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U SI1 BLACKORLDONE ATIO s Africah itudeht CoNvE h at Ihth'i CahferEhce By: Josephine Oduro School of African Awareness, which is a he pocketed it." IASA is to develop a resume book which Stony Brook' s own African non-profit, non-governmental organiza- Most of the participants at the will be sold to conipanies that are inter- Student Union, participated in the fourth tion that was launched in Zimbabwe. The conference shared a common view that ested in hiring qualified Africans. annual International African Students SAA's major purpose is to address issues the U.S. has absolute power because it A relative view shared by some association (IASA) conference hosted at pertaining to cultural awareness, and Af- holds the most votes in the United Na- of the African students at the conference, Howard University. The conference, rican self-help and self-reliance. The tions, International Monetary Fund and was that they represent a small minority which attempted to address issues facing SAA is designed to play an instrumental the World Bank. The avenue of boycott- on their college campuses and that events Africa, occurred on April 3rd through the role in the educating and development of ing and lobbying was identified to be a like the conference really allow them the 5th. Africa and its people. It is also targeted limited option. chance to unite. "I come here to meet The IASA conference united at people who have an interest in Africa "The only people that address people, because of the atmosphere at my representatives from African Student and its culture. issues in Africa is the white government," university," said Jacqueline Ajala, a stu- Association's (ASA) all over the U.S. and Corruption of some African Sibanda said. "They address us to ex- .dent of The College of William and Mary Canada. "IASA is a student run organi- governments was another topic of discus- ploit us." University. zation, built around the idea that students sion. It is suspected that the Nigerian Field organizer for Amnesty In- Other students said the confer- need to organize to gain more skills so as government sells oil to U.S. companies ternational, Cleopatra Warren brought ence was very productive in educating to help Africa's development," said and pockets the profits. The U.S. com- attention to genocide in Rwanda and ju- them about issues pertaining to Africa. Hafsat Abiola former president of IASA. panies then bribe congressman in order venile executions. "There are 13 minors "I think it's sometimes good to get a new Students that attended the con- to prevent the U.S. from taking action. " on death row in the United States," War- view to solutions of African problems," ference represented the many different Is the Global Money Market more im- ren said. said Frederick Osei-Boah ASU president shapes, colors and voices of Africa. portant than the Nigerian people," The IASA conference also dis- at Stony Brook. "It's a good gathering Among those present were people who Sibanda said. DeShazer responded "We cussed possible projects such as a book of most of the African countries, sharing had origins from Zaire, Liberia, Ghana, wanted to hold the Nigerian governments drive. The project involves sending un- ideas about our homelands." Tanzania, and Nigeria. Some Haitian and feet to the fire, but we couldn't get an used textbooks to people in Africa who In light of the positive response Jamaican students were also in atten- agreement to that process." can better utilize them. It has been pro- from some of the attendees Sibanda dance adding to the idea that Africans do DeShazer went on to discuss the posed to have the U.S. and the countries warned everyone about the repercussions not just reside in Africa but all over the reason why sanctions haven't worked in that are receiving the books in Africa of conferences. "There's a constant dan- globe. Nigeria. "There has been reluctance share the shipping charges. Vice Presi- ger with conference hopping, " said The former Director of African among the international system to enforce dent of IASA Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizy is cur- Sibanda, "organizers make these confer- Affairs for the White House Security freezing assets, " he said. rently working on implementing the book ences, and go home with a fat check and Council, MacArthur DeShazer, Sr., said, Mike Fleshman, Human Rights drive. do not really teach the people. It is no "Displacement has put us in an environ- Coordinator for the American Commit- "Stanford University sends longer a situation where attendance is ment that has caused us to develop dif- tee on Africa said, "The International books to African universities on behalf more important than the experience of ferent values and beliefs, which has Monetary Fund and the World Bank con- of IASA," said Dozie Okpalaobieri, a learning. Once people's minds have been caused us to be different, but that does tinued to give money to Seseke Mobutu Brandies University student. sharpened you know the conference was not mean we should not connect the the former President of Zaire, knowing Another project proposed by effective." dots." Screen writer and director of Amistad, Debbie Allen was scheduled to speak at the conference, but was unable to attend. . I DeShazer also discussed the National Summit on Africa and its at- tempt to address issues about struggles in Africa. The summit, which is being funded by the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation, is set to take place in November 1999. One of the objec- tives of the summit is to raise Africa's profile in the U.S. Many Americans view Africa as a country that is represented by men with spears, bare-breasted women, and bare- foot and hungry children. The attempt to improve Africa's profile is a plan to educate Americans about the mutual ben- efits of a closer U.S.-Africa relationship. Another objective of the sum- mit is to devise a plan of action in which 25 academics will write about democ- racy, human rights and culture. Light regional summits will be conducted to increase the delegation. "We expect to have a stronger, broader constituency that will increase our voice," said DeShazer. Sabelo Sibanda founding mem- ber of IASA said, "Our people have been suppressed for so long, that they've de- veloped this mentality that they need to be helped by someone else. We don't want a situation where we increase our dependency on others, maybe one time Participants of the International African Students Association Conference we'll call on the state department but for now lets leave them out." Sibanda went on to discuss The

~-~pn. ~ ~-~a a laasbsa -- ~sss~-~-~-a _.. _ _ _ s----~--~.-l-~El--~X~_-~-__ll_-·~··~-·YI_I _1_--~_ aa~ra~arn *L am aR O N NAIO * V WV V U The Missing Million Once again the Africana from the annual budget, leaving a causes emotional and intellectual dif- Studies Program is under attack by total of $331,343. It is this figure ficulties," Owens said. University officials. In our last is- multiplied by five years and sub- Another cause for concern is sue we as students questioned why tracted from the two million plus that the recent external review of the AFS such a long-lived program has not yet produces the "missing million" from Program that occurred on April 6th been given departmental status? In the AFS budget. and 7th. After touring the AFS facil- this issue we are questioning the un- Dr. Owens sent a memo to ity and speaking with faculty and stu- explained absence of one million dol- Dean of the College of Arts and Sci- dents, the reviewers, Professor Ernest lars from the AFS budget over a ences, Paul Armstrong, requesting an Dunn, Rutgers, the State University spans of five years. explanation for the misappropriation of New Jersey, Professor Toyin Dr. Leslie Owens of the AFS of funds. In his memo Owens writes: Falola, University of Texas, Austin, Program, alerted a group of student It seems legitimate for AFS to raise and Professor John Bracey, Univer- leaders to the ills that are transpiring questions about how the balanc of sity of Massachusetts, Amherst, all at this University, concerning this $979,185.00 has ncommended that the AFS program particular unit. cwhat u . be elevated to departmental status Thediscovery of the "miss- evelop- with a Masters degree program. ýe SAnd it is abundantly . ing million" resulted from a self- tht AFS program has suc- This would require the Uni- y tt cws d by AS ear that the AFS program has suc- study that was conducted by AFS. essfully produced revenues to fund versity to hire more Black and Latino Over the past five years AFS has gen- itself in the environment of the Uni- faculty and staff, which is something erated more than two million dollars, versity at Stony Brook but has not that has been cleverly avoided for which is a direct result of student been acknowledged for doing so. nearly three decades on this campus. enrollment revenue. Owens proudly says, Dr. Owens summed it up best The College of Arts and Sci- "Africana Studies is totally self-suf- when he said, "We don't have a con- ences, which houses the AFS Pro- ficient. No other department pays for spiracy at Stony Brook, we have a gram, allots an annual budget of itself. They must get outside fund- policy not to hire people of color. In $352,343 to AFS. A debt of $21,000 ing."- effect we're modern slaves. I teach that was incurred by the College as a The "missing million" has slavery, I know what it's about." whole, and not by AFS, is deducted concerned the AFS faculty. "This TicrhPllP rPnror Editor-in-Chief

