Spelman
THE VOICE OF BLACK WOMANHOOD
Vol. XXIX, No. 7 May, 1985 Tyrone Brooks: Making A Move To Lead Atlanta
by Sydney Perkins expand the tax base; provide for Guess who is opposing Mayor a more solid working Young in the upcoming mayorial relationship between industry election?... Georgia House and my office; increase industry Representative Tyrone Brooks. and tourism; bring investment Tyrone Brooks is a twenty-one back to Atlanta’s Southside; year veteran of the Civil Rights Increase the competitiveness of Movement including 13 years of the city, both on a national and services in the Southern Chris- international level. And most of tain Leadership Conference. all provide auxiliary commissions Since 1980 he has been serving as to handle such proposal, Atlanta’s 34th District Represen therefore leaving me here to tative in the Georgia House. represent my constituent’s Currently he is serving on the needs to the fullest. following committees in the SPOTLIGHT: Will you be ad Legislature: State Institutions dressing such issues as the and Properties; Vice Chairman, Presidential Parkway, the zoo, Ellemosynary Institutions; and Police Intergration? Retiremen; Industry; Chairman, BROOKS: Yes, I will be adress- Georgia Legislative Black ing all issues during my cam Caucus; Issues and Outreach paign... the city’s disgraced Committee. police bureau... the horrible Brooks has been successful in mess at the zoo, all of which this enacting anti-ku klux klan - - y ■ -Ä» mayor is to blame. legislation since the mid 40’s. As SPOTLIGHT: Do you have a well as working with the anti- campaign slogan? klan network, Brooks is also —...... ■■jjiui.iiijii.iuggj,. - , ■ ‘jJJHP1 ’ BROOKS: Yes, unofficially, "A 3. College Education: Profiles on Dimensions: On the Inside: For the rich education at The best of career front only? - Page 2 Spelman. - Page 8-9 poetry. PP 10-12 PP 13-14 Spelman Spotlight Page 2 May 1985 Editorials & years of your life young brother million. I want you to find the There is another education Grant at a Glance and sister, you have already best way possible of being that you have received here, in spent, and just this year you are yourself. Being yourself? that addition to the academic one. It finding out that life is a search for should be easy to do: I tell you is an education that is still rare in excellence. that if you could be yourself, you this country. You have learned could be whatever anyone else is what you learned, and felt what If life is a search for excellence, doing and better.” you have felt, and done what you what is this excellence and why have done in the company of must we search for it? According To the Graduates - 1984. A other black women. to the dictionary, to achieve Search for Excellence "Excel at excellence is to have arrived at being yourself’’ by Sonia Many of your sisters are the best way of doing something, Sanchez (this excerpt was taken elsewhere. I go there. I see them ... all over ... too many of them and to excell at something means from her message which are miserable. Too many of them the best way. Let me ask you appeared in U M O) A something: What was George newsmagazine, 1984.) I see struggle and fight daily, Washington and his friends hourly, for the simplest dignity... looking for when they revolted "What has been available to for the most minor recognition. against the King of England? you here and what you take away They were dissatisfied, they were is really not available in very The Spelman community is looking for excellence, they many places... a sense of belong simply a life-support system. It is were trying to set up a govern ing, a sense of mission, and, a network of strength that is so ment which they felt would be particularly, an intimacy with complete, it is practically the last best, for their people. Why was your history and your culture. place where the word sister is a Columbus willing to sail 9,000 This knowledge comes hard, real and meaningful word.” miles across an ocean that was very hard, to many of us. This unfamiliarto Europeans when he knowledge comes hard to many Toni Morrison, Author could have gone east by sailing people on the globe. This Commencement east as we had taught them to do. knowledge of who you are ... May, 1978 He wasn’t satisfied. He was what you know of value, and looking for a better way. He was what there is to protect. You What Morrison and Sanchez looking for excellence you could have been educated by your has conveyed is that what we say. Why did Lowell, Grimson, people and they have given it to have learned behind the gates of Scherra, White and other you. Spelman College, we must carry astronauts make flights into You are a community of black beyond in our search for ex outer space to land on the women. There is nothing like it cellence. We have just com moon? They were in search of in the world. There is nothing pleted one such search. Now we The following quotes were they add to your knowledge and excellence. like it in the world. There is will embark on another. In this taken from messages delivered experience as you embark on a I’m not asking you to get nothing as magical. There is new search, as we have or should to graduates in the past. These new journey beyond the gates of involved in light stuff, I’m asking nothing as potentially powerful. have done in our past search, we quotes are still very relevant Spelman College. you today to excel in one thing There is nothing so fierce ... must excel in being ourselves. today to the graduates of 1985. I “Why were you born? You and that is at being yourself nothing so nurturing as a com Only then will we be able to hope that you find them very were born to search for ex because you were the one that munity of black women who effectively use what we have meaningful and inspiring. May cellence. Fourteen or fifteen made it, you were one in a know who they are. learned. Along the Color Line: College Education: For The Rich Only? Perhaps the best index of Rights and Black Power Institute of Technology cost a social inequality is the movements, belatedly provided staggering $16,130. Wesleyan Editor-in-Chief News Editors accessibility of higher education millions of dollars in grants and University in Connecticut plans Carolyn Grant Jasmine Williams to people of color in the United scholarships to Black students. to increase student charges next Debbie Marable States. After his reelection, Presi Since the late 1970s, with the year by 8.5 percent, to $14,440; Sports Editor dent Reagan proposed the national retreat from the “Se Stanford University is hiking fees Marie Roberts Feature Editor elimination of student loans cond Reconstruction,” the 7.5 percent, to $14,893; St. Wanda Yancey from families earning above pressure to accelerate Black Lawrence students will face costs Literary Editor $32,500 per year, and an annual educational opportunities was of $15,376, an increase of 7 Carol Lawrence Political Editor Sydney Perkins ceiling of $4,000 for federal loans retarded, and during Reagan’s percent. Higher tuition costs are Health Editor to all eligible students. This effort tenure the tide has been revers less severe for state supported Angela Hubbard Layout Editor is yet another indication of how ed. The percentage fo Black high institutions, but nevertheless Natalie Heard far we have declined from the school seniors going directly into remain quite steep. The Univer Art Editor popular consensus of two four year colleges has fallen sity of Connecticut at Storrs, for Debra Johnson Circulation Manager decades ago concerning the sharply. example, plans to increase in Triphenya Zachery necessity of providing access to The latest trend on campuses, state students, faculty and staff. If Advisor higher education to all. the shocking increases in tuition such measures aren't taken, the Kimberly McElroy Reporters Desegregation campaigns of fees, will also have a direct percentage of Black and Latino Valerie K. Bright the 1960s forced white public impact on minority education. students who complete four year Photo Editor Dawn M. Lewis and private academic institutions Jennifer Satterfield At a time when inflation has programs at universities will fall Photographers to permit the enrollment of cooled off for several years, sharply before the 1990s. A Associate Editor Kathleen Tait Black students for the first time. college costs continue to climb. college education should not be Lynette Glover Joanna Griffith The number of Black faculty, The Ivy League schools lead the for the rich alone. administrators and students also way. Princeton University’s increased dramatically at white overall costs for tuition, room schools in the North and West. and board will be $14,940 next Dr. Manning Marable teaches The Spelman Spotlight is a bi-monthly publication produced by and Such gains were not simply the fall; Yale University, $15,020; political sociology at Colgate for the students of Spelman College. The Spotlight office is located in product of the demise of Jim Brown University, $14,765; Dart University, Hamilton, New York. the Manley College Center, lower concourse, of Spelman College. Crow, but occurred due to mouth College, $14,860. Other "Along the Color Line” appears Mail should be addressed to Box 1239, Spelman College, Atlanta, expanded federal financial loans elite, private institutions are in over 140 newspapers inter Ceorgia 30314. Telephone number is 525-1743. to low and moderate income charging roughly the same fees, nationally. students. Philanthropic agen if not more. This year’s tuition cies, pressured by the Civil and fees at the Massachusetts May 1985 Spelman Spotlight Page 3 The Honors Program: Striving For Academic Excellence The Honors program at years, this exposure gives better in high school, and (2) students. Although the strength and a lack of communication Spelman College was first im students a greater depth and have combined verbal and and growth of the program has between faculty and students in plemented in September of 1980. understanding of their course mathematical SAT scores of 1000 increased, the number of the honors program. It has sense served the purpose work. According to Laurel Hord, or above/and or an ACT score of students failing to maintain the Despite the few drawbacks, of intensifying the educational a graduate from Spelman in 1984, 27 or above, in addition to have required grade point average this program has many positive experience for a small number of "each individual in the honors graduated in the top 5% of their increases, and they are dismissed aspects, including the excellent students exhibiting high intellec- program can appraoch issues high school classes. For those from the program. Many preparation for graduate school. tual achievement and freely and creatively within the currently enrolled freshmen students feel this results from a Dawn Ison, president of the demonstrating ability. context of discipline and rigor.” students who wish to enter the rule begun in 1982, which forces Honors Society says that "the Spelman's Honors Program is Most of the students in the honors program, they may do so students who earn grades of a present main aim of the the result of a study done in the honors program feel that it at the beginning of their "D" or “F” in any semester, to be organization is to build the late 1970’s, on the existing allows them to be more respon sophomore year after es with drawn from the program. morale of the students." By honors programs at some other sible, and teaches them to learn tablishing a record of excellent Some say this is an unfair policy, making a test file and test books colleges of similar size. Other and study individually. Not only performance. because it causes students who available, preparation for exams colleges and universities in the can problems be discussed, Recently, several changes maintain a good GPA despite will be easier. Also, the distribu United States have allowed in analyzed, and solved openly in have been made in the honors making a low grade, to be tion of t-shirts and building the corporated honors programs the classroom, but students are program, according to Dr. dropped from the program. morale of freshmen honor into their academic settings since encouraged to create a non Brisbane. Two instituted honors Dr. Brisbane says that students through an initiation the 1950's. classroom environment. Being sections are World Civilization, a "although about the same process, will contribute to in housed together allows required one year course for number of students drop each creasing moreale and student As director of the honors freshmen honor student to easily freshman, and World Literature, year, the math students more awareness among the students. program, Dr. Kathryn Brisbane organize study sessions for the a required one year course for often than students in other feels that the honors program review of difficult material, and sophomores. The latter will not majors, drop the program. This We are proud of the 1985 here at Spelman has been an aids in each student’s adjustment become effective until problem will hopefully be cor seniors remaining in the honors excellent academic reinforce to this high level of performance. September of 1985. rected by instituting an honors program. Of the thirty students ment for students over the past In order for entering freshmen math tutorial program. that participate in 1981, 16 will five years. Although all student to qualify as program par In September of 1983, the Valerie Leonard, a senior, says graduate this May; five students entering the program as ticipants, they must have: (1) a honors program’s enrollment drawbacks of the program have freshmen don't remain in it for 4 grade point average of 3.0 or increased from thirty to sixty been extraneous course work Continued on Page 16 Survey Shows News Service For Students Stopped Unity is High by Schawannah Wright letter advising them that at Morehouse Have you noticed that the “because of the lack of sales in news bulletin programmer in the national advertisements which "One nation under a groove," lower concourse of Manley had initially