At a time when it’s considered “good to be bad,” Tracey Hawkins-Sydnor decided to go against the grain when she chose to write her book, 365 Girl: Daily Affirmations, which she describes as a “good girl manual” that speaks to young girls in the 10-18 year old age group. Disturbed and disappointed by the lack of respect with self-image and self-esteem issues with youth in the community, the concerned Chicago native joined forces with her childhood friend Michele Taylor, the Chicago marketing executive, to create a movement that will change history and promote positive images of women.

The start of 2013 marks the beginning for new opportunities. As one year ends and a new one commences, celebrating a new year is always a great opportunity to reflect on how you much you’ve grown or achieved, mistakes you’ve made, lessons you’ve learned and new goals you aspire to achieve. You measure how far you’ve come and assess your next steps.

Rae Lewis-Thornton isn’t a White homosexual male or a drug addict. In the 1980s, the world tagged these descriptions to the face of the HIV virus. Almost 20 years ago, Rae changed the face of the disease as the first black woman to share her story publicly.

Also make sure to check out this issue's Male GMO Model Profile, Travis Lee Ferguson!

Some may hate on gray, but it’s actually a beautiful color. From a fashion sense, it compliments every color of the spectrum and looks magnificent with bold shades, such as orange, red and yellow. It can also be subdued and paired with earth tones and its predictable partners: black and white.

As she finishes the first season of VH1’s Hollywood Exes, Andrea Kelly admits it’s taking some time to get acclimated to all of the attention she receives from fans, media outlets and others. As the ex-wife of R&B singer R. Kelly, the professional choreographer says she’s soaking it in as she realizes this time around, the focus lies on her. As fans stop her for photo opps and recite her infamous “Dreaisms” from the show, the Chicago-native stands in awe of it all.

As a child, actress and lifestyle coach AJ Johnson recalls living in a health-conscious home, with a fresh-produce farm down the street where she picked strawberries and ears of corn for fun. She remained physically active as a dancer, ran track, played basketball and community softball. However, it wasn’t until her mother died of cancer when AJ was 17 that she focused on living a healthy lifestyle.