editoriali I_--bl ·-- '' II PT '·----

In love and unity we the staff of means is, with more dining areas and less to succeed, an equal and honest oppor- the BLACKWORLD newspaper return students FSA will have to raise the prices tunity. I find it disgraceful that in a time to serve the minority community of the of food. If what Pataki wants is a pri- where everyone wants to band together Stony Brook campus. We are very ex- vate exclusive University system he sure as one, the group of students who have cited about the new year, and the spring is implementing the right plans. Pataki always had to overcome the most, are semester. We welcome back those who also proposes to totally eliminate EOP, used as bait. What most people who were with us last semester, and those stu- SEEK and other aid to minority students. make such comments should know is that dents who were unable to attend school- We had a great big rally of unity for stu- the graduation rates for EOP students last fall. The theme of this issue and ev- dents on campus Wednesday, February compared to that of non EOP students are ery BLACKWORLD issue is love and 8th in the administration building. That almost equal. unity. Love is not reserved for that spe- was great for unity, except when I read It was very amusing when last cial day of the year known as Valentine's another campus newspaper's editorial on week I attended a meeting, along with the Day. The minority community as a whole the budget crisis, I wondered if it was all Editor-In-Chief of the Statesman, where need to show the much needed love and for nothing. a discussion of the budget crisis arose. respect for each other, year round. Our The Statesman editorial in the He expressed such concern for the mi- small community on the Stony Brook February 6th Volume XXXVIII, Num- nority students on campus and the grave campus needs to unite now more than ber 33 edition stated that everything situation we faced. He said everyone ever because we face a dire economic should be saved except for the EOP and should band together in unity and attack situation that threatens the existence of SEEK programs. Is it me, or does it seem this head on. Now I feel like I have a all the minority students in the SUNY that many students would sacrifice the sharp pain in my back. school system. minority community to save their own In this issue we have our usual What we are not excited about ass? The editorial stated that cutting the column, " To The Heart Of The Matter." in this new year is our new Governor EOP and SEEK programs would benefit Much to our disappointment, "Voices of George Pataki. We are severely disap- the student community because they a Sista" will no longer be in pointed with his vicious budget plans for "find no reason to give financial aid to BLACKWORLD. We thank Ms. the SUNY schools. His ruthless plans to people who are academically lacking." Ruschelle Reuben for writing it during cut TAP to $500 maximum award, and The editorial goes on to claim that there Fall '94, and wish her much success in eliminate graduate Tap completely is a are other worthy students who are suf- future endeavors. Also we have the de- clear attack on a state system of educat- fering because of these programs. What but of a new column written by our Edi- ing. His ideas include raising tuition many of these people do not realize is tor-in-Chief, Lauristine Gomes. We also '$1000 for SUNY colleges and $1800 for that many of the students in these pro- have a special Valentine's Day personals University centers (Albany, Buffalo, grams do not only come from a poor section where students sent some per- Binghamton, and STONY BROOK). economic environment, but also a poor sonal Valentine greetings.In the Cre- The buck does not stop there. We are in academic environment. It is not their ative Arts section, we have the column :the process of building a new Student fault that they were in an environment "L Session ," which is now being writ- Union, among other renovations. Not which did not have the resources needed ten by Big Sha. Included are reviews of only will many of those renovations stop, to attain educational success. It also does Ruby Dee in concert and The Urban Bush but if and when the new Union opens, not mean that they are stupid or academi- Women performance. In conclusion, many problems will arise. There are cally lacking individuals. What these stu- BLACKWORLD wishes everyone a plans to open new dining areas in the dents once lacked is support. The EOP healthy and prosperous spring 95' semes- new Union. The Union and dining areas and related programs are designed to give ter. Peace and Love! are expected to be accompanied by a students who show a great deal of poten- Carey Gray great drop in enrollment. What that tial, but were never given a fair chance Managing Editor

The opinions and views ex- roetry oy ;tony jBroOK pressed are not necessarily those shared by the Editorial students staff.Articles, Viewpoints, Per- sonals and Poetry should be sub- Page 8 mitted to STUDENT UNION Rm 072, or our Polity Mailbox. Some -R! * AA TS articles may be edited for length Interview with Carmen Vasquez, and /or grammar. Advertising Director of Student Union & 0 The L Session policy does not necessarily re- Activities flrt editorial policy. Editorials SRuby Dee Describes the are the opinions of the majority ofthe- Blackworld staff Essence of King Page 4 *Urban Bush Women Review OThe Black Arts Movement TrAM,--'YA,-ABA Page 10 FREE' "U.. ,I U.S. Political prisoner on PE AS'- death row Pa e 5 Page 13 _ ;_._,,,~,,,~,yl.~,, - ,, I----. --- I! ~csslwaree~r~a~P?8~8~~ ~·ZLI~I~L~T6IFEIPPli~F~Bd·~t~ir~Ch+r·i~· :~;rT%^~a~i~S~L~i~i~~JC~'-'-~S~'~'Clsr-~~Zilti-~liCZ-llr··-~:ri ii;iiri~ i~-*ii·LLLiiYYld·YII1111~------~----~-- A Rally for Change We, as students at the State Uni- to pay for? ,and by shouting "Education is our right, tell the "Ivy-league, ax-wielding gover- versity of Stony Brook, have been given As President Crystal Plati and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!" nor" that we are not going to take it any- a slap in the face. The New York State Vice President Annette Hicks, tried to get Testimonies on financial diffi- more. Government, headed by Governor Pataki, the crowd warmed up the Administration culties were given by several EOP stu- Annette Hicks, when asked thinks that they can cut funding to our building filled quickly. Banners could be dents. This view was illuminated by about her thoughts on the rally, said that school, raise tuition (which we can al- seen in the middle of the crowd with BLACKWORLD Editor-In-Chief, she too was happy to see so many stu- ready barely pay), and cut essential pro- statements like, "I might not be here next Lauristine Gomes. Ms. Gomes read a dents in attendance, but at the same time, grams for student who absolutely cannot year" and "S.O.S-SAVE OUR SUNY". fiery poem which depicted typical Uni- disappointed at the number of those who pay the tuition at all. Meanwhile, Plati encouraged the crowd versity life. However, there was an un- didn't show. She also stressed that there On Wednesday, February 8 dur- to chant the slogan, "S.O.S. SAVE OUR usual twist. The protagonist in the poem should have been more student leaders ing campus lifetime, the Administration SUNY". As Plati and Hicks continued ended up graduating from Stony Brook, present at the rally. Annette believed this building was filled with students rally- to lay down the cold harsh facts about but also shooting up the graduation cer- would have made it more of a success. ing for a change in the proposed budget Pataki'S proposals to "tighten the budget emony. The crowd of angry and emo- She emphasized that this is a problem that cuts and tuition hikes recently proposed gap", the crowd began to get more riled tionally charged students were spurred on is going to affect all communities, and by Pataki. The turnout for the event up. Plati talked about financial aid be- by the welcomed rendition, that everyone should make the effort to seemed good, because the building was ing cut, tuition being hiked, EOP and There were many people from work together to combat it. packed, but many felt that the turnout AIM being totally wiped out, loans be- the faculty and administration in atten- All of these things ought to could have been much better. Of the ap- ing reduced, and aid to graduate students dance on Wednesday. The most impor- make you think long and hard about your proximately 11,000 or so students at being cut. She informed the student body tant person, our very own President immediate future at the Brook, or what USB, only about three to four hundred that it was time their voice was heard. Kenny, was not present because she was there will be left of it if we don't do some- attended (and that is only the undergradu- She urged students to tell Albany how in Albany lobbying for a change of these thing. It is time for us to be heard and to ates !!!). What is happening to the other they felt about the outrageous idea to proposals. Also in attendance was Mark be listened to. Just remember that with- people who go to this school? Don't they demolish their chances for a promising Newmark of the Alumni Association, out education and knowledge we are care about what is going on right under future. Her solutions were writing let- who seemed as heated about the situa- nothing, but with it we can take over the their noses? Don't they care that they ters, sending postcards, going to SUNY tion as the students themselves. In his world. are being railroaded by a system and a Lobbying Day on February 13 and 27 address to the students, he urged them to by Ella Turenne government that we are busting our asses An Afro American Family Call For Unity & Stru e v The FBI's obvious and obscene people, is the maintenance of disunity and agents and agent provocateurs the state cause she is completely out of touch with entrapment of Qubilah Shabazz is an at- disorganization in our ranks. It is past had inside the Nation, just as they had political reality, and in her continuing one tempt to divide the Black Liberation time for Black people and other progres- and have inside the SCLC (and against sided attacks on the Nation of Islam is Movement. This comes in the wake of sive peoples to become unerringly clear Dr. King), SNCC, Black Panther Party, doing a grave disservice to the Black Lib- attempts to organize a "black summit", on this. Communist Party & Co. Just as they set eration Movement and her husband's and a March on Washington, the preface Certainly the racist & imperial- up and entrapped Washington D.C., name by pushing a distorted version of to the much needed Black United Front ist U.S. rulers have understood this for a mayor Marion Barry. Malcolm's assassination that demon- which would unify the various ideologi- long time. To continue our disunity into Spike Lee is not only a vulgar strates and justifies her alienation from cal tendencies in the Black Liberation the present generation, our enemies have opportunist, but a vicious and dangerous the entire militant wing of the BLM. Movement to collectively attack our en- even used and distorted our history and one. He even had as one of his "advi- What this tragedy also reveals emies. culture. Witness the transformation of sors" the notorious Captain Joseph who is the objective collusion between the The division of the Black Lib- Rap into a form praising thugs and at- was expelled from the NOI's old Harlem reactionary sector of the black petty bour- eration Movement is the continuing and tacking black women. Spike Lee's vi- Temple #7, and who was a sworn enemy geoisie with the state, to divide the BLM long term purpose of this entrapment and cious distortion of Malcolm's life and of Malcolm X, who probably did have and isolate the militant sector, hopefully framing of Malcolm's daughter. But we degrading swipe at Dr. King and the something to do with Malcolm's murder, to initiate division, disruption and even should also see very clearly that the point movement itself, (not only in X but in carried out at the bidding of the U.S. gov- violence in the Black Liberation Move- of these repressive forces controlling the Do The Right Thing & Co.) furthers this. ernment. ment. fascist moving U.S. government is not Even before the Spike Lee film This Joseph who changed his It also demonstrates even more only to isolate Farrakhan and the Nation X came out ,we predicted based on all name to Yusef Shah, also supplied Lee forcefully the critical need for a Black of Islam, but to stop his proposed March his other films that it would be distortion with the lies he slandered Amiri Baraka United Front in the Black Liberation on Washington!!! of Malcolm's life, the Black Liberation with, in his book By Any Means Neces- Movement encompassing all the diverse This is a crucial and positive Movement and a collaboration with the sary. When Baraka tried to sue Shah and ideological trends and organizations so tactic of Minister Farrakhan's (though as reactionary forces that rule the U.S., in- Lee, and asked, through his attorneys for that we can raise the Afro American a politically active Black family we wish cluding the imperialist state itself. an exculpatory investigation to find out struggle for democracy and self determi- that the entire family was include, Black The $30,000,000 movie was what Shah had to do with the murder of nation to an invincible political weapon. women and men must fight together for made expressively to blame the Nation Malcolm X, Shah was found dead in his As Mao Tse Tung said, "Unite, our liberation. Neither the Black man nor of Islam, and Louis Farrakhan for sleep (a favorite CIA ploy) shortly there Don't Split; Be Open and Above Board, Black woman can do it alone!) Malcolm X's assassination, thereby ab- after. Don't Intrigue and Conspire" ... "Cast One of the requirements for the solving the real murderers, the FBI & Unfortunately, Malcolm's Aside Illusion, Prepare to Struggle!" continuing national oppression and super CIA (in collusion with black criminal el- widow, Betty Shabazz, was also used by by Amiri and Amina Baraka exploitation of the Afro American ements inside the Nation of Islam and the Mr. Lee and the forces of reaction, be- I1 Z-7ý* BLACKORLDONE ATIO I

