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4-1-1996 The lB ack Perspective April 1996 University of Dayton. Black Action Through Unity

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DO YOU WANT DIVERSITY? by Ebony L. Odoms

Do you as an African American student if you see more black faces on campus in the coming years? Evidently not! On March 21st, Diverse Student Populations in collaboration with the Admissions office held a meeting to address the needs for recruiting more minority students. The meeting was facilitated by the DSP staff; Tim Spraggins, Kathleen Henderson, and Diana Castillo, along with three administrators from the admissions office; Chris Munoz, Myron Achbach, Seniors Lisa Blackwell, Delisha Stewart, and Kemi O'gunjimi celebrate their sisterhood on the Women's Retreat. and Rob Durkle. The meeting was primarily held to hear minority students input on the ideas IN CELEBRATION OF MY BLACK SISTERS they had to increase the recruitment of by Danielle Stinson minorities on campus. Ironically only eight African American students and two On Sunday, March 24 in celebration of precious moments," as those are the ones Latin American students were in atten­ Women's "Herstory" Month, 19 young she remembers most since the loss of her dance for this meeting, not even one women of UD attended a women's retreat son, Chris. eighth of the minority student population at the Bergamo Christian Education Next, it was time to "exhale". We on campus. Center. "In Celebration Of My Black pampered ourselves with hand massages, The students who were present had Sisters" focused on "the relationships of and manicures. After a healthy dinner, we good ideas. Rashad Young, a native black women... at our campus, sister-to- celebrated the grace of our bodies in Daytonian and sophomore, business sister, and with self." The retreat's motion by learning easy, stress-relieving major, told the admissions that the purpose was to celebrate as well as exercises which help to put the body and prospective students should be "shown empower black women as individuals mind at ease, taught by Miss Stephanie more things that would interest them." Mr. and collectively. Morgan. As a finale, we sistas honored Young went on to add that "if they want As the ladies sat around the room in a our spirituality with a period of prayer and more African American students enrolled circle ready to begin our first exercise, the praise. Each woman created a collage then they need to get more African retreat began with an activity that helped describing herself and sharing it with the American students to help them." us to be in contact with our emotions. group. By the end of the day, not a soul Tiffany Wyatt, a sophomore, commu­ Afterwards, all eyes were open wide and was left unhealed as the sound of Whitney nications major, reiterated Rashad's point all minds in one direction. Houston and CeCe Winans' "Count On and added, "seeing black student's on This was due in part to one of the Me" filled our ears and our hearts! campus and interacting with them is what strongest, most inspirational female As a young sista struggling in a '90's get's the prospective students interested figures many of us had ever met. This this is truly a memorable and worthwhile in this University. . . and if they want a dynamic woman was Ms. Alice Daniels. experience. It will never be forgotten. more diversified population then this is She began her session with a song entitled An extra special thank you goes out to what they need to do." "Designer's Original." This song told three very important, beautiful "mother- Despite the mesally populated how each of us is different and has sisters" on campus: Kathleen Henderson, meeting, the points that these students something special to offer the world, Rev. Judi Wortham, and Verda George. raised were put to use. The prospective which is unique to our personality and a These women are here for us anytime, students that have visited the campus gift from God. This was particularly but are sometimes taken for granted. I since that meeting were met with a host fitting as the topic of discussion was want to take the time now just to let them of African American faces. "How To Live Each Day As If It Were know how much we really appreciate Hopefully in the future, more African Your Last On Earth." Although many of them. Their presence at the retreat meant American students will help in the us were reluctant to speak at first, each more than words can say. With them, recruitment of minority students before woman eventually expressed what she Ms. Daniels, and Miss Morgan, we the well runs dry. could leave to the world if her life was to younger sistas were able to truly cel­ As the office of Diverse Student Popula­ suddenly come to an end. Ms. Daniels ebrate ourselves and the company of tions reminds us "It takes a Village". encouraged all of us to create "little, each other. HAITI: A RETURN TO MY ROOTS by Donita Harger

