FEMME NOIRE VOLUME ONE
femme noire magazine | volume one | 1
Femme STAFF co-founders and editors-in-chief jayla goodloe
keturah raymond
creative director colette lathan graphic designer taylor hamilton visual directors alanne stroy
callista mccaye
culture and arts editorS cleo adebiyi sara biru
news and lifestyle editor eliquewa santiago beauty editor marjhani simpson blog director taysha cerisier public relations shelby smith social media directors makaela simmons
summer thompson
4 LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS 6 CAMPUS STYLE 8 MAKEUP FOR GIRLS LIKE US 10 MEDITATE LET YOUR SOUL GRAVITATE 12 SPENCER STULTZ 16 MUSIC SPOTLIGHT 18 HIP HOP STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES 20 MORE THAN A HIJAB 22 LINDA BAMBA 26 PRONOUNS: GET IT RIGHT, GET IT TIGHT 28 TAKING CONTROL OF MY STORY 32 BEING ONE OF THE FEW femme noire magazine | volume one | 3
Letters From the Editors veni. vidi. vici. This is ALL WE GOT. Knowing me, I had to start with a Chance reference. But forreal, those lyrics speak to what it feels to be a part of Femme. Going in I had no idea what to expect, Keturah came to me like yo, I have an idea I want you to be a part of it, and now I’m sitting here writing the first Editor’s letter. From working with Keturah when we used to turn up every weekend and talk about dumb shit to pulling together a team of 14 girls who had the same vision as us, made me know that anything is possible We are all we got through the highs and the lows, through the ups and the downs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This journey has been so unique, to say the least but that’s life and that’s what makes Femme what it is. From the slut walk, to participating in spoken word events with Elizabeth Acevedo, to participating in activities with the Office of Health Promotions, Femme Noire is a mag that has taken their core values to a different level because instead of just producing feminist content, we also take part and create events that focus on everything that we believe in. That is what makes Femme special to me. To be a part of something where women are uplifting other women is something so crucial and rare, and I am more than thankful and grateful that our creation has done just that. You will see that our articles touch on issues that need to be tackled and are what real people are going through on this campus and in this world from mental disabilities to being a minority in a PWI. I hope that the words you will read will resonate with you.. I owe it all to the people who hold me down and this amazing team that amazes me with their talents every day. This shit is ours, we did this.
This is only the beginning and I know it’s only up from here.
this one’s for us.
The first ever thought of Femme Noire dates back to September. I was fresh out of summer start bright eyed and falling in love more and more everyday with Syracuse. At that time I was also struggling to understand myself and my own place on campus and in the world. The field of my dreams was dominated by cisgender white males. Much like my classes and much like all the media outlets. It was in this frustration that I opened a google doc and began drafting a plan for how I would create a safe space and fill the void that I felt by doing the one thing I was good at. Writing articles. One of the first lines I wrote in that google doc was “get Jayla on board.” At that time Jayla and I weren’t nearly as close as we are now. Up until that point our encounters had been a series of weekend shenanigans, awkward encounters with our mentor at chipotle (which Jayla hates. Just a fun fact) and sheepish smiles from across the room in our COM 107 class. But we shared one thing in common that far too many people at our school and across the country share. We both felt like there wasn’t an outlet for our unique voices. And as soon as her name appeared in that google doc I texted her frantic and with tons of exclamation points. “Yo I have an idea!!” And the rest is history. The rest is what you see today in this magazine. Femme Noire has shaped into so much more. It’s grown into 14 members who all worked their butts off for this issue. It’s grown into Syracuse University’s first ever slut walk. It’s grown from two freshmen girls with a big idea to a print magazine and a functional website. Completely funded not by the university but by their peers. This issue is a lot about the depth of women and how far our souls can extend and reach. We admit being vulnerable and sometimes feeling out of place in a narrative of being in a Panhellenic sorority. We rewrite the narrative of depression and tackle unhealthy portrayals of men and women in our music. In our cover story, we celebrate that strong narrative and how we overcome in spaces that don’t always welcome us, like Linda who is Panhellenic president. In an article on the realities that Muslim sisters we take a stand to stay true to ourselves and unapologetic no matter the costs. We celebrate ourselves when no one else will and that’s what this issue is truly about. This is what Femme Noire was always meant to be. I am honored to be writing this and even more so to know that you’re reading. It means that our hard work paid off. It means that the late nights were worth it. It means that what was once a google doc is now a dream realized. So thank you and I hope you enjoy reading the first ever issue of Femme Noire magazine.
Ladies, this one is for us. femme noire magazine | volume one | 5
CAMPUS STYLE
serving looks all over campus written by keturah raymond photography by colette lathan
These three women have unique fashion sense and use their style to make waves on campus. They stay true to themselves by expressing their identity and personal story through their clothing.
ONEYSHA BROWN
AGE 19 YEAR sophomore FROM brooklyn, ny MAJOR psychology “I just feed off of what I see around other people but I never try to mimic, I just try to make it my own. If I like the jeans you have I’ll get ‘em but rip them and do something to make it unique.”
