The Talk of Savannah. The Voice of a Generation.
ABOVE THE PAGES SERIES: MODEL SPOTLIGHT – @talkofthetown._
The Talk of Savannah. The Voice of a Generation.
Born and raised in Savannah, GA, @talkofthetown._ is making more than waves — she’s making statements. With fearless style and a platform grounded in self-expression, she represents the next wave of modeling and Southern culture.
More than a face, she’s a force — amplifying body positivity, cultural pride, and student leadership across CRUSH visuals and campus activations. Her work is bold, real, and rooted in the city that shaped her.
📍 Savannah made her. CRUSH elevated her.
Now the whole town’s talking.
📸 ABOVE THE SERIES: “RARI BLAZE”
📸 ABOVE THE SERIES: “RARI BLAZE”
The Soundtrack of Speed, Power & Purpose
RARI BLAZE isn’t just a track — it’s a declaration.
Fusing Southern street energy with bold, independent artistry, the record roars to life as a CRUSH anthem — raw, relentless, and impossible to ignore. With booming bass and luxury visuals spanning from Savannah streets to Tybee Island shores, RARI BLAZE is more than music — it’s movement. It reflects a culture that’s proud, unfiltered, and forward.
🎶 “Don’t wait on approval — start the engine.”
RARI BLAZE sets the tone for the CRUSH Tour and festival season ahead.
Stream it. Post it. Live it.
Powered by Plug Not A Rapper.
Community Policing & Engagement at Orange Crush Festival: Creating Safety. Strengthening Community, Building Trust.
Above the Pages: Community Policing & Engagement at Orange Crush Festival
Building Trust. Creating Safety. Strengthening Community.
At the heart of the Orange Crush Festival lies a deep commitment to unity, safety, and positive cultural celebration. That commitment extends far beyond music—it reaches into the very streets, neighborhoods, and campuses we serve. This is why we proudly introduce our Community Policing & Public Safety Engagement Initiative, a model for proactive, inclusive, and accountable public safety partnerships.
Why Community Policing Matters
Community policing is more than law enforcement—it’s relationship-building. At Orange Crush, we believe every officer should be seen as a neighbor, mentor, and partner—not just a badge. Our program creates a space where students, visitors, and locals can feel protected and respected.
We’ve built this framework not just to reduce incidents, but to proactively prevent harm, improve trust, and bridge gaps between public safety and the people they serve—especially in Black and underserved communities.
What We’re Doing: Policing Reimagined for Festivals and Beyond
🟧 Meet & Greet Patrols
Before, during, and after the event, law enforcement and campus officers walk among guests—not to intimidate, but to introduce themselves, offer directions, share safety tips, and engage in genuine conversations.
🟧 Veteran & Student Officer Ambassadors
Leveraging military-trained officers and HBCU campus police, we engage younger audiences and create natural bridges between law enforcement and attendees. Veterans are respected leaders in our ecosystem—and many wear the uniform again to protect this space.
🟧 Positive Policing Campaigns
Click It or Ticket
Don’t Drink & Drive
Uber First
Walk & Talk Patrols
These campaigns promote safety through culture—not just citations.
🟧 Youth Recruitment & Career Pathways
Through partnerships with Tybee PD, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah State University Security, and Georgia State Patrol, we’re encouraging local students, especially HBCU attendees, to explore careers in law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety innovation.
Key Public Safety Partners
Tybee Island Police Department – Chief Hayes
→ Local traffic control, beach engagement, recruitment, and lead community presence
Savannah State University Security & Savannah Police
→ Campus safety bridge, city-to-beach coordination, and student-centered policing
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Coleman
→ Broader regional coverage, community engagement, and support vehicles
Georgia State Patrol
→ Road safety operations, DUI prevention, and traffic escort from Savannah to Tybee
Event Security Teams
15+ On-Foot Beach Security
10+ Emergency Response Officers in Vehicles
Coordinated Response Training with Festival Staff & Volunteer Safety Captains
A Safer, Smarter Spring Break for All
At the Orange Crush Festival, we’re setting the national standard for safe, inclusive, and culturally competent festival policing. Whether you’re a first-time guest, a local resident, a university official, or a public servant, we welcome you into this shared mission.