Student Demonstrations on Campus Progressive students on cam- Action" students on the Stony Brook who do research on Black Studies in pus staged two actions in the past campus gathered outside the Admin- any department or who teach Black couple of weeks, and both were suc- istration building chanting slogans Studies courses in any department on cessful. Last week, on Monday April such as, "Defend Affirmative Ac- campus, and who did not bring their 6, several graduate and undergradu- tion!!," and "We Want More Black asses out to the struggle, were pimp- ate students met informally with the Faculty!!" Many also carried ban- ing off black people and the Black outside reviewers who were assigned ners saying, "No More Waivers!!," Liberation Movement. In response, by the administration to assess the referring, of course, to the number of students called out, "Where the En- Africana Studies Program. Affirmative Action waivers on cam- glish Department at? "Where the The students spoke openly pus over the past two years, which Comp Lit Department at?" "Where and strongly about the need for a waived affirmative action hiring poli- the History Department at?," and so graduate degree program in Africana cies out of existence at Stony Brook. on, until almost every department on Studies, and expressed their shock Unfortunately, only a few campus was called out. Eventually about the lack of departmental sta- non-black faculty and students at- they cried, "Where Shirley at?" tus, despite the existence of AFS on tended the demonstration. Organiz- "Where the white people at?" There campus for thirty years. One student ers told BLACKWORLD that they must be people in many departments spoke about the high standard of ex- are hoping that more white women, who support the struggle, but they cellence demanded by the AFS fac- the main recipients of Affirmative remained inside. Intellectual work ulty, while another spoke of the in- Action benefits on campus (almost 80 and theory is good, as Lenin reminds tellectual rigor of the rseoffe pc co t• r staest ial , t c mipletes the dialec- ings. Most of the stu s - da nd outt th ally)- o ti. tended were satisfied t thureve up e s 4eir lidarity ith- de stration for Affir- ers would accurately report their their black brothers and sisters on mative Action on April 22 calls on comments in the review. This week April 22nd, when the next rally is all people, regardless of their race, BLACKWORLD learned that the re- being held, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 color, creed, sexual orientation, gen- viewers gave the AFS Department an p.m., outside of the Administration der, or economic status, to stand side excellent review, and we are hoping building. The organizers also said by side with progressive students and that the administration will follow that they are hoping to have more take a step inside history, as we their suggestions with honesty and representatives from Asian Studies, struggle for the civil rights of milo integrity. Indian Studies, Women Studies, Latin lions of people in the United States. On April 2, students called American and Caribbean Studies: The People United Will Never Be attention to another issue of extreme programs whose presence in direct Defeated importance: Affirmative Action on result of the Civil Rights movement campus. Joining students across in the 1960's and the passionate PRO-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION New York, New Jersey and the en- struggle of black people. RALLY/APRIL 22ND, 1998. 12:00- tire nation on this day designated the During the rally on April 1:00 P.M./OUTSIDE THE ADMIN- "National Day to Defend Affirmative 2nd, one speaker said that people ISTRATION BUILDING Joy Mahabir Faculty Advisor - -L ~ ,IP1 , ~ ~~s rs~ g ----~ -·-LI~-9~~1~--·~L·-C-~L C ~-U P· L P ~ --- lid -~-- Y --~-- -· A. *O R ; ONE ATION I U EOP cont'd from pg. 1 E.O.P. Responsibility Profiles gram, Vice President of Student Af- Fall 1998 and Beyond-All E. O.P. fairs, Fred R. Preston has extended freshman will be required to take his leadership by forming a situation USB 101 with fellow E.O.P. cl ass- Brian A. Kerr through Campus Residences which mates and each section will be taiught Academic Advisor/Counselor will enable the housing cost for the by a staff member including Dr. Summer Program to be reduced by 25 Hurley. This will apply to tranisfer Brian A. Kerr joined the EOP/AIM Program in October of 1997. percent. A corresponding cost reduc- students as well. A new format con- His responsibilities include providing student development in the areas of tion for food is still in negotiations sisting of holding a general mee ting personal, academic, and financial aid counseling. Mr. Kerr was a co-orga- at this time. of E.O.P. students at least once i se- nizer of the first EOP/AIM student forum. One of his many duties consits Intensive Computer Skills Training- mester. A new Peer Mentoring Pro- of being in charge of the programs advocacy (voter registration and letter Dr. Hurley feels the needs of the stu- gram. The CBIT lab will be upgr aded writing campaign), to help restore the 25% cut in funds that were lost in dent today are not the same as for the to state of the art technology. Blook 1995. He is involved in the Special Initiatives Program, which is a project student of 30 years ago. This is not stipends will be increased from $;200 designed to increase students grade point average. Some of Mr. Kerr's other the same institution in 1998 that it to $300 per semester. Study gr oups responsibilities are Student Outreach Activities, Co-coordinator of EOP/AIM was in 1968. Having said that, she to supplement the tutoring progr ams. Summer Program Evaluation & Workshop component, and the Coordinator is aggressively trying to acquire a Frequent social group meeting s of of the Transfer Verification component of the Summer Program. grant this year through the State of E.O.P. students, which will al low New York Department of Education E.O.P. students to get to know one Maxine Douglass- Zandich, to fund a component of the Summer another. Program in a way that's never been According to Dr. Hurley,,the A graduate of Stony Brook's School of Social Welfare, Ms. Zandieh done and that's intensive computer skills of staff members need t(o be joined the EOP/AIM staff in June 1997. In addition to counseling 115 stu- skills training. She says we are liv- much more comprehensive and dif- dents in the EOP/AIM program, Ms. Zandieh is the editor of the EOP/AIM ing in an age of technology and she ferent from one just doing acade,mic newsletter.- " The TARGET ". She is also the coordinator of the Special believes that if the program can give advising. They must have experi(ence Initiative Project - a program designed to assist EOP/AIM students with the students a leg up in relation to working with the economically and maintaining good academic standing; and conducts the evaluation of the Pre- computer skills, that will go a long educationally disadvantaged, a cul- Freshman Summer Program. way. She has consulted with the turally diverse student body an d at School of Professional Development the same time be versed enough to do Ron Richard in the event that she acquires fund- personal counseling. Career de vel- Assistant Director/Counselor ing. SPD will do the training and the opment, financial aid and acade:mic E.O.P. students will each receive 31.5 advising is required, too. Siniply He has more than fifteen years of experience In Training Develop- hours of computer skills training, stated E.O.P. counselors have to Year ment, Educatic)rlal Oppurtunity Programs, and Cultural Diversity Program- This will include Intro to Windows, many hats plus play a role in bei ng a ming. His responsibilities include coordinating staff development, co-coor- Word Processing, accessing the student advocate. The following are dinating the Pre-Freshman Summer Program, supervising student workers, Internet and other areas. This will responsibility profiles of staff per- establishing an EOP/AIM Alumni association, and coordinating the EOP/ become a part of the student's edu- sonnel who meet the criteria Dr. AIM Computer Lab. Also, He orchestrates special events such as the EOP/ cational experience for the summer Hurley insists upon: AIM Awards Ceremony. if the funding comes through. Cheryl Hamilton Assistant Director/Counselor

Cheryl Hamilton has been a professional staffmember in Stony Are E9n Brook's EOP since April 1994. Her counseling responsibilities with the pro- C(he Votes gram include academic advising, financial aid, personal and career counsel- ing. Her administrative responsibilities include assisting in management of program accounts, coordinating the EOP/AIM Tutorial Program, supervis- ing Teaching Assistants, coordinating EOP/AIM Transfer Orientation, co- In a matter of moments, an- dency. She was present in the suite coordinating the Pre-Freshman Summer Program, representing the program ticipation exploded into excitement amongst the celebrations, but she did on Student Administrative Services Committee & Committee on Academic as, Student Polity Election Board not wish to comment on the results Standing and Appeals, and serving as program liaison to Office of Admis- Chair, Denzine Burke posted the re- of the election. sions and Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. sults on the door of the Polity suite The outcome of the elections in the Student Activities Center. are as follows: Luis Trujillo, Secre- Randall Marie-Jacques Edouard Aneka Gibbs, the newly tary; Christopher Grant, Senior Rep- Senior Academic Advisor/Counselor and Instructional Coordinator elected Polity President, was ecstatic resentative; Andrez Carberry, Junior about the 566 votes that cast her into Representative; Calvin Coleman, My name is Randall Marie-Jacques Edouard and I am Senior Aca- the winners circle over her opponent, Sophomore Representative; Christine demic Advisor/Counselor and the Instructional Coordinator Or EOP/AIM. current Polity Vice President Diane Sadowski, Stony Brook Council; Approximately, I have a counseling load of 115 students. My responsibili- Lopez's 423 votes. Tung Lai Pan (Lisa), USSA. ties lie within the instructional component of the program. I supervise the "I'm pleased," Gibbs said " The Statesman will receive weekend activities during our summer programs, along with monitoring our It was a clean race despite my Referenda funding with an increase summer evening activities, and coordinating the Peer Mentoring program. opponent's negativity. We are finally in the amount of Student Activity Fee going to make some progress." paid. The Cultural and Advocacy Dr. Terry Yen Sayed Ali, the current Polity Interests organizations will receive Academic Advisor/Counselor Secretary, was elected to be Polity Referenda funding with no increase Vice President. Upon hearing the in the amount of the Student Activ- Terry has a counseling load of approximately 115 students. Her re- news, he walked through the suite ity Fee paid. The Men's Rugby team sponsibilities include coordinating a research activities on program effec- with an amazed expression on his will continue to receive 75 cents per tiveness and student accomplishment, the career development component of face. Once he overcame the initial student, twice per year. The Part the program (publicizing information on scholarships, fellowships, and in- shock he said, "It's time that we had Time Student Activity Fee will be ternships), and counselor/student evaluations. a change in Polity." mandatory for all part time under- Ali mentioned that he felt graduate students. bad that Lopez did not win the presi-

- - -- I - ·-~ ~ c -31 -- I I r I i II I I I I I · · ·. BLACKWORLDONENATION Dance Theatre of Harlem Comes to Stony Brook

April 18th: the Staller Center for the Arts April 19th: Free Open Rehearsal, 1;30-3:00, Staller Center Main Stage

