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1-1-1996 The lB ack Perspective January 1996 University of Dayton. Black Action Through Unity

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"IT TAKES A VILLAGE" THE LATEST CONTROVERSY by Joy Stephens by Glen Forest

On January 4, 1996 a meeting was Affirmative Action is one of the most to hire those who share similar back­ held in O'Reilly Hall to discuss an controversial subjects on American grounds and lifestyles with themselves. issue that has been seemingly absent college campuses and workplaces. It is So with the change not happening as on campus in recent months - commu­ also one of the most misunderstood rapidly as expected, a second type of nity! "It Takes A Village" was a time issues, because to many it is seen as Affirmative Action came into effect. for African-American students and mere handouts. Yet, Affirmative Action This version emphasized group prefer­ administrators to come together to is more complex than charity. It has ential solutions, rather than individual make solid plans in regards to the two meanings; the first is to affirm equal advancements. In the late 1960's, individual opportunity for all. Thus, is activities and events planned for numerical quotas were established for the early 1960's, the first affirmative African-Americans. preferential treatment of minorities action programs, such as Head Start and women. The meeting began with a brief and Aid to Lamilies with Dependant The idea of preferential treatment introduction by African-American Children, were started. These programs was not novel, however. Black leader, Student Services Director, Timothy were designed to help poor ( and Martin Delany advocated preferential Spraggins. Next, Assistant Director predominantly minority) families gain treatment for blacks as early as 1871. Kathleen Henderson explained in better education and skills. The Lair Many others argued that blacks, depth the results of an African-Ameri­ Employment and Lair Housing Acts perhaps more than any other ethnic or can student survey that was conducted were also added to help end discrimi­ social group (not counting Native during the summer of 1995. Although nation against minorities. It was hoped Americans), deserved to be compen­ there was only a 21 % response rate, that these steps, along with the rights sated for the leisure, education, and Henderson believed the survey results enforced by the Voting Rights Acts of wealth amassed by whites and de­ shed an interesting light and a pretty this time, would put the disadvantaged prived to blacks during 200 years of accurate gage on student's viewpoints. in a position to compete economically, slavery and 100 years of Jim Crow laws It touched upon topics as basic as socially, and politically with the in America. White preferential treat- student activities and interests, to more advantaged. in depth questions about academic life, It has been proven that people tend Continued on page 6 classes, and the like. After hearing these written results those in attendance were asked for their own interpretations and opinions. Eventually students were broken up into three groups in order to brainstorm on programming and forward thinking. The Martin Luther King Day of Service, Black History Month, and future events and speakers were the main topics of discussion. Students from each of the organizations represented were able to share their ideas and express exactly how their organizations were planning to contribute. After a brief wrap-up, students were able to relax and reflect upon the events over a pizza party held in the DSP Lounge. "" showcases the talents of African-Americans. Continued on page 5 See page four to get reactions from two points of view. LIVING IN AMERICA by Ebony Odoms

