Truth Magazine 2014

TRUTH

TU S PSU

T N DE

S

K A E SP

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2014

ON CAMPUS LOOKS! Black Hair Spills from Black Women A Must Read!

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

What is good for you?

FROM SARA BAARTMAN

to Beyoncé

CAN I TOUCH IT?

By: Maya Blue-Robinson

One day while in class, another woman of color asked me if she could touch my hair. The first thing that came to my mind was that this is not a petting zoo. I had to remember that Penn State is huge campus and people come from all over. She may not have ever encountered hair like mine before, so I said Yes! My hair was curly and wavy from wetting my hair that morning. She said, “Wow it’s so soft, you have good hair.” I always wanted to know what good hair was. Where I grew up as a child, getting your hair cornrowed was the best hair style you could get. It never occurred to me that people could have “good hair” because it was always cornrowed so it looked like mine. As I got older I began to see women neglect their natural hair and camouflage their natural hair with weave or they would perm their hair to get a nice, silky straight look.

Another incident that occurred is when my hair was straightened, and a white guy said, “I didn’t know Black girls could have long hair.” I smiled and laughed because it was funny to me that he would say something like that. I felt insulted a little bit because I knew that Black women hair could achieve a long length if it was taken care of properly.

His comment made me think about how white people view Black women’s

hair. Is having kinky or wavy hair not good enough for them? But again what is good hair? I began to think about how Black women love to wear long straight hair. Society shows women that having long straight hair is beautiful but some Black women cannot have that without a little extra help. Maybe this guy was just ignorant and when I say ignorant to the fact that some Black women can have hair that can touch their butts without the help of wigs or weaves. I couldn’t blame him for thinking that because it is what he is exposed to that makes him think that way.

There is a mammy stereotype that Black women do not have good hair in its natural state. Another stenotype is women trying to portray the jezebel where wearing your hair long and straight is sexy and beautiful. This is a problem that is faced in the Black community because women who chose to straighten their hair get looked at funny by women who decide to go natural and vice versa. I think that women just need to come together and support each other choices because whatever is decided is still going to be beautiful.

Some women have different reactions to people wanting to reach out and touch their hair. Some claim that it is insulting because it makes them feel

like they are some type of pet. Others are amused that some think that their hair is considered exotic.

This is a common tale that is shared by Black women. The different textures and styles of hair attract stares, curiosity, comments and the occasional stranger who desires to reach out and touch. Natural hair can be described as kinky, curly, wavy, and sometimes locked. Some will even go as far as to say that it is nappy. There are many books and websites to help Black women transition to natural hair.

Black women are fueling the hair industry, whether getting weaves, wigs, hair products, or other stuff to change up their hair whenever they want to. Black hair is a part of black culture. Many women even participate in hair shows that show off unique styles of hair. Black women have good hair no matter what kind of hair they have. We just need a little more encouragement from each other as well as from other

ethnicities that hair differs from ours to expect it ourselves. Be your hair and love your hair.

When it comes to the situation again, I will take my own advice and love my hair and be my hair. The next time I am asked if someone can touch me hair, I’m going to say yes because I not ashamed of my hair. Hopefully I can encourage people that Black women hair is beautiful at any state.

Healthy Hair: Relaxed and Natural!

By: Tashawna Page

Further more, through my research I’ve learned that women with relaxed hair also utilize protective styles, so they wear either buns or braids because these are styles that protect the ends of your hair and these styles don’t require the ends to be bumped or curled. Women with natural hair frequently condition their hair to add moisture, nutrition, and shine to it.

Women with relaxed hair frequently condition their hair as well even though it’s for a different reason they still utilize this technique. They understand that relaxers can strip your hair of it’s natural oils, so deep conditioning your relaxed hair can restore moisture which is essential to keeping you hair in good shape.

Trimming your ends is something that everyone

with hair does. Your ends are the oldest and most fragile

Even though there are more African American women

part of your hair so they can dry out excessively and break

wearing their hair in its natural state today, there are still some

off. Women with both relaxed and natural hair treat their

women who chemically alter their hair. As we all see from vlog-

ends with extreme care. FYI, even if you have relaxed hair

gers like natural 85 and mahogany knots, natural hair flourishes

you’ll still trim less often then someone who flatirons daily or

and grows extremely long, however you can still have healthy

doesn’t really deep condition their hair.

and long relaxed hair. A few years ago there was a major stigma

that followed African American women that wore their hair in

state is acceptable. Remember that the way you wear your

it’s natural state. It was seen as wild, untamed, and not appropri-

hair is a personal choice. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad

ate for social settings. Today as more and more women start to

about that choice, trust me when I say you will run into those

embrace their natural hair texture it is becoming more acceptable.

people. It’s all about loving yourself, loving your hair, and

With this change we see the roles reversing and the stigma that

loving you the way you choose to be. Relaxed or natural?

was once placed on natural hair is now being placed on relaxed

Either way, if you properly care for and love your hair it will

hair.

grow and you will have a healthy head of hair.

Although relaxed hair is becoming less popular it is

still acceptable, and a lot of people within the African American hair community that are natural feel that relaxing your hair isn’t healthy and it only damages your hair. There are ways to have healthy relaxed hair; in fact both naturals and relaxed women utilize a lot of the same hair techniques. Some of these techniques are as follows: both naturals and relaxed women use low heating styles because a lot of people understand that excessively using heat can cause damage to your hair and cause it to break off. So, relaxed and natural women that straighten their hair wrap their hair every night to maintain the straightened style, also they bothuse either flexi-rods or curl formers to give their hair a nice curl to avoid applying to much heat.

Both relaxing your hair and wearing it in its natural

Hell to My Hair, Hail to My Hair

By: Kesandra Oliver-Cross

Sisters, I’m tired of them talking shit about hair They say it’s kinky, nappy and short as hell

It can’t be tamed “We should just cut it off….”

(Like what’s her name)

Society tells us to be ashamed

We don’t fit in with the mainstream

Haven’t you heard of the pressing comb or perm

Don’t want those nigger naps- like my mom says Hell you better do something with your hair!

Sisters, don’t sell out never let them tell you what to do

As long as you’re satisfied with being you

Sport an afro or be relaxed it doesn’t matter If you put in tracks doesn’t make you look any less Black Hell it’s my hair I’ll do what I want with it!

Hail to my hair it may not be bone straight doesn’t mean it’s not great Whether I decide to rock a big afro or wear it straight

See the surprise in their eyes “When I say it’s all me”

Then, I switch it up and put in a weave Doesn’t mean I’m not proud of what I have This hair of mine may not be perfect, but it’s divine So you can save your negative comments condemning my hair to hell Instead you should hail my hair for its uniqueness!

BLACK GIRLS’ HAIR GROWS LONG TOO Written by Alicia Humphrey

It’s a stereotype that’s been lurking in and outside of the black community that Black women hair isn’t capable of growing long. It’s often assumed that we are all baldheaded, weave-wearing, ghetto Bitches. All over social media you can find numerous memes showing black girls with nappy hair, trying to get their hair into a ponytail but they can’t because their hair is too short. In addition, you’ll find guys snatching off girls’ wigs, or using animal pictures to portray how baldheaded black women are when they are not sporting a weave. Ironically, women even ridicule one another for being baldheaded. It’s almost as if having short hair excludes you from being beautiful. Consequently, many black women with short or unhealthy hair struggle with their self-esteem because they don’t have long hair, or a hair length that is appropriate to society. This is accounts largely for the lack of self-esteem amongst Black women. This is why so many African American women wear weave to help build up their self-esteem.