provided for the free the rythmic call for unity in Center has not worked all news service, some changes Parliment/Funkadelic’s '79, semester? The sign was a major would have to be made.” They release best describes the at source of news information to cut back on their staff and titude Morehouse College has students. However, Dean notified Spelman as well as other toward unity. Eleanor Cox informed the institutions that they would now Spotlight that the daily news have to pay for their services by In a survey taken at service had to be stopped. one of two ways. They could Morehouse, Spelman and Clark According to Dean Cox, the either have a local sales program Colleges, students rated unity Bruner News Network in Grand with students selling local ads, or between the schools and offered Programmer in lower concourse of Student Center. Prairie, Texas (owner of the the institution could pay $100 per their opinion on whether or not information sign) contacted presentation, Spelman would be to the first date of activity. Dean month for 9 months of use. the schools should combine. Spelman last spring about the allowed not more than 1500 Cox preceded to say that they At this time, the fee was not use of the News Programmer. words. Bruner also informed sent the information and 3 times able to be titled into the school’s The results from Clark proved They assured Spelman that there Spelman that the news informa it was not shown. budget. As a result, the daily to be inconclusive but the results would be no cost for the tion had to be into the news Finally, on December 10th, news that was provided for from Spelman showed that 90 programmer and with each network at least ten weeks prior Bruner Network sent Spelman a students was stopped. percent of the student body felt the unity between the AU schools was poor but felt com bining them would not be the Recently Introduced Plan Assures Minority answer. The men at Morehouse, however, felt a little different. Students of Access to Student Loan Funds Agreeing that tradition was in deed important, 36 percent said that Spelman and Morehouse Minority students who are 4,500 students throughout the financing for postsecondary program is expected to provide a should combine. With these unable to obtain student loans country under the plan. It is education credit—provided In total of 15,000 student loans over respondents mostly from north from local sources can now turn expected that the plan will dependence Federal, a minority- the nextfouryears. Heexplained and south regions, the majority for assistance to a nationwide provide a total of 15,000 student owned and operated financial that minority students can, on felt it would add a higher dimen assured access plan sponsored loans over the next four years. institution, with $45 million in occasion, experience difficulty sion to higher learning and still by Independence Federal funds and ommitments to in obtaining education loans manageto retain the "smallness” "We are extremely pleased Savings Bank of Washington, operate the program, stated locally because the students may of the schools. that we have been able to serve D.C., and the Office for the Fitzgerald. OAPBC, founded in not have prior relationships with 40 percent felt that the tradi as an assured source of educa Advancement of Public Black 1969, serves as an information lenders, or local lenders may not tion of the individual schools was tion loan funds to so many Colleges (OAPBC). The plan was and advocacy office and plays a offer guaranteed student loans. too important and a good ma students in such a brief period of introduced last summer to critical role in increasing the “As the cost of education jority pointed out how all black time,” said William Fitzgerald, guarantee minority students visibility of the 35 historically continues to increase at nearly colleges were needed. Sr., President of Independence access to student loans public black institutions and twice the inflation rate, it is The surprise came from the 24 Federal. “We want minority regardless of where they live or increasing private support to particularly crucial that deser percent who felt the schools students throughout the country the location of their institution. these institutions. ving minority students have should combine. Citing reasons to be aware of our program and Long-term financing for loans Dr. Joyce Payne, Director of access to education financing,” such as surplus of funds, stronger assure them that they can obtain originated under the plan is OAPBC, said, "Minority in said Sallie Mae Senior Vice sports programs, increases in the financing they need to provided by the Student Loan stitutions constitute some of the President Dennis A. Kernahan. cirriculum and unity, the majori continue their education.” Marketing Assciation (Sallie most prestigious schools in the "The funding and commitments ty of the men at Morehouse feel Mae). The Assured Access Loan nation. An investment in the that Sallie Mae has provided to that some type of combination Program was created through academic success of minority Independence Federal reflect would enhance the schools and Since the inception of the the combined efforts of In students represents an invest the corporation’s continuing not take away from the in- plan, Independence Federal has dependence Federal, OAPBC ment in the economic growth of commitment to support the dividualness. provided more than $15 million and Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae—the tne nation." credit needs of special sectors of Strength in unity is the cry at in guaranteed student loans to nation’s largest single source of Fitzgerald stated that the the education credit market.” ■Morehouse. a ■» -a « .••/> :w.<; .¿so May 1985 Spelman Spotlight Page 4 Congratulations Seniors!!! 85 Reasons Why.... starch served in the cafeteria. 63. Demonstrating the Editors Note: Spelman Woman’s uniqueness. 64. Looking forward to our first Remember, Why the Class of 85 homecoming. loves Spelman? Below is a reprint 65. Sitting on the wall at noon from a September 1981 issue outside of Manley Center. 66. Going out with up listing 85 reasons why. Seniors, perclassmen. have any of these reasons come 67. Having your own true for you? Reminisce on your telephone in your room for the first time. four years to find out. 68. Watching the creative people in Spelman’s Drama Department. 69. Showing school pride and spirit. Rah Rah Rah!! So Spelman does not have a 70. Getting to know some very gourmet chef. So we do not have gifted Black women. all of the dormitory space we 71. Attending school in a very need, (especially for the class of large city. ’85). So the book store ran out of 72. Becoming involved in the most of the books you needed political community. for your classes (and you already 73. Walking through have assignments due). And so Spelman’s beautiful campus and what that you have a freshman catching the sunset through the curfew that seems to be impossi trees. ble to keep. 74. Anticipating Thanksgiving Just think of all of the positive dinner. attributes Spelman College has 75. Watching Morehouse’s to offer! medical school expand. 1. Feeling the antiquity of 76. Listening to, watching, and Packard Hall. experiencing the scandals! 2. Celebrating after registra 77. Catching a commercial tion! about our school on television. 3. Having a home away from 78. Finding out about the pre home. law program. 4. Experiencing Georgia’s 79. Enjoying the organ in weather. Sisters Chapel, especially the 5. Believing in the closeness of chimes. sisterhood. 80. Finding out even more 6. Enjoying a pleasant social 48. Getting a summer job about Spelman through the life. 21. Wearing an Abby Psi Phi t- 34. Going to freshman Orien Centennial exhibit. 7. Joining together with the shirt. tation, (but why every Tuesday through the career placement 81. Reading the Spotlight. other schools in the Atlanta 22. Attending Morehouse and Thursday?) center. 49. Enjoying the solitude of 82. Visiting other schools so University Center. football games whether they win 35. Listening to guest speakers. that you may appreciate 8. Learning, and experiencing or lose! 36. Obtaining spiritual Chadwick. Spelman that much more. lifelong college memories. 23. Listening to WCLK, and strength from Reverend Rates’ 50. Living off campus as a 83. Studying for mid-term and 9. Watching the sororities on being reminded of WHUR at Sunday Service. freshman. 51. Riding on the new Marta final examinations in the reading campus. Howard University. 37. Living in the honors dor room all night long! 10. Benefiting from an intimate 24. Breaking curfew and mitory. system. 84. Saving quarters to wash classroom environment. sneaking back into the dor 38. Looking forward to the 52. Attending school where clothes in the basement of the 11. Having a ball with your mitory. freshman step competition. people share a common goal. dormitories, and finally buying a roommates. 25. Making it through the 39. Getting off campus! 53. Watching the soaps instead candy bar instead. 12. Being away from home. premedical program. 40. Having big sisters to look of attending class. 85. Walking to your eight 13. Preparing to deal with the 26. Making new friends while out for us. 54. Having a new boyfriend that’s from another part of the o’clock class in the rain, and outside world. waiting in line for meals. 41. Meeting people from all actually loving it. 14. Participating in campus 27. Being guided by the stern around the world... Africans! country. 55. Going to Lenox and spen activities. hand of Dean Jordan Cox. 42. Being theCentennial Class. 15. Admiring our ambitious 28. Partying in the fraternity 43. Cooling out under that tree ding your allowance when you and impressive faculty. houses. behind the tennis courts. know that you have to pay your Editor’s 16. Wondering who will beMr. 29. Keeping up with the 44. Exchanging southern telephone bill. 56. Walking to West End. Freshman. cosmopolitan environment. hospitality for northern Note 17. Noticing the moralistic 30. Sacrificing, and more coldness. 57. Hearing about those atmosphere at Spelman. sacrificing! 45. Trying out for "Colored everlasting traditions. 18. Seeing female leadership 31. Appreciating the campus Girls.” 58. Having a single room. 59. Displaying affection We Made It being demonstrated. landscape. 46. Enjoying the convenience 19. Attending a Black college 32. Becoming a star under the of Tilly. toward your Spelman Sisters. in the United States. spotlights in front of the Fine Arts 47. Having Churches, Mrs. 60. New Waving on campus. Class of 20. Learning from the instruc Center. Winners, Popeyes, Herman's and 61. Remembering the Labor tors that are currently Spelman 33. Learning in Giles Hall, even Burger King for a late night snack Day Picnic. ’85 Alumnae. though the floor creeks. spot. 62. Losing weight depiteallthe WE LOVE SPELMAN May 1985 Spelman Spotlight Page 5 A Spelman Woman, Andrea Simpson: Talented & Intelligent by Marie Roberts- Andrea Simpson is not only a talented artist and an intelligent student, but she is also a Jamaican beauty. Aside from being the vice-president of the art club for two consecutive years, she is a member of the art honor society, Alpha Chi and the senior honor society. Born in Jamaica, Andrea came to the United States four years ago, just in time to begin a successful education at Spelman. Unlike most colleges students, who are unsure of their career goals at first, this opportunist Andrea Simpson knew where she was headed years ago. “I’ve wanted to be a the assistant professor of art at In comparing art to the graphic designer for as long as I the college. “He has been a good academic requirements of other can remember,” she says. role model for me,” she says. areas she adds, “We have Though she is an art major, her "He has always pushed me, and I deadlines, critiques, tests — just plan is to go into advertising and appreciate it. Her second source like everyone else. We even have eventually start her own of inspiration was Elizabeth courses like art history which are business. Catlett. As a famous sculptor, difficult." Being an artist requires the Catlett brought support and Difficult or not, Andrea, skill and imagination in the hope to be the young artist. boasting a 3.8 GPA has come production of things of beauty. through with flying colors. And, The art show which Andrea and When talking about her art with the end of the school term six other artist coordinated prov Andrea remains very serious. comes more than one reason for ed her worthy of this definition. Many people see the art major as congratulations. Two months Among her work included in the someone who has it easy after her graduation ceremony, exhibit were photographs, il through college, she explains Andrea will take part in her lustrations, and graphic designs. that this is a myth. "If you can’t wedding ceremony. She and her Since she has attended get what you want out of (your fiance, also Jamaican, will be Spelman, two people have in art) it is frustrating. Sometimes married on the island and live spired her artistic motivation. you can’t get things to flow the there for one year before retur ning to the States. One of these was Mr. Lev Mills, way you want them to.” Above is a photograph of artwork by Andrea. A Senior Reflects On Her Four Years by Brenna Delaine The first time that I saw Everybody's parents left the and the first week of October Harreld for the very live and loud interested in pre-optometry, but Spelman’s campus, I said, “This is next day and freshman week depressed and crying. Andrea E. second floor. Living with that still unsure about my future the place for mel" began, including curfew. The offered me a stamp (18«t) in many women and still liking occupation. I moved my bed On August 21,1981,1 arrived at placement test started on Satur hopes that I would feel better, it them is what a sisterhood is all time to 12:00 midnight, so that I Abby Hall at 7:30 a.m. Of course, day morning. I do not know how didn’t work. Fortunately, I was about. I still feel sorry for could study my organic the doors did not open until 8:00 they