Meet Carmen Vasquez, Director of Student Union & Activities

BLACKWORLD: When did you first was Quad Director, then an Area Direc- more than just those reasons, but after I to make a map of the world. About two come to Stony Brook? How did you get tor. I want to stress that I worked my came to this position, I didn't use it as a hundred people would participate. The involvedwith Student Union and Activi- way up; I took every step to get where I power against anyone. I view my posi- game is played by groups who must solve ties? am today. This is more than just a job. I tion as a responsibility. a problem of the given region by using Carmen Vasquez: In 1978, I entered love what I do! the resources it possesses. The other Stony Brook as a returning transfer stu- BW: What are some of the ways in which project is the Uniti Cultural Center. I dent. I then completed my Undergradu- BW: Do you feel that you have a great Blacks and Latinos can become unified? would like to help refocus the organiza- ate and Master's degree in Social Work. responsibility to the Latino community CV: In both areas women are the lead- tion. I would like to help create new When I came to SU&A, I was hired as at Stony Brook? ers. These women and the groups need structures and programs. an acting Assistant Director for a year, CV: I'm available to all students. Latino to organize forums, lectures, etc., This then I was an Associate Director for four groups tend to come to me for advice and is very important because when these BW: Would you like to leave the students years. I am currently in my fourth year help more so than most. But, I definitely leaders are in the work force, they will with any words? as Director. give all groups who come to me the same have a network. CV: You must get involved and take ad- attention. vantage of the opportunities. Become BW: What sort of job related experiences BW: Are there any special programs or active. This is your community. Make have shaped the way you perform your BW: What is it like being a Latina in projects that you are working on? sure you have fun, this is a great time in job? power? CV: There are two things which are very your life. And definitely go to graduate C--V: I was a Resident Assistant as an CV: As a woman and a person of color, I important. The major theme is for Stony school. Many minorities don't generally undergrad. As I pursued my Masters in was often faced with the feeling of being Brook students in organizations to have pursue this, but it is important to do so. Social Work, I was hired as an RHD in- "the only". I wanted people to know that more interaction (i.e.: cultural, sports, Getting your Masters and Doctorate De- tern. I decided that I liked the Univer- I didn't represent the entire Latino com- etc.,) My first project is called World grees will definitely open doors for you. sity environment, and that I really en- munity. Neither my culture, nor my gen- Games. I want to make it into a cultural by Dorothy Jackson joyed working with my peers. In 1981, I der are negative. I didn't have it easy for fest. The program requires coordinators

The LongWalk Iome (Part The Long Walk Home (Part I)

