The 11th Annual Internation Shea Butter Convention

Being the social media consultant for the American Shea Butter Institute, I come to inform you about the 11^th Annual International Shea Butter Convention (ISBC), held by the American Shea Butter Insititute (ASBI). It took place October 24^th-26^th, it and it indeed explosive! This three-day event attracted people globally to know what to further explain the shea technology and commerce, which consisted of workshops, raffle ticket contests, and goodie bag giveaways.

International guests included business partners from the motherland of Africa, which were greeted on Saturday and thanked for their contribution to shea butter research. Also other invited guests were only people that were invited to come and enjoy Saturday’s festivities and conclusion of the ISBC convention.

The convention was held at the Westin Hotel at the Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA, which accommodated guests who traveled to the country for the workshops that were provided. And Saturday’s event took place in one of the hotel’s grand ballrooms.

I was able to speak with only one of the ISBC presenters, Dr. Terasita Hariston, consultative panel member and partner of the ASBI. I asked her what was the significance of attending this convention and what she hoped guests would attain after the conclusion of the event, Dr. Hairston explained, “I’ve been a part of this event for a while now, and little does the world know how the product of shea is a life-changing natural resource from the lands of Africa. We’ve spread knowledge on our projects advancing the technology and commerce of shea, and how it is so beneficial for us. Of course the last day is a fun event for everyone to enjoy, where you can bring family and friends for our final day’s festivities.”

Saturday’s event consisted of a mini fashion show of African outfits, and also a dance performance from a few amateur models from Atlanta, GA. The event also had a raffle ticket drawing that gave guests chances to win prizes such as a gift basket from one of the vendors that produced and sold shea products, such as shea soap, shea butter, hair oils, and samples of other natural products that they also sell. Vendors were set up around the ballroom showcasing their products, some of which were unrelated to the shea product.

This event is one that happens every year, which distributes knowledge of working with other scientists in the continent of Africa, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with healthy and natural products. I was glad to be in attendance once again.

Time to Roll Bounce! Homecoming 2013 Skate Night

At Albany State University, it is a known tradition to have an evening event where students can enjoy their homecoming celebration in doing none other than, skating at the skating rink!

This past Wednesday, on October 16^th, the Student Activity Advisory Board hosted the fourth night of Homecoming 2013 at Stardust Skating Center in Lee County, Georgia. Skate night always brings the ASU crowd together to socialize and show off some of their talents in skating. I was surprised at how many students not only knew how to skate, but skate very well.

The event began at 8pm which was free admittance for Albany State Students until 9pm, which followed with a five-dollar fee for entry. Then you were given a temporary ticket to give to the designated police officer to enter the actual skating rink showroom.

As I walked into the skating rink, almost every face was familiar. This was an event where everyone comes together, where there are no altercations, no competition, just fun for everyone participating. I asked senior Bruce Colvin how he viewed Homecoming Week’s annual skate night, he said, “it is a fun and energetic atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. It is one of my favorite events to attend during homecoming week.”

The sport or talent of skating was is an interesting hobby to master. It may seem easy for some, but for others, it is quite a challenge. Surprisingly, it is one of the safest sports to participate in. As I watched the students make their way around the skating rink, I was amazed at their performance for such a fast-paced activity. I also noticed that every skater was determined to avoid one thing while on the rink, the art of falling.  It can be embarrassing for some, but it is normal to fall at times when you are skating.

Some styles I noticed while watching the skaters were indeed eye-catching. Everyone had on different types of roller skates if they did not receive the skates distributed by the roller rink. Some students wore rhythm skates, skates that allow you to move to the music played in the rink, and others wore speed skates, to go fast around the skating rink. Slow skaters were in the middle of floor to avoid collision with the more advanced skaters. All night students skated backwards, danced while skating, and even had skating dance routines. It was very entertaining to watch!

I got the attention of one of the more talented skaters, Brandon Moore. Moore has attended every skate night since Homecoming of 2009. I asked him about his styles of skating and what he enjoys about the event. “I’ve been coming to skate night since my freshman year at Albany State. I spend my spare time here at Stardust just to have fun. I’ve been skating since I can remember and my favorite style of skating is rhythm skating. I love music and these skates allow me to move to the music and help do spinning tricks and whatever else. This is event has always been great because I’m amazed at how many other students know how to skate since this sport is so underrated.”

Other activities during this event were arcade games such as car racing, ping pong, board hockey, just to name a few. Everyone was occupied with either gaming or skating. The event ended at 11pm and it drew a large crowd. Everyone seemed to have fun during their time at Stardust Skate Center. But it was time for everyone to go to their destinations to prepare for the next day’s events.

