north carolina state university | Raleigh, nc| thenubianmessage.com | WEDNESDAY october 19, 2016
Actress Laverne Cox visits N.C. State
TITLE
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 2
Letter from the editor
THISISSUE
3 DIVERSITY EDUCATION WEEK An event celebrating culture at State
4 “IT’S ON US” WEEK
A week of events to educate the pack
T
Heyhe fam, African American Cultural Center, which has I cannot October is already here. Ithis want to start beenbelieve celebrating its 25th anniversary year, will off this letter by personally thanking all of you who have host the annual Ebony Harlem Awards Sunday, May 1. kept up with thismilestone year. It has anceremony’s interesting theme few Because of theusbig thebeen award months and I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure this year will be “25 Proverbs for 25 years”. toThis report onthe theAfrican happenings of minority communities year American Cultural Center and at the NC State. In this issue, we touch on some problems that AYA Ambassadors partnered with the office of Multiculare extremely pertinent to our tural Student Affairs to host thecommunity. Ebony Harlem Awards, Voting is an opportunity to help decide who represents which recognizes extraordinary African-Americans who our excelcommuniin a partictyular andfield, our needs. a time where intolerance is high and the benefits have a In penchant for community-based activism that lifts upofthe diversity are constantly being debated, is aengaged way to ensure that our African-American community and arevoting actively in the centers. ideas and concerns are represented at the table. I hope that you will take Section Divider advantage of the voting guide we’ve provided you with. “Ebony Harlem was conceptualized by the creators of the African Take someCultural time to Center read about the interpersonal violence in our American Dr. Augustus Witherspoon anddiscussed Dr. [Lawrence] issue this week. To ignore conversations of domestic violence and sexual Clark wanted to make sure that African-American students in particular assault is to ignore the of voices so many of ourtopeople. A leading cause understood the value usingoftheir brilliance build their community ofand death for black women aged 15-35 is intimate partner and domestic to promote the mission of the African American Cultural Center,” says violence. women the are program most likely to be abused own black men. “Mama” Black Toni Thorpe, coordinator for by theour African American These conversations are long overdue. There is no black liberation ahead if Cultural Center. weEach continue to ignore the hurt of those who have been wronged within our year candidates are nominated for several categories such as, art, own community. photography, music, literature, leadership and academics. This year the this Even theme: in the face injustices, make to that examine as year’s “It isofnot taboo towe to must go back andsure fetch whichhow youwe have aforgotten. community can better ourselves. It is time for us to analyze our privilege ” and“We make sure that you use that same privilege dismantle came systems have a collection of 25 proverbs that theto community upof with oppression. In our fight to move forward we have to ensure that we not that symbolize the center, they represent our culture ” says the AYAare Amholding ourselves back. bassador president Kinesha Harris. That being said, the Nubian Message exists ceremony to be a voice alldancing. marginalThe night will not only include the award butfor also ized groups on campus. I wholeheartedly welcome guest columns, letters to s a time to get a greater appreciation from the outside community. ” the editor and all questions and concerns. If you feel the need to reach out, theLove, Nubian staff is always here to listen. Feel free to email us at nubian-editor@ncsu.edu if there is something you’d like to see us explore. Stephanie Nothing but love, Steph
5 AARON THOMPSON
State’s new Marketing and Communication Coordinator
6 STAFF EDITORIAL
Why minorities should vote
7 VOTING 101
Resources for voting
8 YOUR VOICE Students thoughts on picking a PWI
9 CULTURAL APPROPRIATION Some issues with cultural appropriation
10 CONVOS WITH KENTON Discussions on how celebrities affect us and domestic violence
The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992. Stephanie Tate
Editor-in-Chief
Ashley Darrisaw
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Anahzsa Jones
Managing editor
Allona Wilkerson
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message:
Cover illustration by allona wilkerson
Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan, Dr. John Henrik Clark, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, The Black Panther Party, Mumia A. Jamal, Geronimo Pratt, Tony Williamson, Dr. Lawrence Clark, Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon, Dr. Wandra P. Hill, Mr. Kyran Anderson, Dr. Lathan Turner, Dr. M. Iyailu Moses, Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are still on the journey to true consciousness.