_ II · ·_ · · ·1 I I .I1L -·;.·:'· : ,ii-i-··;- -·:- -- ; --· - 1 - .- -:--::------~:: . -: - .- · l---.r..--- ·-;-...... ~·I·. ..-;-· .-.....I;- . . . -;·. I! ! .-BLCKWOLD NENTIO Nigeria: The Struggle For Democracy Featuring Emmanuel Isha By: Lars Helmer Hansen His interrogators accused him of being "an Imperial- democratically elected president, Moshood Abiola, Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, ist" and one told him to "cut the commercials," refer- has not completed his term in office and remains im- Emmanuel Isha was a guest speaker in Professor ring to Isha's politics. prisoned today. Olufemi Vaughan's Politics in Africa class recently. Isha said he was offered bribes and then threat- Isha said that Nigeria needs an informed "Nigeria is very great, only her leaders don't real- ened with execution if he didn't name other human rights President. He went on to say that Abacha doesn't ize it," Isha said. Nigerians have been "abducted by activists. During his first week in custody, he refused even read newspapers. "Good government and de- the ship of state," he said. "We must steer the ship back to eat realizing that the longer his captors could keep mocracy is what Africa needs now," he said, hopeful to the Promised Land." him alive, the longer he could be tortured. "When they that a new generation of more enlightened leaders Human rights leader and environmentalist, Ken have the power to kill you, your fear is what they want." are being educated in western and African universi- Sawo-Wiwa was executed two years ago by the regime Isha says the intervention of his prison guards is the ties. Isha feels that the army is incapable of running of General Sani Abacha, bringing Nigeria firmly into only thing that kept his interrogators from executing Nigeria and that army intervention destroys societ- the international spotlight for its human rights viola- him. ies. Solders can't rule because they are trained to tions. With a population of about 107 million, Nigeria Isha feels that the world has moved from a Cold kill, not to build. is Africa's most populous country. It has a land area of War to a "Gold War" where the West has chosen to for- Isha cites neo-colonialism as one of the 356,668 square miles. According to the CIA, the Nige- get human rights in the interests of profits. The large major causes of Nigeria's present plight. The Nige- rian regime spent $243 million on the military in 1995. African market of 740 million has become more valu- rian army was originally trained by the British colo- It is now a military dictatorship. able than basic human rights. nial army and has inherited a colonial legacy of bru- Isha was active in the anti-apartheid movement In this period, Nigeria went from military rule tally putting down any opposition to the government. while in college in Nigeria. After graduation, he became to the individual rule of General Abacha. The result is He sees yet another aspect of neo-colonial- a human rights lawyer. On June 12, 1993, presidential that a quarter of a million Nigerians now live in exile in ism in the influence of foreign oil companies. Isha elections were held, but the military overturned these. the U. S. alone. Isha referred to these Nigerians as the names Shell Oil and Mobil Oil as the two worst of- and imprisoned the winner, Chief Moshood Abiola, "EX-Generation,"- exterminated, extinguished or ex- fenders. It is his opinion that a marriage of conve- when he claimed his office in 1994. Abacha, 55, also iled. He is concerned that the present U.S. administra- nience exists between the Nigerian Army and Shell suspended the Nigerian constitution and rules with state tion is backing away from sanctions against Nigeria. Oil. "The army holds the Ogonis down and Shell of emergency powers from the city of Abuja. The state of Maryland tried to impose trade sanctions Oil rapes them," he said. The Ogonis live in an oil In 1996 the president's wife, Kudirat Abiola, on Nigeria, but was stopped by the U. S. government, rich province of Nigeria. Petroleum accounts for 95 was assassinated on the streets of Lagos, the Nigerian Isha said. percent of Nigeria' s total exports. According to capital, as she was on her way to the Canadian embassy "How could Clinton do this to us? We want Reverend Harris of the American Committee on Af- seeking sanctions against the military government. The the U. S. to seize the possibility of a diplomatic oppor- rica, General Abacha rules Nigeria for the West, the president's daughter is now living in exile in the United tunity," he said, stressing that there could be no mili- International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. States, where she has received a diploma in business. tary solution to the Nigerian problem that would result He urged students to "take a stand for some- Isha was arrested by Abacha's troops. He cites in conditions favorable to democracy. thing." The Nigeria Democracy Act, H.R. 1768, letters he wrote to the General and the international com- New Nigerian elections are planned for Au- which calls for sanctions against the Nigerian gov- munity calling for the release of the elected president gust 1, but Isha said the elections will be "free," but ernment, is pending in the House of Representatives. and for sanctions against the military dictatorship in they won't be fair. "We have the right to vote," Isha Isha suggested that Stony Brook students could help Nigeria as the cause of his arrest. said. "We don't have the right to win." to effect the act's passage by writing to President According to Isha, he was interrogated, beaten Abacha will run against two minor opponents Clinton and New York house representative Michael with brass-buckled belts, injected with drugs and sub- in what is widely seen as a farce of an election. Nigeria's Forbes. jected to torture of his private parts while in custody.

Ultimate Spring Blast

By: Alexis Hunter Ultimate Spring Blast 1998 kicks off with the Roth Pond Regatta April 17 at 3:30 p.m. About 2000 students, staff and faculty will be on hand to watch as their students, peers, colleagues and professors race their self-made cardboard boats across the chilly water, while trying to stay dry! The Roth Pond Regatta student group in conjunction withthe Division of Campus Residences is coordinating the race. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. For more information on getting a boat in the race, contact Ryan Muldoon at 331-7127. All are welcome to participate! Also on the Ultimate Spring Blast calendar is Comedy Night: Toyota Comedy Festival presents Laugh Well, featuring J.R Havlan, writer for Comedy Central, Greg Fitzsimmons from MTV, Eric Kornfeld of the Rosie O'Donnell Show and Long Island comedian John Joseph. University Hospital is sponsoring the event the pro- ceeds will go to the Prostate Care Program. The show begins at 7 p.m. in the Staller Center's Main Stage. Tickets are $15. For tickets and more information, call 444-2899. Ultimate Spring Blast Week ends with Spirit Night as students in the residence halls, fraternities and sororities, and other student organizations display their talents! The talent show begins at 8 p.m. in the Sports Complex. Talent show applications are available at each quad office and at the Office of Student Activities and are due on April 11. This popular event usually draws a crowd of about 1,500 spectators whocome out to show their Stony Brook spirit. A panel of familiar faces will serve as the judges, and prizes will be awarded for the best performances. This event is being sponsored by the Division of Campus Residences. All are welcome to partici- pate in this fun-filled evening! Ultimate Spring Blast traditionally has two events that are specific to the residence halls. The Volleyball Tournament will end on April 17 with the final games to be played before and after the Roth Pond Regatta in the Roth Quad Volleyball area. The College Bowl Finals will be held on April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Union Bi-level. First, second and third place teams will receive prizes. For more information on any of the Ultimate Spring Blast events, contact Linda Haas Manley, Chair of the Department of Residential Programs Community and Student Development Committee, at 632-2040.

