TLIGHT The Voice of African-American Womanhood

Volume XXXV No. 7 February/March 1992 Anita Hill Celebrates Black Herstory Month at Spelman

By Riche Richardson As part of Spelman’s Black said. Nevertheless, she embraced the to know ourselves and know what we Finally, Professor Hill emphasized Herstory Month Celebration, law women of Spelman as her younger are capable of." the importance of maintaining integrity. professor Anita Hill visited the campus sisters. To face the challenges of 1992, She stated that the work environment and gave an address. "You are at an age where you’re Professor Hill urged students to look to has not improved and that sexual Sisters Chapel was filled to just now embarking on a whole new exemplary figures such as school harassment is always a possibility. capacity when Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole set of experiences...If you are to gain president Johnnetta B. Cole, Sharon Yet, she urged students to remember stood and introduced Anita Hill. Dr. the benefits of life, you must be Pratt-Dixon (an individual characterized that in such hostile situations, they are Cole gave a biographical sketch of prepared to meet its challenges," she by rugged individualism w and not alone. Professor Hill and stressed the said. determinism), Clara McBride Hale She urged students to speak out, to importance of celebrating our sister Professor Hill suggested that her (who "loosens death’s grip" on victims raise their voices in protest and to "not who "struck a blow for freedom." She "younger sisters" look to history for of drugs), Maya Angelou and Alice compromise simply for the sake of also noted that "gender equality is as strengths. Mary Prince was an Walker (who give us a mirror to see survival." important as racial quality." example of a black historic heroine ourselves and the opportunity to expand Professor Hill reiterated the power Professor Hill had not previously who spoke for all, criticized without ourselves), and the African-American of history. According to her, it is a visited Spelman and the trip was her compromise and recognized her own Women in Defense of Themselves (the weapon with which one cannot fail. second one to Georgia. She began her greatness. women who published a full-page ad in Ultimately, stressing lifting the address by discussing family. Professor Hill also mentioned the The New York Times, Nov. 17, community, Professor Hill gave The youngest of 13 children (five Harriet Jacobs as an example of a 1991). students several reminders. sisters and seven brothers), Professor heroine who condemned atrocities Professor Hill encouraged reaching "You are a vital part of a Hill expressed regret over never having committed against the female enslaved. back as progress occurs. "You do not collective...Don’t forget to show a younger brother or sister. "I wanted According to Professor Hill, "we abandon the African-American compassion for your younger sisters." to have someone to tell what to do," must connect with our history if we are community, and neither does it Surely Professor Hill’s visit will go she abandon you." down in Spelman history.

Wynton Marsalis Lectures at Spelman

and culture. During his lecture and "Mr. Jennings warned us about later during the question and answer what to expect," said sophomore session, he spoke about his family, his Kanini Ward. "We’re pretty confident place in culture as an artist, his about what we do. What he [Marsalis] hometown (New Orleans), the does is a whole different thing." economy, the concept of democracy, Shari Mattison, another member of and those who have influenced him the Jazz Ensemble, said, "Wherever I during the years. go, I can look back and say ‘I’ve Of Duke Ellington he said, "His performed with Wynton Marsalis’." level is untouchable." Marsalis was in Atlanta as part of He said John Coltrane’s sound is the Black History Jazz Series "deeper than soul." sponsored by Clark’s WCLK. "The best, when corrupted, are the worst," he said, referring to Miles Davis’ lifestyle as well as his music. Some students who came to hear Marsalis play were disappointed when he came on stage without his horn. By Erica Wright However, during the question and Grammy award winning jazz artist "We are everyone’s race because of answer period, a student brought his Wynton Marsalis addressed over 150 the mixtures in our blood," he said. horn to the stage and Marsalis people about "Race and Culture" in "We are not one race, we are many consented to play. Sisters Chapel. races." Later that night, Wynton Marsalis Known for being very outspoken He described culture as containing and the Spelman Jazz Ensemble about his views, Marsalis had a lot to the identity of the people and as performed two shows at the Roxy say about his topic and about other "inclusive." Theatre. Members of the Jazz issues that concern today’s society. "Culture takes in the racial," he Ensemble were excited and couldn’t Marsalis says the irony of being Afro- said. "It is an everchanging reality that wait to perform, but some students American is that we are a combination is the heart of human experience." were calmed by Professor Joseph of everyone’s race. The discussion was not limited to race Jennings’ words. Spelman Spotlight P*ge 2, PREROGATIVE

The Spelman Blue

By Angela Black Many times Spelman College has know, the dreaded housing lottery put on the check while Spelman took account, but was it also a mistake that been dubbed "The Harvard of Black week. its time finding it. After a while, the my parents were not notified until one Colleges". Although I don’t agree with You see, some Spelman students check was retrieved, but needless to month later? this comparison, I do agree that missed the lottery for one reason or say, that friend won’t be sending any I think not considering the fact that Spelman College is a special place another. Some people did not pay more money here for me. It’s too with today’s technology my parents from which emerge top leaders in a their tuition or deposits on time, etc. risky. could have been notified a number of large variety of fields. But, some people missed the lottery In February 1992, my balance was expedient ways. Spelman is an institution which because of the incompetence of some completely paid and my housing Was it a mistake that one of the accepts intelligent young ladies and, of Spelman’s administrative members. deposit was paid in early March. On head people in financial aid who through the "Spelman experience," This was my case. April 10, my parents received notice worked with me during this problem molds and nurtures those young ladies My parents work extremely hard to that a state grant had been removed did not apologize for her department’s into strong, versatile women. I am send me to this school. They pay over from my account. mistake? (I did get apologies from sure that Harvard University accepts $12,(XX) a year for me to attend this My parents began to worry about other administrators and they are doing intelligent students and graduates some school that has been regarded as one of how they were going to repay the the best they can to help me with my leaders, too. However, one of the the best institutions of higher learning money to reinstate my zero balance. problem. I thank them.) many things Spelman has that Harvard in America. It angers me that even After speaking with Financial Aid As stated before, Spelman is a does not is the color of Spelman Blue. though my parents do an immense members, I was notified that the grant special place and it has its faults just I am sure there are a lot of other amount of work to be able to pay that was removed on March 10 (one month like any other institution. I love students who have also realized that immense sum of money to an before my parents were notified) by an Spelman dearly and I know my blues the blue in Spelman’s colors of blue institution that has been immensely unknown person, and for an unknown aren’t over because my senior year is and white helps describe some of the admired, some of the administrative reason. approaching and I am preparing myself melancholy "blue" moods encountered offices (namely financial aid) have The problem was fixed, but another for more possible encounters. here. My Spelman sisters, you are not done an immensely poor job with a lot problem arose. The housing lottery had I will remember the Spelman blue alone. of student records here at Spelman. already been completed. many years after graduation. I will Did you ever get so angry with I have suffered from the Spelman As hard as my parents worked to also remember the Spelman hymn. some of the administrative offices here blues more than once and I am sick of have my balance paid on time for the And, I wonder, after all the years at Spelman that you contemplated it! lottery, I still missed it through of toil and pain the incompetent transferring to another school, only to Last year, a friend of the family someone else’s mistake. members of some of Spelman’s realize that if you transferred, most of was nice enough to send a check to Now, I understand that nobody is administrative offices have put on our your credits might not? Spelman to help pay my outstanding perfect and everyone makes mistakes. students, just how long will these I, along with many others I have balance. One of Spelman’s careless But, we’re paying too much money for dear walls remain? spoken with, have gotten that angry. members of the bursar’s office "lost" these mistakes to happen so often. There has got to be a change. My most recent brush with this anger the check. The friend had to pay her Yes, it was an admitted mistake that Somewhere. occurred just this past week. You bank money to have a stop payment the grant was removed from my Soon.