Together, we don’t just celebrate—we protect, uplift, and build real community.
🧡 Respect the Culture. Protect the People. Reimagine Public Safety.
“Crush Education Initiatives: Where Culture Meets Curriculum”
🔸 ABOVE THE PAGES SERIES
“Crush Education Initiatives: Where Culture Meets Curriculum”
At the heart of the Orange Crush ecosystem lies a bold and transformative commitment: Crush Education Initiatives, a statewide blueprint redefining what it means to learn, lead, and uplift. From the shores of Tybee Island to the lecture halls of HBCUs, CRUSH is turning festival culture into civic power.
🔶
EDUCATION AS A LIFESTYLE
Crush Education Initiatives are more than workshops—they’re living laboratories of real-world impact. Designed to merge festival culture with academic excellence, these programs deliver hands-on experience in:
Mental Health Awareness
Entrepreneurship & Branding
Cryptocurrency & Financial Literacy
Environmental Sustainability
Media, Journalism, & Civic Storytelling
Government, Law, & Advocacy
With sessions led by faculty like Dr. Dennis Kimbro (Clark Atlanta University) and powered by student leaders like MJ Gresham (Savannah State), CRUSH is cultivating the next generation of thinkers, doers, and digital innovators.
🔶
WHERE IT’S HAPPENING
Crush Education has live activation partners across Georgia:
Savannah State University (SSU)
Clark Atlanta University (CAU)
Spelman College
Albany State University (ASU)
Georgia Southern University
Atlanta Blockchain Center
Morehouse, Fort Valley, Georgia Tech & more
Each campus initiative is custom-built to align with the local academic focus and student body needs—whether it’s beach sustainability, performance arts, or crypto education.
🔶
WHO IT’S FOR
Students: Gain paid leadership roles, speaker training, and brand development experience
Faculty: Lead custom workshops and serve on state education panels
Sponsors: Engage with community-first campaigns and Gen Z visionaries
Veterans: Receive resources in entrepreneurship, mentorship, and financial tech
🔶
POWERED BY CRUSH COIN
Every initiative is backed by Crush Coin DAO, giving students access to blockchain education, digital wallets, and real-world utility during and after the event. Education doesn’t stop at the festival—it becomes currency for the future.
🔶
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Whether you’re a student ready to lead, a professor ready to teach, or a sponsor ready to invest in the future—Crush Education Initiatives are your front row seat to the future of culture-led learning.
📥 Learn More: OrangeCrushUniversity.us
📩 Education@OrangeCrushFestival.org
Celebrity Spotlight: WINNIE HARLOW
WINNIE HARLOW
Model | Activist | Entrepreneur
Why Winnie Harlow?
Authenticity: She broke barriers as one of the first mainstream models with vitiligo and continues to redefine beauty standards.
Cultural Impact: Winnie is a vocal advocate for self-love and inclusivity in fashion and media.
Festival Vibes: Her bold style, high-energy presence, and Caribbean heritage (Jamaican-Canadian) resonate with the vibrant, unapologetic energy of Orange Crush.
Entrepreneurship: Founder of Cay Skin, she balances modeling with building a beauty empire—perfect for a CRUSH Magazine empowerment theme.
🌟 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: WINNIE HARLOW
Redefining Beauty, Empowering Generations
Winnie Harlow, born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young on July 27, 1994, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is a trailblazing Jamaican-Canadian model and public spokesperson known for her distinctive skin condition, vitiligo. Diagnosed at the age of four, she faced bullying and isolation during her youth, which led to her dropping out of high school. However, she transformed these challenges into a platform for empowerment and change.