Skate night has always been a favorite event for myself and plenty other ASU students. This was a great highlight of week that was full of positive energy and a time for everyone to enjoy.

The Entertainment of the Cultural Explosion

International Education Week 2013: The Entertainment of the Cultural Explosion!!!

Everyone looks forward to the annual International Education Week (IEW) here at Albany State University. IEW took place from September 30th to October 4th, 2013. The week was filled with informational forums, competitions, and exciting presentations. International Education Week is an enterprise industrialized by the U.S. Department of Education to endorse programs that formulate Americans of our worldwide surroundings and appeal upcoming frontrunners to study abroad, study and tell their stories of their involvements across the world.

One event in particular that caught my attention was the IEW Cultural Explosion. This festival was geared toward students and faculty of an international cultural background to showcase and give information about their native country. Not to mention the eye-catching performances, this kept everyone’s attention toward the stage.

The entertainment of the festival included an international fashion show, which showcased various attires from the countries of Africa. Throughout the fashion show, the host of the fashion show, Mass Communication senior Nkechi Ndukwe,  explained the outfit of choice and what each piece of attire represented in that country of representation. Dozens of beautiful African pieces of attire were displayed on students who were models for the fashion show. At the end of the presentation, faculty and staff also came on stage to display their outfit worn by natives of their country. It was a very exciting showcase for everyone to enjoy.

The festival continued with students of the Albany Early College of the World Language Club reading poems of international poets of the Hispanic culture. These poets described freedom, endurance, and growth as they were raised in a society of confusion, slavery, and learning how to survive the cultural woes of modern society. Each student who presented had a piece to recite to the audience.

Another portion of the festival continued with dorm competition performances which included students performing a folk dance for entertainment. The audience was quite amused, due to the inexperience each student had from the culture. They performed the dance with a YouTube video, so the audience would comprehend the exact moves and rhythm. One last performance I caught was Edward Allen also known as “Keta” which is his stage name, with a performance on the Congo drums. This performance displayed the African culture and their entertainment and how they enjoy themselves to music. His performance on the Congo drums ranged from slow-tempo, to fast paced, and each potion of rhythm blended with one another as he changed the pace of the music. This performance lasted about four and a half minutes, but each moment was attention-grabbing from the audience.

Displays of many countries across the globe were available to read and learn about throughout the duration of the festival.Other showcases of the festival displayed education of various countries across the globe, and there was a representative for each display to provide information, pamphlets, and even food to help guest get a taste of their culture. This was the most exciting event of the IEW because it was engaging for the students, faculty and staff, and it helped everyone come together for such a joyous and educational experience.

Skin's Best Friend: Searching for Authentic Shea Butter.

The natural product of Shea Butter can be a resolution to problem-prone skin. So therefore, for the most effective and beneficial results, be sure to purchase the best grade of Shea Butter, or the results will be less likely, to show at all. In other words, "Buyers Beware." 

In the United States, some manufacturers make changes to their Shea Butter in attempts to give it a better fragrance and texture. Others alter Shea Butter for economic reasons. These changes may disturb or in some cases destroy the natural integrity of the product. While changed, Shea Butter may smell nicely, or when mixed with less expensive ingredients may cost much less, in many of such cases the altered Shea Butter has lost its significant properties. Another problem the buyer must watch for is the age of the product. Shea Butter could be as much as two to three years old or older by the time it reaches the buyers hand. In fact, some first time users of Shea Butter occasionally say the smell of Shea Butter is not the most attractive smell. However, after 10 or 20 minutes on the body the butter has no smell. Unaltered Shea Butter does not have a cologne or perfume fragrance. If your Shea Butter does not have the characteristic smell, color and does not spread like butter, it is probably not a good quality Shea Butter. BEAWARE! 

There have been various testimonies reported to me based on the study of how unrefined Shea Butter has been beneficial to the skin, amongst other things. Here is an example of a young lady aged between 19-24, (who's decided to remain anonymous) who has used unrefined Shea Butter for their particular skin condition:

"I've suffered from oily, acne-prone skin for the past 5-6 years, and nothing has really helped. In the past month or so since I've been using shea butter (organic unrefined) in the oil cleansing method, I've found that my skin is much better; softer, smoother and I now get little (if any) breakouts or spots. 

The texture of unrefined shea butter can be a little unnerving at first, as you need to warm it in your hands to apply it. It also has an interesting, slightly nutty scent to it, but this all became insignificant when I discovered how much better my skin was. I will most definitely be purchasing again!"

