The Black Cornellian Woman Magazine
May 2009
2008-2009 School Year In Review! A Tribute to those Unsung Black Women Heroes
“It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine…” Notorious Movie DVD Review
Stand by Your Man: As Told by the Wives of Politicians Imara
Contents:
Black Women’s Retreat......Page 11 BCW Spotlight.....................Page 12
Editors Note...........................Page 3 Unsung Black Women Heros.....................................Page 13 Why Write It Down?.............Page 4 1.20.2009.................................Page 6
May 2009
Imara Imara DVD Review.............Page 14
Auntie I’s Advice Column.....Page 8 Stand By Your Man...............Page 9
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is he the realization of Martin Luther King’s Dream?.............Page 10
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Imara Staff President...................................Deborah Jack Vice President.......................Rosalind Usher Editor..............................Jacsymine Nsubuga Treasurer.............................Angelique Boyer Secretary..................................Alicia Adams Publicity Chair..................................Chi Ebo Fundraising Chair..........................Iffie Ikem Photos...............................Antonia Singleton Advisor...............................Renee Alexander
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Editors’s Note In April of 1969, a group of determined black students occupied Willard Straight Hall in an effort to affect positive change at Cornell University. People labeled them radicals and fanatics. Nonetheless, their actions directly led to the establishment of many crucial elements of student life such as the Africana Studies and Research Center and the restructuring of the Board of Trustees to include students. The turbulent period of protest impacted the university forever. This issue celebrates the achievements of those students who paved the way and challenges current Cornell students to continue to agitate and question inequality. We must continue to voice our opinions and address the issues that affect us. Nonetheless, forty years after the monumental Willard Straight Takeover "the struggle continues". Jacsymine Nsubuga Visit our blog @ Imara.magazine@wordpress.com Imara 3
Why Write It Down? The Importance of Black Publications on Campus By Angelique Boyer During this past weekend, I was completing my workstudy assignment for Mr. Glover by cleaning out the Renaissance room in Ujamaa. For those of you who don't know, the Reniassance is a room in Ujamma's basement that has a collection of memorabilia and documents from various program house events and student organizations on campus. While shifting through bins and boxes, I stumbled across a box filled with minority-focused publications that were no longer in circulation. Literary periodicals, newspapers, and magazines over the course of the last 30 years were sitting there, no longer remembered by the community that they were trying to serve. Seeing this disappointed me. How could it that these publications, while well-received at one point in time, die so quickly? Is there not still a need to have minority publications on campus? Are the issues that they were facing then not as severe as the ones that we are facing now? Is that why we are choosing to remain silent, and not put into words the ideas and troubles that we as a minority community at Cornell are facing? One of the things that I found most humorous while shifting through the articles were that some of the issues facing community than are still applicable to our times. Things like the division between the minority communities on campus and the importance in the preservation of program houses like Ujamma are topics that were talked about during that time that still hold true now. While just reading it won't automatically mean that things for us will change, it will help create a sense of familiarity and connection with Cornell alumnus, and may show some insight on why certain things in our community are the way they are now. Imara 4
Minority publications are important on college campus's because they serve as a way to unite the community, and to document the issues and struggles that are being faced by Cornell students. While it is easy to hear stories about how things used to be and talk about everything that you think is going wrong on campus, to have it written down makes it more tangible, and allows other people to see things from your point of view. Twenty years from now we might not be on campus to tell the younger generations what happened back in our time at Cornell. But to have it documented in a written form will enable it to live on way past our years, and potentially impact future generation of Cornell students. And that is one of the main reasons that we want this magazine to succeed. While we think its great that now we have writers and people that seem to have a vested interested in the mission and goal of Isis, we want it to live past our time here at Cornell. We want this magazine to be a influential part in the lives of the Black Women on Cornell's campus, and for it to serve as a form of education and enlightenment of what we as black females have gone through and what are currently struggling with. We want it to be a source of inspiration to those who need guidance and assistance, and for people of all genders, races, and age groups to be able to relate with the issues that are presented in the magazine. This magazine is meant to be a service to be the community, and provide a way for our voices can be heard; for us to not only remember the past but look forward to what we as a unified body can accomplish. The worst thing will be to come back in 10 years and see that Isis is a magazine that yet again was archived, and no type of black or minority publication is present on campus. By remaining silent, we are only limiting ourselves and preventing our growth and development into a unified force on campus. And so, I sincerely hope that Isis will continue to grow and provide a service to the community that we care so deeply about. Imara 5