YALEXLY PEREZ AGE 20 YEAR junior FROM brooklyn, ny MAJOR creative writing
“When I was a kid I used to make clothes for my Bratz dolls. Fashion was just always something I was interested in so I never second guessed myself when it came to that.”
sofIA RASMUSSEN
AGE 19 YEAR sophomore FROM los angeles, ca MAJOR communications & rhetorical studies “As a young girl I would always be the one to dress up my friends and pick different outfits. Style has always been such a big part of my life and has helped me express my creativity.”
femme noire magazine | volume one | 7
MAKEUP
We’ve all been there... We know the struggle of going to the beauty aisle looking for foundations and having it stop right at “tan” or “beige” . Or how about buying a nude lipstick that’s not nude and ends up having your lips chalky? Or buying the setting powder that ALL the youtubers use only to end up looking like a ghost when the flash hits you in Schine? Yeah, I know. I shuddered too at the thought. Here’s a handy dandy list of the best brands for foundations, the best nude lipsticks, and setting powders. And most are at an affordable price...
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FOR WOMEN OF COLOR written by keturah raymond
1 Black Radiance
Not only is Black Radiance a black owned makeup brand, they’re affordable AND come with a wide variety of products from lip to skin care, to eye makeup and brows. Our recommendation? The creme contour palette. And it’s only $8.
2 Sacha Buttercup Powder
Boasting no flashback the buttercup powder is made for medium to dark skin tones and is perfect for baking and absorbing oil to keep your face matte for the entire day.
3 NYX Lip Lingerie
FINALLY nude colors for us brown skin girls. The NYX Lip Lingerie comes in every shade of nude you can think of and though it may take a couple of swatches you’ll definitely find the perfect one.
4 Ben Nye Translucent Powder
Baking. All of our favorite youtubers are doing it but what these youtubers don’t tell you is that depending on your skin tone, much like using a lighter foundation, if you use a powder that is too light you will have terrible flash back and look like a ghost. Ben Nye Cosmetics offers translucent powders in a wide range of tones that are perfect for not only baking but contouring as well.
5 ColourPop Cosmetics
Ultra matte, long wear, fade resistant, and VIBRANT colors? Come through! And for every color they swatch and multiple skin tones so you are sure of what the color will look like on you. They’ve also recently expanded their line to brows and eye makeup which all also have great reviews. The best part? Almost every item is under $10! Our pro tip? Create a new email every time for $5 off.
Place 6 Juvia’s Don’t say we never put you on. This black owned makeup brand has
got to have some of the best eyeshadow palettes in the game. They are HIGHLY pigmented no matter the skin tone and the cover of the palettes sport some awesome art. They also have some single shadows that could double as a highlighter. What more is there to really say?
femme noire magazine | volume one | 9
MEDITATE... let your soul gravitate
meditation is one thing to believe the hype about. written by asia lance
Sometimes you just need to take a deep breath. As college students, especially, we often and easily become frazzled with all the things we have to do. Sometimes it may seem like if we’re not in class, we’re in meetings, doing homework, working, or trying to catch a few extra z’s. We desperately wait for the moment where we’re finally able to get a break. A sporadic time off from classes within the semester isn’t always enough, we have control over our bodies and our minds and can set our own meditation moments. I encourage you to meditate, not only will you finally sit down and take a deep breath, meditation has an abundance of benefits for your own personal health and self-care. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out and your body is too exhausted to function properly to decide you finally need to pause your life and take a deep breath then exhale. Meditation allows you to relax and reduce stress, improves your body’s functions, and creates mental balance. You may be overwhelmed and stressed out one day, but meditation allows you to create a much-needed mental vacation. Overthinking and chaotic commotion can wear on your body; an engine can only burn for so long before it needs refueling. Taking a moment to meditate each day should be as routine as filling your car with gas. If you don’t take the time to sit, reflect, and build your mental stability via meditation, you’re not caring for yourself properly. Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. Start implementing meditation into your weekly or daily routine. Find a quiet and comfortable space, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and naturally drift away from your thoughts – start doing this for 5 minutes or for however long you see fit. Stress and anxiety is counterproductive, it’s okay to pause and take a break. I encourage you to find some time in your schedule to meditate, see if you notice a significance and difference in your personal being and productivity.
meditation spots on campus
FALK COLLEGE MEDITATION ROOM located at 300 MacNaughton Hall in Falk, the room is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. This offers a nice on campus location for mid-day relaxation breaks. YOUR ROOM preferable if you live in a single or if your roommate isn’t home. Put on some calming music and meditate. THE QUAD find a nice quiet spot on the squad, pop a squat in the grass on a nice day, soak in the rare nice weather and meditate.
apps to help out
CALM recommended for beginners, offering them baby steps to start meditating daily. HEADSPACE starts you off with just ten minutes of meditation and even offers a feature that attempts to help you make a quick recovery from a mini meltdown. ZEN everything you need to meditate everywhere you go, from your phone, to your apple watch, to your TV. This app offers guided meditation to fit all your needs.