ever placed all of us in less always taught that there was Bridge«, because my mother thoroughly. I was also working as a.m., but I wanted first choice of than a week. I still think that nothing wrong with seeking would call before 8:00a.m. every a peer counselor, Biology tutor beds in room 2A, which was to names are drawn out of a hat. counselling, so I did. The first Saturday and Bridge« would and Chemistry tutor. I had a full have four occupants. Sharon The other “mandatory” and best thing I learned was that I answer the phone. I finally tuition scholarship from Dowery arrived at the same time, freshman activities were cramm was in the wrong major for the started calling Mom at 7:45 on Spelman, so I was keeping my so we immediately became ed into the week. The Big Wake wrong reason. The counselor Saturdays. I think that I put up checks. I still wonder if Spelman friends. Up was on that Wednesday helped me find a major that fit with a lot too, considering the knows that I was making over At 8:00 a.m. sharp, Mrs. Rossie morning at 2:45 a.m. (sharp). me and my interest. I realized fact that my bedtime was 11:00 $300/month. Thomas opened the doors and That experience almost sent me that it was time for me to grow p.m. and that when the noise Second semester of my junior signed us in. I got to the room, home for real! I was so scared up. started. One thing that I learned year was a soap opera. Organic, which looked like a warehouse that I didn't tell my parents until Upon my return from Christ freshman year was that no matter Physics, Physiology and Seminar at first. I chose the bed closest to Thanksgiving. mas break, I decided to take the how wrong, the majority would was the best combination of the door, because if we were to The upperclassmen arrived a experiences from the last rule. I never got angry. I just classes that I could have taken. fight, I could still use the door week after us. I remembered semester as lessons learned and adapted and accepted the fact Once again, I didn’t make the and not be on anybody else’s sitting outside watching them mistakes not to be repeated. My taht we were all sophomores. AKA line, but that was melted ice territory. As I unpacked, two of arrive and unpack. They were major was Natural Science with a Adaption and acception is cream compared to the rest of my computer matched room running and hugging each other concentration in Biology. I was another part of being in a my problems. There was the mates, Jayn Garth and Andrea C. and I thought to myself what a enjoying school so much that I sisterhood. break up with my boyfriend of Williams, arrived with their great feeling it must have been to thought Biology III was fun. I still Second semester was the time 316 years, the MCAT, OCAT (I fathers. Andrea’s mother had to have friends and Spelman sisters had not decided on an occupa for those interested in Alpha was still undecided), the search be rushed to the hospital for an that you felt that way about. I tion, but at least I was happy and Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to for a summer program and the emergency operation that mor hoped for friendships like that by looking forward to three more write letters. I chickened out at filling out the AAMCAS (med ning. Andrea was upset and the beginning of my sophomore years at Spelman. first, but another sophomore school application). Thank God crying. My mother consoled her year. I arrived two weeks early for encouraged me to write. I did for my Spelman sistersl I had and I tried to help. To top that, When classes finally began, I the start of my sophomore year, and I did not make the line. I support from present students, there was Andrea E. Williams, to was a Computer Science major. I because I was an R.A. I decided guess that I was a little hurt, but I friends who did not return to whom the space actually belong had heard that it was where the that I was going to help freshmen didn’t cry. Cecily and Andrea sat Spelman for sophomore year ed to. There was a mix up in I.D. money was. I also worked the in any positive way I could on my bed waiting for me to cry. I and my late '84 year old Spelman numbers. Andrea C. Williams desk in Abby Hall. These were because I would not want wondered if Andrea was going to Sister, Mrs. Marie McKinney. went back to her home in two factors that stopped me from anybody to go through what I offer me another stamp? I didn't May exams ended on a Tuesday Atlanta. My last roommate being so shy and crying all of the did my first semester there. The think that it was the end of the and I went home as fast as Easter, Cynthia Trawick arrived and time. I had to go to the computer Big Wake Up was not nearly as world, and it was not. my car would go. Believe it or unpacked. She was the one who room early on Saturdays and scary as ours my freshman year. Well, junior year for science not, I made the Dean’s List and knew the ropes, because she had Sundays to avoid the time limit As a matter of fact, I was afraid of major is the make-or-break-you did well on the MCAT and been in the summer science and the competition. I hated it. I the freshmen. year. I decided that I was going to OCAT. program.,, spent the last week of September I was an R.A. in Howard make it. At the time I was Continued on page 76 May 1985 Page 6 Spelman Spotlight For Your Intellectual Enrichment THE ARTS vTx xp» xpv 'Jxxpv *^x xpv xp* by Monica Bentley past: An annoying former hus student at Morehouse. He ex The following list was suggested by Dr. lames T. Ravell, a visiting She is Spelman's first student band and an overprotective plained since Morehouse does professor in the History Department. director, and this vibrant, subtle, father. not have a Drama Department, strong-minded senior Drama April 9-13 int he John D. the Drama majors must work and The following is a short annotated list of essential books - both fiction Major has gotten her act Rockefeller Jr. Fine Arts Building attend drama class through and non-fiction - on the present and past of South Africa, the only country together and is ready to leave her Theater on Spelman’s campus Spelman’s Fine Arts Department. in the world where overt racism is embodied In the constitution and laws mark behind. were examples of a multitude of He added the restrictions are of the land. Do not just read these books; also discuss them with friends Kimberly K. Harding’s direc talent brought together by a placed on the drama majors who and relatives, and with your college lecturers and others. If at all possible, tions in Gretchen Cryer’s musical common interest, the love of attend Morehouse including start building up your own collection of African books now by purchasing “I’m Getting My Act Together performing, Kim stated. Spelman theater majors who the works of Black South Africans. And Taking It On The Road’’ has Ridley and Coulter along with seek theatrical work elsewhere. Bernstein, Hilda, For their Triumphs and for their Tears, altered the course and the writer of this article who is a “The four years that I have at International Defence and Aid Fund (Idaf), 1975. The author, an exiled Morehouse and was affiliated stereotypes that exists among the student at Clark and Corliss white South African, provides a good overview of the struggle of women - with Spelman’s Drama Depart Drama Departments in the Randall, a student at Spelman especially Black - in South Africa. Atlanta University Center. dazzled the audience with an ment there was always the Boesak, Allan, Black and Reformed. Apartheid, Liberation and the According to Harding, this was enormous amount of energy. restriction of not being able to Calvinist Tradition, the first time that a Clark student Myself and Randall played freely participate at the other Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbls Books, 1984. This is the latest collection of the landed a leading role in a Cheryl and Alice in the musical. schools in the A.U.C.” Incisive sermons and lectures of the youthful president of the World Spelman production. They both assisted Heather in Reese added that he had to go Alliance of Reformed Churches. “I was looking for something presenting the new material to through extreme measure in Biko, Steve, I Write What I Like. A selection of his writings edited by Aelred new... we have our familar faces their skeptical manager. cluding requesting permission Included in the cast who from the head of Spelman’s Stubbs, at Spelman,” she stated. London/Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Helnemann, 1979. A selectionof thrilled many were Morris department. She added that her decision in the most Important writings of the murdered leader and philosopher of casting Jeanine Ridley, a Nicholis Gearing, a Morehouse the Black Consciousness Movement In South Africa. sophomore at Clark, as the student who played Jake; Terry The restrictions are forced character Heather Jones in the Hollis also a Morehouse student because the Drama departments Colllgan, Paddy, Soweto Remembered. Conversations with Freedom musical was a step in a new who played Lou; and Douglass in the A.U.C. are competing Fighters, direction. Miller and Lorena Wilson who against each other, Reese con New York: World View Publishers, 1981. A useful general overview of Ridley portrayed a 39-year-old were both Heather’s dancers. tended. the Soweto revolt (1976) which Is well Illustrated by photographs and struggling songstress who was Miller is a student at “It is not fair for a drama poems. trying to revive her old singing Morehouse and Wilson attends student to restrain himself from Cornevln, Marianne, Apartheid. Power and Historical Falsification, act. However, her conservative Clark. Harding stated when participating in theater at other Paris: Unesco, 1980. In this Important work of demythologlzatlon, a manager Joe, played by Steve performers from everywhere are schools, especially when your French historian debunks many of the historical myths that buttress white Coulter who is a student at brought together, the results are own department is in its off suppremacy in South Africa. Georgia State, did not agree with a talented cast and crew and an season," stated Reese. her tactics. The character exciting show, and those are the Reese expressed that it hurts a Feinberg, Barry, ed., Poets to the People. South African Freedom Poems, Heather added a collection of ingredients that count the most. striving performer who is not London/Exeter, New Hampshire: Helnemann (African Writers Series satirical skits and musical “The Atlanta University casted for a role at his school and No. 230), 1980. This powerful collection contains radical poems by mostly numbers into her act that ex Center is supposed to be a is still prohibited to go elsewhere exiled South African writers, both Black and Whtle. pressed her disenchantment sharing environment, yet rivalry unless some type of action is with her past and discontent exists among the schools,” she taken. We need an alternative, Head, Bessie, When Raindouds Father, London: Collancz, 1969; Harmondsworth (UK): Pennguln, 1971. This ment with society's imposed stated. he added. gracefully written first novel by South AFrlca’s most prolific Black woman Harding said she would like to images on the roles of men and writer is set In Botswana where the author lives In exile. women. see each school’s Fine Arts Harding and Reese stated that The mellow-drama ex Department plan their season competition among actors is the International Defense and Aid Fund, Apartheid: the Facts, emplified the growth in together in order to give the kind of environment that is London, Idaf and UN Centre against Apartheid, 1983. An excellent Heather’s newly confirmed drama students the opportunity needed, not rivalry among the Illustrated overview of what Apartheid or white supremacy really means In liberal attitude to gain control to work under new directors and schools because that is how the practice. over her own life. Heather’s participate in the technical barriers begin. struggle was to define her self for aspects of each school’s produc Closing night of the show, La Guma, Alex, A Walk in the Night and other stories, the audience and in order to do tion. Harding expressed her sincere London/Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann (African Writers Series No. 135), 1967/68. In the title novella, La Guma, an exiled Black political activist and that she had to reflect on her Charles Reese is a drama Continued on page 16 writer, masterfully evokes the erstwhile life and atmosphere of District Six, the part of Cape Town from which Blacks were evicted under the racist Group Areas Act. Llpman, Beata, We Make Freedom. Women in South Africa, “Good London/Boston: Pandora Press, 1984. In this series of Interviews, a British journalist who had lived In South AFrlca for thirty years highlights friends the plight of Black women by letting them tell their life stories In their own don’t let words. Luthull, Albert, Let My People Go, good New York: McGraw Hill: London: Collins, 1962. In his autobiography the leader of the African National Congress In the 1950s and 1960s and fnends Africa’s first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1960) recounts his life-long about the summer work we get for struggle for the liberation of his people. them. Because Adia’s got great smoke Mandela, Nelson, The Struggle is my Life, opportunities with top companies, at cigarettes.” London: Idaf, 1978. The book comprises a selection of the Inspiring top pay scales - right in your area. speeches and addresses of the imprisoned national hero of Black South Larry Hagman If you want to work for the best companies Africa. in town, talk to the best service in town. Cigarettes aren't good for your friends. Adopt a Nogobo, Lauretta, Cross of Gold, Come in or call today friend who smokes and London: Longman, 1981. The theme of this moving first novel by a Black for a great summer job - tomorrow. help em quit today. You'll South African exile is, not unnaturally, the liberation struggle In her both be glad tomorrow. country of birth. Check the white pages for Ntantala, Phyllis, An African