November 2006 Volume 1, Issue 2

TalenteD Tenth W.E.B. Du Bois Poetry Corner, p. 7; NBA Season Preview, p. 9; UPCOMING Where are all the classy women?, p. 6 EVENTS Events @ the BCC

blurred lens in November 7th Holocaust Lecture Series Against Cultural Genocide Documentary Feature: “From Swastika to Jim Crow” BCC Auditorium 12 Noon & 6 p.m.

vandy’s vision November 9th The Return of MiCheck 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. BCC Auditorium

November 15th “In the Black” Business Workshop and Discussion Featuring Roland Jones, McDonalds Franchise Owner 12 Noon

November 29th, 4:10 PM Reception to Follow at the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities Sponsored by Black Europe/Black European Studies Reading Group & PAADS

EVENTS IN NASHVILLE AREA

The Lion King October 26 - December 3 Andrew Jackson Hall Come experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild at the Vanderbilt Photo Archive Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.” Nashville’s most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the TPAC stage every; week to talk about nothing this season. By: Corey Ponder caring, discovery, and celebration. at all is just bad…you learn more ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Freshmen like Morgan Turner, College Sunday hosted by Mt. Zion College Ministry about campus issues through expe- Come hang with other college students and hear the word. find most of the meetings a waste Where: TSU Gentry Center rience rather than being told.” The When: November 12th from 11:15 am to 3:00 pm of time. “In our second week we he New Vanderbilt Vi- weekly meetings have been a thorn had that speaker come about sexu- sions Program may not in the sides of many freshmen, al violence…we tried to talk about be achieving its goal in some have resorted to ignoring the T how sexual violence was bad, but reaching the Class of 2010 as it was mandatory attendance policy. that discussion was pretty stunted Founder’s Note originally designed to do. Many With such apathy pervading as basically it’s bad and there’s By: Gavin Fletcher freshmen see the weekly meetings the freshmen class, it is apparent and required attendance as a bur- not much else you can say about that the program this semester is In September of 1903, William den rather than an educational ex- it.” Discussions in group meeting not where administration wants it Edward Burghardt DuBois published perience. are characterized by these empty to be. It does not seem that the ad- an article entitled “The Talented According to the Vanderbilt discussions, according to her and ministration has any more effective Tenth” and submitted it as the sec- website, the new Vanderbilt Vi- other freshmen and even VUcep- plans for second semester either. ond chapter of The Negro Problem, sions program is the solution to tors who were asked for candid Junior Debangshu Roychoudhury, a collection of articles from Black educating freshmen about the Van- commentary. who has some knowledge of the scholars. In his article, DuBois wrote derbilt Creed. What was once the Aside from the ineffectiveness planning, stated, “The Visions pro- of a group of exceptional Black men job of the VUcept experience, this at prompting dialogue, there seems gram has yet to define a full sylla- and women who uplifted the Black program has expanded to become a to be other issues which many bus for the spring semester which race by being “leaders of thought year long initiative to teach incom- freshmen find with the program. is supposed to be for issues on race and missionaries of culture among ing freshmen about scholarship, Freshman Emani Davis summed and diversity.” their people.” He invoked the memo- honesty, civility, accountability, upfreshman sentimetns, “Meeting Continued on p. 3 ry of Black men and women who led Black people out of the bondage of slavery and rallied against the con- Segregation is the Solution tinued disenfranchisement of Black By: Dominique Harris people in the post-Antebellum era ASSOCIATE EDITOR to embrace the legacy of progress in the face of unimaginable inequal- ecently, County District Judge Michael Coffey ity. The catalyst of that progress was ordered a temporary injunction blocking the im- the leadership and guidance from plementation of a Nebraska law that promotes the group DuBois characterized as R the “Talented Tenth.” re-segregation. This law, known as the Learning Communi- ty Law, planned for Omaha schools to be divided into three Able-minded Black men and large districts one White, one Black, and another Hispanic women must be able to articu- by 2008. late and assert their humanity and The injunction was made in response to a suit made by Ernie Chambers, Nebraska State Senator blackness poignantly and eloquent- the Chicano Awareness Center and five parents of children in district serves a student base , 3 percent Asian, 31 percent ly. DuBois articulates that the “Tal- the Omaha public school system. The NAACP also filed for Black, 20 percent Hispanic and 46 percent White. Last year ented Tenth” must take the lead in a suit against the law last May. Both organizations, as well as the Omaha city schools received $400 less per student than the righteous battle for the seem- many parents, feel the amendment is calling for re-segrega- districts in the surrounding suburbs. ingly evasive equality and liberty so tion. According to Tommie Wilson, president of the Omaha Superintendent John Mackiel and the Omaha school earnestly sought after by our forefa- NAACP branch, “We [the NAACP] believe that we should be board had been working effortlessly over the past year to thers and foremothers. History has making progress towards greater integration…and segrega- integrate the public schools of Omaha with different meth- taught us that intellectual engage- tion is a moral wrong regardless of who advocates it.” ods. The “one city, one district” campaign was launched last ment through a medium is an es- According to the Chicago Tribute, Omaha’s city serves spring, in hopes of bringing the integrated educational ex- sential resource for attaining equal- 46,000 students, in which 56% of the students are minorities perience back to the students of Omaha, something Mackiel ity and liberty. and 53% are impoverished. Overall, the Omaha school deems important for every student. However, the campaign The Black students of Vander- was met with opposition from parents and administrators, bilt University must assume the Continued on p. 3 Continued on p. 4  NEWS Talented Tenth November 2006

irregularities. After conducting the recount, the the city that lasted until September 25. This sit tribunal took almost two months to validate in forced traffic into chaos. Immigration and the the outcome of the election. They decided that After the tribunal made its decision, Lo- the irregularities, which existed, did not hinder pez Obrador and his followers met again, de- one candidate any more than the others, and clareing Obrador the Legitimate President of Mexican Elections were only a side effect of having a new system Mexico. The group has decided that they will of elections and such a large turn out at the continue to pursue this by having their own By: Tanya Alvarez polls. Irregularities were noted as a normal oc- parallel government and naming their own currence in any election, and therefore the fed- cabinet. The PRD is a socialist party that thrives STAFF WRITER eral government discarded Lopez Obrador’s because it promises to essentially take from the mmigration has become a hot topic in This new system requires that the polls each objections to the election. rich in order to give to the poor. Their policies the news recently and is an issue being have representatives from every party who Unfortunately, in Mexico these kinds of include raising taxes on wealthier companies discussed in the Tennessee elections. serve as witnesses to accurately counte votes. disagreements within the government do not and individuals and giving away the money to I get solved easily. While the tribunal was in those who are below the poverty line. However, many people are still unaware of Unlike the United States elections, Mexican the political situation in Mexico, which has the presidential elections are counted by vote, and session deciding the outcome of the election, People are afraid that if this group, which potential to influence immigration into the US then, each of the polls sends a summary page the PRD party and Andres Manuel Lopez is obviously out of control, takes over, it will be significantly over the next few years. Mexico is that specifies the reults of that specific poll. Obrador rallied their followers and protested the beginning of a socialist government that working to become a more democratic coun- When Lopez Obrador demanded a re- the elections, openly criticizing the govern- takes private property away from owners to try, but it is apparent in this last election that count, the Tribunal Federal Electoral, which is ment of fraud and threatening the opposition. give to the masses. Mexicans who own proper- there is a lot left to do. In order to understand in charge of determining the outcomes of elec- The group, together with 1.5 million support- ty are afraid in investing their money in Mexico the immigration issues that are affecting our tions, asked Lopez Obrador to specify which ers, marched down the main street in Mexico and are beginning to look into investing in the own country, it is essential that we look at the polls he wanted to recount and document the City and performed a sit-in along a substantial United States. With all of the protests going countries where those issues are starting. The stretch of Reforma and at the central square of on, it has become hard and uncomfortable for elections in Mexico may seem like a million many to live in that environment. These are miles away, but in truth they reside here—in important factors that can potentially have real the minds of many immigrants who are cur- effects in the immigration status. If this situa- rently working in the United States today, and tion continues to get out of hand, many predict who may be already thinking about bringing that more and more people from Mexico will the rest of their families to the U.S. want to migrate to the United States. The presidential election in Mexico took At Vanderbilt, many people are interested place on July 2 of this year, yet even now there in how immigration is changing the culture in are still some questions over whether or not the United States. We are always looking for the president elect, Felipe Calderon from the ways to understand and live in a diverse society, PAN party, will be able to take office. Of over especially when immigration is such a com- 40 million votes, only 402,708 votes separated plex issue—one that affects all of us whether the winner from the loser, which is about 2%. we know it or not. Americans are now put- After the election, the candidate that lost, An- ting new laws into effect in order to deal with dres Manuel Lopez Obrador from the PRD the immigration issues, but it is important to party, demanded a recount of all votes claim- note that the problem does not start here. Im- ing irregularities. migrants come from different countries for Mexico has had a history of rigged elec- many reasons. The U.S. has a history of people tions, and so the government has placed a new who came here to escape political and religious system that limits cheating in the election pro- persecution, so it would make sense that we cess in order to improve democracy in Mexico. understood how people might want to leave a place where life is no longer safe. AP Photo Archive Keeping the Covenant

