BLACKWORLD for Over 25 Years LETTER from the EDITOR

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'U I BLACKWORLD For Over 25 Years LETTER FROM THE EDITOR .. Mylask three years a:SitanyBrcok education. It makes sense that we should :e·"'l,··· - ::~:u i-:Y5-19-~ have bee.dan illusiqon.-Iwaseunder the explore the knowledge givenft6i•us ow- u .~ impressi4nthat as students,:we couldbe ever, .Ibelieve that as students we should confident that we are receiving informa- be able to depend on our professors to be tion from some of the most scholarly unbiased and not incorporate their per- w S- professors in the state, however, I was. sonal beliefs with the facts. wrong Now more than ever, I see the need, I was wrong for two reasons. First, I as a student of color to do my own re- found that there exists professors here at search and to draw my own conclusions. Stony Brook who do not fully understand This rude awakening was a blessing as the history of what they teach... What's well as a burden because it forced me to even more disturbing is some professors realize that professors can be ignorant and have the audacity to make racial state- the need to learn outside of the syllabus is ments during their lectures in regards to critical. the history of African-American people. We have often heard the saying "Knovledge is Power." Well, let's take Shaila Mentore The second reason being, I was told by a professor of the Africana Studies depart- that a step further. Let's self-educate in . MANAGING EDITOR ment that as students, especially students addition to our institutionalized education. Yvonne Belizario of color, we are here to learn how to Let's take the initiative to learn about our COPY EDITOR think for ourselves. We haveto make our history so when professors taint their fi1/lli•r nt Tnicrriii nii own idldeme.nt.e and not inst take the lectures with their nersonal views, either

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By: Yvonne Belizario universities an estimated $750 for the next aca- proposed a $13.8 million cut to opportunity pro- BLACKWORLD Staff demic year. He also proposed to eliminate the grams and a $4 million cut to child care programs, Next Tuesday November 5, 2002 there will Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for graduate that was approved by state legislature. bea gubernatorial election held here in New York studentsbut then decided to decrease itby a $100 In 2002-2003 Pataki proposed to keep State. The two major party candidates are cur- when initial proposal was rejected. Pataki then prior cuts and cut an additional $235,000 from rent governor George Pataki (Republican) and approved reduction in undergraduate TAP by EOP. In which the legislature restored most of current State Comptroller Carl McCall (Demo- $225. He also proposed to eliminate funding for that money. crat). "opportunity" programs. All theseproposals were During his term, proposals for TAP pro- IfCarl McCall unseats the incumbent it will rejected. grams and awards fluctuated between cuts and mark a point in history because it will be the first In 1996-1997, he tried to reduce TAP again increases. Cuts and increases to SUNY and time a black person was ever elected governor in and raise tuition by $250 but was rejected. In CUNY schools also fluctuated New York State. 1997-1998 another legislative proposal was re- Overall, New York families that make the In the past, the voting age population be- jected when he tried raising tuition by $400. least amount ofmoney spend a third of their in- tween the ages of 18-25 has not exercised their In 1998-1999, Pataki vetoed state legisla- come on sending their dependents to schools right to vote in large enough numbers. It is also tures proposals to decrease book costs by $65. costing the least amount of money. This is the very important forpeople of color to know where He tried to cap TAP awards at 75% so that the highest percentage in the United States of candidates stand on issues that affect them as well. rest of the money would have to come out of America. Some issues that greatly affect them are is- student's pockets and limit maximum awards to- Rockefeller Drug Laws: In 1973, sues ofdrug laws, city commuter fare increases, wards students taking 15 credits or more. Both Governor Nelson Rockefeller enacted the racial profiling and education altogether. This is proposals rejected. Rockefeller Drug Laws that critics say would to point out issues that adversely affect people in Then a proposal that was legislated was to prove to be the harshest in the country to date. this category and find outhow the Pataki admin- limit awards to students who went over four years People of color are incensed at the statistics show- istration handled them. in school. ing that blacks and Latinos make up to 94% of Higher Education: In the academic year But in 2000-2001 he proposed a $10.8 mil- 1995-1996, Pataki's first year as governor, he lion cut to the opportunity programs, which he then continued on pg.13 proposed to raise tuition for public colleges and approved legislature to restore. The next year he HIP-HOP & POLITICS

By.Jennifer Jacques did not originally support McCall. handled the 9/11 situation, seeing what hap- BLACKWORLD Contributor Simmons was in support of Andrew pened in this city ... I decided, you know The 2002 Gubernatorial race is heat- Cuomo. what? I'm going to vote; I'm going to regis- ing up as the day for Americans to cast their When Russell was asked by Creating ter. This will be the first gentleman I vote votes approaches. A New America to comment on why he chose for," LL Cool J said. Democratic candidate, Carl McCall, Cuomo and not McCall, he answered "to the After hearing about the endorsement trails behind republican incumbent Gover- politicians and adults offended by hip-hop's from LL Cool J, Pataki told reporters that nor George Pataki. Both candidates are try- language, I quote Ben Chavis, who says, 'I'm he was a fan of LL Cool J and said that he ing to rally as much support as they can from offended by the poverty and conditions of the considered him a good role model. community leaders and or individuals that ghetto, not young people's language." I don't "I think it's just incredible the way thai play a major role in the voting pattern of care about politics. I care about poor people. someone who is an entertainer, a superstai their supporters. And yes, in the New York gubernatorial race, the magnitude of LL Cool J, cares about his The black and Hispanic community rep- I backed Andrew Cuomo and not Carl community," Pataki said. resents a gold mine of votes for both candi- McCall. The endorsement of both candidates dates. This year, there has been a great I didn't support McCall just because he's from such great icons in the hip-hop com- amount of effort pooled into trying to get the black -he's a nice man, well spoken, he munity has created a buzz amongst hip-hop vote out amongst African-Americans. represents us well. But I supported Cuomo fans. If this is what is needed to get young Hip-hop artists have joined the band- because he was the only white speaker at the African-Americans and Latinos involved ir wagon and have come out in the open; show- Redeem the Dream March on Washington. politics, then many might agree that the buz2 ing support for candidates whom they plan McCall - for 35 years - has never been is worthwhile. to vote for. LL Cool J announced that he with angry black people marching anywhere." On November 5,2002 America has the was endorsing New York Governor George Andrew Cuomo decided to drop out of chance to make history by possibly electing Pataki against Democratic candidate Carl H. the democratic primary in order to allow the first black governor ofN.Y State. Vot McCall. McCall to receive the full support of the ing is one of the fundamental rights guaran Rap mogul Russell Simmons, creator Democratic Party. L.L Cool J, on the other teed under the constitution. It's a choice tha of Def Jam, and producer Sean 'P. Diddy' hand, felt that September 11, 2001 played a Americans should not take lightly. Combs are in support of McCall. Although, major role in his decision for governor. during the democratic primaries, Simmons "After seeing how the governor