01.20.2009 By Alicia Adams On January 20th 2009, over a million people waited in anticipation on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to watch as the President-elect Barack Obama was sworn in. The metro rails had over 305,000 riders out of Maryland alone and an estimated 800,000 riders in total. I left from the Branch Avenue Metro Station. People screamed and shouted as they waited in line for fare cards. The National Mall opened at 4:00am on Inauguration Day. With morning temperatures in the low 20s, patrons bundled up in multiple layers and blankets. Around 9:00am, after the sun had been out for a few hours, the jumbotrons showed the Inaugural Concert from the previous Sunday. Dancing to the music got blood pumping to our freezing fingers and toes. The jumbotron also showed politicians and guests getting out of their cars. The arrival of each notable guest was accompanied by cheers. Celebrities at the event included P Diddy, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Muhammad Ali, and Oprah. There were snipers on top of buildings in every direction surrounding the mall. Members of the House of Representatives, Congress, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, and other political figures took their places. When Michelle Obama walked onto the Capitol steps, the crowd cheered loudly. The response was the same as Malia Obama and Sasha Obama appeared. Finally, the man of the hour, President Elect Barack Obama presented himself to his fellow politicians and supporters. Shouts of “Obama” rang through the National Mall. The Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States began with special selections from the United States Marine Band, the San Francisco Boys Chorus, and Girls Chorus. The Invocation by Dr. Rick Warren from Saddleback Church in Lakeforest, CA followed. Black people around me laughed when Dr. Warren put particular emphasis on the names of Obama’s two daughters, Malia and Sasha, almost as if there names were especially exotic. The administering of the Oath of Office to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was preceded by a magical performance by Aretha Franklin. The chills up and down my spine had nothing to do with the weather. Throughout the ceremony, people waved miniature flags at the news helicopters above their heads. Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, and Anthony McGill performed a piece written by composer John Williams. The moment we were all waiting for had finally come. The Oath of Office was administered to President-elect Barack Hussein Obama. Obama placed his hand on the Bible as the new First Lady, who I believe will be one of the most influential of them all, stood by his side. Spectators got worried when Obama had to pause and re-state part of the Oath. But the media immediately made it known that the Honorable John G. Roberts Jr. made the mistake. Obama moved the word misplaced by the Judge to its proper place in the Oath. After President Barack Obama was sworn in, the roar of the crowd spanned from North West D.C. all the way to South East and beyond. Continued on Next Page Imara 6
The canons sounded as the orchestra played “Hail to the Chief.” Spectacular is the only way to describe the moment. To me Obama’s Inaugural Address was quite memorable. He sincerely conveyed to citizens of the U.S. that it will take a while to remedy the problems that have accumulated over the past several years, but that they will undoubtedly be resolved. Although he stated that the United States will help other nations in need, he reassured the people that they will be safe against threats. These were his exact words: “We are a strong nation that won’t be defeated.” The part of the speech that touched me the most was when Obama said, “…a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” He reiterated that people worked their fingers to the bone for this day. I asked Nickia King, a young Black woman at the inauguration how it feels to have a Black president and whether or not she thought that Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream is now a reality. Her response was: “I’m elated to have a Black president. I feel America has come a long way, but there’s a lot of work to be done and I’m sure Martin Luther King Jr. had a lot of things in mind when he spoke of his dream. This very well may be one of them, but there’s still a lot to accomplish.” Denise Rogers, another young Black woman was asked how she felt as a result of being at the Inauguration. She said, “This is a pivotal point in history that no one will forget. I think the first family is a great support system and I adore them because they are a model representation of a strong Black family that loves and cares for one another.” Monica Adams shared her sentiment as well: “The atmosphere was anxious and exciting. I feel proud to be an American. The Inauguration is another example of how we can come together at such an important time.” The cold, exhausting day was worth it in the end. I don’t think there could have been a better welcoming of President Obama and his family to the White House. I saw a few people shed tears. For me it took a while to sink in. I did not cry at the ceremony, but I cried later on that day while listening to the radio, thinking about the turmoil and hardships our people endured just to gain respect. I also thought about the kids who never thought they could go very far, but feel like they can do anything now. My hope is that this will not just be a moment, but a movement within the Black community, a movement toward service, unity, and even greater success.
