IMARA STRONGER THAN A DIAMOND AND JUST AS PRECIOUS
Spring 2013
Rejection a stepping stone to success
Healing and empowerment through art
POWER the secret to our strength
t e e M
d r a o B e h t
Co-Editor-in-Chiefs/Treasurers Kyeiwaa Amofa-Boachie Theresa Anoje Managing Editor Jasmine Wade Editors Kristi McKenzie Chardae Varlack Kimberly Kerr Creative Director Stacy Ndlovu Layout Director Mytien Nguyen Layout Editor Reetchel Presume Secretary Angelica-Ruth Wekwete Advisor Renee Alexander
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www.imaramagazine.wordpress.com www.issuu.com/imaramagazine
IMARA is an independent student organization located at Cornell University, produced, and is responsible for the content of, this publication. This publication was not reviewed or approved by, nor does it necessarily express or reflect the policies or opinions of, Cornell University or its designated representatives.
To our
IMARA
readers...
A Note from the Editor-in-Chief What defines your true character is your response to adversity. While you may not deserve the bad things that happened to you, it’s important not to continue seeing yourself as a mere ‘victim’. It is up to you to pick up the pieces of your heart, rebuild your confidence, and move forward. Begin your healing process. Put positive energy into the universe! If you look hard enough, there is always a way to make the best out of an unfortunate situation, and that’s an attitude you’ll need to have to get through life. It’s how the Class of 2013 was able to push forward after the horrific string of suicides during their freshman year and use services such as CAPS and EARS. It’s how the Cornell community was able to tackle the unfortunate trend of “forcible-touchings” and rape across campus utilizing Blue Light Phones, Escorts, and Buses. (Of course, there’s always more work to be done.) It’s how people who have had less-than-optimal relationships are able to try again with a new partner who respects them on a level that their former could not. And it’s also why others share their struggles; to keep the eternal flames of healing and hope alive. Unfortunate events are a part of the human experience and dealing with them is a necessary process. Realize that you are not the sum of the shortcomings that befall you; you are worth more, deserve more, and can do more with who you are. Of course, being empowered doesn’t mean you are problem-free; it means that you are able to cope with the problems in your life in a way that benefits you. And it is IMARA’s hope that this semester’s issue will help you along your personal road to empowerment.
Kyeiwaa :)
TITLE | Theme
Contents
Healing
8 Rejection: A Stepping Stone to Success 11 Poem: Burnt & Rebuilt 15 Healing & Empowerment through Art
Featuring: Chardae Varlack Kristi McKenzie Annie Otwell
Empowerment
6 The Other Side: My Parisian Experience 9 Going Uphill: A Survival Game 13 Plight of a Queen 20 Power
Dorehn Coleman Juliana Batista Devon Bryant Gabrielle Hickmon
Features
12 Quiz: What Type of Friend are You? 14 Diva Speaks 16 161 Things 18 Food for Thought: Drones 23 Final Thoughts
Spotlights
5 ‘Fro’ Yo: Q&A with Eboni Marion ‘13 10 Q&A with D Nilsz 21 Eye Candy: Imri Adams 22 Student Spotlights
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Mytien Nguyen Reetchel Presume Olivia Davis
Kimberly Kerr Noelani Gabriel Angelica-Ruth Wekwete Stacy Ndlovu
Spotlight
| ‘Fro’ Yo
‘Fro’ Yo Kinks and curls have been making quite a comeback in the past few years. In that time, Cornell’s campus has seen a significant increase of natural-haired beauties strutting the slopes. For some people, making the switch from relaxed to natural hair is simply a styling choice, but for women like Eboni Marion ’13, this natural hair movement is a lifestyle, a perspective change, and a move towards self-embracement all wrapped up in a silk hair scarf. So, how long has your hair been all natural? love the responses I get from others about my hair. A little over 2 years now; I cut off my relaxed ends on The admiring comments I get from friends and December 12, 2010. strangers on the street make me proud of what I carry on my head. I also love that I feel connected What made you make the switch from relaxed to to a heritage and ancestry that goes beyond me as natural hair? an individual. I transitioned to natural hair because I learned that it was an option! I had been accustomed to getting What do you make of the recent wave of the a relaxer since the age of 4. As far as hair was con- natural hair movement? cerned, getting a monthly relaxer was all I knew. One The movement is seriously awesome. I feel like I day I overheard a conversation about what happened see a new person sporting a curly ‘fro on TV or in when women stopped applying relaxers to their hair, real life every day, and I love it. Our mindset as a and learned that it could lead to strong, beautiful hair. cultural people is changing. The movement is not After some more research, I realized that this was ex- just about the strands that we fashion on our heads actly what I wanted! but about self-acceptance, identity, and standards of beauty, and we are doing a great job at using it to How did/do your friends and loved ones respond define ourselves in whatever way that we choose. to your hair? I can now say that almost 100% of the time, everyone What do you do for ‘hairspiration? responds to it positively. However, in the beginning, My go-to place for ‘hairspiration’ is YouTube. this wasn’t the case. My mom strongly opposed my Whenever I need styling inspiration and hair adchoice to wear my hair naturally. My biggest fan in life vice, I watch a lot of videos and sometimes check was quickly becoming my biggest critic all because I out different blogs and popular natural hair Facerefused to get a relaxer. She didn’t support my deci- book pages. sion and always insisted that I was “rebelling” against her by wearing my hair naturally. Today, I can proudly What’s something anyone who is thinking of say she is, once again, my biggest fan and she is well transitioning should know? on her way to completing her first year with natural Research, research, research! A lot of people dehair since she was a kid. cide to go natural and think that all they have to do is cut off their hair for it to grow quickly. This is What do you love most about ‘being natural’? not true. In order to achieve healthy hair, it takes Ahhh! So many things! I love the versatility. I can do healthy practices so it’s important to research the anything with my hair, from a kinky ‘fro to french proper techniques. Also, have patience! Hair is not braids to a Diana Ross look to a bone- straight style. going to be cut off on Monday then be grown back Whatever look I want to achieve can be done as long by Tuesday. Natural hair growth is a process that as I put in the time to do it. Aside from this, I truly will take time, and you really just have to believe it will blossom beautifully when you wait.
