Harriett Paul, Director
 of International Agricultural Programs and Center for International Agricultural Trade, Developmental Research and Training is passionate about the course AGR 4905,  also known as special problems in a

gronomy.

According to Florida A&M University’s official website, “through these programs, the College seeks to ensure the global competitiveness of its students and strengthen the services provided to stakeholders in an increasingly complex and dynamic global market place.”

Paul has been working at FAMU since 1983, and has worked in all positions within the office of international agriculture. She started as a program coordinator. Then she was research associate, program director, interim director and currently serves the director.

Her knowledge and experience in South African culture inspired her to teach students about entrepreneurship and how to build sustainability among previously disadvantaged groups.

The student immersion in South Africa is a course offered during FAMU’s “Summer A” Session, May 7 through June 15.  The course will include pre-departure orientation, a list of reading to prepare for the immersion, lectures, workshops, student service learning projects and visits to significant historical sites and organizations.

“Students need an understanding of the place they’re going and how agriculture is currently being used to end poverty, 14 years after the end of the partied,” said Paul.

Students interested in participating must register for the course, be in good academic standing and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

A significant part of the course is the 15-day immersion. May 28 through June 10, students and faculty learn about the history and culture of South Africa. Through South African partnerships with the University of Fort Hare, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape Ministry of Agriculture, and private agricultural partners, trip-goers work with farmers that received land as apart of a land reform program trying to make farming a successful business.

Students will be housed in shared accommodations.

Faculty and students will provide help to the Western Cape, Eastern Cape provinces, Capetown and East London Alice area.

Faculty and students plan to transfer 30 percent of the agriculture land in the country to previously disadvantaged people under the partied regime.

Students will assess the effectiveness of South Africa’s Land Reform Program for reducing poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and food security.

“When students think of study abroad, they think eco-tourism and traveling. We want students to focus more on the academics of international study. We’re trying to root the curriculum in international studies,” Paul said.

“This partnership, which joins an 1890/Historically Black Land Grant University and a Predominantly Black Public Institution in the CUNY system, is sponsored through funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute for Food and Agriculture, 1890 Capacity Building Program,” from the program flier.

“Agriculture is used as an engine of economic growth,” said Betty Hudson, Administrative Assistant in the office of international agriculture.

All required application materials must be received by April 15, 2012 for Summer 2012 consideration.

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney could be the first Mormon in U.S. history to receive the nomination of a major party ticket in a general presidential election.
With Rick Santorum’s recent exit from the race is Romney, a Brigham Young University-educated, Mormon-raised and beloved Massachusetts figure, is now the likely Republican nominee and will face off against President Obama this fall.
Many Florida A&M students identify as members of the Christian faith and are split on possible leadership under Romney.
“Not only do I not support Romney for president, I’m honestly concerned about his religious affiliations because they are what a lot of people base their decisions on,” said Byron Morrison, a fourth-year elementary education student. “It may not be the biggest factor in picking the leader of the country, but it’s something that’s going to affect a lot of decisions: women’s rights, healthcare, everything.”
Only 0.7 percent of Tallahassee residents are members of the Mormon faith.
Tamara Bower, wife of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tallahassee mission leader, Bradford Bower, is a Romney supporter and says he is excited about the prospect of having a Mormon in office.
“He won’t be a good president. He’ll be a great president. In addition to shining a positive light on LDS, I believe his values line up with most Americans,” Bower said.
While Morrison is not a fan of Romney’s religion, third-year pharmacy student Adrienne Smiley says his faith is not a major factor for her and that Bower may have the right idea when it comes to the average American voter.
“I’m going to vote based on economic policy honestly. At the end of the day people care more about what’s in their pockets than how people choose to worship,” Smiley said. “ When the economy gets this bad, the need to survive kind of takes over.”

St. Michael’s Pub’s marquee reads: “Fix the damn road,” – a clear message about the construction on Gaines Street, in front of the business and many others.
The pub’s lackluster patronage in the last three weeks and the construction in front of the local businesses on Gaines Street are directly correlated, due to the start of phase II of the construction.

“The construction has brought business to a standstill. There’s no way to access this part of town,” said Bradley Ellison, the manager at Retrofit Records, a music and music related equipment store.