So, I am writing this article to break the stereotype that black women hair can’t grow long. Also, to help build up black women self-esteem by teaching them how to care for their natural hair and to achieve long hair if they desire it. However, I am not promoting that having long hair equals beauty. Your desire to have long or short hair is totally up to you. Rather, I am writing this article to promote healthy hair.

The reason it is assumed that black women hair can’t grow long is due to the fact that many black women do not show their natural hair. Additionally, most do not know how to care for their beautiful hair. Black women in America and across the globe have consistently ask the question “Why won’t my hair grow?” For many years, Black women have had trouble with trying to grow long, thick healthy hair.

Also, many African American women have fallen victim to being a “product junkie,” spending tons of money on products that claim to be miracle workers. When after a few weeks or days of being fully committed to the miracle product, they find that their hair is still the same length, or worst, their hair got damaged in the process. So ladies what do we do??? We go on YouTube and search for more hair growth products that lead to more potential dissatisfying results and that’s when we hit rock bottom. At this point, we come to the conclusion our hair is just not going to grow. So we pack more weave on our head and give up on caring for our natural hair.

However ladies, I am here to inform you that African American women hair can and does grow length. Black women hair can grow as long as a Caucasian, Latino, and Asian woman hair can grow. It’s just that we have to learn how to care for our hair. The problem is many of us don’t attempt to take care of our hair because we’re too busy sewing, gluing, and fusing weave onto our scalp, that we forget that we have hair on our head. To add fuel to the fire, we use numerous amounts of chemical relaxers that further damage our hair.

The first step in obtaining healthy, long, thick hair is to first STOP neglecting your hair. Just like when our eyebrows start to grow back, or our acrylic starts to get old and we run to the shop to get it taken care of, that’s how we need to treat our natural hair. African American hair is like taking care of a baby, you have to attend to it in a delicate manner, making sure it receives the proper care in order for it to grow. It takes work, time, and dedication. Black hair is naturally kinky/curly/textured, and requires a

lot of attention.

So ladies, as a favor to you, I am going to provide you with some tips from Dr. Aleathea Wiggins, a writer specializing in health, parenting, and family issues, on taking care of your hair.

TIPS The picture above represents some neagative images that are portrayed on social media of Black women and their hair problems.

1. Shampoo and Condition Regularly. Black hair should be shampooed and conditioned at least once or twice a week. Even if your hair is braided, you can still shampoo and condition it. This will keep the hair soft, healthy and growing instead of drying out or breaking off at the ends.

2. Moisturize Daily. Moisturizing Black hair daily is a necessity for eliminating breakage. Remember how everyone’s hair seemed to grow so fast back in the days of the Carefree Curl. It was not the Carefree Curl that caused Black hair to grow; it was the use of the daily moisturizer. Buy a quality hair lotion or moisturizing spray and use it.

3. Avoid Heated Hair Appliances. Style your hair without using hot combs, curling irons, or blow dryers. Excessive heat weakens Black hair causing it to break.

4. Trim Split Ends. Trim your ends every 3 months and follow with a deep conditioner. Do not trim more than half an inch. You are trying to grow your hair. After your hair becomes healthier you will experience less split ends and you will not need to trim as often.

5. Wear Low Maintence Styles. Pull your hair back into a loose bun, wear braids (not too tight) or other natural African-American styles. Avoid constantly combing and brushing your hair throughout the day, especially if your hair is weak.

6. Use a Silk Scarf. When sleeping, wear a silk scarf or night cap, or sleep on a silk pillow case. Silk is soft and gentle and won’t snag coarse textured African-American hair.

7. Avoid Overprocessing. If you wear a relaxed style, wait 8 to 10 weeks between touch-ups.

Many Black women get hair relaxer touchups every 4 to 6 weeks and then wonder why their hair is breaking off instead of growing. Manage your new hair growth between touch-ups by shampooing and conditioning your hair, setting it on curlers, and letting it dry naturally. Then apply a conditioning moisturizer before styling.

Healthy Relationships Written By Tajaya Thompson

In our society today many black women are looked at to be angry, aggressive, controlling and many other degrading things.

The media helps to portray black women in this light as well, to the point where even if we are strong women who are very respectable you can be seen as something or someone negative. Sometimes Black women do not help change these stereotypes by getting involved in so many unhealthy relationships. Not all relationships are unhealthy and not only Black women get involved in them, however the stereotype of the “angry black woman” is strongly used in movies, TV shows, and other sources of media.

Many women dream for their prince charming to pull up in his white Benz and sweep them off their feet. Sad thing is, they will be waiting all of their lives for Mr. Prefect to show up if they do not understand the process.

Ladies there are many steps thatwoman need to take before they can expect God to bless them with a man that is entirely perfect for them.

1. Spiritual Journey This is the first important step.

By answering Gods phone call it allow him to immediately move into our lives and began healing and repairing us mentally and emotionally.

2. Prayer God wants to know that we want to build a relationship with him.

Before we can give ourselves to any man we have to fully submit to God and understand that he is number one and through him all things are possible.

3. Faith Now that we’ve accepted God into our lives and we are constantly communicating with him, the only thing missing is faith. This is the hardest step, because we as human beings want everything to happen right away. However having faith means allowing God to fully take control of our love lives.

4. Patience Gods timing is perfect! God is preparing the right person for you and vice versa. Take this time to learn about yourself. This can ultimately change these widely known stereotypes.

Even if you don’t want to take the spiritual path you can still focus on helping yourself grow and maybe you are already in a relationship so you might want to try to understand your partner more so that you both can help each other instead of tearing each other apart. The black community as a whole needs to be more unified and helps and support one another and this is a way that we can slowly erase these stereotypes.

Embrace Your Body

A popular issue concerning African American women in our society is body image. The pressures to become thin or thick with a big butt, have a pretty face, light skin or long hair all contribute to the growing issue of the “right “ way to look according to popular culture. These self-coconscious ways of thinking is usually attributed to the stereotypical rich, shallow, teenage white girl.

How did this become an issue within the Black community?

This attention towards body images originated from two out of the three stereotypes given to African American women, the Mammy and Jezebel. The Mammy caricature, according to Carolyn M. West, “was depicted as a bandanna clad, obese, dark complexioned woman with African features”; which is the opposite of what African American women want to look like today. The emergence of the Jezebel stereotype came after the Mammy. Unlike the Mammy, the Jezebel stereotype is characterized as an overly sexual, mixed-race woman with thin lips, straight hair, and slim nose.

Rappers condone body image issues among African American women because of the lyrics in their songs. For an example, Rick Ross’ song “3 Kings” featuring Dr. Dre and Jay-Z have lyrics like: “I only love it when her hair long”, “I only love her when that ass fat” and “I only love her if her weave new” indicates that physical appearance is what they love and are willing to accept from females. Having a weave to achieve long hair and having a fat ass meets the “requirements” of these rappers, which influences the mindset of young males today.

Another influence on how African American women view their bodies is the popular demand of photoshopped images of models on magazine covers. African American women in the fashion industry feel that they need to be a size 0 because agencies only hire women who are size 0 or just as thin as the white women, but African American women have different body types than white women. In reality, the average size of an American woman is a size 12, but magazines and the media have brainwashed us to think we must be smaller.

