VOL. 4 NO. 2 THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY DECEMBER, 1992 Spring Courses Family Weekend: t>y The Watchdog gence Of CivifrttUlont A The Extravaganza Cross-Cultural Examina­ by Perspective Staff Directorof Multicultural Stu­ What ORdergradaate tion MW10 dent Affairs Janet Moore, and xtursesdealingwith Africans On Saturday, October 31 Director of Security Ron mdor African Americansate 140 J«S(H^>Race,Health, the BSU sponsored its annual Mullen. )cing taught next semester? and Medicine in the United Family Weekend Program/ The event was organized One would think that since States. T1-3 Reception. The standing room by BSU Community Rela­ bis is such adivetse Univer­ only event was held in the tions chair and included per­ sity. a look at the coarse 30ft.363(H){W) Contem­ Garrett Room, and over 100 formances by the JHU Gos­ sehedulewouldrevealaveri- porary African l iterature students,family members, and pel Choir, Crista Johnson, ahle plethora of courses ThF 12-1:30 administrators attended. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha iboutBlacks.Not “This was the highest turn­ Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha I submit for your chagrin 190:341(8) Topics in out I’ve seen since I’ve been Psi. During the program ind information thcpinkyfut AmeHcan Political here,’’said senior Carlos Margo Butler was recognized ri undergraduate courses Thought W1-3 Greenlee. for the time and effort she put which the University is of­ Attending University offi­ into painting the beautiful fering on Africans and those 190.38 7 (S)AfrieanPolitics cials included University Pro­ murals which adorn the walls af African ancestry next se­ Through Fiction T 12-2 vost Joseph Cooper, Dean of ofthe BSU room. Following mester. Homewood Student Services the program refreshments Oops! 1 was wrong, that’s Larry Benedict, Dean of Stu­ were served, and mingling I3O.3S5(H,S) The Emer­ more like a thimbleful. dents Susan Boswell, was encouraged. Response to the event was extremely positive. Benedict Women’s Center and BSU Meet Continued on page 2 by Perspective Staff ber asking any student Hopkins, and the provision of INSIDE groups which had any ques- “an organized support center GRO's Resolution The guest speaker at the tions about the 16 Demands and vocal political outlet for On The 16 Demands November 17 Women’s Cen­ to contact him. A copy of women of all races/ethnicities, ter meeting was BSU Com­ this letter was distributed to religions, and sexualities.” Page 2 munity Relations Chair Craig all groups with a mailbox in During the meeting it be­ Warren. Numerous other stu­ the SAC lounge. came clear that the two orga­ Should Black Student; dents attended the meeting, The Women’s Center is nizations shared many of the Recruit for llopkins ? as did Student Council a student group, open to male same goals, and that it would Page 5 Multicultural Student Affairs and female students, which be beneficial for them to work Chair Maaz Abdi, BSU Presi­ meets weekly during the aca- together more closely in the Fear of a Black JIIU demic year. Goals of the future. The Women’s Center dent Henry Boateng, and Page 6 BSU member Shonette John­ organization include encour­ said that it would draft a letter son. aging, “the study of women ’ s supporting the 16 Demands, "Ode to a Sellout" Members of the BSU were history, feminist criticisms, and that it would try to send a invited to the meeting in re­ and gender issues at representative to BSU meet­ Page 9 sponse to a letter which War­ Hopkins,” the improvement ings. The BSU also agreed to ren sent out in early Novem- of the status of women at Continued on page 2 Plus Much More! Page 2______Perspective______December, 1992 GRO Supports Black Student Efforts by Perspective Staff members were invited to the improving the status of aux­ the demands than I was with meeting to,’’explain their po­ iliary service workers, the that of Student Council,” said One of the items on the sition on the 16 Demands they protection of the interests of Warren, “GRO did, in one agenda of the December 3 have made of the university Black students in the com­ meeting, what it took Coun­ meeting of the Graduate Rep- which have been much dis­ munity, and the construction cil close to two months to resentative cussed this semester.” of an outdoor athletic facil­ do.” Organization’s was a presen­ After a brief presentation, ity. tation by members of the during which Little and War­ At the conclusion of the Parents, Black Student Union, and a ren introduced themselves meeting, GRO decided that Continued from page 1 discussion of resolutions on and provided background on it would draft a letter to the said that, “My wife and I the recruitment of African the Demands, the discussion appropriate parties support­ thoroughly enjoyed our- American faculty and gradu­ began. Discussion centered ing the efforts of the BS U.