Introspection Spelman Spotlight By Kimberly Rice As Family Weekend approached, I anything. Some came to enjoy good noticed more and more rehearsals for talent and entertainment, others came Celebration in Black. Even I, who did to meet a "hottie," while some came to not participate in the show, became see their friends who participated in the aware of the countless hours many show, But, no one left Sisters Chapel Elisa Smith students donated to make everything without a tremendous feeling of growth Riché Richardson and maturity toward life. perfect. For the three years I have Leisha Stewart been attending Spelman, I can honestly Most of the people in the audience say that this year’s performance was could honestly say they had the best ever. The writers, actors, experienced at least one of those welcomes fetters dancers, choir, crew, staff and incidents, if not known someone who especially the directors and producers has (including me). This is the sad did an excellent job. I was thoroughly and crucially honest part. The one impressed. way we can help change these statistics I, as a young African-American is by giving back to the community, woman, felt the issues of this year’s our Black communities. You can help performance touched very close to in any way you feel comfortable. home. Although most people ignore Community service is the one way we and has a circulation of 3,000. the presence of AIDS, date rape, can help change things for the future. pregnancy and mutual disrespect, it is From volunteering at the Rape Crisis more than prevalent on African- Center to teaching sexually active high American campuses. The issues of school students about AIDS and Lower abortion, male/female relationships, teenage pregnancy, you can make a peer pressure, religion and racial difference. But, before you even and happy tension were cleverly executed on attempt to make this difference in the stage. There were parts so emotional community, you must first take a good that I just wanted to break down and look at yourself, "introspect," and make cry. The show was very touching and that difference. For if you don’t REAL! Most of the students who practice what you preach, you may attended had no intentions of learning lead the congregation into a nonexisting light. Page 3 February/March 1992 PREROGATIVE

The Bitch Pathology By Terrance Carroll Senior, Morehouse College "Women and men deserve equal respect; must examine this problem from a non­ specific rap artists have contributed to usage of "bitch." This can be deduced they are equally the source of your religious-centered perspective. the "Bitch Pathology." We cannot logically rather easily. Parents historic strength and courage." The obvious solution is to discuss criticize them without an understanding physically punish their children because Quarter 5, Verse 7, Jjia: The Way and analyze this problem in the context of the root causes of the pathology. they do not consider their children to The proliferation of the usage of of an experience that can be related to Nathan and Julia Hare depict in be of equal status. Africans were the terms "bitch" and "ho" to refer to all in our community. This common their book, The Crisis in Black Sexual enslaved and lynched because our African-American women is a experience is a consciousness that has Politics, the process by which male- Europeans did not view them as equals. disturbing phenomenon in the African- been tempered by racism, slavery, and female relationships in the African- Women are continually abused because American community. This trend is oppression. American community have become they are not seen as equals by their especially upsetting in that it has As an examination of history will distorted and convoluted. Through a abusers. Using "bitch" and "ho" to become endemic among African- reveal, one of the key elements system which slowly replaced one refer to our sisters does not accord American college students. essential to the oppression of a people culture with another, a positive and them any respect and denies them their There have been various attempts is to strip them of their humanity. constructive image of self has failed to humanity. By using "bitch" we have to justify the usage of these terms. The dehumanization of Africans develop for the most part in the made Black women equivalent to There have also been numerous efforts was key to their enslavement and the African-American community. This female dogs and repudiated their status to articulate why these terms have no eventual colonization of Africa. The has created an atmosphere which makes as human beings. Having been place in our community. proliferation of Jim Crow in the United it culturally acceptable to refer to classified as sub-human entities, some The one thing that has been absent States was due in part to the sub­ women in derogatory ways. people feel as though Black women is a thorough analysis of the pathology human status accorded to African These deconstructive cultural traits can be legitimately raped, abused, and that precipitates the usage of "bitch" Americans. are further reinforced by images from disrespected. and "ho." This article hopes to bring Presently, the physical, mental and the dominant culture. If one does not The current position that we to light what I have termed the "Bitch emotional abuse suffered by African- address the cultural aspect of the accord Black women in society must Pathology" and the negative impact it American women has been caused by "Bitch Pathology" in rap music, then it be rectified immediately. The African- has on the African-American the dehumanization associated with the will prove woefully inadequate to American community must act now to community. usage of such terms as "bitch" and attempt to address the problem using destroy the cycle of dehumanization The most basic arguments used to "ho." This dehumanization is further any other method. that has condemned us to over 400 counter the "Bitch Pathology" rely enforced by certain material elements The dehumanization suffered by years of oppression and subjugation. extensively on moralizing. This undue that have found their way into our Black women because of the "Bitch The mentality of the oppressor must be moralizing does not serve the purpose cultural milieu. The normative aspect Pathology" has the single most purged from our psyche. The need to of building a collective consciousness. of culture is in part dependent upon the devastating impact on the African- dehumanize and degrade another to When one engages in absolute moral dominant material element of culture at American community. Ihe apparent increase our own worth and self­ determinations it is usually done from the time. The material element that ease at which members of our esteem only ensures that we will a religious-influenced perspective. This has most heavily influenced our current community use the word "bitch" to continue to wallow in a pit of despair, immediately excludes and alienates cultural milieu is rap music. refer to Black women baffles the mind. poverty and oppression. Only by members of our community who do Many in our community heavily It is nearly a statistical certainty that African men and women working not share a similar religious view. criticize rap music for its part in there is a correlation between the rise together as equals will the African- Therefore, it becomes apparent that we reinforcing the overdependence that our in the physical and mental abuse of American community be truly free and vocabulary has on "bitch." No doubt Black women and an increase in the liberated.