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Auntie I’s Advice Column Dear Auntie I, My boyfriend has not physically hit me but is verbally and mentally abusive.......Anonymous
Dear Anonymous, Abuse comes in many shapes and sizes. What you might look at now as only verbal abuse can turn into something much worse like physical abuse. Right now you need to ask yourself one simple question: Is this the relationship I signed up for? If the answer to that question is a no, then you need to start thinking about having “the talk” with your boyfriend. However, if you know that your boyfriend is still the same person he was when you started dating then you guys need to sit down and discuss his anger issues so that it never happens again. In a relationship you should never let a guy control you. If he is acting in a way that you don’t like then you need to let him know that. Turning a blind eye to issues such as his elevated anger could land you in the hospital, girl. Remember, you are a strong, independent woman. For more advice on how to get out of an abusive relationship watch Medea’s Family Reunion by Tyler Perry. Two words: “Grit Ball!”
Want your questions about love, sex, boys, girls, school, and basically anything you want, to be answered, by Auntie I??? Just send us a quick email to theblackcornellianwoman@gmail.com
Sincerely ~ Auntie I
Dear Auntie I, My boyfriend slept with me and then slept with three of my friends....Anonymous
Dear Anonymous, First of all have you been by Gannett? If not you might want to make an appointment to get an AIDS, STI and STD test. I know this is not what you want to here but having a boyfriend that is promiscuous is no joke. Second, I seriously hope who are considering or have dumped his tail because I cannot really see any reason why you would still be with him. Being intimate with your boyfriend is a very important step in a relationship, and the fact that he has disrespected your relationship by sleeping with not one but three of your (alleged) friends is unacceptable. Ladies, we cannot let ourselves be treated this way by men. Not only is it not good for your own health, it is not good for the welfare of others. Right now the world is battling an AIDS pandemic and your boyfriend is exhibiting all of the risky behavior that could put one at risk. So, my advice would be to first make sure you are healthy and then girl do yourself a favor and find somebody that values you the same way you value him. Remember, you are a strong, independent woman. For more advice on how to keep your man in check watch Two Can Play That Game with Vivica Fox. When your man doesn’t act right you’ve “got to check him!” Sincerely, ~Auntie I Imara 8
Stand By Your Man By: Jacsymine Nsubuga Why do political wives unwaveringly stand by their men? Political consultant, Mark Fabiani argues that "it's impossible to get inside anyone's marriage and figure out what really goes on. But if you can't immediately persuade your wife to stand with you, you're finished. How they convince them to stand there before cameras and hot lights and angry questions is impossible to know." Political wives have long been portrayed as passive, submissive, silent props on which male politicians depend. They learn quickly that outside of standing by their husbands, waving and smiling, their roles are very limited. Silda Spitzer, wife of former Governor Eliot Spitzer, graduated from Harvard Law School and worked as a successful Wall Street attorney before forgoing her career to allow her husband to achieve his political ascent. Silda's story is much like those of many other political wives. They must relinquish careers, comfortable and stable lives, family and friends, and individual identity to enable their husbands to further their political ambitions. Can political wives have an identity outside of being the wives of a politicians? Society expects these women to be Stepford Wives next to their high-powered husbands. When some veer from the traditional expectations, they are negatively labeled. Fox News's Juan Williams, warns that Michelle Obama harbors "militant anger" and that she will be a major liability for President Barrack Obama. Political wives should not have to be vacant, mute and low key when standing by their men.