(see ourselves...the organization ate students, Auxiliary ser­ around which Demands the bottom of page) was wonderful, the variety of vice workers, and endorsing GRO would support, what The GRO also stated that performances outstanding, the efforts of the BSU to raise they could do to help the BSU the representatives present and the overall event was a awareness on campus. attain achieve their demands, would go back to their re­ very un ique and important part In addition to representa­ and explanations of demands spective organizations, re­ of family weekend.” tives from various graduate which were not understood ceive feedback from them, “I was very pleased with organizations and academic by the body. and come back next semester the tum-outand with the qual­ departments, the meeting was During the discussion the with concrete plans for how ity of the performances,’’said also attended by BSU Com­ GRO members indicated that they would work on the at­ event organizer Craig War­ munity Relations Chair Craig they supported the demands tainment of specific de­ ren, “I only wish that more Warren and 16 Demands co­ which called for; an increase mands. people from outside of the author Kobi Little. Accord­ in Black faculty, graduate, "I was much more pleased Black community had at­ ing to GRO News, BSU and undergraduate students, with the GRO’s response to tended.” “Family weekend was a success not only because of Oppressed JHU Groups Unite the large turn-out, but also Continued from page 1 we’re also willing to take erests unique to one group," because of the dedicated ef­ try to send representatives whatever they have to say said Tammie Simmons, "A forts of everyone who to Women ’ s Center meetings, very seriously.” group’s pursuit of its participated,’’said BSU Presi­ and to make every effort to "It’s about time the two indivdual interests should not dent Henry Boateng. increase the level of interac­ most oppressed groups on be construed as a slap in the tion between the two group. campus started working to­ face to the other group." “We’re willing to work gether," said a female BSU with any group, and the member. The Archaeology of Inequality: Race, Women’s Center has shown "I think it's important that Class, and Gender 070.355 Th 12-3 a serious interest in our each of these groups respect Should also be added to the thimble. agenda, "said Boateng, "So the fact that there may be int- A Resolution of the GRO 1) Whereas discrimination lives and education of mi­ 1) We, the GRO Council, hereby initiate a deliberative and racism have been and nority students; endorse the on-going efforts process among our member remain a fixture in university of Black students to diver­ organizations that will institutions and programs, as 3) Whereas Black students sify the curriculum, obtain specify the pertinent issues in the community at large; at Johns Hopkins are work­ adequate representation, pro­ of concern to us and the ac­ ing to increase awareness of mote community relations, tions we wish the university 2) Whereas Johns Hopkins bigotry, discrimination, and and redress past and present to take. has been slow to recognize injustice; social wrongs; and address the issues that THE GRO COUNCIL are of concern to the campus Be it resolved that; 2) We. the GRO Council. December, 1992 Perspective Page 3