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I I I I I I I I · · · 1 I A VKY*I IONE N ATION 4 I Meet Dean Stein

By: Shaila Mentore . a Doctoral Studies degree in education, a Another issue on Stein's agenda is the BLACKWORLD Staff B.S. in psychology from SUNY Cortland apathy on campus. "I want to see staff He is a professor, a strong supporter and a masters in College Student Develop- members, faculty and students come to- of the campus group COALITION, he ment from Bolling Green University in Ohio. gether at all events," Stein said. He ex- designed the S.A.F.E program and most Stein teaches "Men in American Soci- pressed his pride in the diversity of the stu- recently he became the Dean of Students ety," a one credit seminar course which he dent population on campus. The most at Stony Brook University. These are just also designed. As a professor in the de- powerful diversity exercise is that students a few of the many things that Dean Jerry partment of Social Work Stein gets the op- work and play together Stein said. "We Stein is involved in. portunity to meet a lot of students. "I like are in a pretty good place in terms of how Though Stein was officially supposed to create structures for students," Stein we get along with one another," he added. to start his new position as Dean of Stu- said. In H Quad there is a dedication sight dents on September 19, 2002 he took it Some of the programs Stein hopes to to Stein for his dedicated years of service upon himself to start in late August. He implement on the campus are undergradu- to the campus community. He hopes the then got the opportunity to meet and in- ate college programs that include using the campus adapts this philosophy that it writ- teract with new students on campus while quads as living learning centers. ten at his sight, "Tell me, I forget, show getting ideas on programs to implement on Mendelsohn Quad is the first of the six me, I remember; involve me, I understand. campus. quads to implement this idea with its engi- "I hope that I serve as a mentor," Stein Stein has been apart of the Stony neering program. "The purpose is to give said. Brook community for the last 26 years. His students faculty and academic support," career started at Stony Brook as the H said Stein. quad Director in 1976 where he later be- These living learning centers are sup- came the Dean and Director of Residen- posed to create a sense of community where tial Education Programs. students feel welcomed and supported. Besides being well rounded in his ex- Tabler Quad's cafeteria will be the humani- periences, Stein has a series of degrees to ties, arts and culture living learning center. add to his expertise, some of which include "It will be a place for gathering," said Stein. Al Sharpton For President? Negro Please!

By:Patrick Blemur Operation Breadbasket, an organization that 1997, and the shooting of unarmed Ghanaian BLACKWORLD Contributor boycotted and demonstrated against businesses immigrant Amadou Diallo by four New York Al Sharpton has undoubtedly become the that were not hiring blacks. City policemen in 1999. most revered and prominent leader in the black After high school and a few years at These are only a few of Sharpton' s politi- community today. Despite the events in his past, Brooklyn College, in 1971', Sharpton began his cal involvement and leadership credentials that i.e. the Tawanna Brawley case and the recent own organization, the National Youth Move- he has exemplified. Is this to become our Presi- drug allegations, Sharpton has remained the ment. dent? one consistent voice within the minority com- After meeting soul singer James Brown in It would be fair to equate Sharpton's munity. 1973, Sharptonbecamehis touring manager until popularity, to the people, to the old saying, "re- With the likes of Jesse Jackson and the early 1980s; all the while continuing his po- spected by few, hated by many." Not to say Farrakhan, Sharpton has been more visible, liticalactivism. that he doesn't have a good support group, but vocal, and consistent throughout his tenure as In 1991, Sharpton founded the National one needs more than respect to overcome the a black political figure in America. Action Network, a civil rights organization that presidency. When we hear the name Al Sharpton, seeks economic justice and political empower- He still has yet to capture the full attention some of us laugh, and regard him as ajoke. ment for the disenfranchised. ofthe minority population in the U.S. Attempts He isdescribed as an ignorant individual who Sharpton ran unsuccessfully in the 1992 have beenmade, but continuous allegations and speks without substance and hasno substan- and 1994 Democratic primaries for the U.S. a plagued reputation have continued to tial merit that could prove otherwise. Senate from New York. In 1993, he served a downplay his contribution in the struggle foi Some suggest that Sharpton is the leader well-publicized 45-day jail sentence resulting equal rights and representation. of the black community. They see him as the from a 1987 protest march that shut down the Yet his efforts cannot be denied. Sharptor only individual who has brought the issues ex- Brooklyn Bridge. hosted strong numbers in his mayoral bid in 199' isting within the black community to the fore- In 1997, Sharpton made an impressive in his loss to former mayor Rudolph Guiliani front. showing in the city's Democratic mayoral pri- Although he had his share oflosses, the ques- Born in Brooklyn, New York in mary, winning 32 percent of the vote. tion is, is Sharpton really trying to win or doe! 1954. At the age often, he became involved More recently, Sharpton led large dem- he have another motive in his quest for somc in the church, becoming an ordained minister. onstrations against police brutality in the New political authority? In 1969, civil rights leader Jesse Jack- York Police Department following the police son appointed Sharpton as youth director for torture of Haitian immigrant Abner Louima in continued on pg. 1