NEWS
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 3
Spotlighting the many cultures within the wolfpack Penny Lawrence Correspondent
Diversity Education Week started Sunday, October 16th, and will continue until Saturday, the 22nd. It was started by the students at the university, and has been recognized annually on campus since 2011. According to the NC State website, “Diversity Education Week serves to promote awareness and understanding of our nation and world’s diverse cultures and foster intercultural understanding through a collection of engaging opportunities including lectures, workshops, panel and group discussions, information sessions, film, food, music, dance and more.” Nyla Ruiz, a senior in biological sciences and the Diversity Activities Board Chair for Union Activities Board (UAB), describes diversity as “understanding that we as people are all very different and unique. We come from different backgrounds and I think our differences should be something we acknowledge and embrace, not frown upon.
“Although we should acknowledge diversity everyday, Diversity Education Week was specifically designed to have week-long events that bring awareness to the various aspects of diversity,” Ruiz said. One of the many events held Monday was “Ujima: The Beauty in Unity.” It was hosted by the Mu Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in the free expression tunnel from noon until 2:00pm. It gave students the opportunity to express themselves through painting the free expression tunnel. They practiced the Kwanzaa principle Ujima to bring together the campus community. Tuesday in Witherspoon Student Center, there was a discussion called “Diversity is a Compelling Interest: The Use of Race in Admissions.” This discussion explained the methods used for diversity in admissions. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions was present. On Wednesday, the Multicultural Greek Council will be in One Earth Lounge dis-
cussing this upcoming Halloween. Their annual “Our Culture is NOT a Costume” will start at 8:00pm and will teach students how to choose socially and culturally respectful Halloween costumes. In Talley Student Union on Thursday, one of the events will be “How to Facilitate Difficult Dialogue.” Its intent is to instill cultural competency in the students that attend. They will discuss how to approach difficult subjects as well as many other strategies. On Friday, there will be “Chinese Classical Dance” in Witherspoon. It will start at 6:30pm and end at 9:00pm. This event is an interactive dance class. It will be taught by a professional dance instructor from China. Saturday, the last day of the Diversity Education Week, the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio will be having a discussion and performance in Talley. The discussion will begin before the performance, starting at 7:00pm in room 3222 while the perfor-
mance commences at 8:00pm in Stewart Theatre. Ruiz said that in light of recent events, “I do think it is very important to discuss what diversity is, the many facets it encompasses. It doesn’t only apply to race like many people think when they hear diversity, and how we can be more inclusive and culturally competent.” In total, there will be forty nine events that can be attended. Some require R.S.V.P. All of the events described, and more, can be found on the DEW calendar of events listed on the school website. There are events all over campus, and at all times of day. Because of the wide array of events, students have many options to find something that interests them. For more information on Diversity Education Week and a full schedule of events, visit oied.ncsu.edu/diversity/dew-calendar
NEWS
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 4
The pack does its part to PREVENT sexual assault ANAHZSA JONES MANAGING EDITOR On Oct. 14, student government held the It’s On Us Call to Action event in Stafford Commons. The event was part of It’s On Us week, from Oct. 10-14, a national initiative started in 2014 as a way to combat rape culture and sexual assault on college campuses. NC State University has joined forces with the White House and the National Campus Leadership Council to implement the campaign right here on NC State’s campus. Soraya Russell, a junior studying international studies and student governments director of university affairs this year, hosted the event. In her introduction of the event, Russell said “It’s On Us is a cultural movement that aims to reframe the way we think about sexual assault. Our goal is to empower, educate, and engage students to be better bystanders and intervene in situations where they see consent is not or cannot be given.” The Call to Action event this year featured speeches by several members of the campus community. There were artistic performances, including a music video of an original song by Jordan WIlliams, a junior studying communication with a concentration in media. The song, “You Can