Intro.to Apollo Night A Big Success A M can-American by Craig F. Warren dicated time and effort and it was positive. “It’s an experi­ Art paid off, “said team member ence you’ll never forget, es­ : jjaiiit"22 ■Ice Cube” Rapp, facts that, “It started an hour Multicultural Student Affairs synching, and comedy were Nicole “Lynch” London, late, and the sound system Janet Moore, and Program all part of the line-up. First Mike “Mob” Straker, Debbie set-up was second rate.” Coordinator Rose Varner- place honors went to the Na­ Furr, Tsion Abdi, Vikki Wil­ In spite of the Greenlee’s Gaskins. Also attending the tional Society of Black Engi­ liams, Charles Glass, and criticisms Cespedes felt that, meeting was Multicultural neers (NSBE) Step Team. Karen White. “All things considered StudentMiairs Bulletin Edi­ “We practiced hard, we de­ For the most part feedback Apollo N ight was a s ucccss." tor Jesslyn Ingram. Topics in the wide-rang­ ing discussion included ac­ tions which Homewood Stu­ Racial Homogeneity dent Services could take to improve the situation for Continued from page 4 another. of mutual respect foi Black students, the 16 De­ low to solve our problems. Not doing so will ensure a everyone’s opinions. We mands, University adminis­ We even try to discredit sharp decline in student in­ must all remember that we trators, speaker’s programs, 3ne another by saying that volvement in our organiza­ are not a group of spineless campus security, and diver­ hose who disagree with us tions. No one would feel that Black folks who can’t think sity training. ire not really a part of our their opinions were appreci­ for ourselves. “I thought it was a unique ace. This self-destructive ated for what they are. If this Although wc may have gesture on the part of people ittitude traps us in a self- occurred we would be back opposing viewpoints, wc in the administration want­ mposed “divide and con­ where we started at the be­ must realize that the advance ing to find out about stu­ quer” mentality. ginning of the semester. mentof the race is much more dents,” said Freshman Rep­ Both the leaders and mem­ The leaders of our student important than individual dis resentative Tammie bers of Black student organi­ organizations must realize putesoverprogress. Wc musi Simmons, “I only hope that sations must learn to disagree, that they not only hold im­ use any and every resource the sentiments expressed at lot for the sake of disagree- portant positions within our available to solve the prob the meeting will be followed ng, but to nurture mutual groups, but that because of lems of race, discrimination by sincere action on the part respect. We must not be this they are also responsible and inequality which all of u> of the administration.” afraid to disagree with one for fostering an atmosphere face in this country. Page 4 Perspective December, 1992 PERSPECTIVES EDITORIAL: The U.S. Intervention and Somalia Is U.S. intervention in Soma­ appear that since the U.S. was own house. Only after we take should also realize that our lia the right thing to do? One of responsible for the creation of care of our own, can we effec­ government's money should be the facts which the media has the present situation it should tively take care of others. spent alleviating our problems, chosen to underplay is that the also be responsible for the reso­ The whiplash from the Bush before those of our Black present situation in Somalia is lution of that situation. How­ Administration’s emphasis on brother and sisters in the the fault of the United States. ever, things are not always as foreign over domestic policy is Motherland. During the Cold War, Somalia they seem. one of the reason Clinton was That is, unless the U.S. was, “a pawn in the global battle It is time for the “Great White elected, and this should not be actually pursues a policy between communism and Father” to focus his attention forgotten when he takes office which promotes the tenant's of democracy,”(U.S. News and inwards. The situation of the with American troops on Afri­ the "New World Order" and World Report, 12/7/92) but “underclass” in this country is can soil. humanitarianism, in which when the “war” ended, Somalia deplorable, as are the plights of In light of the 300,000+ case we should be sending was left out in the cold. the homeless, the elderly, and Somalians who have died troops and to Urban America, As a result of Glasnost, countless other groups. Before many may find this argument Hati, Eastern Europe, Iraq, President Mohammed Siad fell gallivanting around the world, heartless. However, as and a myriad of other places from power, and warlords and under the questionable auspices members of the Black race we any day now. bandits look over the country. of humanitarian aid, the U.S. should ackowledge the Well...you can always hope. Given these facts it would government should clean its Sgmalians as family. Vui w9 -CFW Do Blacks Encourage Open Debate?