CAN YOU R TRASH

Have a safe Spring Break! Spelman Spotlight Page 4 SISTER TO SISTER

By Kristi Merriweather enter into the workforce as a Good morning, my Spelman psychologist or school administrator or sisters! As you will soon see, my educator for the hearing-impaired, or sisters, deaf culture is not one neat, big should I go to Spelman in my package where its members have the hometown to experience the "Spelman same viewpoint, values, and lifestyles. Mystique" I’ve heard about and to Will you excuse me for signing slowly, define myself as a black woman among for it is a foreign language in its own my black sisters? Should I come to right, just like French. I am not fluent Spelman and go through the same with it when it comes to speaking process I underwent when I entered the because my primary mode of public school system-to challenge communication has always been and myself in a predominately hearing still is oral. Growing up around environment as well as to expose hearing people all the time, it was just myself as a deaf student to most of easy for me to become lax with sign you who may never have had close language. What you don’t practice, contact with a hearing-impaired person you forget. Sign language, especially before? Surely, both has its pros and the American Sign Language (ASL), cons in a strong balance, but time was isn’t a substitute language for English. ticking so I asked my best friend on It has its own grammar and syntax his opinion on both colleges. He said, Kristie and her parents pose for a picture after coronation "Just remember that your first four rules. I’ll get back to it later. Let me at the Miss Black Deaf America pageant. tell you about myself. I was bom years will determine your future associates and friends for the most of hearing, the baby sister of my family. "facts of life" in general. There were time or you’re just a failure. In the 1 became ill with spinal meningitis at long run, you end up frustrated with your adult life. I am not talking about some classes that some of us would who you will be talking with and 2 1/2 and doctors mistakenly thought leave our regular classroom to go to your very own self, which is really all the illness was something else very that you have that is so essential. I seeing professionally, but as your ’off those. You know, "Challenge" or the job’ lifestyle." When he said that, similar. It was four days before a advanced classes for the gifted and wanted to remove any stigma, any visible disharmony that might have I immediately know I had to come medical intern quickly saw what it was, remedial classes. I always wondered resulted in conversations. I wanted to here, for I was not about to pass up a so by that time, my auditory nerves why I was usually the only one going be as much a hearing person as chance to have a strong connection were so damaged that I could not hear to this lady whose job is to assist me possible. As a consequence, i did not with my black sisters and brothers. anything at all. You see, most deaf to excel in my studies and to a speech have a strong sense of identity of being Maybe that sounds like I downplayed people do have a little hearing left- therapist who would come on certain a deaf person and in rejecting or the importance of the deaf community. they may just not have enough hearing days. I hated the speech sessions. For disliking my deafness, I rejected Maybe so, but maybe not so. You see, to detect very common noises, but still, one thing, I was tired of repeating something that was part of Kristi. So the way I saw it, I felt I was not going they do have some hearing left. vowels, consonants, simple words, and my self-confidence was like a roller to feel much connection with So here was I, not yet 3 and ridiculously simple sentences like "The coaster, where the roller was at Gallaudet’s predominately white student suddenly deaf. At such a young age, dog is happy. The fat man is sad". I don’t remember how I dealt with depended on how successful I’d do body. I did not consider myself as a See, I know I would lapse back to member of the deaf culture. Culture is such a radical change, but I do know incorrect pronunciation because outside certain things socially without too much difficulties. I had no one where its members have been defined that for a short while I thought I was of the speech class, I had no internal still hearing because when people were hearing-impaired AND oral like me to as belonging if they are seen as or external feedback to catch and socially distinct sharing visible speaking to me, I would move my eyes assure myself that I was "saying it look to as a role model, or at least, around. You know what I mean, you just one who knew what it felt like to characteristics. The only characteristic right.” So I felt it was just wasting I share is my hearing loss. A culture don’t have to look at people’s faces all my time. Don’t get me wrong. be deaf. On the surface I acted the time when they are speaking Speech therapy is a great help for confident-but inside I was insecure- shares a language. ASL is the official because you can hear them. My many deaf individuals, depending on "As a deaf person, how should I act in language of the deaf culture. We have parents had to do this (gesturing ’look various circumstances. this situation? Am I talking too loud Black English at our own will to use at me’). I would think that my favorite I think I was just about to or too soft? Am I 100% O.K. and as we please. To an outsider, it would toy itself, which was a radio, was graduate elementary school when this accepted even if deaf?" Knowing how sound like we’re dumb or something. broken. realization just clicked in my mind that to act is important, I know this because As I have said before, ASL also has its My parents didn’t know what to something about me was different from when I was in the seventh grade, I own unique grammar formation-for do, but they knew that they had two most people. I was sitting in the car tried out for cheerleading. There are example, "I dog big not see" for "I choices: to enroll me in a deaf school with my mother and she was talking to two separate cheerleading groups-the didn’t see a big dog." As an outsider, in St. Louis where I would use ASL my classroom teacher who was other one is called the Pep Squad, I see that sentence order as weird, all the time or to a specialized private standing outside of the car. I knew almost like Jr. Varsity-only for sixth incorrect, and incomprehensible...but school in Atlanta where I would that she was talking about me, how I graders. I tried out, I was good, I that’s because that’s not my primarily receive training in lipreading and was doing in school, so naturally I know it and know what happened? or frequently-used language. speaking to my best abilities, as well wanted to "hear" what she had to say. The sponsor put me in the Pep Squad Sure, my high school life wasn’t as the academics. They decided to go That’s when I realized that I couldn’t even though I was in seventh grade. always as happy as it could have been, with the latter. I was a student there because the tall teacher’s face was not "For experience," she claimed. I didn’t but I always had the feeling that one from age 3 to 7. At that time, my visible. I was unprepared for that and know what to do so I asked my mom day I would know exactly who I prefer parents decided to see if I could "make from that day on, I had the feeling that for advice because she always told me to be—to hell with what is expected of it" in public schools, so the dean of I had a reputation or rather high I could do anything, but in this case, me. This is where I am now, in the Atlanta Speech School took me to an expectations to live up to. Being tne she was apparently unprepared for such transition of accepting myself elementary school for a "trial test." only hearing-impaired student in public a situation. So she felt that since it unconditionally. I’m in the process of She told the principal, I was later told, school, I felt that I had to prove was not her group, she could not seeing both worlds in their proper "I’m not sure if she’ll make it here, myself. In a way, they were watching appeal to the sponsor that I should be places where I do not have to give up she’s the deafest student I ever had." me, evaluating me, making sure I didn’t in the Varsity level. I stuck with the one for the other. That’s one reason I Of course I didn’t know why I was get behind or "louse" up. You know Pep Squad even though I hated it, and entered the Miss Black Deaf America Pageant. I’m very confident that in the brought here but before the first day how quickly young people can judge when I became a Varsity cheerleader very near future, if not now, I’ll be was over it was very obvious that not you when you’re a minority in a the following year, I had attached a contented because I will be who I want only did I fit in, but I could excel as majority-"Oh, so that’s how a deaf (or stigma to it that I hated that too. to be as an individual. I’m very well. I was a very happy and black, etc,) person is like or does and My point is, if you aren’t sure grateful to God and my parents enjoyable person there. I was chosen so-and-so." Sometimes I don’t mind about yourself, you won’t be satiated because without them, I wouldn’t be by my classmates as 2nd Grade Queen this pressure, but the problem was I with life as well. and Most Valuable Classmate in 5th became a perfectionist as opposed to I had a difficult time wrestling where I am today. I’m thankful for Glopna Jones, my interpreter here, grade. just being the best I could be and do. with the big college decision. Should because she has made it impossible for At that time, I never had the The way I see it now, the difference is I go to Gallaudet where I could consciousness of what was different that when you’re a perfectionist, you develop my sign language skills to its me to miss anything. I’m thankful for about me~in fact, I think I thought rarely allow yourself to be just full potential and get acquainted with Spelman College and her sisters for everybody was "deaf' just like me. "human" or "yourself'. You feel that the prominent deaf community as to be welcoming me and making me feel like Really. I thought that those were the you have to do it fight almost every able to have a deaf network when I at home. February/March 1992 Page 5 POLITICAL NEWS