“To safely and effectively construct Phase II of the project, the traffic pattern will once again change. Between Macomb Street and Woodward Avenue, Gaines Street will temporarily be a one-way, westbound street. Eastbound traffic will be detoured at Woodward Ave. to St. Augustine Street,” read talgov.com under Gaines street project information.

The difficulties experienced in phase I of the Gaines Street project are beginning to resurface again. “We were fortunate enough to open when they finished the first batch of construction,” Ellison said. Retrofit Records was opened in September and has been holding on since phase II of the reconstruction process began.
Patrons distinctly remember the hard times when the neighbors, Sick Boy Vintage, went out of business in July. The major decline in business forced the store to close.

Amelia Nyberg, an employee at Olde Fields clothing Co. Nyberg, who is in a wheelchair said, “It’s really challenging to come to work. It’s also dangerous for customers to come in.” Jeremy Matlow, the owner of Olde Fields has noticed the decline in clientele. “Customers really have to want to come in.”

Retailers accuse the city of disregarding local businesses in the interests of the city’s development. Many patrons believe the city is trying to “wipe out community-based businesses and have corporations take over,” Nyberg said.
“Construction takes so long and they block off business entrances. Some business owners believe they’re trying to shut us down in order to build franchises like Starbucks,” Ellison said.

Customers in Olde Fields say they are optimistic about the renovations. “I don’t like the inconvenience of the road being shut down. It’d be nice once it’s finished,” said Shelby Taylor, a senior elementary education student.

A change once pushed to the back burner because of the hazing investigation has finally taken place. Students voted to include sexual orientation in the university’s non-discrimination policy.

Student Government Association members have been lobbying for the protection of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (LGBTQ) students in clubs and organizations since last semester, but said progress was slow.

The university’s old non-discrimination policy protected students based on a variety of factors including race, disability, national origin, age, and veteran status, but failed to cover members of the LGBTQ community.

Rumors surrounding deceased drum major Robert Champion’s sexual orientation and the death of basketball player Shannon Washington have sparked student interest in this issue once again.

“I think this change should be made because all student rights are important. It’s ridiculous that it’s taken this long,” fourth-year pharmacy student Janai Clabon said before the measure was passed. “I think it’s sad something negative has to happen before anything’s given any real attention. They deserve the same legal protection as everyone else.”

Director of Diversity, Asha Rizor, says SGA drafted a revised policy to include “sexual orientation and gender identity.”

The Famuan first reported Sept. 28, that Tallahassee Community College student Fabian Johns was allegedly turned away from FACES Modeling Troupe Inc. because of her transgender identity.

A second story was conducted Dec. 6, with similar reports that “gridlock” was getting in the way of progress on this issue.

Despite the slow start, SGA Chief of Staff Michael Jefferson said he has been “pleasantly surprised” by the support the measure has been shown. “It shows that students support their fellow Rattlers.”

The biggest hurdle? “There’s simply a lot going on,” Jefferson said. Calling the amendment process “extensive,” he said he hopes to see the Board of Trustees make the change within the academic year.

Student Body President and Board of Trustee member Breyon Love said though the measure is being taken seriously, the process of amending the policy isn’t as simple as most students think.

“The measure has to be taken to general counsel and research has to be conducted on how this will affect the student body as a whole.” Love said.

Florida A&M University students have access to more than 160 clubs and organizations, ranging from honor societies to modeling troupes. However, there is one most students have never heard of, the Canterbury Club.
According to Columbiaepiscopal.org, Canterbury is an “Episcopal, LGBT inclusive, and theologically progressive college and young-adult ministry.”
Director of Student Activities Marvin Green said he was unfamiliar with the club.
“I can’t recall the university having anything like that. I do know there are several religious organizations, choirs and things of that nature that are open to all members of the student body,” Green said.
It existed on FAMU’s campus from the early 1940s until 2003 and was housed in what is now the Grey Gore Educational Complex located next to McGuinn and Diamond Hall. Geneva Curtina, a 1964 graduate, is a former member of the Canterbury club.
“We used to get together and do things non-faith related a lot of the time: eat, go out. It was a place where people who happened to be of the same faith could fellowship for about an hour of the week,” Curtina said. “It was fun, but we were a small group even back then. I think it lost support throughout the years.”