By: Gavin Fletcher Vanderbilt School of Medicine STAFF WRITER For Bethany Paschall, former member of was the outcry from the Black community or the the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, the Black Churches then?” mission of the Nashville Black Covenant Coali- Edward Kindall, board member of Nash- Are you interested in a career in medicine or research in the tion (NBCC) is clear, “We have to talk to and in- ville’s Metropolitan Board of Public Education, biomedical sciences? clude the people who usually are not heard. We told everyone how the schools were failing Black have to get on the streets, in the trenches; these are children. the people who are most affected by the prob- “67% of Black children in Nashville are in Do you want to obtain a Ph.D. or M.D. or both? lems in struggling Black communities.” remediation. Approximately 100% of the Black With the intentions of identifying indige- males at Hillwood High failed the Gateway nous leaders, as well as to coalesce for the purpose exam,” stated Kindall. of Black community empowerment and uplift, All Tennessee students must pass the Gate- the NBCC recently held its inaugural town hall way exam, which tests algebra, biology, and meeting at Pearl-Cohn High school. The NBCC English, to be eligible for graduation from high plans on organizing the communities for pro- school. gressive change by using grass root organizing. With the seemingly myriad of problems Nashville residents entered Pearl-Cohn and difficulties faced by many Black communi- High’s auditorium at 9a.m. and were greeted ties in Nashville many called for action and com- with the rhythmic beats of African drums played munity-empowerment. by Nature’s Drummers, and laced with the pas- “We cannot look to establishment leaders, we sionate, intellectually charged rhymes and flows have to look beyond them, and we can’t wait for of spoken word from various community mem- them,” said Paschall. bers. Dr. Amiri Al-Hadid, chair of Africana Stud- The meeting began with the reading of sta- ies at Tennessee State University called for strate- tistics illustrating the grim realities faced by many gic planning. “We have to start dealing with the Nashville communities. imperialism in our community,” stated Al-Hadid Disparities ranged from homelessness, in- in reference to the gentrification happening WE NEED YOU! carceration rates, and infant mortality to family in many once majority Black communities in income. While Blacks represent 25.9% of David- Nashville. Contact us and we can help. son County’s population according to the 2000 Xuam Lawson, also known as the Xman U.S. Census, they are overrepresented in home- from 81.1 WFSK, said that we need to reach the George C. Hill, Ph.D. less shelters (50%) and in Davidson County jails youth and that radio was the way to do that. “In Levi Watkins, Jr. Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity in Medical Education (65%). order to reach the youth you need a voice and we VUSM- 301 Light Hall Pastor Henry Blaze III from Progressive need to take that voice back.” 615 322-7498 [email protected] Baptist Church reminded everyone, “Our strug- Asked why he attended the meeting Law- http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/medschool/diversity/odme.php gle has always been to gain respect and dignity of son simply stated, “I wanted to make sure it our lives.” wasn’t just another meeting where nothing hap- Roger G. Chalkley, Ph.D. A respect for life that Howard Allen, who is pened.” Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Research, Education, and Training homeless, failed to see when Tara Denise Cole, The next meeting for planning and grass VUSM- 340 Light Hall who was a homeless Black woman, was mur- root training will be held on Saturday, Novem- 615 343-7250 dered this past August; “She was thrown into ber 11t, 2006 at theProgressive Baptist Church [email protected] the river by two White men,” says Allen, “Where from 1 pm to 3pm. http://bret.mc.vanderbilt.edu/bret/ November 2006 Talented Tenth NEWS  Visions A School of Their Own From blurred, page 1 slur aimed at NPHC sorority members By: Corey Sullivan ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR There is potential to educate incor- while in the store by the storeowners, are porate the principles of diversity into the both issues which could definitely spark Vanderbilt Visions Progam. However, this or liven up the discussion that has been opportunity is fading, as they are opting to severely lacking in the meetings of this se- avoid certain issues that challenge diver- mester. sity and race relations on campus. Roy- Perhaps the planners of Vanderbilt Vi- choudhury said that “there is no mention sions will make better programs for next that current events, such as the pig’s head semester which will improve the features on the Schulman Center and the incident that have been disliked this semester. last year at You Greek Me Greek will be However, with the program omitting pro- spoken about.” vocative issues dealing with diversity and The pig’s head dropped outside of the race relations, the program could be seeing Nashville area students Schulman Center, and the You Greek Me more of the same apathy next semester. Greek incident, which involved a racial ridges Academy is a The Academy is founded on Bunique private school an empowering and visionary expected to open in Nashville motto: “Transforming Lives. in the fall of 2007 to educate Producing Leaders.” Segregation and enrich the lives of Afri- The Bank of America can-American teenage males. building located in East Bridges Academy will Nashville will be the site for From segregation, page 1 with the original law and called for an amend- target a different population this innovative faith-based ment that would have the schools broken up who feared the loss of authority and quality of than most private schools in school. The initial class will into three districts along the racial lines of the their schools. the Metropolitan area. Presi- consist of 100 fifth and sixth city. Chambers, a Black State Senator, argues As a compromise with the parents and ad- dent Derek Young points to graders and is expectd o grow that since past efforts of integration have failed, ministrators, the learning community laws were the high crime and drop- until it reaches its target of the community needs to face reality, beginning passed. These laws called for the Omaha and out rate among the African serving fifth through twelfth with giving the parents of color control of the the ten adjacent school districts to be grouped American male population as graders. While the school schools their children attend. The amend- together with a common tax base and shared the main motivation behind will demand high tuition, ment passed legislation and was later signed by resources by the year 2008. They also allowed the creation of this school. estimated at around $10,000 Nebraska’s governor Dave Heineman on April for students to attend any school in the district The school hopes to combat per student, President Derek 14th, 2006. When this law passes litigation, it where there is space, and transportation would these negative outcomes by Young assures that students’ will be reversing the desegregation implement- be provided. providing “brotherhood, wis- financial needs will be met ed in Omaha 30 years ago. Senator Ernie Chambers was not pleased dom and faith” to its scholars. through scholarships.

Alumni Returning  NEWS Talented Tenth November 2006 The staff of Talented Tenth encourages our readers to vote for the candidate that they believe will best be able to represent the views of Tenneseans in the Senate. To register to vote or to find out more about the political process, log onto www.declareyourself.org.

HAROLD FORD, JR. BOB CORKER Memphis, Tennessee Chattanooga, Tennessee

BA University of Pennsylvania JD University of Michigan EDUCATION BS, University of Tennessee Special Assistant of Economic Development Administration, Law Clerk NON-POLITICAL JOBS Founded multistate construction and real estate company

U.S. House of Representatives ‘96-present; POLITICAL JOBS Mayor of Chattanooga ‘01-’05, TN State Finance Commissioner ‘95 committee on budget, committee on finance National Education Association, Fund for Children and Public Education ENDORSEMENTS U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Right to Life, National Rifle Association.

Superior speaker with considerable charisma. Has little management LEADERSHIP Positive, successful speaker who has also run a multimillion-dollar com- experience outside his political organization but has great vision of pany. Takes consistent conservative position on each issue. unification of various constituencies. 10 years of legislative experience at federal level. Has family wealth and the DYNASTY Four years of service as mayor of Chattanooga. Has no exceptional Ford family is one of the most politically connected families in Memphis familial connections and is a self-made millionaire.

Largely scandal free with mostly positive ad campaign barring certain SCANDALS Largely scandal free. His ads criticize Ford Jr. for being too liberal for Tennessee. negative ads criticizing Corker on immigration policy

Wants reduction of national debt as well as maintaining flexibility to BUDGET Fiscal Conservative who strictly believes in lowering taxes. Believes in increase spending reducing the size of Federal government through a balanced budget

Voted in favor of Marriage Protection Amendment several times GAY MARRIAGE In favor of current Tennessee law prohibiting gay marriage

Believes that No Child Left Behind is under funded EDUCATION As mayor of Chattanooga, pushed for incentives to pay teachers more in struggling schools. Voted against Alaskan drilling and voted to adopt Kyoto protocol that ENVIRONMENT would reduce gas emissions. Unclear positions

Voted with 97% of Republicans on Immigration Law Enforcement Act and IMMIGRATION Will make Defense and Intelligence spending the first priority on the Secure Fence Act of ‘06 REFORM federal budget. Pro Gun-Control GUN CONTROL Against Gun-Control Red or Blue Pill? By: Samora Legros Why Talented Tenth?