extra tips
make sure you’re in a comfortable position calming music and aromatherapy are useful ways to enhance your meditation experience longer meditation sessions are more effective, although ten minutes is a good starting point
femme noire magazine | volume one | 11
SPENCER STULTZ
meet spencer stultz, the senior artist taking syracuse by storm interview by jayla goodloe photography by tyanna seton
Spencer Stultz is a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies and Studio Art. She will be returning to Syracuse to pursue her graduate degree. Spencer has a true gift and passion for painting that has led her to the opportunity of having her work exhibited in the Community Folk Arts Center in the local Syracuse area as well as many other forums across the Syracuse Campus Community when did you start painting? I got into art when I was a child. One of my earliest memories as a kid was of me sitting at a table with my brothers and we were all coloring, and I recall how much I loved it. In grade school and middle school I grew to love it even more, and I chose to take art courses for all of my high school electives. So to answer this question, I don’t really remember when I started but I also don’t remember a time when I didn’t love art. what purpose do you think art serves in times of strife? I think that art serves a pivotal purpose during times of social and political times in history. It’s like they have a direct relationship with each other; art oftentimes reflects the current social problems and what’s going on in the world, and the same breath what happens in the world directly effects artists, their subject matters and the work they produce. what inspires your artwork? Myself and my personal growth inspire my art. What goes on in the world, in my community, in my family and within myself all play a major role in my art. My desire to be the best me that I know how to be is reflected in my art, which is why I paint a lot of self portraits. what about the black narrative are you trying to portray in your artwork? I’m not necessarily trying to portray any particular part of the black narrative…I just want to normalize blackness period. I want people to know that being black is not something “exotic”; people are black every day. I want to produce work so that blackness isn’t seen as “otherness” in the U.S. and abroad…but that it just is. do any artists inspire you? YES! Artists like Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, and Kerry James Marshall are inspo AF. I’ve always admired Monet also.
femme noire magazine | volume one | 13
where do you see yourself and your art taking you in the next 5 years? I have no idea where my art will take me. I don’t necessarily expect to get famous for my art, and I don’t do it for external/social accolades. So I hope that my art helps me to do what it’s been doing currently; deepening my relationship with myself and helping me to be a better person. The biggest thing that painting is teaching me is to take life one day at a time, and to appreciate the process and the journey of creating. Because of that I try to focus on the present and what it offers me, and not worry myself too much about the future.
femme noire magazine | volume one | 15
WHAT YOU NEED
take a listen, sis. you deserve it.
written by alexis alex
In the past couple of years, there have been many minority women who have taken the music world by storm. These four women each have unique flavors and bring something unique to the table. They represent minority women in a world where they are dominated by men and have consistently overcome the adversities that lie before them. Check out their spotlights and be sure to take a listen to their successful albums.
syd
FIN released february 2017 songs we love: over, all about me, know
Former Odd Future member and founder of RnB band The Internet, Syd, has taken control of her own sound with the release of her new LP, Fin. Following the release of The Internet’s critically acclaimed album, Ego Death, Syd’s solo debut displays her own version of the neo soul sound while switching it up between Rnb and hip bop beats. Syd’s calm, cool and laid back demeanor translates into her smooth tunes dedicated to the beauty of the woman alluding to the fact that Syd is openly gay. Fin is Syd’s introduction to the R&B world as a smooth female artist willing to set the mood for your next sensual gathering.
kehlani
SWEET, SEXY, SAVAGE released january 2017 songs we love: crzy, distraction, advice
Following the release of her ground breaking mixtape You Should Be Here in 2015, 21-yearold singer Kehlani is slowly but surely becoming a household name in the music industry. Over the past year, she has released a string of singles including “Gangsta”, “CRZY”, and “Distraction”leading up to the release of her debut album. Kehlani displays her multi-layer personality with the title of her album, SweetSexySavage, appealing to the diversity of her womanhood. Kehlani mixes the styles of 90’s Rnb and modern beats while still exploring subjects relevant to womenof today’s generation. No stranger to relationships and the damages of social media following her tumultuous relationship with basketball player Kyrie Irving, Kehlani uses her experiences to relate to her audience through the topics of her songs and socially relatable lyrics. Kehlani displays her true self, her strengths and her flaws through her music and is not afraid to express her sexuality in songs like “Distraction”, show of her savageness in “CRZY” and reveal her vulnerable side in “Advice” and “In My Feelings”. Seeming to know the keys to success, Kehlani is a force to be reckoned with in the music game.
SOLANGE
A SEAT AT THE TABLE released september 2016 songs we love: cranes in the sky, weary don’t touch my hair, fubu, mad
Struggling to find her voice throughout the majority of her singing career, Solange finally finds her musical soulchild with her third studio album release, A Seat at The Table. Solange lends her angelic voice to represent the struggle of black womanhood. A Seat is ode to black women, celebrating the beauty of blackness despite the distractions of the world. Many of the songs serve as a direct reaction to the killing of black bodies and the neglect of black life in America which gives listeners a chance to ease their tensions through the music. As a result, Solange has solidified herself as a household name after years of switching through genres to find her signature sound. A Seat is Solange’s rebirth to the music world displaying her journey of becoming the strong black woman she is today. If you have not yet listened to A Seat at the Table, just do it, immediately.