Despite its unexplained disappearance from FAMU’s campus, the Canterbury Club is still present and thriving at many schools including Columbia University and the University of Alabama and is designed to represent Episcopalian and Anglican life on campus. The group works to support students by offering chapel services, fellowship, educational, and spiritual opportunities, including weekly services.
Several other religious organizations like the Catholic Student Association are also active.
There are still several outlets in the Tallahassee area for students to practice their faith with like-minded believers.
The Episcopal University Center is designed to serve FAMU, Florida State University, and Tallahassee Community College. They work directly with local ministries like St. John’s Episcopal Church to facilitate student and community involvement.
Mike Sowards, a chaplain at the EUC, says FAMU students are more than welcome to come and take part in the EUC’s weekly meetings.
“Though most of our students come from FSU, the meetings are open to all three of Tallahassee’s institutions of higher learning,” Sowards said. “I think most students don’t come because they aren’t aware of the club’s existence or don’t have any friends who belong.”
The EUC hosts meetings every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Ruge Hall Student Center Chapel of The Resurrection, 655 W. Jefferson St.

Chivalry is dead and Romance is lost and to the Cuffingtons walking around Florida A&M University, they are just words that the draws drop. Every three months like clockwork the seasons change and whether you notice it or not relationships are either in their beginning stage or they are about to end.
With each season comes a different description of the infamous love bug.
Between the months of late January and early April, spring flings spread like that annoying haze of pollen covering everything in sight and pollinating new love.
From the months of late April and early July the “summer love” bug is out on the hunt for fine specimens, taking huge chunks out of everyone as they shed more clothes as the summer heat takes hold.
However, between late July and early October to early January the love train takes a break, causing a “fall back” season. During this time people slow down on falling in loving and focus more so on themselves.
Right now we are in the middle of “the spring fling.” Students are shedding multiple layers for shorter tops and bottoms and thinner clothes.
As the season takes a turn toward the winter months, cuffing late October to season commences. It is cold outside and those who are single and reminiscing about their past relationship and end up cuffing some poor lonely soul.
“Ever since kindergarten I’ve never been single, and my longest relationship was two years,” says 20-year-old Daisy Jackson*. It never crossed her mind the different seasons of love that she has encountered but can indefinably describe each and every relationship she has been. She has seen and heard it all, from beginning to end each relationship that she has been in ended because she was bored.
“My most memorable relationship lasted only five months but we had fun. We started off as a late spring fling and blossomed into and beautiful summer romance.” Jackson goes on to describe how they went out regularly on dates, took out-of-town trips and had “cute lovers quarrels.” But when of her most prized relationship, the flower wilted and her summer love soon turned into a short unfamiliar stroll down lonely lane.
After that relationship ended only then had she realized how she was abusing her body. “Never have I had an STD but after hearing that a friend had contracted one, I had to get myself checked out. Thankfully all my results came back negative.” From that day forward Jackson made a vow to herself and now practicing celibacy. Currently in a relationship, her significant other understands, and admits he might be the one she marries.
Every relationship does not have a fairy tail ending, better yet, doesn’t necessarily have a fairy tale beginning.
James Dunnington, a 22-year-old former FAMU student and aspiring model has had a good few seasonal relationships. “Going in, I let the ladies I’m involved with know what I’m looking for. Right now in my life I’m not looking for anything serious. Sometimes the sexual aspect may be too much for the young lady and she wants more.”
Dunnington does not have time to commit to a deeply rooted relationship, so he spends time with multiple women. “Some just want someone to take them out, while others just want the physical. Seasons don’t really matter but my friends and I do have our own philosophy about Cuffing Season.”
Clearly stating the limitations of their relationship at the being and staying true to his word, is how Dunnington stays friends with past lovers.
College is time of exploration for most young Americans. “You’re developing and exploring your sexuality and relationships with what may be a significant other,” Yolanda Bogan says.
There are three things that students are not doing before they get into theses serious relationships: communicating, building a friendship and respecting themselves. “If they do that there would not be as much heart ache and short lived relationships,” she says.
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention there are more than 45,000 cases of syphilis, more than 1,000,000 cases of Chlamydia and a little more than 30,000 cases of gonorrhea reported in 2010. This report excludes the far-off areas of Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
Twenty-one-year-old Marquel Larkins smirks as he explains his current relationship status. “You have to change with the times. You need fresh blood in your system. When things get old you find something new.” At the beginning of the school year he had his eye on two young ladies that he planned on being sexually involved with.
As cuffing season comes to an end, he is ending that relationship and is in pursuit of the next unsuspecting lady. He too lets the women that he is involved with know what he wants before continuing with anything.
On the other hand 23-year–old Cliff Stone has a much different mind-set. Currently not in a relationship he doesn’t believe in seasonal relationships. “In college I’ve seen people end up getting into relationships because they are lonely and with that emotions change. Emotions are inconsistent and if you don’t get to know the person first you could end up with someone that has different morals and values as you.”
Stone does admit that there are many temptations especially with all the beautiful women on FAMU’s campus. But “if you value yourself, you’re not going to have sex with just anyone,” says Stone.
Currently single, Stone says, “Men are more so visual beings and women are emotionally driven. Men see what they want and attach while women let their feelings guide their actions. To better yourself you should first know who you are, take pride in what you represent and do not compromise.”
“Communication will always be key. There are young ladies that go head first into a sexual relationship knowing the situation and stays around in hopes of a positive change,” Bogan says. “In the end most are left disappointed because they wasted their time on something that never had a chance to grow.
“If I like you it doesn’t matter the season,” Dunnington says.
Seasonal relationships have their pros and cons, but the most important aspect is to protect yourself; mentally and physically. If you find yourself in a destructive relationship there is help.
FAMU Counseling Services is open M-F from 8am-5pm and 8am-7pm on Thursdays by appointment and can be reached at 850-599-3145. Services are free to currently enrolled FAMU students.