associate editor From founder’s note, page 1 Corker supports big oil, and believes that ing careers in art design, event plan- the U.S. should continue to import oil from role in which they were destined to ning, journalism, poetry, marketing, other countries. Corker concluded, “The fulfill: like Dubois, we believe that etc., will all be able to contribute to Mexican border is too porous” after visit- Black people “have a contribution the Talented Tenth. By utilizing the ing and seeing various areas of open fence n the Matrix, Neo had the option of to make to civilization and human- printing press we hope to reach as along the border. deciding the outcome of his life by ity, which no other race can make.” As a representative of the Ninth District many people as possible and incite choosing either a red or blue pill. It is with this heavy burden of re- I of Tennessee, Harold Ford Jr. is currently in critical thought of the complexity The game of politics does not present such sponsibility and the seemingly apa- his fourth congressional term. Ford Jr. has and diversity of the experiences of decisions, but has two predominate politi- a plan for using Tennessee’s soybean fields thetic environment in which Black Black people. Believing that the cal umbrellas; Democratic and Republican. as an alternative fuel resource, a plan that thought finds itself at Vanderbilt progress of Black people is inexora- Before taking Democratic or Republican encourages reliance on our own citizens University that we see the need to prescription, the voter should read the la- bly tied to the United States’ prom- for resources instead of importing them. create a publication which not only bel and know the capabilities and side ef- ise of a pluralist and Democratic so- The cost of higher education tuition has enlightens but embraces the intel- fects of his or her vote. The senatorial race ciety, Talented Tenth will assume a astronomically increased and Ford has a in Tennessee senatorial race should not be lect of Black students on campus. pivotal role by providing a forum for plan for a bill that would require the sign- based on a party affiliation, but rather the Simply reporting and photograph- critical thought and informing vari- ing of a country contract. This contract positions taken by Bob Corker and Harold ing token Black events on campus IS would require the person to do work for ous communities. Ford Jr. At 5:30pm on October 29, 2006, NOT ENOUGH. In fact, it is a gross a service corps, such as a teaching union, The mission of the Talented the streets of Children’s Way were filled injustice and undermines the re- in exchange for tuition payments. On Tenth is to analyze, critique, and ex- with supporters and campaigners who ral- the war in Iraq, Ford feels that the United spectability of Black communities pose the complexity and diversity lied prior to the Ford vs. Corker debate at States cannot leave until its ethnic fed- at Vanderbilt University. This pub- of experiences of Black people not Ingram Hall. At 7:00pm, the bell rang and erations have become decentralized and lication, dubbed Talented Tenth in the contenders went toe to toe in a medi- only here at Vanderbilt but through- separated into “four separate ethnic feder- reference to our forefather William ated, heavyweight bout. out the world. We will represent the ations”. After visiting Iraq four times, he has Edward Burghardt DuBois, will serve After traveling on a mission trip to Hai- ideological and intellectual diversity criticized the military occupational leader- ti, Bob Corker returned to Tennessee and as a vehicle for Black students on of Black people. We will call forth all ship of Donald Rumsfeld. Ford agrees that engaged in organizing non-profit housing campus to ensure that their voices of our Black brothers and sisters to the cost for Medicare for the elderly and for various underdeveloped Tennessee are heard without any attempts to disabled is outrageous; “Medicare should assume their responsibility to uplift districts. As a self-made businessman and distort, misrepresent, or stifle those negotiate with drug companies to reduce their people. We will stand with our former mayor of Chattanooga, Bob Corker voices. the cost of prescription drugs.” In the be- non-Black brothers and sisters who is responsible for the reduction of crime ginning of the year, Ford voted for the Talented Tenth will primarily ad- advocate for a truly pluralist, Demo- by 51% in Chattanooga. He takes a pro-life strongest anti-illegal immigration bill. At dress the interests of the Black com- cratic society. We will remove igno- stance and does not believe in banning the debate, Ford criticized Corker for not munities on campus and Vanderbilt partial birth. For education, Corker sup- rance, improve the level of cultural firing one of his employees who had hired communities at large. We will also ports funding for teaching centers that awareness, and enhance the quality several illegal immigrants. target Black collegians and Black will train and put high performing teach- of life for the African Diaspora. In re- It is highly ecommended that you re- ers in low performing schools. In terms communities in the greater Nashville maining true to our mission, Talent- search the platfoms of each candidate and of overseas politics, Corker believes that area. Talented Tenth will review and ed Tenth will be firm in its resolve to exercise your constitutional right to vote engaging in diplomatic communications critique contemporary opinions and on November 7, 2006 for the candidate promote critical thought and pro- will stabilize relations with nuclear power literature relevant to Black commu- who will represent the needs and concerns gressive change for the betterment holders, such as Iran and North Korea. nities. Students interested in pursu- of you, your family, and your country. of society. November 2006 Talented Tenth CULTURE  We Live In An Ownership Society? -www.campusprogress.org

By: Corey Ponder associate editor

Owning anything is difficult when you are in everyone else continues to struggle. Thus, the gap dropping, middle-class taxpayers (with average debt. Today, the average young person carries a between the rich and poor is approaching all-time incomes from around $51,500 to around $75,600) college debt of over $26,000 – more than double highs. In 2004, half of the nation’s income went to saw their share of federal tax payments increase. what it was ten years ago. Their credit card debt is the top one-fifth of households. Also, in that same The CBO report speaks for itself. But we could over $4,000 – more than 55 percent higher than it year the average CEO was paid 240 times more talk numbers all day, but we can also judge the was in 1992. Young people spend nearly 25 per- than the average American worker. economic agenda of the conservatives by looking cent of every dollar they earn on debt payments. So let’s review: Rising costs and stagnating at their priorities. They control the White House Young people are not the only ones experi- incomes equal more debt, more poverty, and a and the Congress. If they wanted to raise the encing money trouble. For the past five years, the growing disparity between the rich and poor. Why minimum wage, they could. If they wanted to bal- average household income has stagnated. That is this happening? ance the budget by rolling back their unfair tax is the longest period of stagnation on record. In The primary reason is that the policies of the cuts instead of slashing money from programs for 2004, incomes of typical middle-class families Bush administration and conservatives in Con- veterans, the needy, the elderly and the sick, they were at their lowest level since 1997. The mini- gress put big business and the very wealthy ahead could. If they wanted to decrease the tax burden mum wage has remained unchanged for eight of the vast majority of hard-working Americans. on the 80 percent of Americans who saw their years and has not kept pace with inflation – if it Take the centerpiece of their economic agenda: rates go up over the past four years, they could. did, it would be $8.65 an hour, not $5.15. Today tax cuts; tax cuts are great if they are distributed But don’t hold your breath. the minimum wage represents a lower share of fairly. However, President Bush’s tax cuts are put Instead, President Bush, after $1.4 million the average worker’s wage than at any time since into place to act as a boon for those who are ex- in campaign contributions from the credit card 1949. Meanwhile, 45.8 million Americans lack ceptionally wealthy at the expense of everyone industry, signed a law allowing corporate loan health insurance and nearly one-quarter of all else. sharks to chase you forever if you go broke. And Americans reported having trouble paying medi- Not a believer yet? Well, believe the Congres- now Congress is considering chopping nearly $9 cal bills in the past year, which is one of the lead- sional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan govern- billion from the nation’s student aid programs to ing causes of personal bankruptcies. More women ment organization headed by a former senior Bush fix the massive budget deficit caused by the tax this year will declare bankruptcy than will gradu- economist. In 2004, the organization reported giveaway to the mega-rich. ate from college. that the wealthiest 20 percent of Americans (aver- Unless there is dramatic change, today’s Conservatives point to the fact that in 2004 the age incomes around $180,000) saw their share of young people could be the first generation to be economy grew at a rate of 3.8 percent, but most of federal taxes drop by nearly 1 percent from 2001 in a worse financial state than their parents. this growth benefitted the wealthy minority while to 2004. Unfortunately, while their tax rates were