Kimberly Kerr 5
The Other SIde | Empowerment
The Other Side:
My Parisian Experience
L
eaving the place that you know and love for an unknown location is never easy. Most people feel this way when they first leave for college, but not me. I arrived in Ithaca, unpacked, and hit the ground running (no pun intended), which wasn’t necessarily a good thing looking back.
The point is that the transition to Ithaca was, Thank God, very easy for me. Study abroad, however? A completely different story.
Dorehn Coleman
Now, two months later, I couldn’t imagine being in Ithaca. Paris is ravishing to say the least. The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower, I just stopped and stared. Cliché, I know, but it’s majestic; come and see for yourself. My host mother is not only an amazing cook, but also the kind of person you can talk to for hours without noticing how much time has passed.
Life is relaxed. I have classes and the occasional homework assignment, but its much more stress-free, thus far. Sure, French people aren’t as During the past 3 years, I have forged many bubbly and welcoming as what I was used to, but relationships with people at Cornell, and I have got- they’re charming when they do open up and exten a lot closer to those who mean the most to me tremely helpful. For example, when asking for difrom back home. I now appreciate everyone in my rections, people will take the five minutes to explain life more, and leaving them all behind was terrify- the route to you, unlike most New Yorkers. But, geting. Sure, I was excited and could barely sleep the ting lost isn’t that bad either. You can walk down night before my flight, but the next day my plane most streets and both gawk at beautiful architecture hadn’t even started to taxi when I started to cry. This and smell bakery aromas until you finally find your transition was real. A major city? A new language? destination. The people-watching opportunities are 3,600 miles and an ocean between me and every- endless; the major boulevards even have benches thing and everyone I loved? I panicked. It didn’t that facilitate it. And the shopping? You thought I matter that I had dreamt about this trip, studied the had a problem before? I’m almost grateful that the language for the past three years, or could Skype dollar is weaker than the Euro; the exchange rate, whenever I wanted to; I simply, for the first time in and my father, are the lone things keeping me in my life, had no clue what I was in for. check.
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Empowerment
The nightlife here is awesome as well. You have your large dance clubs, but the true fun is had at the bars since they’re at the center of it all. Meeting and conversing with French people is a lot easier after 11:00 p.m. with the base of the adjacent dance floor vibrating around you and the confidence and sultriness that result from the mood lighting overwhelming your senses.
It’s weird being the one with the “exotic accent,” but it just has to be embraced. Dating rules and intersex relations in general are much less formal and tout est en partage (dates split the check). Crushing, I know. You will get talked to, or “at” depending on how you see it, numerous times a day by men of all ages and races. And the persistent ones that just don’t get it? They’re here as well. Staring will happen and “the thirst” can be real, but sometimes a good laugh comes from briefly entertaining it. Who knows? Maybe it will turn into that storybook, whirlwind Parisian romance with kisses under the lamppost, and in every other public place imaginable. Those, unlike berets, are common and frequently encountered. Your brain knows it’s not love, but constant inhalation of the cigarette-infused air coupled with the omnipresent picture-perfect setting can be extremely convincing.
| The Other Side
I’m nearly halfway through my semester in the “City of Lights” and wish I had a time machine to prolong it. The girl that cried for twenty minutes into an Air France napkin facing the window so no one could see, no longer exists.
My time abroad has contributed to my maturity, confidence, and independence. I’ve met people that I’ll be close to for the rest of my life and take pride in the fact that their encounters with me have ameliorated the perceptions of Black Americans held by many of my classmates. I adore seeing the influence of American culture, which is my culture, all around me, albeit with a slight French twist. Two months ago I had my doubts about my decision, but with my 20/20 hindsight, I laugh at my previous qualms. Paris has given me both perspective and a sense of purpose that would have taken much longer to recognize on the other side of the ocean. All of this isn’t to say that the grass is greener on the other side, but just that journeying there can offer a better look at your own yard, especially the weeds and flowers that you couldn’t see before.
And of course there’s the French culture. The art. The theatre. The ballet. Each exhibit and performance is unique, and more breathtaking than the last. But the true marvel? The food – duh. A three-course meal is commonplace and even with a smaller portion size, the satisfaction felt with every bite is unmatchable. Like in any major city, you can eat a different nation’s delicacy every night and find a cheaper meal if you search a bit; but, the homegrown cuisine, especially provincial style, will draw you in every time. French cuisine will make shelling out that extra ten euros for dessert a habit. And trust me – you’ll never regret it. I’ve had meals that brought tears of joy to my eyes with their infusion of tastes, and I’m not even a major foodie. Side note: A bottle of wine is cheaper that a bottle of water. Interpret that as you please…
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Rejection | Healing
REJECTION:
A STEPPING STONE TO By Chardae Varlack
A
side from keeping up with schoolwork, studying for prelims, maintaining a social life, and participating in extracurricular activities, college students are constantly thinking about their futures. What kind of internship will I get this summer? Will I get accepted to graduate school? Will I secure my dream job? These are thoughts that cross each student’s mind at least once a day. Our fast-paced lives at Cornell keep all of us preoccupied, but so do our major concerns about accomplishing our goals. After all, we are all trying to do the best that we can so we can become the people we have always dreamed of becoming. As hard as we work, however, sometimes it feels as if we just do not make the cut. Maybe on your first exam of the semester you scored way below the mean. Perhaps you woke up late for class one day and missed a pop quiz. You have probably written a paper, or two, and received a much worse score than expected. Scenarios like these may stay on our minds for days or even weeks at a time. No one likes to fail or feel unworthy, but I am here to assure you that you are far from these things. Doing the best that you can in all that you do is true success. Remember, it is only one test. One quiz. One paper. You will have weeks, semesters, or maybe even years to raise your GPA, improve your study skills, craft your talents, and achieve greatness. A person is truly able to feel happy when they 1). Reject their feelings of inadequacy, and 2). Find peace with rejection.