by Carlos R. Greenlee in a struggle amongst them­ see as a “do-it-my-way-or- ular problem. Racial unity selves. don’t-do-it-at-all” attitude recognizes that we are au­ “If you’re not a part of the This argument revolves emerging along with our in­ tonomous individuals and solution, you’re part of the around the second quote in creased activism. We are on that we can formulate logical problem.” I am sure that all the above paragraph. I am the verge of making some of conclusions for ourselves. of us have heard and even glad to see that this semester the same mistakes our ances­ Therefore this unity promotes spoken this phrase on vari­ there has been increased ac­ tors made in the past with mutual respect for everyone ’ s ous occasions. Now, how tivity among us in trying to regards to dividing ourselves beliefs and opinions. about, “If you’re not a part of effect a positive change in on what actions to take in On the flip side of this MY solution, you’re apartof the atmosphere and actions facilitating change. whole issue of racial unity, the problem.” Huh? Sounds towards us on this campus. African-Americans have we have “racial homogene­ a bit different from the first This is important because it disagreed (and will continue ity.” This is a false sense of quote, doesn’t it? will set a positive tone for to disagree) on many issues exact “likeness” among all I’m bringing this up is be­ future classes of African just as other races do. We African Americans. While cause it seems as though the American students coming must be careful to distinguish we do share many unique African-American students to Hopkins. between the unity of our race similarities that no other race on this campus, are engaged What disturbs me is what I and racial homogeneity. does, we are not all the same. — The Black Student Union's I believe that racial unity At the present, I feel that we implies an understanding that are swaying towards this dan­ Perspective we are all individuals, that gerous position of homoge­ we may disagree on some neity. This type of position things, and that all of us may does notallow us to disagree, ' Craig F\ Warren not care for each other as while agreeing on the need Sfct/F Writers: Carlos R- Greenlee, Henry A* Boateng, individuals. for progress. Carl G* Edelen, Michelle $♦ Cespedes, Nicole London,, It means that we put aside Homogeneity facilitates Prophete X Charles^ Skrooda Whemin. ourdifferences when itcomcs further division amongst our down to it. Unity also im­ race. Whenever we discover This paper 1$ published twice a semester by the Black plies that those people who our individual differences we Student Union* ’ Please forward any letters or are at the forefront of the resort to falsely accusing each submissions to the B$U Mailbox in the SAC Lounge. struggle are sensitive to the other of being “sell-outs”, Views expressed in this publication do opt necessarily fact that there may be other because we disagree about reflect the views of the Black Student Union, alternatives to solve a partic­ Continued on page 3 December, 1992 Perspective Page 5 The President's Corner: Feedback! by Henry Boateng We are angry with a Uni­ when we prepare to take our for everyone to ’’hear” of our BSU President versity that has been inten­ own actions towards equal­ problems, since hearing does tionally slow and unwilling ity. And we are also angry at not equal support or action. It has been about one to make definitive changes ourselves, for allowing this It is up to us to initiate change. month since the last issue of to improve the racist atmo­ to continue. As Dr. Martin Luther King Perspective, and I hope this sphere at Johns Hopkins. We In short we are very angry stated in his “Letter from Bir­ issue finds you in good health. are angry with an adminis­ and the reasons listed above mingham Jail,” “ it is unfor­ Since our October issue, tration that has continually are, only the tip of the ice­ tunate that demonstrations many things have occurred, lied to us, and which has berg. Do not expect me to are taking place in Birming­ and there has been much feed­ promised to make the neces­ apologize for any member of ham, but it is even more un­ back from the Hopkins com­ sary changes, only to come the BSU or the Executive fortunate that the city ’ s white munity about our mission this up short Board’s anger, because I too power structure has left the year, as outlined in the 16 We are angry with a Uni­ am very angry. Negro with no alternative.” Demands. versity that has promoted the Substitute Hopkins for Bir­ First of all I would like to spread of racism and igno­ “Why now? Is this really mingham and you will un­ thank those groups and orga­ rance through it’s lack of aca­ necessary, since this is the derstand why we cannot wait. nizations that have come out demic programs which would first time Vve heard about in support of our cause and raise the awareness and con­ these problems.” “The measures that you use who have