African American women today are still seen as sexual beings because of our prominent features. As African American women we need to realize that everything about us is beautiful including our bodies. Many celebrities are getting plastic surgery for butt implants, lip injections and going tanning to become darker, which we already have naturally! To counteract these media messages we should not let the media influence how we view ourselves. They should not have the power to set the standards of the “right” way to look. Instead, embrace your body type: short, skinny, tall and voluptuous, skin color: light skin, dark skin, caramel and hair length: short, natural, long, shoulder length because we are all unique and beautiful. ~By: Kristina Hunter

The Choice is Yours

Throughout history there has been several negative images in the media that was supposed to represent African American woman. One of the earliest representations was the Mammy character. The Mammy image was presented through media as an obese African American woman. The Mammy was always presented as obese to desexualize her; white people did not want to display African American woman as attractive. Due to images of the Mammy, African American women have developed issues around weight and body image. However, it is important to keep in mind that African American women come in many different shapes and sizes, just because someone is skinny does not mean they are healthy. Many African American women try to achieve society’s ideal body type of thinness by developing eating disorders. However, there are healthy ways to reach your goals.

As college students we find many reasons to excuse eating unhealthy. Time and money play a huge role in the access to foods, fast food being the main option when on the go. Below are ways to live a healthier life style:

Living on Campus

When you live on campus you are required to have a meal plan. However, campus food lacks variety so it is imperative that you choose the healthier options and limit indulging in the unhealthy foods, especially when you are dining at the buffet style commons.

Buffets are often the main eateries where students over eat because we are tempted to “taste” everything.

We like to eat with our eyes and that is not good. Try to stay away from eating more than one plate and pick foods that will create a well-balance meal (ensuring that you eat proportionally). Look for grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, the salad bar, omelets and veggie-heavy stir-fry.

Living off Campus

Being a “poor college student” is not an excuse to eat unhealthy. Here are some simple healthier alternatives: Try this: Instead of: Baked, ground, grilled, broiled or steamed meats Fried meats Whole grain bread White bread Brown rice/quinoa White rice Sweet potato French fries Cucumbers Pickles Sugar free jelly/jam Jelly/Jam Crystal light drinks Juice Skim/Fat free milk Whole milk Frozen yogurt Ice cream Fat free yogurt Yogurt Fat free cream cheese Cream cheese Sour cream/mayo Greek yogurt Water Soda Turkey beacon Pork beacon Baked chips Fried chips

Exercise/Working out at Home

You do not have to buy a gym membership in order for you to workout. There are many simple exercise you can do in your dorm room or at home, such as; walking, jumping jacks, push ups, leg lifts, crunches/sit-ups, jogging in place, planks, lunges, squats, light weight lifting, step exercises and/or dancing. It also helps to have a partner with you, so both people can push each other.

By: Sharae Hunter

Body Peace

By Tatyana Hill

I am not that different from you. We probably grew up in the same neighborhood. Watched the same cartoons and played with the same Barbie dolls. We all watched the same music videos too, big butts placed on the small frames of the women that we soon wanted to look just like. But I am not them, however it took me awhile to see the beauty in me.

I was never a small child and I grew up to be a notso-small preteen confused about where I fit in on the beauty scale. Soon this confusion led to insecurity, wearing clothes that would cover up all my undesirable areas. I would sit in my room reading “seventeen” magazine waiting to see someone who looked like me and it never happened. Sometimes they would have a small plus size section but I never liked the clothes. The mammy stereotype would usually be showed in the magazines I liked. Bigger women wearing frumpy clothes that I felt made them look unappealing. I wanted to look just like the skinny models on the front , why can’t I wear the clothes she has on, not the frumpy frocks they have assigned to me. As I flipped further in the magazine you would see the exercise regimens to “Get a Cute Butt for the Summer” or Anita Marshall, Boston, MA. “How to get Beyoncé Abs” and thought I saw a way out of this prison I called my body.

But this body was something I couldn’t escape. This was me. No diet or exercise could change me into those models on television. So what do I do now? The only thing left would be to embrace.

African culture has always embraced a larger frame and it was seen to be a sign of your status. While I know that is not the society that we live in now, what’s wrong with thinking of yourself as royalty?

My mother always taught me that it is not your size, but how you carry yourself. I learned that you have to not only carry yourself with confidence, but also be confident.

Body peace had finally come to me in the form of plus size modeling. I started to notice a underground movement of fabolous full figured models on blogs and in the media. I started doing local shows and photo shoots and received many compliments and great reviews about the same body that I once despised. The same institution that led to my former insecurity is now the reason for my sense of self.

Nadia Aboulshon, New York, NY.

Mental Health

For a long time, mental health has been swept under the rug and neglected within the black community, alongside suicide and depression. We often associate cries for help with signs of weakness. The idea of seeking help is not on the to-do list when one expresses compulsive, erratic, or depressive behavior.

We often say prayers and hope the individual is removed and freed from whatever demons are holding them. I have heard all too many times that seeking help such as therapy is for white folks.

In an episode of Girlfriends, Joan exclaimed to Maya and Lynn that she should have listened to her therapist. Maya then responds with, “Therapist? You’re go-

ing to therapy? Black people do not go to therapy, we go to church! Even if this is

playing on stigma, it brings about how mental illness is viewed in our community. I have seen many Black TV shows discuss and dedicate episodes to addiction, HIV, and violence, but rarely or never addressing mental illness. Are we going to allow our community to suffer in silence? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, African-Americans are 20% more likely to suffer from psychological distress than their non-Hispanic/White

counterparts, but yet are less likely to seek help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness writes on their fact sheet that across a recent 15-year span, suicide rates increased 233 percent among African Americans aged 10-14 compared to 120 percent among Caucasian Americans in the same age group across the same span of time. Yet, there is no uproar or a voice to change this. It angers me that we as people keep looking past this. There are plans for us to help our young adults get out of the hood, there are plans to help these young adults get their proper education, but yet there are no plans to help these individuals who suffer from mental illness. Teleka Patrick and

Miriam Carey are daughters,

mothers, sisters, friends, but both these women suffer from mental illness. Teleka Patrick was a doctor in Kolamozoo who disappeared on December 5, 2013 after expressing erratic behavior and repeatedly telling her friend “they’re trying to kill me.” Miriam Carey was shot and killed in a car chase with her daughter in vehicle. Carey was known to be suffering from postpartum depression with psychosis. These individuals are just two of the many in our community that are suffering. The stigmas surrounding and within our community continues to plague us. Our wom-

en are depicted in light as the strong Black woman that does not need any help from any man or anyone. According to Carolyn West, this is what is affecting the proper treatment of our community. West writes, through history, culture, and media, Black women have been seen as the a combination of three images: 1) as highly maternal, family oriented, and self sacrificing Mammies; 2) as threatening and argumentative Sapphires; and 3) as seductive, sexually irresponsible, promiscuous Jezebels. West continues to explain that these are the stereotypes psychotherapists use to assess our community. Not only do psychotherapists need to refrain from using these stereotypes to assess our community, but we as a community need to rise up against these stereotypes and stop perpetuating our own distain for those who wish to seek help. We must remove ourselves from these stigmas and these stigmas from ourselves. We are capable of handling a lot, but understand that you are never weak when you ask for help. Your mental well-being is as important as your spiritual and physical being, do not forget that. Kanye West said it best “People never get the flowers while they can still smell them,” but allow them to smell it when they can and allow yourself too. -Vanessa Martin

There once was a time a person Must have a label on their clothing like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ralph Lauren (Polo), Abercrombie, Hollister even Victoria Secret (Pink). Then it was who would spend the most money on their clothing. For instance, two women can buy the same shoe. Both are black Louis Vuitton, but because one girl exposes that she spent even 20 dollars more than the other girl she got bigger props, or is more hip than the other. And if you did not own these labels you were considered not cool, broke, even the new term “basic”. Sometimes you have to think, does money really make a person?

What’s Your Personal Identity?