My mother's face is sweet siblings shared a three bedroom apart- back then. It was very peaceful. It was the same toilets as their historical oppres- brown sugar. Her eyes leap. Her lips ment. There were three daughters in one like you could leave your door open and sors. My mother's own mother would dance. Her voice carries and echoes. Her room, three sons in another and two par- never worry about anything happening. not have her children educated and reared hips are wide from the eight children that ents in the last. The projects were new Everyone was pleasant, always said in the same system she had been educated have passed through them. And there are structures added to a very large and old 'good morning' to each other. Black and reared in. Thus she packed up her lines drawn in her cheeks and beneath her complex. From what my mother recalls people just seemed a lot closer down six children and set them on busses. They eyes, from lack of sleep or lack of peace. and claims, "they were not as bad then South than in the North." My mother were going to integrated schools. My I have looked on that face. History is as they are now." smiles. mother recalls forced integration as one formed in its contours. I have kissed, Her father, RooseveltJefferson, At the age of eight my mother of the cruelest experiences of her baby- caressed, yelled at and mourned that face. was a truck driver. Her mother, Dollye was bussed to an elementary school in hood. "When I first got to my new There are ancestral memories that unwind Mae Jefferson, was a young college-edu- Flatbush. Her mother, a community ac- school, I didn't know what a Jew was. and rewind, fold and unfold in my cated mother. She involved herself in tivist, was determined that her children They were just white to me. But the mother's stare. clerical work, civil service and commu- would receive an equitable education. neighborhood that my school was in was My mother was born Marsha nity activism. After taking a series of Even though Jim Crowism, code name Jewish. And they didn't want us there. Jefferson in Brooklyn on February 21, civil service exams and working as a for segregation, was not the legal system It was horrible. We were children who 1951. She was born to Dollye Mae and clerical worker for the Board of Educa- in the North, it was a de facto reality. She were forced to to be around people who Roosevelt Jefferson. Her mother had tion, she got a job working in the Mayor's vowed that her children would not suffer for some reason hated us and didn't want been born and raised in North Carolina, office, which she held until her retire- under America's hateful and racist op- us around. We didn't understand. We her father in Virginia. But like so many ment. pression. Segregation had been one of didn't learn anything about ourselves. Africans at the turn of the century and My mother's early childhood the most painful aspects of Black Ameri- We didn't see anything to validate our through World War II they came with was shaped by music, church, and visits can life. It exclaimed the second-class existence. The teachers and parents were their families to the North seeking better to Virginia in the summer. "I liked the status of Africans in the United States. It very racist. We were punished harshly employment, better housing, a better po- South. It was beautiful. Everything was planted in the very dreams, aspirations, and unfairly. It's horrible being in a place litical and social climate, a "better life." slow-paced. I had never known anything spirits, and self-definitions of Black where people don't want you, learning My mother lived in a tenement until the about the KKK when I was down there. people that they did not belong in the all sorts of stuff and nothing about you." age of four. The ages of four to seven- I stayed with my uncle, and even though country built on and by their own backs teen found her living in Redhook there were always rumors about the and blood. It likened Africans to animals, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 projects. My mother, herparents and five KKK, I didn't know anything about it unfit to eat at the same table or urine in -. -- I I a I I' a-· · : Ir I sl IIIII I -- - - -:_I_-I , _ , 1-.. I - a c I : · 1 BLACKWORLDONENATION ·- . . I THE MOVEMENT On February 1st, 1995, during sciousness. That is, asi~y friend put it" the Black National Anthem which got about who we are, where we came from campus lifetime, students gathered to- everyone was so conservative, we were some response from the audience (which and where we are going. There's more gether in the Fireside Lounge to "offi- to afraid to let ourselves loose." This fear consisted mainly of gospel choir mem- to college than just a diploma folks, cause cially" declare the beginning of the cel- of what others are going to is one that bers). It was the first time that I had heard as a lot of people have learned it is a step- ebration of Black History Month at Stony has always plagued this campus. Broth- Curtis. I was made aware of him by most ping stone to show us how we are to con- Brook. The event opened with Vaughn ers and sisters don't realize that this fear of his adoring fans, and I must say that duct ourselves and what work ethics we Furia welcoming the students and digni- is what keeps us from putting our heads they were wrong; this brother is better are going to have. Case in point, if you taries which included the president of together, and showing unity on a day than good, he is great! For one his voice are worried about what a few people on Stony Brook, the president of the Union which opens a celebration of our history. is very powerful and two he managed to a 2,000 acre campus are going to think Activities Board and a list of others. When a group of fine looking sisters move a predominately apathetic crowd of you when you express yourself, what After Furia's opening speech, scream to the crowd to chant " keep walk- for a few minutes. are you going to do when a billion acre which received much applause from ing " after a verse, why can't we, a black The reason that I'm harping on world focuses its cold and hard stare on those in attendance, we all had the privi- student body dig deep down into own the crowd's reaction so much is that I was you? lege of viewing the Urban Bush Women, souls and repeat "keep walking." Unfor- personally disappointed with our reac- Start now people! Get involved an African dance troop. They came from tunately, the majority of us did see a tion, in that the event was geared for to learn and grow strong as an individual New York City to give us a taste of the. problem because no one responded. We crowd participation. Look, after 4 to 6 and as a people. We need to support performance that they would be giving must realize that what we take out of here years its going to be 40 hour weeks, 9 to events that pay tribute to our history and later on that evening at the Staller Center we put into the "real world". If we can't 5 schedules and tedious work loads. This our culture. Stop sitting and standing for the Arts. Unfortunately, their excite- even take some culture from Stony is the time that we are all here to enjoy around and keeping our mouths shut. If ment and spirituality was not reciprocated Brook, what are we going to do when we ourselves and get involved in things that we continue to take the spectator role by the crowd. With blank faces we all are all out of college, and its up to us to gives us some sense of culture. As the some one else will do all of the talking , looked on with no participation as the remember that February 1st starts Black role models for our communities (and that walking and thinking for us, when one Bush women attempted to get all in- History Month? is what we are) we must see college as a of our objectives in coming here was to volved. This writer believes that this non- After the Bush women per- way to start networking amongst our- do these things on our own. involvement was not a result of true apa- formed, Curtis Luster, the Gospel Choir selves, and learning as much as possible by Vronski Mesidor thy, but more along the lines of self-con- conductor, did a magnificent rendition of

IFIUS. EI IUAL PRISONA E ON IEATH RO UISo I.OIL 1F]CAIL P1IN_ SONER ON IDE-1H I OW

Support to free Mumia Abu - aged white men (some were off duty as one of the 81 people to watch in '81. Jamal is growing. He is a political pris- cops). While he was getting stomped on, Jamal became a supporter of MOVE oner on death row in Pennsylvania. Mumia signaled to a police officer, who (MOVE was a black back to nature move- Moves to get him a new trial are under- then came over and kicked him right in ment). MOVE set up a commune in way. Who is Mumia Abu-Jamal? He is a the face. Mumia recalls in the book Still Philadelphia and held a philosophy that Black radical advocacy journalist from Black Still Strong, "...That cop kicked me did not allow for eating meat and junk Philadelphia, Philadelphia is a city that right into the Black Panther party..." food, using tobacco or drinking alco- has an ugly history of racist police vio- Mumia became the minister of hol. They also believed in the respect lence and "law enforcement." From the information of the Philadelphia Black for animals and their rights. Mumia was bloody repression of labor unions with Panther (BPP). He was a founding mem- intrigued by MOVE and their drive. He the use of Pinkerton thugs, to the 1960s ber of the Philadelphia BPP chapter and covered MOVE at the expense of his ca- and 70s that saw the rise of facist-police- ran the newspaper. This was the late 60s- reer, moving from station to station be- chief-turned-mayor Frank Rizzo (who early 70s when the FBI, under J. Edgar cause of the attention he paid to MOVE. once proclaimed he was going "to make Hoover, was running a terror campaign The police attacked MOVE in 1978. Fif- Attila the Hun look like a faggot"), this against the Civil Rights movement, the teen MOVE members were convicted of trend has continued. In the late 1970's new left, and the Black Power movement killing one cop, who was actually killed the Federal government sued the city over in particular. The FBI did this through by another cop in a case of "friendly fire". police brutality which was primarily their counter -intelligence program In the case of police brutality, the victim aimed at the black population. (COINTELPRO). That program was set gets charged with assault. Mumia fol- This was the city that Abu-Jamal up to "discredit and otherwise neutralize" lowed the story and interviewed MOVE killed and Mumia was found at the seep grew up in and where he practiced his activist and leftist organizations. This in prison. This lead to a public threat in a pool of his own blood. He was beaten activism and journalism. In 1968 young terror campaign was instrumental in di- from then Mayor Frank Rizzo aimed at by police and taken to the hospital where Mumia Abu-Jamal (Wesley Cook) and a viding the BPP. It attacked BPP offices Mumia Abu-Jamal. he was charged with killing Officer friend went to a George Wallace for Presi- and carried oui 38 assassinations of BPP MOVE was bombed in 1985. Faulkner. According to attorney Leonard dent rally in Philadelphia. George members as well. Of the twelve people were killed, 6 were Weinglass, four witnesses who don't Wallace was a segregationist Governor After the demise of the BPP, children. The survivors were all sent to know Mumia or his brother saw the man of Alabama, and a hero to right-wingers Mumia became an up and coming jour- prison. who fired the shots run away. The gun when he ran for President in 1968 and nalist, writing for magazines and broad- At 4a.m. December 9th, 1981 that was used was not found on the scene. 1972. While in the audience Mumia and cast journalism. He was elected presi- Bill Cook, Mumia's brother, was pulled At the trial, Mumia was brought his friend gave the Black Power symbol, dent of the Philadelphia chapter of the over by the police and a fight broke out. before a hanging judge Albert Sabo, who a clinched left fist in the air. They were Association of Black Journalism 1980. Mumia intervened and was shot in the taken out and beaten by a gang of middle He -was cited-- in Philadelphia magazine stomach. The police officer was shot and CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA FREE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL

My mother's first realization of realization, on political analysis. Each has sent more people to death row than court overturned a death sentence of being Black came through the experience day he sat with his children to watch the any other judge in America. At one time, David Dawson because the prosecution of attending an all-white school. Inte- evening news and held nightly discus- he was also an under sheriff for 16 years, used his membership in the White Su- gration was a terrible farce. It was a sions on what had appeared on it. He and a member of the Fraternal Order of premacist Aryan Brotherhood after it bandaid on a bullet wound. Africans were had attended the March on Washington, Police, an organization that currently prejudiced the jury. being bled to death and rather than allow considering it a milestone in his life. It wants to see Mumia killed by the state. Capitol case expenses run in the them the sociopolitical power, the cul- was on my mother's 14 birthday that Sabo first granted Mumia his five to six figure range. The prosecution tural and religious definition, the Malcolm X was assassinated. Recalling right to represent himself, but rescinded interviewed 125 witnesses while wholistic liberation needed for their sur- the riots and hateful sentiments in her that right during jury selection because Mumia's attorney interviewed only four. vival, America allowed their babies to sit high school, my mother pauses to think he felt that Mumia was too gifted a Judge Sabo only allotted Mumia's im- next to its babies, to be completely domi- of her freshman year. Her face changes. speaker; it was unfair to the prosecution. posed attorney 150 dollars to mount a nated by and acculturated into its oppres- She was 14 in her first high school year. He also denied him his right to his defense. sive culture. It put in plain view just how "Malcolm X was killed on my 14th birth- counselchoice, which was MOVE leader Mumia Abu-Jamal was framed much Africans were denied in America. day," she reminds me. "I felt cheated as John Africa, Sabo saddled Mumia with and railroaded into death row. For the My mother had not know how poor her usual. I didn't understand. People were an inexperienced unprepared counsel, past twelve years he has remained in a family was until she saw how whites in in so much conflict. Alot of people didn't who was later disbarred from practicing concrete 7 foot by 9 foot dungeon 23 her neighboring town lived. understand Malcolm. He was for pro- law. Mumia protested during the trial and hours a day. Under these conditions he At approximately the same time tecting yourself and your rights against was banished from the court room. He has kept writing his "Voice of the Voice- my mother discovered what her race was tyranny. He was not about being an ag- then spent most of his trial in a jail cell. less" radio broadcast. It recently has been and the implications of such, she also gressor. But the government has always Joseph McGill, the prosecutor censored by National Public Radio NPR learned what her gender was and the im- tried to undermine our leaders, no matter of the case once sent an innocent man, due to pressure from the Fraternal Order plications of that. Society had invaded what the message. They make a con- Matthew Connor, to prison by withhold- of Police. On the U.S. Senate floor fas- her home, and its misogynous tendencies certed effort to control our thinking, our ing evidence from the defense, that would cist dog Bob Dole threatened NPR fund- crept into her existence. "My father made quality of life in terms of withholding prove the defendant innocent. Matthew ing over the issue. a distinction between the male and female whatever we need.... I had never really Connor was released from jail 12 years People are fighting back. A le- children. He was harder on us. The girls considered the Nation of Islam a religious later. In the Mumia case, McGill ille- gal defense fund has been established and had more chores. The boys didn't have group. They were more like a national- gally told the jury that they did not have has been taking depositions. Organiza- to do anything. The girls were punished ist group or political organization. I had to feel responsible for handing out a death tions backing Mumia in his struggle are: more and got worse spankings for the never heard Malcolm speak in person. I sentence because of the appeals process. Equal Justice U.S.A., The Partisan De- same bad behavior. The boys could go had seen him on the television and heard He also used Mumia's membership in the fense Committee, The Committee To out when they wanted. The girls couldn't him on the radio. Black people really felt Black Panthers to secure a death sen- Save Mumia Abu-Jamal, labor unions have boyfriends. We were expected to that the government was responsible for tence, knowing it would have negative from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe, just get married. It was extremely diffi- his murder." America is very efficient impact on the stacked jury. A jury that and Australia, Former Attorney General cult to grow up in such a close-knit fam- with disposing of Black leaders who ar- had a man who said he had already con- Ramsey Clark, prominent individuals ily, and one group was treated so differ- ticulate and struggle against the realities victed Mumia before trial began, a through out the entertainment world, and ently from the other." At a single-digit of African life in the United States. It woman who was the wife of a Philadel- progressive politicians. The fight for age my mother was forced to acknowl- infiltrates their organizations. It uses di- phia cop, and a man whose best friend Mumia has raised the issue of the death edge a life of struggle. She was both vide and conquer tactics. And it murder- was a cop who was shot on duty. penalty and how racist it is in its applica- Black and female. She, like her mothers ously stamps them out. "Black people The Pennsylvania Supreme tion. If the State of Pennsylvania goes before her and the daughters after her, were crying in the streets when Martin Court amazingly refused to overturn ahead and murders Mumia it will be the would suffer under the lash of both rac- Luther King died. What an injustice! Mumia's death sentence in spite of the first explicitly political execution since ism and sexism. She would be hated, Martin Luther King was a very, very, edu- cynical use of Mumia's association with the Rosenberg's in 1953 at the height of misjudged, downcast, excluded, cated man. He preached non-violence. the Black Panthers which were disbanded the McCarthy era. marginalized, and mistreated for the He appealed to the higher ideals in hu- nearly twenty years before. That same by Robert V. Gilheany crime of having a Black womb. man beings. He was a humanitarian. My whole family used to sit in the front of My mother entered high school the television and listen to him on the in the Fall of 1962. Again she attended news. Everybody was sad when he got a school that was not in her neighbor- killed. I think even more so than when hood, that was not reflective of her cul- Kennedy was killed. I was in school that tural, ethnic, economic, sociopolitical day. And it was announced. I came realities. She went to Erasmus High home, and it was on the news. Nina School. Her political consciousness and Simone wrote such a beautiful song for awareness of the race- gender- class him. I just cried." (She is shaking her struggle had already taken form. Her fa- head.) ther believed that a people's advancement by Aliyyah Abdur-Rahman was partially based on education, on self-

Editor's note. "Due to the length of this article, the conclusion will be printed in the next issue ofBLACKWORLD." ------__