h.e.r
H.E.R., VOL 1 released september 2016 songs we love: losing, jungle, pigment
While the identity of this singer still remains hidden, H.E.R’s identity shines through her melodic voice and soulful sounds. HER, which stands for Having Everything Revealed (ironic), identity remains a mystery because the artist vows to keep herself hidden in order for the public’s focus to stay on the music. With the release of the debut project, H.E.R., Vol 1, the 7 track EP seems to center around a relationship that is struggling to survive and the singer contemplates through each song whether or not it will continue. The songs give off a vibe that mixes deep and dark vibes with melodic Rnb lyrics that draws the listener in. The mystery Rnb songstress has received praises from music’s biggest names including Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, and Bryson Tiller. The singer even covers Drake’s, “Jungle” adding her angelic element and soulfulness to the track with her voice. By the end of album, H.E.R makes her listeners feel as if they know her personally despite her invisibility. femme noire magazine | volume one | 17
HIP HOP
its strengths and its faults
Hip Hop started back in the 70’s. According to an article written by the Hampton Institute, when hip-hop was created it gave young black and Hispanic men a space to express themselves in a safe way. Hip Hop was and still is a male dominant genre of music. But there have also been major female players in the game. Over time Hip Hop has transformed, and so have the top female artists. Queen Latifah’s first album came out in 1989. After that Queen Latifah was one of the most dominant female rappers in the game. She rapped about herself and the music. In one of her songs Dance for me she says,” Just like water I slaughter (Slaughter) A battle, put me in it, I win it”. For her, this line was on the risqué side of things. Now jump forward to the present, most dominant female artists are not like this. Nicki Minaj is a name that many people know and people in a range of ages whether they like the genre or not tend to recognize this artist. Other than being two of the top artists in Hip Hop, the similarities between these two artists could be hard to find.. A line in one of Nicki’s
songs called Stupid Hoe is, “Ice my wrists and I piss on bitches you can suck my diznik if you take this jizzes you don’t like them disses, give my ass some kisses”. These lyrics compared to the ones from Queen Latifah show transformation in hiphop. Female artists like Nicki Minaj bring into question whether they are helping or hindering the empowerment of women. Music from female artists have changed the common language used among young adults. “I said, rule #1 to be a boss ass bitch/ Never let a clown nigga try to play you”, this is a line from Nicki’s song Boss Ass Bitch. These terms bring female empowerment into question because of the history tied to the word. Nicki is promoting women being strong and independent. However, she is also calling herself and other women by the word bitch which is problematic.“Bitch” is a derogatory word with a long history of suppressing and oppressing women. However, because of its constant use and normalization by female artists like Nicki Minaj, an increasing number of women are using this word to describe something positive.
an op-ed on the rise and possible fall of hip hop and its influence written by jayda leary
A journalist for the Hampton Institute writes, “The change in the meaning of the word thus subverts the tools of oppression used to dominate women to now empower them. This has been seen in the frequent usage of the word by many female rappers as rap music became commercially lucrative”. Sometimes people use this word to put down women. But a lot of women use this word as a term of endearment. Not only has Hip Hop transformed with female artist it has also transformed with male ones. One iconic artist is Tupac. He rapped about issues relating to racism, poverty, and other issues that were going on and are still ongoing today. The lines that describe Tupac’s art the best are from two different songs. In Keep Ya Head Up he raps, “They got money for wars but can’t feed the poor, Say there ain’t no hope for the youth, And the truth is it ain’t no hope for the future”. In his song Changes he raps, “Cops give a damn about a negro, pull the trigger, kill a nigga, he’s a hero, ‘Give the crack to the kids: who the hell cares? One less hungry mouth on the welfare!’” He talks about life in the ghetto without glorifying it. Rappers in the present seem to do a lot of the opposite. 21 Savage is one example. In his song No Heart, he raps, “I’m a real street nigga bitch, I am not one of these niggas bangin’ on wax, pussy niggas love sneak dissing ‘til I pull up on ‘em, slap ‘em out with the fire”. In the same same song he says, “Bad bitch with me, she so thick,
I don’t even need a pill, I listened to your raps, thought you was hard, you ain’t even street for real”. A large majority of male artists put a positive spin on violence in their music in addition to degrading women. An article called Does Hip Hop Drive Negative Stereotypes of Black Men? says rapper’s “lyrics often tell listeners how they have sold drugs, served jail time and used violence as a means to overcome obstacles. It has also become common for rappers to brag about the number of women they’ve slept with and could sleep with, by sexualizing their bodies in music videos”. Gender representation in hip-hop does influence children and young adults. With this type of music constantly being put out it is hard for the youth to see anything different. Even though artists are rapping about these topics, they are doing it in style and in terms of how their content is portrayed. Money, cars, and jewelry are not only fruits of this kind of lifestyle, they are necessities – trophies. Glorifying violence, drugs, and degrading women then becomes irrevocably entwined with success. Masculinity becomes equated with, and thus normalizes, violence. Females are over sexualized and regularly referred to as “bitches”. Not only have artist transformed in hip hop, but hip hop has also created a culture for behavior, influencing how men and women are expected, and often encouraged, to act.