Journey magazine gets an exclusive behind-the-scenes glance at FAMU Essential Theater’s latest production, Smokey Joe’s Cafe’. See how the cast felt about portraying this Broadway classic.

“I constantly get asked ‘What did you do to lose the pounds?’ and I can give all the credit to my diet. Not eating meat not only made me obtain a healthy size, but overall, my body simply felt better,” said the 22 year-old third year doctorate of pharmacy candidate from Mobile, Ala.

“Not every vegetarian has had the same experience as me, but every person who eats better does! It’s so important to be conscious about what you put in because it is reflected out the outside,” explained Nettles.

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group’s poll, approximately five percent of the country is vegetarian; that is, they do not eat meat, fish, seafood or poultry. About half of those vegetarians are also vegan, which means they do not eat dairy or eggs.

In addition to vegetarians and vegans, there are also pescatarians. These are people who abstain from eating meat and animal flesh except for fish. Korbin Miles, a 21 year-old junior public relations student from Tallahassee, is a pescatarian and has considered going vegan. However, he worries that he would lose too much weight.

“My biggest concern would be becoming too thin. Vegan diets are generally low in protein and the food is very dense in calories. I would never consider that lifestyle currently in college,” he said.

Aside from unwanted weight loss, Miles believes switching to a vegan diet would be valuable. He often hears that vegans have increases in energy levels, higher stamina, clearer skin and better functioning immune systems.

“I do think that the biggest reason vegan diets are beneficial is because of the lowered amount of toxin exposure than the average person may come to contact with. The amount of hormones and toxic chemicals that are pumped into meat is absolutely disturbing,” said Miles.

Some vegans go a step further and only consume a diet of raw foods due to their belief that foods that are heated above 155 degrees Fahrenheit lose a significant amount of their nutritional value. Then there are others who practice fruitarianism, a diet that consists of 75 percent or more fruit.

If you decide to switch your eating habits to a vegetarian based diet, it is important to do so gradually. If you attempt to quit cold turkey, you could relapse or experience detox symptoms as your body gets used to the new diet.
“I started off by giving up red meat, then eventually white meat, over the stretch of a month. However, my biggest struggle came when it was time to eliminate seafood. Growing up on the Gulf Coast, seafood was naturally a part of almost every meal. Even my favorite food as a child was crawfish! The journey to cut out seafood took approximately a two to three month span,” says Nettles.