In coming issues, this space will be used showcase interesting facts about Black women at Cornell :) ...send in ideas and topics to theblackcornellianwoman@gmail.com Imara 9
Barack Obama is Amazing, and President of the United States of America… but is he the realization of Martin Luther King’s Dream? By: Rosalind Usher
A lot of people say that through this selection by popular vote that Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s Dream has been realized. I feel that the media’s comparison of Obama’s selection as president and King’s dream of racial equality is not one and the same. The media’s mass affirmation just makes the whole idea seem sort of played out and I just expected the realization of “The Dream” to have a more universal effect on the thoughts and actions of the American people. Don’t get me wrong, I feel that the ability for the people of United States to elect a Black President is astounding and pretty amazing, but I don’t see this one moment as the completion of a dream that so many people fought and died for. I guess, I just get a little frustrated with the talk of the “realization of a dream” when there is so much left to be done in all aspects of society. Barack Obama is a great man and role model, and I feel is capable for this job. And his election to the highest seat of power, in one of the most powerful nations in the world, speaks to loads of progress toward racial equality. It does not, however, speak to total racial equality, which I feel would be the completion of King’s Dream. Part of me, actually feels that maybe this dream can never be realized, that maybe I just don’t have enough hope for the American people. I mean the American people, are an amazingly unique bunch, of both good and bad, but they have been conditioned to act in a certain way toward each other. They have been conditioned to not see education as the social capital needed for the betterment of society, but monetary/ fiscal capital as the terms for success. We as Americans have remained in such a static state that others in the international community have surpassed us in all categories that actually matter (expect maybe the alarming percentage of Americans who are overweight or obese). Can we really change because of the success of this one man? I think all Americans are asking, can Barack Obama help us turn this country around? We all know it’s still too early to tell, but I really do hope so. By the way his presidential campaign was run, I believe he has the ability to inspire people to better themselves. I do however believe there still needs to be fundamental changes in the way Americans think, and the way Americans are brought up to believe what really is important in life. Is having a first Black President really that important in the whole scheme of things? Does it show that Americans truly have improved and progressed as a society, (or were the American people just so fed up with the past 8 years that any Democrat could have won against the Republican ticket)? Is the job over, and what can we do as everyday Americans to complete it? Imara 10
The Black Women's Retreat By Angelique Boyer
On January 24th-25th, the 2009 Black Women's Retreat, an annual event put on by Cornell's student group Le Femme De Substance, was held. Taking place in the University Sheraton in Syracuse, undergraduates across classes, colleges, and social circles attended in an attempt to create a greater sense of unity and fellowship among the black females on campus, and to help create a bond among a community that was unexplainably divided. The Retreat, titled Miss Independent, had various workshops dealing with various topics from financial planning and security to learning how to define your sexuality as a black female . Attendees were able to get a free workout session with a personal trainer that showed aerobic moves to stay trim and fit. And during the night was a scheduled "bonding time" that consisted of ice breakers, games, and honest, truthful discussions on what was going on Cornell's campus and what we could to change the problems that we saw dividing up our community. The conference ended off with a brunch at Appel Sunday morning, as conference attendees were joined by Cornell staff and faculty, and everyone was able to see a visual recap of some of the most "interesting" moments of the Retreat caught on camera. In all, the retreat was a very positive experience. It really allowed those who went to bond, and allowed me personally to feel closer to some of the Black females on campus that I only knew in passing. To all of you who did not come to the retreat this year, I strongly urge you to attend next year, as it is something that you definitely do not want to miss and will not regret. Imara 11
BCW Spotlight Nnaemeka Echebiri aka Meka ‘09 By Angelique Boyer Birthday: March 20, 1987 Sign : Pisces - He's the last day of Pisces and the first day of spring Major: Human Biology, Health and Society. Currently Premed Living In: Harlem, New York. But born in the Bronx. Interesting Fact - "I like to draw for fun. A lot of people don't know that. I drew a lot as a kid. I took painting classes in High School, and did life drawing (I drew naked models) in Highschool for 2 years". My weekends : Fridays - taking care of loose ends. Going out, lots of partying and chilling with friends I don't really see during the week. I like to be social. During the fall, Sundays were football games Sports: Meka ran track for 3 years here, and ran in Highschool and Junior High School - Hammer and weight throw. Meka has gone up to 2nd place in Cornell's track meets. 5 year plan: Still have to figure it out. "Eventually [I will] be‌.in med school or physical therapy school. I would like to mentor children". While he didn't get into Teach for America, he say "Its there lost, damnit". He plans on teaching, going to the West Coast for at least a month, and traveling. Favorite Activity here at Cornell: MOCC - especially the fact that they have annual conferences the first week in January for academic achievement, professional advancement, and leadership development. "I like that when we leave the conference, we all leave anew, and we're ready to take on Cornell. Its really revitalizing. It's a unique, special experience that you can never recreate. We come back to Cornell different from when we left". Word to the ladies: "A lot of the reasons we are the way we are is because of you. And take that however way you want to". *disclaimer: might not apply to Cornell females, but does apply to women as a whole.