This past Spring Break I had the preparation sessions we thought we had exceptionally thin arms and legs privilege to attend UD's first Spring were finally prepared for our journey. that resembled the pencils we write Break Out to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For But no one could have prepared us for with. As I walked into the room, the nine days, along with 10 other UD what we were about to experience. No children would gather up all the students, I was immersed in the poorest one could have explained to us how strength they could to raise their tiny country in the western hemisphere. we would feel when we returned arms out to be held. The room was The purpose of our trip was to work home. No one could describe the filled with a constant moaning of pain. directly with the poor while learning feeling I would feel being an African- Each morning I would play peek-a- about the political, economic, and American in Haiti. boo, or make funny faces, but nothing cultural aspects of a third world While in Haiti, my life was recon­ could make them forget the pain in country. structed. I had a rude awakening as I their fragile bodies. Being at the After 10 students were selected in began to accept and embrace my hospital made the statistic's I have January, the learning process began. African roots. Haiti is the first all black heard before real. 27 percent of Our Sunday evenings were devoted to republic. African slaves were annexed Haitian children die before age five. the discovery of information about to Haiti by the Spanish and French. One Haitian child dies every five Haiti. During these sessions, we would Once they were there the slaves began minutes. The infant mortality rate is hear from speakers throughout the to revolt against the authority. The 123 per 1,000 births. Dayton area that have recently traveled slaves rebelled and conquered the It is almost impossible to describe to Haiti. Each speaker touched upon a French and established their own what I experienced in Haiti. The different aspect of Haiti - political, constitution. Haiti welcomed any slave Haitian people have been truly touched economic, and cultural etc. After many that wanted to be free, regardless of by the Spirit. In the midst of severe where they were being held captive. poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and unem­ Each face I looked into I felt the power ployment are the most loving, kind, and energy of the slave revolt. I also patient, and forgiving people I have WJK4J PWPTGIVT felt the pain and suffering of each child ever met. The Haitians are very proud I held. Due to outside influence and of who they are. They are proud of The Black Perspective is a University of supposed "assistance" from the United were the came from and what their Dayton student-run and operated publica­ States and other countries Haiti has tion. This paper aims to be the eyes, ears, ancestors did for them. They know that and voiceof the UD African-American com­ become the poorest country in the the situation their in now is only munity. The general editors urge the student western hemisphere. Over 90% of the temporary. Their kingdom awaits them body to use this paper to publicize their population earns less than $150 per in heaven. I witnessed so much hope upcom i ng events and to express thei r thought year. Over 70% of the Haitians are and courage in Haiti. A child had not on issues/events (national, state, local etc.) that affect the African-American commu­ unemployed. Those Haitians fortu­ eaten in a week but proclaimed that he nity. This paper reflects the intelligence and nate enough to work usually earned was still strong and ready for the all the determination that exist within the about $3.00 per day. This is a country battles that awaited him. African-American community on this cam­ suffering from extreme poverty and I arrived back to the United States pus. The paper solicits student writings in under development. all forms: editorials, feature articles, com­ with a new perspective on life. The mentaries, poetry, or any other forms that While in Haiti I was a witness to this people of Haiti gave me a new way of address relevant issues. The editors do extreme poverty. Each morning I approaching life. They gave a lot to reserve the right to edit material and to would wake up to the stale stench from ponder. They made me realize that choose material that will be published; the trash lined dirt roads. The streets of African-Americans have not taken the however, only material that is presented in a derogatory manner will be rejected. Haiti are filled with trash dumped by time to recognize, accept and get back The paper accepts writings from aJl the United States. Little Haitian to our roots. As Rev. Judi stated last UD students. children laugh as they jump up and month in her article, we have to return down in the garbage, they consider and reclaim. Living in Haiti for nine Submissions may be sent to something to play in. I saw children days has made me realize how much Black Perspective c/o Diverse Srudent Populations searching through the trash in attempt African-Americans have truly been 101 O'Reilly Hall to find something to satisfy the ever Americanized. We claim to be African- Dayton, OH 45401-0812 present hunger in their bloated bellies. Americans but are we really? How [email protected] I was also a witness to the hunger much do we know about our African or Editor in Chief and disease for this poverty stricken Haitian brothers and sisters? How Joy Stephens country. For three days I volunteered at much do we really know about our