also expressed an sciousness of students about seem drastic. I agree with interest in making a change. I Africans. We are angry with The problems facing the your cause, but not with commend your efforts and a University that allows the Black students at Hopkins with your method. You ask that you continue your blatant racism and physical have been well documented should be able to work support. I also encourage the harassment of its students to and publicized. Black orga­ within the system.” rest of the Hopkins commu­ continue unchecked. nizations have taken it upon nity to follow their lead and, We are angry with stu­ themselves to inform the ad­ if nothing else, find out what dent organizations that, al­ ministration of the problems These have been some of we are talking about. This though founded to aid us, that we face and they have the more infuriating re­ installment is a response to when given the opportunity even offered solutions sponses. They serve to fur­ numerous questions and criti­ to do so either turn away or To raise student awareness ther illustrate the need for cisms, and an update on our hinder us in our progress. We there have been speak outs, change as times have not progress and intentions. are angry with a community forums, regular meetings, and changed at all since the that has continually turned a publications. 1960’s. “I agree with you in “Why was the tone of the deaf ear to our problems What more can Black stu­ the goal you seek but I cannot last Perspective so angry?” (speak outs, forums etc. have dents do to let everyone agree with you in the method been organized to raise con­ “hear” their problems? I of direct action...Shallow The answer quite simply cerns) and yet this same com­ don’t know, but I do know understanding from people is that WE ARE ANGRY! munity is so quick to crticize that we cannot afford to wait Continued on page 7 Why We Shouldn't Recruit for Hopkins ty of life here? By active academically) from other administration’s efforts to by Carl G. Edelen recruitment I refer to activi­ schools of the same academic improve conditions for stu­ ties such as Prefreshman caliber, which have made an dents. Weekend and telephoning effort to accommodate Afri­ You might argue A few weeks ago a prospective students. can-Americans. that should work towards certain irony struck me. Why would we in­ I’m sure I speak for improving the quality of life “Why are black students on vite other African- Americans many other upperclassmen at Hopkins. I agree with this, this campus actively recruit­ to an institution that does not when I state that if I could and we should continue to do ing prospective black stu­ look for our interests? Pro­ “do it all again, “ I probably so for as long as we are here. dents for this University, spective black students would would not have come to this However, I also believe that, while at the same time they get much more for their school. My point is null and for the sake of our brothers are unsatisfied with the qual money (both socially and void if you’re happy with the Continued on page 6 Page 6 Perspective December, 1992 Andrew Hacker: Fear of A Black JHU by Michelle Cespedes that our complaints were unacceptable? for opening others’ eyes, valid, but that the hostile tone Or would it mean that the and for making them realize What is the paralyzing fear was self-defeating. The hos­ University gave in to those that they too are being short­ that prevents people from tility and anxiety in our voice “militants.” We just can’t changed. standing up for their convic­ is a result of years of saying have that happen, now can Dr. Hacker also brought to tions? Is it the same one that the same thing and getting no we? What ever that fear is, it my attention the plight of makes the American popula­ response. is comparable to that which Blacks in corporate America. tion blind to the plight of the The feedback makes me causes “non-prejudiced” av­ He stated that in many corpo­ lower classes and minorities? wonder if the majority of erage White Americans to rations there is a Black V.P. Andrew Hacker, author and Hopkins students really agree move to another town when (one, never more), but that professor at City College in with what we are asking for their neighborhood becomes V.P. usually doesn’t have a New York City, called it the a; a SINCERE commitment 8% Black. substantial role in the com­ fear of the Africanization of to end racism here, and Afri­ Another complaint was that pany (i.e. V.P. of Personnel White America. Unfortu­ can representation on an aca­ the Black students didn’traise or Institutional Relations). nately, I was able to draw far demic level. If these were issues broad enough to con­ Theirposition is usually more to many parallels between the their true convictions, if they cern the entire Hopkins com­ for the sake of appearance larger American society, and really believed in our cause, munity. How can we be ex­ sake and they are only pro­ that of the Hopkins commu­ then something as petty as pected to speak for the mute? moted if White America sees nity. the tone of the presentation Unfortunately, I don’t read it as useful. “I agree with what you’re would not even be an issue. minds. The same sort of machin­ saying, but I can’t support What is everyone so afraid It is unfair to reprimand us ery is at work here. There are the way you went about it.” of? Is it that the creation of for bringing our concerns to administrators who are try­ This was the response that I an African Studies Program the forefront without waiting ing to appease us and prevent heard many times concern­ and the presence of Black for support from others, many the University from looking ing the presentation of the 16 professors at Hopkins will of whose main concern is bad, at all costs. This is abso­ Demands of the Black Stu­ mean our presence on this when their next social event lutely unacceptable. Tem­ dents at Hopkins. The major campus will be far too great, will take place. If anything, porary solutions and empty gripe was that they believed and that this is absolutely we should be commended promises, or even failing to meet the terms that they have Hopkins and Black Recruiting agreed upon won ’ t satiate us, Continued from page 5 as I know the number of Af­ here. I think it is selfish to or make us forget what we and sisters who are not yet in rican-Americans in each suc­ encourage a younger brother asked for in the first place. college, we should discour­ cessive class has increased or sister to enroll in a school Understand that the Black age them from attending this for many years. While our which has not satisfactorily students at Hopkins aren’t institution...at least until numbers have risen, our situ­ fulfilled your own needs. asking for any sweeping, some positive changes have ation has changed very little. When I suggest encourag­ radical programs that will been made. When you encourage pro­ ing prospective students to undermine the principles of One might say a decrease spective black students to at­ go elsewhere, I believe that the University. (Think about in the number of African- tend this university (who will at the same time they should it. Can you name any other American students here be here when you are long be given an honest and criti­ college or university that would impair our ability to gone) you must ask if the cal appraisal of African- doesn’t have some sort of voice our opinions. This is qua- lity of life at this school American student life at African Studies Program?) not necessarily true. As far will improve while they are Hopkins. Our endeavors would only Nothing is sacred about serve to enhance them. Op­ ’’Things That Make You Say Hmm...” The Johns Hopkins Univer­ position to our efforts (in­ Shari Kleiner sity. A student can receive a cluding the reluctant / silent good education at another in­ support) leads me to believe Seiler's Employees can now use the gym. Why stitution. Perhaps he or she that the people here are sim­ were they excluded in the first place? will be satisfied with student ply afraid of change. life there as well. The deadline for submissions to And then there was one...? the February Perspective is January 29. December, 1992 Perspective Page 7 True Black Progress and the Individual by Carlos R. Greenlee that we didn’t (and weren’t) "multiplicative,” but joint study groups will also allowed to network. As I “substitutional,” in that it help us progress as a people. Progression is an often think about the situation on replaces that which already Hopefully, this type of discussed concept about this campus it seems that the exists without building on it. activity will stay with us as which African Americans same problem exists today. The responsibility for we go to graduate/ need a better understanding. Why? studying does lie with the professional school and enter True progression does not Unfortunately, I believe individual, but we can the our careers. In this fashion equal individual progression. that many of us have bought increase our knowledge by true progression can occur. True progression comprises into the “throat” mentality studying together. We have When the opportunity individual progression and that the campus atmosphere to realize that it’s time to get presents itself individuals can facilitates the progression of perpetuates. As few of as as down to business. reach back to pull others the whole race. there are on this campus, Even if we are not taking upward. Though we are led to you’d think this trend would the same courses, we can Finally, we must remember believe otherwise, we have be reversed. inspire each other to weather that “self-help” activity is a had many Black doctors, When we do have study the storms of academic life two-way street. We must not lawyers, scientists, etc. since sessions many of the by supporting ourselves in only be the beneficiaries, but emancipation. However, for participants do not come these informal groups. also the providers. various reasons, this did not prepared. Therefore, as in We can push each other to effect a positive progression the past, a few of us do a higher level through the in and of itself. extremely well and the knowledge that, in addition STAY I believe that one of the majority just get by. Hence, to helping us progress as main reasons for this was our progress is not individual students, our BLACK! WHAT MS YOU KNOW ABOUT? President’s Corner Continued from page 5 every opportunity to cor­ 1960s : : rect itself and aid us; how­ i990s . of good will is more frus­ ever, it has not done so. trating than absolute un­ Obviously the system does FBI BBIII11II81 !l!!