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By: Chealynn Feaster up and speak whether they allowed him to or HIV and don't know. Some people know they BLACKWORLD Staff not. His focus was not to get up and tell us his have HIV and don't tell. "I'm looking at a room full of dead people," every day struggles in life. He wanted students "My purpose is to save your life," said Lisa, said Gregory Dawson, an HIV/AIDS educator. to identify themselves with him. He came to a 32 year old, single black mother who unknow- On October 22, Lambda Upsilon Lambda college. He went to class. He had friends. He ingly contracted HIV at the age of eighteen. She fraternity Inc, hosted Truth Hurts, a program went to parties. He contracted HIV. lived with the disease ten years before she found dedicated to educating students on HIV and "We know how it happens." "We know out she had it. AIDS prevention. Dawson's goal was to help stu- how we get it, there is no reason why this should "Ifyou think you leave someone behind after dents become more conscious of the growing be an issue," Mark said. "People don't ask dating them, you don't, he or she will be with you epidemic. about it." "We ignore it and don't consider the for the rest of your life." Lisa continued to let the The program was not just two hours of sta- consequences." "Assumptions get people into audience know what her life was like as a person tistics that most of us probably would have for- trouble," he added. living with this deadly virus. gotten as soon as we left the room. This pro- People know the risk factors and choose She was not able to finish pursuing her dream gram included statistics as well as personal ac- to ignore them and don't insist on using protec- ofbeing an architect. Her initial feeling was shame. counts of people living with HIV. tion. He compared it to wearing a seat belt She kept her health status a secret from her fam- The turning point of the night came when every single time you get in a car. Assume that ily for two years. She felt as though she had let Mark, an HIV positive, twenty-two year old, jun- one day, you are not wearing your seat belt. them down. Her pain showed through her words, ior and student here at Stony Brook stood up You get into an accident and go flying through there was not a dry eye in the room. and spoke to an auditorium full of people. the windshield, it is too late. It is irreversible. Lisa wanted people to know that this is not "I live with you guys," Mark said. The message constantly stressed was; it an honest world. People lie and cheat. How- By standing up and telling his peers his sta- can happen to you. In the year 2000, more ever, we each must take responsibility for our- tus, Mark took a risk. Mark took a risk of being African Americans were reported with HIV selves and refuse to compromise. We only live ostracized by his peers. He took that risk to get than any other racial/ethnic group. Represent- one life and once you lose it, you can't get it back. students to look at the risks they take when en- ing only twelve percent of the U S population, gaging in unprotected sex. African Americans make up almost thirty eight Mark later told me that he was going to stand percent of AIDS cases. Some people have Little Known Facts: Malcolm X By: Donovan Davies credibility of Malcolm X. Wearing a well-tai- important than what he had to say, Malcolm BLACKWORLD Staff lored two-piece black suit, a sharply ironed X tried to conform to the conservative ways Among the elite names in black history, white long sleeve shirt, and a perfectly tied of America as much as he could. as well as in American history, falls Malcolm bow tie was an everyday dress code for Mr. Conforming was easier said than done. X. Malcolm X is best remembered for his Malcolm X. He realized that dressing the part was only active role in the struggle against injustice He was a successful black man and he half the battle. Although Malcolm X was part towards black people in the 1960's. looked the part. In his time, that was ex- of the civil rights movement, he did not want He fought against oppressive forces tremely rare. Malcolm X wanted to show the to fit the stereotypical description of a revo- that targeted blacks on a constant basis. The world that he, along with the message he pro- lutionist created by white America. racial tension that surrounded Malcolm X moted, was distinguished. Photographs captured the finished became the driving force behind his motiva- Knowing that the hue of skin was more product, but would never reveal the hours tional, as well as, provocative speeches. of meticulous preparation necessary to All Malcolm X really wanted, was to achieve this appearance. see Afro-Americans progress through edu- Malcolm X was a very intelligent man cation and spirituality. He wanted to em- and he knew that his appearance would help power his black people. He wanted blacks in the positive portrayal of himself; indirectly to regain their natural sense of pride. furthering the positive portrayal of black This would not be an easy task. people. Malcolm X would first have to overcome the A viewer can come to these very same stereotype of being a "black person." conclusions by analyzing any picture along He was a distinguished gentleman and with a little knowledge of Malcolm X. Even made sure he was portrayed as such. His though the photos of Malcolm X tell a lot very formal dress made it very hard for an about him, to really know what he was about unbiased person to think of him as anything one would have to listen to the speeches he less that a gentleman. made. In his times, white America did not be- The only way to understand what lieve in an Afro-American being a gentleman. They tried their best to destroy the continued on pg.13

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By: DariseJean-Baptiste ment with O'Reilly's campaign to discontinue his BLA CKWORLD Staff contract with the Pepsi corporation. You may have seen the Pepsi commer- The Atlanta based rapper well known for cials which aired earlier this year that featured his dirty-South style and popular songs like Ludacris and Britney Spears. Unlike the com- "What's your Fantasy," and "Move", does not mercials that Britney appeared in and received know "what made him [O'Reilly] single me out frequent airplay, the commercials that featured as an individual." Ludacris were discontinued. While rap is known for it's explicit and After making complaints about Ludacris fantastical content, it also serves as a cultural appearing in the Pepsi commercials, Bill O'Reilly medium used for expression by large diverse host of The O'Reilly Factor, finally succeeded groups of people. in getting the rapper whom he says "basically dis- When asked about his thoughts on respects women, encourages drug use and en- Britney Spears, who uses her sexuality tp market courages violence," off the commercials. her music, in comparison to Ludacris, O'Reilly With the backing of conservative pro-fam- says, "it's like comparing marijuana to heroin." ily groups, O'Reilly reasons that Pepsi Cola has Apparently to O'Reilly one is more damag- a social responsibility "because they make tril- ing or threatening to the other. Staying with the lions of dollars in the United States," narcotics analogy, drugs have effects regardless In a September 5 interview conducted of their popularity, availability, or method ofus- on his nightly show, O'Reilly talked with Frank age. Ski, an Atlanta based radio show host, about the "I'm speaking for myself, and if nobody Ludacris/Pepsi controversy. In defense of agrees with me, Ludacris would still have his Ludacris, Ski said that O'Reilly is no different in he describes as "antisocial behavior" like Ludacris job," O'Reilly said. using "the freedom of speech" card without a does on his program. Ludacris was not the first musical artist problem. In an excerpt from a previous interview O'Reilly said that he does not promote what with Ludacris, the rapper voiced his disappoint- continued on pg. 12 Brown Sugar, An Ode To Hip-Hop