Diabetes - On The Rise COME ONE, COME ALL! in The Black Community The Eta Beta Chapter of By: Rachael Goetz and Jessica Chandler Alpha Kappa Alpha Presents… associate editorS At 2:00 o’clock in the morning, you and as Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult on- all of your friends are going out for pizza. set because it is most prevalent in adults You realize you cannot join them, because over the age of 55. For these individuals, you know that if you eat this late, you will the pancreas is usually producing enough have to stay up all night to monitor your insulin, but their body is not using the insu- AKApollo blood glucose level. This scenario may not lin correctly. This is known as insulin resis- sound familiar to you, but it is strikingly rec- tance. If this type of diabetes is untreated, ognizable for many Americans living with the pancreas will eventually stop making diabetes. insulin. Alesia Billingslea, 21, a Neuroscience Type 2 diabetes can often be managed major in A&S, was diagnosed with diabetes through weight loss, diet, and exercise, at eight years old. She lives with Type I dia- though medication is also sometimes nec- betes, formally known as juvenile diabetes, essary. Without treatment, the condition In 1993, Billingslea’s mother became can lead to many additional health risks, concerned when she noted a decline in her such as heart disease, stroke, and eye and daughter’s weight and her tendency to eat kidney problems. ice. In addition, Billingslea had a sore on Scientists are not certain why Type the bottom of her foot that had not healed 2 diabetes is so common among African over the past two months. Weight loss and Americans, however, most scientist agree slow healing wounds, along with increased that the tendency to develop Type 2 diabe- thirst, extreme fatigue, and constant hun- tes is increased by heredity, obesity, lack of ger, are symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. physical activity, and other health risk fac- Billingslea initially managed her condi- tors such as high blood pressure. tion by receiving injections of the hormone According to studies by the National In- insulin three to five times per day, depend- stitute of Health (NIH), more African Ameri- ing on her food intake. People with Type cans have high risk factors for diabetes. Af- 1 diabetes must receive insulin in order to rican Americans have a substantially higher survive, because insulin is necessary for the rate of obesity than white Americans and body to process sugar, or glucose, and pro- report less physical activity. Come check out some of Vanderbilt duce energy. African Americans are also more likely In people without diabetes, insulin is to experience complications related to dia- and Nashville’s finest performers! produced in the pancreas and helps glu- betes, such as cardiovascular disease, and cose to get into the body’s cells. Without have a higher diabetes related death rate. insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and “The mortality rates among African Wednesday, November 29, 2006 then passes out of the body unused. Americans in the North Nashville area are 7pm @ the Student Life Center The rise of diabetes in the African- the highest in the nation,” says Professor of American community has reached epidem- Health Psychology, David Schlundt. Ballroom B ic proportions. According to the American Professor Schlundt works closely with Diabetes Association, 13.8% of Black Ameri- the Nashville REACH 2010 project, a coali- cans have diabetes. tion with the CDC that focuses on lowering Tickets on Sale Now! Get Yours Today! The type of diabetes most prevalent in the rates of diabetes, obesity, and cardio- the African American community is known vascular disease in African Americans. $5 on Card/$3 from an AKA  CULTURE Talented Tenth November 2006 Where are all the Classy Black Women? The Black Female stereotype in Film gives a distorted view of Black women

By: Morgan Turner are only a handful of A-list Black actresses and they reason. In promoting the film, she bragged about Staff writer seem to play the same roles all the time. But is the the fact that she as paid a large sum of money to image being presented a positive one? expose herself. lack women certainly have a presence in “I think the majority of the time Black women “The sexuality attached to black women is vul- the media today. Whether it be on tele- are portrayed as loud, aggressive, overbearing and gar,” says Dr. Donna Ford, Betts Chair of Education Bvision, in movies, or on the radio, they rude,” says freshman Emani Davis. and Human Development. certainly make their presence known. In film, there For example consider Tyler Perry’s films. His When asked about the implications of such im- character Madea has gained popularity in the Af- ages on academics, Ford states, “Actually I believe rican American community. Madea is loud, carries it does. You seldom see a Black female in an ntel- a gun, smokes illegal substances, and is violent. Al- lectual role. [Society] may get a distorted image of though the films portray this in a humourous light, what Black women are [because] you focus on [su- it is not a positive representation of Black women. perficial things]rather than working to get to col- According to www.about.com’s newsletter on lege.” race relations, in films 56% of Black women are For some, the negative portrayal is a source of shown being physically violent, compared to White motivation. women’s 11%. Media certainly helps perpetuate “I do think it has a positive effect on the aca- that stereotype; Madea shoots her gun on multiple demic performance, at least for me. I would like to occasions in her films. break the stereotype of a Black woman in society The portrayal of Black women does not seem to and show that a Black woman is capable of any- get better from there; if they aren’t loud and physi- thing,” says Davis. cally harming someone, they are the victim of a Fortunately, the film industry may be trying to multitude of situations. make a positive change. In the film, “The Manchu- In Madea’s Family Reunion, one of the main rian Candidate,” Kimberly Elise plays a ranked of- characters, Lisa, is in an abusive relationship and ficer of military that helps the main character Ben only in the end of the film does she decide to get out Marco (played by Denzel Washington), regain his of the situation. memory and his sanity. It seems that film has one portrayal Kerry Washington recently portrayed an assas- of Black women. They are either barely sin opposite Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. making ends meet or they are causing a Althogh promoting violence through aiding her scene. Rarely are we portrayed as smart boss in assassinating people, her character was and intellectual women. smart and well spoken. In film, Black women are often por- There are actresses that are trying to cast in pos- trayed as objects of desire. itive roles. Hopefully the trend will continue and In the film Swordfish, Halle Berry the image of Black women in film will change. exposes her breasts for absolutely no Black female actresses Differences in De Janiero Affirmative Action in Brazil

By: Kofi Gyasi jority Black. While these facts Staff writer would probably not be of surprise Affirmative Action is a sub- to Americans, to a country that be- ject that many Americans believe lieved itself more enlightened on is unique to the states. However, these matters, it caused real self-ex- Brazil is a country with similar is- amination. sues regarding racial diversity and To remedy this situation, Bra- inequalities. For years Brazilians zil looked to American universi- have prided themselves in being a ties’ policy of affirmative action to society devoid of discrimination redress past discrimination. Many and felt the U.S. could learn from colleges and graduate schools in its more enlightened race relations. Brazil have begun implementing Since the majority of Brazil’s citi- racial quotas to bring groups who zens are of mixed races and heritage, were virtually unrepresented in ac- the concept of race is also radically ademia into these institutions. The different. Unlike America’s rigid controversy surrounding Affirma- classifications, Brazil’s racial divi- tive Action in the U.S. has now be- sions are much more fluid, as illus- gun in Brazil with other addition- trated by the recent census allowing al dimensions. The country now for more than 100 categories. struggles to define who is Black However, Brazilian society does and who is White, often times with have racial divisions. In the 1990s, students newly adopting America’s Brazil’s politicians reexamined dis- sacred one-drop rule. Brazilian so- crimination within the society and ciety is becoming more “racialized” admitted its existence. The upper and so the effects of the newly im- classes tended to be very White, plemented policy of Affirmative Ac- tion have not yet been determined. while the lower classes were ma- Geographic Map of South America November 2006 Talented Tenth CULTURE  Tea: The Cure to our Daily Stress? By: Joi Howard ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

ave you found yourself feeling a bit argue their case before a camera. During the degree of relaxation in the recovery period af- overwhelmed by all the tests, pa- tasks there was an increase in blood pressure ter the task. Hpers, and other necessities of col- and heart rate in both groups, factors that However, ULC Professor Andrew Steptoe lege life? suggest a rise in stress hormone levels. About says that this is one the first studies to assess “If I were to rate my stress level on a scale 50 minutes following the tasks, cortisol levels tea in a double blind placebo controlled de- from one to ten at this moment, I would say dropped by an average of 47 percent in the tea sign, meaning neither the researchers nor the that it’s about a nine. That’s only because I participants knew which group was drinking have had three major tests, two papers, and actual tea. He even said that because tea is about two hours of sleep a night for the past so chemically complex, they are not certain week!” laughs Rachel Conard, an A&S sopho- which ingredients of the tea were responsible more. for the effects on stress recovery and relax- Luckily for Rachel and others facing stress, ation in the study. there is a new study of London’s University This study may imply that drinking black College which indicates that the cure to the tea may speed up our recovery from the daily common stress could reside within just four stresses of life. cups of tea a day. “While black tea may not reduce the actual Specifically, researchers recently studied levels of stress we face, it does seem to have a 75 young male regular tea drinkers by divid- greater effect in bringing stress hormone lev- ing them into two groups and monitoring els back to normal, which may eventually help them for six weeks. In the study, one group us from acquiring illnesses such as coronary was given a fruit flavored caffeinated tea mix- heart disease,” said Steptoe. ture made up of the components of an aver- After being told about this study Rachel age cup of black tea; the other, a caffeinated Conard, notes “When stressed, I tend to go placebo, same in taste but without the active for sodas and sweets to help keep me alert; I Tea relieves daily stressors tea ingredients. never really thought that drinking tea may be To see if there would be a variation be- drinking group, but only by 27 percent in the helpful in situations of stress.” tween the two drinks’ effectiveness in bring- control tea group. Thus, instead of opting for the sugary so- ing stress levels back to normal, both groups Even more, researchers found that blood das in times of pressure, it may be worthwhile were exposed to stressful situations such as platelet activation- linked to blood clotting to grab that cup of tea, as it may help you to a staged shop lifting accusation, where they and the risk of heart attacks- was lower in tea embark on your scholarly endeavors with were required to give a verbal response and drinkers. This group also reported a greater more tranquility.