«8«»lll#i derstanding from people not work for us nor does it CORPORATIONS J of ill will. Lukewarm ac­ care for us, 1 feel no obliga­ RACISM. ceptance is much more be­ tion to care for it. If the HUMANISM wildering than outright re­ tone of the last Perspective CAPITALISM jection." The words of Dr. shocked and amazed you, FASCISM King sound very familiar, then I suggest you begin socialism is this 1992 or 1962? No to worry, for those were COMMUNISM matter how it is presented just words and you have MOVE ORGANIZATION Sltt there is a serious dilemma not seen anything yet. We facing the Black commu­ are committed to change, NATIVE AMERICAN STRUGGLE nity. Whether you agree and we are prepared to kkk with the tone or not, the fight for it. Dr. King, constitution . problem must be dealt Malcolm X, Kwame DECLARATION OF INDEEENDEN® with. If you claim to agree Nkrumah and others have EQUALITY then you must support the died fighting for equality REVOLUTION ' \ cause. The situation is We cannot allow their drastic therefore the tone sa cr i f ices to be i n va i n. S t a r t Bonus; what do y°u and the means must be here and now and keep Read the autobiography ; drastic. In terms of work­ struggling because we are ing within the system, we far from free. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! have yet to do anything outside of the system. We haveallowed the "system” Page 8 Perspective December, 1992 BUST A RHYME

Monday Morning and 80 Degrees

Illusion of her walking But her rich, caramel skin bore Wading through the heat That weight One way More... A natural As she absorbed the abuse Earrings/the loopholes Punishment and torture Nothing on her feet She converted this adversity But sandals Into rich and luxurious And worn paint on her toes Elegance Golden radiance Looking either way Ebony...the great civilizations of the past Her glare did not bother To search across that street Exterior essence Her eyes grew darker It transcends her soul Deep Emanating from grace and flow Within her head, it seemed Her stride So A sensual intellect I guess I really coudn’t tell And streams from her mind The direction in which the glance Of her countenance... A passer-by Fell Life escaped me But somehow I returned Stepping from the curb into the sea In exact time Of metallic fish To catch an utterance The various makes and models But no response She glided through the stares Rare essence. Of a thousand, piercing eyes And automobiles Not one touched her But this was their true desire

As soon as the serenade of horns Ceased to engulf her She stepped back on to shore The sun beat down on her Oppression The weight of the slavewhip

Carlos Raphael Greenlee The 16 Demands: "By Any Means Necessary." December, 1992______Perspective Page 9 Ode to a Sellout I Watched It Burn Oh Sellout, how strange are thee, you are like me and mine. yet you will never agree. You would never define, They were warned. yourself as Black, as that dreadful shade, They laughed. who is looked down upon. So, you change your ways, but what have you made??? A grinning fool singing a foolish song. They were told. Oh Sellout, how strange are thee, your hair is kinkier than mine, They chose not to hear. your color that of a tree. Yet, when I wave and give you the sign, you ignore it and turn around, I watched it burn... leaving your brother in disgrace. Then you go and greet and surround, Down to the ground. his pretty white face.

Oh Sellout, how strange are thee, you actually believe, actually think, I watched it burn... that they see you differently. How sad, for in a second, in a wink, Richardson was not around. they would hurt and insult you, Neither was Armstrong or call you nigger and another such name. For, when it comes to race, only your people are true. Giddens. And they see all of us the same.

Oh Sellout, how strange are thee, please wake-up, I am your brother, To me this was no surprise. can you not see?? We have a common history with each other, I had long predicted the as bountiful as are fish in the sea. building's demise. So, why do you not join our fight?? It is not one of selfishness or envy, it is for justice and what is right. (And I hope to see you next BSU night) But they...They asked where

Prophete J. Charles they were.