By. Jonique Richardson bringing back the "real hip-hop" basics but is from an Adidas warm up suit break dancing BLACKWORLD Staff stuck signing commercial groups that are on the rooftop of a building to gold teeth, Back To Life financial commodities with no real rapping tight jeans and a big rimmed hat gambling It started deep in the Bronx. skills. with the fellas. Thelove that grew for hip-hop. Sanaa Lathan plays Diggs' best friend. There is a point in the video where A love that used to be hidden in the Her character is a journalist for a column on record executives try to push a contract in hearts of kids hip-hop and later promoted to editor at a her face. Badu walks away from it, meta- Who wrote poetry all too well in school prosperous hip-hop magazine. phorically walking away from commercialized And enjoyed it too much Diggs quits his job in pursuit of finding hip- hop. At the end of the video Common MC Sham, Run D.M.C, Slick Rick, his passion for the music. He pursues Mos and Badu walk on a bus driven by old school The Sugar Hill Gang, DJ Redd Alert... Defs character and they work on the rebirth DJ, Kool Here, with license plates that read They were hip-hop role models. of hip-hop. Lathan and Diggs, all the while try "FUTURE". The new Magic Johnson movie to uncover and discover their love for the The movie Brown Sugar, the song by Brown Sugar reawakens theses music and each other as they both know and Common Sense, "I Used to Love Her," and senses. The movie opened October 11, 2002 want it to be. the song by Erykah Badu, "Love of my Life," and was the rage on the Stony Brook cam- The story is written based on an old all pay homage to a music so beloved by its pus. Students had been talking about this Common song (a.k.a. Common Sense) that community that it has created a new culture movie everyday the week prior. personified Hip-hop. of women, men, and children, alike. The new A story about two kids that fell in "I met this girl when I was 12-years-old hip-hop family recognizes the music as its love with hip-hop and grew with it. This and what I loved most was that she had so focus. movie advances love and the dept of a much soul... I'm [going to] take her back It's the people and media coverage culture recognized by its struggle. hoping that the shit stops, 'cause who I'm that sparks the flame of hip-hop's fervor to In the film rapper/actor, Mos Def, talking about is hip-hop." survive, its severity, its proclamation of a plays a rapping cab driver that isn't looking Erykah Badu remade the song for the people's staying power. for a deal because he feels hip-hop has been movie's soundtrack. The title song, Love of It's the feeling after hearing Biggie's commercialized and taken to an all time low. My Life (an ode to hip hop), featured Com- "Juicy," Tupac's "Keep Your Head Up," Actor, Taye Diggs plays a record mon. The video shows hip-hop in its different Slick Rick's "Lotty Dotty," and MC Lyte's company executive who is interested in stages. Badu is shown wearing everything "Lyte as a Rock." IT'S HIP-HOP. - ---- 1-~-~p~~-- ~---~-. -~.~-1-~---- _-_·D-·------~-_ -- p-91~ ~~__------·I~-··-·~-~~~-----·sP1~6P~g 1 --~----~-01~- Belafonte vs. Powell

By: Millicent Ugochukwu Belafonte's statement "unfortunate" and said tending the U.N. World Conference Against BLA CKWORLD Staff that he is "proud to be serving" his nation and Racism in Durban, South Africa. On Tuesday October 8, 2002, long- his president. Niger Innis, spokesman for the con- time political activist / veteran singer Harry "If Harry had wanted to attack my servative Congress of Racial Equality Belafonte refused to retract remarks made politics, that was fine. If he wanted to attack (CORE), has condemned Belafonte's claims. in which he likened Secretary of State Colin a particular position I hold, that was fine. But "For years, Belafonte and the civil Powell to a house slave in the Bush admin- to use a slave reference, I think, is unfortu- rights movement have been pushing for black istration. nate and is a throwback to another time and Americans to get the opportunity to serve Belafonte ensures that his problems their country, and you now have a distin- have nothing to do with Powell himself but, guished general and now Secretary of State rather, with the policies that Powell sup- who is blazing his own path. It's a disgrace ports. what Belafonte is saying," Innis said. "I like Colin Powell, I like his West Belafonte stands by his remarks with Indian background, I like his intellect, I like no regrets. a lot of things that he does and his style. What is at fault here is a policy that's taking this country to hell," Belafonte said on CNN 's Larry King Live. Both Belafonte and Powell are of Jamaican descent. another place that I wish Harry had thought Belafonte's views also apply to Na- twice about using," Powell said. tional Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice. His Belafonte's remarks were part of a reason being that he has never heard her vehement speech in which he likened Attor- step out of line with the Bush administration's ney General John Ashcroft's tactics to those views. utilized during the McCarthy era in the 1950s. In response, Powell called He also criticized President Bush for not at- Is Non-Violence Relevant in 2002?

By: Justine Eaglin Tokyo. out independence if the only way to achieve BLACKWORLD Contributor In 1964, he founded Himmat, a weekly it were through killing vulnerable people. "If my grandfather was alive today he journal that spoke out against corruption. Mahatma Gandhi stood by his beliefs but not would ask all of us where ever we may be if Later Ghandi became the resident editor of without struggle. Before traveling to England we are doing enough to prepare strategies the Madras-based Indian Express newspa- he made three vows swearing to give up for justice and reconciliation," said per. He has authored several books on top- meat, liquor, and women, focusing on a sim- Rajmohan Gandhi at the close of his lecture ics of inter-religious and inter-ethnic coop- pler way of life. in the Student Activities Center's ballroom eration. He later made several trips to South Af- A on Wednesday October 24, 2002. Though Gandhi is busy working to rica where he worked to provide represen- Gandhi stood tall with a kind and promote harmony between ethnic and reli- tation for South African Indians while fight- humble presence as he responded to the gious groups, he took the time to relay his ing racial prejudice. Gandhi continued to question that was projected over his grandfather's message to Stony Brook. He explain how people did not approve of his grandfather's picture behind the podium... expressed how his grandfather devoted his grandfather's positive relations with Mus- "Is Gandhi Relevant In 2002?" life to fighting causes non-violently. lims. Mahatma Gandhi sustained his beliefs He addressed this question to the au- This was fighting for Indian indepen- by speaking out and urging others to do the dience that sat before him with an overview dence from the British and positive relations same while searching for light inside. of his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi's life, between Hindus and Muslims. He explained Rajmohan Gandhi quoted his grandfather by highlighting the importance of non-violence how Mahatma Gandhi saw that fear could turn saying "If you dissect my heart you will find and mutual understanding. These were strat- into hate and how he overcame that fear with a passion for unity inside and out." egies that Mahatma Gandhi used to fight for friendship. He believed that diversity did not When Mahatma Gandhi was almost civil rights and religious toleration. necessarily mean division but that diversity killed in an attempted assassination at a In continuing his grandfather's legacy equaled strength. With this belief as a Hindu, prayer meeting he responded not with hate Rajmohan Gandhi has been a prominent In- he befriended Muslims and although he op- but answered "he (the assassin) will have to dian civil rights activist. He earned his B.A. posed British rule, he did not hate the Brit- answer to God, and may God bless him." and M.A. degrees in economics from ish. Rajmohan Gandhi offered the audience with Stephens College in New Delhi, India and When violence became an option to the knowledge that non-violent relations are has been awarded an honorary Doctorate achieve independence, Rajhoman Gandhi de- attainable, but not without work, patience, of Philosophy from Oberlin University of scribed how his grandfather would do with- and understanding.