femme noire magazine | volume one | 19
more than a hijab
understanding the dimensions to muslim women and their culture written by taysha cerisier
“What that hair look like? Bet that hair look nice. Don’t that make you sweat? Don’t that feel too tight? Yo what yo hair look like? Bet yo hair look nice. How long your hair is?” These lyrics from “Hijabi” by Moana Haydar, released on Muslim Women’s day, gives a small glimpse of what Muslim women today may experience. Pressing questions and immediate judgements on what they wear and how they look. Haydar celebrates Muslim women of all shades in her lyrics and visuals - all while eight months pregnant. After talking to various Muslim women on and off the Syracuse campus myself, I heard various stories, but all with a similar tone. Coming into freshman year they have the same moments of loneliness that many freshmen experience until they find a community where they feel comfortable whether it is the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Arabic Student Association (ASA), or any other club or group on campus. Many races and religions can be defined and known for their stereotypes, and it isn’t any different for Muslims. When encountering these stereotypes, the women handle their moments with grace challenging others to truly inform themselves of the religion and the hijab instead of making assumptions. “I always answer that if you ever bother to actually understand what the hijab symbolizes from an actual Muslim woman’s perspective, then we can begin to have an intelligent and meaningful conversation about my faith.”. The achievements and accomplishments of Muslim women have also to combat the negative stereotypes often portrayed. Adebola Bamidele, a muslim student at Wooster, said, “Our actions and behaviors show how Muslims defy the stereotypes that are portrayed in the media.”
For example, Ibtihaj Muhammad, who won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in fencing
and was the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States. Honorable Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam was the first African-American and Muslim woman to hold the position of associate judge on New York State’s highest court. Another commonality I found when talking to Muslim women on the Syracuse campus and other campuses in the country, is that it’s easier to evade the religion specific discrimination if they don’t wear a hijab, a head covering worn in public by some Muslim women. A Muslim student who wanted to remain anonymous said, “Being a Muslim female, for me I would say, has been easier than on other females. I think this is due to the fact that I don’t wear the Hijab. When people see me, they don’t usually see my religion first, but my nationality instead. so I may be seen through that lens and judged through it as well, but not based on my religion.” So when they’re finally ready to take that step in their religion, they can be deterred with thoughts about how they may be treated or judged. In a country, that is supposed to be a melting pot, “the home of the free and the land of the brave,” women are still being judged and stereotyped because of their religion, race, and ethnicity daily. But they refuse to allow any of this to discourage them. “I am unapologetically an African-American Muslim woman who covers (wears a scarf and modest clothing) and proud to be all these things. I know that my experiences are not the worst that Muslims are having to deal with in the world. I have finally begun to accept and acknowledge that I have been discriminated against. The discrimination has affected my income, my ability to contribute and provide for my family. But it has not stopped me,” said another Muslim student who chose to remain anonymous.
KEEPIN’ IT REAL two Muslim college students talk about their personal experiences
“I feel comfortable with the Muslim Student Association community, especially with my community of Muslim sisters on campus. Whenever I felt alone as a freshman, I knew I could count on the older girls to take me under their wing. They are a powerful and beautiful group of girls who keep me strong. I usually can blend into the crowd as an ambiguously brown person (even though my race comes with its own set of problems). I just started wearing the hijab and I’m pretty naive so I don’t pay attention to the probable microaggressions occurring around me, but speaking to some of the other girls, they definitely have faced many uncomfortable situations. Some of the stereotypes I have heard were questions like “did your dad force you to wear the headscarf?” or just general assumptions that Muslim women are oppressed. I always answer that if you ever bother to actually understand what the hijab symbolized from an actual Muslim woman’s perspective, then we can begin to have an intelligent and meaningful conversation about my faith. That’s the way to improve things- have good conversations, be open-minded, and actually learn from your peers. Being a Muslim in America and on college campuses can be a dangerous thingthere has already been a slew of hate crimes and threats around the country, even resulting in the death of innocent people. I started wearing the hijab right after the election because, for me, it symbolizes empowerment and resistance. But I would be too naive to think I am safe knowing that the hijab can be a literal target on my head. However, this Islamophobia has just pushed me closer to my faith and closer to all other groups of marginalized people in this country and on campus. My identity has taught me the importance of solidarity and I wouldn’t change a thing about me.”
- anonymous
“I would say that many Muslims today have changed the way society views Muslims in general. For example, we had the first Muslim woman in fencing win gold in the Olympics, we have Muslim women who have created businesses that cater to other Muslims and we have politicians that continually fight for equality and rights. Our actions and behaviors show how Muslims defy the stereotypes that are portrayed in the media. If anyone feels uncomfortable on campus, they should seek the advice of the members in their local Muslim chapter. If that doesn’t exist, they should seek assistance from a trusted professor, non-Muslim student or administrator to bring forth to administration to bring change onto campus.”