I - - II r -I · - - I BLACKWORLDONENATION 'LJ The Essential Purpose of the Black Man By Simcael Mason process of creation itself within her-and man toward developing the foundation chance of not " being a man. " His di- Within the context of our natu- without-that he essentially understands for his manhood. Yet, it develops using lemma of having absolute authority to be ral reality, it is impossible to mention of the significant function of both organs. the Black woman and family as a model a man or allowing the Black woman to the Black man without relating to the It is with noticing these fundamental dif- and reference point. Trust, honesty, be the " king of the castle, " leads him to Black woman, and the Black woman ferences and witnessing the process of sincereness, loyalty, dedication, com- extreme frustrations. This makes him without relation to the family. For the creation, that the Black man begins for- mitment, respect, compassion etc . . . insecure and unconsciously may lead him Black man and woman are inseparable mulating a concept of himself. all becomes enhanced while being the to sexual confusion and misunderstand- energies complementing, nurturing, sus- Conceptually, once the child is primary modes of expression for his ing (e.g. homosexuality ). taining and invigorating one another. brought forth, responsibility sets in. manhood. It is through the application As Black men we must get back They are indispensable toward their es- Questions such as " How will I provide of his manhood that the Black man's to the natural understanding of " If you sential survival. With that in mind, ev- for them? ", and " How will I take care character is developed and solidified. want to see God, look at your woman!, " ery aspect of the Black man is in direct of them?," will frequent his mind. Prior Through his character the and " Every time I look at my mother I correlation toward his woman, and con- to the child each could provide and take bonds of honesty, sincerity, trust, and am reminded of when I was nothing ! " versely, in direct correlation toward her care of him, and herself. Now, however, truth become prioritized. Thus, he lives as it applies to Black women. All Black man. Therefore, one must begin at the the Black man realizes that he cannot and dies by his character. The charac- men came from a Black womb, and to a center of all things: the male-female re- stick with his old ways of being aloof ter or honorableness of the Black man Black womb they shall return. The es- lationship and family. whenever he feels, for now he is account- is kept alive only through his dedica- sence of that particular type of under- The Black man's conception of able. The accountability that he feels tion and commitment toward sacrific- standing is not complex, illogical, and is himself relates directly to how he con- leads him to defending, protecting, guard- ing all he has in order to save the Black easy to grasp if it is accepted as a respon- ceives the Black woman. The first thing ing, and eliminating all forms of ailments child and woman. For they are the foun- sibility. It only compels us men to see that he notices are the physical differ- that may harm his woman ( family ). dation of our nation, the Black woman the Black woman as a mother, daughter, ences that the two have. The most evi- Functioning off of responsibil- for our family, and we the applicators sister, and implement the level of respect dent being her vagina and his penis. ity and accountability leads the Black (implementers) of the nation-family. that all three entails simultaneously. However, it is not until he witnesses the We as Black men are duty bound to ap- Therefore, we can and will conceive of ply, implement, and carry out the au- them as the natural Goddesses that they thoritative powers of the Black woman are. within the family and nation. Yet, However, we as Black men can- ppreciating African through the use of conceptual genocide, not truly return to the essence of our na- enslavement, corruption and mutation, ture until Black women allow us to see our essential meaningful purpose has them in that light. As long as Black American Art been splintered into a myriad of trivi- women continue to focus on being an alities. Thus, the Black man of America independent individual who "doesn't was born. need a man," defiantly makes decisions, By: Onica L. Sandy may be dormant within us." I spoke with The Black man of America is or sees Black men as insufficient, Black Recently I was stunned at the Ms. Case recently and she attributes the an anomaly, even to himself. Some con- men will be forced to see them as the lack of young African Americans in at- lack of interest by young people to "a lack sider him and his family to be the head opposite, and themselves as absolute au- .tendance when I visited the National of parents and society expi.ssmg a joy of our collective global nation. In fact, thority figures in the image and likeness Black Art Exhibit in lower Manhattan. for the visual arts." She further empha- Marcus Moziah Garvey stated that "I of God. We must understand that the re- The exhibit displayed Black artists from sized that "visual art obliges people to unhesitatingly and unreservably say that lationship between across the globe and showed how rich and look at who they are - it is a reflection of the American Negro is the peer of all Black women, and men, and the inviting Black visual art really is. Yet the self." Not too many young people, Negroes, the most progressive and the conceptual understanding of each is a re- still I wondered, why are so many young she stated, "wishes to go and see sculp- foremost unit in the expansive chain of ciprocal process. Black women, and men African Americans uninterested in Black tures or paintings about slavery and bond- scattered Ethiopia." Even though some must see the latently God and Goddess art exhibits and why are they reluctant to age, but then they also miss out on see- of our diasporan kin look upon us, the that is within both, and realize that they even visit Black art museums? It should ing the joyous outcome- freedom." Black woman and our family, as the tap into that cosmic or spiritual energy be known that if we don't show support Art also shows the reality of leader for our global collective commu- every single day of their lives. There- for our artists, future generations will not oppression, racism and poverty that still nity, we still find it excruciatingly hard fore, if the Black man wants something learn to appreciate our past experiences exists today in many African American to live up to our basic responsibilities to truly live and die for, than live and die either. communities. How many times have we towards ourselves. The Black man is for the Black woman, because you are Music and dance have always heard that without knowing and acknowl- in constant confrontation with his " living and dying for the continuation and taken center stage, as interest among Af- edging our past, history will repeat itself. chain of command ", which may or may continuity of the global Black nation. For rican Americans, while the visual arts As children, and even on the college level not be from his natural thought process, there is nothing more greater in the world, have usually been pushed to the back we are required to read history books that and relinquishing authoritative powers than fighting and dying for the genetic burner. Will we ever hear that a Puff are not written by, for or about us. Now over to Black women, risking the preservation of the Black woman. Daddy concert failed to sell out? we can see history right in front of our Movies, music and other per- eyes; history as portrayed by those who I , forming arts are fantasy. They are ap- share in the struggle and the pain - his- pealing and flowery, but maybe it leaves tory as depicted by Black artists. Why too much up to our senses! Visual art should we let our Black artists become brings things closer to home, and for starving artists? many it becomes a reality too hard to ac- Visual arts are not inaccessible. cept. It portrays honesty and represents I paid $10 to attend the National Black JOIN THE STRUGGLE! !! something touching to the human soul. Art exhibit, but the knowledge I came Too many Black youngsters are not in away with is priceless. As educated touch with art. In actuality, art is not Black youth, we must make a conscien- outside ourselves, but is a part of our re- tious effort to become educated on an- ality and spirituality. other level. We must begin to self-edu- Arlene Case is a prominent cate, and in doing so we will learn the Black artist. "To explore the paintings truth about ourselves, and the rich cul- of Arlene Case is to step into a place of ture we share that perpetuates our sur vivid imagination, a world of color and vival thrust. We will then see ourselve subtlety of emotion. She is an artist who becoming forward thinkers who are read has a selection of work that is sure to to face life's challenges as our fore fa- delight the eye and reawaken that which thers did. JOIN BLACKWORLD!!! I ill 0 A O*W 3 ONENATION,A I The-emale Mind,/ody and Spirit I Breast Cancer Awareness By: Asima R. Chaudhry fection and disease. If cancer has reached chances of developing cancer. ered risk factors for certain kinds of can- Breast Cancer is the second the lymph nodes, cancer cells may spread Anything that increases a person's chance cer, but only smoking can be avoided. most common type of cancer among to other parts of the body via the lym- of developing a disease is called a risk Prevention means avoiding the risk fac- women. Over 45,000 people in the United phatic system." So when the lymph factor. Studies have shown that a great tors that can be controlled so that the States die from it each year. nodes become cancerous, you are suscep- number of chest X-rays, especially at a chance of developing cancer decreases. In five to 10 percent of breast tible to all kinds of cancers, not only young age, increases the risk of breast Although many risk factors can cancer cases, there is evidence of a strong breast cancer. cancer. Radiation treatment also can put be avoided, it is important to keep in mind inherited predisposition. Women from White women have the highest women at a greater risk for breast cancer that avoiding risk factors does not guar- these families are much more likely to incidence rate for breast cancer in the later in life. Hormones produced by the antee that a person will not get cancer. develop breast cancer than are other United States. Korean women have the ovaries appear to increase a woman's risk Also, not everyone with a particular risk women, and at a much earlier age. Breast lowest. African-American women have for developing breast cancer. factor for cancer actually gets the disease. Cancer is second only to lung cancer as the highest mortality rate for breast can- Studies show that in populations Some people are more sensitive than oth- the leading cause of cancer death among cer among these groups. Chinese women that consume a high-fat diet, women are ers to factors that can cause cancer. Talk women in United States. Breast cancer have the lowest mortality rate. African- more likely to die of breast cancer than to your doctor about methods of prevent- occurs in men also, but the number of American, White, and Latino women women in populations that consume a ing cancer that might be effective for you. new cases is small. ages 40 and older are more susceptible low-fat diet. Women who inherit specific Early detection and effective The National Cancer Institute to getting cancer. genes are at a greater risk for developing treatment is expected to reduce the num- states "The breast consists of lobes, lob- Doctors cannot always explain breast cancer. ber of women who die from breast can- ules, and bulbs that are connected by why one person gets cancer and another Some of the risk factors for can- cer. To insure good health, women should ducts. The breast also contains blood and doesn't. However, scientists have stud- cer can be avoided, but many cannot, such conduct self-breast examinations two lymph vessels. These lymph vessels lead ied general patterns of cancer in the popu- as inherited genes. Both smoking and weeks after their period. to structures that are called lymph nodes. lation to learn what things increase the inheriting specific genes could be consid- Lymph contains cells that help fight in- Conquering the Body Image Battle

By: Victoria A. Ajibade through all that sh --. " I was 5'9" and ring to them. The remaining five refused black women are overweight compared As the end of the 1990's steadily weighed an average of 145 pounds to be interviewed at all. Their non-com- to 33 percent of white women. draws near, I wonder if I will ever wit- throughout high school. I was consid- pliance is indicative of the extreme sen- Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of ness an end to the barrage of body aware- ered to be large by my white peers, but I sitive feelings that this subject invokes. Essence magazine, believes the differ- the United States. Unfortunately, I too wasn't mine, it was theirs. thighs, and round butts are no longer and black women developed because will jump on the bandwagon and assign I am a senior in college and my shapes that some black women feel that black women traditionally did not sub- blame to the unrelenting media attention': whole way of thinking in regards to they can be proud of. The rise in inse- scribe to society's definition of beauty. given to the issue of weight and size. negative body image and whom it af- cure feelings regarding body image is se- The image of the black women as being The ideal concept of the female fects has changed completely. I believe rious. I have African-American female beautiful has been defiled for hundreds body image, which is tall and thin, infil- that the stereotype no longer mirrors the friends who refuse to wear short-sleeve of years. As a result black women had to trates our magazines, television life of shirts in 80 degree weather because they create their own standards and close their shows, and music videos. Just t h e think that their arms are too fat. I know eyes to society's unrealistic expectations recently I realized that the is- wealthy, another black female who says almost ev- of beauty. sues of eating disorders and dis- subur- eryday, "I wish I didn't have no f***ing Throughout the years there has torted perceptions of body im- b a n breasts." been more intermingling between black" age transcends cultural, socio- white Although women of all racial and white people, which is leading to an economic, and racial lines. girl. In backgrounds tend to be dissatisfied with increase in the number of young black I bought into the ste- 1998 some aspect of their body, it seems that a girls, who suffer from eating disorders, reotype of the bulimic, the mis- negative self-body image among black such as anorexia and bulimia. anorexic, middle class young. concep- women is steadily rising. Until society stops bombarding white girl as a classic model of tion is On March 30th, the television young black girls with unrealistic, the type of person who suffers that news program "20/20," aired a story on airbrushed photos of unnaturally thin from a negative body image. I attended black women do not struggle with seri- the sharp differences in body-image per- women, we will never be able to return an affluent, predominantly white high ous eating disorders and alarmingly high ceptions between black and white to the days when 11 year old girls were school in rural Pennsylvania. As a re- negative body images. women. According to the program, 70 more concerned with what new Barbie sult, the myths that I held about eating I attempted to speak with nine percent of black women are happy with doll they wanted, instead of trying to fig- disorders and white women were bol- women about their thoughts on body im- their bodies while only 10 percent of ure out how many calories they would stered. In my school it was not uncom- age. Four out of the nine consented to white women are content with their bod- have to omit from their diet to get to look mon for two or three girls to pass out be interviewed on the condition that I ies. These numbers are interesting be- like that doll. every week from starvation. I remember use their initials or an alias when refer- cause the story claims that 53 percent of thinking to myself"Only white girls go

"Minorities are less likely to be screened,less likely to have cancer detected early and less likely to get the best therapy."

Dr. James S. Marks of the Center for Disease Control and Preventior1

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BACKO* NNIV .A.-O UI Have African-Americans accepted the word "NIGGER" as a term of endearment?

Patricia Wong/Learning Instructor, Deer Park School District I think it is a racial slur and just because you're used to it does not make it appropriate or acceptable. A TheJLs.- " " wordY WL%. ni~ger ILIi. ^ demeaning.^.« II)'*^^ * .

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Roger L. Gill/Assistant Food Service Director If it's a friend of mine then it would be okay to use the word nigger. If someone else came up to me and said, 'Yo, Nigger', then I would think twice. ~u~ Pu-~

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Michael Andrew Pinnock/Junior/ Philosphy major The word is derogatory to me in any way, Bisette Gantt/Sophmore/Political Science major shape or form. Society and the hip-hop The word is offensive because of its origin. It does not world has caused us to be accepting of the matter how you use it now, the concept is still the same. word nigger and it's wrong. The word nigger or bitch is offensive.

Jae Baek/Freshman/ - Undeclared major i If your a racist then using the word nigger is offensive but used amongst friends, it's okay. I'm also not offended to hear the word nigger used in rap Wiky Toussaint/Sophmore/Business major music. When a Black person say's 'Niggah, then it's cool but if a White person says it, then I don't feel comfortable. Although it's bad and we shouldn't use it, it's cool with me.