I have often wondered how it would jail. This escapade began at 7pm and Did I not look like I could attend a feel to experience Apartheid in South was not over until 1am, hours after his prestigious Catholic University? As I Africa. How it would feel to experience $133.00 bond had been paid. But the walked across the street and entered a the Jim Crow Laws of the South, lam story does not end with his release. To department store I was instantly fortunate enough to live in a time in much dismay, his car wad towed. hounded by a store clerk. Being an which we have overcome much of the When he went to retrieve it he discov­ African American with a book ba on racism of the past. But have we really ered his car had a hold on it and in my arm I was labeled as suspicious. overcome racism all together? order for it to be released he had to Ironically, as I approached the jewelry Sometimes being an African American speak with an officer. After another counter I went unnoticed. in this day and age is not exactly easy. three hour wait he was able to retrieve Does any of this sound familiar? Do Although we might be better off than his car, only to find that the back seat you sometimes get fed up with these our ancestors, African Americans still had been pulled out of place. Did they same or similar situations? As I share get punished and blamed for things expect to find drugs in his car? Are with you some examples of it may be because of the mere color of their skin. these common procedures? Did my like to live as an African American, I For example, just weeks ago a friend friend gop through all of this turmoil leave you with these words...."Be not of mine, who happens to be African because he went through a yellow discouraged. There is future for you... American, was stopped by a police light, or because he was an African The resistance encountered now officer for gong through a yellow light. American male? predicates hope... Only as we rise... Do Unfortunately for him, he did not have Another example can be found in we encounter opposition (Frederick his drivers license, thus he was taken to my own life. Upon leaving my job to Douglas, 1892)." head for school I was also faced with Contrary to what many may think, an eerie feeling of racism. As I rode African Americans have made most of down the elevator with my book bag the difference in America. So I say to on my arm, a fellow employee noticed you fellow students...be not discour­ SUM OMfllVX it and asked if I was a student at aged, for when you are making that Sinclair. I politely replied, "No, I go to difference, they will applaud! Be safe The Black Perspective is a University of Dayton student-run and operated publica­ the University of Dayton." and have a good semester. tion. This paper aims to be the eyes, ears, Why was Sinclair the assumed answer? and voice of the U D African-American com­ munity. The genera I ed itors u rge the student body to use this paper to publicize their upcoming events and toexpress their thought on issues/events (national, state, local etc.) that affect the African-American commu­ UFT VOUff SP0THEP UP nity. This paper reflects the intelligence and by Junelle Yvete Roberts determination that exist within the African-American community on this cam­ They say all black men are dogs pus. The paper solicits student writings in all forms: editorials, feature articles, com­ more filthier than the mud that host smelling hogs mentaries, poetry, or any other forms that Hey man teach that little brother what to say and do address relevant issues. The editors do reserve the right to edit material and to lead him the right way, show him the truth choose material that will be published; firing guns, dirty bloodied hands however, only material that is presented in a derogatory manner will be rejected. All the while you see him you know that God has a better plan The paper accepts writings from all Man stop acting scared, did you hear what I said. UD students. Closing your mind, silence your thoughts, tuning out the pain Submissions may be sent to Black Perspective when he's beating on a sister's head c/o Diverse Srudent Population Hey aren't you going to say something, huh I could make a 101 O'Reilly Hall Dayton, OH 45401-0812 zillion dollars. in%"salleyj [email protected]" If i was paid a penny for every profanity he hollers Co-Editors Cleaner brother man i've got news for you Joseph Salley Joy Stephens Haven't you realized that god is watching you too

Senior Writers Get yourselves together, you don't have to stand all alone Glen Forest Natanya Pritchett Pick your brother up, dust him off, turn him around, lift your heads up to God and together to the father come back home BATU Representative Ebony Odoms BREAKFAST CITY OF DAYTON COMMEMORATES CELEBRATES MLK HOLIDAY by Joy Stephens by Joy Stephens One way in which the city of On Tuesday, January 16, 1996, the Dayton culminated the celebration of annual Martin Luther King Prayer the Martin Luther King Holiday was the Breakfast was held in Kennedy Union Southern Christian Leadership Ballroom. Conference's annual Presidential The program began with a musical Banquet. The "Empowering the prelude by guitarist Jim McCutchen. Community to Stop the Violence Through Peace, Love, and Unity" Next there was a reading from first year dinner was held on January 15, 1996, student Phillip Moore. The audience at the Dayton Convention Center. was then presented with the melodic The banquet began with an intro­ voices of the MLK Ensemble under the duction by Mistress of Ceremonies, direction of Sam Winston and Joseph Natasha King Williams of WHIO TV, Salley - who served as an interlude to channel 7. After the presentation of the the speakers on hand. national anthems the program contin­ After an introduction by Brother Fitz, ued with the SCLC Disciples Drill Keynote speaker Greer G. Gordon took Team. Throughout the evening the the stage. Gordon is the former patrons heard several musical offerings director of the office for Black Catholics for their listening pleasure. in the Archdiocese of Boston. She is But it was keynote speaker, Dr. Henry J. Lyons, president of the Na­ currently a faculty member at Regis tional Baptist Convention, that deliv­ College, Weston, MA. Gordon ad­ ered the most powerful message. Dr. dressed the challenge and legacy of Lyons paid a special tribute to Dr. King, King and how it relates today. and honored his ability to move the The speaker developed ideas from nation with is beliefs. Lyons suggested her own life and intertwined them with ways in which people can further the message that African-Americans as King's dream - via voting, education, well as whites, must utilize their talents and most especially getting back to the to fully encompass Martin Luther King's values of peace, love, and unity. legacy. Like King, we must realize our The SCLC banquet helped the city of commonalities to wage the battle Dayton celebrate a great American hero. But in order to fully celebrate Dr. against injustice. We cannot be King the nation must continue to make satisfied with our own success alone, his dream a reality. but realize the pathways that have allowed for our triumphs and continue to be trailblazers for the future. Once again the MLK prayer Break­ fast highlighted a wonderful man in American history and brought to light new ways in which his dream can be reflected upon today. After comments by Associate Dean of Students, Debra Moore, and a closing prayer, the "Say that I program was fittingly ended with the a drum ms resounding sounds of the African- for justice. Say that American National Anthem, I was a drum major for peace. That I was "Lift Every Voice and Sing." a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. to hale