✨ Breaking Barriers in Fashion
Winnie’s modeling career gained significant attention after her participation in the 21st cycle of “America’s Next Top Model” in 2014. Although she did not win, her unique look and strong personality caught the eye of the fashion world. She became the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018 and has appeared in campaigns for major brands like Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike.
💪 Advocacy and Entrepreneurship
Beyond modeling, Winnie is a passionate advocate for self-acceptance and inclusivity. She has spoken openly about her experiences with vitiligo, aiming to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. In March 2022, she launched her own skincare line, Cay Skin, focusing on sun protection products suitable for all skin tones, inspired by her personal experiences with sun sensitivity due to vitiligo.
🎤 Cultural Impact
Winnie’s influence extends into popular culture. She appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade” in 2016 and has been featured in music videos for artists like Eminem and Shakira. Her presence in these projects underscores her role as a symbol of diversity and empowerment in the entertainment industry.
🏆 Recognition and Personal Life
Winnie’s contributions have been recognized globally; she was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2018. In her personal life, she became engaged to NBA player Kyle Kuzma in February 2025, marking a new chapter in her journey.
Winnie Harlow’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Her commitment to redefining beauty standards and advocating for inclusivity resonates deeply with the values of the Orange Crush Festival. She exemplifies how embracing one’s uniqueness can lead to groundbreaking achievements and inspire countless others.
Student Spotlight: @IAMLIVVYNICOLE
@iamlivvynicole is a SCAD’28 student & CRUSH model who is also a Business Owner & Custom Clothing Designer (@SaintIvy)
Featuring: @iamlivvynicole
SCAD | Model • Creative Director • Advocate
🌟
“More than a look. It’s a legacy.”
Savannah-based student and creative powerhouse @iamlivvynicole is redefining what it means to lead with style, soul, and substance. As a standout talent at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Livvy is using her voice and platform to shift narratives and open doors—not just for herself, but for the entire creative community.
👑
Who She Is
Major: Fashion Marketing & Management
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Affiliations: SCAD Black Student Union, Campus Model Collective
Instagram: @iamlivvynicole
Style Influence: Empowered femininity meets editorial edge
🔥
Why She Matters
Livvy isn’t just walking the runway—she’s building her own. As a model, mentor, and student leader, she brings a fierce sense of self, professionalism, and pride to every room she enters. Her advocacy includes:
Uplifting young Black creators in fashion and media
Promoting mental health awareness and self-love in the modeling industry
Collaborating with local and national brands that align with her values
📸
What’s Next
From curating shoots to leading student panels, Livvy is preparing for a career that’s equal parts business and beauty. She plans to launch a digital series focused on Black women in creative leadership and continues to serve as a voice for inclusion across campus.
🧡
Crushing Forward
As a rising force in both fashion and higher education, @iamlivvynicole embodies the Orange Crush Festival mission: amplify culture, empower youth, and celebrate excellence. We’re proud to spotlight her as a CRUSH Student Leader and style innovator.
🗣️ “I want girls to know they don’t have to change to be powerful. They can be soft and bold, beautiful and brilliant—exactly as they are.” – Livvy
🔥 STUDENT LEADER SPOTLIGHT
💫 Livvy Nicole | @iamlivvynicole
SCAD Student • Model • Creative Visionary • Youth Advocate
🎨
CREATIVITY WITH CONVICTION
Livvy Nicole, a standout student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), is blazing a trail across the worlds of fashion, art, wellness, and youth empowerment. Known for her signature grace and grounded presence, she commands not just runways—but real conversations.
Livvy isn’t waiting for doors to open. She’s building new ones—fusing her modeling work with community engagement and unapologetic advocacy for self-love, visibility, and power in Black womanhood.