Tragedy. The Black Woman under Apartheid, the office nearest you. AMERICAN Detroit: Agascha Productions, 1976. A forceful indictment of the 6 Atlanta offices. personnel »CANCER treatment of Black women in racist South Africa by an exiled author who EOE services SOCIETY' knows the subject-matter from personal experience. Continued on page 14 May 1985 Spelman Spotlight Page 7 written and produced by Monica. It is shown on Clark’s cable channel, 35. The show is developed around artistic peo ple, the creativity, and their inspirations. Her guests have Sports included Roy Ayers and Curtis Blow along with local high school and college talent. She also writes articles for the She’s Some Kinda Guy Spotlight and news briefs for radio station WCLK. Recently, by Marie Roberts the children can best relate to. Guy became the Vice-president If you are one of those people Bar routines take intense for the English honor society. who watches athletic events and coaching because of the difficul With ail these extra activities wonders where athletes get their ty involved in some of the moves, and carrying 20 unit course load, motivation, then this article may therefore during this event she one wonders where she finds the answer your question. concentrates on building con extra time to coach, but as an ex Most athletes start their fidence in her students. gymnast herself, Guy has careers at a young age and are "I make sure that they are become dedicated to the sport inspired by enthusiastic people serious before they attempt a and to the children who par like Spelman’s Monica Guy. skill. If they’re too hyper I’ll stop ticipate in it. “Teaching allows Every Saturday, Guy coaches 4,1 them, make them close their me to approach the sport in a hour gymnastic classes to over 60 eyes, and then have them go methodical, almost scientific children in Reed Hall. over the routine in their heads. way. It also lets me feel like I am After this I’ll allow them to try it making a difference in the kids’ “I love gymnastics and to be with their bodies. Sometimes I lives — I love seeing them able to teach kids is very satisfy even make them write down execute a routine they have ing because they are the ones their routines.” worked on with me and do it who have the chance to be top Guy explains that as much as well.” some day.” 80% of being a good gymnast has Now, Guy is working on Though the junior Spelmanite to do with ones mental state, so becoming a judge so that she coaches only one day, gym confidence is extremely impor may take part in the scoring on nastics often follow her through tant.” local and national levels. Next the entire week. This is when she year, she plans to organize an does the choreography for bar Outside of coaching, Monica exhibition team so that the and floor routines. The floor can be found working in her children can perform at different routines are set to music and future field, broadcasting. Her functions within the AU Center Monica helping youngster during class. Monica trys to pick tunes which show, Creative Impulse, is both and throughout the city. Photo by Kathleen Tait Spelman Graduate Sports Ladies of the Eighties by Marie Roberts in women’s basketball, but she is When the voting for the not the only achiever in this sport Excels As Body Builder greatest woman athlete of the either. last 25 years took place in March, The crash landing made by there were five nominees of high-in-the-sky Georgeann usually adheres to an extremely which only one was black. Of Wells’ slam dunk was no disaster. low-calorie, low-salt diet priorto course, that one was the dynamic The 6’7” junior at West Virginia is a contest. This expelled the Wilma Rudolph who won three now in the history books as the excess water and fat that normal track gold medals in the 1960 first woman to ever dunk a ly surrounds each muscle, caus Olympics. Yet, one would think basketb^l in a regulation game. ing them to appear less defined. that she was the only outstanding The first time Wells made the For this competition, however, female athlete in Black America. dunk it was rejected because of a she chose to try a diet, car Nineteen Eighty-four proved this penalty made in the same play. bohydrate loading, on which she myth false by revealing several She has made it more than once lost less weight. black women who were stars in and will have all of next season to The first viewing of the Ms. track, as well as in basketball, perfect it. Atlanta contestants by the gymnastics and figure skating. Two other areas of athletics judges, called the Pre-judging, The Olympic games have which Black women have consisted of three parts: First, the always been a time of always recently become successful in — group pose, in which all par been a time of great achieve gymnastics and figure skating. ticipants in a particular category ment. Dianne Durham, 16, has come onto stage to be compared Since 1960, the Olympics have become the first Black national by the judges, simultaneously. been a time of great achieve champion in gymnastics. Even Second, the individual posing ment for Black women, the 1984 before Durham defeated the takes place, consisting of 90 games were no exception. Chan entire Chinese team, she had seconds and executed to music. dra Cheeseborough, Evelyn already established her position Finally, in the compulsory phase, Ashford, and the unforgettable- as the top all-around performer a series of specific poses are superwoman, Valarie Brisco- in this country. Unfortunately, executed by a small group of Hooks ran away with the golds in injuries kept her from Olympic contestants, according to height. the track events. competition. Ms. Henry’s anxiety regarding Hooks breathed new life into Also making history, 17-year- Ms. Claire Henry her weight proved to be un the lungs of womanhood by old Debi Thomas who entered Photo by Kathleen Tait substantiated. Her extremely proving that a woman can her mark as the first Black by Dawn M. Lewis and 1985, she entered five com well-formed upper body and her become successful without ruin woman on the World Team of Serving as yet another petitions; not coincidentally, she extraordinary symmetry earned ing the instutitions of or prevent figure skaters. Winning the silver reminder that a Spelman woman placed in all five. During this her a position within the top ten, a family. She, her husband, and medal in the event, Thomas was can do any and everything is Ms. period, Claire earned the title, among over twenty well- her two-year-old son carried the the threat to gold medalist Claire Henry. This 1981 graduate Miss Eastcoast 1984. Most recent qualified participants. three gold medals together. Tiffany Chin. is quickly gaining recognition ly, Ms. Henry was a contestant in Having visited a sociology class Also particiapting in the 84 Black women have come a among Atlanta-area sports the National Physique Council's at Spelman recently, as a guest games was University of South long way in athletics with many enthusiasts in bodybuilding, a Ms. Atlanta competition, held speaker, Ms. Henry continually Carolina's Cheryl Miller. Miller dynamic achievers. Enhanced by sport where women are very March 23rd, 1985, at the Georgia advocates weight training for ended this season as the "leading youth like Shola Lynch, the underrepresented. World Congress Center. women especially, as a fantastic women’s basketball player” in future looks brighter than ever. Ms. Henry, now a law student At 5'6” and 130lbs., Claire way to stay in shape. Her fantastic the country. She received the As one of the best prospects for at Georgia State University, expressed some apprehension shape, one can be sure, will same award at the finish of her the 1988 Olympics, the 14-year- began competing in amateur about her weight at contest continue winning her titles and last season. Only a junior, Miller old is already a threat to middle physique contests just over a time. Along with her stepped-up fame, on the body-building will return next year for another distance runners like Mary year ago. Between March of 1984 weight training program, she co/cuit/foryearstocorrfe/??.' shot at the number ope. position Decker. Spelman Spotlight "Spelman is like a physically attractive individual Profiles On who has absolutely no substance.” —Lynn Davis Education i Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice: “Profiles on Education at Spelman was provided to give you some i The Education of Black Girls Spotlight hopes that these profiles will assist you in form ulating you ■iiiii - they assist you in understanding some very important issues at Spei'i by Iris Fawzia Rafi and some that will come up in the future. — The Editor Spelman College is unique In that its student body comprises two of the world’s most oppressed people — blacks and women. There is a thought among some educators and students alike that black people are not being educated to think critically about their role in American society and are, in fact, being miseducated. I support this assertion and endeavor to take the idea one step further: Spelman students are not only being miseducated as black women, but are in speculation, being educated as black girls. Granted, there are many who cannot distinguish or discern a difference between women and girls. This ignorance, while not acceptable, is understandable. Very few rational people would think to refer to black males of late teen-age years as “boys.” The historical and social ramification surrounding the word are mandate which prevent this. Looked at in a wider scope, the entire male population above teen-age years are generally referred to as men. There is, then, a conscious difference that most people recognize which distinguishes men from boys. When referring to females, however, it is not uncommon to hear women of ages upwards of thirty to be referred to as “girls.” The issue in itself seems quite trite until examined in asocial perspective. If women, and black women in particular, are to ever realize their total potential and participate fully in matters which pertain to the economic, social and political world they must begin to understand the spoken and unspoken connotations that accompany words and terms; in this respect, the term "girl.” The experience of black men is comparable to the issue of the use of terms to oppress and subjugate a group of people. Black males have successfully instituted a reaction totheterm"boy"thatindicatestheirawarenessofthe term as one that carries with it a negative connotation of suppression, irrelevance and denial of importance. The term "girl” then, describes one who is ineffectual, unimportant and immature in matters concerning adult society. Women, however, as adult females, comprise a group of people with whom to be reckoned. Their intelligence, potential and scope of responsibility cannot be subjugated or taken for granted. A critical examination of Spelman’s administration, faculty and student body presents vital points which lend validity to my thesis. The resolution of Sophie B. Packard and Harriet Giles, founders of Spelman, was to educate black women to conform to and become acceptable to white America. Consequently, Spelman students of the earlier eras were given much the same training as their white counterparts. This training was geared to the development and refining of homemaking and domestic concerns. The founders adopted what they thought was a platform that would serve the advancement of the social status of black people. The two women were white, the time was the late 19th century, and black people were neonates to freedom. The times, however, have changed, the women are long since dead, and although black women are no longer neonates to slavery, a serious debate could develop as to the extent of progress made by black people. Since Packard and Giles' time, there have been six presidents at Spelman and as many administrations. An Education as it Relate examination of the current administration lends an interesting note to the theme of the miseducation of Spelman students. In speaking with recent graduates of Spelman and alumni of the 1960’s, it became "Our Whole Schodfo apparent that many of them feel that the trend away from the image of Spelman students as "rich little socialities preoccupied with procuring Morehosue mates” is in by Rev. Norman Bates religious principles. Thus, was deep integer fact returning. At the time of my matriculation at Spelman, the issue of the gender of College Minister religion and the acquisition of education (tots Spelman’s sixth president was being hotly debated by all factions. This issue is seen by The school motto: “Our knowledge went hand in hand. beginnin the aforementioned alumni as the turning point that precluded the trend back to the Whole School for Christ” and its When our two founders came But, a: e past Spelman image. The consensus of those desiring an appointment of a female president relationship to education must upon Father Quarles of faces, tin a usediBj revolved from this point: If Spelman’s major purpose was, and is, to educate black viewed from three perspectives: Friendship Baptist Church on his the nun Ot r«5(. women to take an active role in American society, how then is it justifiable to select as the past, the present, and the knees praying for such a visit as tivities president a male whose most advertised credentials were those of a fund-raiser? It is an future. Each perspective, theirs, then this blended the the schoolOfcr' 1. ominous sign for Spelman students to be told that, on the one hand, they are being however, wears many faces. quest for secular education and college fatl'i )■ educated to take a decisive and didactic role in contemporary society and, on the other, In 1881, when the school was religious maturity into a happy became ire to choose for them a male whose qualifications could be easily equalled and just as founded as the Atlanta Baptist marriage. And Spelman’s foun qualified ndfe- easily surpassed by any number of black women. Female Seminary, there was no ding was of such a nature that became • re It is the administration that controls the larger portion of the