Sail Away” was written to express the healing and recovery process following sexual assault. Dancers from NC State’s Fusion and Just Cuz Crew appeared in the music video and joined Williams to perform live at the event. There was also a spoken word poem about consent called “Let’s Talk About Sex” written and performed by Matthew Wright, a junior studying graphic design. Russell said, “Our goal was to reach students through artistic expression, as well as speeches. Some of the speakers spoke about personal experiences, while others spoke about resources available on campus. The performers provided a more emotional approach to sexual assault awareness.” The Women’s Center also created a Public Service Announcement about the campaign, visible on their website, oied.ncsu.edu/Womens-Center, under “Programs and Events.” The video features NC State faculty, staff and students speaking on sexual assault and the misconceptions and culture surrounding it. One part of the video states, “Sexual assault does not happen because of alcohol consumption or because of how she was dressed. It’s on us.’” Hundreds of NC State faculty, staff and students have signed the pledge, an integral part of the campaign, that outlines the goals of the initiative. The pledge, shown below, is available for electronic signature on ItsOnUs.org. The Pledge: To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault. To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur. To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given. To REPORT any incident of sexual assault. To EDUCATE ourselves and each other. To CREATE a campus in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. In her speech, Russell tells a powerful story about a close friend’s experience with sexual assault and the lessons these situations teach us. “This is an ongoing conversation, and we still have a lot of work to do at NC State. Many students don’t report sexual assault because they fear that they won’t be believed, or that nothing will be done. We want to create an environment where survivors are supported and believed,” said Russell.
“IT’S ON US“ SPEECH BY SORAYA RUSSELL Growing up, I, like many other girls are taught how to avoid rape. We are taught to cover up, never to walk alone, not to be promiscuous, and not to be overtly sexual in order to be respected. I, like many other girls, began to have a false sense of security and set of beliefs about what it is to be a woman that is liked, respected, and ultimately safe. I was confident in all the things that I was taught and confident that I would NEVER be in a situation where I could be raped because I was a “respectable woman.” I wholeheartedly believed the lie society fed me, until someone dear to my heart was assaulted. Ironically, this friend of mine was like me in many ways, didn’t go out too much, didn’t drink too much, didn’t wear very revealing clothes, and well respected in the community. I began to ask myself: how could this have happened to HER? Was there a misunderstanding? How much did she drink? Looking back, I noticed that all of the questions I was asking myself were finding ways to blame her instead of the individual that violated her, and this is similar to how many people view rape. Many of us would rather advise women on the precautions they should take to avoid being raped as opposed to starting at the root of the problem: teaching men and boys not to be rapists. She, like many other survivors, was raped by a man that she thought was her friend, and she thought she could trust. The assailant still walks around care free, and doesn’t believe he is a rapist, why? Because of the rape culture instilled into our society, our communities, and on NC State’s campus. Now, when many of us think about rape, what do we see? We see the stranger in the alley with a mask and a gun. This is what the media portrays as the only situation that constitutes rape. In reality, rapists are typically charming, well liked, people who are far from the stereotypical stranger in the alley. It is also a myth that rape can only happen between strangers, or people who have never been intimate with each other. It can happen between two partners, two friends, and even married couples. We need to teach others that when someone says no, or stop, you stop. These words don’t mean “I’m not sure,” or “I’m just playing around”, they mean no and stop. It is important that we are very clear about our intentions and prioritize consent over the excitement of having sex. We shouldn’t have to wait until someone dear to us is assaulted to understand what consent is, that education begins with all of us here. We need to take it upon ourselves to recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault, to identify situations in which assault may occur, to intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given, and to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. Wolfpack Family, It’s On Us to make that change.