Editor's Note: The author is a member of the class of 1996 They received no reply. who is outraged by the number of “Black” freshmen who Once again...the expected do not associate with their own. reply. Good Luck On Finals But that's what started the fire and Happy Holidays. Isn't It? -Perspective Staff Skrouda Witemin Page 10______Perspective______December, 1992 Much 2 Short’s Hip-Hop Review: Ice Cube, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sade... Record Rating Guide didn’t like or were offended out of respect for which I will The songs almost hypnotic, by the last album probably be merciful, and rate this with Adu’s sultry voice evok­ V Slammin’; Excellent; Buy won’t like this one either. record a D. ing a wide range of emotion. he CD! That’s too bad because they This is not to say that Adu L Damn Good; Buy the cas­ might have learned a thing or Must Haves: All of these has the greatest voice in the que. two about themselves. A albums have been out for a world,because she doesn’t. 2- Average; OK; Dub from a month or more. It’s just that her voice and the riend. Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo music and the lyrics blend )- Buy the bootleg tape. Live and Let Die (Cold Grand Puba Reel to Reel perfectly,and that’s what this ?- Don’t even think about Chillin’ Records) (Elektra Records) album is close to. Perfection. )uying the bootleg tape “Kool G Rap and Polo. It’s Grand Puba, need I say A Back Again. What?! This is more? A Poison... And that’s exactly Basshead Play With Toys Ice Cube 7 he Predator (Pri­ what this latest and not-so- Diamond D and the Psy­ (Imago Records) ority Records). long awaited venture by Kool chotic Neurotics Stunts, I don’t think that this this Still basking in the glow of G Rap and D.J. Polo is. Poi­ Blunts, and Hip Hop (Chem­ album would be classified as the success of his break­ son. istry Records) hip-hop per se, but it has a through third album, Death First of all, if you're female A hip-hop veteran from definite hip-hop feel, with lots Certificate, as well as the (I went to see KRS-One), way back in the day, Dia­ of samples, scratching and phenomenal reception he re­ there is a very good chance mond D has finally released cutting. The music is mel­ ceived on the Lollapalooza that you’ll be thoroughly dis­ his own album. Coming off low, with lots of humorous traveling tour, Ice Cube’s lat­ gusted with the album. Their with that old school style, introspective chatter— be­ est album, The Predator, sexistand degrading attitudes this album could be marked tween members Michael proves to be a consistent fol­ towards women have defi­ as a hip-hop classic in years Ivey, Brian Hendrix and Bill, low-up. nitely not evolved to the level to come, with such memo­ on love and life and being Hard as ever with rough of respect attained by Apache rable tracks as “Best Kept Black—laced throughout. lyrics over funky sixties and (Warner Brothers) with his Secret,” “**!*!’ What You The album is not all humor seventies grooves, Ice Cube release, Gangsta' Bitch, but Heard,” Freestyle (Yo, That’s though; it makes you think comes back with the same that’s another story. That S h...),” and the anthemic and feel what these bugged- gangsta “I don ’ t give a f__ “ Not that the album is a total title track “Stunts, Blunts, and out brothers do on a daily attitude. Learning from all loss. There are some good Hip-Hop.” Do not sleep on basis. B+ of the critical attention and tracks, such as “Edge of In­ this one. A- media hype following his role sanity, “ “Two to the Head,” -Much 2 Short in John Singleton’s Boyz ‘ri “On the Run,” and“#l With Sade Love Deluxe (Epic the Hood, and the subsequent a Bullet,” featuring Big Records) release of his third album, Daddy Kane. There’s also It’s not hip-hop, but every­ Two Black. Ice Cube’s evolution as more some really bad tracks. I one should give it a listen. of a political and social mean really bad, like “Op­ After a long hiatus from the Two Strong. thinker is evident. eration CB,” you don’t want music business (supposedly Excellent tracks such as to know what the CB stands due to the rumored drug ad­ “When Will They Shoot,” for, just take my word for it, diction of lead vocalist Sade NAACP "Wicked,” “Check Yo Self’ the song is complete garbage. Adu), Sade has made an im­ (featuring Das EFX), and There’s not mush else to pressive comeback with their Newsletter “Who Got the Camera,” as say about this album other latest venture. well as cuts from the speeches than that it’s very weak. The Whatever experiences and of Black political thinkers tracks are weak and the Sade has had in the last few BSU’s such as Malcolm X and Louis rhymes are weak. It is be­ years has definitely influ­ Farrakhan serve to highlight coming painfully obvious enced her lyrics, the result Perspective this. that this duo peaked with “the being a greater depth in her Unfortunately, those who Road to the Riches,” music. The album is magic.