Senior Writers a hospital for dying children. Most of "Mother-land"? How much do we Glen Forest the children in the hospital were know about pain and suffering? How Ebony Odoms suffering from malnutrition, dehydra­ Natanya Pritchett much do we know about our roots? Joseph Salley tion, severe diarrhea, tuberculosis, or Where do your roots begin? AIDS. I worked in a room occupied by 16 babies. The babies in the hospital ‘SANKOFA’ Part II by Judi Wortham

that their survival depends on being future. According to Dr. Linda James submissive. Others have overcompen­ Myers, we need to understand the sated to prove their masculinity by difference between the reality of the slave aggressive and hostile behavior toward holder and the reality of our ancestors. society, toward African American The reality of the slave holder leads women, and even toward each other. us to destruction whereby the reality of The absence of respect for marriage our ancestors leads us to health and and family during the years of slavery on wholeness. the part of the slavemaster left deep scars. The real keys to eternal bliss come from Marriage between slaves had no formal the teachings of ancient Africans who legal standing and families were torn know and lived a world view that brought apart at the will of the master. Owners about ultimate peace and happiness. Dr. were considered the head of every slave Myers says that the optimal world view household and could withhold permis­ addresses two very basic concepts: sion for a marriage or insist that one (1) self-knowledge is the basis of all occur. Sexual abuse was common­ knowledge (epistemology); and (2) place—it was the owner's prerogative to human and spiritual networks (ntuology) demand favors at whim. In many cases, provide the process through which we African American men today are still will achieve our goals. paying a psychological price for feelings This is the 21 st century. It's a time of Slavery had a calamitous impact on our of inadequacy generated by the inability triumph. Our challenge is to get out of cultural heritage and our interpersonal to protect their families and provide the way. It is time to MASTER THE relationships. Over a period of four economic stability and security. LESSONS. Once we know who we are, centuries, European traders captured The slave master's lash definitely left its what we are and why we are here, we more than one hundred thirty-three mark in other ways as well. By wrench­ can truly become the expression of the million Africans and exported them as ing husbands from wives and severing the divine. human commodities to South America, connection between parents and their I close with the farewell statement from the Caribbean, and the United States. children, slavery fostered the rootlessness Kwanzaa: The cries of women who begged to be that still plagues us. By stripping our taken into captivity in exchange for their people of our cultural ties, it destroyed TAMSHI LA TUTAONANA children's freedom went unheeded. In the foundation of our lives and prevented Strive for discipline, dedication and the ultimate betrayal, some of our own us from building a new one. Dr. Na'im achievement in all you do. African brothers and sisters negotiated Akbar says: Dare struggle and sacrifice and gain the with the white man to sell their own kind Slavery was "legally ended in strength that comes from this. into slavery, a tragic reminder that excess of 100 years ago, but the Build where you are and dare leave a divisions within our ranks imperil our Over 300 years experienced in its legacy that will last as long as survival. brutality and unnaturalness consti­ the sun shines and the water flows. When the slave ships docked, our tuted a severe psychological and Practice daily UMOJA, ancestors were alone in an alien culture. social shock to the minds of African- KUJICHAGULIA, UJIMA, In a stark symbol of their lost identity, Americans. This shock was so UJAMAA, NIA, KUUMBA and IMANI. they were stripped of their African destructive to natural life processes And may the wisdom of the ancestors surnames and arbitrarily assigned new that the current generations of always walk with us. ones at the whim of their owners. Is it African-Americans, though we are 5- May the year's end meet us laughing any wonder, then today, that we are still 6 generations removed from the and stronger. struggling to understand our identity and actual experience of slavery, still May our children honor us by following to name ourselves! carry the scars of this experience in our example in love and struggle. Young males, the warriors and hunters both our social and mental lives. And at the end of next year, may we sit of Africa, were the prize of the slave Psychologists and sociologists have again together, in larger traders; on some plantations the men failed to attend the persistence of numbers, with greater achievement and outnumbered the women nine to one. problems in our mental nd social closer to liberation But once we hit the shores of the Ameri­ lives which clearly have their roots and a higher level of human life. cas, the very masculinity that made the in slavery. Only the historian has men so prize worthy was stripped away. given proper attention to the shatter­ HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! African men began to learn a lesson that ing realities of slavery, and has dealt HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! still creates relationship conflicts: aggres­ with it only as descriptive of past sive behavior is punished severely; to be events.1 docile is to survive. This message has Thus, the need for an Afrocentric world 1 Akbar, Na'im. CHAINS AND IMAGES OF been handed down from father and view is established; not only to look at PSYCHOLOGICAL SLAVERY. Jersey City, New mother to son for generations and many and understand our past, but to utilize Jersey: New Mind Productions, 1984. Pg. 7. of our brothers have grown up thinking that past as our key to the present and the J THE MONTH