The issue in appearances shows up in the African American community more so than any other ethnicities. In our African American community we have always judged one another on our outer appearances. We never give ourselves the credit we deserve.

We look at money and expenses like a reason to “flash” rather than a source of survival.

When it comes to clothing, we feel as though we must “out do” the next person, and end up broke in the process. True fashioners know that money doesn’t make up their fashion techniques, nor does it show your true identity. They know that fashion comes from within. It’s a source of expression.

Some have grown to learn that a label does not make fashion, confidence and diversity does. For instance, imagine two women standing next to each other. One is wearing a complete outfit of labels but not exposed and the other is not. Both have the same navy denim jean button down shirt, white pants, and black closed toed baby doll shoes. If you saw them both on the street you would never know that one was labeled and one was not. That’s the power of self-identity. Another example is take the same two women but, on a different day. One is wearing a complete Urban Outfitters outfit and one is wearing a complete thrift store outfit. Both have on the same acid-washed jean foot length skirt, but two different shirts and shoes. One has on an Urban Outfitters whit crop top and the other has on a thrifted white shirt but cut it into a crop top. One has on Urban Outfitters white Mary Jane Ked sneakers and the other has on tan open toed sandals that she found fresh out the box and never worn. Now let’s match prices. The woman wearing Urban Outfitters spent up to 100 dollars on just ONE outfit, and the woman who thrifted spent up to 30 dollars total. These are two completely different looks, similar items but made into two different styles and identities, with major money differences.

By: Zelia Johnson

Black Fashion

Black Fashion has single handedly evolved into what is currently known as contemporary fashion today. As the good saying goes “fashion is recycled”, anyone with an eye for fashion can surely attest to that today. Black fashion has made its way from backyard alley-ways to top runways such as Louis Vuitton and other end high brands, but the plight to such a victorious chic lifestyle was not always available for African American’s. Not until the 1920’s were African American people recognized for not only their talent and grace but there fashion statements as well. Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker were known for their courageous attitudes and style which shown White America that Blacks were more than the foolish stereotypes society deemed Black Americans as. This found confidence lay engraved in the Black conscious and this is how we now have contemporary Black fashion.

Urban, chic, bohemian, couture, vintage, bold, and sporty are some of the few styles that many Black Americans use to define who they are just by the attire they wear.

Black fashion is more than an emergence of style it is an attitude, confidence, and grace that one exhibits without doubt. One celebrity who exemplifies Black fashion as more than a style but as a way of life is, Solange Knowles. Solange Knowles has evolved into one of the natural hair movement pioneers, as well as that she has shown Black girls rock through her style. Solange style cannot be categorized into one fashion; her versatility is exactly what society needs to see in regards to Black women. Black women are not over-sexualized people who are only interested in promiscuous activity and wear little to none clothing to promote this, as the media promotes. The bold prints and polka dots in Solange Knowles outfits are an example of how daring she is to compete with ideal fashion statements and social perceptions/stereotypes. Solange Knowles is our woman of the year in regards to her positive music, incredible style, and of course her gorgeous natural locks.

Ms. Knowles is a Black woman who takes on and challenges the stereotypes that represent Black woman in the mass media, and for that she deserves to be recognized.- By: Shakiera Franklin

Passion For

Fashion!

Tricia Merone- Sophomore

“Sassy but Classy in the Sun”

Brett Smith- Junior

Description- Black Shades from Five and Below, Oversized Balck Denim Jacket from The Attic, Gold Mdallion necklace, Costune-made blue jean shorts, and Black sheer stockings

“Casual Summer Outing”

Description- Green Lowtop Chuck Taylors Urban Outfitters shirt, American Eagle Khaki shorts, Black Nike socks, and Black Adidas watch

Demetria Webb- Sophomore

“Non-Chalant/Laid Back”

Description- Red Hightop chuck Taylors, High-waisted acid-washed jeans from H&M, black Shwimtime tank, White Beanie, and Neon green Nixon watch

Tyrone Branson- Junior

“All White Affair”

Description- Red, Black and gray Nike Lebron 9’s, White Express Polo shirt, Black Polo belt, White Levi jeans, and Black Diesel watch

Khalif Dobson- Junior

“Chic but Cheap”

Description- Black Boots, Faded Orange pants, Patterned Collared shirt, Gray Blazer, Black Top Hat, and Beaded necklace, all from Goodwill!

Student Minority Advising & Recruiting Team

Do you want to make a difference on campus?Do you want to have fun while doing it? Join SMART!

SMART assists in the recruitment and retention of minority students by giving tours, hosting and participating in various events on campus.

Facebook: Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Twitter: PSU_Admissions Instagram:psuadmissions

Black Women in the Media Who are we?

Modern day media consistently displays African American women in a negative way. The images portrayed either do not accurately represent the everyday black woman realistically or do not completely demonstrate all that there is to the African American woman.

People watch reality television every week and shows such as Basketball Wives and Love and Hip-Hop tend to be among the more popular ones. These are just a typical example of the negativity in the media because these shows dispay Black women chasing rich and/or famous men to live off of. Due to their behavior on the show, Black people, especially women, are seen as loud, obnoxious and promiscuous. These impressions forced upon public by the media lead to people of other races being more prone to believe that all Black women behave this way.

However, these stereotypes are not just on reality television, they are everywhere. Everyone raves about ABC’s Scandal, and the female lead, Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, as well as BET’s Being Mary Jane, starring Gabrielle Union. However, what many people seem to be unaware of is the blatant stereotypes in the two shows alone.

Both women are supposedly “strong, independent, Black women.” People support this notion based on the success they have within their career field, how they dress, and how carry themselves professionally. However, I have to argue against this description because there are too many contradictory elements to both women that say to make such a generalization. Both women are unmarried with no children, a fact that neither of them are very comfortable with at their age. Additionally, they both enter into sexual relationships with men who are married with kids.

In Washington’s case, she is sleeping with the President of the United States, a White man. If we look back in history, the rape of young Black women by White men was deemed acceptable simply because of claims made by White people stating that we were oversexed and essentially could not live without it. White people used every excuse to justify these evil deeds, from the lack of clothing people wear in Africa to “provocative” tribal dancing. (Jezebel Stereotype

by David Pilgrim)

This is how the Jezebel sterotype orginated, and this justification stating that black women have insatiable libidos, allowed countless men, White and Black to get away with raping a countless number of innocent Black women.

Being Mary Jane has a similar story line to Scandal as far as the love aspect of the show. The main character, Mary Jane Paul is in love with a married man. She, too, embodies the Jezebel stereotype because sex is a drug for her that she craves and would seemingly die without. She chases after a man who initially she did not know was married and after finding out and leaving him, they end up in bed together again.

When watching Scandal and Being MaryJane, what many people choose to be blind to, is the fact that yet another Black woman is fulfilling this “freaky” stereotype. Few will call Olivia a whore, or home wrecker, but many defend her behaviors by trying to turn the love affair into something positive. Personally, I would not necessarily call her a whore but looking at Olivia and MaryJane, I see weak women lacking the morals and respect for themselves to refrain from sexing it up with a married man. When are we as a people going to recognize that there is an unequal balance in the favor of negative aspects of Blacks in the media? This is why our men go around calling us all “bitches,” “hoes” and “THOTs”. It is a systematic thing.

We are supporting a negative image of all Black women when we hashtag “#teamfitz” on Twitter but then we get angry when everyone assumes we all partake in these kinds of behaviors. This makes it harder for other people to see us as respectable and take us seriously.