RESOURCES NCSU Sexual Violence Phone Line: 919-515-4444 Women’s Center: 919-515-2012. Talley Student Union 5210. 9am - 5pm GLBT Center: 919-513-9742 NC State Police: 919-515-3000 NC State Counseling Center: 919-515-2423
FEATURES
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 5
BLACKADEMICS: Aaron Thompson
CONNECTING THE WOLFPACK COMMUNITY JESSICA STUBBS Staff Writer Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Aaron Thompson III serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA). In his role, he provides strategic communications support for Student Involvement, the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Government and the Union Activities Board (UAB). “NC State provided a great opportunity for me to apply my experience and skills in this field in a new context,” Thompson said. Thompson cites his ability to work with students as his favorite aspect of his job. “I have the opportunity to share some of the many engagement, service, leadership and development opportunities that NC State University has to offer,” he said. “It’s extremely rewarding to see these students gain experience and realize their personal growth through our fast-paced internship,” Thompson said. “That’s what keeps me going and makes me enjoy coming to work each day.” Being at a predominately white institution, Thompson is aware of the impact he has the opportunity to have on students of color and the african american community
on campus. When asked about his influence community and its institutions by continuas a black man and within the black coming to find ways to promote more access munity, he said that he thinks more in terms and more pathways for people to thrive.” He of the long term impact. “As a black male, believes he can help his community make a I realize the importance of keeping an open change themselves. door for students withThompson never knew in the black communiwhat others expected ty. I wouldn’t be who of him, but he set what I am today if it were he likes to call a purnot for the guidance pose for himself. In his of strong, black voices own words, Thompson in my life. So, for me, says that purpose is it’s not only a cool idea “to express my faith in to pass that along. It’s deeds and not words, to a responsibility. It’s an show love and treat with obligation. Being a dignity everyone I meet, part of the support sysand to promote and use tem for black students education and art as is very important to means to lift underrepreme. So, no matter how sented, underserved and hectic my days become, marginalized people to Photo courtesy of Aaron J. Thompson’s places of health, wealth I keep an open door for LinkedIn and prosperity in our conversations and the opportunity to support society.” all students.” One major project that Within the black community, he believes Thompson has been working on is the that his work is only beginning. He not only Build-A-Block project, a collaboration bewants to leave a positive change for his com- tween NC State and Habitat for Humanity. munity, but also the chance to allow others Over the course of the last year, he’s had the to succeed. “I want to positively impact my opportunity to serve on the leadership team
for the ongoing Build-A-Block project. This year-long partnership between NC State and Habitat for Humanity has provided unprecedented opportunities for students to engage in service. Between now and next fall, the NC State community will work alongside Raleigh area families to set a new record of 11 homes for a building project involving a campus and Habitat. Any students interested in plugging into the Build-A-Block project can contact him for details. His office phone number is 919-515-7112 and his email is ajthomp3@ncsu.edu. You can also drop by his office in Student Involvement in Talley Student Union.
FUN FACTS
What is your favorite movie? It's a strange tie: Friday and My Cousin Vinny What's your favorite food? Again, I'm from Jackson, Mississippi (all things soul food) What is your favorite color? Black What chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha are you associated with and where did you cross? On February 19, 2011, I crossed into the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
OPINION
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 6
STAFF EDITORIAL: YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE Why We Can’t Wait For many of us and our readers, this is the first time we will have a voice in how this country is run. According to the Pew Research Center, the 2008 General Election saw the highest voter turnouts for African-Americans at 65.2 percent, up from 60 percent in 2004, making 2008 the highest African-American voter turnout in history. In 2012, history was made again with an increase of a percentage point to 66.2 percent. We cannot afford for those numbers to slip even a fraction of a percent. Earlier this year Bernie Sanders proved not only to the American people, but also the entire world, that when motivated young people get behind a cause, anything is possible. If there was one message to be taken from this year’s Democratic primary, it is that not just does every vote count, your vote matters! Voting is one way to hold our politicians accountable. Use your vote to make a statement and make sure your voice is heard! Marginalized groups cannot afford not to vote, our livelihood depends on it.