NO True Favorites Equality Struggle Never Ends By Jamellah Braddock A class-action suit was filed approve a proposed amendment. By Angela Fry Essentially, this amendment would First there were five men running, yet those votes have not been delegated in Federal District Court in Manhattan, create smaller judicial districts and then four, then three, and now only to any other candidate. NY, by the Center for Constitutional eliminate total party control over two men are running for the The remaining candidates, Ark. Rights on behalf of six African- nominations. Democratic Presidential nomination. Gov. Bill Clinton and former Calif. American and Hispanic voters who Actually, the suit makes a request Surprisingly though, a total of 561.75 Gov. Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown seek more judicial power for racial for Federal Judge Sprizzo to enjoin the of the 2145 electorate votes ate not competed heavily in a heated contest minorities. election of any justices in the city delegated to any candidate, which prior to the New York primary. By The suit charges that the way "until the case is resolved" and to issue seems to indicate a strong uneasiness winning in both Connecticut and justices for State Supreme Court in New York are nominated and elected ultimately an injunction mandating among voters. Vermont, it was thought that Brown smaller judicial voting districts. The Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa was would give Clinton a run for his violates the Voting Rights Act. current at-large election system is the first to step down. Weeks later, money, but much of the hysteria has According to their suit, racial believed to deny African-American and Sen. Bob Kerry of Nebraska quit. subsided and Clinton appears to be in minorities are denied the right to elect Hispanic voters a voice in the selection Neither one of them was getting the firm control coming down the home justices of their choice because the of those who sit in judgement of their support from the electorate to continue stretch. judges are nominated by tightly controlled party organizations and then communities. In Manhattan, where 51 in the race though. President Bush has a firm control elected at large in mostly countywide percent of the voters are minorities, The most startling news was the of being renominated for the GOP. only 26.5 percent of the elected justices withdrawal of former Massachusetts Early in the race, the Bush camp was judicial voting districts. The plaintiffs got much of their are nonwhite. Sen. Paul Tsongas. After returning to frightened by the support given to information from a state task force Cases like this should remind us politics from a bout with cancer, journalist Pat Buchanan. However, report completed under the urging of that although minorities have made Tsongas was a front runner in the race. much of that fear has eased since the impressive strides in the legislative Lack of funds caused him to step down economy is recovering. While Gov. Mario Cuomo. Some lawyers from the Center for sector, we still have so much more to in mid-March. Buchanan was off resting on vacation, Constitutional Rights feel that an accomplish. Discriminative tactics - Tsongas did indicate and then the President was winning delegates amendment to the state constitution were built into the American governing reclined that he would re-enter the uncontested. would effectively solve the problem; system. So, in essence we have been race, depending on the turnout in the With the election approaching, it however, they do not anticipate that the attempting to reconstruct an entire New York primary, and if the will be interesting to note how the Federal judge who will rule on the government with every legal battle Democratic party was ready to coalesce President’s popularity will be rated. Also worth noting is the emergence of complaint will allow such an action, if fought. Legislation can be passed, but behind him by supporting his economic what good does it serve if it is not message. Tsongas had 439.25 Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot as an any. On the contrary, G. Oliver Koppell, enforced? It is therefore imperative electorate votes when he dropped out, independent candidate. chairman of the Assembly Judiciary that we as African-Americans keep Committee, said he believed there was abreast of our nation’s current events, substantial support among Democratic and support any legitimate measures political organizations in the city, as taken in an effort to secure our rights Democracy in well as among Assembly Democrats, to and freedoms. South Africa? Political Exclusivity By Jamellah Braddock Almost 70 percent of white South in this case his party would be unlikely By Erica Wright Africans voted m the recent referendum to win more than 30 percent of the This year’s controversy including exclude anyone because they were to endorse President F.W. de Klerk’s vote. As a result, the ANC and its David Duke and Pat Buchanan as private institutions. This was later ruled unconstitutional because political efforts to negotiate an end to apartheid. allies would be in control of the new presidential nominees lead to questions on this campus over whether people parties were making exclusions based Yet the reasons for this marginal constitution. on race. As for African-American victory do not necessarily stem from De Klerk is also concerned with should be excluded from political office and political parties because of participation in the system she did not genuine agreement with de Klerk’s the protection of "minority rights," their moral and social views. advocate abandoning the system saying alleged plans for reform. which entail the interests and privileges It also sparked arguments over if that "we have not exhausted all of our Many whites who voted in favor of of the 5 million whites in South African-Americans should participate in possibilities." the referendum did so out of fear that Africa. a political society which does not Another panelist advocated that intemati lai sanctions would be The ever-present political violence completely address our social, African-Americans should develop their restored n the referendum did not in black townships remains as still economic, and political needs. As a own political process. He said, "Should we not abandon the system? receive majority vote. Further, there another obstacle in the way of result the Philosophy Society held a forum called "Political Exclusivity" to The system has long abandoned us! is still najor disagreement between successful transition. Between 1990 He stated that even though Blacks are Nelson /tandela’s African National and 1991, 4,913 people died as a result respond to those many concerns. Opinions were varied. One able to vote, we are still Congress ANC) and de Klerk’s of political violence, and the vast panelist, Vanessa Poguet, a political underrepresented and that, "The system National Party; in particular, they differ majority were black. science major, held that political parties is designed on the illusion that is over how long it should take the During the three-week, whites-only should not be able to exclude members attainable." country to adopt a bicameral referendum campaign an additional 200 based on their social and moral views; Dr. Braithwaite, a professor at legislature, an independent judiciary, blacks were killed. This unrest serves that in excluding members like David Morehouse College, agreed that and a bil of rights. Conservatives, as evidence for the ANC that they Duke, political parties would be able to political organizations have a right to exclude someone whose views aren’t should not submit to de Klerk’s exclude anyone who did not have the moreover, are still advocating that consistent with the organization. But "majority’s" opinion. whites should have their own demands to disband Umkhonto we he disagreed with organizations making Homeland Sizwe, the ANC’s army. She also believed that for those who are disgusted with the political exclusions based on race, gender, Lasl month the ANC proposed a Mandela told reporters, "How do system, it is better for them to make ethnicity, or physical attributes. And you abandon your main weapon when creation of a multiparty council changes by working within the system on the African-American’s participation consists of all the organizations the government is failing to put an end than to abandon the system and not in "the system" he stated, "...we cannot totally separate from the system, we represented at the constitutional talks. to the current violence?" participate at all. This bot would sit for six months and Regardless of any talks or proposed DeShaunda Gooden, also a panelist, cannot work in the system, but we would wielu ultimate power over de reforms, Mandela and the ANC must presented facts that African-Americans must work on the system. The only suggestion on which the Klerk’s cabinet and the legislature. keep in mind that they are responsible were originally excluded from the panel agreed was developing a Subseqt y elections would be held for protecting their best interests. After political process by not being able to vote, hold public office, or be a "collective block" which voted on for a a uent assembly to draft a all, de Klerk and the National Party are ••"issuès" and ."agendas", .r.and-, not still \ protecting themselves’ ^and ' their '• Member of a political party.' «.Gooden, .pev. cqr; -phoi;,,.,^, who is MS'.'Spe'tman, read front'a 1935 = v "parties!’-Or ¡'personalities," which also . 1 ■ ' T ‘Hoy'. ¿K . "ue.‘Klerle, . * and his people first..' 'Sfiqul’dn’f we??? j j * . wiauldwaKtoOF ■m.qifitor.the.pfficials to i'^a(fohgJ’!',^ifty‘f‘are ' 'agaihst, such f ..¿I <’c V,'-..,'., • •I*') ...‘.''.Vi.-.S Jfis .«JeV ^Supreme .Çpq9,naIing'Wh^ t;t .«hWk^Stire^they-.sefyed,ThefrAfrican- political paries bad ,the .righj ,tp e»; constitue assembly, prdfc»dbly because' ix/Mr' xjowJPt? ivif.1 s' svhh n? Spelman Spotlight Page 6 BLACK HERSTORY MONTH