Not everyone has the same skin condition, but anyone who is inquired about the usage of Shea Butter are looking for similar results, which is clear and beautiful skin. The goal is to promote awareness of the best quality of Shea Butter, that upholds its natural healing powers. So buyers, beware of what your local retailer will sell you for a profit in Shea Butter sales. In other words, cheap products will display cheap results. Be kind to your skin. 

A Brief Education Moment on Shea Butter

Although I had to give you a brief history of the institute that I currently promote for, it is best that I inform you on their prized possession, Shea Butter.

Shea Butter comes from the mother land of Africa, and grown in different parts of the continent, which is then dispersed all over the world for retail. Shea butter is a seed oil, like cocoa butter. But what sets it apart from various seed oils is its extraordinary healing power. It nurtures the skin with Vitamins A, E and F, for a clear and healthy skin complexion. The vitamins naturally included in shea butter are very helpful for avoidance of wrinkles and facial lines.

When using Shea Butter on your skin, you immediately feel the hydration it gives your skin, regardless of your skin condition, and that is from the natural moisturizers that are chemically comparable to the body’s production of its own sebaceous glands. Shea butter easily enters the skin without clogging your pores, and also works as a natural sunscreen.

Although there are different distributors of shea butter, there are different forms of shea butter post production. Effective shea butters ranges from Grade A to Grade F. Grade A shea butter is when it’s in its most natural state, the color is cream and beige, and barely refined from manufacturing, and it also is the most beneficial. The least beneficial is Grade F, which has no effect on the skin, which is pretty much pointless to use. Grade F (the least beneficial) is formed through consistent refine practices, which makes all of the natural ingredients in it disappear. A common color Grade F (and other Grades after A) is golden yellow. So it is very important to shop consciously for the least refined shea butter possible.

Shea butter has powerful moisturizing, anti-aging, protecting and healing benefits to the skin. There are numerous uses of shea butter and it has been clinically revealed to deliver aid for many skin conditions.  These benefits include:

•Excellent daily skin moisturizer for face and body

•Dramatically helps prevent and reduce stretch marks during pregnancy and weight gain and loss

•Restores elasticity to skin and reduces blemishes and wrinkles

•Anti-aging and anti-free radical agent known to increase circulation to the skin

•Helps reduces acne and scarring

•Excellent moisturizer for both eczema and psoriasis

•Helps soothe skin and diaper rash

•After sun conditioning

•Helps softens tough skin on hands and feet

•Dry, itchy skin and scalp relief

•Use after shaving to reduce razor irritation and bumps

•Provides healing benefits to skin wounds and cracks

•Restores luster to hair

 

Shea butter is an underrated natural product that has the best healing power. So before shopping at your local retailer, search for places around your residential area for the best and most effective natural shea butter products.

The Prelude to the ISBC: Introducing ASBI

Before I begin to educate you on what the ISBC provides during their event, I must give you a solid foundation on how this institution came about. 

Shea Butter, is a natural product that derives from Shea nuts which is then processed into a form of butter, sort of similar to peanut butter (not really, but that's the best way to understand how the natural nut becomes into butter form). Shea Butter can be used for health reasons, as far as keeping the skin soft and glowing and healthy, relieves muscle tension, great for hair's luster, and etc. 

Beginning in the late 90’s, there were failing attempts to gain unchanging therapeutic effects from different sorts of Shea Butter goods,which provided reason to the conclusion that all Shea Butter did not have the same effective results. Founder of ASBI Dr. Hunter, then went on a 7-country tour of West Africa's Shea region.

While touring, Dr. Hunter characterized that there were various changes in the production procedure for processing Shea Butter. It is understood that there are many works done on the Shea butter in the United States and Africa that has greatly cause the intense different effects found in Shea Butter that is presently in the American market.

Therefore, ASBI has made the pledge to elaborate a standard within the institution to return normal and beneficial condition of Shea Butter. 

In 2001, the American Shea Butter Institute was formed to spread awareness and knowledge about of nature's purest product and how different grades of the product can be differentiated. 

Through biochemical analysis we have developed criteria for a classification system that may be used to compare or differentiate one batch of shea butter from another. 

International Shea Butter Convention

My feature will be specialized on an event based on the natural product, shea butter. I was just recently added on to the team of the American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI) to help promote their 11th annual International Shea Butter Convention, held from October 24th-26th at the Georgia International Convention center in Atlanta, GA. My responsibility will be in the marketing aspect of the event, which is promoting on social media and providing knowledge of the natural product, as well as sharing past experiences with the event held in the previous years. I hope my readers enjoy, and I would like to cordially invite you to the experience of a lifetime! If you would like further information, please contact me at nitosha.merideth@gmail.com.http://www.facebook.com/sheainstitute