I am not saying that women like Olivia and Mary Jane do not exist and because they do, nor am I saying that these shows should not be on television. My point is that we need to be a lot more aware of what we are supporting when we watch these shows. It is also imperative that we see a lot more positive, strong, Black female roles in the media to balance out the negative ones.

-Deanie Anyangwe

Hip-Hop’s Relationship with Women Through the Years Opinion – Jaylin Broadous

It’s sometimes easy to forget just how new Hip-Hop is. Not only is it less than 40 years old, but as a rapidly evolving genre, it has changed about as much as the people who were born alongside it. Production, for example, used to be a great deal simpler in mainstream Hip-Hop than in today’s age of Trap and Electronic beats. We’ve also gone through several different go-to personas for rappers. By this, I mean early MCs were seen as strong-minded poets, expressing themselves in a new way. By the early ‘90s, we looked for a grittier, gangsta character to recite rhymes about the narrative of living in the streets. While neither of these images has completely died out – you still find MCs of just about all kinds in today’s internet age – the mainstream niche has shifted again. We now have males who may or may not have any street background, but who have (or appear to have) loads of money, are attractive to females, and present songs with the ability to ignite a party. So while people born in the late ‘70s have matured into middle-aged men and women, Hip-Hop in the mainstream has instead degraded.

I’d like to examine one aspect of Hip-Hop that may have a less clear change over time. This is the attitude toward and the objectification of women.

The Billboard Charts introduced Rap as one of their categories for the first time at the end of 1989. In the early ‘90s, though songs with misogynistic lyrics were definitely present, they were in no way the norm. Instead, we saw far more hits emerge that did one of the following: encouraged generally enjoying oneself (“Jump” by Kris Kross), made political or social statements (“911 is a Joke” by Public Enemy), or displayed the MC’s dominance, by means of lyrical prowess, female attention, or affinity for violence (“Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J, “Murder Rap” by Above the Law, “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang” by Dr. Dre, “). I believe this third category is exactly what evolved into today’s era, in which misogyny is almost a requirement to attain a top Hip-Hop Song.

A late ‘80s LL Cool J While in the early ‘90s, these songs were much fewer and farther between, today one mustn’t look anywhere past the Billboard Top 10 Rap songs, which features several tracks of chauvinist nature.

Now Hip-Hop has always been a very masculine sport; from the earliest days, MCs battled one another to see who was the most skilled. Part of the display of masculinity has always been the fact that one is desirable to women; so because ladies loved Cool James (which he of course felt the need to self-proclaim), male listeners may have found it easier to respect him. In the last 10 years, we’ve developed a taste for music videos that show lots of women who had no connection to the song’s creation, and who are literally paid to dress and dance provocatively, then go home. This shows that the idea that men must be loved by women is still very important, and it has spawned another lie, which is that men need to be dominant over women. In Old School Hip-Hop, although you may get the message that women are into him, you don’t see the MC throwing money in the strip club.

Tyga, of the modern mainstream Rap Era In this sense, Hip-Hop has become worse. What was once just one of the many criteria to admire a rapper has devolved into a system that perpetuates the idea that women are objects, rather than people. Unfortunately, what makes this worse is the fact that becomes more specifically Black Women.

Since this genre is a Black creation dominated by Black artists, the way it portrays women -whether unintentionally or not- is a statement about Black women for the rest of the world. Hip-Hop is a factory for stereotypes about Black women. Because Rap songs and videos are, for a great many people, the only exposure to Black culture, the misogynistic lyrics and images in it create an extremely negative view of Black people as a whole.

Granted, the artists making the music are not entirely to blame, as primarily White executives are truly the ones making the decisions and the money here. But that is beside the point of this article.

I won’t spend more time on the state of mainstream Hip-Hop, for one because I think we may be just starting to make some progress. Several MCs with substance are making strides into the mainstream spotlight, which is definitely a great first step. We also have a great asset in our hands today: The internet. It allows countless rappers and producers to showcase their music without needing a stamp from a label, telling them whether or not it is something people want to hear. This means that, should they seek it, young people have an alternative to the things they hear on the radio. If enough listeners eventually decide they are dissatisfied with the trash they are being fed through much of mainstream Hip-Hop, we will begin to turn the tides. Only then will we be able to begin changing the fundamental inequalities and stereotypes that we push through the airwaves of our society and the brainwaves of our children.

The Anti-Stereotype

By Cristina Recino

According to Dionne P. Stephens and Layli D. Phillips’ article Freaks, Gold Diggers and Dykes: The Sociohistorical Development of Adolescent African American Women’s Sexual Scripts, there are some vicious stereotypes out there about women of color. But there are plenty of women in Hollywood who are debunking those assumptions and we’ve chosen some of Hollywood’s most prominent faces as examples of some of those “anti-stereotypes” for African American women.

[

The Anti-Diva: India Arie

] [ The Anti-Freak: ][ Oprah

The late Whitney Houston was notoriously known as a Diva in Hollywood. Divas are known for having a “better than you” attitude and surround themselves with people who will dote and adore them they way they see themselves. In the hip-hop culture these women may be considered high-maintenance, but some women consider the Diva stereotype as being a standard to strive for. This is not the case for India Arie, who exudes Afro-centric spirituality and values. Her hairstyles, clothing choices and general point of view embrace their deep belief in naturalness and diversity—nothing like the over the top tastes of a stereotypical Diva.

Photo: cincinnati.com

According to Stephens and Phillips, a Freak is a wild and sexual woman who knows exactly what she wants.

Derived from the classic Jezebel stereotype, the Freak is thought to have no sexual hang ups and has sex whenever and wherever she pleases.

Oprah exemplifies the Anti-Freak in more ways than one. For one she has been in a committed relationship for 28 years with longtime partner Stedman Graham. On her national talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and in her magazine O, Oprah has had many episodes and articles discussing the complexity of romantic and sexual relationships. She has never been seen as being a wild, sexually aggressive woman, but rather a successful talk show host and businesswoman.

Photo: Harpo Inc

The Anti-Dyke: Iman

]

Women who resist sexual advances from men and go against our hetero-normative culture are considered deviant and labeled as Dykes. There is no woman who goes against this stereotype more so than fashion model, actress and entrepreneur Iman. As a high-fashion model, Iman has worked with designers such as Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karen and has exuded femininity through her various magazine covers for Vogue. She has also been cast in some of Hollywood’s most feminine roles in T.V. and film. She has two children, one step-child and is married to musician David Bowie.

Photo: munaluchibridal.com

WHO RUNS THE WORLD?

Written By; Donovan Smith, Angel Brock, Kenyah Jordan-Jackson

K

ids scoot, then they crawl, most then start to walk, but Dynasty was different. Dynasty McGee, a junior here at Penn State, ran! Dynasty, a fit 20 year old hails all the way from Flint, Michigan, and she is studying Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Theater. While most three year olds were watching cartoons in front of their TVs, Dynasty was running! She found her speed and her love for track at a very young age, and has been running ever since.

With a strong foundation in family and Christ, Dynasty uses her gifts and talents on the Penn State Track and Field team, earning herself and her team many medals and trophies; and breaking as many records as she has broken stereotypes here at Penn State.

Back in Flint, Dynasty was coached by her father.

She told us that she chose Penn State because of its academics, but also because the Track and Field coach at the time of her recruitment reminded her much of her father’s character and supporting ways. Her father stood as her support system back in Michigan, and still attends every track meet he can to see his baby fly! Along with teaching his daughter

Girls!

the tricks and trades of track, he taught her the values and morals she holds near and dear to her heart.

Flint, Michigan is the seventh largest city in the state of Michigan. According to the 2010 census, Flint, Michigan had a total population of about 102,434, with more than half identifying themselves as “Black or African-American alone.”