tangible machinery of doubt that the Christian religion there was no distinction the admi rafei»., Spelman College. So, in a situation such as the one involving Stewart and the election was an important factor in its between the sacred and the of a secu tiCïffu..' process, the administration's attitude and manner of intercourse with the students birth and purposes. Sophia B. secular. Thus, our school was changes not«»:- reflects its principles and foundation. It was this attitude which expressed to the student Packard and Harriet E. Giles were wholly and totally for Christ and the clainjat body a tone which reflected an unwillingness on the administration’s behalf to take the the nearest things to female Christian principles, as reflected was for lit. (I.,. student body seriously. The fact that the administration was so arrogant as to exclude saints to their contemporaries, in the curriculum, in worship, in and ethi standi; the entire student body (and much of the fauclty), from the election process exhibits a some less than twenty years out study, in work, and in play. Every upheld confer disrespect for and ignorance of the student body make-up. of slavery. And these two New segment of the college was couragerlonest, Since the issue involving Stewart and his appointment to President, the ad England spinsters had brought deeply submerged into the best I cy ministration's tangible attitude has appeared to have changed. There is now a student with them those Christian virtues Christian way of life. Every truthfulr W»i representative on the Board of Trustees and there is at least an attempted respect and and credentials that were un student who crossed the chastity infer, acknowledgement of students’ rights and wishes. Hopefully, as Spelman moves further deniably bolstered by their threshold of the seminary was pedestal virtu* into the vanguard of educating black women, the administration will also move with it dependence on a Power above here for specific reasons deeply and aestfc reip:. and a more functional relationship will develop between the greater part of the and beyond their own-God. rooted in their Christian convic and g«j mit»,/ administration and the student body. Therfore, they were not only tions. Every teacher was actually hallmark of fl The fauclty of an educational institution plays an irreplaceable part. For the faculty is embued with the desire to life or potentially endowed with a bringing id the medium through which knowledge is transferred to the student. Spelman’s faculty young Negro women and girls Christian mission. Every class motto w runs the gamut from conscious and conscientiously effective instructors to those who out of the mire of ignorance, but opened with prayer. Every meal For th resei are only a fraction of an inch removed from senility. their eligious convictions thrust began wtih prayer. Every day tian trait e Stilr,. In examining the faculty and its attitude, I encountered several students who them into the arena of combat closed with prayer. Every student student nTint:, expressed a disdain for what they saw as an irrelevancy in the types of courses offered. with sin. Their charges were to had a religious calling - to serve would t ‘ This observation prompts a viable question: Are the courses offered pertinent to the equate a well-rounded educa in whatever capacity later in life teacher >peu. Continued on page 15 tion with well grounded as a servant of the Lord. Religion pect ar lni less . May 1985 Page 9 On “Black college students had to clearly understand their position lucation At Spelman as black men and women in American society.” —Gambi White Black College Students’ Self Worth: ““Mita« rvidedmidcd toin give youyou tunnpsome insightinsierht on Education at Spelman.Snelrnan. The it you in form ulating your view points about Spelman and also that A Need For Reiteration , Re-emphasis important issues at Spelman that has arisen over the past years by Bridgett M. Davis As we enter into the dawn of the 1980’s, carrying with us the hindsight brought by the Civil Rights Movement of twenty years previous and the foresight of a new century of human rights being brought by the twenty years upcoming, we as educated blacks must critically assess our social and economic placement within the American society. To do so, we must concentrate on our educational experiences, the responsibilities we have to our race as educated people, and the education of our children as the future black race. Centered as the basis of such concentration must be the discussion of our black institutions of higher learning, as the vast majority of educated blacks were educated within the walls of such institutions. Since the writer is a student at Spelman College, and because Spelman is presently facing its one hundredth birthday, it would seem most essential to access the viability of this liberal arts college in lieu of the above discussion. By looking upon Spelman College historically, it is found that Spelman, not unlike most black institutions, was founded by two white missionaries, who were not "totally dedicated women" as the Spelman story goes. They were Puritan New England missionaries who were commissioned to teach recently emancipated black women to read because they were, as stated in Black Bourgeoisie, “timid white virgins who were seeking salvation through the uplifting of the descendants of Uncle Tom, a number of radicals who dared not express their radical beliefs, (or) morons who compensated for their inferiority by lording over benighted Negroes.” What existed then, as now, were people making decisions about what and how blacks were to be taught and how their progress was to be evaluated, who had little understanding of black people, their culture, and their real needs. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, who once supposedly “emptied his wallet" to aide Spelman’s development and progression, was nothing more than a Northern capitalist who saw in the industrial education of Negroes, a lucrative form of labor for white businesses, and saw his support of Negro education through a philanthropic foundation, not as a form of racial equality, but rather as an orientation of the American Negro toward his "economic place” in American life. It is no wonder that Rockefeller was said to have referred to his philanthropies in Spelman as "one of the best" of his “investments.” In view of the above, one looks upon the history of Spelman, which has had only three out its many buildings dedicated to blacks, and only two black presidents within its one hundred year history, with little surprise. When one analyzes the Christianity with which Spelman was founded, one realizes it was historically a Christianization which forced its students to idolize the supreme power of a white God, to recognize their inferiority to white supremacy, and to conduct themselves in a “religious spirit" totally oblivious to the natural religious culture to be found within Afro-Americans. It was this same Christianity which allowed those initial missionaries to hand pick their students, resulting in Spelman s attendance being, at one point, 98% mulatto. One therefore realizes that Negro schools were first ojas it Relates to the Motto : instituted as a means of training those "more desirable (light skinned) blacks into become hihgly educated assimilations of the white society. This was accomplished by hole School For Christ" learning the European’s history, literature, religion, and philosophy and by having little understanding and knowledge of their own historical culture. One learns history not to rebel against all undesirable aspects connected with that ciples. Thus, was deeply integrated into the ministrator nor trustee would history, but rather, to understand how a current situation arose and to effectively expect anything but the applica evaluate that situation in anticipation of changes toward better conditions. In all ■».{(» 81 e acquisition of educational process in the ■ - t hand in hand. beginning. tion of these Christian virtues in fairness, such a beginning as the one Spelman experienced may have been necessary to '■ -tiOU J founders came But, as the past wears many the lives of our students. But we offer all that it did to black women over the years. However, in 1980, one hundred years are not all Baptists, nor later, what are the goals of this black institution? "To provide... those educational ■¿por fa Quarles of faces, time caused a lessening of Southerners, nor Christians. In opportunities which will prepare (students)... for significant participation in society as :.,a'ipl ist Church on his the number of religious “ac r such a visit as tivities" and requirements. As all segments of our community individuals and as responsible citizens of the nation and the world,” is the aim of we are from all manners of [tef is blended the the school became a full-fledged I Spelman College according to its student handbook. This could obviously be the aim of persuasion. Our professional white institutions as well, thus the question of what distinguishes a black college as if# ir education and college its faculty and staff ity into a happy became more “professionally credentials and our diversities I being unique should be raised. .4pelman's foun- qualified," and th student body have increased manifold. We are There is a genuine distinction between black and white colleges and it is one worth became more diversified. Even not as homogenous as we were recognition. And all-black environment nourishes the development of self-pride if!»! : 0 -h a nature that distinction the administration took on more at our founding, nor for that amongst its members. Apart from academics, a college such as Spelman offers ito IO acred and the of a secularistic veneer. But these matter are our surroundings. But individual mentors, guest speakers, interaction with fellow black students, and positive this present condition does not black role models to its students. These factors alone set black institutions apart as ¡¡{life. our school was changes did not eman an end to ly for Christ and the claim that the whole school nullify our tenacity for declaring viable and beneficial places for their race. As Benjamin Mays once stated, "The Negro our whole school for Christ. A college speaks to the Negro against 244 years of slavery and another 100 years of . -- .ipr p les, as reflected was for Christ. Christian moral m, in worship, in and ethical standards were still people without a past is a people segregation and enigration — a total of 344 years." As long as there is one instructor speaking to the real needs of his or her pupils, and as long as there is one student « ind iin play. Every upheld and condoned and en without a future. The same is true ¡lirici' of an institution such as Spelman allowed to become aware of his real plight as a black, then the doors of our colleges 01e college was couraged. Honesty was still the best policy; truth and College. Our past has been such iO rged into the I should and must remain open. of life. Every truthfulness were still exalted; a glorious one that it would be The distinctions become increasingly more vague, however, when one views further chastity and industry were still dishonest to deny where we the administrative components of a black institution. Not unlike their white ¡¡„¡eirt1' crossed the „¡jldoe seminary was pedestaled virtues; excellence came from. The motto stands as a counterparts, black colleges and universities emphasize the importance of economic -ip c reasons deeply and aesthetics reigned supreme; reminder of our past and a gain and the need to “make it" in the (white man’s) world. The main thrust is on to i prodding of our present con ,tl Christian convic- and good manners were obtaining middle class ideals and standards. Continuously, the proof of our sciences - keeping before us the :,erycher was actually hallmarks of Christian up respectability as a race lies within the eyes of the white man and such a belief is evident in the classrooms and within the administration. For, of these administrators, the blacks toi endowed with a bringing and influence. The qualities of life as inspired by the on. Every class motto was consciously intact. life of Jesus Christ. So that in the are usually “mis-educated” persons unequipped to face the truth and therefore grayer. Every meal For the present, these Chris pursuit of “an education,” a unconsciously contributing to their own undoing. Many of the instructors’ own jlil ayer. Every day tian traits are still condoned. No motto such as ours should priorities are distorted and such a distortion is reflected through their teaching. er. Every student student entering Spelman today prompt us to see that education It is because of such mentacidal thinking on the part of our black school officials, who calling - to serve would be taught otherwise. No without caring, without sharing, I operate within a "vacuum ideology” — thejaelief that one is inferior and different if he f(f”e >acity later in life teacher at Spelman would ex without high moral and ethical Continued on page 15 .