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SUCCESS
With summer approaching, students everywhere are applying to numerous internships everyday, which increases competition for us here at Cornell. In a few short weeks, we may not get the email that says, “Congratulations, we would like to offer you an internship!” Sometimes, we may not even get an email at all. However, this should not discourage you.
No, it was not that prelim score, missed quiz, or paper grade that led to this rejection, but it just simply was not meant to be. There are so many opportunities to be had, and that will be had, but patience is a virtue. If you have faced rejection in an internship search, job search, or even graduate school application, it is not the end. One closed door will just lead you to another that will be wide open.
Empowerment
| Going Uphill
Going Uphill: A Survival Guide
By Juliana Batista
Yet, I still feel that my biggest impact on women has been simple. Sometimes I meet a close friend at CTB to listen and give advice on how to deal with relationship troubles. Or, I may surprise a friend who has had a rough week with Ben and Jerry’s and a trip to a concert downtown. Although I have big plans for my next term (including reducing the stigma around the Blue Light, increasing women’s groups co-sponsoring opportunities, and spear-heading a positive body image campaign), I’m also a huge advocate for women on think we all know that face: her slightly crinkled campus being good friends. You know your friends nose or sallow eyes or the desperation as she best and can have the biggest impact on their issues grabs an extra double shot of espresso after class. whether they are receiving a low grade on a test or Our friends may be feeling a little under the weather, dealing with sexual assault. It doesn’t matter the a little blue, or just in a funk. Sometimes you want to size of the issue, it matters that you are there. help, but aren’t exactly sure what to do. I challenge myself and ask you to evaluate your reAs the new Women’s Issue Representative on cam- lationships and friendships with the following quespus, my role is to promote the image of women on tions: campus and to bolster a cross-section of opportunities and programs for women. When was the last time you asked if she need to vent? Concentrated and understood her feelings? Over the past year, I have engaged in women em- Asked how you could help? powerment activities and events. Some of these were: engaging in conversations about veganism When was the last time you told a friend how and social justice at the Women of Color Conference, much you value your friendship? marching and protesting for equal opportunity for women with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., send- When was the last time you had a girl’s night and ing letters to Congressman Reid in support of the forgot about guys and school drama? Violence Against Women Act, laughing with friends over the Vagina Monologues, and planning the Stu- These seem like simple questions, but we all are dent Assembly Women’s Summit. Through these ex- prone to getting wrapped up in our busy Cornell periences I have been able to witness the incredible worlds. Next year, I hope to have an impact on the power of women. There are a myriad of outlets and macro level by bringing together women across niches on campus for women to unite over similar campus and tackling broad issues, but every woman causes. has the ability to impact the lives of her friends. Sim ple gestures can have a large impact.
I
9
D Nilsz Q & A | Spotlight
Q&AD Nilsz with
Interviewed by Noelani Gabriel
At a school like Cornell, it is easy to feel like we can never achieve what we came here to do. However, it is crucial to remember that we can look to our counterparts for inspiration. Any ladies interested in the music industry? D Nilsz has words of wisdom for all. Some express themselves through writing or drawing, others through dancing or singing. Regardless of the outlet or medium we choose, we all have a voice that deserves to be heard. For Cornell senior D Nilsz, that medium is music. On an unusually warm day in Ithaca, I spent some time with producer D Nilsz to talk about what empowers him: music. Although on the surface he appears to be shy, he had a lot to say about his experiences as a producer. He even revealed the identity of the mysterious girl who does the D Nilsz tag at the beginning of his songs!
NG: When did you first start making beats? D Nilsz: Seventh grade.
NG: Seventh grade. That’s early. What did they sound like? D Nilsz: Not good. I had a Yamaha keyboard and I would record the beats through my computer sound recorder so it would be real raw, not clean sounding at all. Just freestyle beats but that’s where it started. NG: What producers have influenced you? D Nilsz: Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Timbaland, Pharrell and The Neptunes, Just Blaze. There are a lot of people that have influenced me. NG: If you could describe your sound in 3 or 4 words what would they be? D Nilsz: Unique, original, and eclectic. Shouts to KC!
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D Nilsz: Ummm…(laughs) I don’t sleep. Well I get like four or five hours of sleep a night and then maybe a quick nap during the day. It’s been hard.
NG: Fill in the blank. ________ make me feel empowered. D Nilsz: Sharing my music with other people makes me feel empowered. Playing it for them, and getting a reaction out of them, whether it’s positive or negative. I just want to know how thy feel about it.
NG: How did you come up with the title for your new project Alive, out April 9th? D Nilsz: Music to me is my life and that’s what makes me feel alive. So the title was something easy for me to come up with.
NG: What is the next step for D. Nilsz? D Nilsz: Just trying to get my beats out to bigger artNG: What is the craziest situation that music has ists. I’m also working on putting together my live brought to you? performances. Just trying to find more ways I can D Nilsz: Probably the best thing so far was winning get my music out. the Beat Battle with 9th Wonder. That was crazy. That was real early when I was just starting out and NG: And the last question, who is the girl that I was getting heavy into beats. That was pretty cool does the D. Nilsz tag?! to win because he’s one of the best to ever do it. D Nilsz: That’s what everybody wants to know. NG: You’re an engineer, how do you balance your That’s actually my little sister. course load and music?