Attending majority black schools, churches, and other extra-curricular activities, Dynasty has grown to be extremely comfortable in the skin that she is in, which happens to be a lighter shade of brown.

Of about one-hundred students on the Track and Field Team at Penn State, seventeen are black, or mixed race.

Coming from Flint, Michigan as a majority, traveling some six hours to Pennsylvania, to become a minority could be tough for some. Dealing with stereotypes, bigotry ways, and people’s single stories of her faced as a challenge for Dynasty.

Being the outspoken, cheerful young lady that she is, she has been stereotyped as “ghetto,” “loud,” and even “ratchet.”

When many think of the term ghetto they think of people who are obnoxiously loud, are involved with illegal

activities such as smoking and under-aged drinking, or a person coming from poverty. When others think of the term ratchet they think of a “bouji” girl that comes from the ghettos of urban cities. Dynasty, along with many other African-American girls here at Penn State have endured these negative stereotypes from the very beginning. Many people tend to mistake Dynasty’s self-confidence and very outspoken ways as ghetto. She’s battled these stereotypes in better and more mature ways than confrontation. By channeling the confusion and determination to prove that she is not what society says she is, she has excelled, in the classroom, on the track, and socially here at Penn State.

Dynasty has obtained numerous accolades not only back at home in Flint, but here at The Pennsylvania State University, which is a Division 1 school in Track and Field.

During the time here at Penn State, a student must obtain a 3.5 grade point average or higher throughout the semester to be awarded the Dean’s List award. She has received Dean’s List here multiple semesters.

While Dynasty has excelled on the track in high school, she has also excelled in college by defeating the

many negative stereotypes society tried to pin on her.

She’s conquering these negative stereotypes with success.

Throughout high school in Michigan she has received over 13 Michigan State titles and records in triple jump and running the indoor 400 meter. At the young age of 13 she made her first junior USA team, but that came to a halt when they passed a rule that you have to be in high school to be apart of the USA team. This year in college during indoor track Dynasty has received 6th in Big Ten in the 400 meter dash.

She has also received 5th at nationals in the 4x400 which made her and her relay team All-Americans! This is one of the highest honors in collegiate sports one can receive.

With all these awards, records, and recognition under her belt, Dynasty is still the humble girl that walked into the Penn State doors three years ago. With only one year left here, she plans to become a Sports Journalist in the future. This career choice will continue to break stereotypes that society has. In essence, she hopes to inspire other young African-American girls to follow their dreams, despite what society throws at them. “

Black Male Athletes Survey: 1. Which male athlete is more controversial:

a. Metta World Peace c. Richard Sherman

b. Kobe Bryant d. Dennis Rodman 2. Which male athlete is most stereo typed as a thug:

a. Allen Iverson c. Gilbert Arenas

b. Ray Lewis

d. Mike Tyson 3. Which male athlete is most negatively harassed by the media:

a. Lebron James c. Barry Bonds

b. Tiger Woods d. Michael Vick 4. Which male athlete fought off unjust criticism in comparison to their white counter parts:

a. Barry Bonds c. Desean Jackson

b. Tiger Woods d. Rg3 5. Which athletes successes seem to be unfairly minimized due to “on field” incidents like celebration or demeanor:

a. Terrell Owens c. Richard Sherman

b. Chad Johnson d. Cam Newton 6. Which stereotype regarding black male athletes in general seems to be more enforced by society: a. Cool c. Lazy

b. Dumb d. Only Sports Oriented 7. How much has the portayal of black male athletes been improved through out the years:

a. It Hasn’t c. Slightly b. Greatly d. Moderatly 8. Which black athlete is considered to be the best role model by the media:

a. Grant Hill c. Bill Russell

b. Michael Jordan d. Russell Wilson 9. Who was the first African AMerican player to play in the Cotton Bowl Classic (college football game):

a. Wallace Triplett c. Dennis Hoggard

b. Sam Walkers d. Adam Smith

Richard Sherman is a superbowl champion who plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and graduated from a top notch school in Stanford University. Sherman is usually targeted for being to demonstrative on the fireld by the media. He’s most recently been called a thug and “classless” by media and opponents. Thus diminishing his on field and off field exploits.

LeBron James is widely considered to be the best basketball player in the world. He plays for the Miami Heat and has won 2 championships. Lebron James is also a 4 time MVP. When LeBron made the “decision” ( a huge media broadcast about where he would be playing) questions came in about his character for “quitting” on his Cavalier teammates.

However Lebron has been a stand up citizen for Cleveland and composes many charity events for the city.

Grant Hill is a 2 time NCAA- ALL AMERRICAN and a 2 time NCAA champion.

Grant Hill also serves as a great ambasador for the NBA. Grant Hill has been bashed by people of his own race recently as being an “Uncle Tom”, some of his harshest criticism came from Jalen Rose memeber of the Fab 5 basketball team (Michigan). Since Grant Hill did not come from any type of poverty and comes from a great household this tends to be used against him. This is because he does not fit the stereotypical “black athlete” or “thug” qualities.

Ambitions Dance Organization Mission:

Our Purpose: To have an open group that will help to expose dancers to a variety of different styles and techniques along with having a focus on creating, shaping, and presenting choreography.

Description:

AMBITIONS was founded in order to create a diverse forum for all students, regardless of race, major or ability, to be able to choreograph and further their dance technique freely and easily. What makes us different from all other dance groups on campus is that we do not limit ourselves to one style. The dancve styles that we will hold technique classes for and also perform will include but is not limited to: ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and more.

Facebook: Ambitions PSU Twitter: AMBITIONS_PSU Instagram: AMBITIONS_PSU

The History of Black Women at Penn State Dashayna Richardson

In 1929, Mildred Settle Bunton was the first Black woman to enroll at Penn State University. She graduated in 1932 with the highest honors in her major, home economics. When speaking about her experience at PSU she stated that she did not face any mistreated but sometimes was called Aunt Jemima; she attributed the students comments to “ignorance not cruelty”. Because diversity is counted by race or gender, it is not easy to find the numbers on how many Black women attend Penn State University Park. However, we do know that 46.3% of the population are women and about 1,904 students out of 46,184 classify themselves as Blacks. We can assume that Black women account for maybe about less than 2% of Penn State’s population therefore about less than 500 students at Penn State are Black Females. In the past 85 years we have went from 1 to 500 but how have we have been received?

Ka-

lyn Flournoy is a Senior Marketing major enrolled in the Smeal College of Business. She currently plays the role as President of MWF. The Mul I spoke to two Black Women who are very active in Penn ticultural Women’s Forum is an organizaState’s Black Female community. These women have not only tion dedicated to professional development for joined clubs/organizations that focused mainly on Black women of color. It does this by holding workshops women at PSU, they have taken leadership roles. during general body meetings and events that focus on Kalyn Flournoy and Sheryl- Amber Edmondthe financial, research, social, and community aspects of the son play major roles in the Multicultural business world. Since Ms. Flournoy, taken lead of the organization Women’s Forum (MWF) and membership has grown and the main result is a boost of confidence memNational Council of Negro bers have while attending career fairs, interviews, and networking.

Women (NCNW)

respectively.