Poetry corner “We wear the mask”

“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others. . . . One feels his two-ness - an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. --WEB DuBois “Sanctuary”

By: Markeenya Gunn Featured Poetic Genius: Her Façade Might as well refer to myself as we So I do us a favor By: Angela Moore Cause the person I know and the one that you see Rather than rock this world Paul Laurence Dunbar Have long since strayed from similarity I join the crowd, gathered beneath the cloud Truly my mind is my sanctuary of suppression, the perpetual showing Great Wall of China- 1872-1906 Where fears are openly expressed of human life Got nothing on the stones Secret memories caressed My imprisonment of myself, within myself She constructed. and tucked away behind this lovely façade is a comfort to the other inmates We Wear the Mask Got here by sweat I navigate the darker corners, that intangible mental it’s what distinguishes us from the primates, cause And tears; she refuses where I’m free to delve into the experimental what it means to civilize WE wear the mask that grins and lies, For someone to take her place Without reality to interfere is to become a master of disguise It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,— For granted. I am my own, only, in here a creature of unnatural habits This debt we pay to human guile; I pursue the confines of clean living a stranger to oneself With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, She’s Ms. Brown… to you. since the real world is not so forgiving building upon the stereotypes of the ages And mouth with myriad subtleties. But I can’t, I won’t subdue the infatuation like the animals we ogle, we lock ourselves She’s just as good this love affair with my imagination in cages Maybe better. Why should the world be over-wise, We travel, one inside the other To open them would equal chaos In counting all our tears and sighs? day in and day out, my dreams For they have been closed for so long Nay, let them only see us, while Don’t mistake her would blow your mind We wear the mask. For the one seen Or would they? And I count myself as fortunate to even Laughing and joking; don’t Cause I suspect know these cages exist We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries Be fooled by the nice girl that I am one of many I, no We, cling to one another To thee from tortured souls arise. Standing right outside… able to perfect One succumbs and one resists We sing, but oh the clay is vile the art of a dual existence But if I know myself, I can’t ever be too Beneath our feet, and long the mile; Through these doors, With ease I flow back and forth far from home careful not to confuse the two To know someone else, an impossibility, because they But let the world dream otherwise, In this room, We wear the mask! I put my best face forward are too far gone The proper name is used. My other face grins within at this obvious charade So with great certainty, I refer to myself as we You call her Ms. Brown that has become second nature Cause the being I know, and the one that you see Because she’s just as good and my second self have long since strayed from similarity ATTENTION POETS: Prim and pressed, dressed in my Sunday best and my mind, I liken to sanctuary If you have poetic talent that you want to display in Talented Maybe better. Tenth, contact Angela Moore. ([email protected]) The world would shun my nudity  SPORTS Talented Tenth November 2006 Vandy: No Longer a Dry Campus By: Althea Jack STAFF WRITER After more than 15 years, Vanderbilt of lack of funding and opportunities to been able to secure this year’s sched- his team adjusted to the demands of a has rejoined nine other SEC schools progress. As a fellow collegiate athlete, ule, which includes swim meets against competitive division, competing well in sponsoring a women’s swimming he can empathize with teams that are University of Louisville, University and recruiting for next year. and diving program for the 2006-2007 facing issues of disbandment, but com- of Kentucky, and participation in the His recruiting efforts have gotten school year. Leading the Commodore many women excited for this new pro- women’s swimming and diving pro- gram. Over 50 women expressed strong gram is Jeremy Organ. The announce- interest in joining the team and the ment of his new position of head coach current roster consists of 27 women of the team was made by Vice Chancel- who have been practicing and condi- lor David Williams in September. tioning everyday in order to prepare Organ, a native of Cranbrook, for the rigors of Division I competition. British Columbia, Canada, started his One of these women is Mary Futcher, a swimming career through the receipt sophomore in the College of Arts and of a swimming scholarship to the Uni- Science. A swimmer in her early ado- versity of North Dakota. After receiv- lescent years, she read and responded ing his degree, he remained at the Uni- to the recruitment meeting email excit- versity of North Dakota for four years, ed about an opportunity to be a part of serving as a team coach. Organ relo- a Division I team. A challenge to join- cated to Pensicola, Florida to pursue an ing the team for her was “fitting it in my opportunity to work with a local club schedule.” Practice is everyday; four team. An opportunity to work with the days of the week require the sounding Nashville Aquatic Club brought him to of the 5am alarm and the fifth day takes the Centennial Sports Complex here the team for a run around the park. in Nashville in 2002. While keeping However, such a schedule fails to get abreast of opportunities to make prog- Mary down; “It is mentally and physi- ress, he heard about Vanderbilt’s swim Centennial Sports Complex Poll cally challenging, but it is worth it.” For team, applied for the position and now ments that this was “a great move by her, it is the genuine excitement about serves as Head Coach. the University to add a [swim] team.” Southeastern Conference meet. Such the team, the season and just being a When asked about Vanderbilt’s Given Organ’s credentials, there is exposure will give a great impression Division I collegiate athlete that has decision to launch the women’s swim no doubt that Vanderbilt made a great to the rest of the SEC swimming com- allowed her to be a part of a program team at the expense of the men’s soc- decision to place him at the forefront munity; letting them know that Vander- whose achievements are highly antici- cer team, Organ responded that it must of this endeavor. His connections with bilt is back on the map and is excited pated. have been “a tough decision” for the some of the largest club teams and pri- to be a part of the most competitive university. He spoke about collegiate vate teams in the Southeast region will swimming division. Organ’s goals for Look out for more information about the teams “coming under fire” as a result be invaluable resources. He has also the new season are centered on getting progress of Vanderbilt’s women’s swimming and diving team and their meet schedule. “1 on 1” with a ‘Dore

Shan Foster Dee Davis

Junior, Position: Guard/Forward Senior, Position: Guard Hometown: Kenner, LA Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Pre- Season All-American Candidate Pre- Season All-American Candidate Pre- Season All- S.E.C Pre- Season All- S.E.C 1st Team Pre- Season Wooden Candidate

What is your favorite offensive play: The Double Screen What is your favorite offensive play: The fall screen out of our break offense What is your pre-game ritual: I like to pray to get myself in the right What is your pre-game ritual: I always take a nap and then shave my state of mind. legs and underarms. What aspect of your game do you pride yourself in the most: I take pride What aspect of the game do you pride yourself in the most: Improving in improving my jump shot and my three point shot my basketball handling skills as well as my leadership abilities What is your favorite NBA Team: the Phoenix Suns What is your favorite WNBA Team: the Indian Fever What is your favorite NBA Player: Steve Nash What is your favorite WNBA Player: Tamika Catchings What is your future aspiration: To be a professional basketball player What is your future aspiration: I want to be a basketball coach. Why did you choose Vanderbilt: I chose Vanderbilt for its academics Why did you choose Vanderbilt: I chose Vanderbilt because of its and because it competes in one of the most competitive conferences. location, size, academics, the competitive South Eastern Conference and What is your favorite food: I love macaroni and cheese also because there is family nearby. What is your favorite television show: the Fresh Prince of Bel’air What is your favorite food: I love crab legs What is your favorite extra-curricular activity: Playing the piano is my What is your favorite television show: the Jamie Foxx Show outlet to relax daily. What is your favorite extra-curricular activity: bowling. What is your favorite South Eastern Conference opponent: The What is your favorite South Eastern Conference opponent: The Kentucky Wildcats University of Tennessee What is your hidden quality: I can sing and play the piano What is your hidden quality: I make it a point to hold my family close to my heart.

2006-2007 Men’s Basketball Home Schedule 2006-2007 Women’s Basketball Home Schedule

11/15/06 vs. Georgetown 8 p.m. CT 12/09/06 vs. Georgia Tech 4 p.m. CT 02/03/07 vs. Georgia 6 p.m. CT 11/06/06 EA Sports (Exhibition) 7 p.m. CT 12/03/06 vs. Clemson 4 p.m. CT 01/14/07 vs. Florida 2 p.m. CT 11/25/06 vs. Elon 7 p.m. CT 12/16/06 vs. Nicholls State 7 p.m. CT 02/14/07 vs. South Carolina 7 p.m. CT 11/18/06 vs. Dartmouth TBA 12/20/06 vs. Lipscomb 7 p.m. CT 01/25/07 vs. Tennessee 6 p.m. CT 11/28/06 vs. Furman 7 p.m. CT 12/29/06 vs. Alabama A&M 7 p.m. CT 02/17/07 vs. Florida 12p.m. CT 11/20/06 vs. Texas A&M(CC) 7p.m. CT 12/21/06 Holiday Classic 1 p.m. CT 02/04/07 vs. Alabama 2 p.m. CT 12/02/06 vs. Toledo 7 p.m. CT 01/10/07 vs. Tennessee 7 p.m. CT 02/25/07 vs. Kentucky 1 p.m. CT 11/24/06 vs. Florida Atlantic 12p.m. CT 12/21/06 Holiday Classic 3 p.m. CT 02/11/07 vs. Auburn 2 p.m. CT 12/05/06 vs. E. T. S. U. 8 p.m. CT 01/17/07 vs. Alabama 7 p.m. CT 03/03/07 vs. Arkansas 2 p.m. CT 11/25/06 Tournament 12p.m. CT 12/30/06 vs. Princeton 2 p.m. CT 02/18/07 vs. South Carolina 2 p.m. CT 12/07/06 vs. Lipscomb 8 p.m. CT 01/27/07 vs. Ole Miss 12p.m. CT 11/21/06 Tournament 2 p.m. CT 01/01/07 vs. La Salle 2 p.m. CT 02/22/07 vs. LSU 8 p.m. CT 01/04/07 vs. Arkansas 7 p.m. CT November 2006 Talented Tenth SPORTS 