Healing
| Burnt & Rebuilt
&Rebuilt
Burnt
By Kristi McKenzie
I screamed so loud there wasn’t a sound, I wanted to cry but couldn’t shed a tear, My tiny, frail body shrunk to the ground, I was scraped up and admitted not too far from here. She was frozen in disbelief. And tried to comfort me but couldn’t bring herself to speak. This was not just an accident; it was a thief that stole the joy that usually accompanies Christmas week. I saw the dull white walls with nurses walking in white. Four of them had to hold me down in the cold cold bath I stay there from morning to many nights Why why why did I take that path? She nervously follows doctors who couldn’t answer her many questions. She tells me I’ll be fine because she’ll never leave me alone. She gives me stuffed animals and sings sweet songs. Which end the same time as visiting hours when she has to go home. I recover to get hurt all over again, My scars seem to reopen when kids’ open mouths spew words so mean. I feel ugly and undeserving of friends so next Christmas, I will ask Santa to wipe my chest clean. She knows the cushions on the sofa are now accustomed to being wet, She wipes away my tears wondering what to do tomorrow when she’ll have to send me back. One day she tells the students herself that my scars are not contagious and yet the teasing continues and she tells me in vain that there’s nothing I lack. Seventeen years later I’m starting to believe. But even when people ignore my scars there is still something to be said. So I refrain from listening; I refuse to be deceived because I’ve gained new confidence and friends and I can hold up my head. Seventeen years later she fusses about me as if I’m still that three-year-old child. She probably still feels bad; good is all she’s ever done. And every time we speak, she goes on for quite a while, The conversation ends only when she says, “keep working and I love you hon.”
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QUIZ | Feature
1
Which of the following best describes the time breakup of your social time?
QUIZ
What type of friend are you?
3
How many relationships have you had?
2
B. Insist that you set up a place to meet in the next week to work things out. C. Allow them to drift away but be concerned that you were a bad friend and that caused them to be angry.
D. You would be willing to work things
in the social scene and I know many people. Once I get in a relationship, they last a very long time.
C. A few over the years. Occasionally I will ask someone out/get asked out and it may develop into a relationship.
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A. Slowly - It takes me a while to get
B.
C. Sleep until 3, then maybe wander around the mall with friends and come home and stay up until 4AM, then start on my homework and finally go to sleep at 6AM.
D. I have soccer in the morning, then chill, do homework or maybe go out to lunch with some friends and then a movie with my friend.
people talk to me) who are “cool” by my standards.
ward everyone and I will be friends with anyone who wants to be my friend.
12
A.
My friend comes over and we spend all day at my house chilling.
C. Outgoing people (I’m shy so only outgoing
C. Quickly - I am friendly and outgoing and nice to-
4
Which describes a typical Saturday in your life?
B. Some people form sports, some from church, some from school, LOTS. All are similar to me.
group of friends and they are open to me. We remain friends for a very long time.
Mostly D’s
5
Which of the following describes your group of friends as a whole?
friend and some with my friends. I am busy, but I make time for my family.
I get pancakes in the morning with my best friends, and then I go to referee my neighbor’s sport game. After that I go out to lunch with my girlfriend/boyfriend, mall with my friends and then my boyfriend/girlfriend picks me up for dinner and a movie.
A. A few from sports, a few from school,
B. Quickly - I am generally assertive in finding my
my personality is different from most and only a small group will become my friends.
out, but if your friends weren’t you would be fine just moving on.
all are similar to me but I don’t have an absolute TON, just enough to be happy.
used to new people, but when I am comfortable, I’m a lot of fun.
D. Medium - Although I am outgoing,
D. A lot with my family and boyfriend/girl-
text.
B. Many. Because I am so outgoing, I am involved
If you moved to a new city, how quickly would you make friends?
spend a bit of time with my friends occasionally.
A. Cry and try to work things out over
and don’t have much of a social life.
but all were deeply involved and lasted a long time.
B. I love hanging out with my friends. C. I spend most of my time sleeping and eating, but I
If you were fighting with friends, what would you do?
A. I have liked many people but I am shy
D. I have had very few relationships,
A. Most of the time I am with my family. I wish I could spend more time with my friends, but they are always busy.
D. People very similar to me who
make me laugh. We have the same weird hobbies.
Mostly B’s
Mostly A’s You’re a devoted friend. You value your friends, though they may be few in number. You will stick by their side through thick and thin, good and bad, and through all the ugly. Though you may not agree with all of your friends’ decisions, you will not let that break your friendship.
You’re an active friend. You’re an outgoing person who makes friends easily. You’re there for them when they need you, and you’re the energy of the group. You usually are the organizer in the group, planning events and hang outs.
You are the confident friend. You are not necessarily shy, but you are selective in your friends. You have some pride when it comes to friendships. If they’re in your life, great! If not, whatever.
Mostly C’s
You’re the passive friend. People usually approach you first, and your friends usually plan hangouts and events. You do value your friends, but they are not too high on your list of priorities. great! If not, whatever.