A SISTER'S POINT OF VIEW by Natanya Pritchett

After months of anticipation, on single mother who must deal with the friendship between two adults who December 22nd "Waiting to Exhale," rigors of raising her son Tarik. Finally, may have been the slightest bit lonely, the movie based on the novel written there is Bernadine, my personal one divorced and the other with a by Terry McMillan, was finally released. favorite. She finds that after 11 years of terminally ill spouse. I was finally able to exhale! But as I marriage, her husband has left her and What about the women in this soon found out I was not the only one. their two children for his 24 year old movie? Are the people who say "Waiting to Exhale" focused on the white bookkeeper. Bernadine must Waiting to Exhale is male bashing trials and tribulations of four African undergo numerous changes in order to saying that Savannah, Gloria, American women in Phoenix Arizona; except her new life. Bernadine, and Robin are perfect? Yes Savannah Jackson (), The release of this movie has caused they were all successful business Bernadine Harris (), quite a few heated discussions to occur women but each had their own prob­ Robin Stokes (Lela Rochon) and Gloria among females and males of all lems. Each of these characters did Matthews (). This was a backgrounds, many centered around some crazy things, but I think that is movie about relationships: the relation­ the depiction of the men in the movie. what made them loveable. Many ships that the women have with the Is the movie male bashing? I would say people, including myself, enjoyed this men in their lives, their children, their no. Although the movie did include movie because they could identify with parents, and most especially each other. men who were cheating on their wives, some part of each character. Savannah has recently moved from jobless, and doing drugs. However, People are reading more into this Colorado to Phoenix to explore a new this movie also included men like movie than is actually there. The career opportunity. While furthering Marvin (Gregory Hines) and James movie was meant for entertainment. I, her career Savannah must also support (Wesley Snipes). Marvin was a well along with several other movie patrons, her mother. Robin is a successful established widower, who maintained a found the movie to be enjoyable. professional who is traveling down the friendship with Gloria before develop­ Throughout the scenes there was a road in search of "Mr. Right," but ing a romantic relationship. James may constant uproar of laughter, talking encounters "a whole lot" of "Mr. have been married but I do not recall back to the screen, tears, and when the Wrongs" along the way. Gloria owns he and Bernadine doing anything other credits rolled there was a simultaneous one of the few beauty salons in Phoenix than consoling each other. The exhale let out by a satisfied audience. for African Americans. She is also a relationship being developed was a