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m Diary of an Intellient Black Man by Khalil Hayes Now they tell us you're the "king of the And they still ask, "Why are you world", the phenomenal "nigger", only so angry?" Even when they really want if you can slam like Mike or sing like by Lauristine V. Gomes lated! Pretty soon she'll be doing errands that warm, sweet, chocolate skin milk that Mike, or even rap (considering that their First, I want to hail up all the around the office and..." My thoughts is oh, so palatable. They want the "Good kids are really into that now). Today the BLACKWORLD readers for supporting were cut short as Pat told me of her feel- Times," the "Jeffersons" and the gangsta bitch is "fine" and the hustler this newspaper. Second, I extend greet- ings about Stony Brook. She, like my- "Cosbys", but I refuse them. Their ven- feeding off his people is the ideal black ings and blessings to the Afrikan and self, was a transfer student and her memo- omous guilt wants to be stroked and man. They fear the manifestation of their Native population on campus. Whoever ries of her old school were vivid. Ac- calmed like a baby's hot forehead during own creation. Their mind's scurry away you be, whether from country or city-- cording to Pat, Stony Brook was a haven fever. Allow me to add wood to the fire. from the ideas of the intellectual warrior, this column is for you. I'm not going to for shady people who needed a place See, we were alright as clowns the black scholarly pugilist standing tall go into what this column will be about-- where they could let their shadiness flour- and fools, and as the earth turned we be- on the death ridden battlefields of the just read it and see. Having said that, lets ish and grow. She had already been came singers, dancers and comedians. White, Blue, and the gushing Red. get into the topic for this edition: Vibes. through a run-in with the gossip mongers Eventually they even allowed us to shed So I laugh when they ask that Everybody knows what vibes on campus, which made her kind of leary the criminal facade and become lawyers question, "Why are you angry?" And I are, right? For those who don't know, about making friends. But I, she said, and doctors. We fulfilled "Their" Ameri- think of the blaring trumpets of the vibes are those warm or cold new or old was different. Her exact words were, can dream, their fantasy of "us" which marching intelligent "Black" man leav- energies radiating from one's presence. "You seem like you have a strong will could be easily digested. Allow me to ing "their" colleges armed with the weap- They can draw people towards you, or and you know what you want. The first stick fingers down throats so that warm ons of knowledge and shields of reflec- away from you. As for me, I got a hot day I saw you I admired that and wanted bile fills every mouth. Spit out the truth, tion, and I think, "Don't worry, you will vibe. Right when you meet me, you. to meet you. Your vibe was kind of pull- and one might find that little has changed. be angry too." know its love or hate, no in-betweens. ing me towards you." That felt kind of Some people got cool, laid back vibes or weird coming from a total stranger. I was no vibe at all. Either way, as people of like, "I wonder if this girl is trying to kick the earth we do (or should) pick up on it to me. Well, I'm gonna let her know vibes. Now some of y'all are saying to from jump that I don't get down like (TO (Zhe A{ealOt the yourselves, "What the hell is so impor- that." Just as I was about to make clear tant about vibes ?" Let me tell you a story my sexual orientation, she began asking about vibes and what has happened to me if there were any cute guys on campus. //atte because of them. Relieved, I told her who my first five draft by T.N.H. There are ways in which we can protect It was a warm day in spring last picks would be if I was a scout for the I would like to welcome you to ourselves through condom usage. We year, and I was walking to my class in "Stony Brook Fly Guys". I was nearing the first BLACKWORLD for the Spring have all heard about using latex condoms. the Union. The walk from Tabler Quad my destination so I prepared to bid Pat '95 semester. If you are an active reader Condoms are essential to the fight against was just long enough for me to listen to farewell. It turned out that she and I had of this column you may notice I have ab- STDs. Condoms act as a receptacle to my walkman playing my then favorite the same class in the Union so we went breviated my name. I did this to drop keep sperm in, and a shield to keep vagi- song. As the beat of Nas' "One Love" together and sat alongside each other. any feelings of formality. I wanted this nal fluids out. The usage of a condom, cascaded through my ears, I began feel- She kept me awake by talking to me for column to be as laid back and comfort- and a spermicide give you a greater reas- ing a strange prickly heat on the back of the whole class period. I was glad I able as possible. surance to the prevention of STDs. my neck. Ignoring the feeling, I contin- wasn't snoozing in class, but kind of dis- So here we are again for another However the most important ued on my journey to boredom. Nego- appointed that I wasn't taking any notes semester at Stony Brook. Tell me hon- measure you have against the spread of tiations went on in my head about what either. estly how many stories have you heard STDs is to have respect for your body. seat in class would be most comfortable At the end of class, Pat gave me of so far people creeping around campus? Ladies there are brothers out there run- to sleep in, interrupted only by momen- her telephone number and we said Personally I heard my share of intimate ning around hitting every target in sight. tary "What-ups" and "Hellos". As I goodbye to each other. I made a note to little tidbits. If a brother tries to sweet talk you in bed, neared the library, I glanced over my myself to call and tell her the time of There is a lot of sex on just imagine who else or what else he's shoulder to see how high the sun was in BLACKWORLD's general body meet- campusand there is nothing wrong with been with. If someone is trying to ma- the sky. After all, it was burning my neck ings. I was feeling kind of nice that I a sexually active campus, as long as those nipulate you into not using a condom say up like some breakfast swine alongside had met someone who was so straight- who are active are responsible. Being "no!" eggs in a frying pan. Don't you know up with no pretenses. Before I could fin- responsible about sex does not mean ab- I am tired of hearing sob stories there was someone right directly behind ish my mental evaluation of her persona, stinence. Responsibility just means safer because a sister would not stand up for me, giving me a mad-dog stare? "A'ight, she hugged me. With that, she turned and sex. To be blunt safer sex, and being re- herself. What the hell is more important, so thas the cause of the radiation to the walked away. Now, I don't mind hugs sponsible means having sex without con- your life or a cheap thrill? We are sur- back of my neck," I thought. "Lets see from my friends and people I care about tracting or spreading sexually transmit- rounded everyday by the reality of un- how long they keep that shit up before I but that hug was just too much. I didn't ted diseases. safe sex, and still for some reason we turn flip the script." Feeling into my pocket know her well and hadn't decided if I We all should know that STDs a deaf ear. Remember, he could look for my ever present blade, I prepared wanted to. Besides, she left her mystery are diseases that are transmitted through good, and still have more than lead in his myself for any sudden attacks. Just as I vibe all over my jacket. All day long I sexual intercourse. A few of them are pipe. opened the door to cut through the library, felt uneasy and I just didn't know why. chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and Please understand I am not pro- I heard a voice. When I returned to my room HIV to name a few. Many of these STDs moting long term relationships. The "Hi, um, my name is Pat. I live there was a message under my door. It such as chlamydia, and gonorrhea are length of time you have been with some- in your building and I've seen you read, 'Thanks for being so nice to me, preventable. But there is unfortunately one should not be an issue when it comes around. What's your name?" Deciding hope to see you soon. From, Pat." I felt no known cure for genital warts or HIV. to protection. Neither am I trying to scare whether or not it was a setup, I told her bad for thinking that something was All sexually active adults need to know anyone. I just want to show you the real- my name. With that, she told me that she wroAg with Pat and that I should avoid how these diseases are spread, and what ity behind getting your "groove on". Sex was new and interested in getting in- her. But there was something about her preventive measures to take. First of all, is something to be enjoyed. There is volved in a campus group. As I contin- that I just didn't want around me. Maybe STDs are transmitted by microorganisms. nothing wrong with finding pleasure in ued walking and talking, I gave her all it was the burning ifitensity with which These microorganisms travel through sex. However, sex is also something that the information she needed on joining body fluids such as blood, semen, and could cause you to go to your grave if BLACKWORLD. I grinned to myself vaginal fluids. you do not protect yourself and your part- and thought, I CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 "Ha, Ha, a new recruit! So Unprotected sex increases your ner. young, so innocent, so easily manipu- chances for body fluids to be in contact. .r ·': · 2 : --L . ·

Oslyn Baird

You live your life as gently as the world would allow you obstacles prevent you from being always happy, mood swings befriend you against your will. You've kept your sexuality tamed for sometime, Trying to follow the Lord's commandment Then love strikes, fires blaze, arrows fly, hearts melt, confusion drunks you. So your human flesh opens its pores and absorbs sin for a time. You take a sip of young love got your heart broken Regained your faith with Christ professing His name Only, you're born again You go to school during the day to become that nurse You've always wanted to be At night you barely sleep, because you work during the day as wel It's a struggle for you Your body is tired and so is your mind. You are numb in your body You need rest but the world needed your bill payments Yet the world goes on even when you can't Even when little by little you're dying No time to worry No time to cry No time to rest body or mind Only time to die, to go to heaven, to be world free. And yes you were young, a good human being Yet still death came and framed you into a grave. And I, your friend, your peer, wonders when death Will want to frame me too into a g r a V e...

Dedicated to Oslyn Baird who passed away last summer. I love you friend, forever. I won't forget you, I won't let myself.

- Julie-Ann Rodgers

Sweet dreams, plums, love and him they are all the same he's my dream, my love, my plum (sweet thang)

when I close my eyes, take a bite, and embrace I forget the names of all these things and remember only one word RAGE sweet TH E STORM RAGES it's destiny ARCHING, PRESSING, YEARNING unfortunately DEVOURING EACH OTHER WITH A LOOK, A KISS, A MOTION.

dreams turn nightmares SKIN TO SKIN, FLESH TO FLESH. plums turn prunes love turns memories GRIPPING, CARESSING, CAN'T GET ENOUGH and him OUR BODIES BURN AS WE SUCCUMB TO UNCONSCIOUS NEED they are all the same DESIRE TAKES OVER. TOUCH TO how can I overcome the inevitable TOUCH. keep one eye open TENDERLY WE CLING- take a nibble, take HOLDING ON a grasp, WANTINGTO hope it will last a little longer STAY.ONE SHEATHED IN THE OTHER iORECTED pray it will last forever AAIANST ALL OBSTACLES please! SHELTERED FROM THE STORM...

so what if it doesn't MOMENTARILY I dreamt, I tasted, I touched it was sweet PROMISING SOON until next time that's my sweetness TO RA E AGAIN.