Sheryl- Amber Edmondson along with Kierra Nocho founded Penn State’s campus chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. This organization’s mission is to redevelop and educate women of color focusing mostly on education and health in Penn State’s African American Female population. “Create what you would like to be a part of ” was the quote that motivated Ms. Edmondson to bring NCNW to Penn State’s main campus. She constructed a safe space that makes way for a dicussion form and unity between Black Women. While NCNW is a relatively new organization, they have already collaborated with the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi in programs enlightening the youth on the psychology of the black family and even brought out Senior Editor and digital for Ebony magazines very own Jamiliah Lemieux. Edmondson and Nocho noticed that on campus we have organizations that support Blacks and organizations that support Women. However not many organizations focus mainly on both Black Women, now their exist an organization that focus on this double minority.

MWF focuses on specifically on the business aspects while NCNW tends to have a broader look on general issues that Black Women face. Yet in still both organizations have created an open and welcoming environment for Black Women at Penn State. While the world lacks complete understanding of the double struggles of being Black and women, here at Penn State exist at least two organizations that they can find acceptance and essentially a safe space. Who know where Mildred found peace after dealing with the unknowingness of her classmates. However, Unlike Mildred Settle Bunton when Black women step on this campus in 2014 they will find someone else who looks like them, a community ready to receive them with open arms to provide comfort, support, and resources to thrust them into success. *Author Note: Both organizations are open and welcoming to all genders, sexes, and races. Not just African American Women

Special Thanks: Kayln Flournoy: Senior Marketing Major enrolled in the Smeal College of Business. In May 2014 she will be graduating and moving to Boston to start a career with the TJX Companies as an Allocation Analyst. 2 year President of the Multicultural Women’s Forum, first winner of the Mr. and Mrs. Smeal Pageant as Mrs. Smeal in February 2013, active member of the National Association of Black Accountants, a 4 year member of the Striving Toward Awareness and Respect for Tomorrow Committee, and a mentor in the Penn State BLUEprint Mentoring Program.

She also is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as of February 2014.

Sheryl-Amber B. Edmondson: Junior, Sociology major, Spanish and Education Policy Studies minor, president and co-founder of the Penn State Section of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Treasurer of Keep a Child Alive, McNair Scholar, Schreyer Honors Scholar, Paterno Fellow, Undergraduate Research Assistant for The Association of Religion Data Archives.

Kierra Nocho: Junior, double major in Criminology and Philosophy, vice president and co-founder of the Penn State Section of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and president elect for Ashe Theatre Company, and member of Ambitions Dance Organization.

28 NAMES. Written By: Kayla T. Shelton-Burleigh MArch 31, 2014

If you happened to be in the Hetzel Union Building (HUB) on February 26th, around 12:30pm, you were lucky enough to see the “28 Names” project demonstration constructed by Penn State student Naeem Holman. The presentation was held on the 2 year anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s murder; a Black teenage boy whom was unjustly killed in 2012 by George Zimmerman. But what if you were not present? What if you were?, yet still do not understand what “28 Names” is and what the demonstration was regarding? Well here is some clarification to ease any confusion.

The “28 Names” project was an effort to raise awareness about the devaluation of Minority lives, focusing primarily on college-aged and younger. In doing so, the projects main objective was to question all of the ways in which institutionalized racism, has negatively affected lives as well as ending them.

As people of color, every day we tend to question where we stand as citizens in this country.

We often are lead to these questions after countless lives are cut short due to violence. As well as when core evidence suggests otherwise, justice is still not served.

For example, “Renisha McBride, killed November 2, 2013 in Dearborn Heights, MI by

PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN BY: KELSEA GREEN VIA INSTAGRAM

PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN BY: ALYSA BRADLEY VIA TWITTER

Theodore Wafer. Renisha got into a one-car accident on her way home early that morning, possibly as a result of drunk driving. Witnesses and family members say Renisha was disoriented and looking for help after the crash for roughly two to three hours, wandering back and forth to her car. She came to Wafer’s door, presumably seeking some sort of assistance. Instead of aiding McBride, Wafer shot Renisha in the face with a 12-gauge shotgun and attempted to hide her body, allegedly under the impression she was “trying to break in”.

He was later charged with 2nd-degree murder, manslaughter, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. She was unarmed at the time of her murder and would have been 20 this year” (sites.psu.edu/28names).

Another example of our unjustly system is Trayvon Martin, a 17 year old Black boy, fatally shot while returning from the local convenience store with only candy and juice in hand. It is known that racial stereotypes of the “violent Black man” are the reasoning to why George Zimmerman found this young man to be such a threat.

These stereotypes affect Blacks every day, and Trayvon’s death brought it to the light on a

a large scale. However, if we look back at young Black males in predominately white areas, such as schools, Black little boys are ironically the “cool kids” rather than the “violent Black man” society transforms them into later in life. One may ask why that is, but it is the justice system, as well as us in society, are twisting and turning the views on certain races. So upon seeing these issues within our system and within us as a society, Holman took matters into his own hands.

He specifically selected 28 names of young Black and Latino lives that have been lost, mishandled, and altered because of our countries double standards involving race. He then proceeded to pay homage to those 28 names, revealing a new name each day of February. Many of the stories Holman uncovered and shared had not been heard of before, and he soon began to shed light on the silent genocide that is occurring right amongst us.

Through telling these stories, some being very graphic, and disturbing, Holman inspired others to stand up and fight against unequal treatment of people of color.

If you would like to learn more on the “28 Names” project, as well as view more photographs of the demonstration, please visit: http://sites.psu.edu/28names/.

Tips On Landing that Dream Job Shaima C. Bascombe

Last but not least; a lot of people If you’re anything like me, a college student quickly tend to miss this step, but to set yourself approaching

graduation, finding a job has most likely apart from other candidates, send your been

a prominent focus for you, next to passing all of interviewer a thank you email or letter a day your classes!

If you’re The job anything marketlike is rough me, aand college not student as welcomor so after your interview. This will show ing quickly as weapproaching would all hope. graduation, At least we’ll finding havea job Thehas Pennsylmost them that you genuinely appreciate their vania likelyUniversity been a prominent at the topfocus of our forresumes, you; nextright? to passing time and you’re serious about taking on this Unfortunately, all of your classes! that may The job not market be enough, is rough but no andfears. not as job.

You welcoming have come as we thiswould far and allall hope. yourAt hard leastwork we’llwill have pay The As an African American it is also important off Pennsylvania if you’re diligent State and University keep your at the eyes toponofthe ourprize. resumes, to hold your ground in the workforce. We Taking right? full advantage of Penn State’s career services and must break the sigma of welfare queen and developing Unfortunately, relationships that maywith not be your enough, advisor but is no generally fears. a make a respectable place for ourselves in great You step. have These come this resources far andareallthere yourfor hard you work to thoroughwill pay society. This country was built on our backs lyoff utilize. if you’re Make diligent strongand efforts keeptoyour perfect eyesyour on the resumes prize. and it is time to take our rightful place. As along Taking with fullcover advantage lettersof and Penn anyState’s other career components services of and the we can see, people are still being discrimiapplication developingprocess. relationships It is important with yourtoadvisor realizeisthat generthese nated against for their race. However, there documents ally a greatare step. theThese mostresources importantare things therethat for will you help to are ways to handle these situations if you you thoroughly land thatutilize. interview.

Make strong efforts to perfect your feel like you have been discriminated against resumes along with cover letters and any other compobecause you are Black. There are many Also, nentsit of is important the application to market process. yourself.

It is important Make sure toyou realquestions an interviewer is not allowed to are izeappropriately that these documents representing are the yourself most on important any social things meask you. Also, if you land an interview and dia that platforms. will help With you land a jobthat market interview. this rough, employers feel as if your appearance (i.e. hair style) is areAlso, doing it extra is important researchtoon market candidates. yourself.