„it he Lord. Religion pect anything less. No ad Continued on page 16 Page 10 Speiman Spotlight May 1985 ...... ' ✓ The Spelman Spotlight Presents ■H.lTUKlJ.1 kJ DIMENSIONS: (1) One of three of four coordinates determining Dimensions is the literary section of the Spotlight in which we a position in space or space and time. may creatively express ourselves. You are invited to submit (2) The number of elements in a basis of a vector space, (vector-a course or compass direction.) poetry by placing entries in the literary box in the Spotlight (3) One of the elements or factors making up a office. complete personality or entity. * First Place Winner * Second Place Winner The Black Pearl Clay Toes I am a black pearl- We build our own idols of gold. Why are you staring so? Am I so rare? Men raised high and Codlike-golden men raised high! Who's brainwashed you saying there’s no such thing as one so Beauty and blemish cast in gold, stately as myself? ...tall and flawed... Who are you going to believe- THEM—or your eyes? Now we see feet of clay stand toe upon toe in guilty shame. Behold my smooth exterior that glimmers in the light Flecks of gold amid clay toes... Can you feel the warmth of an African sun? Flowing love amid bitter disappointment. Behold my gleam that screams the wealth of a forgotten land and —Patricia Y. Willis shines of a prosperous Nile Feast on the dark that haunts Tutankhamon’s tomb and the depth’s of Sheba’s eyes I am not so strange, Not a mutant of a white pearl BUT a black pearl Editor’s Note unique and beautiful in my own right The Spotlight expresses thanks to all who entered the 1985 Spotlight Poetry I am what I am and proud of it— Contest. Though all poems were not published, the Spotlight hopes that you (our you should be too. writers) will continue to write and submit your poems to “Dimensions.” LOOK NOW, BLACK CHILD, WITHIN YOURSELF. Congratulations to our winners and to all of you for being creative. AND FIND YOUR BEAUTY AS YOU HAVE FOUND IT IN ME. —Donna Lucas May 1985 Spelman Spotlight Page 11 HONORABLE MENTIONS... THE WRITER She is obsessed with perfection ‘Reminiscing in Intervals’ The writer and her diction She knows there is no easy way A quiet mind now, To overshadow the friction gathering thoughts for a few minutes, She writes the Standard English off and on, She claims she knows no other all done in intervals; She is obsessed with Moby Dick And pities poor Othello A questioning mind, Her education extends beyond rewinding and gathering ideas for a few minutes, And when she does look back moment - stop - moment, She finds that she has lost a root all done in intervals; On the other side of the tracks A conquering mind, —(Arizona) regressing and uniting ideas for a few minutes, time after time, sequence after sequence, quietly, silently, secretly, and honestly, all done in intervals; I am, essentially, a very lonely person. I think I always have been. Even as a child, I remember A wondering mind, feeling a sense of loneliness. I remember being home alone nights watching t.v. I remember sitting reflecting on yesterday, on the front porch afraid after watching a scary movie, waiting for someone to come home. I don’t searching, finding, loosing, uniting, dividing, want to watch the scary movies alone anymore. I’m afraid. I want to share my life. spreading, narrowing, and borrowing all interests and allowing all feelings to I am, essentially, a very lonely person. I think I always have been. evolve in intervals - Even as a child, I remember feeling a sense of loneliness. I remember off and on, being home alone nights watching t.v. I remember sitting on the front porch afraid after watching a time after time, scary movie, waiting for someone to come moment - stop - moment, home. I don’t want to watch the scary movies alone anymore. I’m afraid. and sequence after sequence. I want to share my life. —Shirley Ann Jones —Cynthia P. Thomas The Following Poems Were Selected From The Poetry Contest Entries For Your Reading Pleasure... Live From A Fool In Love I REMEMBER SUNDAYS... ------ I remember Sundays when we relished each succulent moment of peaceful relaxation I liked what I saw before Monday. And then loved what I liked: I remember Sundays when love became silent and playful in the evening sun. What a fool I was I remember Sundays when summer breezes stroked our satisfaction-filled souls. For not seeing the light. I remember Sundays when quiet became a part of us after the rain. Everything seemed beautiful, I remember Sundays, though long past...... and I remember you...... Vibrant and free, As my juices began to flow —Patricia Y. Willis Like an everlasting sea. My heart, mind, body, and soul Began to spring, jump, and fly, As I fell deeper and deeper in love LLP With a beautiful, yet lonely guy. We grew closer and closer When I saw her dark brown hands Until we became one, Coloring those piano keys IT WAS GOLDEN And this began the breaking of a heart Mastering the music the White-man made That I thought could not be undone. I was in love, It was golden In my mind therefore time shall never cease, I said, Teach Me Yet quite alone, To remind me of its soothing worthiness and peace. Lost deep within my shell, That thought I had of you it was golden in my mind, When I saw her full round lips And who was to blame, I wish that clock in my heart I could constantly rewind, Liberating her soprano voice Or ‘Could I tell?’ Recreating the song the White-woman sang To that first real kiss you put upon my lips, Miserable I was You parted them with your love and my soul began to tip. With nowhere to go, Now my heart has control, because it was golden in my mind, I said, Teach Me I began to write and call. That thought of you and me until the end of time. Because I needed to know When I saw her deep brown eyes Were my feelings shared Reexamining the History —Jennifer Jackson By the one I loved? Commanding, Understanding Business, Chemistry Or was I wasting my time... Biology, Physics, and the process of Analysis Only He knew above. The time is the Present, And I don’t write or call But don’t let this fool you Because I am still in love. That’s right! You heard it Live, from a fool in love. —Anita Hollins Page 12 Spelman Spotlight More For Your Reading Pleasure... On a warm innocent August night, difficulty expressing "love” and with no further and not the public schools, I played the role ‘cause I wanted you to notice explanation, you reduced our intereaction to When the inalienable rights of man Not looking for romance, but not not looking either, “friendship.” are inalienable to all men, It caught me by surprise when you responded... And dramatically, without warning, the fire was doused. When judgements are based on ability And the kindling was being gathered. and not the color of skin, It’s as if you performed open heart surgery on When all of these things are laid to rest, I rested my head on your shoulders as we ate stuffed pizza my exposed organ, but not as a doctor, because all of the pain and sorrow, And something in your mind clocked. you were not the cure, but the cause. I felt like Then I’ll have a reason, Then.... We sat facing each other conversating for two hours a child completely vunerable and having no I’LL SMILE TOMORROW! And you didn’t try to prove your manhood by violating control over myself. The hurt I felt was more —Nedra Stewart my womanhood. than any physical pain could produce. My tears Something in my mind clicked. flowed like the Niagra and my heart bled like a seered artery. But I couldn’t reach out Wanting to be closer, yet needing to continue to you, because this time you were not there. life as usual, we stayed on the phone — at least The emotions you now express are like flashes, flicking Comatose three calls a day and always having something on and off, according to your whims. You care in Your Splendor to say. I guess ma bell was the next best enough to miss me one day, but then I don’t i walked blindly behind You thing to being there. hear from you, unless I call. You say you can’t explain And the kindling was laid. your actions because you yourself don’t understand them, seeing nothing yet, you expect me to. but what i wanted Now I’m a student, supposedly here to get a to see liberal arts education, but the way my mind Still, I've learned to live without you, with my own Using the stars in my eyes for light i walked through the dark was moving, my only class this semester pain and confusion, and with your ever-present Never realizing that those kind of stars was to be YOU 101. inconsistancies. And yes, I still miss you, still want you, and even still love you, but like the cinders of the don’t guide you very far But far enough they did guide me It kind of tickled me that day in the fast fire, that too fades slowly with the passage of time. To the place where only fools dance food Greek restaurant when you asked me to be —Maria D. Miller on the edge of a cliff "Your Girl." At first, I told you I already was because I thought you were playing. But later on, so close to a fantasy I repeated it, because to me, I really was. The they can touch it but are destined to fall back into reality feelings hadn’t changed, only "vows” exchanged. Crushed by its blow Bodily broken in shame You made love to me like no other before— I’LL SMILE TOMORROW acknowledging my needs as I fulfilled yours ‘Cause Your love was just a game and impatiently, I awaited each weekend's arrival- When the mouths of hungry children where You made up with the anticipation of a child at Christmas- are turned up in satisfied smiles, all the rules knowing you’d reach out for me at night and When the murders of the innocents and i was there dawn would find you lying beside me as we are avenged in Supreme Court trials. Just Because You needed someone to play with renewed our acquaintance. When the threat of nuclear holocaust is no longer a vivid nightmare, to accept the rules Conversating endlessly, I discovered you and When the poor stop getting poorer to win against you discovered me. Vowing to learn from our past and the wealthy learn to share, to be mistakes, we took the time to express ourselves- When a higher education is Comatose honesty was to be the policy. You tuned into me attainable for those who choose, in Your Splendor and could sense my inner emotions, and I, yours, When budget cuts face the military —Donna C. Lucas but I also knew your hesitancy and so I waited. Finally, you gave in, leaning over to tell me, "Girl, you know, I love you.” I reciprocated. And the spark rose to flame. Loving you began a whole new experience You gave of yourself freely and willingly Never demanding and always there I, in turn, loved you without reservation Feeling absolutely secure, whether in your presence or not, I let loose all defense mechanisms and bared my heart. I can remember leaving you at Christmas and Suddenly realizing just how much I really loved you I arrived home only to find you’d phoned twice already And it hit me-just how much you really loved me too And the flames grew to a blazing fire. It was clear to me that my heart belonged to you And at first I felt apprenhension, but it was soon quieted because I knew your heart belonged to me too, and besides, loving you felt too good to have to worry... about anything. But then, I gradually noticed you pulling away, or changing. I couldn’t really put a finger on it, but I started to worry. Questioning you seemed to produce no positive results, and I left you alone, figuring you’d talk when you were ready. I tried to understand, but how could I understand what wasn’t being explained. And suddenly the flames began to flicker. It was so frustrating not to be able to reach you. And yet I still hold on to the card you sent me saying that through understanding, communication and mutual respect, we could overcome all obstacles. What happened? I tried to understand, you failed to communicate and mutual respect became intangible. I guess they are right — talk is cheap. The once beautiful relationship ended with you telling me, over the phone, that suddenly you had ______r Page 13 Spelman Spotlight May 1985 ON THE CAREER FRONT Aerospace in Denver, which Commerce & Business Ad deregulation. Second, electrical universities support employers' By Judith O’Flynn Kayser and expects to hire 700 to 770 new ministration in Urbana, III. machinery and equipment projections of increased Virginia P. Ruths college graduates in 1985. A 1% decline was reported in reported a 9% decline. recruiting activity. “Fall It also could be a good year for the other nontechnical category The good news is that the recruiting was 12% to 15% ahead The class of '85 is heading into top accounting students. “To (which includes liberal arts, chemical industry is slowly of last year, and we are projec an improved job market. meet the needs of our expanding humanities and social sciences beginning to recover from the ting that spring recruiting will Although the economy is still practice, our hiring of new majors), but these graduates effects of the recession. maintain that lead,” says Mr. feeling the effects of 1984’s accounting graduates will be up often find jobs with small However, its projected hiring Paquette of the University of second half slowdown, the na more than 12% over 1984,” says employers not represented in increase of 23% must be viewed Illinois. Charles W. Sundberg, tion isn’t likely to tip into a James C. Older, national coor the CPC survey. With the recent in light of the unusually low director of placement and career recession any time soon. In fact, dinator of recruitment and small business growth prompted hiring level last year. planning at the University of most forecasters expect the college relations at Deloitte by the economic expansion, California at Los Angeles agrees economy to pick up momentum Haskins & Sells in New York. employment opportunities for College recruiting will be that things are looking up. “In throughout the year. generalists appear to be expan strong in the merchandising and every regard, recruiting this year Technical on Top ding. "The overall recruiting services areas, with employers is better than it was the last A projected upswing in hiring Technical graduates will be on situation has improved since last anticipating a 16% hiring in couple of years," he says. accompanies this improvement, the top of the job market this year. And we are getting more crease. This trend reflects strong This may not be the best of according to the College Place year, the survey shows. inquiries from employers that consumer spending as well as times, but the economy has ment Council’s recruiting activi Employers expect a 7% increase are not of the Fortune 500 expansion among many retail enough bright signs to make ty survey conducted last Oc in engineering hires, as well as an variety—that is, employers that companies. most people — including tober. Of the 399 respondents, 11% gain in the science, math are not very large,” says Elenora graduating college seniors — 65% expect improvement in the and other technical categories. A. Cawthon, dean of student In the petroleum category, feel good about this year’s first half