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A Tribute to those Unsung Black Women Heroes By Deborah Jack Entering into the second day of February doesn’t simply signal the start of a new week but also the beginning of Black History Month. With the beginning of this month, we again imbibe the achievements of the past Blacks that have been stamped in history as the Greats. With this month, comes the daily learning of how a second class race rose above struggle, hardship, and intimidation to produce such heroes as Malcolm X and W.E.B. du Bois. In schools, the famous “I have a dream speech” is retold and memorized by elementary students while the story of Malcolm X’s struggle against racism in America is regularly replayed on TV. Programs are held in remembrance of the members of the NAACP to commemorate what they have done for this country. For once, African Americans are simply uplifted because of their struggles in a country that has abused them for centuries. For a time, this is OUR month: a month of glory, a month of remembrance, a month of honor, and a month of humility. And with the inauguration of the first Black (and not just Black but half African!) president, this particular month in this particular year serves as a special sign as how far the Black population has gone. So for a time, we all feel pretty good about ourselves. Yet this month doesn’t simply focus on the great achievements of Black men but also the challenges that Black women overcame. Ida Bethune was one of the first women to serve in the NAACP and even was extensively spoke against lynching of Blacks in the South. Yet sometimes Black History month fails to acknowledge the ones who didn’t gain such great, nationwide success as Dr. King did or gain a financial fortune as Madame C.J Walker. These are those quieter heroes, the ones who are owed just as much praise as the other Black Greats. Imara 13
IMARA’s DVD Movie Review: NOTORIOUS By Chi Ebo “It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine…” The critically acclaimed film Notorious made its grand premiere to the general public on January 16, 2009. Notorious chronicles the life of Christopher Wallace, aka the Notorious B.I.G, through the troubles and tribulations experienced throughout his lifetime, his successful rise to stardom, and his later terrible death. The movie, inspired by the true-life situation of Wallace, and created by those closest to him, allows the audience to travel through the times of B.I.G, understanding where he came from and how he came to be NOTORIOUS. The movie detailed the people most important in shaping B.I.G (role played by Jamal Woolard), including his mother (Angela Bassett), Sean Combs (Derek Luke), Lil’ Kim (Naturi Naughton), Faith Evans (Antonique Smith), and Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie). The film both shocked and amused moviegoers, helping to bring the movie almost $5,779, 692 and a position in the top ten movies in the box office (THReviews). Critics had many positive things to say about the movie—“Notorious B.I.G biopic electrifying” (Jam! Movies); “Biggie’s long shadow is well-cast in ‘Notorious’ ” (LA Times). However, with critics that enjoyed the movie come those who did not. According to the Washington Post, “‘Notorious’ Rapper Biopic is a B.I.G. Disappointment”. Kansas City Star claims that perhaps the movie doesn’t tell the full story, and they are not alone. Lil’ Kim allegedly said during an interview with Hip Hop Weekly that she “was not involved in the movie and thought that Naturi Naughton was a bad choice to play her”. Along with these comments, Lil’ Kim, also known as Kimberly Jones, told Bossip, “I didn’t want it [the film] to be about me. I wanted it to be real, though. And that it is NOT.” Regardless of how true or false the movie is, it still had an effect on its audiences and brought to light one of the most popular and acknowledged rappers in the game, Notorious B.I.G. “And if you don’t know, now you know…” --Notorious B.I.G
“It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine…” Imara 14
Year In Review
2008-2009
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