A BROTHER'S POINT OF VIEW by Joseph Salley

Waiting to Exhale is an excellent husband is leaving her for another to end. Yet, with all of the excitement movie for all mature audiences. The woman, that just happens to around these women and their men, movie begins with a background on be white. some have the opinion that the movie each of its' four central characters. Within the first few moments of the is male bashing... I am not one of those Gloria (Loretta Devine) a single parent; movie we witness Bernadine's husband people. This movie portrays the lives is struggling with her weight as well as telling her that he wants a divorce. In that these women have led, and the maintaining her own beauty salon. turn, Bernadine begins to gather all of men that have come into contact with Robin (Lela Rochon) is a single woman her soon to be ex-husband's clothes them. Yes, there were some men that who can't seem to find the right man. and burns them along with his prize didn't treat women with respect, but Savannah (Whitney Houston) is a BMW in front of their home. Bernadine the women were sometimes equally television producer who seems to is understandably upset; she has two guilty of disrespecting men. At no time always fall for the man she can not children (that she now has to take care during the movie did Robin have a have. Last, but certainly not least, there of alone) and is without a career, since monogamous relationship, so how is Bernadine (Angela Bassett). she placed her husband career above could one ask the men she was dating Bernadine is the character that many her own. fans leave the theater applauding. Her The movie is exciting from beginning Continued on page 6 A Message from the Editors After the November issue of The Ut elcome to the African American Showcase, each month Black Perspective, there was some yy two prominent African Americans (male and female) will resentment expressed in relation to the be featured in the Black Perspective. This months issue features Shoutout Page. As to maintain the Terry McMillan and Nathan McCall. Watch for the next edition of privacy of the persons involved we will the Black Perspective, which will include a special section for not cite the particulars of the shoutout. Black History Month. But we, the editors of Black Perspec­ tive, hope that in the future readers will put their emphasis on the topics within the issue, and not the "light" additions. The contents of the paper are the end result of those who contribute, and everyone is welcome to do just that. Those who don't contribute, have made the decision not to, and in essence have nothing to say about what's presented. In every issue there is a disclosure box, that states that the ideas presented in the paper are not necessarily the ideas of the editors or the University. That is a true statement. We [the editors] don't censor, to a point, the submittals we Balkan receive. Practically everything we receive, which is very little these days, is Terry McMillan was born in Nathan McCall was born in duplicated in the paper. Port Huron, Michigan in 1951. Portsmouth Virginia, in 1955. Our point.... Please do not hold the McMillan, the eldest of five Although McCall grew up comfortably paper responsible for your unhappiness children, went to work in the local in a middle class neighborhood he library at the age of 13 in order to soon began to resentnis "status in a with the thoughts presented in it. The help her recently divorced mother. racist society." Thus the renowned Black Perspective is just that, the This position led her to the author felt his success would be perspectives of all the wonderful limited and gradually lost interest in revelation that there were indeed persons who submit to it. Black authors, namely James school. Despite some "criminal activity" McCall did manage to Baldwin. Thank You, At seventeen McMillan left graduate from Manor High school in 1973, and briefly attend Norfolk State. Joseph Salley Michigan for Los Angeles where But shortly after leaving Norfolk Joy Stephens she went to work as a secretary. State in 1974, the author was Eventually she signed up for a sentenced to 12 years in prison for class on Black literary classics, at armed robbery. While in prison he Los Angeles City College. began to educate himself studying McMillan went on to receive her literature and philosophy. He also VILLAGE (cont. from page 1) B.A. in Journalism from the learned printing and design layout, University of at which helped develop his interest in As an active participant in many Berkeley, where her first short Journalism. McCall eventually African-American activities, I was very story "The End," was published obtained a scholarship to Norfolk pleased with the opportunity for a in 1976. State (where he returned upon his In the early 1980's McMillan release from prison) where he community meeting. When there are began to work on her first novel graduated with honors from the events being canceled at the VERY last Mama, the "moving chronicle of school of Journalism. minute, organizations losing their Mildred Peacock, a strong-willed After several years working on various newspapers McCall was predominantly African-American woman modeled after McMillan's membership, and organization meet­ mother and her family." Since hired by the Washington Post. then this critically acclaimed McCall, no longer haunted by his ings with very few of their members in tainted past, wrote his first book, author has written two more regular attendance, a meeting of this "Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young novels; Disappearing Acts, which Black Man in America." The book nature was a definite necessity. I tells the story of "an aspiring song created a sensation among the commend all of those in attendance writer and an often unemployed literary world. It is a graphic memoir and most especially those who orga­ building contractor," and the about Nathan McCall's life and the nized the event. In the words of Dr. widely acclaimed Waiting to trials and tribulations he has under­ Exhale, which was about the lives gone. This African-American Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant, "By of four African American women author's work is one that displays keeping our relationships together we in Phoenix Arizona. McMillan "how if a people are constantly celebrate the African-American collec­ has also compiled and edited, oppressed, even the brightest and tive, which has our strength in age past Breaking Ice: Anthology of strongest among them will begin to Contemporary African American doubt themselves and believe it" and will be our hope in years to come. Fiction. (Newsmakers 1994). Separated from our village, we're individuals, coming together makes us whole again." THE LATEST CONTROVERSEY (cont. from page 1)