We Guess We’re With Her
In all honesty, there is no candidate that we are completely thrilled about. However, the truth remains that never in the history of this country has there been a candidate more qualified to be president than Hillary Clinton. Not only did she serve as a U.S. Senator for four years and as Secretary of State for eight, but she served as first lady for eight years during which she championed healthcare reform. Hillary Clinton has expressed her commitment to ending systemic racism. While Clinton is not perfect, she is the better candidate for people of color. Clinton’s platform includes protecting the rights of immigrants, reforming the criminal justice system that targets communities of color and repairing the Voting Rights Act to ensure that voters of color are not disenfranchised. Clinton is also an advocate for environmental justice, a movement that focuses on how communities of color and low income communities are affected by the negligence of industrial companies. The average third party candidate may more closely align with your views, however this is not the election nor are these the candidates to vote for. The leading third party candidates in this years’ race are Jill Stein of the Green Party and Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party. While they are probably great people, they do not have enough experience to lead the United States. Gary Johnson is the governor of New Mexico, but he simply is not qualified to be President. When asked to name his favorite world leader he couldn’t come up with a single name. Furthermore, he has never held any position in the executive branch of government. He did not know that Aleppo was a city much less that it was in the middle of the conflict in Syria. Jill Stein is an activist for the environment. She seems to have good intentions but is badly misguided. She has also never won a major election...EVER. She has run for many offices however, and only won a seat in town meeting council. She has no experience in any government leadership role. She quite often engages in the oversimplification of problems that leads to serious problems. While environmental issues are very important, some of Jill Stein’s beliefs are not supported by evidence. Stein believes that “we should not be subjecting kids’ brains” to wi-fi. Neither of these candidates have a serious chance at winning. Neither of these candidates are ready for the position. So please do not waste a vote for candidates who are polling below 8 percent in a vast majority of unbiased polls taken.
This election will be historic in its own right
Although we have witnessed what may have been the most ‘entertaining’ election-cycle in the ongoing battle between Hillary Clinton and her opponent, it is important not to forget the potential change of power that could happen on the federal level. 24 Republican incumbent Senators are up for re-election, and 10 Democratic Senators are also fighting to keep their seats in Congress. Senate Democrats could see themselves with a 70-30 majority. The chances of that drastic of a swing are definitely unrealistic, however, according to the most recent poll analysis by FiveThirtyEight, the Democrats have a 54 percent chance to win majority control of the Senate. With a Supreme Court Justice position vacant, a Democrat majority will be the deciding factor in whether or not we have a chance of seeing a favorable justice filling the position after the election. In the event that Hillary wins the election, a Republican majority could mean that we still have a long road ahead of us in terms of our “Justice Search,” as Senate Republicans have continually expressed their intention of stalling any Democrat’s attempts at getting a nominee confirmed. Supreme Court Justices serve until they step down, or until they are no longer able-bodied. Because of this longevity, this position holds a lot of power and it’s important to make your voice heard. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS!
Don’t neglect local elections
While the national election gets the most coverage, the local elections have a greater effect on US citizens. The person you elect to be the voice for your state decides which laws to pass, and vote on which bills come in effect for you area. There is no reason why in 2012 a law was passed in Arizona that allowed cops to stop people who they deemed look like illegal immigrants to ask for papers, when Arizona is almost one third hispanic. In this same vain, North Carolina passed legislation to ban sanctuary cities and denny services to people who are undocumented. We need to make sure we are electing people who we feel adequately represent our beliefs and opinions. We all want to complain after laws like HB2 and HB972 are passed, but we don’t come out to the polls when election time comes around. The people we are electing into office are the people making the important decisions that affect our everyday lives. We as the Nubian Message feel that Hillary Clinton will twirl on her haters this election season and encourage you to join us in making our country stronger, together.
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 7
NEWS
VOTING 101
Know Your Nonpartisan Candidates
Most elected positions are partisan, but there are several key nonpartisan contests this November. We chose to focus on nonpartisan candidates, because information on these candidates is often less available and because many voters already have fixed beliefs about Democrat or Republican candidates. NC Supreme Court Associate Justice We endorse Mike Morgan for NC Supreme Court Associate Justice. He has served as Superior Court Judge since 2005, has served as a faculty member at the National Judicial College for 24 years, and is committed to being fair and impartial. Judge Morgan’s opponent, Robert Edmunds, ruled that the 2010 NC house districts were not drawn with racial prejudice. NC District Court Judge In wake county there are three contested positions for NC district court. NC district court is responsible for criminal, civil and juvenile cases. We endorse Monica M. Bousman, Walter Rand, and Anna Elena Worley for NC District Court Judge. Monica Bousman is endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys. She was appointed to the court by Governor Jim Hunt in 2001. Walter Rand has 20 years of experience in Wake county courts. He is committed to ending unlawful incarceration of poor people. Anna Worley is endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys and is a certified Family Law Specialist. She frequently hears cases in Domestic Violence Court, and speaks spanish.