- adebola bamidele
femme noire magazine | volume one | 21
LINDA BAMBA sorority legend, pr extraordinare, african gem... remember her name photography by ohema dixon written by kaela gundy and jayla goodloe
Linda Bamba, a public relations and economics double major, wears many hats on campus. In terms of on campus involvement, Linda is the director of development for PRSSA [Public Relations Student Society of America], event specialist for the Daily Orange, member of ASU, and a student assistant in the Office of Special Events. Her cultural roots trace back to West Africa and her parents are both from the Ivory Coast, making Linda the first generation of her family in America. Linda is a versatile woman who has been forced to adapt to change. Coming from a military family, she has lived in places ranging from Honolulu, Hawaii to Japan. These different environments have helped her to expand her horizons of thinking as well as has given her tools on how to acclimate to different groups of people. This was relayed through her transition to Syracuse and why she was more open and free to join a council that is mostly run by white people. Her transition into Cuse has been one of much admiration due to her involvement and influence, already. On top of being an extremely active and ambitious student on campus Linda is not only a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority but also the President of the National Panhellenic Council. Linda describes her involvement in Greek life as an extremely rewarding experience for her. “Greek life chose me”, Linda said. “I had no desire or interest until I saw what Greek life was doing to people. It wasn’t just the glitz and glam, the parties and the friends. I realized that being a part of Greek life helps build your character, it’s a place to be who you are and learn so much from people that share your values. As a woman of color, I see it as my advantage being in the Panhellenic Council. It gives me the opportunity to have a voice that many can relate to that may not have been able to in the past.”
At first, Linda said her being one of very few women of color at the Panhellenic Exhibition was blatantly obvious and overwhelming. However, it was that observation that gave her the vision to act and erase the stereotypes that exist within the Panhellenic Greek community. Linda expressed that not only does she want to defy the stereotypes but she also wants to set an example for other women of color who, like her, felt less inclined to join one of the organizations within the National Panhellenic Conference because of their appearance. “I ran for Panhellenic President because I had a vision. In my first encounter with Greek life, I sat towards the front of the exhibition. I looked behind me, around me and even on stage and I felt overwhelmed at the fact that I felt alone in a room full of hundreds of women,” said Linda. “And I knew I wasn’t the only one to had felt that way or been in that position but the honesty of it was; there weren’t many people that looked like me.” “From that moment on I was determined to make a difference. To build bridges between Greek councils and tear apart the stereotype image of the Panhellenic society. Being Panhell President means more to me than meets the surface, I want girls to look at me and say “I can do this too.” Linda plans to go to graduate school for public relations then enroll in the Air Force. She then hopes to pursue a degree in law. She knows she has a lot on her plate, but she plans to remain focused on her road to success. Anyone that has had the chance to work or be in the same vicinity of Linda can attest to her character and spirit. She is a black woman of force who will make the world a better place due to her class and intelligence duo. She truly is a gem to her culture and to the Syracuse University family as a whole. femme noire magazine | volume one | 23 femme noire magazine | volume one | 23
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P R O N O U N S
SHE TH
GET IT RIGHT, GET IT TIGHT
HERH
preferred pronouns... don’t be caught slippin! written by volda appia-kusi
Imagine going to a baby shower, but instead of the standard pink or blue decorations everything is gender neutral. When the couple is asked what they are going to be having, they respond, “We don’t know what they are going to be, but regardless we will love them!” For some it would be surprising to see the couple using they/ them/their/theirs/themself pronouns to refer to their unborn child. However, beyond she/ her/hers/herself and he/him/his/himself pronouns there are countless other pronouns that one can use to refer to oneself. Newer pronouns have even been created for use in languages that previously only had she/ her/her/herself and he/him/his/himself pronouns. Pronouns are very important as they can indicate a person’s gender identity. And as more people have chosen to identify as genderqueer, or otherwise contrary to the gender binary of female or male, they have also chosen to change their pronouns to better reflect those identities. It is also important to note gender inclusive pronouns are not a new thing, and have actually been around since the start of civilization.
For example, in the Southeastern country of Indonesia nonbinary gender identity has been around for centuries. One ethnic group in the country, the Bugis, actually has five distinct gender identities, including the cisgender female and male (Guy-Ryan 2016). The other three are calabai, feminine men, calalai, masculine women, and bissu, which is considered a mix of all genders (GuyRyan 2016). What is even more notable is the significance of the bissu to the culture. Bissu are believed to have been involved in the creation of the world itself and are involved in many important cultural rituals. Yet, in the heteronormative society of America, only recently has the rise of the use of nonbinary, gender inclusive pronouns have justw begun to rise. For countless years this society has predominantly used she/her or he/him pronouns to refer to people, completely erasing those who do not identify as cisgender, or someone who identifies with their gender given at birth. This is harmful as nonbinary people already face increased hostility and violence as a result of prejudices against their identities.
HE E THEY HEIR
HRIMTHE HIM Learning how to incorporate pronouns into everyday conversation is a critical step in unlearning the heteronormative behaviors ingrained in society. By making efforts to be more inclusive and respectful of those who identify in ways different from oneself, society as a whole can make strides towards being more inclusive of all people. So, instead of assuming someone’s gender identity based on their outward appearance, it is essential to remember that just because someone appears to be one way doesn’t mean they are.
Another necessary part of the discussion on pronouns is acknowledging that at first one will make mistakes. It may be accidental and it definitely will make the person who made the mistake feel pretty terrible. Yet, remember not to dwell on the mistake, and rather to instantly correct oneself and work harder to use proper pronouns. Regardless of how bad the person who made the mistake will feel, it is nothing compared to how it feels to be misgendered and have a part of one’s identity, however briefly, invalidated.