go into this type of behavior. It’s a - On the impact of the media luxury. You should take advantage of That’s one reason I haven’t been doing it. When you get out there, you won’t many (public speeches). I don’t think have time to think. they necessarily serve our interests. You have to be careful about what you - On the notion of women buying into listen to and how you listen. You some kinds of myths that men use to have to be very skeptical when you perpetuate sexual harassment, that read the paper or see the news about women participate sometimes the (Michael) Tyson trial. You need to A New York Times reporter, Mary understand that at this point, he was Bray, said that African-American convicted by a jury. We don’t know what really happened. We know women are sort-of caught in a double something about his defense as bind. When we speak out, it’s often identified by the media. Whether we seen as an attack on the African- American community. Well, you are like it or not, we’re all potential rape bringing attack on the African- victims, whether we use good judgment American community if issues that and take extreme precautions. . . How affect you personally are part of the would it feel to be an 18-year-old rape issues that affect the community. The victim? Assuming that the conviction problem the community should be was proper, what would it be like - addressing is the need to get away even worse, (knowing) that I used the from the idea that when we express worst judgment in trusting someone? (ourselves, our situations), we’re doing Then my heart has to go out to Professor Anita Hill speaks with S.S.G.A. vice president Richele a disservice to the community. . . You Desired Washington. It has to, because Jordan and co-advisory chairperson Kendra Floyd after the luncheon. should feel strongly in asserting your even if you use poor judgment, you own indignation. don’t have to be raped. By Elisa Smith In thinking about Desired Washington, - On racial harassment vs. sexual Editor-in-Chief I think about she went through this are very sympathetic. Women who harassment Spelman’s campus buzzed with incident, went through the trial, the have not worked tend to be less Most sexual harassment claims brought excitement at the mention of Professor jury convicted the individual, and now sympathetic. I’m not sure if it’s by African-American women do have Anita Hill’s visit. what is the public’s opinion? What regional as much as it is background in very clear racial tones. Language is Over a thousand students crowded does that say about the public’s sense work experience. The response has very often racial. If you think it’s an into Sisters Chapel to greet her during of value and dignity of Desired been quite interesting. I’ve received either/or lesson, you’re very misled. . . an evening convocation. But the Washington? Does anybody really thousands of letters of women telling The most easily translatable message to convocation was not her only taste of believe that if you use poor judgment, their different experiences. get to a jury or a judge is sexual "the Spelman experience." you have no dignity? . . . What does harassment because they don’t want to Professor Hill was able to interact that say about how we value the life or aren’t informed; they don’t individually with Spelman Student After getting an education, you understand our history of sexual, and dignity of Black women? Government Officers at a luncheon the honestly believe you can go and get a job and be judged on your work economic and racial exploitation.. . It’s next day, sharing some good advice - On how her case was revealed performance . . . Eventually, you are encouraging that people now dialogue. and some hardcore truths. There is an ongoing investigation about faced with the reality that you will be The problem in the African-American Here is what Professor Hill had to who leaked the information to the judged on something else, not your community is that we have never say: press. Two reporters have both said evaluation. Sexual harassment impacts dialogued about sexual activity. they will go to jail before releasing the on your work performance. Sexual Q: How does it feel to have people information. There are questions about harassment reduces your dignity and Q. So, after the dialogue, then what? standing in line for two hours just to if someone on the Senate who gave the sense of self. We’re not out trying to A: I don’t know, because we haven’t hear you say, "Hello!"? information even (made any violations). A: It’s a hard thing to get used to - the get rich, just trying to pay the bills. engaged in dialogue yet. We need to sit down and talk about common I think they’re backing off, but I’m not idea of it, the whole idea . . . sure U.S. Senators have forgotten. (Jokingly) Someone once said that it’s The odds are in favor of you having to experiences of African-American men face a situation where you really have and women and common interests. terrible to be famous without the Q-. Did the hearings have to be no control. One of the myths (of Certainly, African-American women money to support it. I agree. televised? sexual harassment) is that women have have had a history of sustaining the A: No. That was their decision, control. Women who haven’t community. We need to talk about - About Spelman certainly not mine. I had no choice in I thought what a wonderful experience, experienced sexual harassment have what we have in common and how we that belief. The more aggressive you can accomplish together. Each has that. when the faculty and professors some sympathy for problems of are in trying to end the behavior, the describe (their relationships with African-American men. Beyond the - On personal she-roes and heroines more aggressive the aggressor is. students). . . Out of all the thousands dialogue, I don’t know, because we Ida B. Wells. She was such an (that graduate from Oklahoma industrious figure. She was truly Q. Why is it that we experience sexual haven’t really begun dialogue yet. We University), there may be three or four need to start thinking of this in broader committed to equality. She sort-of has harassment? Black women are more that keep in touch. terms - social and political. . . We a connection with Oklahoma. Some of apt to either experience or report it. need to make a clear statement. the people who left Tennessee settled A: Sexual harassment is a power thing. g: Having traveled across the United in Oklahoma. Another (heroine) is It has everything to do with power. It States, how has the African-American - On support from Black women Etta Lois Sapier. She is still alive and has absolutely nothing to do with community responded? Are there I have had a lot of support from Black fortunately, I’ve been able to meet her. people who are genuinely interested in regional differences in the responses? women. I am willing to tell you that, Another is Harriet Tubman. I guess I having a relationship and are not able A: (Spelman) is the first college just like a woman who’s tough. to express it well. The status of Black on these issues, if we as African- campus that I’ve visited . . . Prior to American women don’t support each women is typically that we’re less - On the episode of "A Different this, I was in San Diego, in November. other, we’re going to be in trouble. . . powerful and more vulnerable in the World" that addressed sexual I’ve (encountered) women from all over Often, it’s "Are you Black or are you workplace . . . Women don’t harassment in the workplace (In the the country. It’s hard to say if there female?" If we draw lines on race, not necessarily have the connections with end, the harasser received a warning.) are regional differences in responses. race and gender, there’s a void. Often people in power. This says My nephew watches TV; I don’t have I’ve gotten very positive responses from it’s filled by Black feminists. That’s unfortunately what we already know. time. . . Unfortunately, they told you all over the country ... In Oklahoma not bad. It’s no surprise that we’re less powerful. and Arkansas, [things] are more the truth when they said that. . . Thirty [The object] of power (is) to keep us traditional, more conservative. I don’t There are issues that (all women) have minutes is not enough time to deal in our place. (It’s) nothing new. know how I would define the response in common because of our gender, but with (this topic). A lot of people to my situation. It’s hard to know. at the same time, we have a peculiar believe that if you go through and file You have a luxury as a student. You Women who’ve had the experience of history that white women do not have. a claim, then everything’s fine. Prior can think about what to do about it. being in the workplace, especially in a My friends that are white understand to the new Civil Rights Act, the only There’s a broader picture. There are that there are differences. We have thing guaranteed was that you get your . . «XM legaU psychpjqgM/^ toat some peculiar obligations. Do I think job back.“But who wants it? It's not we’re all the same? No, I don’t. often that the aggressor is dismissed. Page 7 February/March 1992

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Q-. How does it make you feel to know a responsibility to do that in that "Sexual harassment is a power that some women and men don’t feel situation. . . To the judicial system, it sexual harassment is a problem? has become something more, not that it A: That’s an unfortunate way to look at started out to do that, but it has thing. It has everything to do with things because it reduces men as well brought to mind how inadequately we as women. It’s an insult to both of us. deal with race and gender issues. Each power. It has absolutely nothing to . . There’s not very much you can say of us has a responsibility to educate if people believe you’re lying. One of the world, whether it’s speaking out in the real misconceptions is that sexual forums, to families, to educate people do with people who are genuinely harassment is not about those things; as to inequalities. This episode is not it’s about abuse of power. The key to the only episode of my life. I’m a lot sexual harassment is the power and older than you, but in the grand interested in having a relationship. " abuse of it. It’s really another way of scheme of things, I consider myself keeping women from getting that pretty young. I hope there’ll be other power. The question that you’ll have things you can talk about. It doesn’t - Anita Hill to turn around is "What value does that end here. For me, it’s the beginning of add to the society?" If someone says a realization of how life is and each of to a co-worker or subordinate, "If you us must be responsible for doing what don’t have sex with me. I’ll lower your we can against inequality. . . I hope pay," or sends dirty notes. . .[what you don’t ever have to learn to deal good is it] to having people coming in with it. - On the role of Black women in law - On interracial relationships the workplace so involved in this Some of the most effective women I Q-. Why do you think people engage in behavior, this bad experience, that they I was asked by a white woman friend, know are in law. Most of our time, interracial relationships? can’t do their work? Is this a society "How do you take what people are we do commercial because we have A: If I knew that, I would write a that we want to have? Even if we saying about you?” As a Black that interest . . .If we have an interest book. I don’t quite understand, but I think, "Oh, that’s the way it is,” we woman, you’ve heard a whole lot of to go into teaching, it’s because we can think it has a lot to do with men in have to believe there [is something things. That’s true. If I told keep our social conscience as well as general. When men marry, it’s almost more fair]. If you can’t think of it in everything, the world would stand still. practice our interest. Any woman who like a trophy. Aside from the fact that terms of self, think of it terms of your Hopefully, you’ll have less to tell. I children. Is this the kind of behavior would like to be heard, ... I would some people do get along and enjoy hope it’ll be better for you because it you want your children to experience? recommend that she go into practice in each other’s company, (white women not, it’s my fault, our fault. Certainly, you could have said, "Well, the study of law. are) the prized trophy. We are not necessarily prized. It’s a trophy for Jim Crow, that’s the way it was." Is - On Toni Morrison’s upcoming that the kind of society you aspire to Q-. What made you want to teach? some people. I think it has to do with anthology about the hearings our history. Why do we denigrate other live in? A: Practice. I did practice for a while I think it’s important to dialogue. I women or men?. . . People marry and and that made me want to teach. don’t know what it’s going to be or become involved in relationships for a Q-. In the future, when we explain the say, but one has to be flattered when Practice was okay. I enjoyed some variety of reasons. But I have heard hearings to our children, who was Toni Morrison sits down and tlrnks aspects. Practicing in a D.C. law firm, men say that that’s what they want. I Anita Hill? about it. It’s amazing to me. I’m a I worked hard, had long hours. The try to assume that people get married A: That’s it. I don’t know. What I private person, not a person who likes practice was to buy the associate or because they like each other. That’s think is that I was someone who by a lot of attention or limelight, except in client dinner if you worked beyond a what we need to focus on, not prestige. conscience (assertion) disclosed what I the classroom. certain hour. I was too precocious to . . Don’t even try to rack your brain knew to be the truth. I believed I had work and stop to eat at a certain time. and figure it out. There are so many . . I realized life was slipping away. I experiences. Every one is peculiar to was doing something that I enjoyed, that person and situation. You should somewhat . . . [but] personally, I didn’t try to focus on the values of a person. get a thrill out of it. I was really interested in civil rights. I had done Q-. Do you consider yourself a the corporate because once in a while I thought I was able to make some feminist? money. Then I found that money was A: I want to avoid labels because who not as important as doing something knows what it means? What difference "[The hearings have] brought to that I care about. . . I wanted to be a does it make what I call myself? What scholar. The interaction of ideas, the I want you to do is give me the exchange of ideas in the classroom courtesy to sit down and have dialogue mind how inadequately we deal really appealed to me. I don’t know with me and try to understand my that I’ll ever do anything else. There’s thinking. Once I have that label, enough variety in it. Every day is there’s no need to talk to me. I try to with race and gender issues. Each different. - think of myself as a human being.