“Never rush the process,” is the advice she gives to people interested in making the transition. To learn more about her experience as a vegetarian, visit Nettles’ blog at http://www.KimNettles.blogspot.com

Most people use these products daily without giving a second thought regarding the ingredients they contain. They think the government surely protects them from any hazardous chemicals, but they are wrong in their assumption.

Last Tuesday, Congress held its first hearing in cosmetics safety in over 30 years. According to an article on Forbes.com, Michael DiBartolomeis Ph.D toxicologist and head of the Safe Cosmetics Program for the California Department of Health, testified that companies have reported to his office over 17,000 personal care products that contain one or more of 96 carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. The reporting is a requirement by the California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005 and the results are just one example of the need for better regulation of personal care products nationwide.

Kimberly Nettles, a 22 year-old third year doctorate of pharmacy candidate from Mobile, Ala. and co-owner of Dr. Nettles Natural Beauty, LLC., is well aware of the dangers of the chemicals that can be found in cosmetics.

“The dangers of chemicals in beauty products are shocking! From PEG’s that are used in oven cleaners, to sodium lauryl sulfate found in garage flood cleaners, car wash soaps, and engine degreasers, toxins are extremely common in hair products. In regards to cosmetics, I just read an article stating that one in three red lipsticks exceed the FDA’s lead limit and is linked to DNA damage,” says Nettles.

She believes information about health hazards regarding cosmetics is often overlooked. “That’s why it’s important we inform ourselves of these hazards, and promote natural and organic beauty,” Nettles explains.

Jilyian Kelly, initiator of the nearly a thousand member Facebook group, Orange, Green and Natural, can attest to the benefits of using products that contain organic ingredients. “I have noticed that my skin doesn’t get as irritated as it used to now that I have started using organic beauty products. I have very sensitive skin so even the mildest additive in most commercial brands irritated my skin.”

Nettles explains that 60 percent of what is put on our skin is absorbed into our body. “When using natural, organic products, there is no concern for toxins that can be detrimental to your health in the long run. Your body ultimately is like a machine. When you put synthetic, heavy chemicals into this machine, it doesn’t run effectively or potential issues are temporarily masked.”

“Instead, by fueling your body with natural ingredients, you are ingesting quality, which can sustain you better. In addition, fillers, chemicals, and artificial colors in beauty products can cause redness, irritation and breakouts, which many people are allergic to. Natural beauty care works in unison with your body, not against it,” says Nettles.

It is up to the consumer to be informed about the products he or she uses. If you find yourself concerned about hazardous chemicals in your personal care products, there are plenty of organic products on the market to choose from. You can even make your own.

“Nettle is an all-around amazing herb and one of the most powerful medicinal plants. It has pharmacological properties as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, diuretic, astringent. It works great for hair by reducing and reversing hair loss, aiding in hair growth and restoration, improving skin and scalp condition, and adding gloss and shine,” Nettles explains.

Other ingredients Nettles recommends include aloe vera for dry hair or skin, lemon juice as an astringent and hair lightener, castor oil for strengthening nails, and cocoa butter and shea butter for moisture. “Any type of beauty need you have, there is a product found in nature that can provide you with the same benefit, if not better!”

Nettles can be reached through her family’s company website, http://www.DrNettles.weebly.com.

About four out of five African-American women are overweight or obese. Black women are 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than white women. Women of color are more likely to have multiple risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These statistics can partially be blamed on the foods African-American women consume, which can be high in saturated fats and oils and lack of active lifestyles.

But one simple activity that can combat this epidemic is running. That is why co-founders of the national organization Black Girls Run!, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, have made it their mission to encourage African-American women to regain control of their lives by maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Black Girls Run! has developed into a strong network of city chapters nation wide promoting healthy living in black communities. Journey was able to catch up with the fast paced co-founder Toni Carey to discuss BGR! and its impact on the health of African-American women.

Journey: Tell me a little about yourself.

Carey: I’m a native of Nashville, Tennessee but I currently reside in Norfolk, Virginia and I love to run!