If one is unsure of what pronouns someone else uses and doesn’t want to make a mistake and thereby misgender them, the simplest way to find out is to ask. Just like it is common sense to use the correct name when addressing someone, it should be common sense to use the correct pronouns. When first meeting someone an easy way to learn their pronouns is when introducing oneself, introduce one’s pronouns as well. Then, when asking their name, ask for their pronouns or if they prefer instead to just be called by their name. Although it may not seem to be a big deal, normalizing the conversation around pronouns further normalizes the use of different pronouns and the gender identities associated with them.
That is why the use of proper pronouns is so important, because no one ever wants to make another person feel as though they are lesser. Using their proper pronouns is a simple way to show those of different identities that you acknowledge their identity is valid. By acknowledging and appreciating the fact that they identify in ways that may differ from oneself, it furthers the notion that diversity is important. Everyone should make it a point to always ask before addressing a person by any pronoun. That way in the future, articles such as this won’t need to be written, because these types of behaviors will be normalized in society. Furthering the fight for inclusiveness and acknowledgement of persons of all sexualities, orientations, and gender identities.
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TAKING CONTROL of my story redefining mental illness one step at a time. photography by taylore ratsep written by eliquewa santiago
“You’re just sad,” they say, “You’ll snap out of it. Just brush it off and keep moving.” “I don’t understand why you’re always down” “Why do you miss so much class?” “You’re being lazy.” I cannot even begin to explain to you how much I hear every one of these things. Depression is not just being sad, it is so much more than that. If you google depression, you’ll get this definition: “feelings of severe despondency and dejection.” In reality there is no textbook definition for depression that will truly capture what one goes through. I was diagnosed as clinically depressed when I was twelve-years-old after I tried to commit suicide. In my household, like many other Black households, feelings were not allowed to be expressed. Even though my grandparents always said, “You can tell me anything,” of course, that’s not how it felt. How many times have your parents said that to you and then you get slapped for saying something stupid? I’ll wait. Because of this, I didn’t know a healthy way to express myself. I was very different than most kids, I listened to ACDC and The Beatles while everyone else was listening to Soulja Boy. I loved wearing all black and I had the side bang that covered my face. Let’s just say, it was extremely hard to fit in. Not to mention, I was bullied because of this. I had “friends” who made me feel as if I was worth less than them and for some reason I believed it. There was no surprise that I began harming myself and eventually ended up in the hospital for it. It took a lot, and I do mean A LOT, of help to get me past this. I attended and still attend therapy weekly. I felt ashamed at first because in my family, it was never okay to talk about how you felt. But I knew I had to do this for me and since the age of twelve I’ve been going to therapy ever since. I was completely unhappy, not just with myself but with the people around me. I thought these friends I had in middle school, were truly there for me. In reality, they
did nothing but tear me down. I swore up and down that my closest three friends were really there for me, but as I started to learn to love myself, they began to disappear. Instead, those who always supported me and always checked in on me became my closest friends. I may have lost those fake friends but I gained my day ones. #NoNewFriends Over the course of the last eight years, I learned to accept myself and to accept my depression but not let it define me. I remember feeling as if people could just tell that I have depression by looking at me but I realize now that if I didn’t tell people my story they wouldn’t even know. I do not try to deny to myself that I have depression. Without weekly therapy, I’d be lost. However, I do not let my depression limit me from doing anything. While it is a part of my life, I refuse to say I can’t do something because I have depression. Yes, I have days where I physically cannot make it to class or where I have no motivation to do anything. Yes, I still have negative thoughts about myself. But does that mean I surrender to it? No. I’ve worked so hard to reach this level of happiness and I refuse to fall back into old habits. To remind myself of how strong I am, I got a tattoo on my left wrist of a semi-colon. For those who do not know what the semi-colon project is, it is a project that helps to bring awareness of those with mental illness and those who have attempted to commit suicide. The reason why this means so much is because an author puts a semi-colon in a sentence that they could’ve ended but chose not to. I could’ve ended my life, but I chose last minute not to. Every time I feel myself getting down, I remind myself that I am strong and that even though I could’ve chosen to end my life, I didn’t. Instead I chose to fight against my depression. I share my story with others because depression does not have control of my life. I am in control of MY life. femme noire magazine | volume one | 29 femme noire magazine | volume one | 29
models ramona yun bria patrick femme noire magazine | volume one | 31 femme noire magazine | volume one | 31
BEING ONE an anonymous op-ed on being a minority in a white-filled space