of 1985 from the second “Hiring in 1985 is going to be up services and director of place several large companies are prospects. While hiring will > half of last year. The accom slightly from 1984, with an even ment at Louisiana Tech Universi significantly increasing their hir probably not rebound to panying tables summarize this heavier emphasis on technical ty in Ruston, La. ing, although as with the prerecession levels, the class of year’s hiring expectations, com graduates," says Chester A. chemical industry, any increase 1985 can look forward to better pared with last year’s actual Francke, director of placement Victoria Ball, director of career is exaggerated compared with opportunities. number of hires. and college relations at General planning services at Brown Un the depressed situation last year. A copy of the survey, Motors Corp, in Detroit. He iversity in Providence, R.I., is Survey respondents also expect "Recruiting '85," is available Survey respondents anticipate projects that "75% to 80% of new seeing the same thing. “We’re to increase the number of inter from the College Placement an 8% hiring increase overall, college hires [at GM] this year getting more of a variety of views. (See Table II.) The an Council. although projections vary widely will be technical graduates.” organizations [recruiting on ticipated 6% gain over last year by disciplines (see Table I). In the business-related dis campus]. We work hard at indicates that some employers Ms. O'Flynn Kayser is manager Nevertheless, increased hiring ciplines, employers expect to developing opportunities for are making a comeback from the of statistical services for the sparks greater competition hire 4% more graduates than last liberal arts graduates and are constraints of the recession. College Placement Council Inc. among employers to attract top year. At colleges and univer having some success,” she says. Further, employers expect a 3% Ms. Ruths is a former assistant students, especially in fields such sities, placement personnel increase in the number of cam editor for the CPC. Based in as electrical and mechanical already are beginning to notice By specific type of employer, puses scheduled for recruiting Bethlehem, Pa., the CPC is a engineering and computer the increased interest in these the CPC survey categories show visits. “During the recent down national career planning, place science. “This year, 80% of those graduates. “Demand is strong for ed increases in employment turn within the industry, we ment and recruitment associa hired by our company will have business disciplines. Oppor opportunities across the board continued to have a presence on tion. engineering degrees. In par tunities are increasing in accoun with just two notable exceptions. campus. However, this year, we This article is reprinted by ticular demand will be electrical, ting and finance, and marketing First, banking, finance, and in are increasing slightly the permission of the National computer, systems and and sales have also improved," surance reported a 5% decline in number of schools we will be Business Employment Weekly, aerospace engineers,” says says J.W. Paquette, director of hiring from last year. This drop visiting," says Mr. Francke of published by The Wall Street Robert Gammill, chief of college commerce placement at the may reflect the industry’s uncer General Motors. Journal, ®Dow Jones & Co., 1985. relations at Martin Marietta University of Illinois College of tainty over the effects of Reports from colleges and All rights reserved. Table I Number of Hires by Curriculum and Degree Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral Curriculum Total No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Hires* Hires** % Hires* Hires** % Hires* Hires** % Hires* Hires** % 1984-85 1983-84 Change 1984-85 1983-84 Change 1984-85 1983-84 Change 1984-85 1983-84 Change Engineering (incl. 20,103 18,776 + 7% 2,829 2,271 + 25% 656 487 + 35% 23,588 21.534 + 10% engineering technologies) (280) (270) 0 38) (138) (75) (61) Science, Math, 9,857 8,877 + 11 1,902 1,453 + 31 1.044 715 +46 12.803 11.045 + 16 & Other Technical (incl. (263) (255) (117) (113) (75) (71) computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.j Business (incl. accounting, 21,062 20,276 + 4 4,980 4,519 + 10 43 27 N.A. 26,085 24,822 + 5 marketing, business (316) (305) (168) (177) (7) (5) management, finance, etc.) Other Non-Technical (incl. 3,163 3,201 - 1 262 255 + 3 27 51 N.A. 3.452 3.507 - 2 liberal arts, humanities, (156) (165) (29) (49) (13) (24) social sciences, home economics, etc.) Degree Total 54.185 51.130 + 6 9,973 8.498 + 17 1.770 1.280 + 38 65,928 60.908 + 8 ★Actual and anticipated hires. ** Actual Hires. I ) Figures in parentheses are number of employers reporting hires in the category. A difference between anv two years results when employers indicate they did not hire in that category for one of the two years. ,V. A. Not available because of small sample size. Page 14 Spelman Spotlight May 1985 On the career front... Table II Number of Hires, Interview Schedules And Campuses Scheduled by Employers Number of Number of Campuses Scheduled Interview Schedules! For Recruiting Visits No. of . No. of No. Schedules % Campuses of % % 1984-85 1985-84 Change 1984-85 1983-84 Change Employers 1984-85 1985-84 Change *** ***» Type of Employer * *# Business Accounting-Public 14 12,918 12,110 + 7% 12,275 11,812 + 4% 3,153 3,115 + 1% Banking, Finance & Insurance 44 2,947 3,089 - 5 2,962 2,883 + 3 1,141 1,128 + 1 Merchandising & Services 37 3,621 3,111 + 16 2,558 2,427 + 5 823 821 0 Manufacturing/Industrial Aerospace, Electronics, & Instruments 44 21,718 20,672 + 5 15,556 14,795 + 5 2,754 2,712 + 2 Automotive & Mechanical Equipment 26 4,322 3,918 + 10 1,860 1,472 +26 607 534 + 14 Building Materials Mfrs. & Construction 14 743 676 + 10 762 732 + 4 300 311 - 4 Chemicals, Drugs, & Allied Products 27 5,026 4,093 + 23 7,006 6,399 + 9 1,613 1,500 + 8 Electrical Machinery & Equipment 10 3,701 4,060 - 9 3,664 3,989 - 8 793 815 - 3 Food & Beverage Processing 16 529 487 + 9 946 821 + 15 333 314 + 6 Glass, Paper, Packaging, & Allied Prod. 10 204 125 N.A. 324 248 + 31 128 116 N.A. Metals & Metal Products 20 801 607 + 32 1,179 956 + 23 468 382 + 23 Petroleum & Allied Products 17 3,122 2,067 + 51 3,645 3,349 + 9 958 870 + 10 Research &/or Consulting Organizations 24 1,222 966 + 27 900 839 + 7 414 377 + 10 Tire & Rubber 2 373 356 + -5 280 378 -26 175 320 N.A. Utilities-Public (incl. Transportation) 71 3,053 2,903 + 5 2,178 2,045 + 7 1,041 988 + 5 Other Business & Non-Profit Organizations Other Business & Industry 20 1,175 1,212 - 3 1,038 995 + 4 385 345 + 12 Non-Profit & Educational Institutions 3 453 456 - 1 40 40 N.A. 24 25 N.A. Total 399 65,928 60,908 + 8 57,173 54,180 + 6 15,110 14,673 + 3 fOnc interview schedule represents between II and 14 individual student interviews conducted by one recruiter. Both full and partial interview schedules were counted equally. *1984-85 figures are actual and anticipated hires. **1983-84 figures are actual hires. ***1984-85 figures are anticipated interview schedules. ****1983-84 figures are interview schedules conducted NA-Not available because of small sample size. For Your Intellectual Enrichment 0 Continued from page 6 Plumb, Sterling, ed., Somehow We Survive. An Anthology of South African Writing, New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 1982. This moving collection of mostly Black poetry covers the whole scala fo the tortured human condition in the land of institutionalized inhumanity. HOW Roux, Edward, Time Longer Than Rope. A History of the Black Man’s Sturggle for Freedom in South Africa, Madison/London: University of Wisconsin Press, 1964. Originally published in 1948, this is the first history book by a white writer that seriously deals with the participation of Blacks in South African history. Simons, H.J. and Simons, R.E., Class and Colour in South Africa, 1850-1950, you live Harmondsworth (UK): Penguin Books, 1969. In this pioneering 'people's history' by two exiled White South African radicals there is much attention for the dynamic role played by Blacks in the making of modern South Africa. Thompson, Leonard, ed., African Societies in Southern Africa. Historical Studies, London: Heinemann; Berkeley: University of California Press, 1969. The may save book is made up of an important series of essays on the early, precolonial history of Southern Africa. Tutu, Desmond, Crying in the Wilderness. The Struggle for Justice in South Africa, Grant Rapids, Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1982. In this collection of his most recent sermons, speeches, articles and press statements, the newly appointed Bishop of Johannesburg and winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize gives his considered views on the current You may find it surprising that up to 60% of all cancers situation in South Africa. can be prevented. By avoiding excessive exposure to sun Wilson, Monica and Thompson, Leonard, eds., Oxford History of South light, by not smoking cigarettes, by not overeating and by Africa, following a diet high in fiber and low in fat. Oxford: Clarendon Press; Cape Town/New York: Oxford University y AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY The battle isn’t over but we are winning. Press, 2 vols., 1969-71. In this comprehensive survey of South African fsspacecont'iDuteaa: Please support the American Cancer Society. history by White liberal scholars, Monica Wilson’s chapters in volume I on early African societies are particularly illuminating. May 5985 Spelman Spotlight Page 15 Profiles On Education Continued SUGAR AND SPICE continued from page 8 role that black women will play in society? It would seem not, for though the college is a It should be evident then that, as black women, Spelman students must play a predominantly black one, there is no department which emphasizes solely a discipline significant role in America and the larger society. Their contribution to society should in African-American studies. There are classes offered in different divisions which has be a needed and refreshing change from those being made by white males. An as a basis a totally black interest, but for the most part these courses are usually awareness by Spelman students should result in an education, not a miseducation, of a unrelated and by themselves cannot carry the weight of a full African-American people ready to take part in productive and pertinent roles in society. discipline. Several of these courses, specifically Introduction to Afro-American Art, Seminar in Afro-American Theatre, Afro-American Literature, Black History Survey, BLACK COLLEGE STUDENT continued from page 9 Survey of Afro-American Music, Afro-American Philosophy and Black Social is deprived of what is desirable — that the goal of black colleges are not set from a true Movements are interesting in that they pertain to the various disciplines of the college black perspective. Not until a sense of self pride is instilled in our black students curricular. However, there is still a lack of major courses in the Psychology, Economics, through reiteration, reemphasis, and restressing of our self worth; not until our own Science and, especially the Educational discipline which focus on African-American history and culture is taught previous to, alongside of, and following the teaching of people. In addition, although the courses are available in the various disciplines the European subjects; not until we are taught, not assimilated, but the techniques and exact results of these courses are still directly measurable to the skill and proficiency of tools used to gain what is needed from the white man; and not until we are taught to the instructor. wear this knowledge like a loose garment, will black colleges be fulfilling their true In classes pertaining to women, there have been a number of courses and cores purpose. Until we are taught to think critically about our place in American society, as developed in the last few years that focus specifically on black women. But again, these opposed to simply "making it,” our black schools are failing us. As long as the stress is courses, like those dealing with African-American studies, are only as effective as the placed on studying the sciences, and liberal arts are viewed as inadequate devices for knowledge and insight brought to them by the instructors. It is of little value to offer achieving “economic stability” within the world, then we will be making true the fear socially significant curriculum if the instructors are not able and willing, or are ignorant seen by W.E.B. DuBois decades ago when he said that “an education that encourages of the nature and relevance of the courses. aspiration, that sets the loftiest of ideals and seeks as an end culture and character, It is stated in the 1979-80 issue of Spelman’s catalog that, “students are encouraged to rather than bread-winning, is the privilege of white men and thedanger and delusion think critically, logically, and creatively; to develop competence in decision-making of black." Are we no more than breadwinners (or losers)? and problem-solving, and to improve their use of communicative and quantative When one realistically admits that Spelman, being no exception among black skills.” If this statement is accurate it must be assumed that the instrument through institutions, is mainly supported by white sources of revenue, it becomes evident that which these assertions will be accomplished is personified in the Spelman faculty. its purpose is such because it must adhere to the task of modeling its students into Many students to whom I have spoken feel that a good many instructors are incapable typical, accepted Americans. It is then that one realizes that the thinking of black or otherwise reluctant to successfully teach these skills. The combined attitude of these Americans must be cultivated before real changes can be made. Once one’s mind is no instructors appears, again, to reveal one which views the student population as an longer controlled, that person becomes receptive to improvement. Black