. I started a handbag line in 2007, but the line did not excel.

SE: How many siblings?

LH: I have two siblings. Edwin, age 20 and Jesyka, age 30.

SE: What are your favorite foods?

LH: I’m not very much of an eater, (ha) but I’m willing to try different foods. I love Spanish food, and Italian. My favorite are salad with mixed greens, peppers, onions, corn and tomatoes.

SE: What is your favorite place in New York and why?

LH: My favorite place in NY is my neighborhood where I live, near Riverside Drive. Broadway is another street/avenue that I love. Mixed culture, lots of different people, very busy street. Finally this summer I’m going to venture and see what Harlem has going on, gentrification has grown tremendously.

SE: What are the top three cities and countries in the world you would like to visit?

LH: The three cities I would like to visit: Chicago, Texas and New Orléans. The three countries I would love to visit: Paris, Amsterdam, and Egypt.

SE: What are you listening to on your iPhone?

LH: On my iPhone I’m listening to Romeo, Aventura, Drake, Habib Koite.

SE: What are you most happy about?

LH: I’m happy with my life. I learned how to love myself and put myself before others. I’m happy I get to see another day and I’m living to talk about it. I’ve had a couple of obstacles in my road, but I’m thankful that I’m alive and fully Blessed. Always smile and laugh. Life is a beautiful thing to appreciate. Don’t take any given day for granted. Appreciate and be thankful for what you have. Life is about being happy and doing what makes you happy.

SE: Thank You

By Shani Ealey

Last Thursday I met with Chenayia Jones, an intern at Harlem World Magazine. Now it is your turn to  get to know about the passionate and talented writer.

Leon Woods: Tell me about yourself?

Chenayia Jones: I’ve just turned twenty-three. I’m down to earth, and I like the color pink.

LW:  Oh so your sign is a Taurus?

CJ:  Yes I am.

LW: What made you join the Internship program at Harlem World Magazine?

CJ: Well I am apart the YAIP program ( Young Adult Internship Program) that falls under the umbrella of ECDO (Ecumenical Community Development Organization) Who helps eighteen to twenty-four year old adults live out their dreams in the field of their choice. One day I would like to become a journalist so the rest is history.

LW: So where do you live in Harlem?

CJ: Amsterdam which is the west side of Harlem.

LW: When did you start the program at Harlem World?

CJ: I started the seventeenth of April.

LW: So when will the program end?

CJ: The twenty-ninth of June.

LW: Why would you feel this program is good for you?

CJ: I have dreams of becoming a journalist and with this program I can learn the ropes to be a great writer.

LW: How long have you been writing?

CJ: I’ve written for about two to three years now.

LW: How did you start writing?

CJ:  Well I am really into poetry and I find it a great way to vent.

LW: Thank you Chenayia.

CJ: Anytime.

By Leon Woods

Last week, I was able to sit down and talk to one of the most calm, cool, and collected person I know, Leon Woods. He writes poetry and wants to create his own marketing company. Here is his story.

Chenayia Jones: What is your Zodiac Sign?

Leon Woods: I’m a Taurus , my birthday is May 16th.

CJ: Where did you go to High School?

LW: High School of Hospitality Management.

CJ: What would you be doing at Harlem World Magazine?

LW: Editorial work, photography work sometimes, but mainly just learning the ropes.

CJ: What interested you about the internship for Harlem World Magazine?

LW: It’s a magazine company based on the essence of Harlem and there is nothing media wise that focuses on just Harlem alone.

CJ: What would you like to get out the program?

LW: Learn more about the media marketing business and more importantly get tips to write better.

CJ: When did you figure out writing was one of your strong points?

LW: In the 4th grade English class on a poetry assignment.

CJ: Why do you feel like this internship is a good opportunity for you?

LW: I want to get into the entertainment business and marketing field . I’m from Harlem as well so I think this will be a perfect opportunity to learn more history of my hometown.

CJ: How is this internship different from your past employment?

LW: It’s more hands on and since I do write, it’s a step closer towards my career.

CJ: Thanks for your time.

LW: Sure

By Chenayia Jones