Journey: When did you begin running and exercising? When did you realize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Carey: I started running around 2008 after relocating to New Jersey. Ashley got me really interested as she was already running consistently. I decided with the move that I wanted to become healthier so I became a vegetarian, took up running and the rest is history!

Journey: How did you meet the co-founder of BGR, Ashley Hicks?

Carey: Ashley and I attended Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. We’re also sorority sisters.

Journey: What is the mission of BGR?

Carey: The mission of Black Girls RUN! is to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority and create a movement to lower the obesity rate among women and subsequently, lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Journey: Where are you all based?

Carey: Black Girls RUN! is a national organization, however I reside in Virginia, while Ashley lives in NYC.

Journey: Is BGR a company? Is this your profession? Is BGR comparable to a non-profit organization/company?

Carey: We consider ourselves social entrepreneurs and Black Girls RUN! is a for-profit organization. A lot of people believe that for-profit organizations can’t do good in the community, but when you look at companies like Feed and TOMS, they have been able to give back to the community tremendously. Both Ashley and I have other full-time jobs in addition to managing Black Girls RUN!

Journey: What is your most memorable BGR moment?

Carey: It’s difficult to identify one moment, but my proudest moment, is definitely being featured in Runner’s World magazine. That’s every runner’s dream.

Journey: What is the toughest aspect of being a co-founder of BGR?

Carey: The most difficult part of managing Black Girls RUN! is having the patience needed to implement programs and initiatives. There’s so much we want to do and it’s hard not to try to do it all at once.

Journey: Although BGR is directed towards black women, can all women of all races participate? Do you feel like the name Black Girls Run! deters women of other races to join?

Carey: We encourage all women to join our group. Our name is very upfront and in your face, but with obesity at an all-time, Black Girls RUN! certainly gets people’s attention. Once they learn what we’re all about, they’re usually like, “Oh, I get it.”

Journey: How important is it to you all to encourage black women to be healthier?

Carey: That’s what we’re all about. Everything we do is to help women, especially black women, to get healthier.

Journey: Was there a specific life changing experience that made you seriously want to begin helping black women live a healthier lifestyle?

Carey: Both Ashley and I come from families where high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is prevalent. We didn’t want that trend to continue.

Journey: I know when I participated in a triathlon over the summer the only black people in it was me and my family. It felt a little weird to say the least. When running races does it ever feel awkward being the only African-American women participating sometimes?

Carey: Absolutely. That’s one of the awesome things about Black Girls RUN! you can go to almost any race in the nation and there will be a member or members from Black Girls RUN! there.

Journey: What is your favorite marathon to do? Do you all ever do triathlons or other types of competitions?

Carey: I haven’t participated in a marathon yet, but both Ashley and I will be participating in the Chicago Marathon this year. We LOVE Chicago, so I’m pretty sure this will be one of our favorites. We also are both very interested in competing in triathlons and plan on competing in one very soon.

Journey: How did you all come up with the idea to have running ambassadors in different cities?

Carey: It was something that developed naturally as we started to grow! We have about 100 ambassadors across the nation and we are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of women on our team that believe in our mission just as much as we do.

Journey: How do you feel about the major publicity BGR is receiving? I heard you all did an interview on Michael Baisden’s radio show? How does it feel getting recognition for something you helped start and something you feel so strongly about?

Carey: It’s exciting and we are so grateful for all of the national press we have received. Not only is it starting the conversation about issues related to black women’s health, it’s giving women an outlet to get active.

Journey: I see on your blog, Facebook page and Twitter that you all travel to different cities to promote BGR. Have you all ever considered visiting college campuses? Or have you already? If you were given the opportunity to visit would you?

Carey: Expanding to college campuses is definitely part of our long-term plan. But in the interim, if we were ever invited, we’d definitely consider visiting.

Make sure to check out the Black Girls Run! blog http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/ and learn more about the organization and what members are doing across the nation to combat obesity in African-American women.   You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @blackgirlsrun. Black Girls Run! has recently been nominated for Fitness Magazine’s 2012 Fitterati Blogger Award. Show your support by voting for them at http://blog-awards.fitnessmagazine.com/blog-awards/fitness_blog/390!

Photo taken by Franklin Fitzgerald