Early Voting Locations Open Starting October 20th Chavis Community Center- 505 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd Raleigh, NC Avery Street Recreation Center Annex- 201 Avery St Garner, NC Lake Lynn Community Center - 7921 Ray Rd Raleigh, NC Open Starting October 27th NCSU Creative Services Building-1220 Varsity Dr Raleigh, NC Green Road Community Center - 4201 Green Rd Raleigh, NC Optimist Community Center- 5900 Whittier Dr Raleigh, NC
voting tips - You can register to vote during One-Stop Early Voting (October 20th - November 5th). - An ID is NOT required to vote unless you use sameday registration or if you are a new voter in the county. - You must vote in the precinct where you are registered to vote. -You may register to vote at your home address or your school address, and you may update your information during One-Stop Early Voting. - To register to vote during One-Stop Early Voting you will need to show an ID or other official document that shows your name and current voting address. For example, a NC Driver’s license with your current voting address or a screenshot or print out of your name and
housing address from mypack portal may be used. - On campus early voting is available beginning October 27 at NCSU Creative Services Building, 1220 Varsity Drive. From main campus take route 5 to the McKimmon Center. From centennial take route 10 or route 11 to the Varsity parking lot. - To get voting assistance or report voter suppression you can call the NC Election Protection Hotline 888-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). - Straight-Party voting will not be available, so you must vote for each individual candidate. Make sure to fill out both sides of your ballot. - If you are waiting in line when the polls close, you may not be turned away from voting.
- If you go to the wrong precinct on Election Day or have a problem at the poll, you may vote with a provisional ballot.
Dates October 20th - November 5th 1:00pm: One-Stop Early Voting (Early Voting) November 8th - Election Day (6:30am - 7:30 pm)
OPINION
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 8
YOUR VOICE: Why didn’t you choose a HBCU? “I come from a small town and I wanted to go to a big school, so that was one of the main factors. I wanted to get out of the small town life. And I feel like going to an HBCU would not provide that as much as a white school. Even though they’re good schools and what not, I just like the big state school and the big city and more opportunities.” -Caslee Sims, a senior majoring in communication and media with a journalism minor.
“After visiting NC State University during African American Visitation Day, I knew NC State was the school for me. Myself, and my family, were welcomed with open arms from the student body to the staff and faculty. Dr.Monica Leach served as my diversity coordinator as an undergraduate student in CHASS, and during Visitation Day she answered all of my questions and concerns without judgement. NC State students were engaging and friendly! I was accepted to many schools, HBCUs and PWIs, and left campus that day knowing that I was meant to be a wolfpack student for life! I sent in my confirmation to attend as soon as I got home.” -Courtney Simpson, Director of Student Support Services
“I ask myself this question everyday! A&T was such a good option, but there are some limitations going to an HBCU verses a PWI because they give us more opportunities with our majors and diversity. And truth be told, they do get more funding from the school so we kind of have better opportunities given that we’re such a minority on campus.” -Shadia Garrison, junior, international studies
“When I applied and decided to attend NC State, it was because State was the only university to offer my major of interest, meteorology, in NC. Now, more schools in NC offer the degree, but that was not the case when I was a student. When I graduated with my bachelor’s of science degree in meteorology, I was the first black female to earn the degree from NC State. That had a significant impact on me, and I decided to study the intersection of science and diversity in graduate school. I now work at NC State because I care about this university working to become a more inclusive and welcoming place. I want students who are like me, underrepresented in their field of study, to know that they have someone they can turn to who will support them. I want to share with students the strategies I utilized to be successful at a predominantly white institution. And I want to work with my colleagues on campus to empower all students to look at areas of inequity and fight for change.” -Dr. Jamila Simpson, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student Services
“It was because it would allow me to get out of my comfort zone. Being at an HBCU, obviously that’s comfort there. Being at a PWI, it’s like that’s the job force that I want to go into after college. Being an engineer, all you see are people that don’t look like you. And so I need to be able to see myself in that environment. Making sure that I can handle that in college will help prepare me for my future.” -Jasmine Rouse, freshman engineering, mechanical intent