Plight of a
Empowerment
Queen By Devon Bryant
| Plight of a Queen
Why do you look so sad, baby girl? This is not what God had in mind when He Carefully crafted your diamond-studded bones Sculpted you into a vessel that holds the unknown Depths of beauty that inhabits you
You were meant to be a queen But it seems you misplaced your crown When you succumbed to the sweet deceit of a forehead kiss Exhaling the shame you feel every time He engulfs you with his unrelenting filth I know you keep your eyes closed So they never get a chance to flood with water But every time you open them it becomes a little harder To blink away your worth Knowing his hatred really, has nothing to do with you Head hanging low, you hide your pretty face Every time he twists you with his words Convoluting your inner being like tangled rope Holding you up when you’ve lost your ground Baby girl, why do you let him stifle your soul? Bruises, red as the lips he used to kiss you with Before his passion traveled fervently through his Tempered hands, landing on your puffy cheeks Stinging like the fire that tore through your core When his snake tongue deceitfully hissed to you that “This is what it feels like to be loved” One? Twice? Every fourth word is self-destructing Poison bound to rip him up From the inside out, we weren’t structured To feel this way
His artwork does not belong on your brown canvas skin Symbolizing the legacy of a lineage standing strong Through pain and harsh cries before anybody knew they could So hold your head up high, baby girl You got to put your crown back on 13
DivaSpeaks | Feature
Dear
DivaSpeaks,
e year we’ve Since sophomor . ch u m y er v r y I care fo her and in man ot ch ea “I have a friend ow kn r the t and getting to e been turning fo v ha been hanging ou gs in th , ly r; but late and downright de ru e, v si n ways I admire he fe de w g tired lp but notice ho le and I’m gettin op pe g worse. I can’t he n di n fe of t I have acting. She’s ything wrong bu an mean she’s been d di I if ow ill kn I don’t problems and w al on rs pe of defending her. gh u ro I do: e she is going th ion. What should at ol reason to believ is e et pl m lp co e point of iend, or try to he fr a r de si n pull away till th co to someone I used Turn away from r problems? her confront he Signed, nd” A concerned frie
It sounds like you are going through a serious internal battle. On the one hand, you know you don’t deserve to be treated badly, on the other, you want to reach out and help your friend. It seems as if she is no longer being a good friend to you. Do you still enjoy being around her? Is she hurting your feelings? These are questions you need to think about because if you find yourself worn out, then it is time to take that definitive step back. This does not mean you should cut her off. In fact you must be proactive and reflect. It means that you need to address the problem in order to fix it. In situations like these we must remember that COMMUNICATION is essential. Why not let your friend know how you feel? People are often unaware when they are hurting others. It’s possible that she may not even know that you have been offended by her actions. In addition, you should ask her what is really going on and give her the opportunity to share her feelings with you. It is likely that she is being defensive and putting up a false guard to cover up some vulnerabilities. She may be waiting for someone to show some concern. Your friend’s personal health is of obvious importance to you and you should make her aware of that. Have you considered what may be causing this change in your friend’s attitude? Has she mentioned any family issues or school stressors? Her personality change is most likely in reaction to outside factors. If you believe that your friend is experiencing personal problems, you can suggest EARS or Let’s Talk. Both provide a safe and confidential space where anyone can go to see themselves, their relationships and lives in a different way. This would be a great way for your friend to express herself and learn to deal with her concerns in a productive way. Honestly everyone is different and consequently no reaction is completely predictable. Your compassion and interest in your friend’s well-being is commendable, but you are probably wondering how to go about having this kind of conversation. Kick judgment to the curb and ask her genuine and open questions that allow her to talk about her situation. Be patient and listen. Let her know you understand and encourage her to utilize available Gannett resources. Through discussion, true HEALING can take place and a friendship can be mended.
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Dr. Parvin Shahrestani with a piece of art created for her at a We Step Into the Light event at UC Irvine.
&
Healing
| Healing through Art
Healing Empowerment
L
ast month, Ithaca hosted its first “We Step Into the Light” event. These events use art to empower survivors of sexual, relationship, and gender-based violence and to raise awareness of these issues. A wide variety of artwork was featured at April’s event. The art pieces were inspired by survivors’ experiences and created through a collaboration between artists and survivors.
Actually, the term ‘thriver’ has been chosen to replace the label ‘survivor’. Hopefully, the word ‘thriver’ will help people to see beyond the generalized connotations that words like ‘survivor’ or ‘victim’ can convey. “We Step Into the Light” celebrates the ‘thriver’ as a unique and complete individual who is not defined singly by past trauma. Through a series of interactions between artist and thriver, a piece of art capturing the unique essence of the thriver—his or her dreams, goals, passions, values—is created.
“We Step Into the Light” was created by Dr. Desmonette Hazly in the greater Los Angeles area in 2009. These events demonstrate the power of art to aid in the process of healing. Hazly has overcome sexual abuse and wanted to help others find their light. She states that “art transcends all boundaries and can communicate beauty and triumph better than any language.” For the inaugural event here in Ithaca, seventeen artists and survivor teams were paired to create art which celebrates the survivor. The art was in different forms such as paint-
By Annie Otwell
through Art
ing, photography, sculpture, song and poetry. Art created through this project was displayed in Mann Lobby from April 8th to 12th and there was a reception in Willard Straight Hall’s Garden Room on Friday, April 12th. The reception included music by Oresund Sound as well as refreshments. This remarkable event was brought to Cornell by Dr. Parvin Shahrestani, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell. Shahrestani wanted to create “an atmosphere in which individuals are supported and appreciated, and in which there is potential to use artistic expression as a source of healing.” This event may have marked the first time someone made a public statement about his or her experience.
Finally, we also hope that the event brought more attention to the issue of sexual assault. The increased prevalence of reported rape and sexual assault at and near Cornell’s campus recently allowed us to see the need for this event. Finally, we thank the Cornell Women’s Resource Center for generously sponsoring the event.
A piece of art created between an artist and thriver for a We Step Into the Light event at UC Irvine.
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161 Things | Feature
161
things to do
for Women of Color: Part V
From the harsh winters to the nonstop prelims, the Cornell environment can take its toll on even the strongest among us. It can be such a struggle that many of us start to see Cornell as something to ‘get through’ rather than something to grow from and enjoy. For those who see it as something to get through, it’s time to STOP, look around, and realize that these are some of the best years of your life. This is the time to try new things, take risks and learn from your mistakes because you may not get the same opportunity later when you step out into the real world. So we here at IMARA have compiled this list to help you get started. We hope it encourages you to seek out experiences that help prepare you for upcoming challenges. Enjoy!
#81
Attend an event sponsored by MCFAB (Multicultural Concert Funding Advisory Board) at Cornell. Last year they brought Awkward Black Girl’s Issa Rae to campus.