I - a - - - --~r~-*---r --- ~-----b-- I~I---_I - - _ ------·r - ---- a ----~-cs - -- -- II -lI -- -- ra -~-~-- LI · r II ----~--- -BL ------ONE'NATIA U Nigger vs. Niggah By: Carline Lina Garner in nationality,that older, more afflu- year-old Ed Lover, who has a teen- Those who fought so hard against the Last month Hot 97 morning ent Blacks were trying to achieve. age daughter and baby son, and 36- use of the word would be offended. radio show hosts, Ed Lover and Dr. Unfortunately, there appears to be a year-old Dr. Dre, who has a baby "Coming from my genera- Dre, had an on-air discussion about severe backlash taking place, espe- daughter, condoned the use of the tion, the word is very demeaning. I the use of the word "Nigger." The cially with the new hip-hop genera- word amongst Blacks. am opposed to it in any way but if basis of their discussion was whether tion. This backlash is the constant The very profound Ed Lover Black people are using it amongst the use of the pejorative, "Nigger vs. use of the word "Niggah" amongst said, "If I see my Black friends, who themselves, then I guess it's okay," Niggah," can be used as a term of each other which can be used in many happen to be cops, I'll go up to them said Bob Tumilowicz, School of Pro- endearment amongst fellow friends. forms: "What' up, Niggah?" "You my and say, 'What's up Niggah's!,' but fessional Development student. They considered whether the use of Niggah!" or "That Niggah is fine!" if a White friend said, 'What's up Ed! People need to remember the the word is offensive in certain con- The argument here is that I love your show Niggah!,' then we'd implications of the word and how it texts or have African-Americans "Nigger" is being used in a positive have a problem." To make matters was used to demean a whole race of adopted the word to take on a totally way. Supposedly, Black people are worse, the even more prolific Dr. Dre people. "The word to me means a different, non-humiliating meaning. stripping the word of its venom by added that "If the word is spelled N- lazy person. If you say it to me, then The discussion that followed taking control of how it is used. "If I-G-G-E-R, then it must be bad, but I feel you are calling me lazy," said ignited some very strong feelings in Blacks use the word nigger, I see it if it's spelled N-I-G-G-A-H, then it's Nakeshia Clark, a junior and electri- me. I think Black people need to as they are taking power over the good." cal engineering major. explore the history of the word word but if someone outside the I would love to know how Ed Lover and Dr. Dre abused "nigger" and why even today it group says it, then it would be offen- anyone can decipher one from the their privilege of being able to com- brings out rage in those of us who are sive," said Mark Thorton, a senior other, when it is being said outloud. municate to millions on live radio. In of African descent. and political science major. Maybe we should stop and ask the a matter of seconds they promoted The onomastics (the study of If Thorton and the many oth- person using the word to clarify. "Do that the use of the word "nigger" is the origin of names), shows that ers who share his argument are cor- you mean N-I-G-G-E-R or N-I-G-G- okay. The gap between the past and people of African descent have gone rect , then why do African-Americans A-H? Because if you mean N-I-G- the present is widening. We need to through many changes over the last continually get offended by the use G-E-R, then we gonna go for blows!" educate our youth to prevent the deg- two centuries. The problem of giv- of the word "Nigger" when it is de- Fourteen-year old, Tyler radation our great-grandparents ex- ing a name to Black people in the livered by anyone outside of the James supported Dr. Dre's views. "It perienced, from happening again. United States and elsewhere has been race? Shouldn't White-America depends on how you spell it. It's We have come full circle, a complex and difficult one. The dif- know by now that we have taken okay for two Black people to use it where we are now referring to our- ficulty has much to do with the com- ownership of the word and using it but it's not okay for Whites." selves as niggers and justifying it. plexities of race, culture, nationality, in a derogatory way will not violate Takiyah Romain, who is also 14 dis- This has to stop! We can begin this history, and language wherein a valid us? agreed with Dr. Dre's explanation healing process by condemning Ed definition in one subject may not be When Ed Lover and Dr. Dre and said, "Both words are bad. They Lover and Dr. Dre for taking a per- valid in another. Many names have discussed this same issue on national both mean ignorant." fect means to educate and using it in- been thrust upon us and some have radio, I was shocked to hear so many African-Americans have be- stead to poison. Although, Ed, Lisa, more or less been accepted. My next people, young and old, who were come so complacent with the use of and Dre make us laugh, and play our question then is, has "Nigger" or okay with the use of the word the word "nigger" that it now seems favorite hip-hop, we don't have to "Niggah" become one of the accepted "Niggah" as a greeting for Blacks. a natural, everyday occurrence to re- support miseducation. names? What was more alarming was that 35- fer to one another with this term. The word Negro (pro- nounced Nee-Gro), has its origins in the Latin word "niger" (pronounced Achieving Self -Love Ny-Ger), meaning "black." There are numerous derivations with the same- meaning in other languages such as By: Brisette Gantt Luther King. I think they would be sad- anly" duties. Don't let society dictate to you the Spanish and Portuguese "Negro," In this day and age, it is impor- dened by the present state of our Black what is right and wrong. Don't let soci- the French "negre," and the German tant for women to have high self-esteem. communities. This is not a place where This is especially true for young African- "The Man " has put us either. It is clearly ety impose limitations and caps on your "neger." Over the years, when the American women. We have a double- evident that the economic opportunities capabilities. It's not enough to say that same word was used by White- stigma in this society. We are Black of people of color are grossly incompa- you are no less worthy than a man, you Americans, the meaning became cor- women in a White man's world. With rable to what White people enjoy in this have to actually believe it. It all starts rupt, offensive, and hostile with deri- discrimination facing us from all direc- country. But, it is not enough to sit on from within. Love thyself is the most vations like "Nigger," "Nigra," tions, it is imperative to know who we our behinds and wait for something to played out cliche in the world, but its Niggah," and "Negress," a term used are, where we came from, and where we happen. We must go out and take ad- meaning should resonate inside the hearts expressly for Black women. are headed. vantage of any opportunities that are and souls of all females. It's nice to have The term Black-American The most important thing is that made available. people around you that care, but what it gained much popularity during the you love yourself for who you are. No I felt the need to address these comes down to is that no one is going to love you for you, you are going to have 1960's with the birth of the Civil matter what "they" say, do not ever doubt racial issues. The major systems of op- to handle that yourself. Rights Movement. With it came the your self-worth. Our society is designed pression are interlocking. Racism, sex- to tell us that being White is better. The ism, and classism are all woven together, It is so refreshing to see a proud, associations "Black Power," "Black most aggregious manifestation of this de- whether you choose to accept it or not. strong, smart Black woman. All of these consciousness," and "Black is beau- sign is when it is self-perpetuated within For this reason, black women face an attributes are what contributes to a Black tiful." The word took on a new mean- our communities. Do not ever start be- ever more challenging journey towards woman's beauty, character, and class. ing then. lieving what they say about you. The self-love. But, so many times, I see our sisters for- During the 1980's when history "they" put out in our school Historically, women have been get. Don't. Be positive and self-affirm- Americans were making more money books is not the only "stuff" worth read- faced with negativities, limitations and ing to not only yourself, but to others as during the Reagan era, and the Black ing. We need to understand that our his- abuse by men. We have been their ob- well. You didn't come up in this world middle class was increasing, Blacks tory is good and valid as well. Do not jects, their servants, their superwomen. by yourself, I'm sure a lot of people con- wanted to disassociate themselves be afraid to open a book and learn about Not only have we been expected to cook tributed to make you the person you are today. Be a mentor to a little girl (or boy) from the term "Black American," our history . The manufacturers of the and clean, but have been expected to like of traffic assumed to that you know. It can be your little which was associated with militancy. mighty pyramids, inventors it. If we refused, there was lights, and the first successful open heart be something wrong with us as women, brother or cousin, the girl down the block, A more refined term was needed. surgery were performed by Black people. as mothers and as wives. In this day and it doesn't matter. Give back to your com- This feeling led to the present term, It is equally important to know where you age especially, where women also hold munities, teach self-love, love of knowl- African-American. are coming from. down steady jobs with incomes we are edge, pride in your African heritage, etc. "African-American" re- Do not forget the legacies of expected to work nine to five's and then Then those coming up after us will not flected a new dignity and a new sense Medgar Evars, Malcolm X, and Martin come home and take care of our "wom- have such a hard time loving themselves.