- On her students’ reactions - On the hearings of us has a responsibility to When I first came back to D.C., It’s not a dead issue partly because everything was tentative. My class sexual harassment continues, but it’s was just great, very supportive. My part of the broader problem, of the educate the world, whether it's first-year class, they were a little less whole slew of gender issues, not just certain of the whole experience. But me as one Black woman. It’s the this year is coming together. It was whole history and continuing speaking out in forums, to families disruptive. . . but I think that’s coming occurrences of exploitation and back together in a healthy way. devaluing of the Black woman. The - to educate people as to - On sexual harassment in the real deal is the whole thing, the history we’ve gone through and what we’re military going through now. It’s unfortunate Unfortunately, the military has its own that we think of single issues and not inequalities. This episode is not set of rules to operate by. But the gender. . . We’re time struck; exposure of all of this has led to a everything happens in periods. revamping of procedures. The system the only episode of my life." needs evaluation. Now, they’re under some scrutiny. - Anita Hill

-¿Aul« ion ?,'i) ’.‘it atnR’w’odw iij# • Unirli I oQ .èoótlégddóòtÉ&iàaò ■amo? .bwimeib ¿i ■'.ceaozsgd aril ntii ratio .»’nob I ,oPÎ Vamaa adì Ils ai'aw Spelman Spotlight Page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT i Presented in Theater Production By Angela Fry In conjunction with the theme of play because she is a new voice in the "Challenging Visions," Spelman’s theater and her play is contemporary, theater and drama department meaning the play cannot be categorized performed Suzan Lori Parks’ "The into any definition. Death of the Last Black Man in the Parks is a graduate of Mount Whole Entire World," during Founder’s Holyoke College. Her play was very Day week. successful at the Winter Fest at Yale The play draws on familiar last February. Dr. Jackson felt it stereotypes and images of blacks to tell would do well here also. the story, said Dr. Paul Jackson, On the other hand, some of the chairperson of the drama department. actors were not as confident. Johnson The characters represented ideals rather admitted she was concerned about the than real people. reaction to the play. The actors developed the "Everything was new. There were stereotypes they portrayed by looking a lot of ways to interpret the play at their parts and seeing what comes because of the repetition of lines and out of them. Helen Butler, the minor changes in the lines." director, said that many of the Butler said that the language in the stereotypes, which she prefers to call play contributed to its creativeness. myths, are obvious ones, such as the Parks "uses sound and language Black man with watermelon, played by like jazz," said Butler. "It’s not normal Saul Williams, and the Black woman everyday language.” with a fried drumstick, played by The repetition of lines was an Stacey Abrams. Other representations important part of the play. Sometimes are drawn from historical or literary the lines offered different meanings, or contexts. the same meaning in a new The cast also has been challenged environment. Butler also added that by the play. Actress Joanna Johnson, the language made the audience listen who played Yes and Greens Blackeye more carefully because "words peas and Cornbread, said that the play normally used were redefined and was very difficult to understand, and claimed as African-American." required several readings. Johnson also Besides the language challenging Helen Butler (standing right), a new faculty said that this play was challenging the audience, the department also member will direct the play. because it was a new experience. decided to redefine the theater’s space. "This was a great experience for The three-quarters’ round staging me as an actress," said Johnson. "The approach literally placed the audience director molded things based on what on the stage, with chairs surrounding a the actors got from the play. It pushed small platform where the action our minds and allowed us to occurred. ’’Sweet Honey in the Rock ” experiment and be creative." The change in spacing established According to Dr. Jackson, the a smaller intimate atmosphere, similar Performs Benefit Concert play’s intent was to show that there is to a night club or turn-around theater, no such thing as the death of the last and worked well with the play’s black. language Butler remarked. This approach to staging increased By Erica N. Wright "The play is very positive," said moving messages that carry time far the audience’s level of awareness Using their vocal instruments and a Dr. Jackson. "It showed that blacks few percussions, Sweet Honey in the back. I’ve been very inspired by what have survived, even when times are replied Dr. Jackson, and encouraged Rock dazzled its audience in Sisters I have seen, what I have felt, and what bad, and that things will get better." their interaction too. Butler noted that Chapel with their dexterity and their I have heard." The department decided on Parks’ the change disrupted what was versatility. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Spelman perceived by the audience. Sweet Honey in the Rock covered class of 1970, founded Sweet Honey in a musical spectrum- of African, the Rock in 1973. The group almost Caribbean and Afro-American music. disbanded five years later when three They performed such favorites as of its members decided to leave. Albert Tindley’s "By and By," Harry According to Reagon, the group lost Belafonte’s "Calypso Freedom," and sight of what it was and who they Donny Hathaway’s "Trying Times." were to become. The group is known for the The group has traveled all over the political and social activism that is world to such places as the former expressed in their work. Soviet Union, Japan, Africa and The audience was on its feet for the Central America. The highlight of the song "I’m Gon’ Stand." The song group’s experiences was performing speaks against social injustice, during the Mandela tour of the United exploitation and racism. States. Today the group is comprised Their song "Colours" discussed the of five members: Bernice Johnson sexual injustices experienced by Reagon, Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju women and also talked about abortion. Bolade Casel, Evelyn Harris, Aisha When introducing this piece, Ysaye Kahlil. An additional performer, Akua Barnwell, a group member, Opo Kuwaa, who is also a sign commented, "Gentlemen, we don’t want interpreter, added her own expressive to make laws about your body parts. performance to the concert. So, if you backed off ours we’d be The proceeds of the night’s most appreciative." performance benefitted The Fund for The group also performed the poem Southern Communities and the Arts "Letter to Martin" by Sonia Sanchez. Exchange. This poem mentions *he political and "Sweet Honey in the Rock is an CAST MEMBERS (back, left to right) MerJin Evertz, social events that have occurred since American. Treasure,", said Logan Renonzo Belcher (middle) Joanna Johnson; Tangle King’s death. fierce, - chairman of' the-' Board of Ambrose, Saul Williams, and Michelle McCullough -snyti "The group is excellent...powerful,” Directors for the Arts' 'Exchange. (front) director Helen Butler Coretta Scott King said of the "Their commitment to. community- The character, Black man with watermelon, will performance. "Their renditions are based support is excellent." soon be electrocuted. Page 9 February/March 1992 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Not Another Bad Little Fad