joins Chandler in New Orleans by players, including Shaquille O’Neal, signing as a free agent. The Memphis have expressed dissatisfaction with A New Generation Grizzles fans will have to deal with the new ball. The Associated Press the loss of Shane Battier whom the reports O’Neal’s response; “It’s the By: Dexter Nathaniel team traded to the Houston Rock- worst decision some expert [has] Staff writer ets in return for Stromile Swift and made... The NBA’s been around how his upcoming National of free agent Ben Wallace was one first-round pick Rudy Gay, a young long? A hundred years? Fifty years? Basketball season, fans of the most significant transactions, star from the University of Conneti- So to change it now, whoever that can expect a new out- as the Bulls will be inheriting a first cut. person is needs his college degree T The 2006-2007 basketball season revoked.” Hopefully, players will look with players changing teams team all-defensive player as well as and conferences as well as major a multiple Defensive Player of the also marks the introduction of a be able to adequately adjus to us- changes in the rules and regula- Year winner. new game ball. The league agreed to ing the new game ball and offensive tions. This Off- Season thirty teams For the position of center, the switch from the traditional leather outputs will not diminish. made transactions, which may lead New Orleans Hornets traded Tyson ball to a microfiber composite that For more information and latest to a shift of power in the conferenc- Chandler of the Chicago Bulls for will optimize grip and handling updates on trades, scoresand roster es. The Chicago Bulls’ acquisition P.J. Brown. Peja Stojakovic also throughout the entire game. Some adjustments, visit www.nba.com.

By: Nicole Cherry and Dexter Nathaniel NBA Outlook SPORTS WRITERS Eastern Conference Western Conference