🧠
BEYOND THE CAMERA
While her editorial images captivate thousands, Livvy’s work off-camera is just as compelling:
Hosted youth confidence workshops for local high school girls in Savannah
Leads campus dialogues on colorism, body image, and inclusivity in creative industries
Launched her own visual storytelling platform, where she curates interviews with underrepresented creatives in fashion and tech
✨
HER IMPACT IN NUMBERS
18+ modeling credits with brands from Atlanta to New York
3 student-led campaigns focused on mental health and self-worth
1,000+ followers inspired daily by her affirmations and style tips
Featured in 2 short films promoting Black fashion history & identity
🧡
HER ORANGE CRUSH LEGACY
Livvy represents the CRUSH mission in every way:
Creative. Resilient. Unapologetic. Strategic. Hopeful.
As a SCAD ambassador and student influencer, she will be part of Orange Crush University’s 2025–2026 Student Advisory Network—helping plan fashion showcases, youth panels, and campus tours centered around representation and social impact.
🗣️
LIVVY’S MESSAGE TO OTHER YOUNG LEADERS
“If they say you’re ‘too much,’ stay louder. If they don’t see your light, shine harder. You were made to be seen. You don’t need to fit in when you were born to stand out.”
📌
QUICK FACTS
Major: Fashion Marketing & Management
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Campus Role: Model Collective Co-Director
Passions: Healing through creativity, Afrofuturist aesthetics, media justice
Dream Collaboration: Rihanna’s Fenty, and a global body-positivity docuseries
📸
COMING SOON: CRUSH x LIVVY COLLAB
Watch for Livvy’s upcoming features in:
CRUSH University Tour (Fall 2025)
HBCU Influencer Showcase
Crush Magazine Fall Style Issue
Student Spotlight: Cori’Anna White
Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE
Student Spotlight: Cori’Anna White
There are leaders—and then there are visionaries. Cori’Anna White, the 84th SGA President of Spelman College, represents a new era of leadership rooted in integrity, excellence, and intentionality. Her presidency is not just a position of power—it’s a platform of purpose, centered on equity, cultural representation, and academic transformation.
Leading With Purpose at Spelman
As SGA President, Cori’Anna White carries the torch of one of the most respected student leadership roles in the HBCU community. She leads with poise and precision, committed to amplifying student voices, preserving Spelman’s legacy, and building new pathways for those who will follow. Her leadership is both visionary and tactical—grounded in real issues and powered by a deep connection to her peers.
A Champion of Black Womanhood and Legacy
Spelman College has long been a national symbol of Black excellence and womanhood. As the 84th SGA President, Cori’Anna continues that legacy while boldly expanding it. She champions issues that matter—mental health, policy transparency, civic engagement—and represents her student body with authenticity and grace. Her presidency speaks to the larger cultural force that Spelman women have always represented.
Shaping the CRUSH Ecosystem and Beyond
Cori’Anna’s work extends into the broader CRUSH Ecosystem, where she brings clarity, balance, and strategic thought leadership. She is a powerful advocate for elevating the presence and influence of HBCU women in leadership networks, media, and movement spaces. Her story is a reminder that when you invest in the leadership of Black women, you are investing in generational progress.
Cori’Anna White is more than a student leader—she is a symbol of Spelman’s living legacy. Her vision, courage, and unwavering commitment ensure that the future of HBCUs remains in powerful hands.
SGA Presidents Are Essential to HBCU Progress & TheCulture
SGA Presidents Are Essential to HBCU Progress
Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE
Student Spotlight: Victoria Smiley
Leadership is not always loud—it is focused, fearless, and deeply intentional. Victoria Smiley, the 2025–2026 Student Government Association (SGA) President at Clark Atlanta University, embodies that definition of leadership. Her presidency stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation, reinforcing the enduring value of student-led governance at one of the nation’s most iconic HBCUs.
Commanding with Purpose
Victoria approaches her role with the clarity of a seasoned strategist and the heart of a community builder. From campus policy to peer empowerment, her presidency is anchored in advocacy, access, and accountability. She leads with a sharp awareness of student needs and a grounded sense of responsibility to her peers and the university’s legacy.