“So for my undergrad I attended and graduated North Carolina A&T State University, and greatly enjoyed my experience. It was great to be surrounded by my culture, and it was liberating to know I was always accepted no matter where I was on campus…I did not specifically choose not work at an HBCU, but rather NC State provided an immediate opportunity to do the things I really found integral, which was work in higher education and be back home…I would encourage all students of color to consider the HBCU experience, as it did wonders for me as a young developing adult, and is partially responsible for the confidence that I carry with myself today. ” -Bradford Hill, Academic Success Coordinator for Trio Programs, SSS/STEM
OPINION
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 9
Does your costume help suppress a race? Cultural appropriation is a hot topic right now. Every week it seems like there is someone on the news either for misrepresenting a culture, or attacking someone they believe is appropriating a culture. There is a big debate on what exactly cultural appropriation is and why it is such a big deal. BRIANNA LLYOD Recently Marc Jacobs made Correspondent headlines because of his show during New York Fashion Week. Jacobs had his models wear faux locs down the runway. The issue with this though was that majority of his models were white. People were upset that he was using a part of black culture and not even featuring black models in his show. Jacobs has a huge platform that he could have used to spotlight another culture, but instead just used the parts he liked and forgot about the rest. I think my biggest issue with the whole ordeal was his response. “All who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race or skin color wearing their hair in any particular style or manner ... funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair. I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don’t see color or race, I see people.” There is a difference between white people wearing faux locs, and black women straightening their hair. Black women have been told for years that what naturally grows out of our head is unkempt and ugly. Black women began straightening their hair as a part of cultural assimilation. People of color are told from a young age what they have to look like, and how they have to act to be a part of society. On September 15th, a federal appeal court ruled 3-0 that employers can refuse employment and fire people for certain hairstyles. The hairstyles that came up are traditionally black hairstyles such as dreadlocks. A court has basically
given employers an easier way to discriminate. This shows the bigger issue of cultural appropriation. Marc Jacobs can think the hairstyles are trendy, but when a black person wears them they’re inappropriate. Why is Kylie Jenner praised for wearing braids, but when you see a black man wearing braids you assume he’s a thug and does drugs? Marc Jacobs may claim to not see race, but sadly the rest of the world does. People of color do not have the time to say we are colorblind. Cultural appropriation just helps perpetuate stereotypes that are currently
“People of color are told from a
young age what they have to look like, and how they have to act to be a part of society. ” plaguing our society, and these same stereotypes make people fear certain groups even more. Another example is the fraternity party that happened last year at NC State. Theta Chi had a party that was CMT vs BET, where a white male student posted a picture wearing a bandana across his mouth and was throwing up a hand sign, while his friend had on a plaid shirt. My problem isn’t the the fact that he was wearing this outfit, it’s that this is what he thinks when he hears black. Cultural Appropriation is part of a bigger issue. It shows what people really feel about other cultures. That frat and people all over this country think of black people as thugs, criminals, and gangsters. Recently, even Disney has had a problem with cultural appropriation. They released a picture of a halloween costume meant to promote their new movie Moana. The costume was basically another layer of skin
the a color similar to Samoan people with the traditional tattoos. This caused a huge uproar. Not only were they letting children be another color, but they were demeaning tattoos that play a significant role in another culture. Most
“People of color do not have the time to say we are colorblind.” of the tattoos were random, but some were actual tattoos used by the Samoan people. The problem is that for people of Samoan descent it means something, and making it a costume strips away all of the importance of them. Halloween is fast approaching and we all know that means people wearing inappropriate costumes and people airing their opinions about it on social media. The big debate is what is inappropriate, and if people are overreacting. Everybody has different opinions about it. Jackie Parsons, a student in the first year engineering program, says, “It doesn’t bother me because America has always been such a melting pot of cultures...I think as long as people aren’t disrespecting other cultures then it’s fine.” Sabrina Peverly, a first year student in the life sciences program, said, “There is a very thin line between respectfully appreciating...or claiming that culture as your own when you are not a part of it. It bothers me immensely.” That’s where it’s hard to draw a line. My problem isn’t people just wearing a Native American costume for halloween. My problem is that the same people who wear that costume, probably don’t care about the Dakota Access pipeline. People want to take little pieces of a culture, but don’t want to help protect that same culture. Where does appreciation stop and appropriation start?