Atlantic Division Northwest Division New Jersey Nets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Hornets 05-06 Record: 49-33 Cleveland Cavelliers 05-06 Record: 44-38 05-06 Record: 45-37 05-06 Record: 38-44 Playoff Result: Lost in the 2nd round to 05-06 Record: 50-32 Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to Playoff Result: Lost in 1st Round to Playoff Result: N/A Miami (4-1) Playoff Result: Lost in 2nd round to Detroit Phoenix (4-3) Outlook: Chris Paul is quickly becom- (4-3) L.A.Clippers (4-1) Outlook: With Jason Kidd at the helm of Outlook: Kobe Bryant proved last year ing a superstar. The addition of Tyson this potent offense expect the Nets to make Outlook: Lebron James finally got his team Outlook: Carmello Anthony continues of how good he can be. This Lakers Chandler, Peja Stojakovic and Hilton another playoff run. The key to the Nets’ to the playoffs, and made a wonderful his emergence as both a leader and an team surprised many by making it to the Armstrong should make this team very upcoming season will be Vince Carter’s showing. Barring injury, this team definitely offensive force to be reckoned with. continual offensive explosions and Richard has the talent to make it to the Eastern The teams success lies on the health of playoffs. In order to improve on last years exciting and competitive for the upcom- Jefferson’s overall consistency. However, Conference Finals. Marcus Camby, NeNe Hilario and the performance, Lamar Odom must emerge ing season and the New Orleans area. if the Nets want to improve on last years relationship between George Karl and as the offensive force to compliment Prediction: playoffs playoff performance they must improve Chicago Bulls Keyon Martin. Kobe Bryant. However, as long as Kobe defensively against elite players such as 05-06 Record: 41-41 Bryant is on this team the Lakers have Memphis Grizzlies Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade. Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to Miami (4-2) Utah Jazz a shot. 05-06 Record: 49-33 Outlook: The Bulls have the talent at all po- 05-06 Record: 41-41 Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to Dallas sitions, especially at guard with Ben Gordon. Philadelphia 76ers Playoff Result: N/A Golden State Warriors (4-0) 05-06 Record: 38-44 With the addition of Ben Wallace, look for Outlook: The Jazz brought in Derek 05-06 Record: 34-48 Outlook: Although Memphis says good- Playoff Result: N/A the Bulls to make a deep playoff run. Fisher to provide veteran leadership to Playoff Result: N/A bye to Shane Battier, bringing back Stro- Outlook: This season the 76ers will rely the young point guard Deron Williams, Outlook: The Warriors are a very talented mile Swift was not a bad idea. A healthy on the veteran leadership of Allen Iverson Milwaukee Bucks back court team but in the Western Damon Stoudamire and Pau Gasol along 05-06 Record: 40-42 who was very impressive in his rookie and Chris Webber, and the young talent Conference front court depth is what is with rookie Rudy Gay will keep Memphis of Samuel Dalembert, Andre Iguodala and Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to Detroit season last year. Expect Andre Kirilenko needed to compete. Since this team lacks in the playoffs. rookie Rodney Carney to have a successful (4-1) to have another dominant statistical year. front court depth a playoff run seems season in hopes of making the playoffs. Outlook: Andrew Bogut had an impressive Unfortunately, there is too much talent in rookie season last year. Along with Michael the west this year for the Jazz to make it questionable. Boston Celtics Redd and the newly acquired Charley Vil- to the postseason. 05-06 Record: 33-49 lanueva expect the Bucks to make a playoff Phoenix Suns 2006-2007 Award Predictions Playoff Result: N/A push. Seattle Supersonics 05-06 Record: 54-28 Outlook: This season the Celtics will rely 05-06 Record: 35-47 Playoff Result: Lost in Western Conf. Coach of the Year: on their young players such as newly added Southeast Division Playoff Result: N/A Finals to Dallas (4-2) Scott Skiles (Bulls) point guard Sebastian Telfair and sopho- Miami Heat Outlook: Phoenix title hopes lies on Outlook: Last season was a disappoint- Defensive Player: more Gerald Green. Ultimately, this team’s 05-06 Record: 52-30 ing year for the Supersonics; but with the health of Amare Stoudemire’s success will depend on the performance of Playoff Result: NBA Champions the addition of Chris Wilcox to go with knees following microfracture-surgery. If Ben Wallace (Bulls) Paul Pierce. Outlook: Now with a championship in hand Ray Allen and Reshard Lewis, expect the Stoudemire fully recovers, this team is a Sixth Man Award: will the Heat underachieve? Being one of Supersonics to rebound from last season. definite top contender for the title be- Toronto Raptors the oldest teams of the NBA the Heat will cause of reigning MVP Steve Nash, Shawn Jerry Stackhouse (Dallas) 05-06 Record: 27-55 once again rely heavily on Dwayne Wade. Rookie of the Year: Minnesota Timberwolves Marion and Boris Diaw. Playoff Result: N/A If Shaquille O’Neal is healthy expect the Rodney Carney (Philadelphia) Outlook: Look for the Raptors to be one of Heat make a serious defensive stance of 05-06 Record: 33-49 the surprise teams thanks largely to emerg- their title. Playoff Result: N/A Southwest Division Most Valuable Player: ing superstar Chris Bosh, the addition of Outlook: It will be a definite struggle for San Antonio Spurs Dwayne Wade (Miami) 05-06 Record: 63-19 T.J. Ford from Milwaukee and the drafts first Charlotte Bobcats this team to make the playoffs. Kevin NBA Finals: pick Andrea Bargnani. 05-06 Record: 26-56 Garnett is not to blame; the front office Playoff Result: Lost in 2nd round to Dal- Playoff Result: N/A has to surround him with better players. las (4-3) Suns defeat Heat (4-2) New York Knicks Outlook: Bobcats fans should expect The drafting of Randy Foye is a start. Outlook: Expect the Spurs to return to 05-06 Record: 23-59 another rebuilding year performance. This Do not expect this team to make the the rank of the elites now that Tim Dun- Playoff Result: N/A team has young talent such as Emeka playoffs. can, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli are all Outlook: Newly appointed coach Isaiah Okafor, Adam Morrison, Gerald Wallace healthy. The addition of younger players Thomas has the responsibility of turning the and Raymond Felton but they are a year Portland Trail Blazers such as Matt Bonner will offer the Spurs NBA’s highest paid, very disorganized and away from seriously competing for playoff 05-06 Record: 21-61 more quickness and versatility, things young franchise into a contender or else position. they lacked in last seasons playoffs. Do expect major off season changes. Playoff Result: N/A Outlook: This team is in a rebuilding pro- not be surprised if the Spurs are hoisting Orlando Magic the Larry O’Brien trophy when the season 05-06 Record: 36-46 cess. The drafting of Lemarcus Aldridge Central Division ends. Detroit Pistons Playoff Result: N/A and Brandon Roy provides talent for 05-06 Record: 64-18 Outlook: Dwight Howard has to have a Coach McMillan to work with. Prediction: Dallas Mavericks Playoff Result: Lost in Eastern Conf. Finals MVP caliber year for the Magic to make the another first round lottery pick in the to Miami (4-2) postseason. The addition of J.J. Reddick and upcoming draft 05-06 Record: 60-22 Outlook: It’s hard to imagine the Detroit the development of Jameer Nelson should Playoff Result: Lost in NBA Finals to Pistons as an elite team after trading away make this team competitive. Pacific Division Miami (4-2) one of the game’s best defensive player Ben Sacramento Kings Outlook: Dirk Nowitzki is one of the Wallace. Look for Nazr Mohammed who will Atlanta Hawks 05-06 Record: 44-38 best forwards in the league, and his team finally get his chance to serve as Wallace’s 05-06 Record: 26-56 Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to San needs him to play similarly to his playoff replacement. However, it is up Chauncey Playoff Result: N/A Antonio (4-2) performance if they want to return to Outlook: This franchise has enough talent Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace Outlook: Mike Bibby is one of the most the finals. With no major changes to the and Richard Hamilton to keep this team to compete but the question is will they underrated players in the league. Barring roster and Avery Johnson’s continued going. compete? Joe Johnson needs to emerge any distractions from Ron Artest, the emergence as one of the best coaches as the leader he was brought in to be and the Mavericks will make another title run. Indiana Pacers sophomore Marvin Williams needs to im- Kings should have no problem returning prove on his rookie season for this team to to the postseason. 05-06 Record: 41-41 Houston Rockets Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to New have any chance at respectability. 05-06 Record: 34-48 Jersey Nets (4-2) Los Angeles Clippers Playoff Result: N/A Outlook: Newly acquired Pacer Al Har- Washington Wizards 05-06 Record: 47-35 rington will provide a much needed lift on 05-06 Record: 42-40 Playoff Result: Lost in 2nd round to Outlook: The Rockets need Yao Ming both ends of the floor. Look for Jermaine Playoff Result: Lost in 1st round to Cleveland Phoenix (4-3) and Tracy McGrady to remain healthy if O’Neal to return to his all star form and (4-2) Outlook: Last year’s run was amazing, they want to compete for a playoff posi- sophomore Denny Granger to continue last Outlook: Gilbert Arenas emerged as a and very exciting for the city of Los tion, if not expect another disappointing season’s success. Expect this team to make perennial guard but Antawn Jamison and Angeles. Now with the addition of Tim season. The addition of Shane Battier the playoffs. Caron Butler must continue their offensive Thomas, Elton Brand and company will should, however, provide some much production and the team must learn to prove that last year was no fluke. needed help, a playoff run is possible. play defense if they wish to improve on last season. 10 COMMENTARY Talented Tenth November 2006 From the Desk of the Editor-in-Chief HBCU vs. Majority University By: Sean Tierney DO WE NEED THE SOCIAL staff writer CONTRUCTION OF RACE? Large or small, public or private, urban or of college rankings. The quality of education How does it feel to be part of a perpetual problem; to live in a society country, every institution of higher learning can be very important to how a graduate per- where you are a constant disturbance and forced into chains; you are falls into many different categories. One such forms in the working world. Because of higher so much of a deviant that you adhere to laws that prevent you from category is the Historically Black College or tuition, TWIs also tend to have more money to learning how to read or write; such an abomination to humans that you University (HBCU). HBCUs are institutions that spend on improving their quality of education are not even regarded as a whole person. Can you imagine waking up were dedicated to educating the black commu- and the overall experiences of their students. every morning and encountering the very flaw that has barred you (and nity before Brown v. Board of Education. With The decision to go to an HBCU or TWI is those like you) from living a normal lifestyle, by merely looking in the the outlawing of segregation in public schools an important to individual students. But what mirror? in 1954, Black students have had to decide not does it mean for the country as a whole? Which None of us are born into this world with the ability to choose the only whether to stay in-state or go out-of-state, is the best way to achieve equality: separating very characteristics that separate us from one another, but what if we but also whether to go to an HBCU or a Tradi- races or combining them? By focusing on edu- could? If two homosexual parents were raising a child in a drastically tionally White Institutions (TWIs). cating blacks, HBCUs may be best able to offer homophobic environment, a socially conscious parental figure could There are advantages to each, and the deci- support for Blacks to overcome the inherent not be faulted if they chose to make sure that the child was heterosexual sion is not easy. First, there is the financial as- advantages enjoyed by their White counerparts. in order to avoid hostility. pect. HBCUs win this hands-down. HBCUs are Meanwhile, traditionally White insitutions may There is no doubt that in the United States we are separated along usually considerably less expensive than TWIs continue to marginalize Blacks, thus benefitting our inherent characteristics. Other than sex and age, race is the most . Fisk, for example, estimates total cost at about more from going to the same schools. On the obvious method of uncontrollable classification. I have come across $21,000 a year, and Fisk is on the high end of other hand, desegregated schools are best able a number of naïve individuals that presume that race is a distinct and HBCU tuitions. By comparison, last year the to promote tolerance. Tolerance and acceptance defined category; however, race is perhaps the most crucial of the socially average cost of a four-year, private college was is best taught at young ages, and college may be created divisions. How has something as uncontrollable as race become about $30,000 per year. (Vanderbilt is about the first and only chance for many Whites and such a fierce method of categorization? So much so that it is perhaps our $47,000.) Blacks to live, work together, and learn from most common method of grouping citizens? HBCUs are also triumphant in meeting the each other. It is hard for White students to learn While race may currently be associated with the color of ones skin, in needs of the Black student community. They can from CBlack students and vice-versa if they at- its historical sense it has always inherently dealt with competition. Long best provide a community where black students tend different schools. before we considered Black and White a race in America, the gladiators do not feel marginalized. In the end, the decision to go to a histori- of Rome gallantly battled with one another in competitive races that Then again, traditionally White insitutions cally Black college or university or a trditionally resulted in a single winner. have the edge when it comes to academic qual- White insitution is left up to each student. Much If the criterion used to determine race is something that is just as ity: the best colleges and universities in America can be learned from how both types work, but temporary as the paper we write it on, it almost seems foolish to are under this category. There are over 100 rec- the choice is a personal one, and different for consciously separate ourselves along rigid racial lines . ognized HBCUs, but very few get near the top everyone. Over the course of history, the malleability of this concept is such that it has been contoured to benefit those in positions of supremacy. American chattel slavery is the only kind of slavery where slave status became equal with race. For something with such crucial implications, race is something that is determined by society. Whether this is a reality is not a question; By: Marvin Figueroa however, it is imperative to address whether categorizations using the UnforgivableSTAFF WRITER Blackness social construction of race are necessary and effective. Show after show, one bears witness to lems in the United States. Americans are con- As passionate as our forefathers were, they could have at least chosen Blacks being portrayed as jesters whose only stantly bombarded with negative images of a method of separation along the lines of something that is clearly purpose is to serve their White masters. African Americans as uncivilized, inept, and defined. Whether you agree with me or you feel that this categorization In popular novelas (Brazilian soap operas) lazy individuals. Movies and rap videos con- is one that is imperative and useful to the very fabric of American Blacks hold the roles of servant or entertain- stantly portray the African-American male culture, we, the staff of the TENTH, encourage you to pick up a pen er—as if these were the only positions that we has a hyper-sexualized and violent individual. and join the conversation. are adept to occupy. When I speak with Black Less and less of our brothers and sisters are Brazilian children, there is an overwhelm- attending institutions of higher learning and ing majority who dream of becoming soccer even less are completing school. As the Bush players while a small number even consider administration cuts back on Pell Grants, few- STAFF attending college. It seems that regardless of er of us are able to afford school. At any given the country, city, or state, there is a constant point, there can be more of us in jail than they Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors association of blackness with inferiority. Ex- are in a university. In all, our community is Nathan Anthony Ford Ann Marie Payne Michael Poku cept for the fact that a sizable percentage of in the midst of a crisis. However, what is spe- Associate Editors Ashley Smith the population can trace their roots back to cifically interesting is that as college students Tinesha Allen Africa, being in Brazil is no different from be- we have the ability to bring about immense Dominique Harris Advertising Director Joi Howard Gavin Fletcher ing in the United States. change. Being educated individuals, we rep- Samora Legros The reality is that we face the same prob- Continued on p. 11 Angela Moore Graphic Designer Corey Ponder Chantavia Burton Shaina Johnson Letter to the Editor: Advertise with Talented Tenth Dear Editor: I just read the Sports article titled, “Is Vanderbilt Ready for Another Black Quarterback?” I am floored that you would dare pose such an silly question. I understand the aims of the Talented Tenth, but I am out- Email: raged that you would try to bring race on the hallowed ground of football. It shouldn’t matter that it’s been [email protected] nearly 10 years since we’ve had a Black quarterback. Chris Nickson is starting because he holds the Alabama state record for touchdowns (67) and is capable of holding down the job. Had he been White and thrown for 67 touchdowns he still would have been the starter. It’s about talent, and Nickson has it. There have only been OPINION POLICY a handful of black kickers in the history of football, but does that mean schools are racist and discriminatory? No. More than seventy percent of NFL players are Black, but is the league discriminatory against whites? No. We at Talented Tenth appreciate any thought provoking comments and opinions Tony Dungy, Marvin Lewis, Lovie Smith, Herm Edwards are all Black head coaches, but is Peyton Manning that you feel would be a benefit to our readers. Any letters sent for possible Black? How about Rex Grossman? Carson Palmer? They’re not because it doesn’t matter. It’s football. It’s submission as an opinion piece, needs to be well written, cohesive, and contain about winning, and if Peyton was Black he’d still be the best quarterback in the modern era. Not every issue in logical arguments to any claims made. Submissions that do not meet these requirements and are nameless will not be considered for the publication. life is about Blacks and Whites, so drop the rhetoric when it comes to sports. Don’t applaud a player because Letters can be submitted in person at the Black Cultural Center room #111 or by he’s Black; applaud him because he’s good. More than 200 yards from scrimmage and two TDs ? Good job, e-mail to [email protected] no later than midnight on December Chris Nickson. 9th. Once submitted, all articles become the property of the Talented Tenth and ~ Robert W. Wynkoop are subject to editing and condensation as the editor-in-chief deems necessary. November 2006 Talented Tenth COMMENTARY 11 A m e r i c a invented r a c e ! By: Jeanine Mansour STAFF WRITER

