BLACK STUDENT UNION'S

The Demands of the Black Students of JHU

Preface culmination of a upon virtually deaf ears. for those who shall follow two full Black profes­ sors at Homewood cam­ long struggle for With the state of society us To create a better equality and justice today this can no longer pus. At an institution and more equitable on this campus. be tolerated. Johns where the credentials Black students on of Black students are environment in Hopkins is considered as Henry A. Boateng this campus are a premier institution, questioned and the per­ which all students President, BSU 1992 may live and study. forced to legitimize yet in comparison to ceptions of Black themselves at every universities of compa­ people are based on To combat the To all administra­ curse of racism and turn. rable standing, it is negative images, Black tors, faculty, em­ bigotry. First as human lagging far behind in faculty are an essen­ ployees, and stu­ To educate all facets beings with civil the areas addressed in tial step forward in dents of The Johns of the university rights. Second as this list. combatting the igno­ Hopkins Univer­ about Black culture, students with ad­ All of this promotes a rance and negative ste­ sity. and subsequently all equate credentials. difficult, hostile, and reotypes that run ram­ cultures. Black people are racist environment for pant on this campus. The following are To effect under­ systematically Black students and the demands of the standing and respect excluded from this further divides the 2) The creation of a Black students of campus and no future leaders of society. Black studies de­ for Black peoples, the Homewood Black cultures, and attempts to redress With such division at partment in the Campus of The their grievances are the head, the general school of Arts & Sci­ the Black struggle Johns Hopkins worldwide. effectively made by state of society is sure to ences. University: To stimulate active the administration. worsen. Clearly we as While this school change and bring the Since the incep­ students and members of has; Latin American necessary improve­ tion of the Black society cannot tolerate 1)A substantial in­ studies, Women Studies, ments to this institu­ Student Union and inaction on the part of crease in the Near Eastern Studies, tion and society at other Black organi­ this school. amount of Black Hispanic & Italian large. zations these con­ The demands of the faculty at Studies,Russian, For these reasons cerns have been Black students are to Homewood campus. French, and various and those listed below raised and system­ bring justice, equality, Faculty at any uni­ other culturally based this list of demands is atically ignored. and enlightenment, and versity should ad­ departments, these are presented by the These same de­ to begin to redress past equately reflect and programs and studies Black Students of The mands with sugges­ and present social represent the student that begin to educate Johns Hopkins Uni­ tions have been wrongs. population, this is most students about differ­ versity with the presented to the In the memory of important at the un­ ent facets of hu manity, support of the Black administration since those who have come dergraduate level Fac­ yet the Black experi­ organizations of the the inauguration of before us we shall strive ulty not only reflect ence is virtually ig­ aforementioned insti­ President William C to bring change to this the student population nored. The paltry rep­ tution. Richardson. university and all of but they should also resentation of African The demands pre­ All of our society, in order to support and provide culture is not nearly sented here are the attempts have fallen make this a better world role models for stu­ comprehensive or con­ dents. These are essen­ sistent enough to pro­ Minority Student Affairs Committee's tials for undergradu­ vide a full education to ates as they need the the students. The total First Meeting of the Year a Success most guidance. Black lack of any course that faculty is noticeably deals with African By Craig F. Warren wants to provide, to see more coordina­ absent at this univer­ Continued on p.2 “education for stu­ tion between the dif­ sity. There are only On October 16 the dent groups on ferent ethnic and Minority Student people and cultures, cultural groups on Affairs committee of which is not limited campus. the Student Council to race, but which During the course of SWIM held it’s first meeting alsi includes religion the meeting represen­ of the year in the and sexual orienta­ tatives told the group Homewood Student tion.” about various activities Services conference She is presently which their organiza­ THE 14 OTHER DEMANDS AND room. working on a shuttle tions had planned. The WHICH ONES COUNCIL SUPPORTS In attendance were to Morgan State following are some of Pages 2-3 representatives from University, soliciting the events which are coming up soon. Baishak, Ole, JSI, questions for Dean of WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE SASH, HOMES, CSA, Homewood Student On Mondays and KSA, BSU, FSA, the Services Larry Tuesdays the JSI holds SEPTEMBER 27 BSU MEETING Office of Multicultural Benedict’s Quality of language education Page 5 Student Affairs, Qan Life Survey, imple­ classes. The Monday D’Aire, and other menting diversity class is held in Gilman "AFRICAN,” "WHAT IT IS LIKE," 22 and the Tuesday concerned students. training for all AND "INJUSTICE" “I want to promote faculty, administra­ class in Gilman 12. the interaction of tors, and employees, On Sundays HOMES Page 7 students from differ­ and a lecture series. sponsors a studyathon ent backgrounds,"said Dr. Janet Moore, from 9am-5pm in MUCH 2 SHORT'S HIP HOP REVIEW committee chair Director of Schaffer 300. HOMES Page 6 Maaza Abdi, “Not only Multicultural Student also sponsors “HOMES with each other, but Affairs, stated that at the HUT” on Wednes­ with the Hopkins she had called the days from 8-12 pm in WHAT’S UP WITH THE NAACP community, which meeting because she the HUT. On October 31 Page 8 includes faculty and wanted student input the BSU is holding a administrators. into her office, and Family Weekend Event PLUS MUCH, MUCH, MORE! Abdi added that she because she wanted Continued on p. 3 Page 2 Perspective OCTOBER, 1992 The Sixteen Demands Continued from p. 1 taken into consider­ be addressed. Recruit­ munity. In the past, with African-Ameri­ American culture and ation for these deci­ ment can be aided Black students have cans. Although the contributions to society sions always seem to through the imple­ been the victims of university is part of a heightens ignorance slip through the mentation of such pro­ police harassment and consortium with other and entrenches r acis m cracks. grams as a minority unlawful arrests. In universities, none of in society. Black representa­ engineering program the midst of all of these schools have a A comprehensive tion on committees and department related these reported trans­ separate African- Black Studies depart­ will ensure that deci­ summer programs. gressions by Balti­ American or Black ment would include all sions of significance This will begin to at­ more police the Uni­ Studies department. facets of African cul­ are made with fair tract Black under­ versity has remained The nearest Afri­ tures and experiences consideration for all graduates who will silent. This will no can-American Studies in the world, from Af­ who will be affected. eventually come to longer be tolerated. program is at UMBC, and rican History( not the Hopkins as graduate The University also there is no transporta­ history of European 5) The employment students. needs to be consider­ tion and tuition is not colonization of Africa) of a Counselor, Ad­ ate of Black students free. Therefore there and culture, languages visor, and a Pro­ 7) The requirement in the promotion of is no access to any Afri­ and art, to African grammer for Black of one African Baltimore communi­ can-American courses American Literature Student Activities. American Studies ties. Hamden is a since there is no trans­ and history. course for all un­ direct example of this. portation to Morgan ei­ The entire Black ex­ These are three dergraduate stu­ While the univer­ ther which is included perience must be cov­ separate positions each dents. sity stresses that its in the consortium. ered by this department geared to facilitate students and faculty to Until such time as in order to educate the Black student life at this The requirement for avoid Green mount the university has its leaders of tomorrow institution. this type of course because of “violence own African American and give them an op­ A counselor will fill should be incorporated and crime” it does not department it needs to portunity to appreciate a role as a personal into departmental re­ give the same warn­ provide access to avail­ and understand Black guide to each Black stu­ quirements for gradu­ ing for Hamden, able departments in the peoples worldwide. dent. An advisor is dif­ ation, in the manner haven of discrimina­ area. Without this depart­ ferent from #3 in that that languages and En­ tion and racial vio­ ment this opportunity this role will advise glish courses are now lence. 12) An increase in does not exist. each student group and required. Qearly equally as funding for Black allow them to be most Such a requirement “dangerous” as Student groups. 3) The employment effective. This position would provide all un­ Green mount avenue of a Black academic will also serve as an ad­ dergraduates with an yet this is not said At the present time advisor in both the ministrative voice for understanding of Afri­ because the danger is the sole responsibility G.W.C Whiting Black student concerns. can-American history primarily towards of educating the School of Engineer­ A programmer will and culture and at the Blacks. Hopkins community ing and the School coordinate all Black same time promote about the Black peoples of Arts &. Sciences. student activities and awareness of cultures 10) The improve­ and cultures falls upon Black Academic ad­ functions with each outside of the European ment of community the student groups. In visors will not only other and other minor­ cultures which abound relations through order for these groups provide sound aca­ ity groups. at this university. educational and so­ to fulfill this objective demic advice to all cial programs. the level of funding students,but will also 8) The creation of must be increased. provide a supportive 6) An increase in an Auxiliary Enter­ This community is There is no depart­ base that Black students Black Graduate Stu­ prises advisory an illustration of a com­ ment, studies, or pro­ can relate to in this dent recruitment, committee, com­ munity divided on all gram to support any hostile environment. and the establish­ prised of workers. fronts. Both on the stu­ Black student activities. The need for a Black ment of functional dent level and the gen­ Black History Month academic advisor is support systems. The employees of eral community. has been the sole re­ highlighted by the de­ this university experi­ Programs need to be sponsibility of the parture of many bril­ The present level of ence de facto discrimi­ implemented that will Black student organi­ liant Black students fol­ Black graduate students nation at every turn. educate this immediate zations. lowing the first two is unacceptable. The Their opinions and community. Resources The university takes years at JHU. nu mber of Black gradu­ rights are ignored and need to be spent in no formal acknowledg­ Black academic ad­ ate students here does their privileges are these community's el­ ment of Black History visors are essential in not reflect the aptitude curtailed without con­ ementary and high Month. In order for providing Black stu­ of Black students in sultation. They experi­ schools. these organizations to dents with guidance general. ence undeserved disre- Social programs effectively educate the and role models This university spect and rudeness need to highlight all Hopkins community, throughout their aca­ needs to expand its re­ from the student popu­ facets of this commu­ the level of funding demic years. cruitment practices lation and exclusion, nity in creating a bet­ must be increased. and extend its re­ discrimination, and ter understanding of 4) Black Student sources to Black gradu­ apathy from the admin­ each one. 13) The construc­ representation on ate students. istration. Diversity training is tion of an outdoor all committees con­ Black graduate stu­ An advisory com­ essential on the student athletic facility. cerning important dents are the future mittee is to be com­ and administrative appointments and backbones of Black prised of the workers level in order to teach This university has hiring that affect community and soci­ and would be a platfor m these future leaders systematically shuts its student life at ety. Without adequate for the workers to air how to effectively deal doors to its immediate Homewood campus. support systems the their grievances and a with our diverse soci­ community and its aux­ students are totally de­ voice to air their opin­ ety. iliary staff. Under the This will ensure dif­ pendent upon depart­ ions on matters of con­ pretense of space con­ ferent perspectives on ments and advisors who cern to them. 11) Free tuition and straints and security decisions affecting stu­ may contribute to the transportation for problems the athletic dent life. All too often hostile environment. 9) The protection of students wishing to facilities have been to­ the concerns of Black These support sys­ the interests of attend classes tally closed off to both and other minority stu­ tems would include a Black students in geared towards Af­ workers and members dent groups are left out university sponsored the Baltimore com­ rican American of the community, thus of these decisions that student union with an munity. studies at other completing the ivory affect them directly. advisor an administra­ schools not included tower. The construc­ Student council in­ tive voice for these The university in the consortium. tion of an outdoor ath­ volvement has not been graduate students. In needs to take the inter­ letic facility, which adequate in this area. this way the feeling of ests of its Black students At the present time would include a basket­ The concerns of Black isolation that the stu­ to Baltimore Qty police the university does not ball court, a fitness students that should be dents experience may and the general com­ have a course dealing track and a playground OCTOBER, 1992 Perspective ge3 The Sixteen Demands CLASS OF '96 Continued from p. 2 support in righting 15) Monthly writ­ administration and had By Tammie D. would provide the op­ the past and ten progress re­ been meeting with the Simmons portunity for the stu­ present wrongs ports listingthe previous administra­ dents to interact with that have pre­ university’s status tion for at least four the community vented Blacks from in meeting these years. “Congratulations!” This would help al­ enjoying citizen­ demands. Although the con­ You have been se­ leviate the present ship in the commu­ cerns that have been lected as one of the strain on the athletic nity of humankind. 16 )Written ac­ raised have always met chosen few. In the center and provide a knowledgment of with approval and “sup­ words of the most better environ ment for In order for the all agreements that port”, the final response illustrious W.RB. all me mbers of the com­ university to make an are made, to be sent has always been empty DuBois, you represent munity. effective change in to the Black Student promises. Points fifteen the “Talented Tenth.” this environment it Union within two and sixteen are to hold You are hereby 14) An indepth let­ must be initiated from days of their occur­ administration ac­ entitled to participate ter from the Presi­ the top. The president rence. countable by making in an intensive four dent of the Univer­ of this university has These last two de­ their spoken promises year study which will sity to fheBalti more acknowledged a need mands are measures to written examine the actions Sun, Newsletter, for change. insure accountability and attitudes of others and the Gazette de­ This letter is the from an administra­ * Address questions to in your category. The crying the 400 years first symbolic step and tion that has been slow study will concentrate of total and absolute itsignifiesthe to meet the requests PfOMES, Pfopkjns on each of the follow­ mistreatment, deg­ administration’s com­ that it has agreed ta chapter of Cfhe Vfotionof ing: mitment to making For the past two radation, and op­ Society of ‘BtockJEngi- pression Blacks change and combat­ years the Black Student 1. “Me” vs. “We” have suffered; ting racis m at Hopkins organizations have neers. activism and the pledging Hopkins and in society. met with the present dichotomy between full and active campus and commu­ Student Council Supports Black Student Demands nity commitment. and stated that Gouncil 5. Council indicated 2. Black: Is it a feel­ By Craig F. Warren woult take the follow­ that it was their belief be provided unless a ing? Is it an identity ing stances on de­ that a minority pro­ special program was es­ to be exploited for On September 17 the mands 1 -14. At the ti me grammer already ex­ tablished. Council also personal gain? Is it Executive Board of the of the meetings 15 and isted. stated that it would ook only to be claimed in Black Student 16 had not yet been into the transportation moments of oppres­ Union(BSU) met with drafted. However, the Ed's Note: The version angle and would refer sion? (See Supreme the Executive Board of BSU is presently await­ of the demands pre­ the demand to the Stu­ Court Justice Clarence th eStudent ing a Council report on sented to council did dent Services commit­ Thomas) Council!council), in an thei r postion on these not emphasize that the tee. an effort to improve re­ demands. demand called for 3. ‘Where’s the lations between the two three different posi­ 12. Council agreed with party?” vs. “Where’s bodies, and to find ways 1. Council agreed with tions. this demand. the problem...and how in which council could this demand and stated can I help to alleviate better represent its that a letter of support 7. Council stated that 13. Council agreed with it.” Black constitutents. to the appropriate ad­ the demand was unre­ this demand and stated At the meeting ministrative parties alistic. that a letter would be 4. “Bandwagon Black council was presented would be drafted sent to Athletic Center Folks” or "Amen, with copies of the de­ within a week. 8. Gouncil stated that if Director Bob Scott and brother! Tell them mands which a group the committee had no Facilities DirectorBob about themselves..(but of Hopkins students had 2. Council stated that student members than Schuerholz. you won’t catch me presented to the ad min- the new minor in it was not a council is­ making a fuss. I have istration during the Multicultural and Re­ sue. 14. Council agreed with my studies/image to summer. Council stated gional Studies empha­ this demand and stated worry about can’t be that they would discuss sizes Africa, and that 9. Council agreed with that on September 23 SC bothered.” the demands among the fulfillment of the this demand. President Sadow had themselves and inform demand was not fea­ sent a letter supporting 5. Further studies the BSU of which of the sible at this time. 10. Council agreed this demand to Univer­ TBA. demands they would with this demand, and sity President William C support at the BSU Ex­ 3. Gouncil agreed to stated that efforts Richardson. ecutive Board meeting send a letter of support would be made to reach the following week. to the appropriate ad­ out to more communi­ 15-16. Not discussed. On September 24 ministrative parties. ties, and to move away Vice President for In from the Charles Vil­ South Asian Celebration Nov. 14 stitutional Relations 4. Gouncil agreed to lage focus. HRCD Offers Grants for Diversity Programming Katie Crowley and Sec­ send a letter to the ap­ retary Bill Van Horne propriate administra­ 11. Gouncil argued that Continued from p. 1 resources available to attended the BSU Execu­ tive bodies. no free tuition could for all students and the groups from the tive Board meeting their families in the Office of Multicultural Garrett room from 7- Student Affairs, pos­ sible fundraisers, Student Council Questionnaire 9pm. On November 6 Ole possible jointly spon­ A. The Johns Hopkins University Student Council is a cluster of incompetent, will sponsor a Hoppy sored activities, HRCD prejudiced, fools who have no interest in representing all segments of the Hour. On November 14 grants for diversity Hopkins community and who lack the intestinal fortitude to take decisive SASH wil hold its oriented programs, action. annual South Asian the distribution of a celebration. calendar listing the B. The Johns Hopkins University Student Council is a body of extremely CSA sponsors lan­ events of all the competent, open-minded students who are interested in representing most guage tables every groups, and the pro­ of the Hopkins community, and who. on a regular basis make decisions which have a major effect on the student body. week where students curement of more may only speak the programming space. C All of the above dialect of the day, they At the conclusion are also planning on of the meeting it was Which of the above statements accurately characterizes Student Council? setting-up Mah Jong decided that the com­ tables mittee would meet Answer: C. All of the above Other topics dis­ once a month. The cussed during the meeting ended meeting included the promptly at 4pm. Perspective MARCH, 1992 VIEWPOINT

Editorial: Why?

The constitution of opinions in the other student groups. about you, but you nothing...the sons and the Black Student News-Letter. The Why do you call us know virtually noth­ daughters of mother Union states that one opinions voiced in nigger behind our ing about me. The Africa. of the responsibilities this publication would backs? Why do you fact that this type of The third function of the Community never be printed in question our academic ignorance is main­ of Perspective is to Relations Chairperson the News-Letter. To qualifications? Why tained by the admin­ serve as a catalyst for is, “To create and put it simply, many of are you afraid of us? istration and sup­ change by challeng­ produce a BSU News­ them are just too Why are you so ported by the major­ ing you to see things letter.” Perspective Black for that publi­ damned ignorant? ity of the student from a different is that newsletter. cation to deal with. That is why we have a body makes the need perspective. But what is Per­ Thus we have one of newsletter, and you do for this type of publi­ I envision Hopkins spective? Dean of the functions of not. A cursoiy glance cation self-evident. as the Mosaic and Homewood Student Perspective. It is a through this issue The second func­ Perspective as John Services Larry medium for voices reveals that the situa­ tion of Perspective is Stewart. Think about Benedict recently which otherwise tion for African- to educate the it? asked why there was a would not be heard. American’s and Blacks Hopkins community need for this publica­ “Why does the BSU at this school is de­ about a people, about -CFW tion since students have a newsletter and plorable. whom they would muld voire their we do not?/1 asks I know a great deal otherwise learn The Worm From the Apple Comes to JHU

By Michelle S. Former New York ely was not poverty. have everyone, re­ major cities for twelve Cespedes City Mayor Ed Koch Not Poverty. Hmm, gardless of race or class, years, and is still rela­ opened the MSE Sym­ oh really. His ratio­ enlist for a year or two tively influential in posium on October 13. nale was that during in a national servcice politics, the relevance Black people have His topic was “The the Great Depression program. of what he thinks in­ a tendency to be reac­ American Social Fab­ when the poverty rate This would allow creases. tive. I can’t stand ric: Tearing Apart?” was extremely high, them to learn a skill, Attend the sympo­ people who ONLY get Right off the back, he the crime rate was while serving their siums. You’ll always be mad when someone in stated that the issue of markedly lower than country. As idealistic surprised with what a position of power race is the most impor­ it is now. Personally, I as this sounds, I had to you learn. Know who (usually a White man) tant one with regard to think that is absolutely wonder, “If someone’s represents you, watch does or says something his topic. This com­ irrelevant. family had enough how you vote, and put that confir ms his igno­ ment alone made me Of course being poor money would there be an end to the igno­ rance of or bias against pay closer attention to is a factor. Not being loopholes, and would rance. It’s up to us. Black people. the rest of his remarks. able a sustain a mini­ the more desirable Please note that The first social prob­ mum standard of liv­ “service” positions go Council of Fools these “reactionaries” lem he tackled was ing, being more likely to the disaffiliated?" Continued from p. 8 are the same people that crime. He asked “What to receive a sub-stan­ His most interesting to approve the letter he you never see or hear are the root causes of dard education because comment of the threatened to send the from when there is a crime?” He then did of your socio-economic evening was that Black letter on his own au­ call for action or a the politically correct class, and the fact that people are often mis­ thority without the movement to incite thing and provided increased drug usage represented by their approval of the rest of change unless someone various statistics on and poverty are often leaders. According to the council. lands he first blow. how many violent linked are definitely Koch, Although their Throughout the Unfortunately, I am cr imes were com mitted causes of crime. leaders may portray whole affair did Sadow finding out that there by Black males, around However, he may them otherwise, the or any other member of are more and more 45% . He went on to have a point. I majority of Blacks are the council ever stop to ti mes when you have to state that the root cause wouldn’t consider the conservative. Hence, think about the reper­ respond when you are of crime, was not ge­ head bankers in the they overwhelmingly cussions of their ac­ faced with overwhel m- netic, was not due to Savings and Loan oppose affirmative ac­ tions. I think not. All ing evidence of how cultural determina- Scandal, the members tion and support capi­ they were interested in people really think tion. and most definitz. of Congress who wrote tal punishment. doing was going on a thousands of dollars of Koch described the witch hunt for a piece bad checks on the Black conservative as of the BSUs ass, and The Black Student Union’s House Bank, or the wanting to enjoy the unfortunately that’s Michael Milkens of the same rights and oppor­ exactly what they got. world poor by any tunities as everyone Perspective stretch of the imagi­ else. He defined affir­ nation. These people mative action as “quo­ Editor in Chief committed crimes that tas”. ’’Things That Craig F. Warren every tax payer has I, for one, know that Make You Say been punished for. I the formal definition of Staff Writers: Bushra S. Bahir, Michelle have a feeling that affirmative action has Hmmm..." Fulwider, Travis Richardson, Henry A. Koch wasn’t referring nothing to do with quo­ to these types of tas, and that the death What is Boateng, Tammie D. Simmons, MLW, Michael crimes, but only to penalty is inherently I. Straker, Nicole London, Kingsley A. a" multicultural those which involve unjust because you are student?" Matthew, Prophete J. Charles, Michelle S. Black males. more likely to be ex­ Cespedes One of his solutions ecuted if you are Black. Who is Dr. Gordon, and to our social problems, I wonder who he de­ what does he stand also caused me to raise fined as our “leaders? for? This paper is published twice a semester by the an eyebrow, and listen Koch’s ninety Black Student Union. Please forward any that much more minute lecture may And then there were submissions or comments to the BSU mailbox closely. He believes seem insignificant in two. in the SAC lounge. that it is i mperative the the larger scheme of “disaffiliated” (i.e. in­ things. It was, after all, Director Of ner city Blacks and His- one man’s view on the Opinions or views expressed in this publication Multicultural Student panics) be removed state of the country. Affairs Janet Moore do not necessarily reflect the views of the Black from their environ­ But, if we realize that StudentUnkuv------ment. His idea was to this man ran one of our OCTOBER, 1992 Perspective Page 5 The New Kid On the Block: Check Yourself! By Tammie D. Simmons ed quietly on the lawn. condescending mess. When and establishes friendships Alone munching a ham­ I saw him on the street a few between college students “Here man, have a dollar. burger. Alone, I arrive late days later, I called out his andchildren. In fact, naw, brother-man, at the picnic and am only name and said, “Hello.” There are approximately here have two. Two dollars slightly startled by his The picnic had been 70 volunteers in the pro­ means a snack for me but it presence. I have seen him going strong for more than gram, each of whom sacri­ means a great deal to you...I sitting stoically in front of an hour. Yet, I was the first fices a total of 15 hours out never thought twice about Royal Farms on certain to speak to this disenfran­ of the entire school year. spendin’ on an old bum evenings. chised Black man, a true The majority are South until I had the chance to Interested in observing casualty of the ’ system" Asian and European Ameri­ really get to know one. ” attitudes, I stand aside for which we so delight in cans, only about three are “And to think all the ten minutes. I get the dis­ decrying. Black. money Blacks spend on big tinct impression that all the We need to check ourselves. The schools the fifth colleges, still most of y’all Black folks “catching up” graders attend are 100% come out confused. “ on each other’s lives are 2. A small, select, group of Black. “Mr. WendaT oblivious to his presence. I Black students lead the Black Think about it Arrested Development send a short prayer upwards organizations on this cam­ asking God to create the pus. This, in itself, is ac­ Confused! In the scant situation for me to speak ceptable, HOWEVER, this 5. The Garrison Middle five weeks that I’ve been with him. small, select group has a School Project mentors and immersed in the Hopkins When he gets up to obtain paltry number of dedicated tutors. It is a perfect oppor­ community this appears to another hamburger I casu­ helpers. People voice “We tunity to share your gifts be an appropriate label for ally mosey over to the area want change," but how with someone who could the “Black agenda” on this where he’s seated. About many times does the Exec benefit so much. campus. This confusion ten feet from the spot is a Board have to pass out sign­ Is “Each one, reach one” arises from a misunder­ 3x5 photo of an attractive up sheets? just a hollow suggestion? standing of motives. young Black woman in blue Can we afford to be on Perhaps the best way to jeans standing in a living 3. Edward I. Koch is a dan­ the same self-interested, attack this issue is to list room. It’s one of those gerous man. His power is materialistic agenda as so those observations which casual shots when you’re less potent now that he has many of our white brothers have caused me concern. kind of goofing off with the been relieved of his and sisters? Bear in mind that I am a camera but want something mayorship, but he lectures Think about it lowly, unseasoned, fresh­ kind of nice. The scratches across the country, spread­ man who is probably a and wear on its’ fuzzy cover ing his skewed values. It saddens me to think victim of her youthful give it an aged appearance. More of us should have that we, who represent the idealism. The items below I timidly approach the taken the opportunity to best Black America has to are not listed in order of crowd seeking an owner. hear him speak. He repre­ offer, are assuming many of importance, for they are all When I ask if the photo is sents many in the power the self-destructive atti­ equally disturbing. his, he says yes, thanks me, structure of this nation tudes of White America. and asks me gently if I could It behooves Black people This article is an indict­ 1. The BSU sponsors a cook place it in his back pockets to know who their enemies ment of the apathetic ones. out on the beach to welcome (his hands are full). God are, and to begin re-educat­ It is an indictment born of incoming freshman to this had answered my prayer. ing themselves and each love and concern, and not glorious university. There I sat down with this other. of a simple desire to belittle are hot dogs, hamburgers, gentleman and had a plesant We are more brainwashed and complain and attempts at football. conversation about nothing than we think... To the true-hearted Black Everyone is laughing and in particular. I remember folks who understand, enjoying this late summer feeling that it was just like 4. Project Outreach is an appreciate, and act on their gathering on the beach. talking to “anyone else" for organization which intro­ community And there’s a man in an the first time, and not feel­ duces fifth graders from responsibilities...applause old and soiled clothing seat ing saintly or any of that inner city Baltimore to Continued on p. 6 The President’s Corner By Henry A. Boateng and, by doing so, for all specifically asked to leave. If exclusion is a concern of minorities. This year we The meeting was simply this university, then deal The Black Student Union support the sixteen demands adjourned. with the exclusion of Black of the Johns Hopkins Uni­ presented in this issue and people and Black culture versity was established in stand ready to battle for 4. A total of 12 interested from every aspect of this the seventies. Among the what we feel is right. students remained. university. If the univer­ primary objectives of the In the midst of the sity wishes to combat injus­ BSU is the creation of an present controversy, I feel The decision by the Stu­ tices than deal with the atmosphere where a com­ it is necessary to clear the dent Gouncil, and the latest injustices that are faced by plete education can be air. The controversy over media hype surrounding Black students as they are received by Black students. the September 27 BSU gen­ this meeting have failed to constantly harassed and Through the efforts of eral body meeting has been look at these facts, and the forced to legitimize them­ many dedicated students the blown out of proportion and testimony of every indi­ selves to the Hopkins and BSU has been a driving the facts have been totally vidual at that meeing save Baltimore communities. The force for justice and equal­ distorted. The facts sur­ two. It is interesting to note fact that this insignificant ity at Hopkins and world­ rounding this meeting are that members of the SAC incident has taken prece­ wide. Illustrations of our as follows; executive board were dence over pressing con­ committment were symbol­ present at the meeting, and cerns is truly appalling. ized in the 1980's by the 1. Following the adjourn­ did not file similar com­ Although this entire Black Student Union s role ment of the meeting I made plaints. incident has been disheart­ in the university's divest­ the anouncement for any The decision that Student ening, we remain un­ ment from South Afrika. Black students who were at Gouncil is incongrous with daunted. We will move In more recent times we the previous week 's ques­ the facts and is thoroughly forward. As part of our have symbolized our dedica­ tion forum to remain if they disappointing. Yet what is agenda we will send out tion to justice and equality still had questions. even more disappointing is liasons to all student groups by organizing and leading the time spent in unneces­ to further explain our last year's peaceful Rodney 2. At that previous meeting sary debate, over whether to position and our concerns. King rally. all members who were on send a simple letter of repri­ This action will help us In fulfilling our the attendance sheet were mand. There are far more learn about the concerns of objectives the BSU is mov­ called. All the people important issues for Student others, and improve our ties ing forward in creating a present were Black. Council to debate than an with the Hopkins commu­ better atmosphere at alleged exclusionary meet­ nity. It is our hope that by Hopkins for Black students 3. At no point was anyone ing. Continued on p. 6 Page 6 Perspective OCTOBER, 1992 RECORD RATING 3UIDE Much 2 Short’s Hip-Hop Retrospective Scott La Rock, KRS- social and political face in the face of Extremely Live. With h-Slammin’; excel- ONE, and , in part, D- thinker with such police brutality. The an excellent blend of ent; buy the GDI Nice, MC Boo, ICU, and tracks as, “Stop the album also includes, old and new KRS-ONE 3-Damn Good; buy the Kenny Parker. With Violence,” “Part-Time “Hip-Hop Rules,” and returns to what true ^settel the release of the Suckers,” “Jimmy,” the classic “Jack of hip-hop is about- Z-Average; OK; Dub infamous dis singles, " I llegal Business,” and Spades” from the rocking the party. “rom a friend. "The Bridge is Over” “My Philosophy.” In soundtrack of “I’m Highlights include } -Buy the bootleg and * South Bronx, " these songs he ex­ Gonna Get You the best of his world ape and the subsequent pressed his views on Sucka.” B ♦ tour, which included F-Don’t even think release of their debut thecommerdalization New York, England, ibout buying the album, Criminal of hip-hop music,aonce In 1990, BDP and France. A + jootleg tape. Minded, BDP emerged pure form of artistic released Edutainment. from the under­ expression. By Any Already considered Released in 1992, As you all should ground hip-hop Means Necessary to be one of the Sex and Violence know by know, our scene. came to be known as foremost hip-hop returns “to the raw illustrious university Not bad for a one of the first rap authorities, a more essence of the will have the pleasure of former homeless man albums to demon­ revolutionary, more street”(Source Maga­ beinggraoedbythe and his social worker. strate that the hip- radical, KRS-ONE zine, March 1992). presenoecf Boogie Down Regarded as a hip-hop hop culture does developed a no- This album marks the Production’s KRS-CNE classic, this album possess a social and holds-barred com­ beginning of a new next week at the MSE brought the sound of political conscious­ mentary on every­ BDP, without Miss SYMPOSIUM (^NOVEM­ the South Bronx ness. A thing from police Melodie, Harmony, or BER 4, INSHRIVER streets to the air­ brutality and the D-Nice. In spite of HALL ADMISSIONS waves. For those of us Ghetto Music: The government, in “100 this, the album moves FREE, FREE, FREE, who remember this Blueprints of Hip Guns” and “30 Gops on with an even more We all consider perpetuated the long­ Hop, released in 1989, or More,” to the radical social and KRS-ONE to be some­ standing radio wars is decidedly the most destructive lure the political bent than on thing of a hip-hop between 98.7 KISS and overlooked of BDP's drug trade has for any previous album. prophet of socio­ 107.5 WBLS. Introduc­ albums. With cuts inner-city youth KRS-ONE comes off political ideologies ing a whole new style such as 'You must living in strictly hardcore on (sounded good,didn’t with such classic jams Learn” and ' Why is poverty! “Loves this his most ambi­ it?), a “Black Revolu­ as, “Poetry,” “Dope that?” KRS-ONE Gonna Get’Cha). The tious album with tionary,” a man to be Beat,” “Remix for the displayed a more cuts, “Blackman in tracks such as “Duck heard. So before we P is Free,” and the mature and focused Effect," “The Home­ Down,” “Drug all rush over to title track, "Criminal political and social less,” “House- Dealer," “Questions Shriver, let’s take Minded," BDP set the theory. On the al­ Nigga’s,” “Ya and Answers,” and some time to briefly standard against bum he delineated Strugglin,” and “Who are the Pimps?" reflect on just why it which all hardcore racism in religious "Breath Control” He also chastises is that we give Kris hip-hop artists would and academic educa­ address problems women in "Say Gal” Parker so much re­ be judged. A+ tion as the root of the within the hip-hop and ”13 and Good.” A- spect, the man behind ignorance that and Black communi­ the Stop the Violence In 1988, KRS-ONE perpetuates racism ties. A That’s it for me this movement and HEAL continued with the in America. time y’all! See you at (Human Education release of By Any The track “World Live Hardcore the symposium. Peace something some­ Means Necessary. The Peace,” was a call to Worldwide. This 1991 out until next ti me and thing), the man album was dedicated all the peoples of the release is one of the remember to look out known as “the in the memory of earth to realize that finest hip-hop al­ for: Teacher.” Scott La Rock follow­ peace is only attain­ bums ever produced Grand Puba- Reel to In 1986 the world ing his tragic murder able through the as well as one of the Reel was introduced to earlier in the year. It collective resolve to first live hip-hop Leaders of the New Boogie Down Produc­ was with this album forcibly take it. “Bo, albums, following Schod tions, a veritable that KRS-ONE estab- Bo, Bo,” addresses the hip-hop legend Brand Nubian posse comprised of lished himself as a plight that Blacks Vanilla Ice’s More New Kid Corner Continued from p. 5 Continued from p. 5 Columbus: Hero or Zero? and encouragement. To achieving justice and the others...examine equality through our By Kingsley A. Centuries of wars obtain backing for his yourselves. demands we might do Matthew fought over land and idea .that begged Consider what your lot the same for others. precious materials has Ferdinand and would be today had those We anticipate resis­ made this historic Isabella to go along who walked before you tance to these, changes, 1992 marks the event hard to swallow. with his plan. Thus not thought how their for every one is not 500th anniversary of As the 21 st century began the “discov­ self sacrifice would interested in true jus­ Columbus’s “discov­ approaches, the ques­ ery”. Now in 1992, benefit their and people tice. However, we will ery” of the New world. tion is, “What will the several years after and their posterity overcome these obsta­ Whether or not this new discovery be?” Is the end of the cold I shudder to think cles and ensure free­ event culminated in the world in a “ global war, the communist how our people and our dom and justice, by the demise of both of transition,” unsure of regime toppled, the posterity will fare if any means necessary. the civilizations its next move? The world waits in abey­ the self-gratifying existing in the North situation was some­ ance as the new cen­ "me” attitude prevails. The author is the pre­ and South American what similar hun­ tury approaches. Visualize it. Do you sident of the Black Stu­ continents, and sev­ dreds of years Will racial oppres­ like what you see? It dent Union. eral hundred years agowhen Spain united sion and other forms doesn't require much later parts of African under Ferdinand and of social injustice to rewrite the screen­ civilization, can be Isabella to expel the end? Could the age of play. Choose a role argued. Muslims after 700 conquests and unwar­ and play it as though One can surely years of occupation. ranted occupation someone's life de­ remember being There seemed to be a that marred Colum­ pends upon it. The taught the phrase, sense of opportunity bus’ intention 500 truth is, someone's “In 1492 Columbus and hope after the years ago produce the does. To All Administrator! sailed the ocean removal of oppres­ age of the “ Global and Students: blue..." Somehow the sion. Expansion of the Community". Of The author is a mem­ ocean turned red new sovereignty’s course it’s difficult to ber of the Gass of '96, YOU HAVE BEEN through the con­ wealth and territory tell now, but who and the freshman quests of Columbus seemed to be the knows? Columbus’ representative to the WARNED! and other explorers answer. discovery should BSU Executive Board. proclaiming the land It was Columbus, serve as a reminder. theirs in the name of after several unsuc­ a sovereign ruler. cessful attempts to OCTOBER, 1992 Perspective Page 7 BUST A RHYME

African What it is like

In came the tall masted ships And men with whips and shackles Many wonder They stripped the Motherland Africa Most do not, Of her most valuable possess ions- About how it Feels Her people What it is like. And their identity To be a descendant of pharohs, Devoid of identity To have dark shiny skin that glows. Humans turned chattel lay in the dark cold ship- Well, In the bowels of the wooden whale-people- Let me tell you Who have nothing except the heavy chains and shackles Let it be known. Are now considered possessions It is not easy in a world not of our own. Of their colorless counterparts, not Africa. It too often implies being judged out of ignorance They long to return to Africa While others can pass on their substance. And try to hold on to the identity It can mean heartache in your life Built through the centuries with their possession It usually leads to conflict and strife. Of knowledge of self but the recesses of the ships It can also make you strong And the rigidity of the shackles Drained hope from my people And give you the courage to fight what is wrong. It forces you to be aware of the world No, they were not free people And gives you a worthy goal. They were slaves of the mind uprooted from Africa It above all gives you pride and spirit And put into mental shackles To know that you are Black Of bondage, breakable by the mallet of identity Not only by the cessation of the sailing ships And not everyone can say it. Run by those beasts who were possessed Prophete J. Charles Money and power caused this evil possession And it still controls the people Whose ancestors travelled on the upper deck of the ships NEARING AN END To and from the motherland-Africa. And still they cannot manage to identify What is soon 2 B my stream of sorrow With the stifling effects of their societal shackles The weight of these restraining shackles fills these eyes Makes impossible the possession Of a true identity causing my vision 2 blur And freedom for my people. The key lies in Africa as I am the beholder of this distorted view And in knowledge of more than just ships of a hazy sun Break the shackles to end bondage of my people Those possessions need to be returned to Mother Africa settling on & below a desolate horizon But not in ships-rather a new African identity, making 4 doleful depiction mjs of reunion with sadness

as the life of my newfound love

Injustice approaches its final hours

This country tis of thee M.L.W. Where is the liberty? Why Should I sing? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT? Land Where my forefathers died Held their heads high with pride Through bondage and slavery W.EB. DUBOIS They fought for liberty MARCUS GARVEY God on their side MALCOM X They fought so hard and long MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Throughout it all stayed strong KWAMENKRUMAH Descendants of Queens and Kings AKHENTON CHAKA Of them I sing GEORGE JACKSON Though they did pave the way ASSATA SHAKUR Yet we still fight today ANGELA DAVIS How sad this world’s become HUEY NEWTON Where is that glorious freedom ELDRIDGE CLEAVER Of which you sing? BOBBY SEALE Why must we always fight THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY To prove what you call right? AFRIKA When will the struggle cease GHANA So we may have our peace? EGYPT IGBO ASHANTI No Justice, No peace! SWAHILI SOUTH AFRIKA

BushraS. Bahir IGNORANCE OF OURSELVES IS A PRELUDE TO DESTRUCTION. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT OUR PEOPLE AND OUR STRUGGLE, YOU MUST LEARN TO SURVIVE. KNOWLEDGE IS P0WER1H Page 8 Perspective OCTOBER, 1992 What's Up with the JHU NAACP Youth Chapter? By Travis disrespect, denigra­ 5. To secure equal job aforementioned goals It is vital that Richardson tion, degradation, and opportunities based compounded with everyone on emasculation of "col­ upon individual merit increasing the equal­ ourcampus and in the ored people,” as those without regard to ity and justice re­ country do what they Last year marked of African descent race, religion, or ceived by Black stu­ can to contribute to the fourth year since were then called. national origin. dents in all areas and the goals of the the founding of the Conditions were improving the condi­ NAACP. The last thing National Association ripe for the founda­ 6. To end mob vio­ tions for Black stu­ Black students at this for the Advancement tion of an organiza­ lence and police dents on campus. In institution need is for of Colored People tion that voiced the brutality.” conjunction with an organization such (NAACP), Johns concerns and pro­ other Black organiza­ as the NAACP to be­ Hopkins University moted the interests of Some might say tions the NAACP has come defunct. This is Youth Chapter. The Black people. Many that these goals have been working towards necessary because the organization came to people wonder, "What been met, but upon the realization of problems we face are this campus as a result is the exact goal of the closer inspection one these goals. real. of the work of Dr. NAACP?” may conclude other­ Last year was not Two years ago, Francine Ashby, the The goals read as wise. For example, the very productive for the Black Student former director of follows: two words “Rodney the NAACP for a vari­ Union’s Black History Minority Student King” speak for them­ ety of reasons, but month theme was Services, and the "1. To eliminate racial selves, the ratio of this year there is a “Our Struggle, Our ladies of Alpha Kappa discrimination and Blacks to Whites in new executive board Pride." I implore all Alpha Sorority, Inc., segregation from all professional and and hopefully a new of you to have some Xi Tau Chapter. aspects of public life managerial positions attitude. This new pride and dignity, and The NAACP was in America. are alarmingly dis­ attitude applies to the join the struggle for founded in 1909 and proportionate, and executive board and to our goals. In light of has a membership of 2. To secure a free our judicial system is the general member­ the present situation, almost 500,000, mak­ ballot for every quali­ not very judicial. ship. This year we are it is definitely time to ing it the oldest and fied American citizen. These points and planning to have a stand up and be largest civil rights other that have gone meeting every two counted. organization in the 3. To seek justice in un mentioned are weeks with informa­ world. The reasons the courts. indicative of some of tive and interesting The author is the for the creation of the problems that we speakers throughout president of the JHU this organization are 4. To secure legisla­ still face. the year. We are also NAACP Youth Chapter. not difficult to under­ tion banning dis­ The purpose of the interested in doing stand. 1909 was a ti me crimination and NAACP on our campus activities with other period of total segregation. includes the campus organizations. Community Think Before You Act: Council of Fools By Craig F. Warren Activities Commission BSU an extremely the spirit of things, Affairs had decided to take no vague letter which now can we? As as an African- action against the BSU states that, "Student What is even more 3y Michelle Fulwider American student I because they had Council determined interesting is the fact know that many correctly decided that that the Black Student that at the council Fellow JHU Students, members of Student no exclusionary Union (BSU) uninten­ meeting at which the Council are ignorant actions had taken tionally excluded above letter was As CO-Chair of the of and insensitive place at the meeting, individuals from the approved a tie oc­ Student Council’s towards the needs of Sadow whipped off a BSU room on Septem­ curred, and "the Community Affairs minority students at proposal for a letter of ber 27, 1992," and African-Americans Committee, I urge you this institution. One reprimand to be which claims that the best friend" Pete Lo participate in has only to look at the written to the BSU. In actions of the BSU on Sadow cast the decid­ ^mpus wide activities recent controversy the letter which he that occasion contra­ ing vote...in favor of and organizations. surrounding the proposed to send, dicted, "the spirit of the letter. Don’t hesitate to make September 27 BSU Sadow mistakenly the Student Activities It is also inter­ your individual voice meeting to see this. claims that the BSU, Commmission (SAC) esting to note that neard thus opening The whole contro­ "violated student Constitution." Can t when it appeared that Lhe channels for the versy began, in part, policy by asking non- have those damn council was not going arger, campus Black due to the efforts of Black students to leave niggers contradicting Continued on p. 4 Voice to speak. Student Council Vice the room after Academic year President for Institu­ its regularly sched­ 1992-93 has the poten­ tional Relations Katie uled meeting." tial to be a year of Crowley. Crowley, He then goes on to BSU HONOR ROLL monumental change was one of the two threaten the BSU with n JHU policies and people who filed the suspension of Spring 1992 administrative prac­ complaints with the their charter if such tices. This can only Student Activities an "incident” occured Kenneth P. Anderson Jesslyn M. Ingram ?e realized if we Commission alleging again. “Should this ndividually acccept Renata G. Arrington Tara D. Jackson that they had been type of incident hap­ Todd A. Billings Dina R. Johnson the responsibility of the subject of exclu­ pen again, sanctions Michelle Bonner Elaine Johnson espousing the con- sionary actions on the may occur. These Shauna C. Bryce Adria M. Jordan terns of the collective part of the BSU. It is sanctions may in­ Rob bye D. Burton Adaobi A.C. Kanu ?ood. If you view ironic that one of the clude, but are not Donald P. Cooke Jr. Herman C. Lawson your part” as work­ reasons Crowley was limited to any or all of Teresa D. Day Pamela F. Love ing for the ameliora­ at the meeting was as the following: freez­ Maisha S. Draves Joy A. Masseaux tion of JHU-Baltimore part of an effort to ing of the BSU ac­ Vanessa M. Dunlap Jenene M. McDowell Carl G. Edelen Adrinne I. Miller Zity community rela­ improve relations count, loss of the BSU tions, I encourage you Chukwudube O. Egbuniwe Michael A. Norman between the BSU and room for a determined Ugochukwu N. Ezenkwele Malika D. Owens to call the Student Student Council. It is period of time, public Andrea Y. Forde Jelani Rucker Council Office x8203, with great sadness statements of apology, Triesta M. Fowler Christophe L. Russell x me, Michelle that I note that and/or the suspension Craig M. Freeman Tonya Rutherford Fulwider, 235-2008 for Crowley's presence at of the charter of the Charles C. Glass Martine Sam more information and that meeting led to Black Student Union.” Reuben G. Gobezie Sherry T. Stallings the time and the place the further deteriora­ Fortunately, for Carlos Greenlee Michael J. Straker Cam me la R. Teel jf the committee’s tion of those rela­ Sadow, the council did Juanita E. Gupton next meeting. Jo A. Hall David Thomas tions. not approve his mas­ Robyn D. Harris Nicole Y. Twyman As soon as Student terpiece of punitive William J. Haynes Craig F. Warren Remember: Apathy Council President action, instead,council Tyler C. Hightower Andra J. Willhight does nothing but Peter Sadow heard amended Sadow*s Reginald Hilliard Diahann L. Williams sustain the status quo. that the Student proposal and sent the William 1, Houston ±rianJLYoung