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By: Roberto Augustus Gayle Since the former slave trading nations of France, Germany, Spain, England, Patrice Hemery Lumumba was born on July 2, 1925 in Katako Kombe, a Portugal and the United States convened the Berlin Conference in 1884, Africa has small village in a remote area, then referred to as the Congo. Born to a family of five become a victim of artificially imposed boundaries on its territories. and educated by missionaries, he was able to caste-off the domination of European It was through the Berlin Conference that these slave trading nations di- influences on his life and relate to the interests of the masses of the Congolese people. vided Africa amongst themselves, which ushered in the colonial period in African At an early age he recognized the need to develop the skills that were neces- history. sary to become an active participant in the African Liberation Movement. Lumumba Thus, we can observe a great deal of the strife that exists in Africa today worked in a hospital and a post office to gain some of these invaluable skills. Those from this backdrop. These colonial configurations that were imposed on Africa, positions gave him greater insight to the overall oppression of the Congolese people. with the assistance of corrupt African leaders cooperating with the system of white The more contact Lumumba had with the European world helped him to supremacy, has caused great harm to the people of Africa. develop the kind of political consciousness that made him one of the most important Such is the case of Central Africa where we witness thousands of African leaders in the African Independence Movement. people in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire and Tanzania dying on a daily basis from As a result of being the Secretary in the Liberal Party of the Congo, and his war or starvation in refugee camps. These deaths have resulted from European ma- efforts to talk with the Belgian officials, he was able to see that independence and nipulation and African leadership cooperation. freedom for his people would not come through the efforts of the Liberal Party or It is in this context that we should examine the historical backdrop to this negotiations with Europeans. region that is not often discussed today. It centers around what was called the Bel- His outspokenness and determination to find a vehicle to free the Congolese gium Congo (by the Europeans), but is now called Zaire. people led to him being sentenced to two years in prison. Although his prison sen- Since the assassination of the great African leader, Patrice Lumumba, on tence was cut short, upon his release, the Belgian colonialists along with their Afri- January 17, 1961, Zaire has become a virtual puppet of the United States and the rest can servants, attempted to isolate Lumumba from the growing movement of the masses of the western world. It is ironic that Zaire's former President, the late Mobutu Sese of people. Seko, was implicated in cooperating with the CIA in the death of Lumumba. Mobutu In October 1958 Lumumba helped to form the National Congolese Move- has since become one of world's wealthiest men with most of his assets stashed ment, which was to become the forerunner in the liberation struggle. In December of away in European banks. 1958, Patrice was invited to a conference of African nations hosted by Kwame Mobutu was often the pipeline for cash transfers for the CIA and on one Nkrumah in Accra, Ghana. It was through this conference that Lumumba began to occasion pocketed $1,986,700 instead of only $600,000, which was to reimburse establish contact with the leaders of the liberation movements in other African coun- him for a plane that was leased by the CIA and lost. tries. From this point a liberation movement in the Congo escalated. The Belgian According to renowned African scholar Dr. Jacob Carruthers, he said, "In government decided to grant the Congolese people their so-called freedom on June the 15th century prosperous and self sufficient Empires and independent communi- 30, 1960. ties existed, and had for thousands of years in the Congo-Ngola-Zyere region. In At the independence day ceremony on June 30th, while his African Move- that century the Portuguese from Europe stumbled upon the area and began a struggle ment friends were thanking the Belgians for granting them their freedom, it is said to control the world's most vital source of energy, wealth and life - the heart of' that Lumumba became enraged, grabbed the microphone and told his people that the Africa." colonization of the Congo was nothing other than the domination of the White world Further, Dr. Carruthers' said, "The ultimate onslaught against the Congo over the Black world. came at the end of the Berlin Conference where the European superpowers united to He went on to say "the humiliating slavery was imposed on the African dominate Africa. King Leopold II of Belgium was made the first white Lord of the people of the Congo by force. The Republic of the Congo has been proclaimed, and so-called Congo Free State. Its independence was guaranteed which meant the free- our land is now in the hands of her own children." This statement caused the Euro- dom of Europeans to systematically plunder the Congo, replacing the unregulated pean world and their African servants to conspire in the next year to find a way to get adventurism and raping which had preceded it." rid of this most courageous spokesman for the interest of the Congolese people. Finally, Dr. Carruthers reveals that "It was then that Rockefeller, Morgan Long live the spirit of the Congolese people and Patrice Lumumba! We and Guggenhiem were given the right to rob Africa of diamonds, rubber and later must never forget their struggle and the loss of life that continues today. cobalt and uranium and more importantly Black bodies and minds."

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st II II I ' I 'I · I · TI I I · I' I i I·llrll I I 'I '1 " _ I I·I I I -- · I I I BLACKWORLD'ONENATION INFO/TAINMENT-& Achieving Succes in the Media--A Broadcaster's Story Maurice DuBois knew that he wanted to be in media but he didn't energy, enthusiasm, and the fun attitude that he brings to the job. It became know in what capacity. He credits his father for planting the seed in his evident that he had total control of the situation. head that he should go into journalism. Although there were those that tried "He's a really hardworking and dedicated guy who is extremely good to discourage him along the way, DuBois maintains, "There are always go- at what he does," says Dean Shepherd, an anchor at NBC studios. "When ing to be people that tell you, you can't do it but if you have it in your heart he's on the air, he's really smooth because nothing flusters him. The whole then no one can stop you." show can fall apart around Maurice and as a viewer, you wouldn't know it." Now with a 90 minute news broadcast on WNBC's, Today in New DuBois' road to success has not always been free of hurdles. He York, with co-anchor Jane Hanson, and his own blossoming weekend show, has traveled to several small stations in different cities to gain experience 4 Stories, which is designed to shed light on local heroes, DuBois before arriving at a major network such as NBC. hno f d•,, hi; i•ht-h- Ca t n -ll r%-%J·-r Amt1 H11u ILUIIU 111b 11s1Unc1. ImyM6"'u juuo b slilavhawo e st ime aU overC thatll i-nuint-i-syLcnty IIIIImfv-f%"nh fb\ tLll ~4L LU At 32, DuBois is taking the broadcast world by storm. the west coast," DuBois said. "I've even been sent to the backwa- "Whatever you decide to become, whether it be nuclear physicist ters of nowhere." Qr even bus driver, give it 150 percent and most of all make sure For many years DuBois has packed his bags and left his fam- you enjoy it," expressed DuBois as he sat across from me on the ily behind in search of his dream. Through hard work, persever- set of NBC studios. ance, and an aggressive attitude, he has achieved his goal. DuBois' day begins at 4:00 a.m. His many responsibili- Where ever he goes he is well received and liked by every ties include calling potential guests for future shows, research- one. Ed Chapuis, news director at KCRA-TV in Sacramento where ing, speaking with producers, anchoring the news, and not to men- DuBois spent four years as a reporter said he was "sorry to see tion going to the set of 4 Stories and putting in more hours there. him go. A talent like Maurice was bound to succeed." By the end of his 14 hour days he is very tired, vet he Even with his growing celebrity status. DuBois has not lost maintains a touch with his roots. The son of Dominican parents, DuBois grew delightful sense of hu- up in Longwood and then Port Jefferson, Long Island. He is very close to mor and is always a his family, which includes one younger brother, who is an attorney. consummate profes- DuBois credits his parents and his West Indian background with his sional. He sacrifices-a perseverance for overcoming racial prejudice while growing up in predomi- great deal of sleep for nantly white towns on Long Island. "My parents gave me the confidence the job but he stresses ant encouragement I needed to stand up for what I believed in," DuBois that he really enjoys it. said. "They also taught me to look past those negative situations and use it " If I weren't at work, I to my benefit." would be sleeping." DuBois has accomplished a great deal in his career and next on his joked the 6'2" DuBois, agenda is to win the coveted Emmy award. "He will definitely get the Emmy," with a broad grin. says Yvonne Flynn, receptionist at WFLD-TV in Chicago where DuBois I sat with DuBois worked as an anchor. "He has a good on-air presentation and a great per- as he anchored the sonality. He looks good too, and that's definitely a plus!" morning news. His Whether DuBois is informing us about the latest breaking story or

e w making a difference by giving to the orphaned children of Hale House, he ce was xith vo virk fiMll Pd Garner and Maurice DuBois at the news desk has earned the respect of his contemporaries.

***Super Cop Ruby Collins***

By: Carline Lina Garner though that is not what she always aspired to do. After graduating from Where was Ruby Collins when television producer Steven Bochco John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she took the New York City police created the failed television comedy on ABC about singing and dancing cops exam and shortly there after became an officer. Since becoming an of- called Cop Rock, because New York Police Department police officer Ruby ficer, she has not regretted a moment of it, but in back of her mind, she Collins can actually sing! knew that she had a God-given talent that she was not going to waste. Collins, a Brooklyn native, grew up singing in her Seventh Day Currently, Collins works in the Drug Prevention Unit. She speaks Adventist church at a very young age. She used to be self-conscious about to lfublic school students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, singing in front of large crowds because she didn't think she looked good which oddly enough includes sniffing Wite-Out, the correction fluid. Be- enough. "I was extremely shy about my appearance," the 5'8" Collins said. sides teaching students how to stay off drugs, she encourages them to reach "I knew I could sing, but the confidence in my appearance was low." All of for their goals, like she is doing. "I always tell the children I speak with that is behind her now, and after hearing her first album titled, "The Gift of to aspire to achieve their dreams," Collins said. "Whatever it is you want Song," I can safely say that Whitney Houston should be scared! to do, never stop believing it can be A- -- --T- IL 1 __ _ ". . _ 1 I spent some time with Collins at the apartment she shares with her aone. Iryou believe in it and work mother in Brooklyn to find out more about the woman who enforces the law towards it, doors will open up in by day, and records tracks for her soon to be released album, by night. ways you would never imagine." Upon entering her home I heard a voice filtering the air from the Collins took matters into her stereo in the dining room. When Collins asked if I recognized the voice that own hands and opened doors for her- I heard, I thought it sounded like a familiar gospel singer, possibly Vanessa self when she created her own record Bell Armstrong. I soon realized, however, that the voice belonged to Collins, label called Bourne Records. She who sounded as professional and talented as someone with a record deal named the label after her relatives in already. Trinidad, whose surname is Bourne. Collins got her start when she auditioned for the New York City "I wanted my own label because if I police commissioner, Howard Safir. She wanted to sing at her graduation can do it myself, I have more con- from the Police Academy in Madison Square Garden. Since bringing down trol." the house with that performance, Ruby has performed for millions on Show Collins is definitely a multi- Time at the Apollo and the Rosie O'Donnell Show. In 1996 she sung for the faceted woman. She's catching the President in Washington, D.C. for the National Peace Officer Memorial Day, bad guys, doing business, educating which was a ceremony that honored slain cops. Collins has also sung the our youth, and making music. The national anthem at the Garden for a New York Knicks game. only thing left for her to do is drop Not only can Collins sing, but she writes her own lyrics and plays that album! the piano too. All of her musical talent has not been discovered yet, but Collins just says, "It wasn't my time. Everything happens for a reason. I BLACKWORLD wishes this very Ruby Collins believe my time is coming soon though." positive sister much success. In the meanwhile, Collins will continue to be a police officer, even

i - Ir -I I I I -I · I I -- I I I Mary McLeod Bethune, A Forgotten African-American Legen j ;·:··-·:;...... -