--- J.N.S. - KAREN DEVI KUNJBEHARI 13AKOL N AIN I I

by Big SHA for props. a new single out called "No Air Play". I would like to welcome you Listen out for the D&D Project This is definitely going to be one of the to the first edition of BLACKWORLD coming soon which is bound to blow up biggest events of the year. and also the L Session for the semester. the spot. The East Coast will release an Out on the underground label In this column we deal with underground All Star album including "Fat Cat" Vega, called Fortress are L. Swift and Mr. Voo- Hip Hop music as you know it. '95 has Dres of Black Sheep, Guru of Gang Starr, doo, two of the up and coming artists with some brand new flavor for your ear, and Mark the 45 King, The Beatminerz, Nikki crazy lyrics and originality. The sound this has nothing to do with Craig Mack., Nicole and Diamond D. The album fea- track from the motion picture movie We're talking about new artists such as tures twelve songs: eleven with new un- Street Fighter, features "Come Widdit". The Roots. The group includes Black signed talents meeting established pro- On this track are Ahmad/Ras Kass/Saafir Thought, Malik B; and Question, who, ducers, and a grand finale executed by from the West Coast. Ras Kass has re- while performing, have a live band con- DJ Premier with lyrics by the D&D All leased a single called "Remain Anony- sisting of a drummer, a bassist and two Stars, a super group featuring Fat Joe mous". Saffir has an album out called crazy live MC's. Before the album was the Gangsta, KRS-One, Mad Lion, Doug Box Car Session with phat tracks, like released, two singles came out, "Distor- E. Fresh, Jeru the Damaja, and Smif n "Playa Hater", "Battle Drill", "Real Cir- tion of Static" and "The Lesson Part Wessun. The D&D Project will be an on cus", and "Light Sleeper". Nasty Nas has One", which are now debuted on the al- going series, and future releases will be a cut from the sound track as well, named bum Do You Want More? Off the album, strictly Hip Hop. "One on One", which is definitely some- they released a new single called "Silent Bad Boy entertainment has re- thing to look into. Treatment". It speaks about intimate re- leased many new artists this previous Stay tuned for Ill Sounds, lationships, and how women sometimes year, but they are about to launch a new WUSB 90.1 F.M., for underground Hip shut men out. The Roots have a unique tour featuring artists such as Craig Mack, Hop. It's on alternating Thursdays from style of rap, mixed with jazz and bebop, the Notorious B.I.G. a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, 3:30-6:30 a.m. Keeping it real for you, which is becoming more prevalent Mary J. Blige, and Busta Rhymes. Now this is Big Sha signing off for this ses- amongst other artists. This group keeps signed to Bad Boy is LL Cool J, who has sion. it real unlike other artists who just rhyme RUBY DEE: DESCRIBING THE ESSENCE OF KING Ruby Dee kicked off Black His- Hall of Fame Presentation"; acclaimed as Luther King: The Dream and the Drum", tory Month at the Staller Center for the author and player in "Zora Is My Name" "A Walk Through the 20th Century with Arts on the evening of January 26. The at the American Playhouse; with her hus- Bill Moyer", and for three seasons the night was called "An Evening with Ruby band Ossie Davis, in Spike Lee's "Do the critically acclaimed "With Ossie and Dee: In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever"; on Ruby", which they co-produced with Jr. She enchanted her audience with en- Broadway in Woody King, Jr. production Kera/Dallas and WHMM/Washington tertaining lines such as "Love is when of Ron Milner's "Checkmates"; and as D.C. In addition, they also co-produced you sink into his arms, and wind up with Amanda in Tennessee Williams' "Glass the film "Countdown at the Kusini" in your arms in his sink." Her performance Menagerie"; as well as many roles in the- Nigeria with the Delta Sigma Theta So- lasted approximately forty-five minutes, ater and films. rority, and for DBS , "Today is Ours", a and within that time she gave a glimpse Ms. Dee is also a writer. Acom- program for young people based on Ms. of what Dr. Martin Luther King was like pilation of some of her short stories and Dee's book Glowchild. behind and without the pulpit. poetry are included in My One Good Recently Emmalyn Enterprises She called him a "preacher- Nerve (Third World Press). She has writ- co-produced with the Correction Connec- teacher", a "visionary", a "revolution- ten children's books based on two Afri- tion Inc. (CCI) of Philadelphia, the au- ary", an "agitator", a "man who let his can folk tales: Two Ways to Count to Ten, dio tape presentation of The King James Godness shine through". She remem- illustrated by Susan Meddaugh, and won Version of the New Testament, and Hands bered his passion throughout the evening the Literary Guild award in 1989; and Upon the Heart, a collection of some of and said, "He epitomized the spirit for Tower to Heaven, illustrated by Jennifer their best performances for PBS. which this country was founded." Bent (Henry Holt & Co.). Glowchild Also accompany "An Evening For most of the audience the (Third World Press) is a compilation of with Ruby Dee" was the Stony Brook performance was too brief. She could poetry for young people. Gospel Choir singing "Lift Every Voice continue for another hour and no one In 1988 Ms. Dee was introduced and Sing" along with other selection, and would have squirmed in their seat. into the Theater Hall of Fame, and in the presentation of The Dr. Martin Luther She was introduced by a former 1989 into the NAACP Image Award Hall King Scholarship to two of Stony Brook's graduate of USB, the Honorable Joan B. of Fame. She has a B.A. from Hunter students Norvis Huezo and Natasha Johnson, Town Clerk for the town of College, is product of Harlem and the Payne. Islip. She is an elected Black official, American Negro Theater, and she stud- After the performance Malika who is a community activist and staunch ied acting with Paul Mann, Hoyd Batachie, a student, presented Ms. Dee volunteer for the Town of Islip, Suffolk Richards, and Morris Carnovsky. with a bouquet of roses on the behalf of County, and New York State. Ms. Dee and her husband own the school and the Delta Sigma Theta Ms. Johnson read Ruby Dee's Emmalyn Enterprises through which they sorority. bio which included her recent Emmy for produce with PBS works like "Martin by Joanne Johnson her role in "Decoration _ Day: A Hallmark I · · :··- .i ~ . . I 1 r _ · I Togethe r They Rise: UriSm Bush Women

There stood six vibrant, spiri- Lipstick and Girlfriend were street, on a cold winter's night, huddled performed. They received two standing tual, energized, and totally gifted, strong two excerpts which left the crowd as- in the fetal position like a helpless infant. ovations with hollers, whistles and cries black women. Their movements are sen- tonished, while evoking laughter at the The blue light on the stage helped illu- from their adoring fans. suous with a dash of soft and subcon- same time. The Urban Bush Women minate the despair and desolation until The Urban Bush women ended scious body movements that teases the brought to the surface topics concerning the point where one's soul shivered. They the night by paying a round of thanks to eye. These women are different shades first loves, sweethearts, boyfriends, and addressed the view that most homeless their lighting designer Kristabelle of black but together they rise as the Ur- violent topics like incest. They brought people are crazy. At one point in the Munson, who will be leaving The Com- ban Bush Women. to life how women pull together as a piece, the dancers pointed to the audi- pany shortly. After presenting her with On February 1st, in celebration whole. They exhibited through their ence, as the narrator told them that roses and champagne, the performers of Black History Month, the Urban Bush dance how lipstick plays its role in a girl's homelessness could happen to them and danced and sung for Munson. Women helped kick off our celebration life, that being one of the first steps to to anyone. The narrator of Shelter was The Urban Bush Women dis- with their spectacular performance with womanhood. none other than Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, played a strong sense of pleasure, and excerpts titled Lipstick, Girlfriends, and The last excerpt for the night the artistic director and creator of the spiritual traditions. They explore the Shelter. A crowd pleasure was Batty was Shelter. This scene was touching Urban Bush Women. Shelter ended with struggle, growth, transformation and sur- Moves which was composed by Junior and powerful. This brought out the rhyth- live, vicarious movement enhanced by vival of the human spirit- a powerful "Gabu" Wedderburn, a native of Jamaica mic beats, movements, and the actualiza- the pulsating live drums and a cappella sense of community that speaks around who has been with The Company since tion of fear which most people possess vocals. It was the strong bond of strength on stage and in the audience. 1990. Wedderburn helps to create and concerning the homeless. These six and love that these women carried as they by Michelle Boyce develop music for the dance troop. women showed how life can be on the

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by Amiri Baraka For many of us who lived in the young Black people who would put forth ward and began to teach Self By the late 50's the U.S. civil "village" in New York, the political di- the concept and the organization called Determination, Self Respect and rights movement hasreached a new height mensions of the times were always muted The Black Arts Repertory Theater/ Self Defense, it struck a chord deep of intensity with the victory of the Mont- by the petty bourgeois anarchy of the School. within the soul of a wide spectrum of gomery Bus Boycott, the emergence of largely white soi distant arts community Not only was the struggle for Black people, particularly Black youth. Dr. King and the formation of the we lived in. But as the whole society democracy raging at higher and higher And for those of us living outside the S.C.L.C. The Cuban Revolution brought heated up with struggle and rebellion and levels, but when Malcolm X stepped into community his impact was deeply pro- the 50's to a roaring climax with yet an- revolution, I suppose the most politically center stage, there cane also a wave of found and life changing. other popular democratic victory. By sensitive of us began to pull away from black nationalist agitation and propa- In some respects it was like 1960 the Black Student Movement had the bourgeois rubric that art and politics ganda unlike many of us had never heard Fanon says about the native intellectuals formedout of the Greensboro black stu- were separate and exclusive entities. before. Many of us were not familiar in colonial societies who have become dent "sit-ins" and soon S.N.C.C. would So that by the beginning of the with the Nation of Islam, cspecially if we so integrated into the petty bourgeois su- steponto the stage of Black peoples' 60's not only had I already gone to Cuba were living outside Black communities. perstructure and even marginal social life struggle. And now at the beginning of to witness the beginnings of the revolu- Elijah Muhammad was unknown, but of the oppressor nation that when we first the 60's we welcomed the move into the tion Fidel Castro and the people of Cuba Malcolm X put words to the volcanic tor- receive that degree of self consciousness leadership of Malcolm X. had brought into the world, but when I rent of anger and frustration many of us that makes us aware of how deeply we Clearly, this was the era when, returned I became quickly involved in felt with the civil rights movement. have joined with our own inferiorization as Mao Tse Tung sd, "Countries want helping put together political organiza- The "turn the other cheek", we are deeply mortified. Independence, Nations want Liberation tions like Organization of Young Men, a "non-violent" approach to the struggle for Fanon says such intellectuals and The People want Revolution!" And political newspaper, In /Formation, and democracy we rejected. We did not un- next become blacker than Black or Su- as we used to quote him often often, became a member of the left organiza- derstand why we must continue to let per African to cover and dismiss their "Revolution Is The Main Trend In The tion On Guard, headed by Calvin Hicks, crazed ignorant hooligans attack us to double consciousness, as DuBois calls it. World Today!" along with Archie Shepp. show we were noble or that we deserved I think there is very obviously some of The African Liberation Move- In a few months I had also be- tobe citizens. The endless television this over compensation in some of the ments, from the earlier Mau Mau insur- come the New York chairman of the Fair horror shows of Black people being wa- interior and public manifestations of the rection in Kenya, were likewise gaining Play for Cuba organization. I had gone ter hosed, boated, dogged by two and four Black Arts Movement. Fanon also said worldwide recognition. And the names to Cuba with Harold Cruse, Sarah Wright, legged dogs, lynched, jailed, got our jaws that if such an intellectual continues to Kenyatta, Azikiwe, Toure, Nyerere, Julian Mayfield, Ed Clark, among oth- tight not only at the scum who did this struggle in the day to day practical revo- Nasser were becoming familiar. In 1961, ers, and there had met the great Robert but the negroes who accepted it. lutionary movement then there is a I 1st met Askia Toure along with other Williams, of Monroe, North Carolina, That's why the Cuban revolu- chance that they might become authen- life long comrades, in front of the U.S. who had most recently excommunicated tion was so heavy in our sensibility. tic revolutionaries rather than compen- Mission to the U.N. where we were gath- from the NAACP for not only stating That's why sating poseurs. ered with hundreds of other people, in- openly that Black people had the right to Robert Williams was our hero. That's We were group of Black intel- cluding Aishah Rahman and Mae self defense against the attacks of the why we demonstrated for Lumumba and lectuals living mostly downtown New Mallory and Calvin Hicks to protest the Klan, Williams even led his unique wrestled in those streets with the police York, murder of Patrice Lumumba by the U.S., branch of the NAACP to ambush the despite Ralph Bunche telling us he was Greenwich Village, or the Lower East Belgium and the traitorous scum who Klan and remove their hoods and guns. embarrassed that were in public acting still sits in the seat of power of Zaire, Joe I'm saying all this to set the like niggaz. Mobutu. stage for the coming together of the So when Malcolm stepped for- SCONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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I i1I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 THE BLACK ARTS THE VOCAB MOVEMENT