82) Like art? Then go with a group of friends to visit the African art collections at the Johnson Museum of Art. The pieces originate from the Motherland, representing different regions of the continent. 83) Spend a semester in Washington, DC! Through the Cornell in Washington Program, you’ll get a chance to intern at any one of DC’s countless businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies while taking classes taught by Cornell professors and exploring the nation’s capital -- all for the same cost as spending a semester in Ithaca. 84) If you’d like to get more in touch with your faith, considering joining a fellowship or scripture study group. The African American Worship Service just started up and meets on Wednesdays in Ujamaa. For more info, contact Christopher House at cah357@cornell.edu 85) Get a Cornell Cinema Six Pass, which lets you and a friend attend 6 movies anytime throughout the year for just $25. This year’s movie line-up has been great: from recent releases like Django Unchained to independent favorites like Beasts of the Southern Wild, classics like Do the Right Thing and our personal favorite *Magic Mike* :D
#86 16
Attend Procrastinate at the Straight at least once a semester, and relax while meeting new people you’re not likely meet in your daily routine.
Feature
| 161 Things
87) Take a course in the Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (FGSS) department and get a grasp of the issues affecting you and women all around the world. 88) Try out for a student-run fashion show through the department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design! No better way to gain confidence than walking the runway. 89) Want to show off your style and poise off-stage? Look your best around campus and get featured online on Big Red Runway’s page on Facebook. Love nature, animals and the great outdoors? Visit the Cornell Ornithology Lab at Sapsucker Woods!
#90
91) Take a course on Caribbean Literature with Professor Carole Boyce Davies and learn more about the culture and presence of the Caribbean in the daily lives of Africans and African Americans alike! You’ll find out a whole lot more than ever imagined. 92) Make sure to check out Cornell’s production of the Vagina Monologues at least ONCE before you graduate, or make it a tradition to see the play every year! 93) Need a stress reliever? Attend events with your friends during Africa Week. Dress up in traditional garments, eat some jolloff rice, and interact with others who are just as interested in learning about African culture! Once the weather gets warmer - Climb McGraw Tower. Good exercise and an even better view!
#94
95) Attend a networking event in your career field. For all of our pre-med readers: always look up the BBMTA (Black Bio-Medical and Technical Association) Health Conference! 96) Take note of the resources that are available to you on campus. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the Ombudsman about any questions or concerns about your college experience! 97) When you’re walking back late at night, don’t try to get back to your dorm alone. Take advantage of Blue Light services. A little extra protection never hurt anyone! 98) Attend a multicultural banquet on campus, like BWSN’s ‘Autumn Evening’ in the Fall or BSU’s ‘It’s a Black Affair’ in the Spring. 99) Request your favorite song to be played from the bell tower. How cool would it be to hear the Cornell rendition of Miguel’s ‘Do You...’ ringing through the Arts Quad?
#100
And since the theme this Spring is healing and empowerment, try forgiving someone that you’ve had bad blood with in the past. Whether that means telling them face-toface or privately letting go of a grudge, release the bad energy and move on with life.
If you missed the first 80, check out previous issues online at www.issuu.com/imaramagazine!
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Drones | Feature: Food for Thought
Drones A Closer Look at the President and People of the World By Olivia Davis
In case you are unfamiliar with what a drone is, I will briefly describe it and its purposes. Simply, it is an unmanned aircraft. Of course, a drone seems to be something you buy in a store as a hobby, which is true. However, there is a greater purpose for this machine. Targeting and tracking technology can operate a drone. Thus, in the context of the Obama administration, a drone is an object of war used to fight the “war on terror” and monitor the masses of the world.
The odd thing is that President Obama once promulgated a huge disgust for http://i0.wp.com/sfbayview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Drones-fly-children-die-protest-march-banner-Black-man.png the “war on terror” as a politician and even as a profes sor. He made speeches and ran his campaigns on “We’ve been talking about this for a good while, closing down Guantanamo and stopping the Injusthe immorality of drones, dropping bombs on intice towards war criminals, which meant ending tornocent people. It’s been over 200 children so far. ture and unjust sentencing (often, killings) without These are war crimes.” the legal process or representation. “Let us not be deceived — Nixon, Bush, Obama, they’re war criminals. They have killed innocent people in the name of the struggle for freedom, but they’re suspending the law, very much like Wall Street criminals. The law is suspended for them, but the law applies for the rest of us.” ~Dr. Cornel West on May 5, 2012
So, if you keep up with President Obama’s political jargon, you are probably wondering why the “war on terror” is mentioned above because it’s supposed to be a thing of the past, Bush’s past to be exact. But our president has taken up the cause in his own way, even though he does not operate under the same phrase. To put it simply, our president has not only taken up Bush’s cause to protect Americans from I only want to ask one question. Did you know that terrorism, he has superseded anything that has been President Obama has a “secret kill list”? done by a president.
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I am writing this article to women of color at Cornell, who may blindly support our president or only focus their support on one aspect, such as his popularization of LGBTQ and women’s rights. It is important that we take a holistic approach to everything or everyone that we put a stamp of approval on regardless of their color or affiliation. Therefore, I want to shed some light on the subject of drones.