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BA *' ONNATION I II Diversity Strategies: Trying to Maintain Cultural Complexity By: DariseJean-Baptiste Howard University, William Soza, C.P.A and different ethnic backgrounds that all play a part BLACKWORLD Staff Philanthropist, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Colum- in achieving a brighter future. A learning insti- How diverse is the university that you nist for Black Issues in Higher Education, and tution that encourages participation across cul- attend? Do Stony Brook's social settings Attorney Curt Levey, Director of Legal and tures is one that would better prepare its stu- closely reflect those of the real world-complex, Public Affairs and Litigant in the University of dents for the changing world. multi-cultural, encompassing all genders? How Michigan affirmative action case. Diversity on campus is an issue that con- can diversity be measured? What is a diverse The conference allowed listeners to voice cerns students before and after graduation. Ex- environment? These are all questions that you their opinions and concerns via telephone. Stony posure to the issue will show its effects in the might want to keep in mind as you get ready to Brook's Office of Diversity and Affirmative Ac- real world on a broader social scale. It could step out into the real world. tion co-sponsored the event. Although few be a determinant of how well you adapt in Questions like the ones above were pre- Stony Brook participants attended the event, today's complex society. sented by Washington Regional Task Force those that did attend seemed very responsive The demands of today's complex so- Against Campus Prejudice at a to the different issues addressed concerning di- ciety make it necessary for one to have an edu- videoconference. The conference was entitled versity and higher education. cation. If the institutions in which education is "Diversity Strategies for Today's Complex Diversity can be considered in many dif- to be obtained are unfair in offering quality ser- Environment." The video conference panel ferent ways, when talking about affirmative ac- vices to all regardless of race or gender, then tackled a variety of issues ranging from affir- tion and equal employment opportunity, the what does the future hold for the leaders of mative action, educational budgeting, diversity word "diversity" is often used to express the type tomorrow? in colleges and graduate schools, and the use of environment where people of all races and One of the issues addressed at the video of standardized testing. genders can fairly participate. That is why con- conference was, what routes do we take to The expert panelists included Attorney ferences like "Diversity Strategies for Today's make our college campuses more diverse, as Shirley J. Wilcher, Executive Director for Complex Environment" are held; especially as there seems to be either an overrepresentation Americans for a Fair Chance, Dr. Zola Boone, affirmative action and equal employment oppor- or an under representation of a particular race Director for Institute for Diversity and tunity programs have been more recently placed at most educational institutions in the United Multicultural Affairs, Bowie State University, under great threat and scrutiny. Attorney Frank H. Wu, Professor of Law at Society today is made up of a variety of continued on pg. 15 Death By Stoning Pepsi (continued from pg.8) By: Chantel McGee uncertainty to deepen and negatively affect her to be taken off of a Pepsi campaign. In 1989, BLACKWORLD Contributor case. As long as Lawal was still weaning her baby Madonna was booted at the release of actor. Amina Lawal, a thirty-year old Muslim girl according to the courts there was reason to In a statement given about thePepsi/ woman was sentenced to be stoned to death. "We keep her alive. As soon as her child no longer Ludacris controversy, Pepsi spokesperson Bart hereby uphold the judgment of the (lower) Bakori needed her, her sentence would be carried out. Casabona said, "I don't think we knew the court that decreed that you be sentenced to death Lawal finally made her appeal submission extent" to which Ludacris' lyrics were sexually by stoning," said the President ofFuntua's appeal to the courts on July 8,2002, her hearing resumed explicit. court. on August 5, 2002 and the prosecutor urged the More recently, Latin pop star Shakira This sentence was handed down on Au- court to maintain the sentence of stoning to death. has appeared in Pepsi commercials. Randy gustl9, 2002 by a Shari'ah court in Northern Ni- On August 19, 2002 Lawal's appeal was Melville, Vice President ofmulticulturalism and geria. Lawal was convicted of adultery, an offense denied. The words "...death by stoning" echoed strategic initiatives for Pepsi-Cola North that usually requires four eyewitnesses in order to through thecourtroom, as she was escorted away America said, "Shakira embodies the feelings be tried, but in her case the only evidence needed in tears. Those were the very words that sent her and aspirations of today's youth and she was her child.' into hiding. personifies the Latin movement in the United While divorced Lawal "confessed" to hav- "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice ev- States." ing a child with another man. The man suspected erywhere." Although Pepsi gave Ludacris the boot, of being the father completely denied all accusa- Martin Luther King Jr. they still use hip-hop music to market their tions claiming to have never had sex with her. His If you would liketo take action, please writc product. statement was enough to have all charges against the President of Nigeria and the Minister ofjus- Pepsi now has young hip-hoppers dancing him dropped. tice asking for abolition of the death penalty anc to the popular hip-hop song "Let Me Clear My Lawal was unableto afford a lawyer so she of cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment ir Throat" in one of their more recent commer- went un-represented for her first trial. For her ap- Nigeria. cials. The commercial displays different regions peal Nigerian human and women's rights organi- And/or contact your Representative an( of the United States and how they more com- zations provided her with sufficient legal represen- urge him/her to co-sponsor H. Con. Res.351, monly dance to hip-hop in these areas, while of tation. resolution passed in the House International Op course drinking Pepsi. Lawal's lawyers fought for months to appeal erations and Human Rights Subcommittee tha the court's decision, but the courts continued to condemns the practice of execution by stoning a, postpone her hearing. Thus, causing the climate of continued on pg. .