SBy: Onica L. Sandy South, became an uphill battle. She S Oprah Winfrey is perhaps the was later recruited under the'Wilson most influential African-American administration to help integrate the woman in the U.S. today, but how often American Red Cross. do people ever consider the African- During the presidencies of American women who paved the way, so Calvin Coolidge and John Ed that Oprah could get to where she is. Hoover, Bethune was Too often, Black pioneers get invited to attend lost among the few that are continually national conferences recognized. Besides Martin Luther King on child welfare. He Jr., Malcolm X, and W.E.B. Du Bois, how national credentials many other African-Americans have attracted the attent contributed to the growth of the Black of Frank and Elea community? How many women would Roosevelt, be in that category? whom she One of the most influential Af- pressured to rican-American women in the history of help improve Black people, was Mary McLeod conditions for Bethune. The daughter of ex-slaves, black Bethune rallied to help improve condi- America. tions for black America - her people. From the cotton fields she rose to the top can-Amer of the political arena, ultimately becom- Presi ing an advisor to five presidents. She did comfAI not attain such an astute position over- night, but rather, she fought hard to over- come all obstacles in her path. She felt compelled to aid in the plight of young blacks, females especially. In 1904 she established the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Girls, which later expanded to include males in 1923. She began the school with five little girls, faith in God, and 50 dollars. "From nothing,... and against great odds, she had brought forth a mighty institution higher learning." Initially the. yowas d g

Riune never w . She believe led political pow survive the brun oppression in thus became e became h' on of Color( CW), S e fight for age anMiss Cuba for being the Most Cul- Black Womyn's Weekend Committee As part of the focus on health women of the Caribbean. The pag- turally Aware. Best Smile went to is to uplift Black women, mentally, and well-being, this year the commit- eant gives the participants a chance Miss Puerto Rico, Best Cultural Wear spiritually and socially. In one week- tee sponsored a health care forum on to educate the campus on the culture (costume) went to Miss Guyana, and end and through the events that lead breast cancer awareness. This was and diversity of their country. Ev- the awards for Miss Congeniality and up to it, the committee attempts to the first in a series of informationals ery year the organization makes it Best Talent went to Miss Jamaica. educate all people on the accomplish- designed to reach the women on cam- known to the campus that this is by C.S.O.'s President Jason ments, triumphs, and goals of the pus. "It is only through loving our no means a beauty pageant, but a cul- Munro made the announcement that Black woman. bodies, as well as souls and minds, tural pageant. everyone was waiting for. The 2nd This year, the official 24th an- can we truly love ourselves and then In the eight weeks of prepa- runner-up of the 11th annual Miss nual Weekend, will occur on Wednes- in turn recreate herstory," said Joyal ration the cultural officers of C.S.O. C.S.O. Pageant was Miss Haiti, day, April 22nd, through Sunday, McNeil, president of the committee. Tamika Stewart, Nadine Stewart and D'Jenny Passe, Miss Puerto Rico, April 26th, but you don't have to wait Cassandra Regis, a sophomore Nathalie Jackman along with the Natalia Maldonado was the 1st run- until then to experience a taste of said that this is a very positive event reigning Miss C.S.O. 1997-1998 ner-up and Miss Jamaica, Simone what the Black Womyn's Weekend that encourages Black women. "Each Aneka Gibbs worked long hours co- Gordon, won the title of Miss C.S.O. Committee has in store. The festivi- year brings new events, and an op- ordinating the show. Of course, none 1998-1999. ties kicked-off, Saturday, April 4th, portunity to develop self-pride and to of this would have been possible Gordon is a junior and a Bi- with a Makeover Day. Women had pat yourself on the back." without the six young women who ology major. Speaking about the the opportunity to be pampered. Hair Donations of all kinds are competed. pageant, Gordon said she felt confi- styling, manicures, and make-up ap- being accepted, not just money, but Representing Cuba was Jas- dent enough that she would place in plication were available to all partici- goods, and services as well. Ideas are mine Martinez, Miss Guyana was the top three, but the feeling was pants. The day also included a vari- welcome and any female or male is Savitri Singh, Miss Haiti was great when it was announced that she ety of other things, such as a light encouraged to attend the general D'Jenny Passe, Miss Jamaica was won. She was ecstatic. brunch, music, and movies. body meetings, which occur at 9:30 Simone Gordon, Miss Puerto Rico As Miss C.S.O. Gordon The main events for this year's on Mondays at the Uniti Cultural was Natalia Maldonado and Miss plans to promote unity amongst the weekend begins with a poetry and Center. Trinidad & Tobago was Kate Caribbean students on campus and talent night for and by women. On For more information on the Ozemebhoya. try to give her input by arranging the 23rd participants will be treated weekend, and to make donations All of the women were ner- various meetings or forums that to an original play entitled "I Just please feel free to contact the board vous in anticipation of the big day. would bring to light the similarities Love Black Womyn." On Friday, the members. They are Joyal McNeil, It was expected to be a very tight and differences of the various Carib- committee is sponsoring a Greek step President @ 216-4434, Janelle competition. In the end the winner bean cultures on campus. Gordon show, and sleepover. The fashion and Stanton, Vice President @ 216-3699, would be chosen by a panel of judges, says she will do this by "getting a cultural show, which is followed by Tamika McIntosh, Secretary @ 216- which included Winston Kerr, delegate from each organization to an after-party will occur on Saturday 1823, and Nicole Paul, Treasurer @ Maxine Freeman, and Christina try and attend each other's meetings evening and the finale on Sunday is 216-3700. Vargas Law. so as to keep abreast of issues con- On the night of the show cerning the Caribbean community." alumni and former C.S.O. board Gordon said the pageant member Alicia Leonard opened with "was a wonderful experience" and Have You Experienced Indigo?? a performance of the Black National she "would like to see a better turn- By: Vanessa Joseph Lowe said. Anthem. Stacy Harris and Derrin out of contestants next year." She The Indigo Experience, Later in the evening the pro- Maxwell managed the audience as feels it is important for people to which hosted an audience of over a gram took a different turn. Some of hosts for the evening. They kept the come out, participate and represent hundred students, featured music and Stony Brook's musicians entertained crowd amused during the occasional their country so that their culture can poetry, and gave students the oppor- the crowd with soothing selections of pauses between the numerous acts. be shared with others. tunity to gather to experience artis- Bob Marley compositions. The band Some of the acts included a perfor- tic vibes. consisted of keyboard players, a gui- As the event was beginning, tarist and drummer. A resounding DJ Tchack Nasty filled the air with applause spread throughout the room Hip-Hop and Reggae music. Host in response to the selection, "No and cameraman Dan Hartley began Woman No Cry." the program. Poets Dan Hartley and The first hour consisted of a Derrin Maxwell intrigued the audi- variety of poetry. Nefta Mitchell, ence with their lyrical talent. This senior and first timer to Stony prepared the audience for the group Brook's poetry scene revealed the of performers that truly captured the true artist that existed within her audience's attention. through her poems "Nocturnal Awak- The performance could not ening" and "A Meditation (for be a success without the presence of Michael)." Both of her selections instrumentalists, Miriam Sullivan on were well received by the audience. bass, Eli Kant on drums and Kalile President of the Unity Cul- Bell on percussion from the group tural Center, Lorraine Lowe, who "Three Bean Stew." This group pro- considers poetry something that she vided a unique soulful sound to the likes to do on the side, recited sev- extent that graduate student Wayne C.S.O. contestants look on as Miss Jamica receives the crown eral poems. "No matter what I do, my talent will always come through," Continued on pg. 18 ------c II-~- ---~-~ ~,------~~R~n~--~------~ --~--~s~Dlp~a~------~n~asa~arP~ 3 ACK ONE ATION 18I Finding a Fix for African-American Relationships