her eyes looked at everything. Or it could who it was. Just then, a figure wearing a Side. Our day to day social life was, for town for the most part, some in integrated have been the way she tapped me slightly hooded robe sat next to me. I was so full the most marriages or what have you. every time she got to an important point of grief that I barely noticed the person part, joined directly, or marginally, with The explosive transformation of in her story. I just felt like my personal sit down. As I turned slowly to my right the petty bourgeois arts and intellectual our quantitative frustration, built and space was invaded when she was around to see who the person was, I felt a pain community or at least was their and our genuine desire for liberation into the and worse yet, she knew where my room on my neck as though I had been burned. presumption. Except that whatever else qualitative persona who must be wholly was! I was just about to call her up and Despite the pain, I managed to turn my the most sensitive of us was doing, what militant activist in the liberation struggle ask her how she knew where I lived, head as far right as it would go. The fig- remained is what was the deepest hunger was Malcolm's murder. His murder by when I heard a low rap at the door. It ure stood up slowly, walked directly in in our souls, the urge to democracy to self the FBI, the federal government through was Pat, with a bag slung over her shoul- front of me, and stopped. When I recog- determination, the understanding that no native agents, Spike Lee, not by the Na- der. I opened the door. "Hi!", Pat said nized the face, it was too late. I was be- matter how much we might be "recog- tion of Islam, was what sent us hurtling and hugged me. I stood there frozen, trip- ing brutally bludgeoned with a blunt ob- nized" or "accepted" or even lionized as out of those various downtowns across ping off how she had shown up just as I ject and blood was everywhere. I artists &c.,we were still somehow bur- the country steeling our "Blackness" like was looking for her number to call her. screamed and screamed until I woke up, dened with the disorienting realization of Faust trying to reclaim his soul. Before I could get a word out, Pat dug crying. I had a terrible headache and my alienation. The month after Malcolm's as- into her bag and pulled out a thin black mouth felt dry. I didn'tknow what to do, On the surface, as we grew more sassination a group of us arrived in book. It was a book of poems by Alice I was so scared. I was remembering that conscious we knew that as we demanded Harlem, this time to seek permanent resi- Walker. She presented the book to me the blunt object in my dream was a book. an art of struggle, an art that related to dence and to avenge Malcolm's murder. and insisted that I read it. I didn't have a And then the phone rang. It was Pat. She the reality of our history and the real life We had held fund raisers downtown. Just chance to say, "no", "yes", or "thank you"" wanted to come over and pick up her of the world, particularly of the Afro before we left, we had a fund raiser at before Pat started walking into my room book. I was glad that she was getting her American people, it became clearer and the old St. Marks Theater, where my and touching everything that interested book because then she would have no clearer that the standard bourgeois aes- plays, The Toilet, and Experimental her. "Oh this is so beautiful!", she said excuse to come back to my room. I thetic of separation of arts and politics Death Unit #1, featuring Barbara Ann as she smoothed her hand over the Mexi- looked at the clock. It was 4:35 am. I was stupid and becoming more and more Teer, Charles Patterson's Black Ice and can blanket on my bed. She spun around never did give Pat that book. When she openly bankrupt. The Black Tramp by Nat White (who we sharply and arched her neck to one side, got to my room I had already ripped the In a deep sense the music, jazz, never heard from again) straining to see something on top of my pages out of it, lit them with matches, and blues, new music, these were sustaining were performed to raise money to go dresser. "You are so pretty. Is that your threw them out of my window, on fire. elements of our lives. We could feel our- uptown. boyfriend in that picture with you? He When Pat asked me for her selves, we could become truly self con- We rented a brownstone on W. must be the bomb if he's with you .. book, I slapped her. She stood there scious inside it. And as the 60's moved 130th St. near Lennox, tore down the 1st your room looks so comfortable and amazed, and never saw me reach for the on, a significant sector of Black artists floor walls and began our work. The warm, I just know I'll be spending lots baseball bat behind my door. I had only downtown became more ad mor iso- announcement of our arrival in Harlem of time here." whacked her with it once when my suite lated from that so called "mainstream" was a parade, with the small group of "Alright Pat, I don't want to be mate, the RA, came out of her room to by the growing need to fully express our young Black artists, led by the great ge- rude but I'm really very busy now and I see what the ruckus was all about. As soul and mind connection with Black nius Sun Ra and his then Myth Science have to study. So, I'll see you later, Pat held her head in pain, I explained the struggle in our art and in the street. When Arkestra. We still have photos of that. a'ight?" Pat looked disappointed as she situation to my RA. Pat was taken to I met Askia I didn't even know he was a What the people of Harlem thought of got up and left. As I closed the door be- University Hospital and I was taken by poet. Ditto Larry Nea, Max Stanford. that we would find out in various ways hind her, I wondered how I had got my- the University Police. My story sounded We were in the struggle to liberate Black as we traviled. But that was the open- self into another sticky situation. Speak- crazy and no one would believe'me. It people, to liberate ourselves. ing. The weird , interplanetary, the he- ing of sticky, her vibe was just that. It didn't matter that Pat was at my door We began to come together to liocentric world of Sun Ra, our synco- was like an overpowering dark mysteri- when the altercation occurred. All that discuss the movement. We were in dif- pated point and I carried a brand new flag, ous cloud. Worse yet, it was in my room, seemed to matter to everyone was that I ferent organizations. On Guard, RAM, designed by painter, William White, the and all over my belongings. It seemed was Black, crazy (according to them) and Umbra, some even in the CP and SWP. tragic / comic (like the earth, the south like she had been locked in my room for kept talking about some "vibes". I was Black intellectuals and artists seeking the smile of joy, the north the frown of three hours, and had touched everything kicked off of campus and charged with true self consciousness. We hit upon the sadness, dig it ) dialectical mask of in it during that time. I lit several sticks assault. idea of circulating propaganda and agi- drama, fashioned into an African shield of incense at once and began smoking her It was by the grace of God that tation among the down town Blacks to in black and gold. We walked all the way vibe out of my room. I didn't have any my case was dismissed. Apparently, the involve ourselves directly in the libera- determined to make a revolution. quarters to wash my jacket or bedspread, Police had left out some technicality in tion struggle. When Robert Williams was The name Black Arts had come and I hoped that the incense would suf- my arrest procedure. Today, I have been struggling with the Klan we discussed in one in one of our meetings downtown fice. reinstated into the University and will sending him guns. One of our group was where we gave each other military rank That night, I took a long time to graduate in May of this year. I was lucky, even bustled in a set up by the FBI where and made a commitment to any means, fall asleep. I kept feeling like I was not but all I can think sometimes is, "If I had he was framed for trying to blow up the even armed revolution. We said what in my own room, or like someone was just paid more attention to her vibe, I statue of liberty ,just like the Muslims should we call this, then, secret Black there with me. After several tosses and would have never even let her get so far framed by FBI organization of artists and intellectuals. 4urns, I fell back into a light sleep. Soon into my room, or my mind." Take my and Mossad today for the World Trade I remember Larry Neal, Max Stanford, I was dreaming. I was at a funeral, in the advice, heed the vibes, and stay un- Center Reichstag explosion. Cornelius Suares, Clarence Franklin, front row. I couldn't tell who was in the harmed! We spent much time now tray- Askia Toure, William White, Charles and coffin, and I was desperately trying to see eling back and forth between the Village William Patterson (the last two from and Harlem. Working politically in Umbra, our in-house trouble makers). Harlem, that became the badge of our sin- And it came to me out of the black hole, cerity. No matter we still lived down- I said, The Black Arts!