Americans have used race to distinguish ing the perpetuation of the race construct and White American is the color of their amongst those that are not a part of the and of skin color identifying me as a person. skin. dominant cultural circle. Race becomes an I am so sick of hearig an African American Yet, I will talk to so many Black and White institutional criterion that can only survive say “hello” to another African American on Americans, and there seems to be such a “dif- with a conscious effort to sustain it. Those campus, not because they know the person, ference.” Please Vanderbilt, please tell me the who created the racial system as well as but because they share the same skin color. difference between Black and White. I un- those who are constrained by it, cooperate I am so sick of the typical “Vandy girls” be- derstand the differences between the cultures to maintain the status quo until later chal- ing too “embarrassed” to go to NPHC par- of Northerners and Southerners; rich and lenged. Basically, the social construction ties. I am so sick of seeing all the South poor; Baptist and Jewish; educated and non- of race was designed deliberately to jus- Asian kids only sit with other South Asians educated. But please Vanderbilt, what is the tify the institution of slavery, promotion of in Rand. I am so sick of skin color and how difference in character and behaviors when White solidarity, and create entitlements it has shaped our behaviors and beliefs. comparing skin color? Tell me which skin and advantages for Americans categorized People have a misconception that skin color can dance better, cook better. Please as whites. color is cultural; that in America there is a tell me which skin color is more intelligent. Slavery began as an economic interest ‘black’ culture and there is a ‘White’ culture. Better athletes? Drug Dealers? Gay? Politi- however only in America was it adopted Let me bring an example to the table. You cians? Tell me the difference between skin into racial construct to be followed. Race in have three people: Black American, White color so I know who to marry. this country is constructed as a social sta- American, and White British. In America, What I want to emphasize is that the tus and is now considered for many as their we catgorize the Black person in one group color of your skin should not be your only identity. For instance, a woman who is both and the two White people in another. How- defining characteristic. It is up to every in- African American and Caucasian will be ever, in reality, the Black and White Ameri- dividual and how they treat others to make judged instantly by her skin color. Race, un- can shares more commonalities than the change. Differences are a beautiful thing, like gender, is variable: it is relative to loca- White American does with the White Brit- and tolerance of these differences is even tion and historical period. Race is an irra- ish. I guarantee you on the Fourth of July, more beautiful. However, by Vanderbilt tional means of achieving what seem to be the White and Black Americans are lighting students letting the social construction of rational objectives. So if America invented up fireworks while the White British is re- race rule our thoughts and actions, we are race, how can we UN-invent it? calling of the days of the American Revolu- making a conscientious effort to keep race Vanderbilt students can start by not aid- tion. The only thing that divides the Black alive.

From Unforgivable, page 10 CLOSING THE GAP By: Morgan Turner STAFF WRITER

find ways to increase gifted Black stu- dents in gifted programs. I’m also look- ing at the impact of family life on aca- demic success as well as issues of acting White or Black” says Dr. Ford. “If we go by public schools (in Nashville), 17% are Black and too many of the Black stu- dents aren’t doing well. They are just as capable their White counterparts.” Dr. Ford is one of three minority professors consistently doing research in this field but she notes that the lack of minorities is inspiration for her to Dr. Donna Ford is taking steps to close work even harder. “It makes me work the achievement gap in the African a little harder to keep people informed Senior Marvin Figueroa in Sao Paulo American community and recruit more minorities to do re- The achievement gap is a huge is- search in my field so it isn’t so racially resent the best of our communities of the disease. Our generation has sue in the African American commu- homogenous,” says Dr. Donna Ford. and the decision-making power of become comfortable at the very mo- nity. No one knows this better than Dr. Ford’s research has garnered her continued deterioration or recovery. ment that our community needs our Donna Ford, the Betts Chair of Edu- many awards. Most recently she was Some of the greatest social revolu- activism. Oftentimes I hear from my cation and Human Development in awarded the American Education Re- tions in Latin America have been lead colleagues that the reason why they Peabody College, and the only African search Association’s Scholars of Color by university students. During the can not help right now is because they American endowed professor here at Distinguished Career Contribution Civil Rights Movement it was college are preparing to help in the future. Vanderbilt. Prior to joining the Van- Award in 2005. She has also written students that proved the backbone of While this perception may have some derbilt University faculty, Dr. Ford held several books including Reversing Un- civil disobedience and yet most of us validity it reflects a false conception of positions at the University of Kentucky, derachievement Among Gifted Black stand idle as we witness the demise of time. Actively helping our community Ohio State University and University of Students (1996) and the co-authored brothers and sisters. We have become should be something that we con- Virginia. Multicultural Gifted Education (1999). so involved in memorizing our chem- stantly involved in. How many more One of the main reasons for Dr. Great strides are being made in istry formulas and theories that we young men must be raised thinking Ford’s presence and work with Vander- closing the achievement gap through forget there is a world starving for our that the true test of manhood is how bilt University is to close the achieve- her research efforts. There will be op- innovative ideas, energy, and passion. many women you sleep with or how ment gap by finding ways to get more portunities coming soon for students Some of us dream of becoming many people you can intimidate? In a African American students in gifted interested in her cause to close the scientist and finding a cure for AIDS world where the question “how does student programs at all levels of educa- achievement gap. Dr. Ford and her but how many of us serve as tutors it feel to be a problem” still proves rel- tion; “My research is in several different colleagues are currently working on children so a child will not engage evant it is our responsibility to take areas. For years I have been trying to getting an Achievement Gap Center on in behavior that leads to contraction action. Vanderbilt’s campus. 12 Talented Tenth November 2006 W M U S Z N G S F D J D D H R G X H A S I O B U D U C D O N L S C O S T U M E S E S J B Y N G H C G D S Q F S R E C N A C T S A E R B V F G I P C W T U T F E E I COLLEGE DAYS K S R T B H L V M J C R T W C I S F X A O T P R V X G I U O S O C U C E B E L I O J P C U E J U D U T Y W H Alumni Leaves C O Q L P L D Q O U X S M Z G S Q I S B W C H H T S O gamecocks Ticket K V S F J F R W N N E M B E N I G N E A A E Z C Z J K Research cure O T E K C I T I G H O M E C O M I N G N N F P L U I S Autumn Loss F P O T T N O A B N N N F R J T S L A A C G L Q K O Q Gamecocks Touchdown F N I N N N M N E E W O L L A H A F F O P I K Q Z D T Reunion Deficiencies T H G I N E H T K C A B E K A T E E M K Y X E O T G S Benign Ludacris W V E Q C Y S G M J R R I R D E P M R R E H B S M K Y Halloween treatment Q I Y O E K A U Q A W S J E R L O Q G T M Q E D C E M Scare Dubois K S C W F A C W U R E S F A H D H G D M R O L O A B N Breast cancer Mae Jemison I K T N E H S J A K T J H R O C I S H R D O C E Q K I Haunted house Trick or treat S Y I R L E A V E S D S E R Y V R Z F P J E K L G R F Shareefa Fall break L W A O F E H F F B A A E M L C V A R O M V F C B T L Candy Midterms F C K Z J V R Y L N W S E N I C A P E A O J S M I F E Health awareness Wellness bash S U W T N E M T A E R T I E B S Z H G S U T Q K B R X Stop violence Flag football M J G O F W B E C N E L O I V P O T S D E D B L G Q T Commodores No class R B W E L L N E S S B A S H B D N N T Y I R R A E M W Homecoming Win E B A H O U C T S A L U M N I J J T B B S Y M U L H P Susan g komen Floats T J T H A S G L J B H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S L C Common Parade D S W I T M I U F Y E S U O H D E T N U A H Z Q J C E Kickoff Football I R Y W S W H P Z V A V O A U T U M N T L C A N D Y Q Costumes Quake M G I E D A R A P Z A B I R L U D A C R I S J E Z N O Y L L A B T O O F G A L F A L L B R E A K I Y L O A W

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