a -- - - ~---- I- -- -- i- - -- - s - - --e I - -- I - - I ~--·RI ·II -~--L-~bhL~e_ I I P - L- BLACKWORLD ONENATION I Gubernatorial (continued from pg.3) convicted drug offenders under these laws, when stop using stall tactics and start focusing on fulfill- to pay the larger part of the funds for mass tran- whites make up a large percentage of narcotic ing his promise to New Yorkers, especially in the sit. users as well. In 1997, nearly 80% of the drug Latino and black communities..." In the year 2002, city riders know that the offenders sent to prison under these laws were Pataki still remains hopeful that he can prop- increase did go into effect because the NYUL never convicted of a violent felony and half were erly reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws. lost the suit. And there might a possible increase never arrested for a felony. MTA Fare Increases: In 1995, The New of a quarter or fifty cents, to bring fares to a full These drug laws sustain that a person in York Urban League (NYUL) filed a lawsuit to $2.00. possession of four ounces or sale of two ounces prevent the MTA from increasing the subway and Education: It is not news to anyone of the ofdrugs will serve a sentence of 15 years in prison. bus fares to $1.50. NYUL president, Dennis inadequate conditions New York State public If you are in possession of two ounces or selling Walcott, said Pataki's cuts favored suburban rail- schools are in, especially NYC schools. In 1998, half an ounce of drugs you will serve 3 years. ways. "The Governor cut aid to city subways and Governor Pataki vetoed $500 million needed to Under these laws, judges must give of- buses by $86 million this year, but gave a $12 mil- rebuild deteriorated schools, and relief of over- fenders mandatory minimum sentences regard- lion increase to the Long Island Rail Road and crowded classes. He also vetoed $100 million less of criminal history. Metro North...." needed to train teachers and pay salaries in which Since Pataki has been in office he has prom- The argument was that city public transpor- most of that money was going to NYC. ised and made proposals to change these drug tation commuters already paid a much higher fare In January 2001, New York Supreme Court laws. But protestors are not happy with the re- of the costs of operating the city's transit system Judge, Leland DeGrasse, declared New York sults because they feel eight years has been more than suburban riders, and with the increases the State's school funding unconstitutional. He said, than enough time to implement laws that are less gap would grow. In 1995, city commuters paid "The court holds that the education provided for severe. According to them, the proposals are not over 60% ofNYC Transit's operating cost while New York City students is so deficient that it falls good enough because the percentage of blacks Long Island riders paid 45% of the LIRR operat- below the constitutional floor set by the Educa- and Latinos still greatly surpass that of whites. ing costs. NYUL stated that if the fare increased tion Article of the New York State Constitution." Also, the sentencing remains harsh. to $1.50, city commuters would then pay 72% of DeGrasse said New York school-funding pro- In July 2002, this year the Associate Direc- operating costs while LIRR rider's percentage posals deprive poor, urban and rural districts tor of Public Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance, would increase to 49%. The NYUL felt this Sharda Sekaran, stated "The Governor should forced black, Latino, and Asian city commuters continued on pg. 1 Malcolm X (continued from pg.7)

Malcolm X stood for was to listen to the in using oppressive force on white people. messages that he related. Looking at a photo On the other hand, in no way did he pro- of him tells you nothing of the struggle, pain, mote a passive, non-violent role in the civil and hardship encountered on a daily basis. rights movement. Malcolm X made this Looking at a photo of him doesn't show known in his famous quote when he stated, the thousands that looked at him with hate. "I am not against using violence in self-de- Nor can one see the thousands that looked fense. I don't call it violence when it's self- at him in admiration and esteem. defense, I call it intelligence." Malcolm X was a very powerful black Malcolm X had views on how to go leader that promoted black empowerment about the civil rights movement that differed and education. Malcolm X was quoted as greatly from normal tactics. He wanted to saying "Education is our passport to the have black people progress through educa- future, for tomorrow belongs to the people tion and spirituality. who prepare for it today." He wanted a better way of life for his This was a message that he wanted to people, a sense of community- Black Na- send to all the Afro-Americans fighting the tionalism. "The political philosophy of Black civil rights battle. Many times, this message Nationalism means that the black man should was twisted to discredit him and give ratio- control the politics and the politicians in his nale to why black people should be op- own community; no more." pressed. This is what Malcolm X stood for; a uni- His famous statement "by any means fied black community is what he wanted for necessary" was taken out of context as be- himself and all his people. Looking at a photo ing threatening and violent in a time where of Malcolm X could never tell you the en- premeditated and unprovoked acts of vio- tirety of what he was about. The picture puts lence on blacks were common. a face to the man behind the plan, but it does Malcolm X never promoted violence, not let us look deeper than just the face value nor did he preach "kill the white man." His of Malcolm X. concern was in uplifting the black race, not mol I

A A 2IgncietvSoj Relatinf

Conon Ground Sharing Our Experien( eaching

Free lunch & dialogue! Asians & Blacks Exploring Who We Are Today

DATE: Wed. 11/6/02 TIME: 12:30pm - 2 :10pm (Campus Life Time) PLACE : O'Neill Lounge (Me.ndelsohn Quad) LUNCH 12:30pm-1 :00pm Open to ALL Students RSVP Cyrene (limited seats): ccrooms(@ic.sunysb.edu

Sponsored by: * University Counseling Center * Dean of Students * * Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action * Academic Advising * Diversity Challenge Gran1L O 0 e i *v

* Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Interest Group * Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. *

Stony Brook is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. To request a disability related accommodation, contact 632-6320.