institutions ineffectual entity — a company of girls. In this context, I have personally witnessed cannot change positively until the race changes its desires and attitudes. In other words, instructors, and more recently, one in particular, who referred to a Morehouse student the institutions cannot be blamed for being designed to accommodate the mentality of in the class and announced that it was imperative for the student to do well, for he and its students. We are getting what we ask for: white standards colored by a black others like him were the leaders of the future. I assume that he felt that the other thirty outlook. Our children are the key to this change, but unless serious consideration is odd females in the class were merely there for decoration. This example has been given to their growth, they will become members of a misguided race. Hopefully, our reiterated several times in direct and indirect ways. Instructors who consciously or children will be raised to understand and be proud of their heritage. Hopefully, they unconsciously practice this type of teaching are detrimental to the purpose of Spelman will grow to recognize the importance of helping their less fortunate brothers and College. For it is also stated in the catalog that Spelman “offers opportunities for sisters, most of which will never reach college. Hopefully, they will view positions in the leadership roles for women.” It is obvious that the type of instructors aforementioned « corporate world as short term jobs, and will strive to reposition themselves, once are not even aware of the purpose of the institution in which they work. educated, within their own communities. Hopefully, our children will understand that J have reserved the final portion of this essay to the subject of the Spelman student money does not bring justice and that self-pride is more important than economic and her contribution to miseducation. Many students seem either mildly dissatisfied prosperity. Hopefully, being black college students, we have learned enough ourselves with the tone of their education or surprisingly complacent. The reasons for this great to teach our children these principles. And most importantly, we will keep hoping, complacency and rampant apathy seem academic in comparison to the realization that because many times it was, is, and will be that hope that pulls us through our many if any changes are forthcoming in the educational structure of Spelman and in the struggles as a mistreated, misguided and misunderstood race. societal problems that overwhelm contemporary life the initiative must first come from Both Ms. Rafi and Ms. Davis are graduates of Spelman College. They wrote these the students themselves. essays while attending Spelman. The attitude of many Spelmanites reflect, again, the “black girl” image. Unlike the students at Morehouse who think of, refer to, and applaud themselves as black men, the Spelman students subconsciously, and frequently consciously, refer to themselves Information as "girls.” The concept is comparable to that involving the term "nigger." Most black people use the term in the vernacular and in idiomatic speech when referring to other Link blacks. Many refer to themselves as “niggers.” However, there is a line of demarcation between the simple or casual referral and the actual personification of the term. In Between much the same way, the term "girls” is used by Spelman students but without any evidence of an understanding of the distinction between the simple referral and the _ the actual embodiment. Spelman students must arrive at an understanding of this word and its ramifications in order to better understand themselves. Federal As previously mentioned, the changes to be made in the school make-up and in the Government larger society must be first initiated by students at Spelman. But is this possible or even probable in a student body seemingly obsessed with social and superficial expressions and You of a girlish nature? These expressions have caused me to view many of my fellow students with disdain and to characterize their attitude as the “Calvin Klein" mentality. This mentality is expressed by students preoccupied with fulfilling an image or, more exactly, a myth, created by white America — for white Americans. This myth allows one to hide behind a costume of jewelry, designer-name fashions and a seemingly blissful ignorance of contemporary issues. Strip away the outer facade and what is left? A student intellectually incapacitated and unable to function in a society collapsing under the obesity of its problems. The emphasis of the classroom only becomes significant in terms of grades. Grades mean graduation; graduation means jobs or marriage; jobs or marriage means money or security. Very few students seem remotely cognizant that black people are being systematically, methodically, religiously and institutionally annihilated. Statistics support this conjecture and most students should be aware of this if only from personal experience. However, of equal importance, and what many students seem to overlook, is the role that colleges should be preparing them for as women. In many aspects this becomes a vital issue. Woman usually bear the greater responsibility in matters concerning child- rearing. If then, a strong black community is to evolve from the present one, the prospective mothers must be critically aware of the social and political forces affecting black people. Also, equally important, is the condition of women as an oppressed • Books, journals, maps, and more people. I nasmuch as black women are an integral part of black people everywhere, and are therefore subject to any injustices inflicted on them, they are also an integral part of • Selections tailored to local needs women everywhere and the same assertion follows. The unequal status of women is reflected in several statistics and Spelman students should become aware of these • Dynamic and constantly updated conditions. Statistics show that two out of every three illiterates are women. Though collections women account for one-third of the labor force, they put in two-thirds of the work Federal Depository Library Program hours, earn about one-tenth of the world’s income and own less than 1% of the This program• More is supported than by The 1,380Advertising Councillocations and is a public across service ol thethis publication property. • Free access For more information, contact your local library or write to the Federal Depository Library Program, Office of I the Public Printer, Washington, DC 20401. Page 16 Spelman Spotlight May 1985 — - ■■ .. SPO The Spelman Spotlight intorduces "Spotnotes,” a bimonthly column designed especially for you I Clubs, organizations, faculty, A Gospel Music Concert will be held Saturday, May 18, at Stone Mountain Park in honor of and students are welcomed to use "Spotnotes” to reach the Armed Forces Day. Atlanta University Center. From birthday greatings, to contest Sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, the concert will feature the vocal ensembles: notices, to selling used books, the space is available for you. For SONLIGHT, ISAIAH and PRIORITY. further information call the Spotlight office, 525-1743, or stop by. The concert is open to the public and will start at noon Saturday until 4:00 pm ont he field in front of Memorial Hall at Stone Mountain. • Under the direction of Rev. John Glover, minister of music at First Baptist, SONLIGHT tours the The Spotlight encourages you to voice your opinions, make United States and various foreign countries. SONLIGHT is an audition group that consists of full suggestions or comments and to air your grievances. All letters time college students who attend school in the Atlanta area. must be typed and signed. Under the direction of Fred Wilson, the Music-assistant at First Baptist, ISAIAH is a men’s quartet consisting also of college students. ISAIAH has performed in area churches and looks forward to a ministry in prison’s throughout the South. HONORS PROGRAM SENIOR REFLECTS Under the direction of Bob Grifith, Youth Music director at First Baptist, PRIORITY is an ensemble continued from page 3 continued from page 5 consisting of High School that attend various school’s in the Atlanta area. will be completing their fifth Senior year is the year that I’ve The music these groups perform is pleasing to all audiences. It is a lite Contemporary Gospel year in an engineering program. been waiting for. I had received Sound that is uplifting and inspiring to those who hear it. Please join us Saturday, May 18, at Stone These statistics are very good, and sent out all of my media Mountain Park for an enjoyable time of musical entertainment. and with the continued efforts in school applications before I achieving academic excellence returned. I began going for of our present students and interviews at the beginning of ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ students to come, Spelman will September. It seemed that I was continue to produce some of the leaving every week. Sydney my finest graduates in the country. neighbor, always came to her door as I was leaving to say, "Off CONGRATULATIONS TO... HARDING from page 6 again?” I had never missed class love to the cast and crew who before until that time. I think that made the shovy a success. I missed 1/4 of the semester. I Lynette Glover - Spotlight Editor 1985-86 “I’m Getting My Act Together made the AKA line this time. I And Taking It On The Road” was was only taking 15 hours and and her assistant a great experience. Having though that I was failing some Debbie Marable - Managing Editor worked with such fine, talented classes because of my extra people, taught me a lot. The curricular activities. I didn’t. I curtains will remain closed, thus had a 3.8G.P.A.forthesemester! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ending a chapter in our lives... It I amazed myself. has been real." Now I am nearing the close of Harding said she plans to my matriculation at Spelman. I attend graduate school and have been accepted to the media TO THE 1984-85 wants to become a casting direc school of my choice and am tor. taking 12 hours, so I am really SPOTLIGHT STAFF She stated, "It won't be long relaxing. When I look back, I before I’m taking my act on the don't see anything that I would road." change about the past. I have for having a successful year learned so much from all of my PiSSSSS MOTTO from page 9 experiences and made some standards, without some spiritual really good friends that I am sure undergirding - is education that will last a lifetime. I think that is useless. The motto is not Spelman was the best choice for irrelevant although it may not schools that I could have made, mean the same today as it did in because it has offered me the The Class of 1985 the past. opportunity to emerge from my shine your lights The ramifications for all this for shell and reach for the stars. the future are many. Suffice it to If I were to leave any advice to high and forever say that it is the responsibility of my younger sisters it would be to present Spelmanites to unders those who do not believe that tand the past, appreciate the there is a sisterhood... “You get present in order to secure the out of life what you put into it. If future. And the best security that you don’t see a sisterhood, then this institution has for the future you are not being a sister to NACA Announces Prize is to hold on to the deeper yourself." I also wish to thank the meaning and implications of the faculty and staff for their en Papers Competition motto, "Our Whole School for couragement, support and help. The National Association for offerings to membership," Vest will be awarded for first and Christ." To deny the future this They are there to help us and we Campus Activities announces its said. “This competition will second place winners, respec consideration will be to deny the should accept their help. first Prize Papers Competition further enhance the image of tively, in each of the three past - and without a past there is I will truly miss Spelman after offering cash prizes totaling NACA as an organization in categories of undergraduate, no future. graduation. $1,200, according to Chairman of terested in innovative ideas and graduate, faculty or professional the Board of Directors Max V. ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss research in the field, while staff. Papers will be judged by an Vest. Open to undergraduate offering staff and students an anonymous panel on these and graduate students, as well as opportunity to write, by judged criteria; originality and research, The Spotlight Staff faculty or staff of a business by peers and receive a cash usefulness and applicability to related to the college entertain award.” the field of campus activities, ment market, the competition is Competition papers must be content, composition and 1984-85 thanks you designed to recognize outstan original, unpublished workson a writing style, and thoroughness. ding research and opinion topic about or related to campus papers in the field of campus activities programming, such as Entry deadline for the com for your support given activities. It demonstrates management, volunteerism, petition is July 1, 1985. Winners NACA’s increasing interests in leadership training and develop will be announced on or about educating current and future ment, fine arts, film/video, con September 1,1985, and winning throughout the year: campus activities professionals, temporary entertainment, travel, entries will be published in a Vest said. recreation/leisure, professional Prize Papers Competition issue “The Prize Papers Competi development and special con of Programming in December HAVE A GREAT tion represents an important stituencies. Papers must be eight 1985. For further information, step toward realizing one of to fifteen pages, typed and contact NACA, P.O. Box 6828, NACA’s long-range goals of double-spaced. Columbia, SC 29260, 803-782- SUMMER! strengthening our educational Cash prizes of $250 and $150 7121. 5SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS