The Spelman Spotlight
VOLUME XVI NO.9 Student activism finally comes to Spelman Founder’s Day 2002 Jaela Neal was asked to address specific as did go on to relate this idea to a Features Editor pects of popular culture. Tania much larger and even scarier pic dents and staff by giving Gethers, Spelman senior and rep ture. She contended that these im a brief speech about the A panel discussion and resentative of the organization Sas ages of black women, namely history of our institution forum titled “Ludicrous and safras was asked to comment on gold-diggers with negative atti and her accomplishments Ridickulus: Images of Women in the power of popular culture. She tudes who are viewed as sexual ob since leaving our gates. Popular Culture” was held on chose to talk about film and the im jects for men, are being relayed The brevity of the convo Wednesday April 3 in Cosby Au ages of black people, which have through television to the rest of the cation surprised many ditorium. This forum, sponsored been presented to America through world. This does not bode well for faculty members who by the groups SHAPE, PEPPERS such films as The Best Man and all African-Americans because we said that they expected and RAW (Raising Awareness in Baby Boy. Gethers contended that are not an analogous group. In the convocation to be Women), was created in order to while the black community sup other words, all black people do very long because of Dr. stimulate dialogue amongst ports and generally enjoys these not look, think, speak or act alike Tiffany C. Austin Manley’s retirement. Spelman students about the images movies, they have also served to and so there is no need for only Contributing Writer However, many of black women that are being por perpetuate certain stereotypes one image of black people within freshman did not appre trayed in hip-hop, television as about the black community. For this world. This years’ ciate her attempt at brev well as within other aspects of instance the image of the strong All of the panelists that founders day marked the ity. popular culture. black career woman played by ac participated in the forum reiterated 121s* anniversary of our “She was simply Dr. Tarshia Stanley, mod tress Nia Long in The Best Man, a lot of the same ideas. They all institution and in a long reiterating the history [of erator of the event and member of represents the black woman who espoused a belief in the power of standing Spelman tradi Spelman], but it would the English Department, began the is without, nor in need of, a man the individual to change things. tion, Sisters Chapel was have been better if she event with a screening of a video because she has a career. Activism, which has seen better filled with Freshmen in would have told more of of her own creation that pieced to Another panel member days at Spelman College, is one of white dresses, seniors and her personal story” said gether various well-known deroga was Spelman junior April the ways that black women can faculty in full academic our anonymous freshman. tory images of black women, Brussard, who represented the Pro begin to combat and hopefully regalia, and hoards of Fortunately, everyone on which can be found in everyday gramming Board, which is a new eradicate these offensive and de alumnae displaying their campus does not share in life. Well- known images such as organization composed of students bilitating images. Other forms of undaunted spirit through this lack of appreciation a number of popular but visually that will plan all of Spelman’s so combatance as suggested by the out the campus. for our founders. offensive rap videos, concerts and cial activities. Ms. Brussard spoke panel include education, dialogue, However, unlike “I thought the even movies were flashed onto the about music and what role it plays awareness and even love. Love the spirited alumnae, speaker was very good, a screen while the spoken word in the conveyance of negative im can be used as a combatant if used many current Spelman whole lot better than last poem “Thickness” by Jill Scott ages of black women. She com to build up self-esteem and respect. women seem to have lost year” said sophomore Joi played. This video, which mented in part that music has be Love for oneself and for others can their respect and appre Kilpatrick, “This year I shocked, outraged and even em gun to primarily use sex and catchy only lead to the building of better ciation for our founders. really felt the spirit of sis barrassed many a member of the hooks with no actual lyrical con relationships, which in turn can Describing the event as terhood that is sometimes audience, was the perfect opening tent change the ways the black people “Just another convoca not realized on our cam to an extremely thoughtful and to sell records. This is of course view themselves and each other. tion, nothing special” one pus.” compelling panel discussion. nothing new to anyone who listens This forum is only the be freshman who wishes to “I think that many The panel, which was to any popular radio station or ginning of a series of forums, remain anonymous con freshman didn’t like complied of Spelman students, watches MTV and BET. But she Continued on page 2 tinued by saying that she founders day because you went because she had to, don’t really begin to ap and did not see the big preciate the school and it’s English determines graduating honors deal. history until you have The April 11th con been here for awhile. vocation that usually Stuff like that doesn’t Students Complain ments about their experiences in dent. serves as an uplifting rite happen overnight, it takes About This Year’s the department. “I would say add more of passage for all fresh awhile for the these things Senior English Exit “The exam results offer time because it might alleviate men and seniors, marking to develop,” said sopho a picture of our students as some pressure from those who their respective entry into more Aminah Perkins. Exam thinkers, writers, and persons have a bit of anxiety when it and exit from Spelman Despite the unde able to apply their literary train comes to test taking,” said an was described as “boring” veloped spirit of many By Natashia McGough ing in an on the spot writing anonymous student. by another anonymous members of our commu situation,” said Opal Moore, Dr. Moore emphasized freshman. She continued nity, the undaunted spirit Graduating senior En chair of the English department. that the test will be administered by saying it was “Cold of the alumnae was an ac glish majors at Spelman College Many students ex in the fall rather than in the and raining outside and I tive force throughout cam complain about the lack of time pressed their anger over the lack spring semester, which should didn’t really enjoy it, but pus during this period of needed to take this year’s Senior of time the department gave to assuage some of the pressures the convocation was nice respect and recognition. English Exit Exam. The serious take the test and also gave other off of students. and short.” We can only hope that af test determines whether or not solutions for the test that could “The purpose is to give And short it was. ter graduation members of these seniors will graduate with alleviate some of the discomfort the department an opportunity This year’s speaker Dr. our current community honors. for rising senior English majors. to respond in some manner to Shirley F. Marks, class of will adopt their spirit as The test is designed by “We need more time, students who perform poorly on 1969, surprised the stu- well. members of the English Depart preferably to have it as take the exam. The department is ment faculty. The faculty mem home or webct with a deadline. concerned about preparing our bers choose a set of readings, Trying to squeeze it in 3 hours students as writers. Therefore, which are released to the stu is not well-planned,” said we feel that an unacceptable dents before the examination Brittny Meekins, senior English performance on the written es date. The readings are selected major. say examination can tell us something about the needs of based on common readings as “I would/ allot more signed as part of the curriculum. time for the exam, like at least students in the area of writing The exam is intended to three hours and I would have it and critical thinking,” said Dr. offer a skills measurement that held on an earlier day in the Moore. reflects the English week,” said Courtney Young, a The earlier test results Department’s curriculum. Its senior English major. from the past exit exam have setting also gives the depart “I would add evaluat been employed to design the ment an opportunity to survey ing other papers that we have current exam. The changes to exiting students about post written outside of class to gauge next year’s exam will ultimately graduation plans and to solicit the effectiveness of the depart depend on the comments and re the students’ opinions and com ment,” said an anonymous stu sults of this year’s exam. ■hihhhhhhbhbhhhhi The Spelman Spotlight The Spelman Spotlight Cynthia Daniels Editor-in-Chief Leigh Davenport Executive Production Editor
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The Spelman Spotlight is a biweekly publication. We welcome all submissions April 24th ! Submissions are edited for space and to correct errors in grammar and punctuation Opinions in the Opinion and Editorial section of The Spelman Spotlight are solely the views of the author, not the opinion of the Spelman Spotlight. They do not necessarli) reflect the opinions of Spelman College, its administration, or the Spelman Spotligh1 advisors. Letters and opinions must be typed, signed, and include full address and telephont number.
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Continued from page 1 which will be produced once a se mester by RAW. Hopefully this or ganizations and others like it such as FMLA, Sassafras, SHAPE, Notice!!! Senior mills Affekete and a host of other orga nizations whose goals are to help educate, raise awareness and spark discussion can continue to forge ahead in this ongoing battle to re Seniors mould you like to haue your final shape the way African-American women are viewed not only in the mords printed in the Spelman Spotliyht? media and popular culture but also within our communities and around the world. Then e-mail your Senior mill and testament to [email protected] by April 22, 2002 Please limit your mills to 50-100 mords. Campus £t Local Volume XVI No. 9 Page 3 SPELMAN’S OWN WORK OF ART: AUTHOR TAYARI JONES
make her dream of becoming a murders effected her adolescent I felt like someone was saying: writer a reality, if only Jones way of life. you, Tayari, are important and moved to Arizona. “This book is not about special and let’s go and do what “I took a chance on my the details of the murders but the you were brought here to do,” art. I realized that if this is what I way it effected people growing up says Jones. want than I need to do what is nec in my generation. It’s a story about With published short essary. It’s like that commercial: a journey, even though most of the stories in Proverbs for ‘What would you do for a characters can’t go anywhere,” The People. Gumbo, and Figdust Klondike Bar?’ Well what would I says Jones. to name a few, Jones is soon to do to be a writer? Move to Arizona Unlike her characters, become one of the literary worlds, was one of those things,” says Jones is going places. First up: a best known African-American ten-city tour starting in September. writers. She credits her success And that’s not all. Jones’ publisher to her hard work and the sacrifices Warner Books is so excited about she has made. her book’s release they are hyping “I worked on this book up the advertising: paying for for two years and the work that I magazine ads, displays and more. did was writing the best book I “I have been very fortu could. Many of my classmates nate as a first time novelist. So are married with great jobs and many people are still trying to get the opportunity to travel, but this their books out and everyone that is what I had to do to be what I I have worked with has been so wanted to be” says Jones. nice to me,” says Jones who ad Jones’ sacrifice will not mits that Spelman prepared her for be in vain. She is soon to have a work within the female-dominated best-seller and the fame that will literary industry. follow on her hands. When asked Spelman primed Jones what advice she would give as for much more than a female-cen piring writers, Jones says: “Just tered environment. Actually, she write. Don’t worry about connec By: Cynthia Daniels Spelman, attending the University Jones when asked about her deci enjoyed the four years she spent tions, prizes, and publications. Editor-in- Chief of Iowa to study creative writing, sion to relocate based on the prom here, serving as associate editor for Just learn how to write the better When Tayari Jones was a student then Prairie View A&M to teach ise of a stranger. The Spelman Spotlight, editor of story because you want to write at Spelman College, Johnetta B. remedial reading and finally back But this stranger made Focus Literary Magazine, and co the best book you can write and Cole was president, high top fades to Georgia where she attended good on that promise. Jones’ novel, advisory chair of the SGA. after doing that, worry about ev were in style and following your another graduate program at the Leaving Atlanta, will debut July For Jones, Spelman was erything else.” If every aspiring writer dreams was still cool. University of Georgia. 21st and is expected to be a great a time to grow and learn everything Jones entered Spelman in After all of her moving, summer read. she needed to learn. Everyone she could take Jones’ advice, the world would be blessed with 1987 at the young age of 16. Her Jones finally met a woman who Leaving Atlanta explores met, including the entire English more quality novels and esteemed major was English, her attitude op would change her life. The the child murders that rocked At department, treated her like the timistic and her aspiration: to be a woman, writer Jules Parker lanta in the late seventies from a writer she aspired to be, making authors: it would be filled with writer. Jones followed her dream, Roads, promised to become child’s point of view. An Atlanta her dream a reachable goal. women like Spelman’s own, graduating magna cum laude from Jones’ mentor and eventually native, Jones remembers how the “While I was at Spelman, Tayari Jones. 2002 Women of Excellence Amber H. Baker the attention of her appreciative jor and member of the audience. Contributing Writer audience as she sand a power Following the message Dr. Zenobia L. Hikes ful musical selection following Dr. Hikes and Barbara B. Wash and the Spelman College De the opening speeches. ington, coordinator, presented 2002 WEL GRADUATES partment of Student Affairs in The world-renowned the graduates with their certifi troduced their outstanding 38 spiritual leader, Bishop Vashti cates, which verifies their graduates of the Women of Ex Murphy McKenzie presented a completion of all classes, lec Summayyah Abdullah LaRae Holiday cellence program on Thursday, spiritual message highlighting tures, readings, and outside Rachel Valentin Mackenzie Irich March 28, 2002 at Sisters 10 essential elements for events. As the last graduate at April Brousard Devaki Jordan women’s success in corporate tained her certificate, Dr. Hikes Chapel. The program is de Tamika Walton Kristie King America. In the message, and the WEL class of 2001 lead signed to assist Spelman women Melissa Mapp in further enhancing their net Bishop McKenzie provided an the graduating class of 2002 Damili Brown working, public speaking, lead explication of the character with the Leader’s Credo, a self- Maranda Ward Isis Nelson ership, and professional skills. Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz- authored call and response se Courtney Clayton Wambui Ngugi WEL, its adopted name, is held accentuating her positive and lection that she developed espe LaToya Whiteside Jessica Palmer negative choices during her cially for this program, and as annually during the spring se Preye Cobham Tiffany Pierce journey home. Bishop Vashti an inspiration to all women of mester of each academic year Althea Predoux and last for six weeks. Murphy McKenzie marveled color. Kendall Wilson Throughout the duration of the the audience with her humor, “This has definitely al Clarissa Collins Mari-Yan Pringle program, each student is re honesty, and down to earth tered my perception on life as a Marina Woodruff Loren Robinson quired to attend 5 out of the 6 aura. Overall, her message was professional African-American Jessica Davenport Dana Sellers astounding and delivered with female in the 21st century. I have mandatory two-hour sessions, Natane Eaddy Kia Smith elegance and grace. learned to ‘work a room’ while in addition to completing out Kristina Swann side readings and research. “Bishop Vashti simultaneously realizing my Ivy Ellis At the WEL graduation Murphy McKenzie was excel abilities and weaknesses. I be Daria Hall Lauren Thompson ceremony professors, students, lent. I was extremely impressed lieve that Dr. Hikes is a living Lillian Hardy Takeena Thompson and parents filled the chapel with her ability to create a di testimony of what it means to be Shakira Hemphill Tandra Turner rect correlation of the mistakes a visionary thinker. I would with pride and anxiety as Sherrie Herriott Shakira Hemphill, Courtney that Dorothy [The Wizard of highly suggest this course to any Clayton, and Loren Robinson Oz] with those that women of woman who wants to enter so provided the opening speeches color make when entering a ciety as a professional woman of the program. The compelling professional atmosphere. That with a professional attitude,” voice of Mari-Yan Lauren was very creative,” said said Daria Hall, WEL graduate Pringle demanded and sustained Victoria Ward, a chemistry ma of the class of 2002. Er Entertainment Arts The Spelman Spotlight “Ashanti: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” by Selena Harper playlists, beauty salons, etc. she is complicit in publicly affirm Bold and Beautiful ing her total submission to the Murder Inc.’s “princess The Bad sexual wants of a man. of rap and R&B,” Ashanti, best Although the beats and At a time when women, known for her background vocals background music provide catchy especially Black women, do not on hit songs by Ja Rule, Fat Joe highlights to the songs, the actual need any more negative images of and Big Pun, has finally ventured song content, in the majority of the themselves advertised by the me out on her own, with the release featured tracks, is lacking. All of dia, it is a disgrace to hear Ja Rule of her debut solo album, Ashanti. the songs, except three (and one is proclaim, on the album’s #4 track, The seventeen-track album, which questionable), are about a man or “Leaving,” that “a bitch can do features performances by Ja Rule a man’s attention. Ashanti sings better on her own.” Usually, a and Irv Gotti, executive producer of loving a man, leaving a man, statement like this from a popular of Murder Inc. Records, dropped staying with an abusive man, want rap artist wouldn’t be surprising; during the week of April 2nd, and ing a man to love her, lusting for a however, this comment was made is now in the #1 position on man, or being rescued by a man. on the debut album of a Black fe Billboard’s top 20 R&B albums, To make matters worse, just about male artist, who is supposedly as “greatest gainer.” all of these aspects of a relation making something of herself. Your Summer ship with a man center on the act What irony! The Good of sex. This negation of breadth Overall, the album pro Ashanti’s album is sure to and depth in song choice is quite vides the listener with exactly the Storage be a hit with the fellas, if only be disturbing. Phrases like: “I un same thing that the hits by Ja Rule, cause she is exceptionally beauti derstand how another life could Big Pun, Fat Joe and Cadillac Tah ful and seductive. The album’s have the power to take over mine,” did: a female voice appropriated Headquarters cover boasts many close-up pho “Whenever he called I had to for the production of a male domi tos of the young woman, wearing come,” “He’s the blood flowing nated song. stylishly revealing clothing, and through my veins...the one many of her songs have sexy who keeps me sane,” “stuck themes. on you,” “I’d give up every The beats and back thing,” etc. illustrate the trou ground music on Ashanti’s album bling pattern in the great ma were pretty hot, and definitely well jority of the album’s lyrics. mixed. Every song did not sound just like the next one. Beats ranged The Ugly from moderately fast-paced to Ashanti’s fixation/ slow, and background music in obsession with man’s accep cluded some we’ve all heard be tance, attention and appraisal fore: the background music for gets worse! At one point in Biggie’s “One More Chance,” of the song “Baby,” the artist the 90s. The songs featured on sings the words, “...get on Ashanti are sure to be favorites for my knees ‘til they bloody daily commutes, dates, radio red,” in a sensual voice, as if Tweet tells her story with a twist Room will hold... Now tunity that changed Tweet’s life. that both, Missy and Timbaland are By: Natalie Crawford Missy offered her a position to sing known to possess. “Complain” what are you going to back up for the Misdemeanor, her talks about longing for things we do with all of it? The mixture of futuristic self. From Tweet’s hardships at the take for granted in life and “Best beats, unique lyrics, and of course time, there was no way to predict Friend” featuring Bilal, gives the We have everything you need to pack an artist that can hold down the this would be the beginning of her scenario of friend that is so spe vocals not only presents a smash destiny. Now Tweet calls Missy cial you want to move into a rela your items for summer storage. We single, but “Oops,” it also presents her guardian angel, and the emo tionship with that person. can also help you get the rest of your an album with potential to top the tional struggle in Tweet’s life to One thing is for sure, belongings home with our many charts. Tweet’s debut album, wards her dream to be a singer and even if the lyrics on Tweet’s first shipping options. This year, let Pak Southern Hummingbird, has gone to be happy is evident in the emo single don’t appeal to you, the girl far and beyond the expectations of tions her voice exudes throughout does have some talent. This is an Mail store your items for the summer. any first-album artist. the album. album full of songs that you can We are the expertsl Tweet manages to incor One self-produced and listen to chilling at home, study porate her own style by writing and self-written song, “Drunk” talks ing, or working. Southern Hum producing several songs on her al about turning to alcohol to help get mingbird is ranked as number two bum to tell about stories we often through hard times, only to find on R & B / Hip Hop Billboard hear in music; love, heartbreak and that alcohol would complicate her Charts and I’m sure Tweet’s record To moke on appointment loneliness. This new style and her problems more. The soft, somber labels, Gold Mine and Elektra En or to receive a FREE QUOTE soothing, yet powerful voice al melody and lyrics of this song tertainment are proud of her suc lows her to claim love and its prob show an uneasy, uncontrolled feel cess so far. Her guitarist skills and call 770-426-9811 lems as if she were the only one to ing that alcohol is sure to give any vocals illustrate that she loves to or email us at ever experience either. one. Other songs “Smoking Ciga sing, not to mention her ability to While Tweet has been in rettes” and “Motel” tell stories of write and produce. [email protected] the music business for years, disappointment with love and re Tweet has the talent to stick Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott just lationships. Tweet also talks about around for a while in the music recently discovered her true talent. her happiness without a man in a business. Her story shows us that Before this breakthrough in song called “Heaven.” everything in life happens for a Tweet’s career, she encountered a While this album still reason, and all things happen on period of depression where she talks about the same problems we time. Now is the time for Tweet contemplated suicide. The encounter everyday, Tweet’s per to show who she is, and her evening before Tweet decided to sonal experiences have obviously strength to do just that is giving her go through with her plan to end her brought a twist to the album to help success. life, Missy called with an oppor- maintain the legend of creativity Volume XVI No. 9 Page 5 “Don’t You Forget” to pick up Glenn Lewis’s debut album Contributing Writer that his place was on stage. corporates many classic ele “Simple Things” is the first song Perfect for a Saturday after Charli. A. Penn Although a shy soft- ments into his distinctive sound. on the album and Glenn simply noon ride down Peachtree or a spoken shoe salesmen by day, He blends New Jack Swing and reminds us of the joy of life and romantic evening with a signifi If you’re tired of the Glenn was a local nightclub leg traditional blues as he softly the importance of not taking the cant other, this is a classic all dirty sexist bump-n-grind lyrics end by night. He performed at croons the pleas in “Never Too little things for granted. Glenn purpose album. With a song for that have become common place every live show in town, mak Late”—a song in which he urges speaks of all the simple things every mood and a meaning for in the world of contemporary ing connections and a name for his woman not to give up on a in life that he finds happiness in every soul World Outside My R&B than the smooth and ro himself. His search for stardom struggling relationship that he as he moans that, “it feels so Window has become a must have mantic grooves of new to the led him to Philadelphia at age 25, still believes in. Glenn repre good.” for true R&B lovers. scene balladeer Glenn Lewis where he caught the ear of sents the strong, sensuous black will quickly find a spot in your Sherman Byers of Rock Star En man that most women feel is heart. When it comes to separat tertainment who saw a bright fu nonexistent. In the rhythmic ing the merely talented from the ture for the young singer. Byers melodies of “Take You High”, gifted, Glenn Lewis is clearly a introduced Glenn to Andre Har Glenn reminds young women, rare wonder. His debut effort, ris and Vidal Davis—the produc weary of men, that romance did World Outside My Window, has tion team behind R&B sensa not die with the release of R. rocked both record stores and tions Musiq and Jill Scott. From Kelly’s TP-2. This song, so R&B fans across the globe. Re this union came the birth of sweet and yet so seductive, is leased last week, his album has World Outside My Window and about the beauty of discovering already topped charts. “Don’t Glenn became a part of the, that the person that you thought you forget it,” his first single, Philly rooted, neo-soul move was just a friend, is actually be took over radio stations and mu ment. coming so much more. sic networks nationwide. His vocal style has been Glenn doesn’t just pay tribute to The Toronto native compared to that of R&B great women in his album; he also re grew up in recording studios Stevie Wonder. Women love the minds us of the importance of with his parents—who were both sincerity and genuineness of his family. “Beautiful Eyes”, one of singers. An only child, Glenn’s music. His unique understand the most powerful love songs on childhood companion became ing of womencomes from being the album, surprisingly enough, music. Glenn did not take notice raised by both his mother and is not about a woman—it’s an to his own unique talent until one grandmother. “Lonely”, one of ode to Glenn’s sons. day when he decided to enter his the softer ballads on the album The lyrics are poetic high school’s annual talent show. reflects Glenn’s true compassion and calming to the heart. Glenn After singing Stevie Wonder’s “I for relationships. Although very admits that when writing his Just Called To Say I Love You” melancholy, the track manages songs he tries to take the mean the entire audience went wild in to stay very true to life with it’s ings deeper than the obvious. disbelief. The people in the au not so happy ending. With not a typical song on the dience thought that he was lip Glenn co-wrote almost entire fifteen-track work of art, syncing until he began to fumble the entire album and with each the twists on each cut from the words at the end of the song. track that plays he shows you an Glenn’s album help to make his From that moment on Glenn new other piece of his soul. Glenn in style exclusively hot. Change in seasons brings new fashions
By: Jessica McKnight Of course, we can’t forget the re turn of ‘80s gear and vintage cloth ing, especially vintage t-shirts. With warm weather “Little Five Points is quickly approaching, we can all probably one of the best places in expect a few things around the Atlanta to find vintage clothing,” AUC and in Atlanta: Market Fri added Eric Jones, who is in charge days, Beer Bashes, cookouts, con of publicity for the fashion show. certs at Piedmont Park, and so Jacobs also definitely ad much more. So, it’s time to put the vises thin heels and pointy toes for boots and sweaters away, pry open women’s sandals. While this may the trunks and bring out the open sound uncomfortable for us col toed shoes and tank tops. lege students who do a fair amount And to get you thinking of walking from class to class, about new trends for Spring 2002, Jacobs adds a trend that is more The Spotlight went backstage at the suitable for such a lifestyle. Clark fashion show rehearsal to get “The thing you must have a sneak peak at what’s hot this sea this season is the perfect pair of son. jeans and just accessorize in dif Randal Jacobs, one of the show’s ferent ways,” he said. assistant directors and a student at But, when it’s time to go Morehouse College, took some out, showing a little skin is ok, ac time from directing to share what’s cording to Smith. He shares that in this season. Top on his list is this the key is to show skin through not season’s colors: white and cream. showing skin. “We have a lot of white “If you’re going to show combinations featured in the your top, don’t show your bottom show,” said Jacobs. and if you’re going to show your Adding to these soft col bottom, don’t show your top,” ors, Juan Smith, who directed the Smith says. Morehouse fashion show in 1999, Well, there it is! Now says, “This season is also very you’re ready to hit all the hot spots about the peasantry style, sheer with the new looks that sizzle this tops, and chiffon.” season. Features Page 6 The Spelman Spotlight Reflections: fl loi
It had been a lifelong dream of mine to one-day travel to Africa. I received this opportunity last summer when I went on an all-expense paid trip to Senegal, “the mouth of Africa,” through a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) program called, Project Understanding. By Daria Hall return again until, many genera question briefly and then an vided by our cultural differences, University. “It is through com Contributing Writer tions past, like I did. swered casually “no.” I felt un not sure what to say, or how to munication and understanding “The aim of Project Un easy at first, having to explain react, or what to expect, al that both cultures will gain a bet As a member of the derstanding is to sow the seeds myself, but realized that by an though that soon changed. In the ter understanding of each other. first college group of students to of mutual respect and under swering I confronted my own eyes of the Senegalese we were Project Understanding has also participate in the program geared standing as a result to foster a personal doubt about the trip as not different at all, except by exposed me to personalities that toward building bridges between positive flow of communication well. skin color. Our ways and our I normally would not come in African-American and Jewish among the participants who will “No, my home is in customs were American and that contact with and helped me to American students through cul be the goodwill ambassadors at D.C.,” I said. “Honestly, I don’t is how they perceived all of us. build a network of friends that tural exposure, my expectations their respected institutions and know what to expect, but what I Some welcomed us, some were span the country.” were mixed. This was the first communities, sharing what they do know is that just because I’m curious, while others openly I thought that as a Black trip of a three-part program, have learned,” said Elvan Gur- Black does not mean that I will showed their dislike toward us, Woman I would be embraced by which became a journey of chal Edeman, UNCF Project Coordi feel at home or that they will both black and white alike. As a the Senegalese, because of our lenges and growth - an overall nator for the program. embrace me as one of their result of this dislike, safety was close physical and historical re learning experience. Throughout my trip I own.” always an issue to consider. We lations, but it ended there. Although I have cul kept a diary of my experience. And this thought un soon learned to depend on one Their lives are com tural ties to the continent, I was “I wonder about the problems of nerved me. Every Jewish stu another. When you are made to pletely different from mine. not born or raised there, so the protest and terrorism? Will we dent on the trip thought that for live with others not of your race Their access to educational re lifestyle, the people, the tradi run into any violent situations? the Black students the trip sym in close quarters, in foreign sources and health facilities are tions were all going to be new What about the people over bolized a returning home, like places, you have no other outlet minimal compared to my own. to me and definitely new to my there, will they accept me?” Israel is for them, however, Af but to open up to those you are Our ability to communicate with Jewish peers. Even though my I went over and over rica being a huge continent full with, forming bonds, and in our each other was difficult. Our physical features and skin tone again in my head the list of of many different countries, and case, eventually friendships with history - shared yet distinct - resembled theirs, it was obvious preparations for the trip, double unsure of where my ancestors the people who are sharing your which separates us, yet serves as that I would still be a foreigner checking to reassure myself that were from due to the slave trade experience. the link that tended to connect in a distant land. I do not know everything was unfolding as it I had no concise way of answer “The trip broadened my us. if my ancestors were from should. And everything was, ing this question. Home has global perspective and showed Our travel was broad, Senegal, however, it is possible until I heard a question by one many different meanings and in me that Black and Jewish rela beginning in the small city of that they were from this West of the Jewish students on the regard to this trip I was not quite tions are important to the ad Thies, where we spent the ma Coast area of Africa, from which trip, “Does it feel like you are sure what it meant. vancement of African Americans jority of our time, which af many Africans were deported flying back home?" When we arrived in and Jewish Americans, recalled forded us the opportunity to re during the slave trade, never to I thought about this Senegal the group remained di Ryan Rice, a junior at Dillard ally interact with many of the Features Volume XVI No. 9 Page 7 ourneu Abroad
in Senegal. Some women complain we rely too heavily on to digging deeper into our feelings worked the streets prostituting the government and the welfare and questions about each other. I or selling whatever creations system to support us, and that have learned to recognize these they were able to make, some sometimes people may dislike feelings within myself, to question with their infant children tied to one’s choice to pay their way where some of my views and ac their backs or their older chil through school, instead of just tionse come from, and how I can dren working right beside them. working full time. change them,” said Allyson Davis, Americans are per However, I think a first year law student at Temple ceived as rich to most DouDou, said it best: “learning University. Senegalese. As tourists we is for knowledge, not necessar After rereading my jour were approached to buy souve ily occupation.” While things nals from Senegal, it occurred to nirs many times. One woman have changed and most Blacks me that I gained a better under in particular followed us around see the value of an education standing of myself and a new the city of Dakar, asking for us there still are some of our own found appreciation for other cul to buy her dolls. When I passed people discouraging our dreams tures. Although, there are still her the first time, I apologized and settling for what they’re many lessons to be learned as a and said that I couldn’t. How given instead of wanting and de group and individually, this trip ever, she was very persistent. manding more. provided more insight into a cul After I refused her several times It was through open dis ture to which many Americans are she tried to place a guilt trip on cussions with the Senegalese not exposed and unfortunately me by saying in the little bit of students and within our own probably never will be. English she had learned, “You group, consisting of six Jewish After my experiences in are my sista, you are Black, you and six African-American stu Senegal, and on our domestic trip look like me, but you don’t buy. dents, that I learned the most. over winter break to New York What kind of sista are you?” While we did form a bond with City and Washington, D.C., I ea Taken back by the comment, I each other during our trips, we gerly await our last trip to Poland hesitated to respond, and after didn’t always get along. There to learn more about Jewish culture giving it more careful thought were times when we disagreed, and history this summer. decided my thoughts were un times when we argued, times Overall, this first trip important to someone whose when we had to face those preju served as a re-awakening for me actions were more so geared to dices and racist emotions that of how much Americans take for ward survival than to challenge live deep within us. granted and how the idea of home me. “Tomorrow’s leaders can be challenged when we are in Through discussion will grow up in a global village an environment so different from with Senegalese high school that is increasingly the comforts of the familiar, yet and college students, I learned shrinking,” said William Gray so dear to us in many other ways. much more about some of the III, President of the UNCF. people and their customs. Next ticized by many of the similarities that Senegalese and “Therefore it is imperative that we rode on an extremely Senegalese. Although some African-Americans share. For our educational programs in Interested in UNCF’s Project Un cramped bus to the village of Senegalese women agreed with example, their main problems volve opportunities and aware derstanding, please contact: Keur Simbara, where we were our American way of thinking, are depending on the govern ness of other cultures.” welcomed by song and dance that there should only be one ment to create change, battling Through Project Under Elvan Gur-Edeman and entertained and watched woman for one man when it with family because of their de standing, we have the opportu Senior Program Manager over by the village children who came to marriage, many felt that cision to attend school rather nity to gain new understandings The United Negro College Fund, treated us like royalty. To allow when the time came they would than work, and finding people of people of different races and Inc. www.uncf.org some time for relaxation and fun have to follow in tradition, too lazy to do much of any cultures, something that is not a Tel: 703/205-3400 [main] we traveled to Senegal’s beauti against their own personal be thing. part of everyday life. F a x : 7 0 3 / 2 0 5 - 3 5 5 0 ful coast and resort, Toubab liefs. Sound familiar? In the “Getting to know each ”A mind is a terrible thing to Diallow, where we walked the Poverty is everywhere U.S. there are many Blacks who other informally paves the way waste” beach, went swimming, and slept in mosquito nets. How ever, with all of its beauty and peacefulness, immediately be yond its walls we witnessed the country’s poverty - stricken neighborhoods, full of trash and deteriorating shelters. Our final stops were the business center and capital of Dakar and finally Goree Island, “the door of no re turn,” an island off the coast that served as a passage way for many Africans into slavery. Polygamy is practiced in Senegal. Our tour guide, DouDou, has one wife, but was looking to remarry to a second one when the opportunity pre sented itself. I was even ap proached and asked to marry,, with the belief that I would be one of many, if possible. Al though, I soon learned that mar riage to United States citizens is one of the few ways that many Senegalese leave their country for “better” opportunities in America, which is overly roman Health &Sports The Spelman Spotlight Survey Says, “ Students are Sleepless”
Charli A. Penn Contributing Writer
It’s 4 a.m.. You’re lying in bed and it’s so quiet that you can hear nature outside of your win dow. You’re so bored that you’ve been watching the minutes change on you alarm clock, and with each minute that passes you become more and more restless. Welcome to sleeplessness. According to a poll re leased by the National Sleep Foundation the average college students gets five hours of sleep. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders says that people on average need at least seven hours of sleep to function prop erly the next day. They also state that over forty 40 million Ameri cans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Many different things can induce sleep disorders, such as the over consumption of caffeine or alcohol, the misusage of cer tain medications, or even psycho- logical depression. Although there are more than 250 sleep dis orders centers in the United Sates, experts estimate that 95 percent of those suffering from sleep dis orders go undiagnosed, suffering needlessly from conditions that could be treated. Sleep disorders increase with age, so if you are During this week you may not just an overbooked social life. many interruptions in sleep trolling sleep and waking. You already suffering from a disorder nap, and once you’ve developed About 20 million Americans suf throughout the night. These ob may find yourself dosing off in being properly diagnosed is very a new biological schedule you fer from this disorder. As a col structions may seem minor but mid sentence or in class, or even important. must not break it if at all pos lege student your schedule may they can actually dramatically af behind the wheel. Vivid hallu If your alarm clock barely sible—even on weekends. Light constantly cause for major adjust fect the quality of sleep. Since cinations during the day may wakes you up each morning and therapy can also be used in order ments which may not allow your these brief awakenings are sel also be a sign of Narcolepsy. you find it hard to concentrate the to shift the sleep-wake cycle. body to become accustomed to dom noticed or remembered Narcolepsy is very rare, but it rest of the day due to constant fa If you find yourself ready any normal sleep pattern. This many sufferers are unaware of the is also very dangerous. The tigue and sleepiness than you to hit the sheets right after your disorder if not treated can be source of their symptoms; day symptoms of Narcolepsy can may be suffering from Delayed favorite evening sitcom ends but linked to cardiovascular disease, time drowsiness, increased irrita also be found in other less seri Sleep Phase Disorder. Although then awaken around 4 am fully depression, low productivity and bility or depression, lack of con ous sleeping disorders therefore not very common this disorder energized than you may have Ad increase in use of alcohol or other centration, and low productivity accurate diagnosis is critical. can lead to severe depression if vanced Sleep Phase Disorder. drugs. According to a recent sur throughout the day. The excessive Modafinal, a prescription not diagnosed properly. If you Hence the name advanced. This vey about 27 percent of working daytime drowsiness is often con drug that promotes alertness, suffer from Delayed Sleep Phase disorder is not very common for full time students differ from fused with narcolepsy. Sleep ap has been shown to be effective Disorder it is because your body’s people under thirty so if you are sleeping disorders similar to this. nea is becoming increasingly in the treatment of narcolepsy. biological clock has gotten com suffering from these symptoms Studies have found several more common in women. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and pletely out of sync with usually than you should see a sleep spe very effective methods, which There are many solutions alcohol are also beneficial in accepted norms. In this type of in cialist immediately because can be effective in dealing with to this disability. If you are over helping to prevent the effects of somnia, once asleep your body you’re biological clock may be the impact of Shift Work on sleep. weight than you may benefit narcolepsy. Also, scheduling chooses to sleep longer than ex way ahead of schedule. Using extremely bright lights from weight loss. Alcohol and short naps throughout the day pected because it has not formed A quick solution may be to while at work and then sleeping sedatives increase OSA occur can make a huge difference all it’s own sleep pattern. Your body force yourself to stay up as late in a completely dark bedroom at rence. There are prescription though to some it may be con is not sure when it will have a as possible so that you can shift home can help you adjust. The di medications available along sidered a tease. These naps chance to sleep again and so your sleeping schedule. Some etary supplement melatonin can with a dental appliance that should be between 20 and 40 therefore it is trying to get as suggested activities are to exer also be taken before bedtime to shifts your jaw forward, ex minutes. much sleep as possible. Once you cise, talk on the telephone, or take help you sleep. There are also ex panding your airway. There is If you don’t have any se fall asleep it is very deep, restful, a walk. Sleep specialists suggest ercise programs available that also such thing as Nasal Con rious sleep related problems but and uninterrupted. that you don’t do anything that will give you a good hard work tinuous Positive Airway Pres you find that some days you just There are two forms of could possibly bore you and in out that will make you tire sure (CPAP), which is a device don’t get enough sleep, the good treatment for Delayed Sleep turn make it more difficult to stay quickly. that delivers a stream of air news, according to Mark R. Phase Disorder. Both forms must awake. If you fear that you may If you’ve ever been told through a mask worn over the Rosekind, Ph.D, President and be administered by a sleep spe fall asleep too early than when that you snore very loudly than nose during sleep. Chief scientist of Alertness So cialist. Chronotherapy is a tech you arrive home in the evenings being slightly annoying may not If you get the recom lutions, is that you can actually nique used to reset your body’s set your alarm clock for 10 p.m. be your only problem. You could mended amount of sleep each recover from sleep deprivation biological clock. Each day you so that it will awake you from any be suffering from Obstructive night and yet still find yourself by sleeping deeper and longer, are asked to stay up later and then unnecessary napping. Sleep Apnea. This is the tempo overwhelmingly sleepy and taking frequent naps. For once asleep awaken three hours Shift Work Disorder can rary pause of breathing that is throughout the day than you more information on sleep dep later each day over a seven day occur when your sleeping pat caused by the blockage of the may have Narcolepsy. Narco rivation and sleeping disorders period until your sleep and awake terns change daily. This may be upper airways during sleep. lepsy is caused by a dysfunction please log on to times are in sync with others. due to a strange work schedule or These brief obstructions cause of the brain mechanisms con www.sleepfoundation.org. Volume XVI No. 9 Health Et Sports Page 9 Skin care in the Summertime
“Good Black don’t many black people evolved as a crack” At least that’s what we protection not only from the sun were told by our grandmothers. but from diseases that were The only worry many of us have present in hot environments (BBC about skin care is whether we have Online). Apparently mother na applied enough moisturizer to pre ture did an excellent job of pro vent that “ashy” or “punching/ tecting us. We cannot, however, kicking powder” look. Moistur surround ourselves in a mythical izer, however may not be enough bubble refusing to acknowledge to protect our Black skin from the that Black people can get skin can heat of the summer months. cer also. The truth is skin cancer As the summer months is not just for Caucasians who sun approach, most of us won’t even bathe and go to tanning booths. think about applying a sunscreen Dark skin has a natural SPF of '"V before we go out into the hot sun. about 12, which is not enough to Many Black students don’t feel the protect against melanoma. Dark need to wear sun protection. skinned people can see signs of Juniors Latoya Perry and melanoma on their palms, soles of Porche Kirkland both admitted to the feet, mouth and under their not wearing sunscreen on a daily nails. A mole might be cancerous basis because there is “no need.” if there is Asymmetry, Border ir Perry insists that sunscreen is not regularity, odd Coloring or a wide needed unless you are “out in the Diameter. These are known as the sun”, meaning at the beach. When ABCD’s of melanoma (American Torian Easterling, a junior at Academy of Dermatology , 94). Morehouse, was posed with the So before you go running question of whether sunscreen was out to market Friday or anywhere important, he also agreed that else between the hours of 10:00am there is “no need” to wear sun to 4:00pm, splash on a little sun screen. screen of at least SPF 15 for an New studies are forming ounce of prevention that could theorizing that the melanin of prevent a disease that has no cure.
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Page 10 The Spelman Spotlight Spelman Women Talking but not Walking
Astrid Thomas when you want to be their talent and skills. In addition, the tice on Morehouse’s Contributing Writer come part of an ath I believe body athletic department Green. What is the pur letic team or squad; cuts is a discrimination needs to give money pose for that? You do you need auditions to against all thick sized and purchase more uni not need to look jazzy I am so select the best. Every females who probably forms for girls of all and half-naked because tired of Spelman women team or squad is going have the ability to per sizes. you are there' to show complaining about how to have their own re form all the routines I do not under off your skills, not your guys come on our cam quirements and stan without any problems. stand how we can have looks and body. pus and treat us disre dards that all candi All the tryouts con convocations and take Why would you spectfully. But the truth dates must meet to be ducted to be part of classes that tell us to want to parade your is Spelman women con selected. But a re these squads are politic not assimilate to Euro selves like a piece of tradict themselves. quirement should not based beauty contests pean ways but actually meat? Here on Spelman’s cam be based on your not judged through abili on this campus we dis Females get angry pus, we have different physical appearance ties and skills. criminate each other on when males call them out seminars and take such as your looks and How can you appearance instead of their names and disre classes on how we have body composition. judge a person before supporting each other spect them. I am not say been oppressed as black At Spelman Col you see what they can like “Spelman Sisters.” ing it is alright for males women by European lege, in order to be a do? I thought that a There is no spe to disrespect females but ways and by men but we part of the team or cheerleader squad or cific image of a when you flaunt your still are not practicing squad one of the major dance team is a team that Spelman woman be selves like a piece of what we learn. requirements is body possess the ability to cause we are all differ meat and send the wrong Since we are a composition, instead dance, stunt, cheer, and ent in many ways and message, what do you women’s college and of abilities and skills. most important show and aspects from looks to expect? Males will only lack certain organiza I am upset that promote school spirit at interests. We should not treat you the way you tions, we have the op the only way I can be school functions. discriminate and put treat yourselves. As portunity to participate on the cheerleading I feel the tryouts one another down be young, respectful in extracurricular ac squad or Mahogany-in- should be judged be pro cause one looks a cer women, we should not tivities on Morehouse’s Motion is to develop .a fessional cheerleaders or tain way. conform ourselves to campus by being a certain size or shape. dancers, not previous or It has been said men. cheerleader, becoming a It is wrong to judge a current squad members. that during the tryouts To the Spelman member of Mahogany- person by their physi Outside judges will cre for M a h o g a n y - i n - M o- women that contradict in-Motion, or Maroon cal appearance before ate a fair tryout session tion, girls are required themselves, if you going Mystique. giving that person an where each female has to wear sports bras and to talk the talk, then I understand opportunity to show an equal opportunity. biker shorts and prac walk the walk. Visitation Hours Are Not Over gate doesn’t really make sense, and the men can be taken off cam women want to be together even There is no safe area in Cianci M. Cochran because the security officers pus and properly dealt with. But more because they know as the West End for female and male Campus and Local Writer probably can’t remember or dis the students should be given the op adults they should be able to students to congregate during the tinguish between each and every portunity to handle themselves ac have that opportunity. If we are evenings. They either have to get face they see unless they have cordingly. given open visitation as adults on the MARTA and find some fun In light of recent prob we probably won’t abuse it. Af or hang in their rooms for a few lems concerning the abrupt end of ter the initial excitement of open hours with their guests. Until that the student work study program visitation wears off there will be changes, our rooms are the only and the fact that most of the dorms no problem with students attend places we can be together without have now lost visitation due to a ing classes, convocations, meet having to pay $3.50. Males and lack of desk aids, I began to think ings and going about their daily females should be able to see each about two things: how unfair it schedules. other as long as they want; why was that the desk aids are now out The male presence on put a time limitation on how long of jobs and why the jobs were in Spelman’s campus will promote people can talk to or visit with affect in the first place. Desk aids a close bond between the oppo each other? Plus, not all male visi worked during visitation hours, site sexes-the kind we will ex tors are somebody’s boyfriend. yes, but why are visitation hours perience in the real world-in- My male friends are just as impor necessary? Does the fact that stead of keeping them outside tant to me as my female friends, there are no longer people sitting the gate and creating sexual ten and I feel that I should be able to at a table in the lobby of dorms sion. Adult students should be see them jusLas much as I see my mean that Spelman students allowed to have adult relation- female friends. I prefer to see should be denied male visitors? It ships-not necessarily sexual re them during the day in some in doesn’t make us any less respon lationships, but ones where the stances but I do not have that sible, doesn’t change the fact that student decides what will and choice. The hours should be we are the same adult women that will not happen and when her eliminated and students should we were before. My opinion is taken some sort of long-term Most college students guests can leave. be able to see each other as of that visitation should be 24 hours, memory test. One fact forgotten have reached the age of an adult. The men have to leave ten as they desire. not because I’m so hard pressed by many parents, faculty and stu So the women at Spelman should the dorms at 11: 30pm and be off As a Spelman College to have men around me all of the dents is that there are coed dorms have adult responsibilities. They campus by midnight. Visitation student I usually obey the visi time, but so that we students may in colleges all over the country. should be able to decide when they does not being until 6pm. Al tation rules but I do not agree be allowed to govern our lives the Men and women live together in will and will not have men visiting though a lot can be done in five with them. They are in affect for way we want and the desk aid harmony, and there is nothing un them. The number of men allowed and a half hours, Spelman stu no practical reason except.for problem will never occur again. safe about that until someone in each female’s room should re dents should not have to rush to tradition, but traditions change The administration messes up. Like other campuses, main low as not to cause noise sign people out and be punished and this one should too. doesn’t allow 24 hour visitation Spelman has 24 hour security problems. But the hours should be if they are a few minutes late. Spelman College is not a board partly because of tradition and and therefore should be allowed up to them. One might argue that The late hour of visitation does ing school-it’s a college like ones partly because of safety issues. 24 visitation because safety pre problems with roommates may oc not make any practical sense, es all over the country and should The men must present their ID as cautions are being taken. The cur. As adult women the room pecially on weekends. I would try to catch up with the chang they enter the front gate and give schools (both Spelman and mates should be able to work out a rather have my male visitors ing times. Having guys on cam it to the desk aids when they enter Morehouse) are taking away our system about when guys can be al come during Saturday afternoon pus all of the time will not be a the dorm. I don’t believe that visi rights before a problem has oc lowed in the room and when quiet than having to arrange my negative occurrence but a posi tation is a major safety issue. Hav curred. If any problem did oc hours are. The absence of visita schedule and be in my room dur tive atmosphere that promotes ing the men show their IDs at the cur public safety can be notified tion makes the college men and ing the evening. peace between the sexes. Opinions Sr Editorials Volume XVI No. 9 Page 11 Why Do You Hate? Nkechi Olisemeka defend myself or my school any down to other schools, or prais inaccurately portrayed as the ing malicious judgments about Opinion & Editorial Editor further on the basis of “who we ing ourselves because we attend “stuck up brats that think the what other people think of them think we are” because if someone Spelman College. We know who world revolves around them” to a selves. I would like to think each Frankly I am tired of the perceives us as being all that, then we are, and we are proud of the close friend who attends individual in the AUC is proud of ongoing remarks being made all I can say is thank you for notic school we belong to regardless of Morehouse College, and he told their school and are obtaining the about whether or not ing... yes we are. the thoughts of the other schools me something that put things in education they desire, but if that “Spelmanites think they are all I recently had a conversa in the AUC. We take pride in our perspective. is not the case, pick up your bag that!” tion with a man from Morehouse institution, but where are we at He said, “If people are and leave but do not waste your At first I thought these College, and he did not hesitate to fault? Some people lay on their going to concern themselves with time knit-picking at various comments were good natured re tell me in a matter-of-fact tone that school pride a little too thick, but whether or not you think you are schools. marks made by one school to an other women from neighboring would we be better off hating our better than they are, then that’s Do not misconstrue my other to show love for your own schools can not stand Spelman schools? All our institutions have fine, because they chooseto con intent because I do not feel that institution. But as time women. For one thing, that is an their “Apology” Tee-shirts that af cern themselves with things that everyone has to like students from progresses, I am beginning to dis overly generalized statement, be firm one school is better than the should otherwise not bother Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta cern that these comments are not cause not everyone from every in other. That is just a tee-shirt which them.” University, Spelman College, or being made with “good nature” in stitution despises us. On the other exudes school pride, but don’t I thoroughly value his Morris Brown College, but your mind. A lot of women from other hand, the statement should not be take the “hating” to another opinion because he is not one to motivations for disliking a person institutions around Spelman Col ignored because there is some truth level... leave it on the shirt. That buy paraphernalia proclaiming he should not be a result of another lege are under the misguided no to his declaration. sort of bickering is elementary and is better than others, nor is he the taking pride in their school. I am tion that the women that attend The reason I chose not to is best left behind. type of man who radiates the so- not being complacent, I am just Spelman College think they are look past that statement is because My motivation for writ called “Morehouse arrogance.” In stating facts. better than everybody else, and the man from Morehouse had to ing this article is to state that all addition, I think people are too The internal tension they do not hesitate to make what have had several conversations these nasty little comments from caught up in what other people that is a constant presence in the they see as our “stuck up behav with females who chose to make various angles are played out. think of themselves. It leads me air of the AUC is ridiculous. I do ior” the central theme of their known their dislike for Spelman How much longer can to believe that all the detestation not reside in a fantasy where we conversations and the butt of their women. I am flattered that Spelman we squabble with each other? Ide people have for Spelman women all have to get along, but I feel jokes. women are a reoccurring theme in ally I would like everyone to shed and how we love our institution we should all learn to respect It leads me to ask a ques other people’s conversations, but all their preconceived notions, and says a lot about others and how each other. We are all black stu tion “Do YOU think we are all don’t people have other issues to discard hard feelings. they detest their own universities/ dents bettering ourselves and our that?” There is something to be discuss? That is what I would colleges. people through the pursuit of said about a woman who is so bit Need a topic? There is a like; it is not necessarily going to If a person is not happy higher education. There is a ter to the extent that she would war in the Middle East! happen. I voiced my concern with where they are in life, then whole world bent on weakening ridicule another woman. As far as As far as I am concerned about the whole issue between make changes to the situation. us through division, so why are I am concerned, I will no longer we do not spend our nights talking schools and how Spelmanites are Nothing good comes out of mak we doing it out ourselves? We Won’t Go ! Students Take Action Against Shuttle The driver could not the shuttle.” After that Brown and escort us back. of the West End, but they Jasmine Guy stand the commotion so he statement everyone was They told us that don’t. The drivers don’t Opinion & Editorial Writer told us to shut up. How dare moved and all the passen since it was a group of us pick us up or are just plain he tell us to shut up! My par gers got off of the shuttle in that we could walk back by disrespectful and public ents do not even tell me to cluding those rude guys who ourselves, and they would safety sits back and waits When will the AUC shut up, so I refuse to take it pushed us down to get on the meet us half way. I have for something traumatic shuttle drivers take their from anyone else. At this shuttle. never ever heard of any and extreme to occur like jobs seriously? When will point we were all in the van Everyone got off the thing so crazy and irratio rape, robbery, or death. the AUC administrators take except for one of our sisters, shuttle to show the driver nal before in my life. It Ladies, this is our disciplinary actions against so we made room and tried to that his behavior was unac was after midnight and not school and we need to let disrespectful drivers? squeeze her in. One guy got ceptable and we refused to safe for us to walk down the the administration know It appears never be off the shuttle in order for be surrounded by such nega very streets where students that we are sick and tired of cause several students fill another girl to get on. tivity and disrespect. get robbed, shot at, and not being able to walk out out complaint forms on The ignorant driver We refused to be even murdered. of our gates and feel safe. drivers who are rude, hos got a nasty attitude, got out mistreated and disrespected. I guess Public Change must begin today! tile, violent, and disrespect of the van, opened the doors Leaders like Dr. King and Safety could care less if my If we do not fight, this situ ful and nothing happens. and threatened not to drive us Rosa Parks fought too hard friends and I were rapped, ation with the shuttle and These same drivers continue back to campus. He said that and too long for us to still robbed, or dead because if public safety will be over to drive students down the since our friend got on, the be disrespected in any way. they did, they would have looked and when our West End streets. van was too full even though They taught us to stand up stop eating donuts or what daughters enter this fine On a cold and dark he didn’t complain before she for what we believe in and ever nonsense they were institution, they will expe spring night, The Freshman got in. Just to remind you, not give into a system that doing and come to protect rience the same mistreat Class Council went over to one person got off the treats us poorly. After the us. However, instead, they ment and abuse that we are Morris Brown College to shuttle, so therefore, the driver saw that we were go kept their word and met us receiving. sell tickets for our Fresh number of people had not in ing to take a stand, he called half way. I guess they met We filed a com man Fusion Party. After our creased from the original for back up (like the white us half way like they half plaint on Mr. Larry Foster successful night, we waited amount. I am sure if that bus drivers in the south dur way do their job of protect and we will make sure this patiently for the AUC young lady was his daughter, ing the Civil Rights Move ing us. situation is not overlooked. shuttle to take us back to he would want the driver to ment). Sisters, we all need The only problem is that we campus. let her on, but not all people We told him to have to come together in sister filled out the form at the When the shuttle ar use common sense. a good evening and that we hood in order to make a dif Public Safety office, so rived, there were male pas He continued to make were going to turn him in. ference. I know that orga where do we go to report sengers already on the rude and disrespectful re He responded back to us nizations like Sisterfire them for their unsatisfac shuttle and other males marks towards us. After a with more disrespectful came together during the tory job performance? shoved us while we at while, one strong young statements and he concluded end of last semester and Well, I will find that person tempted to get onto the woman said “You know what, that he didn’t care if we spoke out about the safety and I will file a grievance. shuttle. The driver soon we don’t have to take this!” turned him into Public issue, but it is continuing to I don’t know about you, but became hostile and rude to The driver responded, “If an Safety. After this horrible be overlooked. I refuse to be another sta wards us. Quickly, we all other person speaks, I won’t episode, we called We are not being tistic in the AUC and I tried to pile in the shuttle take you back.” Spelman’s finest, Public taken seriously. The refuse to allow any more of since it was midnight and Then she responded Safety, and explained to shuttle and public safety my sisters receive disre we needed to get back to back saying, “And to make them our situation and asked are suppose to protect us spectful treatment from campus. your job easier, I will get off them to come to Morris from the dangerous streets staff in the AUC. SPELMANITES: CALL TO ACTION THE TIME HAS COME The time has come for each of us to get off the telephone, turn off the television, and get up off of our behinds in order to achieve a serious goal. The goal itself is yours for the choosing, but you must aggressively pursue a direct plan of action for self-promotion and success. Every woman who is educated at Spelman College has a mystical mission to fulfill. We are the descendants of the resisters, those who would not accept the death of slavery, but instead insisted on the sweetness of freedom. We are the wildest dream of our greatest grandmother, Mama Africa. We are the daughters of her daughters who suffered the most dreadful journey: she who was stolen from home and forced to exist in filth and bond age to slave and build another man’s country, but continued to love, pray for, and bring forth a family of African people. She who has now delivered to this universe another generation of African women who have the power of the Almighty within their bellies, and the knowledge of the world in their minds. Yes, my young sisters, the time has come for us to stop hiding from ourselves and rise to the greatness from which we have come. Attending Spelman College is the ultimate refute of mediocr^y. The foundation ot^ur sisterly connection to each odjer is not where we are from, what freshman dorm we lived in, nor what sorority that w join. Our ultimate connectiqato each other is that each orbs has a long history of personal achievement and academic excellence. Each of us >pent ott formative years rerafe(jg*.'^8jdiocrity and uplifting ourselves^tc^reatness. So, let us celebrate being the best of the best, rather than bowin rginality in order to be accep a society that prom ate, self-disrespect, and ignorance. I believe that we are all aware of the often-state^tereotypes oB^^fnan women. It seems that w to distract us, and sometimes Wow us n^oatizgy of frusfration, Jehool defense, and an^tempt to refute every negative ialities? We know that them ístio place like Spelman College anywhere else on the entfirejfcation. Thus, there is ho competition, eed for us to participate inJjpattle ofggords regarding someming t^at we all know is truej Spelmanites, with all of bur quirks and shortco re the manifesta- tion of all thatis strong, powerful, and exceptional in the international race dj^imankind. In my opinion, it is more important tclj gnize that above all things, Spelman women graduate on time; and usual« in close numbers tallóse of the origingfe&eshman class. This is the truest Indication that Spelman women contin^usly persevere to our goalsifor ^access and aclgByement, regaqjless of wBt happens along the way. Spelman C^^K is a pool of powerful energy||||ed by young Éack women who are so intelligent that w^^en take our e. tion for granted. It was nojflHgl entered law school thaLL recognized how far ahead attenSwg Spelman ha^jgut me ir^W.game of life. I p ssed a self- confidence that I £»t aware of, as if in college. Ihad taken what I w as reading, who wastea. g me, and where I was livingáKgranted. It ne ve^ Daughters, I charge you to believe nr^wnSqrfjigpdfect upon your convictions. You are only e^great as vou” strive to be. Take time to recognize all of the things that Spelman women do on a whim. We form corporations, found organizations, sit asmrectors and trustees, serve as teachers, planners, writers, actors, artists, musicians, scientists and more. We do all of these things because we can, because we were molded at Spelman College. Use these days as your greatest opportunity to grow, learn, and be humble. Respect and recognize all that is greater than you, and celebrate and treasure all that is great about you. Honor yourself and your sister, and remember what you are worth. You are our greatest weapon in the fiercest battle. We need for you to fight against all of the negatives that are working against you to keep you from achieving. Don’t be fooled by the tricks of overindulgence and self-degradation. I know that it is hard to remain focused on your education when everything in society is calling for you to be distracted by disrespect from your brothers and your sisters. But, it is because you continue to live that the world exists. We are the mother of all nations, the givers of life, and the seekers of knowledge. We hold the torch of justice to the darkness of oppression. Let us join our lights together to shine on a greater day for Spelman, and a better day for African people worldwide. Yes, the time has come to reclaim our greatness. SANKOFA! Elizabeth B. Hendricks Class of 1992