My first instinct when I got a bid from my sorority last Spring was to post a picture on Snapchat. I didn’t even think twice about posting it. The bid day festivities went on distracting me so when I finally got around to checking my notifications, I had a lot in Snapchat all asking the same question— “you joined a sorority?”. The question came from everyone— people I’d gone to high school with, siblings of close friends, and even family. After I responded with a curt yes and asked why, I was again met with the same response from everyone— “you just don’t seem like a sorority girl to me.” What they really meant to say was that I wasn’t a stuck-up, white rich girl. As a woman of color from a neighborhood in Queens where white people aren’t exactly a common sight, we were always taught that Greek life was for white people. Along with their race are assumed characteristics that came along with these people such as their socioeconomic status, and their stuck-up, materialistic attitude. Considering where and how I grew up, sororities just seemed too foreign for me to ever fit into, but this is what eventually drew me to them. When I came to Syracuse University, I was unsure of whether I wanted to join this community. Freshman always posed the same question, “Are you going to rush?” and it was always met with an “I’m not sure yet” from me. I knew nothing about it except everyone does it but I craved to know more than just that. Everyone had always told me that college was the time to branch out of your comfort zone which is exactly what I did when I signed up for Panhellenic recruitment. I’d only spoken to two people about my decision, both of which were against it. One friend focused on the cult-like
aspect of the sororities, and how everyone eventually becomes the same. The other friend focused more on the racial/ ethnic difference in white sororities. “You don’t even look anything like them.” These are two major things that I kept in the back of my mind throughout the recruitment process. As expected, I was one of only a handful of women of color who were participating in rush. In my rush group, there were 50 of us and only maybe three other women of color. I started to like the chapter I’m in when I met a member during the second round of rush. I don’t remember how we got into the topic, but I finally voiced my fears of not fitting into this community because I’m different. I don’t identify as white, and I definitely didn’t grow up the same way it seemed like everyone else around me had. She explained that in this house, things like that don’t matter. She even told me there were quite a few other Latinas. She made me feel more comfortable in that house. She soothed the anxiety that I’d had for days. What I failed to know during the time was that most of the Hispanic girls she was speaking about were white. A common misconception about Hispanic people is that we all look like Jennifer Lopez or Alex Rodriguez, but the truth is there are Hispanic people of all races. While those girls’ first language may have been Spanish, they were still blonde haired and blue-eyed, helping the house keep up their white aesthetic. Even still, I pushed through accepting the bid. In my pledge class, there are about six women of color out of our initial pledge class of sixty-six. After I’d joined, I realized there aren’t many others in the house. Out of a house of maybe 170, there are only maybe nine of us. Nine identified women of color in a house surrounded by white women.
OF THE FEW Considering where I came from, adjusting to being in Greek life was a hard thing to do. Nobody prepared me for what was to come. I quickly realized that at parties, the boys never spoke to me. They flocked to all the other girls in my house, so it wasn’t that they weren’t friendly, they just weren’t interested, and I couldn’t help wondering if it was because I wasn’t white. If they approached me, it was after they saw me dance, moving my hips as opposed to the other girls that just bopped, or waved their hands in the air. In contrast, I noticed the few black men at these parties were constantly surrounded by white women. The constant fetishizing of black men, and sexualizing their bodies was an idea all too prominent amongst women in this community, though fortunately not really in my chapter. Hooking up with a black man was a way to gain status to some groups, and it was a topic to boast about the morning after with comments about the black male stereotypes being true. It was something I had heard all too often, and these were the women I stayed away from. Another thing I quickly noticed was the way that women treat each other. I don’t put up with blatant disrespect, or disrespect at all, but these women don’t even know what disrespect is. That is just the way they speak to each other normally. My intolerance for this behavior automatically made other girls think twice about me, or so it felt. They were skeptical, and quick to assume that I was a bitch, but really, I just wasn’t accepting of being treated with such disrespect. I couldn’t help but start to feel like others quickly noticed my difference, and out-casted me somewhat for it. What is funny is that when I wished they would notice my racial difference and be sensitive to it, they don’t. I understand that my skin is light and that I am what you would call ethnically ambiguous, but everyone knows I am not white. There
have been times when a story was told involving a Black man, and he is portrayed as a predator, every time. Or there have been references to Black and Latino groups on campus, and somehow the word ratchet always ends up in the same sentence, and they get mad when I get defensive. “No, it’s not a bad thing, I love ratchet.” Do they not understand that they are insulting me, my family, my friends, and a very large population? Greek life quickly consumes you. You find your people, and within my time so far, I have found my people—the ones that don’t make me feel different, don’t say prejudiced comments and allow me to be myself. I will be the first person to admit that it has definitely had an impact on my mindset. When it dominates where you are, who you’re with and what you’re doing, it is hard not to adapt to your surroundings. Judgements are quickly formed about people just based on the letters plastered on their chest. It quickly takes over what you talk about, what you eat, where you party, etc. I have seen so many people change over the course of a year into someone that they would have made fun of a year ago. As someone from NYC, we were taught to be different. Conformity was never something I was interested in, but the hardest thing about being in the Greek community is not conforming to the lifestyle we live. I don’t regret my decision to be a part of Greek life. I’ve made some of my best friends and created many of my greatest college memories due to my chapter, and for that I am very much thankful. But I do believe the community has a long way to go if they ever want to diversify more, and make the few women of color such as myself completely comfortable. This is something that I’m striving to accomplish through my membership in this community.
femme noire magazine | volume one | 33
THANK YOU Khianna Calica Valerie Martinez Marissa Willingham Jordan McGriff Eric McGriff Anthony McGriff Kelsey Davis Ohema Dixon Taylore Ratsep Tyanna Seton All Readers and Supporters WOMEN WORLDWIDE
“FOR EVERYBODY. BY WOMEN.” femme noire magazine | volume one | 35
FEMME NOIRE spring 2017