- - -· · I· · I -I· I I I I · I m BLACKWORLD.ONE NATION' I ; I-1 Diversity (continued from pg.12)

States. sources needed to provide students with qual- racism? This question was also addressed at One solution suggested was to have open ity education fall short; this then results in poor the Diversity conference. The majority of the discussions between students and faculty in di- or lower test scores that prohibit students from panelists felt that referencing affirmative action, verse settings, allowing both parties to play dual being admitted into higher learning institutions. as racial referencing is inappropriate. The im- roles, as the teacher and the learner. While For example, there has been a decline in balance of Caucasian males to people of color affirmative action was put in place to give students of color in law schools that use stan- and females is one of the disparities that affir- peoples ofcolor the advantage to be consid- dardized testing, the LSAT as main admissions mative action helps to alleviate. ered among their white counterparts, there are criteria. The law officials of tomorrow have to The issues presented at the Diversity still gaps in the diversity bridge most notably matriculate through law school in order to make conference may be ones that you can relate to when education and employment are con- a difference, how will they be able to do so when on a more personal level. Stony Brook offers cerned. they are not admitted? resources for affirmative action and equal em- A misunderstanding about what affirma- Attempts to eliminate affirmative action ployment opportunity issues. The Office of tive action is contributes to the dissatisfying are in the works now. Proposition 209, the Diversity and Affirmative Action is located in results seen in education at all levels, not only California Civil Rights Initiative sets out to pro- the Administration building. for people of color but for the economically hibit any programs that have racial or gender The office can be reached at 631-632- challenged. preferences, it would use standardized tests as 6280 or www.stonybrook.edu/diversity. Affirmative action is not a bonus for a means of measuring qualifications by law. Christina Vargas Law is the director; her job is people of color that overlooks their qualifica- Other states are also looking into adopting a race to keep track of diversity issues on campus. tions it is a tool that helps people of color get neutral policy. The Michigan Mandate, which The office provides diversity training, diversity the consideration they deserve in a society pays attention to race to promote diversity on fellowships, sexual harassment training, as well where racism does exist. campus, is the focus of the Supreme Court case as affirmative action and equal employment The priority level that diversity is placed University of Michigan versus Bakke still under opportunity training. Affirmative action is a on was an important issue that was addressed trial. heavily debated issue. at the conference. When education reform is The ruling for the case will set the tone for discussed, an issue that often outweighs the di- the future of peoples of color that want a qual- versity issue is budgeting. The financial re- ity education. Is "racial preferencing" the new Stoning (continued from pg.13) a gross human rights violation.

Amnesty International- NatUrnal Soiet f lack nlineers Send your letters to: BImWEEKLY His Excellency Olusgegun Obasanjo, GENERAL BiODY MEETINGS President ofthe Republic, GENERL· .BODY MEETINGS The Presideny, FederalSecretariat, Come find out about: Phase II,Shehu Shagari Way, D N E S AY S Abuja, rJrJ rnsj ]spJ > Fax: 234 9 523 2136 (press office) - ' ^ , *n- . nC•t:r B:30PM Email: presidentobasanjonigeriagov.org /Mi :-411: SAtC1~i: 1302 His ExcellencyKanu GodwinAgabi, MinisterofJustice,MinistlyofJustice, New Federal Secretariat complex Shehu Shagari Way, All RaceC Abuja, Federal Capital Teritoy, All Majors Nigeria; > .... c-p o: rkj n^f ,d "'*w low - Fax: 234 9 523 52 08 . •:J " Ec ' ) • ...... -

I H.E.AmbassadorJibrilMuhammadAminu EmbassyoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria oa WILCOMEL 1333- 16th St. NW WashingtonDC20036. Fax: 1202 775 1385 For info and I Ling dates check out www.nsbesunysb.tripod.com · ~ Ill --- e I I IILI I I Is I lu -- --- I --- ·rC I · Il--rl-ILII, I --LI m :.-i, jBLCW ORL ONErn N1A TIONam Y I Does the United States Have a Right to fight Global Terrorism?

By: Kwame Ennin ism would be 'the use of force or violence to sored terrorism was most fervent during the BLA CKWORLD Staff intimidate irrespective of motivation.' With this Cold War era. What sovereign nation does not have the definition, one can more effectively answer the It is no secret that the US government right to defend itself against gratuitous violence question of the United States' right to fight glo- subsidized the brutal Pinochet government for aimed at its citizens? In fact, the United Na- bal terrorism. a decade. It was instrumental in the violent tions charter explicitly guarantees a sovereign The act of fighting terrorism, in general, overthrow of the Lumumba government in the nation's right to self-defense. is a noble act that should be applauded since it Congo by Seseko Mobutu. It supported the This question is more complex than it makes the world a safer place for all of us. How- Contras who committed many atrocious acts might seem primafacie.It depends on how ever, it's nobility can be questioned when you against the peasantry in Nicaragua. America you define terrorism and a sovereign nation's have supported various acts of terrorism in the also supported the brutal Noriega regime in right to self-defense. The Random House past. Panama for years. The fact that the United Webster 's College Dictionarydefines terror- This is the dilemma that the United States States supports brutal reactionary regimes in ism as "the use of violence and threats to in- finds itself in. The gruesome attacks of Septem- the name of fighting communism cannot be timidate and coerce, especially for political ber 11-2002 have galvanized many Americans denied. purposes." en masse to the noble cause of fighting global Does the United States have a right to Despite how succinct arid efficacious this terrorism without introspectively cogitating on support State sponsored terrorism in the name definition might be, it does not encapsulate the its causes. of promoting its socio-political ideology? I broad range of violent or coercive activity that Many Americans are surprised at the lack think not. most people intuitively identify as terrorism. of empathy and sympathy shown by many na- When the question of the United States' For instance, a crazy sniper who ran- tions and their citizens all over the world. This is right to fight global terrorism is asked, its ac- domly shoots people on crowded streets from obviously disturbing since, as global neighbors, tions in the Cold War and in recent times must a hiding place would be regarded as terroriz- we should commiserate with one another in times be factored into the answer. ing the populace, regardless of his lack of of tragic loss. Academically speaking, the US has the political motivation. A ruthless dictator who Much of this conspicuous apathy can be abstract right to fight global terrorism, but its uses an army to kill and instill fear in his people attributed to the United States' military and fi- moral right is suspect at best and intellectually should be regarded as a terrorist. nancial support of State sponsored terrorism offensive at worst. A more.instructive definition of terror- over the decades. This support of State spon-