Building Her Legacy at Clark Atlanta
Clark Atlanta University has long been a beacon of Black intellectual power and social change. As SGA President, Victoria sees herself not just as a representative, but as a steward of that legacy. She is committed to amplifying student voices, reinforcing academic equity, and sustaining the cultural pride that CAU students wear proudly.
SGA Presidents Are Essential to HBCU Progress
Victoria Smiley exemplifies why SGA Presidents at HBCUs are more than ceremonial figures. They are culture shapers, movement builders, and institutional influencers. Their work reflects the unique political and cultural context of Black colleges—where education and liberation are deeply connected.
A Role Model in the CRUSH Leadership Network
Victoria’s presence in the CRUSH Ecosystem solidifies her as a rising voice in student-centered leadership. Her thoughtful governance and bold vision make her a role model for students across the country who are stepping into leadership in spaces that demand both purpose and power.
With leaders like Victoria Smiley, the future of HBCUs remains both protected and propelled. She is proof that Black student leadership continues to be one of the most transformative forces in higher education.
Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE Part 2 Why SGA Presidents Matter at HBCUs
Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE
Why SGA Presidents Matter at HBCUs
Student Government Association (SGA) Presidents are more than student representatives — they are the soul of campus leadership, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In institutions where history, identity, and innovation intersect, SGA Presidents play a transformative role in preserving culture, advocating for equity, and amplifying the collective voice of the student body.
They Advocate for the People
At HBCUs, student needs are dynamic, and the stakes are high. SGA Presidents serve as a direct line between students and administration, often addressing issues like housing, food insecurity, financial aid delays, and campus safety. Their advocacy ensures that policies reflect the lived realities of the students they serve.
They Preserve and Elevate Black Excellence
HBCUs are cultural powerhouses, and SGA Presidents are among their fiercest protectors. Through their leadership, they curate programs, uphold traditions, and ensure that the legacies of Black scholars, activists, and trailblazers are honored and evolved. They are not just students of history — they are shapers of it.
They Learn Real-Time Governance
Being an SGA President at an HBCU means managing budgets, negotiating with administrators, addressing press and policy, and navigating power dynamics — all in real time. These experiences prepare them for roles in government, law, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership. It’s more than student government — it’s statecraft in motion.
They Mobilize Movements
SGA Presidents are organizers. They rally students to vote, protest, create, and lead. Whether it’s a local campus issue or a national movement, these leaders know how to bring people together, build consensus, and make change happen. Their work often serves as a blueprint for civic engagement far beyond college life.
Conclusion
In the ecosystem of HBCUs, the SGA President is one of the most powerful and influential figures on campus. Their presence is essential to progress. They are catalysts, defenders, innovators, and visionaries — and their leadership deserves both recognition and investment.
Student Spotlight: Zaylen Gates
At the heart of Savannah State University’s student life beats a leader who blends charisma, confidence, and commitment — Zaylen Gates, the 2025-2026 SGA President. Known for his approachable energy and strategic mindset, Zaylen represents a new generation of student leaders: bold, informed, and unafraid to raise the standard for what student government can truly achieve at an HBCU.
Campus Leadership with Purpose
As SGA President, Zaylen leads with intentionality. He’s focused on bringing students into the decision-making process, ensuring SSU policies reflect the real experiences of those on campus. From safety reforms to enhanced student engagement, Zaylen has made it his mission to ensure that every student’s concerns lead to action, not just talk.
An Influential Voice in the Tiger Nation
Zaylen’s leadership style resonates deeply with Savannah State’s rich legacy of activism and academic excellence. Whether he’s speaking at campus events or working behind the scenes, he brings authenticity and strength to every setting. His leadership embodies the values of respect, accountability, and unity.
