Georgetown College’s Student–Run Newspaper
February 22, 2017
Volume CXXXVII Issue 5
African–Americans continue to perservere and break down barriers Part Four in a four–part series on Black History in its modern–day context By BAILEE BOGGESS Opinion Editor
As the month of February ends, so does our celebration of Black History Month. For the past few weeks, society and the media has been focusing on the accomplishments of African–Americans in the past such as those of Fredrick Douglass, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. While these figures were some of the driving forces behind ensuring that blacks achieved equal rights, modern men and women have been extremely important as well. From young children to community elders, black individuals are making strides just as influential as their predecessors. It’s just a fact that the media is more likely to publish stories about others rather than emphasize the great work being done by minorities in this country. Another sad fact is that most of the media, even in 2017, focuses on the negative aspects of African–American culture. With race relations
Inside
this issue
being strained due to police shootings and divisive rhetoric from prominent politicians, few people focus on the positive accomplishments of African–Americans. What people fail to realize in the midst of this turmoil is that there are huge strides being made by African-Americans each day. However, they are not being publicized given the recognition that they should be. Stereotypes are being shattered by people in the millennial generation, the generation that is rising up as the future leaders and movement-creators of our society. A major concern for African-Americans is the high rate of those who live in low–income, poverty– stricken areas. Many young adults, especially those who live in inner city or highly populated areas, grow up in neighborhoods filled with crime and drugs. Chicago is a perfect example of this type of environment. However, at Urban Prep Academy, an all male pre-
paratory school in Chicago, administrators and students are fighting against becoming another statistic to be reported. Out of 167 graduates, every young man was accepted to a university on some form of scholarship. This would be the fourth year that there has been a 100% graduation rate. If this wasn’t impressive enough, the students also received almost six million dollars in scholarships and grants to 125 different colleges and universities. The mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, commented on this historical event by saying, “Let us start celebrating as a city the kids who graduate and go to college,” (www. bet.com). African–American women are also breaking records and changing history with each achievement they attain. In the Rio Olympics, three women broke records not only for themselves, but also for the United States. Simone Biles, a gymnast, was the first African-American woman to bring home four gold medals
Georgetown students attend rally in Frankfort page 2
Georgetown wins three in weekend series page 5
Source: c1.staticflickr.com
Simone Manuel celebrates her successes in Rio. and was also named 2016 female athlete of the year. Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming. Finally, Allyson Felix became the only person in American history to win six Olympic gold medals in track and field. Black women are excelling not only in athletics, but also in the entertainment industry. Ava Duvernay was the first black woman to win Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival, and Channing Dungey was the first black woman to lead programming
at a major broadcast network. She has worked on shows such as “How to get Away with Murder,” and “Scandal” (www.nbcnews.com). As you can see, African-American men and women are changing the idea that they are inferior just because of the color of their skin. Even in 2017, there has been cause for concern regarding how people are treating blacks. However, through the accomplishments of the aforementioned people and other young African–Americans, this mindset will soon be changed.
Getting to know Zeta Phi Beta page 7
Review of “A Cure for Wellness” page 8