Robert Kelly Comes To Stony Brook Sharpton (continued from pg.5) By: Marvin Hayes try." He claimed that Stony Brook was too BLACKWORLD Staff "quiet" and he preferred being in the city An idea that often follows him is that he is Comedian Robert Kelly who has ap- where it's noisy. According to Kelly, he feels desperately trying to capture the attention of the peared on BET's Comic View and MTV, safer where there is violence and noise com- black community away from Jesse Jackson. performed at Stony Brook University in mid pared to out here with all these trees-. Jackson, who ran for the presidency in, October in front of a small group of stu- Issues such as family, relationships 1984 and in 1988, prompted millions ofAfrican dents. and sex were joked about but the highlight Americans to register to vote - many for the Due to the rain, attendance was of the night occurred when Kelly began to first time - and solidified the black vote as a sparse. crack on a Bio-Chemistry major from Albany, crucial constituency within the Democratic Party. Tickets for the show were free for on- NY named Chris. The power that the black community pos- campus students that showed identification. Kelly kept saying that Chris was the sesses, a power that has yet to be'fully used and Though the show was scheduled for 9pm, happiest person he had ever seen because remains dormant, is one that Sharpton wants to it did not start until later and the audience Chris kept smiling no matter what was being use to his benefit. turnout was interesting considering the said even if he was being ridiculed. Chris was Unfortunately for Sharpton, Jackson is weather encouraged to spread his happiness to a stu- more intemationally known, and commands re- The stage setup was simple: a black dent in the front row who came in late. spect primarily with his negotiation and peace stool and a bottle of water, which Kelly later Kelly referred to him as "Bogs." Aftei efforts dealing with the foreign affairs of the na- said was all he needed to perform. cracking on Chris and others in the audience, tion. Kelly began by speaking about cur- Kelly's performance came to an end. The Al Sharpton is not Jesse Jackson. He is rent issues such as the new law passed in show lasted about an hour and a few min- Al Sharpton, love him or hate him, he will con- New York City to fine individuals $500 for utes. tinue to be the person that he is and is becom- defecating in publit. He also ridiculed ing; which may include being the next or future Osama bin Laden president of the U.S. for having eight videos tapes. Kelly Is America ready for a black president? compared bin Laden's multiple videos to Does he fully represent all peoples? Does he have that ofP Diddy. any strong supporters? Will you vote for him? Kelly also commented on Stony Holla! Brook's location, he said it was like "coun- I I I I · · · m BLACKWORLD IS LOOKING FOR ARTISTS OF ALL CALIBERS:

ALL INTERESTED MAY SUBMIT THEIR WORK AT [email protected] OR CALL US AT 2-6494 Gubernatorial (continued from pg.13) of having the annual spending money fairly spent not done enough to secure the educational ing for Working Families, Homeland Security, on them. Simultaneously, affluent suburban progress for New York City students. Investing in Transportation Infrastructure, In- schools are protected from decreases. Although, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity vesting in Technology, Investment in Educa- While 44% of New York State's public lost the suit the numbers in Degrasse's opinion tion, Protecting and Preserving the Environ- schoolchildren are "minority" students, they will hold true. ment, Providing Quality Health Care, Restor- seemingly suffer the most. That number repre- Qualifications: What qualifies Carl ing Fiscal Responsibility, Serving New York- sents the state where the majority of students McCall for the position of governor for New ers With Special Needs, Supporting Seniors, of color are situated in NYC. York State? He was a vice president of Citicorp and Welfare to Work In Degrasse's statement he said changes for eight years, and served as the President of McCall- Adequate Mental Health Cov- in state law altered the structure of the city's the New York City Board ofEducation. He also erage, Affordable Health Care, Campaign Fi- school system. The authority of community served as an ambassador to the United Nations, nance Reform, Equality for the Lesbian, Gay, school boards to control and operate elemen- Commissioner of the Port Authority of New Bisexual and Transgender Community, Ex- tary and middle schools was taken from them York and New Jersey, Commissioner of the panding Opportunity for Women, Expanding by state legislatures. While in Long Island, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and Prescription Drug Coverage, Fixing the Bud- community school boards still control their was elected to three terms as New York State get, Improving the Economy, Improving Edu- school system. Senator. McCall also served as the state's chief cation, Improving the Environment, Reduce In 2001, approximately 84.5% of students fiscal officer for the state of New York for two Child Poverty, Reform Adult Homes, Restore in the NYC public school system were of color terms in his current position as State Comptrol- Investment in Higher Education. and approximately 15% were white. New York ler. Election Day is Tuesday, public schools also have a large amount of fami- What qualified George Pataki for the po- lies who do not have moderate incomes. In the sition of governor for New York State? He was November 5, 2002. 1997-1998 school year, 73% of students from in the state assembly, a state senator, and an kindergarten through 6th grade were eligible attorneybefore becoming governor. Vote to participate in the free lunch program, com- Issues the Candidates are Running on pared with 5% in the rest of the state. If the Their Platforms: majority of the students in a community are in Pataki- Affordable Housing Opportunities, need of free lunch, this shows the extent of Crime Reduction, Citizen Initiative and Refer- poverty with those families. So, according to endum, Child Care and Child Support Enforce- Pataki's critics to his education policies, he Ihas cment, Creating- New Jobs, Cutting Taxes,· Fight-· · · , 1 BLACKWORLD ONENATION

I · · I

There should be teachers trained to work with children in the hood. Most of the teachers working in ghetto area schools don't know how to handle these kids and we end up with a class of people who have no education. Once a student is left back three times they are automatically placed in the next grade whether or not they have met the standards. The teachers nowadays are naive of the current issues their students have to face at such young ages. They witness drug abuse, death, rape and other heinous addictions. Teachers in these environments should know how to work with students who may not have eaten in four days, students who may not have a place to sleep, students who are helping to financially support

their families but can't multiply. I worked as a substitute in a mostly minority middle school. After calming the students down for the first 25 minutes of a 40-minute class there would be an out- burst that started everything up again. There was a girl in my class who got caught giving another student oral sex. The teachers in the school were not prepared to deal with issues of this sort. They were inexperienced and the children never learned. It was like preschool for teenagers and the teachers were the babysitters. The worst part is no one cared. Teachers got in and got out with a feeling of assurance (glad they made it through another day).

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