BUSTA R-HVMeS MAKSS submitted by Sean Thompson in collaboration with Saturday Night Street SOLO DSBUT Jams and the Flava Zone. by Sean Thompson 1. "Killing Me Softly" Fugees

One of the necessary things which is album complete. The "III Vibe" teams 2. "Woo Hah - Goy You All In needed for a rap group or soloist to Busta up with his old buddy Q-Tip from Check" Busta Rhymes succeed is originality. The group or A Tribe Called Quest. Both definitely soloist has to have their own style and maintain an ill vibe and flow like they 3. "No One Else (Rmx)" not sound like the next one or their have been together for years. Total w/ Da Brat, Lil Kim, & Foxxy Brown career could be over before it starts. The "Flipmode Squad Meets the Def Busta Rhymes during his rap career has Squad" is a friendly lyrical battle 4. "Doin' It" definitely fit the description of original­ between two dope crews. Busta and L.L. Cool J ity. His raspy voice and wild style has his Flipmode squad (Rampage and Lord stood by itself for some time. Have Mercy) more than hold their own 5. "Renee (Rmx)" Even when Busta Rhymes dropped with the Def Squad's Redman, Keith Lost Boys two albums with his group the Leaders Murray and Jamal. You will have to of the New School many knew who judge for yourself on who is the better 6. "Motherless Child" Busta was and by no means did the crew since they both represent to the Ghostface Killer group overshadow him. Now that the fullest. group has broken up, Busta has done On "It's A Party", Busta and sweet 7. "Shadowboxing" Genius/GZA what many say he should have done singing R&B duo Zhane combine to back in the day - go solo. form a jam that could possibly be a 8. "No Love w/o Hate" Busta's solo debut The Coming is club favorite this summer. The song is Sunz of Man Busta taking us with him on a lyrical done over a cool, laid back, smooth voyage as he attempts to rip the beat that anyone will feel regardless of 9. "Funkorama" competition apart and represent the their style. Redman real hip hop. The Coming contains all the elements Throughout the album Busta ex­ which make Busta the gifted MC that 10. "5 O'clock" presses in his way a respect and he is. Busta's off the wall style is Nonchalant commitment to the hip hop culture. He complemented with his strong successfully attempts to uplift the art lyrics to form a hit 11. "Dead Presidents' form of rap, while at the same time album. The beats are Jay Z letting people know he is not the one to varied so there are "Must Stay Paid" mess with on the mic. Tracks like "Do no two songs that Broadway My Thing" and "Everything Remains sound the same. Raw" showcases Busta's tight lyrical With such a solid "Keep On skill over hard thumping beats, but that debut, Busta Keeping On" uplifting feeling. appears headed MC Lyte w/ Xcape "Woo Hah! Got You All In Check" for a was the first single Busta put out from successful "Real Live S***" the album. The single has already gone solo Real Live gold and has practically become the career. anthem for the spring. "Natural (Rmx)" Though Busta is on point with his Mic Geronimo solo cuts, it is actually his collabora­ tions with other artists which make the A $£VOA £M£W£/Z CONGRATULATIONS by Kemi O'gunjimi TO THE