Why Zaylen Matters in the CRUSH Ecosystem
As Savannah State plays a vital role in the Orange Crush University network, Zaylen stands out as a key bridge between students, innovation, and tradition. His commitment to cultural leadership, student advocacy, and institutional impact makes him a powerful voice in the statewide CRUSH movement. He not only represents Savannah State — he represents what’s possible when leadership is done with both heart and vision.
Zaylen Gates is more than just SGA President — he’s a movement leader, an agent of change, and a trusted voice for the next generation of HBCU scholars. With leaders like Zaylen, the future of student government — and the future of our communities — is in good hands.
The Importance of SGA Presidents at HBCUs
The Importance of SGA Presidents at HBCUs
Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE
The Importance of SGA Presidents at HBCUs
At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the role of a Student Government Association (SGA) President extends far beyond student representation. These student leaders are often the heartbeat of their campus, helping shape policies, promote civic engagement, and amplify the cultural legacy of Black excellence.
1. Representation & Student Voice
SGA Presidents serve as the elected voice of the student body. At HBCUs, where student culture is vibrant and rooted in activism, this role takes on historic significance. SGA leaders advocate for everything from campus safety and mental health to equitable funding and inclusive events, ensuring student needs are heard at the highest levels.
2. Cultural Legacy & Leadership Development
Many SGA Presidents at HBCUs see themselves as legacy builders. Inspired by past generations of leaders who fought for civil rights, educational access, and equity, today's student government leaders embrace their role as changemakers. HBCUs cultivate leadership deeply intertwined with identity, heritage, and service to the community.
3. Policy Impact & Real-World Governance
SGA Presidents operate at the intersection of student life and institutional policy. From collaborating with university boards to engaging with state officials, these student leaders gain hands-on experience in governance. This level of responsibility prepares them for careers in politics, education, law, and public service.
4. Visibility & Campus Morale
The SGA President often becomes a symbol of campus unity, especially during rallies, homecomings, or moments of crisis. Their ability to uplift and mobilize the student body is critical for maintaining morale, trust, and momentum throughout the school year. Visibility paired with authenticity is their superpower.
Student Spotlight: Jonathin Bing
Every generation of HBCU student leaders brings its own flavor, resilience, and mission to the forefront. At Albany State University, that leadership shines brightly through Jonathin Bing, the 2025-2026 SGA President and newly crowned Mister Albany State University. He represents the gold standard of student excellence—balancing academics, advocacy, and authenticity with the poise of a true servant-leader.
From Student Voice to Campus Vision
Jonathin’s leadership journey at Albany State reflects the deep tradition of HBCU greatness. As SGA President, he champions student concerns with clarity and conviction, making sure that every voice—from the dorms to the administration—has a seat at the table. His vision centers on creating real change: stronger student engagement, mental health access, and opportunities for Black excellence to flourish beyond the gates of ASU.
Leading with Legacy
Being crowned Mister Albany State isn’t just a title—it’s a calling. Jonathin understands the cultural significance of Black pageantry and uses his platform to uplift others, especially young men navigating identity, responsibility, and leadership. His presence on campus isn’t just felt—it inspires.
Why He Matters to the CRUSH Ecosystem
Jonathin’s influence stretches beyond Albany. As part of the Orange Crush University network and student advisory pipeline, he brings strategic insight, peer-led energy, and a commitment to community uplift. Leaders like Jonathin don’t just shape schools—they shape the future of the movement. He is a living reminder that when HBCU students lead, entire communities rise.
In Jonathin Bing, Albany State gains more than a president. The CRUSH Ecosystem gains a partner. And HBCUs gain yet another proof point that Black student leadership remains a vital source of innovation, power, and pride.
Conclusion
HBCU SGA Presidents are not just student representatives — they are ambassadors of culture, innovation, and collective power. Their leadership directly shapes the student experience and leaves a lasting impact that ripples beyond graduation. Supporting and spotlighting these student leaders is essential to preserving the purpose, power, and promise of HBCUs.