Our president popularly calls his efforts “counterterrorism.” There is no big deal when looking at the difference in phrasing by our president and former president. The real deal lies between the fine line between being a protector of Americans and becoming a “war criminal,” according to Dr. Cornel West. The “secret kill list” consists of suspected terrorists’ information. The national security officials in
Feature: Food for Thought
the United States gather to discuss who should be targeted and killed. President Obama s given the honor of making the final decision. A C.I.A. veteran for the Obama administration said, “The purpose of these actions is to mitigate threats to U.S. persons’ lives.” In an interview, he claimed that, “It is the option of last recourse. So the president, and I think all of us here, don’t like the fact that people have to die. And so he wants to make sure that we go through a rigorous checklist:
| Drones
less of an issue. On the other hand, human rights organizations say that drones are an issue for their purpose. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) adds that drones are not only an attack on worldwide human rights, but also an attack on the privacy, (and potentially the protection) of Americans. According to the ACLU, there should be usage limits concerning drones in America:
“[they] should be deployed by law enforcement only with a warrant, in an emergency, or when there The infeasibility of capture, the certainty of the are specific and articulable grounds to believe that intelligence base, the imminence of the threat, all the drone will collect evidence relating to a specific of these things.” However, the senior Republican, criminal act.” committee member for intelligence, Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, said, “Their policy is to take In addition to this rule, the ACLU says that drones out high-value targets, versus capturing high-val- should be unarmed. Currently, there are not any ue targets;” “They are not going to advertise that, problems of protection such as random or calcubut that’s what they are doing.” Interestingly, the lated killings, but there is a huge lack of privacy in Obama administration refuted that it has a take- the United States. Some may not care because this no-prisoner policy, even though is nothing new to Americans, but the Pentagon’s chief lawyer said, there should be more consid“We have to be vigilant to avoid a eration about the use of drones The fact is that no-quarter, or take-no-prisoners d r o n e s c a n n o t d e c i - abroad. policy.” Regardless, there is one p h e r a c h i l d f r o m a terrorist or an incertain thing. President Obama n o c e n t f a m i l y f r o m a As there is an increased accephas not declared war; he is essen- g r o u p o f t e r r o r i s t s . tance of drones as a “last resort” tially warring against suspected technology, some higher educaterrorists abroad. tion initiatives are already taking place to fill the demand for drone technology. Soon, Is President Obama working against the interna- people will be graduating as specialists in “drones.” tional initiative to promote human rights advocacy and law? This is the question Dr. West and oth- Oddly, this storyline sounds familiar. The United er critics are posing to Americans. Of course, Dr. States is notorious for valuing economics over civil West’s response is affirmative, according to a video liberties. I lied when I said I only want to ask one interview: “The Obama administration is involved question. Is there (yet again) a rise in the desensitiin some very ugly killing of innocent people…The zation towards injustice and disregard for civil libdrones with the bombs killing innocent civilians erties? There is a dangerous justification that comes needs to be taken very, very seriously.” Now, there along with the use of drones. When should it be is evidence that shows drones killing children who necessary to kill people? Yes, I would never want to are supposedly involved with Al Qaeda or even just see another 9-11, but I don’t know what the Obama civilians. The fact is that drones cannot decipher a administration’s actions will mean in the future for child from a terrorist or an innocent family from a the people of the world. I fear the precedent that group of terrorists. Ultimately, critics suggest that the president is setting for the use of drones. It’s a there is a false sense of militancy in the officials’ scary thought when innocent people, women and analysis. children, die because it’s simply a “last resort.”
“ ”
Some people who think that serious action should I guess we are tacitly being warned now by the be enforced say that regulation of the drones, such blood of people who are victims of drone attacks. as audits and casualty counts, will make this issue
19
Power | Empowerment
POWER B By Gabrielle Hickmon
lack women come from an amazing line of pioneers who have paved the way for us. We have the blood of Nefertiti, Sheba, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott, Oprah, Beyoncé, and Michelle Obama running through our veins.
who came before us. We are powerful, but only when we choose to be.
At times, I feel as though we forget all that we are, do, and can be. We get caught up in trying to be “Miss Independent.” We get caught up in taking care of evWe are powerful. eryone around us. We get caught up in judging our sister because of what she or whom she slept with. We “Black women are strong. Black wom- isgetwearing caught up in the streets because we en are tough. Black women work hard sometimes don’t have fathers or people remind us that we are beautiful, so and get things done. But we have to.” to we look for love in all of the wrong places. We get caught up with two kids, by When I say power, I don’t mean it in the two different fathers, so we drop out of traditional sense. I think sometimes school and let our dreams falter. people fear us because of our outward exterior. Black women are strong. Black We get caught up. women are tough. Black women work hard and get things done. But we have But it doesn’t have to be this way. We to. We have always had to be the moth- don’t have to have a chip on our shoulers, the caretakers and, in some cases, ders because we feel as though we have the providers. But this does not mean to work twice as hard to get half as far that we must look at the world with as our white counterparts get. We don’t angst or have a stoic expression on our have to beat each other up about how faces. we wear our hair. We don’t have to gossip and tear each other down. We don’t We are powerful because when we have to. mobilize behind a cause, nothing can stand in our way. We are powerful be- So why do we? Why do we take our cause we fight to keep our children on individual power and use it to destroy the right path, so that they can have our sister? Why are we catty? Why are it better than we do. We are powerful we unfocused? Why aren’t we saving because we work hard to provide for the little girls from the streets who look those around us when the men in our just like we do? Why not? Why not? lives drop the ball. We are powerful because we embody the strength of those
WW W
w
E ARE POWERFUL. E ARE POWERFUL. E ARE POWERFUL.
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HEN WE CHOOSE TO BE.
Spotlight
| Eye Candy
Eye Candy meet
IMRI ADAMs Age: 19 Hometown: Chicago Sign: Capricorn Year: 2016 Major: AEM School: CALS Physical description: 6ft tall, caramel chocolate and SOOOO handsome Interests: travelling, baseball, basketball, chilling in downtown Chicago
Why did you agree to be the eye-candy? Because I’m a sink or swim kind of guy, always up for anything. Describe yourself in one word. Fearless
What drives you? Money (laughs) I’d have to say my family and friends. I’m determined to be successful for all my loved ones; especially those who never got the chance to make it and those who got a chance but never made it to the finish line.
What would I find, if I were to reach into your jeans’ pocket? Cologne, key to my car, and my cross: my faith is very important to me. If you reached into a girl’s jeans pocket, what wouldn’t you want to find? (laughs) A mirror. There is nothing as unattractive as a girl who is constantly checking herself out!