By NiaMalika Rashid Chris Sellers, Marliss Pugh, GA: I like to ride motorcycles and Spotlight: What type of music do you Spotlight: Is it important to you? Demetrius Pugh, David Shelton, and cars. They got this thing called like? Because a lot of people don’t take Romell Chapman. Malibu, they’re like real cars, but religion seriously. Do these names sound familiar? they’re go-carts. And I like doing that. Chris: Rap. They are better known as Chris, Mark: I like Math and swimming. Red: Rap, reggae. All sorts. GA: We do, because we thank God for GA: Rap, R&B, Hip-Hop. Mark, Red, Li’l Dave, and Ro-Ro of Lt7 Dave: I like singing, Math, and the success. And we know without Another Bad Creation, the brainstorm going swimming. Him, it wouldn’t be possible. Spotlight: Do you like Shabba Ranks? of Kevin Wales and Michael Bivins. Red: Dancing, meeting fans. You Ro-Ro: We wouldn’t be here. These five young men along with know, the people that look up to us. GA: We just don’t look at it and say, General ’GA’ Austin had their first taste But, I really like making music, and All: Yeah! "Well, we sold a lot of records, so of fame with the release of the first stuff. we’re just that." Now, we look out for Ro-Ro: I like hanging with my friends Spotlight: Where did the name for your single Iesha from the LP "Coolin’ at other people. Now that people look up and standing on the comer having fun. group come from? the Playground, Ya Know!" Other to us. Telling jokes and watching cartoons. successful releases have followed, such Chris: It’s also important to go to All: Our manager Kevin Wales. as Jealous Girl and My World. Church. You go to give your time to Spotlight: What do you do on the Kevin Wales: When we started they Once in a while there comes along the Lord. ’Cause during the week, weekend? were so small, back then, we were a person or a group of people that you’re doing so much stuff. You need thinking of a name that would last. We inspire hope for the future and remind to go to Church on Sunday. us that we can have success. Another Red: On weekdays we’ve got to go to wanted a name that would last, and school and right after school, we come that would fit them. We thought ABC Bad Creation not only set examples for Spotlight: What are your future goals to practice. And by the time we get fit them because it was short and they those young people searching for and plans? success and fame in show business, but home it’s time to go to bed. So, on the were kids and another bad creation. We weekends sometimes we just hook up thought that [a name like] Another Bad also for young Black men and women Chris: I’ll speak first. I probably would together. Or meet people at places. Creation would last forever. with hopes to be something and be a want to own my own business. Mark: Sometimes we spend the night success at it. GA: It depends on how old I am. If over our friends’ house. Spotlight: How is your relationship As I ventured to the production I’m in my teens, I’d want to go to GA: Well, last weekend we were in a with your parents? studio where I was to conduct my college. video with a group called Highland interview, I must confess I was a little Ro-Ro: If I was in my twenties, I’d Place Mobsters. And it was on the Red: [Fame] makes it, really, easier. excited to meet them. I listen to their want to go to medical school and be a [AUC] campuses. Chris: Your parents have a lot of songs and see them on television, but doctor. I have never met a celebrity before. responsibility, and you have to respect them [even though you’re famous]. I was interested to know how fame Spotlight: Have you met a lot of Spotlight: What kind of Doctor? had affected such young boys and if celebrities that you have admired? GA: And another thing, you know, when we leave, our mother misses us they had realized the position of Ro-Ro: A brain surgeon! so much that we spend more time with influence that fame had put them in at Ro-Ro: Michael Jackson, Hammer. Red: When I get, like, nineteen. I her. Back then you saw your mother such young ages. GA: Muhammad Ali, Eddie Murphy. would like to be like Kevin Wales everyday so nothing really changed. The six young stars were Chris: Stevie Wonder, Big Daddy (who) is a writer and a manager, immediately warm and friendly. I was Kane. Dallas Austin (who) is a producer, and Spotlight: Do you have big families? pleasantly surprised by their amiability. Li’l Dave: And Sandman! Michael Bivens (who) is also a They were very approachable. They manager. Li’l Dave: Yeah, I do! had a carefree, down-to-earth attitude Spotlight: How did you happen to meet Li’l Dave: I’d like to be a Policeman! and were easy to talk to. Michael Jackson? GA: We all consider ourselves one big Mark: I’d rather be a football player or family. a basketball player. Spotlight: What are your ages? Red: In L.A., when they filmed the video. Spotlight: Describe everyday life before Spotlight: Who do you look up to? Li’l Dave: Nine. Mark: Me and Dave were in the video fame. Li’l Dave: I look up to Kevin Wales * Mark: Nine. "Black or White." and Michael Bivens. Red: Twelve. Mark: It’s really the same. Chris: Thirteen. Spotlight: Do you have many friends? Ro-Ro: Come home from school, play Spotlight: Is he like a big brother? Ro-Ro: Thirteen. outside, watch cartoons. GA: Thirteen. Ro-Ro: I got, like. . .two. Chris: Sometimes on weekends wc All: Yeah. Mark: Big brother/Daddy type. GA: I have, like, a whole posse of went to talent shows. Spotlight: Do you enjoy success as friends. Red: It’s the same, except we go out of Red: My parents. much as you thought you would? Red: Yeah, a lot. town, and we’re in a different school. GA: Musicians 1 look up to, it would And more people like us. Well, some be Michael Jackson ’cause he’s been Red: Yes, and a lot more. Spotlight: Where do you live now? people like us and some don’t. But we around a long time. And I know he had to go through a lot of stuff when GA: We travel a lot and meet a lot of try to ignore them. different people. I think the best part Chris: I live in College Park. he was younger. And Hammer because about being in the entertainment Li’l Dave: College Park. Spotlight: How is life now? he likes to help out his people. business is onstage. We have a lot of GA: And me, Red, and Mark. . . Red: I like Michael Jackson, too. He’s fun performing. Red: live in Stone Mountain. GA: Now, we really can’t go out as always been famous. ’Cause even if he Red: Especially meeting our fans. Ro-Ro: I live in Tennessee. much. were to drop, he could pick it oack up Mark: And the videos. Red: That’s how far it is. Red: We can go out every other and be on top again. I want to be large GA: He lives in Marietta. It’s way out. weekend. On the sneak tip. like him, but not that large that I can’t Spotlight: Have the rules changed at Mark: You might could say we live all even go out and get a burger. home? around. Spotlight: Does religion play a big part in your life? Ro-Ro: No. We still have to do chores. Spotlight: Do you have any girlfriends? Red: It’s the same. Chris: I’m not going to say I go to Continued on GA: We still have to take out the Red: No, not yet. Church all the time. garbage and stuff. Mark: Too young and too busy. Red: I haven’t been to Church in a Chris: No, not yet. long time, but I asked my Mom to page 12 .. . Spotlight: Do you have any hobbies? Li’l Dave: No. start taking me. GA: No. Ro-Ro: I go to Church, like, every Chris: I like reading and riding Ro-Ro: No. other Sunday with my Mom. When I’m dirtbikes. here. "¡V-/- Spelman Spotlight Page 10 SPORTS At Spelman, Academies Come Before Athletics

By Angela Fry The explosion of college sports into average to play. either. because they hurt blacks. She says a multi-million dollar business puts a Walton points out that the "I respond to people who contact some students deserve an opportunity lot of pressure on athletes. students who play sports have a better me," said Walton. "We want athletes and do not get it. Walton wants to see Besides performing well grade point average overall than the that want to be here, not because they more flexibility with the propositions. athletically, college athletes must do general student body. are obligated." Walton also wants more flexibility well academically. All those involved "The athletes have a 3.3 grade Since recruitment is not a concern from the administration. She is pleased with college sports find ways to make point average, whereas the institution for Spelman coaches, they also do not with the school’s support as far as sure athletes maintain the required has a 2.8 average," said Walton. have to worry about Propositions 48 finances and facilities, and also with grade point average so they can play. The graduation rate for athletes is and 42. their commitment. However, Walton At a small school in Atlanta, also higher than the student body Proposition 48 requires entering has made two requests which the academics come before athletics. graduation rate, she said. college freshman to have a 2.0 grade administration keeps rejecting. Within the past two-to-three years, Walton feels that the school point average in 11 core curriculum One request is for Spelman to Spelman College, an historically black should require athletes to have a high school courses, and a minimum join the NCAA. women’s institution, developed four certain grade average though, to be score of 700 out 1600 on the "We need to be a member," says sports programs: basketball, tennis, consistent. The college requires Scholastic Aptitude Test, or a minimum Walton. "We meet all of the standards track and volleyball. However, unlike students to have a 3.0 grade average to score of 15 out of 35 on the American to join." other college sports programs, Spelman participate in student government, class College Test to participate in a sport. The NCAA requires that an is unique. offices, and Greek-letter organizations. Proposition 42 denies scholarships institution have four sports programs: Students who participate in As basketball coach, Walton says to those students who do not meet the two individual and two team. A sport athletics know where their priorities lie, that there is no problem with students standards in Proposition 48. must be played during the fall, winter according to athletic director and equally concentrating on academics and Spclman’s athletes are not affected and spring seasons. Each program has baseball coach, Kathy Walton. athletics. by these propositions since the school to play a certain amount of games also. "Students usually get their work "Academics and classes come is not a member of the NCAA. All the programs have been very done ahead of time because they know first, so that there will be no conflicts. Besides that, the institution’s standards competitive, Walton noted. they play sports," Walton said. "They I don’t like to police the students, are higher than the propositions. All the school has to do is pay don’t ask teachers for extensions because the truth will come out Spelman requires a 3.0 grade point the $900 fee, but the administration either." anyway." average and a 900 on the SAT, or a refuses to pay it and will not offer an Perhaps it is easier for these At other colleges where Walton 20 on the ACT. explanation. women to perform well academically coached, she used to check on students’ Walton sees the propositions both Walton also asked the because they are not under the pressure grades by having them complete positively and negatively. administration to adopt a mascot, a of the National Collegiate Athletic progress reports. She also implemented "The propositions place athletes on jaguar, but neither was that request Association’s (NCAA) guidelines. a study table for students who had less academics and they place athletes in an considered. Since Spelman is not a member than a 3.0 grade point average. educational atmosphere," said Walton. Walton would also like to get of the NCAA, the school does not Those tactics are not necessary at "Some athletes have no business being some cheerleaders and more student provide scholarships to its athletes. On Spelman, however. Students who play in school because they can’t read or support, but blames the lack of support the other hand, the athletes do not have sports do so because they want to play. write." from not winning games. to maintain a certain grade point There is no recruiting at the school Walton opposes the propositions "To be successful, you have to win," said Walton.

HEALTH NEWS

New Techniques for Breast Cancer Testing

By Jamellah Braddock Approximately 500,000 American The new approach, known as this method, studied 102 women who medical bill. women undergo beast biopsies each stereotactic automated large-core had breast lesion biopsies both For years, women have been year. biopsy, uses an X-ray device to surgically and through his method. In protesting against the insufficient The majority of these women still pinpoint the lesions within the breast. all but four of the cases, both methods appropriations for breast cancer endure the pain of surgical biopsy, a Then an automated gun with a small yielded the same results. Surgery research in this country, especially test which requires a radiologist to run needle extracts the tissue. detected two cancers that the needle when the statistics of women who a guide wire into the breast to pinpoint Some women reported red marks missed, and the needle revealed two develop the cancer and often die from any lesions. Following this procedure or small bruises immediately following cancers that the surgeons did nwt it are noted. a surgeon opens the breast to retrieve the procedure, but these were gone detect. Maybe this method will provide a tissue samples, and closes the wound within a week. This procedure takes This new method could spare catalyst for rapid change since it is not with sutures. less than an hour and costs about $850. millions of women the pain and scars only more convenient and as efficient Some patients have to stay at home This new procedure’s record, to of surgery as well as lots of money. as surgery, but it will also benefit the to recover from the discomfort, and date, suggests that it can be as accurate Moreover, it is estimated that a legislators who are searching for there is usually a permanent '¿dar left. as surgery. complete switch-over could cut up to recession-recovery solutions in hopes of This procedure costs about $5,000. Dr. Steve Parker, the pioneer of . $1 - billion, .a year off the nation’s appeasing their constituents. Page 11 February/March 1992 Class of 1995 Celebrates Freshman Week

By Riche Richardson Joy Stephens—Stewart Living- should have. About stepping Jan-Nee Sheats-Abby Learning Center tonight, I’m pretty hyped. I’m ready. Freshman Week is always such an I know that we’re gonna do our very As for Freshman Week, it has been a exciting time in the Spelman It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve made a lot best, and I know that we are going to good learning experience. I think that Community. This year’s celebration of friends. People who I didn’t even be live. I don’t think it’s all about the it’s been one of the best weeks since was no exception. Numerous functions know that stay in my dorm are now competition, but I know we’re gonna be I’ve been here. I think that It’s been a were held. Among them were a my good friends. We’ve had a lot of live for ourselves. I guess it’s like the lot of fun, and everybody has been fashion show, games, a Ms. Spelman fun, and there has been a lot of same motto that your parents tell you: supportive, getting together. Even forum, a Barefoot Ballet Workshop, bonding going on. The secrecy "Do the best that you can." people who I didn’t really talk to and the Newly-Roomie Game. Under between the dorms got on my nerves earlier in the year that live in my the leadership of class president Bukola though. I didn’t really think that it was Sheryl Gibson—Manley dorm, I talk to now. The step team Oguntala, the class, in keeping with its that crucial...But we were so worried has made me make more friends. I’m theme was "United Under One Color." about our own show that we didn’t Freshman Week was pretty interesting. nervous about the step show tonight, Howard Harreld, LLCI, Packard, Abby, have time to worry about anybody else. It wasn’t what I really expected, but I but I think that we’ll do well. We’ve and Manley won first, second, third, I hope that everybody does well in the did see a lot of unity through the worked really hard. fourth, and fifth places, respectively, show, and I think we’re going to be dorms coming together with the sister for dorm decorations. For the pretty good. The dorm is behind us, dorms. I expected a little more. Anderia Bishop-Packard Freshman Week overall, LLCI came in so I hope they cheer for us... About stepping tonight, my adrenalin is Freshman Week was pretty nice. We first, Packard second, Abby third, and pumping; I’m excited about this. I all had a lot of fun, but you never Howard Harreld fourth. All the dorm Kay Ervin-Howard Harreld think this is where all the unity comes know what to expect. A lot of us in step teams, including the dynamic out. This is what everyone is looking Packard had this sisterhood spirit until Unity team, were extraordinary. Freshman Week overall has been a forward to. This is going to be a good we got outside and it was kind of like Following, a representative from each bonding experience, but people have show tonight, and I’m excited about it. a dorm thing at times...We’re looking step team shares her sentiments not been participating as much as they to have fun tonight, and we’re looking concerning Freshman Week and the should have. People have not been to see everybody do a good job, and step show. coming out in the numbers that they we’re ready. We’re definitely ready.

UNITED Spotlight Interviews Freshman UNDER Advisor ONE COLOR Richele Jordan Spotlight-. Richele, describe your experience of working with the freshmen this year. Richele: I’ve had a lot of fun working with the freshmen this year. They’ve shown a lot of enthusiasm and a willingness to work with their classmates, and they really wanted this Freshman Week to go off okay. Spotlight: Recently, there was a Student Orientation Leader (SOL) reunion. What inspired you to * organize this function? Richele: Well, I remember that when I came in as a freshman and we received SOL’s and after a period of time our relationships kind of dwindled along the wayside. I thought that this would be a great opportunity for the SOLs and their freshmen sisters to reunite to rekindle some of the feelings that they felt during freshman week. Spotlight: Has helping to organize Freshman Week been your most challenging job this year? Richele: Yes, I would say that’s true, as well as with the Freshman Week at the beginning of the school year. Mostly, the freshmen put a lot of hard work and long hours into this, and I was there to supervise, but they actually did all the work. Spotlight: Overall, what have you learned from working so intimately with the freshmen this year? Richele: That even though I’m a FRESHMAN WEEK senior, I’ll always remember rrfy experiences as a freshman, and there’s MARCH 22-28, 1992 nothing like Freshman Week at s Spelman College. (1. ( t, (>i Spelman Spotlight Page 12

Not Another Bad Little Fad

Continued from page 9 Spotlight-. What would you say to other Chris: A lot of people did that to us Well, these talented young men have young people trying to make it? What when we first came out. definitely got it together. Keep striving kind of advice would you give them? Red: Go for what you know. for the best and I hope you continue Li’l Dave: We’d like to say thanks to great success. In the end, Red-. If you have a group, keep it up all the people who help us out. and strive for that success. determination, concentration, hard work, Michael Bivens, Dallas Austin, Vida and a focus pay off. GA: Stay off drugs and stay in school. Sparks, Kevin Wales. Mark: Get a college education. Chris: And all our fans. Ro-Ro: Don’t let anybody put you GA: And everyone at Spelman College. down. If people try to put you down, it’ll just make you work harder. Go for yours.

IF YOU'RE INTO DOPE. YOU MIGHT AS WEU SMOKE THIS.

There’s one sure way to see businesses lost more than $60 fail the test, you’re out of a job. your future go up in smoke. billion to drugs. So this year, The message is simple. Do drugs. most of the Fortune 500 will be Doing drugs could blow your Last year alone, America’s administering drug tests. If you whole education. WE RE PUTTING DRUGS OUT OF Partnership for a Drug-Free America