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Blackgirl magazine has many young people talking

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Kenya Jordana James

(FinalCall.com)--Kenya Jordana James, 15, is publisher and founder of Blackgirl magazine, whose focus is to promote positive messages and imagery among Black teens.

Blackgirl magazine

Blackgirl is noted for its exclusive profiles—having satories on Lauren Hill, Venus and Serena Williams, B2K, India.Arie, Monica, Outkast, Jimmy Jam, Mario and Jill Scott.

Kenya also includes insightful coverage on issues such as teen prostitution, lynchings, and Black Wall Street. Kenya has developed a groundbreaking piece on the nation’s first Black female millionaire, hair care specialist Madame C.J. Walker.

Inspired by her mom, a marketing entrepreneur, social commentator and community activist, doing for self is something that has always been part of Kenya’s life. Her first business began in the third grade with some of her classmates. They made bracelets and sold them to their friends, family, teachers and administrators. She also made and sold cakes, all from scratch. The savings from this venture launched Blackgirl magazine when she was 13-years-old.

Born to an activist household, Kenya grew up in and became a member of the United African Movement and the National Action Network before she could walk. Her involvement in these organizations allowed her to meet and hear lectures by Dr. Yosef ben Jochanan and others.

Kenya’s entrepreneurial ventures have gained wide media exposure, including appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, 106 & Park, The Tom Joyner Show, articles in Essence magazine and Teen Prenuer, and many other newspapers and radio stations across the country.

Most recently, she was named and selected as one of the "Coolest Teens in America," and she is featured in the new Essence magazine Coffee Table book, "The 40 most inspiring African Americans."

Kenya currently resides in Atlanta where she is home schooled. She plans on launching a clothing line, Modest apparel, and becoming a midwife/obstetrician. She is a member of a number of professional and social community organizations, including the Atlanta Business League, The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Ben Carson Science Academy, to name a few. She also has received numerous awards.

—Afrika Porter