College Prowler website rates Cornell girls’ hotness as a B+, how would you rate them? A+. I think that beauty is in diversity, you know what I mean? Not just skin color but language and culture and way of life, and Cornell diversity puts the women right at the top.
What the craziest/most daring thing you’ve ever done? Ran across the Chicago expressway! I had unwittingly
hit on someone else’s girl and the guy was so mad he got his like 10 other people to catch me and beat me up. I literally had to run for my life.
What do you look for in a girl? Confidence and optimism. I like a woman I can confide in and who isn’t afraid to confide in me. She also has to be real. On women and make-up… If I said I only like the ‘natural look’, I would be lying. I think that make-up should enhance a woman’s beauty, which, for me, means that less is more. Too much makeup is never attractive.
What’s the lamest pick up line you’ve ever used? And did it work? “Age aint nothing but a number”. Needless to say, it didn’t work. What turns you off about a girl? Snobbery, materialism and attentions seeking.
What’s the most insane thing you’ve done to get a girl’s attention? I ‘borrowed’ my neighbor’s new Mercedes and drove it to school so I could show off to the girls. Although I got suspended, I got to look cool.
Describe a romantic evening. It’s about the company. We don’t really have to be doing anything as long as it’s just me and her, enjoying each other’s company and forgetting about the world and its troubles.
In a relationship, what would you bring to the table. I’m loyal, trustworthy, open and fun. If you had a documentary being made about your life, which actor would you want to play you and what would be the documentary’s soundtrack? I would definitely have Will Smith play me and the song of my life would have to be Changes by Tupac.
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Student Spotlight | Spotlight
Student Spotlights
Chidinma Sandra Okafor (Chi-Chi)
What organizations are you involved with on campus? “Baraka Kwa Wimbo, Chosen Generation Gospel Choir, Wanake Wa Wari, Triumphant Praise Dance Troupe (Co-founder, President) and CU Image (Co-chair) In past semesters I was also involved with Project Lansing, but the girls section of the facility is closed right now.” What do you value/love most about each organization that you are a part of? “I am only in things that I can add to and get something from. I wouldn’t be in any of my current organizations if I didn’t love every single thing I do to contribute to them. Sisterhood is a big thing to me; sisterhood wise I have Baraka, Chosen and Wari. And of course I love Triumphant Praise because it’s my baby! I am very invested in CU Image. I was hosted twice through the undergraduate admissions offices and through CU Image so I was definitely looking forward to it at Club Fest my freshman year. I joined right away!” What are your words of wisdom for other students on campus about how to make the most of the Cornell experience? “Students come to campus with an idea of themselves academically because they were so secure in high school. If and when they stumble and fall they think less of themselves. Sometimes students feel they cannot talk to their friends. Reach out to other students on campus for help. This can be as a freshman sophomore, junior or senior. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.”
Matilda Ceesay
What organizations are you involved with on Campus? CFC (Alumni Relations Chair) Days for Girls (Project manager) In past semesters I was in IMARA as the creative director, and the NCPC as the VP of Programing and as Co-chair What do you value/love most about each organization that you are a part of? CFC is a great way to showcase what I learn in classes. Days for Girls is a great opportunity for me to work on something I truly believe in. Education is not a priority for girls in third world countries. When parents have to choose between sending a girl to school and a boy, they choose the boy because he won’t miss classes every month. It’s a way of helping women to elevate their social status in the third world. IMARA was fun. It was nice to be able to use my skills to showcase women of color. It was a good opportunity to gain some experience with layout as well. NCPC was a great chance for me to be creative in a different way, and to do something outside my major. I was challenged to create new programs and solve problems to understand what goes into creating a great event. I've always loved event planning (baby showers, family events etc).
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What are your words of wisdom for other students on campus about how to make the most of the Cornell experience? Find things that help you develop yourself. If you feel like you're in an activity or group that isn’t contributing to your growth or bettering yourself in anyway, you're basically wasting your time. Growing and developing doesn't necessarily mean a big existential change in your life; it can be a small change. Doing things to build your resume won't do anything for you. People can see when you are passionate about something, and they will want to be interested and involved because of that, not because it looks good on your resume.
Final Thoughts
Feature
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I’m more than what you’ve made of me I followed the voice you think you gave to me But now I gotta find my own.
-Beyonce
I know that healing takes take time Hey, even your heart has a pace But how much time are you gonna take? Too much would be a mistake...
-Neyo
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.
-Malcolm X
No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.
-Alice Walker
Be like the flower who even gives its fragrance to the hand that crushes it.
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| Final Thoughts
-Imam Ali
I can’t help but ask myself how much I let the fear Take the wheel and steer It’s driven me before And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal But lately I’m beginning to find that I Should be the one behind the wheel.
-Incubus
If [your life] means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to [a man], then why should it mean any more to him? He can’t value you more than you value yourself.”
Healing requires from us to stop struggling, but to enjoy life more and endure it less.
-Darina Stoyanova
-Toni Morrison
Sometimes it feels like I’ll never go pass here Sometimes it feels like I’m stuck forever and ever But, I’m going higher Closer to my dreams I’m goin’ higher and higher I can almost reach.
-Goapele
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Special Thanks to Dr. ReneĂŠ Alexander & SAFC The IMARA woman is... Cosmopolitan by nature She is modern by choice She is a queen by birthright She holds the puissance of Cleopatra The confidence of Nefertiti The allure of Aphrodite She embodies the Agape Theon She is the progeny of Isis She is fervent and resolute She is stronger than the strongest diamond And just as precious She is flirty, fun and fleeting She is a scholar, an athlete and a leader She excels, she succeeds, she overachieves She is the personification of IMARA
Do you have what it takes for IMARA? We need photographers, writers, reporters, make-up artists and designers. If you're interested in working in IMARA at all, email imaramag@gmail.com for more info or contact any of the E-board members today!