By: Simcael Mason spirit and no spiritual qualities. of being indoctrinated with priorities, ploited. There is a purpose for and Therefore, a word such as pulchritude which are limited, temporal and un- We must, out of necessity for reason why the relationships of Black is unreal and unnatural since it im- natural. The decline in stability of survival, view, think of, and see our- men and women have been failing. plies a certain standard of beauty, and relationships is also due to the dep- selves as spiritual beings and not The reason why our relationships you cannot standardize an expres- rivation of our true purpose for hav- property which we (ourselves) pos- have been failing is a result that the sion. ing a relationship. sess. The words "my" and "mine" priorities of which we currently Essentially what is meant I believe African men and must become personalized. With the value, are essentially focused on sub- when we say we like a person is their women are incomplete without each personality and spiritualization of stances contrary to our nature. We "physical beauty," the way the per- other, and will never reach the cul- our relationships, key factors which have consciously forgotten our true son looks according to us. This same mination of their spiritual potential constitute a natural relationship, such purpose for a relationship: the spiri- person who we find to be physically as a result of this. For us, from my as communication and trust, commit- tual unification of the African man attractive, pretty or beautiful can be understanding, to experience the full- ment and responsibility, honesty and and woman. This is a prerequisite to seen as ugly within the same context ness of life, reach the pinnacle of our sensitivity, compassion and sincerity, revitalizing our collective nations. by others. Therefore, "physical existence and be complete, this pur- loyalty and understanding, friendship Our priorities have become beauty" is limited because it can't pose must be fulfilled. We are too and love, accountability and materialized and objectified as op- perceptionally go beyond the mate- caught up in taking the person out of assuredness, will become spiritual posed to being spiritual and personal. rial. the person and replacing it with the expressions (beautiful) as they are We have based our relationships Our relationships are failing inanimate objectified person, whose expressed in relationships that are solely around physical objectified and seriously deteriorating because only meaningful purpose is to be ex- naturally conducive to life. concepts. Relationships such as these negate the personality and spiritualization of each person. Indigo cont'd How can we have personally interacting relationships when we use words and terms which objectify each White of 90.1 f.m, suggested that a and hip-hop created pure positive en- losophy major. "It was cool and the other? For example, many of us say fee should have been charged for the ergy." To get this particular collabo- group that came was deep and the "This is my girl," "my husband," or program, which was free. The audi- ration, Hartley and Maxwell sought music was on point and overall, the "my woman." Why not say "This is ence showed their pleasure with the these talented acts all throughout the whole thing was hot." An important the person (man or woman, girl or group through their roaring applause. city's different poetry scenes. aspect of the evening that Simcael boy) who has become an integral and As the Hip-Hop segment As for long term plans for Mason, sophomore and history ma- sincere part of my life?" Clearly took over, DJ Tchack Nasty, who per- Indigo, Hartley hopes that the jor commented on was that "it was there is a distinct difference between forms regularly for Stony Brook par- project, from 1996 toward the millen- all real in the sense that it was from saying the former and the latter. Us- ties, did a little something for the nium, will continue to manifest the heart, and not at all artificial. It ing the word "my" objectively toward crowd that clearly revealed his turn- troubles and joys through music and was truly phenomenal." each other diminishes our value and table skills. The program switched maintain it's spontaneity and impro- Everyone who came out and worth. Instead of being a person, we from mellow to upbeat to prepare the visations. With the continued sup- witnessed the program was very become a physical inanimate ob- audience for the hip-hop battle. port of the students and most impor- pleased with the talen't that was pre- ject- property, something that is Contestants Space Man tantly The African-American Student sented. At the ending of the program owned, a possession. Spliff, Gerald Trotman and Skills ap- Organization, which is now referred sophomore Josephine Oduro, said Consequently, we will treat proached the mic, and showed their to as Black Students Uprising, Indigo "The extraordinary experience truly each other accordingly. Thereby talents. As the judging began, antici- will always exist. grabbed the interest of people enough viewing each other as having no emo- pation was felt all throughout the The participants and con- to keep them coming in future Indigo tion. We will be confused and numb room. The results: Space Man Spliff tributors felt the program went very Experiences." to the characteristics of expressed is the winner, but he will battle well. Charnay Phaire, a junior and Another Indigo Experience emotion. Trotman again on the Stony Brook's business major said "I thought it was is scheduled to occur on April 22nd When we use the word "my" airwaves. Listen for details on 90.1 very cultural . . . a lot of students in the End of the Bridge Restaurant. in the sense of a "sincere part of my F.M. showed their support, and it should This event will feature back-up life," the relationship then becomes The question of whether the occur more often." Several students singer for Erykah Badu, N'Dambi, personalized. Your life has become program accomplished an Indigo Ex- agreed with the idea of having this poet Carmen Renee, and singer and an intimate and necessary part of perience was thoroughly answered by experience more frequently, such as poet GRFX. There will also be a live someone else's and thus, you are no Hartley. "Diverse ways of expression Michael Pinnock, a junior and phi- band and free food. longer responsible for just your in- through means of jazz, funk, poetry, dividual life or "what is mine is mine, and yours is yours." Opportunities in Dentistry to Encouraging Diversity However, conversely, when program is to identify and support excellent undergraduate stu- your understanding is solely physi- The program: The mission of this cal or material, it leaves no room for dents from underrepresented minorities who through their participation will gain an increased anything spiritual. Spirituality is awareness of opportunities in dentistry. material and incorporeal. By focus- Two undergraduates will be selected every year to participate in a five week summer experi- ing on one aspect of the spirit, the ence at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. material, you are negating spiritual- Who Can Apply: Undergraduate students from historically underrepresented minority groups ity as a whole because you're replac- who are enthusiastic about pursuing career in dentistry. ing the unseen essence with it's cor- The Award: This program will pay for cost of housing in campus dormitories and meal plan poreal lower part. Thereby equating during the five week period. In addition, there will be a small stipend to cover incidental expenses. beauty or being beautiful with the Send a resume, transcript, and a one page statement describing an interest in dentistry. physical, not realizing that physical Address all materials to beauty exists within the mind's per- ception of its material environment Dr. Jonathan Garlick because beauty is an expression in PROJECT ODED and of itself. Department of Oral Biology and Pathology Anything physical (material School of Dental Medicine or corporeal) is limited and tempo- SUNY at Stony Brook 11794-8702 rary. Anything spiritual lasts forever, but when you are not perceiving Application deadline is MAY 15, final decisions will be made by MAY 30. spiritually, physical matter has no ~.~,~,,------;Nn*~;~.~,~ Pa~;naarvln~a~cis.~Pi~r~ssrcsram~rc7~*-~ -~n~------~-ir~-~i~a~--a~a~l~~~-~·-·~·r~s~a~irss BLACKWORLDONENATION, 0 Olympic Dreams in Retrospect By: Sharon Sudano While walking with the fice in New York. He had run his lighted board saying that the team It has been said that expe- Guvanese delega- qualifying time had set a new national record for rience makes a person bitter or bet- tion during the at one of its Guyana. ter. Roger Gill opted for better af- Opening Ceremo- meets at Gill said, however, a few ter the 1996 Olympic Games nies in Atlanta, Mitchel Field seconds later another message where the anticipation of winning Ga., Gill was in Uniondale, flashed: Guyana had been dis- turned into the agony of defeat. well-prepared and "he be- qualified. "The Olympics was an physically for the lieved it had "It was a bittersweet mo- emotional roller coaster," Gill said. international the documen- ment," the 25-year-old said. "We "I developed a mental toughness competition. tation to prove found out later that the alternate got to get over disappointments - to What he wasn't it. The day be- us disqualified for a line violation .J .. A~t_ . . . hit a low and then come right back prepareiu„ „- „ -.-- 1- cor „C, were_- - - tore me race, because he stepped out of the up." the hurdles that Gill finally lane." As a runner for his native were to be put in his path. contacted a woman at the office. He admits that he was hurt Guyana, Gill says he was entered Having qualified"with the "She told me that she had the re- and disappointed by the outcome to participate in the men's 200- Guyana Olympic Committee with sults but couldn't send them with- of events at the time. "To know meter event and the 4 x 400 relay. a time of 20.62 seconds, Gill says out the meet director's approval, that you got to that level and a Not only was he tossed out of the he was ready to rip up the track in and he couldn't be reached at the couple of key people - by just the 200-meter, but a relay team mem- the 200-meter. "Then two days time." snap of a finger - can take you ber was scratched in favor of a before the actual event, the Olym- The proof of performance from this high and bring you way slower, inexperienced runner. Two pic Committee sent out a sheet - arrived the following afternoon, down." years later; he chalks the whole basically it's a roster- with lane but it was too late. The 200 had But Gill doesn't dwell on episode up to being "a real educa- assignments so that you know what been run that morning without. what could have been. "I've come tion." time you're running and who's in Guyana being represented. to terms with it, it's done," he said. The 5-foot, 9-inch former your heat. When I checked it, my Gill found the turn of "It doesn't take away from what I USB track star, whose records for name wasn't on it," Gill said. "I events baffling. "Everyone from know I worked for and accom- outdoor and indoor track remain. questioned everyone about it and Day One - the coach, our liaison plished." He chooses, instead, to unchallenged at Stony Brook since the story was that Guyana had in America, the president of the see the experience in a positive 1994, is soft-spoken and humble never turned my Guyana Olympic Committee - told light. "I've grown tremendously about his achievements. A thin time into the International Olym- me that I had been chosen as the through the Olympics and I've ma- mustache outlines his upper lip and pic Committee." 200 runner. How this happened is tured a lot." from behind thin-rimmed glasses, The International Commit- still a mystery to me," he said, As a result, he says that he his brown eyes exude a cheerful tee told him that unless he could shaking his head. puts his hard-earned lessons to use easiness. verify his time, he couldn't run. Another problem cropped everyday. "Whether it's reports I The six-time All American "I felt disgusted because had the up for the Olympic contender the have to do for work, or school- award recipient in track and field International Committee asked me night before the 4 x 400 relay when work, I always put my best foot Stony Brook in Human Resources Atlanta, it wouldn't have been a of the team members was being through." Management and plans to gradu- problem," Gill said. "But to tell replaced due to a cold. One of the things that Gill ate in December. In addition, he me two days before? It was like But according to Gill, there followed through with when he re- works full-time as the assistant di- 'What are you kidding me?"' was nothing wrong with his team- turned from the Games was in be- rector of the Student Activities For the next two days, Gill mate. "I've roomed with the guy, coming an American citizen. He Center's Food Court. called the Empire State Games of- and he sniffled while he slept claims that the process began maybe, but that's months before he left for Atlanta, just nown e is. and it serves as testament that he's It's not necessar- "moving on." ily that he was In retrospect, Gill said that sick." he relied on others too much. "I "Our team, think it was me putting my trust in as it was origi- too many people, and having them nally, ran com- handle things that, I feel now, I petitively the year should have handled." prior in the Cen- "I'm not leaving anything tral American and in anyone else's hands anymore. Caribbean Cham- Anything that pertains to me and pionships in Gua- my family, from here on in, is go- temala and won a ing to be handled by me from be- bronze medal," ginning to end. I don't ever want Gill said. "And to have that pain again," he said. we also set a na- Last August, the Olympic tional record." athlete teamed up in marriage with The four Annette Hicks, a Stony Brook athletes unsuc- graduate and former Student Pol- cessfully pro- ity Association President. The tested the deci- newlyweds recently had their first sion and the alter- child, nine pound, 11 ounces nate was put in as Gabriella. Gill says parenthood is the first leg. Af- "like a new beginning. It will top ter the Olympic the Olympics without a doubt." relay, the heat's As for the 2000 games, Gill results were said, "If I do go in 2000, it might ilasnea on a be just as a spectator." Roger Gill

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