ment has been advocated since the founding of the colonies. But handouts are not what we desire or receive from Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action just makes sure that businesses select applicants from a large pool that includes minorities. So instead of AT&T seeking graduates from only Harvard (a predominately white- male university), under Affirmative Action laws, they must also recruit from Spelman (a predominantly black-female university). In turn, Harvard University must accept applications from qualified students of Dayton Public Schools, rather than just from private or paro­ First year student Daniel Stinson, prepares for the Ebony Heritage Singers Winter Concert. chial high schools. Congratulations on another wonderful performance! However, since cries of "reverse racism" are increasingly shrieked, we must prepare for the possible death of to ^^xhale more or all of the country's Affirmative Action regulations. These programs are used by national & local companies to ensure the fair hiring of minorities, women, and handicapped. After a little A BROTHER'S POINT OF VIEW success for these groups, our xenopho­ bic W.A.S.P. countrymen are scared (Continued from page 4) and ready to stagger the paying field again. The key for continued success, Gloria and Marvin were also everyday to do the same. Savannah was in­ with or without Affirmative Action, is volved with a married man, and she people. Both were single and beginning education. A foot is in the door now. to live their lives anew. Marvin opened knew that he was married. That was Education of ourselves and our chil­ Gloria's eyes to the strong a hold she the key to her disappointment. If she dren, which leads to social-political was keeping on her son. Gloria felt knew he was married then she was awareness and action, is the major way alone and thought that her son was the equally as wrong. to push completely open the door to only life that she was capable of having. But all the characters were not so upward mobility for the disadvantaged misleading. Marvin (Gregory Hines), But, once her and Marvin became close, of this country. James (Wesley Snipes), Bernadine and she was able to let go of her son and Gloria all show tremendous strength. I grab a hold of her man. really like the way that Terry McMillan Waiting to Exhale is a must see for Jl...... “""jL, portrayed them. Despite the problems all mature audiences!!! Despite the nig we need ran they faced, they still have morals and controversy surrounding it, with a black YOUR HELP!! values that they live by. director, author and cast, the movie is James and Bernadine met in a hotel an outstanding showcase of African The Black Perspective bar while thinking about the problems American talent. When I left the movie can't continue unless we theater I was just as confident in myself they were facing. They spent the night have your help. Please, if together consoling one another in a as a man as I was when I entered. purely platonic way. In that night they Anyone who felt otherwise wasn't you'd like to see your fell in love, yet kept in mind the other confident in themselves to name in print, drop your lives intertwined with their own. begin with. articles, poems, or draw­ ings off in the Black Perspective box in D.S.P. or e-mail [email protected] Deadline February 5, 1996 COMING EVENTS

National Afro-American Museum Poster Exhibit Featuring:

FEBRUARY 4th-10th, 1996 Black Women November 5 - May 12, 1996 Sunday—February 4th Day of Worship Where: Mt. Enon Baptist Church Black Inventors Come and support fellow student Lakisha Woods in the November 12 - May 12, 1996 Celebration of her Baptism and dedication of her life to God. Time: Meet in Marycrest lobby at 9:45 a.m. The van will leave (located @ 1350 Brush Row Road promptly at 10:00 a.m. in Wilberforce, Ohio) call (513) 376-4944 for info. Monday—February 5th Day of Service Where: St. Joseph Children's Treatment Center Scholarships Available Time: Meet in Marycrest lobby at 6:00 p.m. The van will leave The Rotary Foundation: promptly at 6:15 p.m. Students studying abroad. Deadlines Tuesday—February 6th March - July. Mens Basketball Game (Sheelah Moyer x3526) Where: The University of Dayton Arena BATU has not scheduled an event on this day so that students may go and support the Mens Basketball team. TAYLOR MADE A talented R&B band comes to the PUB Wednesday—February 7th Jan 26th 9pm-1 am. Black History Bowl $2.00 ADMISSION!! The University of Dayton vs. Wright State University Sponsored by CAB and Where: O'Leary Auditorium THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE. Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Thursday—February 8th Howard Watkins & Xiang Giao The Oprah Winfrey Show in Concert Topic: Relationships Sears Recital Hall, 8 p.m. Where: O'Leary Auditorium February 2 Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (tickets available in DSP $5.00) Friday—February 9th Movie Night Showing: Panther African American Liturgy Where: O'Leary Auditorium Fr. Freddy Washington Time: 9:00 p.m. Main Chapel, 5 p.m. February 4 Saturday—February 10th BATU Party Where: Kettering Hall Tales from Two Authors Time: 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. U.D. Black ALumni Cost: $2.00 b4 11:00 p.m., $3.00 after, members $1.00 Margaret Peters & Tyrone Parnell Barrett Dining Room, 7 p.m. February 8 What's up to all my peeps? Welcome back! And much To my girlz in P-phi-P: Psycho B, LoCo, T Baby & E-Bony. love to my girl Amaris for cornin' back and stickin'it out Don't hurt 'em!!! here at UD. One love. I'm Out. Danni K Bone

I'd like to give a shoutout to my dogs on the yard — Shortie and Daniegirl want to give a shoutout to our Goldie & Disdain, and my missing dog Hear No Evil. original crew — the stupikidz ■ we miss our all nighters! From The Smooth Criminal Amaris, Dee and Danielle want to send this out to everyone who If there is no struggle, there is no progress (Frederick thinks we're shady...Don't judge us cause you don't know DOuglass). Keep your head up! us. Ebony!

This is to all ya'II graduating in May — 'Kemi, Delisha, To mygirlz in the Cool Candy Crew— LoCo, Psyco B, K- Joe, Cleo & Kemba. This is it!!! Bone & E-Bony. Keepin' it real in '96! I loves ya — N'Kechia T-Baby

Here's a big "Whatz Up" to mygirlz: A-Dawg, Eb, and To all of those Black men in Kettering Hall — Wuz Up! Fo 9. Good luck this semester. I'm out! And a special shoutout to Mr. Rick Gougis! I'll holla! K-Dawg Congratulations are in order to Ms. N'Kechia Abney who Happy Birthday to all of those smooth cats born in received a 4.0 last semester. You go girl! January: Ms. Henderson, Danni, Mona, Erica, Donita, Ebony Patrick, and the smoothest of all Ebony. Have a good one! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO To the lov eof my life (Yusef). You mo" debinately put a SOMEONE SPECIAL FOR VALENTINE'S DAY DROP IT IN move on my heart. Let's make '96 as exciting and revealing THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE'S BOX BEHIND THE COM­ as last year! PUTER IN DSP. N'Kechia EBONY

TAYLOR MADE!! JANUARY 26, 9 A.M. K.U. PUB S2.00 ADMISSION