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If the EEOC decides the answers aren’t yourself apart from other candidates, send your hear to make fromsure you,you youdo willyour show research them how on the interested company, youas legitimate,athe result settlement interviewer thank youcould emailbeoraletter a day are this inwill them surely if you impress ask your your own interviewer. questions.Another This is not great oror solitigation. after your interview. This will show them antipinterrogation for interviewing room; is to youask arequestions. allowed toEmployers ask questions. like that you genuinely appreciate their time and (Try to hear to think fromofyou, some youjuicy will ones) show them how interested That’sserious all for about now, remember the world you’re taking on this job. is you are in them if you ask your own questions. This is ours for the taking and the possibilities are not an interrogation room; you are allowed to ask quesendless, this is only the beginning. tions. (Try to think of some juicy ones) Good luck and congratulations seniors.

http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/ get-hired-10-reasons-your-job-resume-is-

As an African American it is also important to hold your ground in the workforce. We must As an African American it is also important to hold your ground in the workforce. We must break the break the stigma of the welfare queen and claim a respectable place for ourselves in society. This counsigma of welfare queen and make a respectable place for ourselves in society. This country was built on our try was built on our backs and it is time to take our rightful places. As we can see, people are still being backs and it is time to take our rightful place. As we can see, people are still being discriminated against for discriminated against for their race. However, there are ways to handle these situations if you feel like you their race. However, there are ways to handle these situations if you feel like you have been discriminated have been discriminated against because you are Black. There are many questions an interviewer is not against because you are Black. There are many questions an interviewer is not allowed to ask you. Also, if allowed to ask you. Also, if you land an interview and feel as if your appearance (i.e. hair style) is the reayou land an interview and feel as if your appearance (i.e. hair style) is the reason you did not land the job, son you did not land the job, search for clues. Were you under qualified? What was the reason why they search for clues. Were you under qualified? What was the reason why they granted you the interview but did granted you the interview but did not see you as fit for the position? not see you as fit for the position?

If you want to see changes made in society, in regards to minorities, take action. Visit the Equal EmIf you want to see changes made in society in regards to minorities, take action. Visit the Equal Employployment Opportunity Commission’s web site and complete the assessment form to file your claim. The ment Opportunity Commission’s web site and complete the assessment form to file your claim. The EEOC EEOC will contact the employer and they'll have to provide substantial responses to your allegations. If will contact the employer and they’ll have to provide substantial responses to your allegations. If the EEOC the EEOC decides the answers aren't legitimate, the result could be a settlement or litigation. decides the answers aren’t legitimate, the result could be a settlement or litigation.

That’s all for now, remember the world is ours for the taking and the possibilities are endless, this is only That’s all for now, remember the world is ours for the taking and the possibilities are endless, this is only the the beginning. beginning.

Good luck and congratulations seniors.

Good luck and congratulations seniors.

LaQuint Lockhart is a senior majoring in

Management at Pennsylvania State University. He is enrolled in the Smeal College of Business and serves as Vice President of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Lockhart will be graduating this May and already has a job offer as a Business Banker with PNC. How did Lockhart make this possible?

Lockhart took advantage of all the resources around him. In his freshman year he joined NABA, because he wanted to be a part of an organization that focused on preparing minority students for the business world. NABA accepts students of all majors. Naba helped him build his resume, provided him with interview tips, and workshops to help him improve his brand. He also took advantage of other PSU resources like Smeal advisors Jamie Campbell and Terry Cummins.

In addition, Smeal connects a job-searching website that connects Penn State business students to corporations.

Lockhart understands the importance of financial stability current economy. He took out personal and parent plus loans to combine with his scholarship in order to cover his tuition. To cover room and board he serves an RA (residential assistant).

In addition, he spends his summers working in order to save up enough that he does not have to work during the school year. biggest budgeting tip is to prioritize, making sure school, textbooks, and clothing are taken care of before worrying about the “fun stuff � like going out money.

After school, Lockhart plans on living with his older sister in Maryland for at least a year in order to save up enough money to get his own place. He plans to pay back his student loans as soon as possible. When deciding which job offer to take the most influential dealmaker was the fact that his job would invest in his 401K plan. The job offered to match the money put into his 401K plan. Lock-

Graduating with a 401k Plan

To be or not to be by: Jaya Davis

When it comes to college dating the term Situationship comes to mind a lot. According to www.urdandictionary.com it is any problematic relationship characterized by one or more unresolved, interpersonal conflicts; usually confused with dating.

Now! What is commonly mistaken for a situationship is “friends with benefits”. Some people may say they are the same. I completely disagree!

According to www.urdandictionary.com a friends with benefits is two friends who have a sexual relationship without being emotionally involved; typically two good friends who have casual sex without a monogamous relationship or any kind of commitment.

This idea of a situationship is so prevalent in the African-American community because of the stigma put on the culture via the media and social networks. There is this

stereo-type of black males being players and that they are supposed to have a wife and a mistress. We see it all the time on Love and Hip-Hop and other reality TV. The scenario is so common that we think nothing of it. As mentioned by many scholars, the jezebel is the main black woman stereotype seen in the media today.

So let’s identify what I feel classifies something to be a situationship. When I think about the term I think about the fear of commitment. I also think about greed and selfishness. Now you may be thinking “wow, pretty negative!” Well to me that is what I see. There is no COMMITENT, OBLIGATIONS, RESONSIBILITIES OR ACCOUNTABILITY (C.O.R.A). It is all fair game!

Why greed and selfishness? Well you want your cake and eat it too. She/he wants to be with someone but without the

title. Because once the title goes on you have your C.O.R.A. And God forbid one has to be monogamous.

But don’t get me wrong!

I am a constant offender of enabling situationships. Some of us have this crazy mindset that we can CHANGE the person to want to be with us fulltime when realistically we are just setting ourselves up for failure.

Because there is no way you can give your mind, body and time to a person and not catch feelings. And HUNNY once those feelings are caught there is no turning back! TRUST ME!

So I recommend you stay away from situationships UNLESS you are a mature adult that can communicate with the other person about boundaries and guidelines. Just be careful ladies and gents because yeah it’s all fun and games in the beginning but 9 times out of 10 someone always ends up hurt.

About the Class AFAM 297A

From Baartman to BeyoncÊ: Black Women in Pop Culture invites students to explore the representations of Black women throughout history. During the 2014 spring semester, students looked at some of the earliest depictions of Black women and discovered how these images impacted contemporary examples in visual culture and beyond. Using resources like Essence and Ebony magazine, Spike Lee’s culturally enriched film, School Daze and passages from early authors like David Pilgrim, students were able to gain critical media literacy skills, recognize important Black Women in African American history, as well as their contemporary counterparts and explore the multiple identities within Blackness, for example gender, sexuality, class, region, disability, etc.

This digital magazine reflects the knowledge of this history as well as the students newly acquired media literacy skills.

The Students Oluwatosin Adedeji-Fajobi, Heather Amos, Deanie Anyangwe, Shaima Bascombe, Maya Blue-Robinson, Angel Brock, Martinique Brown, Jaya Davis, Terrence Edison, Shakiera Franklin, Jaylin Freeman-Broadous, Breanna Gibson, Jessica Gold, Tatyana Hill, Alicia Humphrey, Kristina Hunter, Sharae Hunter, Zelia Johnson, Kenyah Jordan- Jackson, John Lay, Vanessa Martin, Tykia McWilliams, Kesandra Oliver-Cross, Tashawna Page, Cristina Recino, Dashayna Richardson, June Saulen, Angelique Scott, Kayla Shelton-Burleigh, Donovan Smith, Aaliyah Snell, Tajaya Thompson and Iniobong Udofia