Editor's Note: Formore infonatio'n call. 2-6494,- "Due to the length of this article, the conclusion will be printed in the next issue ofBLACKWORLD."

- I I r,- I- _ I I I-III I llC -IlI - I - I · I I --- C ~ - r - -I ----I -C--~ -- ~ IIPII I - I - - -a - BLACKWORLD.ONENATION,

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To my sweetheart who always To Mr. Lips (Wagner), Dee, Bubbles, Nea, Mugsy, Aliyyah, Tamara, Melissa, Maria, cares, who cooks for me, washes It's simple. The eyes, the Boriqua, Nat, China: Arthie, Karen, Aneu, and the rest: my hair, clothes, the hair, the dimple. I I know how to keep a man! Bring it on for the next girls I love you so much words can't need to know... all of you. Happy Valentine's Day, tricks. night out. Strictly classics, express, the extent of our happi- Remember Me Love, Big Mahjwa rockers, and live entertainment ness. conversations! Love, Pookie Skee-Wee to my Neo's, enjoy it To Mahogany, Big L while you can. Stay true to your love and re- Ronie-Rone, Love, Cookie Monster member, time waits for no man. To my peeps up in Polity, Thanks for everything, Your Love; Big Poppa I love you all, but I met Ms. Reid friendship means the world to To My Caramel, first! me. Happy Valentine's Day! Let me wrap my chocolate arms To Hollis and Will, The Guilt Trip Girl Love always, Margaret around you and make a candy Love that phone mail greeting! Boo, bar; Always remember, Never Don't change it. To Sanger 322A forget, I Love You! What's it gonna be...Wifey or Even though I'm not sure how I To Crew and Fishes, me? Thought I was gonna be feel, thank you for keeping it To Muscle Butt, Even though one has a personal- your girlfriend. Happy real. For remaining true, staying SWEET THANG is T.B.J.O.S.B. ity complex, and the other's like Valentine's Day! you, and giving me oh...so I hope you caught that. her grandma, I love you more Shady much. than tub-o-butter. U Touch Me Love to the Queens tricks: From, Hot To my Ethiopian/Eritrean peeps Bubbles, Haitian Creation, Big from Mount to Dreiser, To Jackie, Mugs, Lil Nea, China. Bronx "Come on and go with me, come Stay Black, stay sweet, and put Happy Valentines Day tricks: Nat, Boriqua. Other on over to my place." all that charm to use today! From the Old School Masse tricks: Back up off us! Stinky L.G. The Last American To Vronski, To Lopez, Big Up to room 240 in Keller. You're more than just a neighbor, To the Brothers of Sigma True say you're gone but you You know you RULE! you're like family. Keep it real Lambda Beta, definitely ain't forgotten. Whas in'95. Big Valentine's Day Shout out. up with these Optimos and some This one goes out to the man From, Suite 224 To those of the powerful P, Alize? Come through! with the biggest heart on cam- Coronas tonight!! The Original Dred pus-Hartley. The name fits you To Freckles, Inca (#1 Spring '94) baby. Thinking of May makes me cry. Big Up to Keller 210 Big Ben Michelle I love you so much, in these next To crew, 3 months I'll show you that. Givin mad shout-outs and re- Happy Valentine's Day... To anybody and everybody who From, Joe member, keep it real. I'm so happy that I can spend complained about the sunglasses, today with such a wonderful THEY'RE OFF!!! HAPPY To Alvin & Lapido, To Ralphie, person like you. NOW??? We try to get with you all in Happy Valentines Day Forever, Bookey Shades those late night hours, but all you I still have that thing to give you want to do is stay in bed. Dont Forget!!! To Hunny Bunny, To Rhonda, From, Neighbors From ??? There are many reasons why I You mean everything to me. love you, your sweetness is one Thank You for the good times To Femi, To Tracy, of them. Everyday is Valentines and the bad times . What size did you say those Happy Valentine's Day with you. Love Always, Boobi boots were again??2 A.nonymous I'love you, I Love You, I LOVE (just kidding) YOU! Edwin, Happy Valentines Day! And don't Happy Valentine's Day! I know C.M. No matter what day it is I'll worry, I won't forget to give you we won't be able to spend this always love you. your red things day together, but I just wanted To My Man from the Motherland Happy Valentines Day From your Valentine you to know that I am thinking of via Tobago, Love Ronnie you anyway. Two more months to go and then To C-Man, Love, Stinky you in for life! To Tori, Don't be so presumptuous- your Justice I always get what I want and I style is alright by me. HAPPY Happy Valentines Day want you. VALENTINES. to all the GO's people Happy Valentines Day Mayra!!! Happy Valentines. From, You Know Who From Rafael From Rafael Love Big Boss I aabe "... k(now thlat nless there is a bal/ancce betwecH Sour spiritall , Kmenit cand physicaci an mline too, oursexy bo.d0 is no more to me than deaci corpse mvoviun in evitabiy, exkiaustin

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excerpt from the poem "Let t .e Known /r by oette Harland-Watt:S · p

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2/14/95 -Tuesday - Double-Feature. - Thursday - SB Union Fireside der" 7-10 pm. 2/23/95 - Thursday - Keller Main Only You/Love Affair, in Javits 100 Lounge. Family Feud. Sponsored by Lounge, "Black History Month Dia- -Tuesday - SB Union Fireside MPB Board. 632-6460. logue" 8 pm. Lounge. Cultural Food Fest . Alpha 2/22/95 - Wednesday -SB Union Fire- Kappa Alpha Sorority. lam- 4:00pm. side Lounge. African-American Arts & -Tuesday - "Cuba and Haiti - 2/18/95 - Saturday - The Bronx Mu- Crafts Fair. 10am. - 5pm. 2/25/95 - Saturday- SB Union Ball- Relations". 7-10pm. Javits 110. Call 632- seum of the Arts. Celebration of the Af- - Wednesday - African Stud- room, Black History Month Semi-For- 6822 for more Info. rican-Diaspora Tours from 1:00 - 6:00pm. ies Library. Forum: "The Condition of mal, "Black Man and Black Woman: The Admission $4 for Adults, $2 for Children. Black and Latino Workers on Long Is- Pillars Used to Support Their Union" 8 718-681-6000 Ext.41 land; The Struggle for a Fair Social pm-3 am. 632-6460. 2/15/95 -Wednesday - SB Union Fire- Policy" 12:40-2:10pm. side Lounge. "Israel Opportunity Fest". - Wednesday - Kelly Quad 12:40-2:20pm. Conference Room. "The African Expe- 2/26/95 - Sunday - SB Union Audito- Photo Exhibit. 2/20/95 - Monday - Keller Classroom. - Wednesday - Douglass Main rience" 7 pm. rium, The Black Teachers Forum 12-5 "Colloquium: The Cuban American Lounge. "Fade to Black" Cultural Event - Wednesday - Peace Cen- pm. Experience" 7:30pm. to celebrate Black History Month. ter, Old Chemistry. "The Origins of Af- 8:30pm. rican Christianity" 7-9 pm 632-2768. - Wednesday - Langmuir Main - Wednesday - James Fire- 2/27/95 - Monday - Javits, "The Lib- Lounge. "Racism ... What does it mean 2/21/95 - Tuesday - SB Union Fireside side Lounge, "How The West Was Won" erators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World to you?" Panel Discussion. 9:15pm. Lounge. African-American Arts & Crafts The movie "Posse" 8 pm. War II." Film Documentary 8 pm. 632- Fair, 10 am.-5 pm. 632-6828. - Wednesday - Staller Cen- 6565. -Tuesday- Javits 110. Forum: ter Recital Hall, Shirley Verrett, Opera 2/16/95 - Thursday - Film. "Bitter "The Bell Curve and the New World Or- Singer 8 pm. 632-7230. Cane". 12-2pm.

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