This is to the high school class of everything for a test. Before I knew 1996 '92, that entered into the University it, I was taking caffeine pills to stay GRADUATING of Dayton on that faithful Saturday awake (thank God I did not form a in August four years ago. . . habit). STARS Remember when: As a graduating senior, I am Only women lived in Marycrest very excited about graduating and Hall, and you had to escort your moving on to the "Real World!" At dad, brother, (or your man) to your the same time, I am very afraid. The room. University of Dayton is just a part of N'Kechia Abney Stuart was all male, but you my many experiences in life, there is Dayton, Ohio always found the dudes in more to come (I pray)! I am ready to Major: Spanish Marycrest instead go to grad school and be on my Minor: Marketing & Education of Stuart. own. I am looking forward to having All UD students had 2 ID's. Your my own place, moving to a new city John Akujobi ID card with your picture and date and meeting new people. Lagos, Nigeria of birth (I didn't like that one), and But there is a downside: I am Major: Electrical Engineering your meal ticket. Of course you going to miss my friends and family Minor: Industrial Engineering always knew the freshmen, we the most. It is not going to be the were the ones with the green meal same. We will be spread throughout Lisa Blackwell ticket. Sophomores had the red the country, maybe call each other Washington, D.C. ones, juniors had blue, and seniors every other week, and if we are Major: Political Science had the white. lucky see each other once a year. God, those were the days! We are about to embark upon Aurelia Hall Well, CONGRATULATIONS to different journeys! Hopefully, with Dayton, Ohio each and everyone of you who the help of Mr. Bell and Ms. E-Mail, Major: Communications made it through the four or five we can reach out and touch. Minor: Public Relations years of UD! This is to the class of On a serious note, it is going to be '96 and '97. scary, because I don't foresee the Oluwakemi Ogunjimi One last do you remember (black future. I don't know what to expect, Xenia, Ohio people): Do you remember when so I don't know how to prepare. But Major: Chemistry all we would all sit in Marycrest I hope that the many lessons that I Minor: Religion & Psychology lobby and clown, then go over to have learned at UD will be very the bowling alley and have some useful in helping me through life. Delisha Stewart more fun? Marycrest lobby was just One thing that I can take on this Dayton, Ohio the place to be in those days. new journey, that will always be Major: Biochemistry When I came to UD that Satur­ there is, GOD. If nothing else I have day, the only person I knew was my learned never to go on a new Kemba Hubbard roommate. Like many freshmen, I journey without Him. Like I said, I Dayton, Ohio went to bed thinking I was never am excited and afraid, but the Major: Elementary Education going to make it out of here alive. Almighty has already assured me that By the beginning of our second wherever I go, He will be there. Joseph Salley semester my fears were confirmed. That is just enough peace of mind Chicago, Illinois Freshmen year we came back only for me! Major: Elementary Education to discover a real dose of college To everyone that is graduating: I life; some of us did not make the can imagine that you share at least Adrian Simmons grade. What a reality check! some of my anxiety and fears, maybe Dayton, Ohio When you're accustomed to more. But I hope each of you is Major: Elementary & making at least 3.33 and over, then ready to embrace your new begin­ Special Education get a report card and see 2.some­ nings! Life is full of its twists and thing, you realize you have to work turns, but you must never quit. Cleo Syph hard to make it! Since then, we To the ones remaining, trust me Toledo, Ohio have been making the grade. Many the years will fly, enjoy each and Major: Secondary Education were the nights that I would stay up every moment! Always trust in God, all night, just to make sure I knew He will get you through! ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT COMEDIAN? by Ebony L. Odoms ERICAN Showcase On Friday, April 12th, the Welcome to the African American Showcase. This month two prominent African American Multicultural Awareness Committee Women; Lynn Whitfield and Martin Lawrence, will be featured in the Black Perspective. headed up UD's own "Def Comedy Jam". With several months of prepara­ tion and last minute work, the commit­ tee was bound to make their last program for the year a success. With the first step being a survey to find out what the people wanted, the search for comedians began. Looking all around the country for the funniest comics, they were gathered from both the east and west coast. The night was hosted by the hilarious Monique and the D.J. was "Kid For Free!" Waiting for the next comedian to come out on the stage, the audience was ready for their funny bone to be tickled. The show was ended with a snap contest which involves UD's own LaShawn Pettus-Brown and Belvin This impeccably coifed actress attended Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, and gradu­ Baldwin. To top it all off there was a Howard University in Washington, D.C. ated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in party on KU's terrace which was to last where she studied Drama. Whitfield's Maryland. Martin considered himself the until 3:00a.m. interests in acting began as early as the age self designated jester of his high school. of five. She would stay up and watch old Martin began his comedic career telling The Multicultural Awareness Com­ movies. jokes to his tired mother after work. He mittee has done a fabulous job this year Whitfield began her professional acting later became the kid on the fence telling doing what there title represents, with career as a member of New York City's jokes and making fun of people as they other events such as the "Candlelight Negro Ensemble Company. She landed her walked past. Vigil", and "Speak Out" a forum to first film role in the movie Doctor Detroit. After graduating from high school in address racial issues. Since then she has appeared in the televi­ 1984, Lawrence worked as a janitor and To everyone who helped make the sion series Equal Justice and The Cosby tried out his stand up routines around the Comedy Show a success: Thank You Mysteries. Whitfield has appeared in the Washington, D.C. club circuit. He then for your efforts and happy planning for major motion pictures Silverado and The went to L.A. where he appeared on Star Sluggers Wife. She also had a part in the Search. After his initial disappointment, next Year! highly acclaimed Women of Brewster Place. Lawrence landed a role on the syndicated At the age of 37, Whitfield won the part of a television show What's Happening Now? lifetime as Josephine Baker in the HBO two Spike Lee gave Lawrence his first role in a hour movie The Josephine Baker Story. major motion picture (Do the Right Thing). MCONGRATULATIONSU! However, Whitfield's good fortune This role led to appearances in both House quickly disappeared after her appearance as Party movies and Boomerang. While Josephine Baker. She became a victim of working on other projects, Martin was also To The New BATU the Hollywood tradition of "type casting." host of HBO's Def Comedy Jam. He later Executive Board Members! This did not stop Whitfield, she decided that left this position as host to star in his if work did not find her she would find it. television series Martin. Martin Lawrence President: Donita Harger Through relocation and determination, co-starred in Bad Boys with Will Smith and Whitfield has managed to land several very is currently in A Thin Line Between Love Vice President: Harri Ramkishun important roles including her role in A Thin and Hate with Lynn Whitfield. Line Between Love and Hate in which she is co-starring with Martin Lawrence. Secretary: Danielle Stinson by Natanya Pritchett Treasurer: Nikeshea Spears

Historian: Becky Ford Who is this future teacher of the Year! Who is this former Resident Assistant and future Who is this Women's Basketball Team member! Senior Star — Kemba Hubbard teacher!1 Senior Star — Clio Syph Senior Star — Lisa Blackwell with Dad, David

Kemi O'gunjimi loads her luggage for an EHS tour. March 1994.

Seniors Kemi O'gunjimi, Rhea Walker, and Delisha Stewart celebrate the last UD home game Salena Clay, Kemba Hubbard, and Melinda Riddick prepare for the Delta Ball — March 1994 of their senior year. — March 1996 Roomates Delisha Stewart and Cenaia Hill celebrate the Soul Food Dinner — December 1995

Lisa Blackwell and Clio Syph prepare for the Senior Dance — April 1996

Seniors N'Kechia Abney, Stephanie Morgan, and Delisha Stewart receive their kente cloth at the Senior Ball —April 1996

Seniors Kemba Hubbard and )oseph Salley head for the 70’s party — March 1994