OPINION
wednesday, OCTOBER 19, 2016 | 10
Discussions on domestic violence October is the awareness month for many things. One of which is domestic violence. The timing of Domestic Violence Awareness Month colliding with Donald Trump’s antics as well as The Lifetime biopic kenton Gibbs “Surviving Compton: Dre, Staff Writer Suge & Michel’le” couldn’t be more coincidental. Trump’s comments as well as those of his accusers got the conversation started. The movie blew the lid off the conversation about domestic violence. As usual, there are people on every side of this argument. The only possible defense for Trump’s comments were that they took place 11 years ago. With Andre Young, who performs under the moniker Dr. Dre, many people in the Twitterverse instantly came to attack him, while some said that they simply didn’t believe Michel’le’s claims. There’s one problem with the defense that Trump’s comments took place long ago. Yes, Trump’s Access Hollywood comments were given 11 years ago. How-
ever, 11 years ago Donald Trump was 59. If after 59 years of living, he thinks sexual assault is okay, I highly doubt his stance has changed over another 11. Furthermore, it isn’t “locker room talk.” I played sports from the ages of 4 through 21 and never once was forcibly grabbing women by their genitals made into a joke. The sad part about the Michel’le non believers is that there is verifiable evidence that Young did hit women. This evidence includes a 2015 apology issued from him to the “three women he hurt” in a 2015 New York Times article. The movie may have dramatized or embellished certain incidents, but it also might have been a proper depiction. Regardless of how prevalent this abuse was or was not, the fact of the matter is that it occurred. If he hit any woman one time, he committed this heinous act one time too many. The defenses that have been offered up for Young as well as many other woman beaters are truly repulsive. The most common defense I hear is that she should have left as soon as it happened the first time. Phrases like “Once a victim, twice a volunteer” shows that the
victim-blaming attitude is all too common. At what point does it become okay to hit a woman? It is beyond repulsive to become desensitized to domestic abuse because a woman makes the choice to not leave the man who hit her. An action isn’t made okay because of someone’s belief that their partner will change. The “nerve” of these women believing in the decency of men that they trust to love and protect them. Another problem that is more specific to the black community in America is the idea that “it’s none of my business.” In the aforementioned movie, Young was depicted as abusing her publicly without fear of repercussion. He did not hesitate at the thought that one of his fellow N.W.A. members could physically stop him. He was also so confident no one would call the cops that he was frequently abusive in public. The worst part of the “none of my business” mindset is that we choose what is our business to speak on in other people’s lives. Many people make who’s sleeping with whom and whether or not people’s designer clothes are real their business. But another person’s physical, mental, and emotional
abuse is no ones business. Seems as though we have our priorities misplaced by a bit. Lastly, I feel the need to let all men know this tiny detail. Women should not be protected and cared about based on our connection to them. Many members of the GOP stopped supporting Trump and in their statements about this disavowal they said something like, “As a father of 3 daughters” or “As a husband of 24 years”. I guess if you’re single and daughterless what Trump said is supposed to be okay. I’m offended, disgusted, and repulsed as a human being. Not as an uncle to three nieces or a son of 21 years. These men have not created sexual assault apologists or misogynistic lines of thought, they have only done a superb job of exposing the fact that these already exist. **The Nubian Message would like to encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence, regardless of gender, to seek help immediately. InterAct of Wake County has hotlines open 24 hours a day to victims of domestic violence they can be reached toll-free at 866-291-0855. NCSU’s Sexual Violence Helpline is 919-515-4444.**
fore they spoke on it. Take TI for example: Rapper and actor TI has been extremely outspoken on issues revolving around race. He has even released an EP entitled “Us or Else” with racism as the focus. He is a thoughtful man who takes into account what’s going on in the world outside of his own. He has done research on the trends of people most likely to be targeted by police, and that shows whenever he speaks on these topics by showing the information that he has learned. He gives me hope that we can actually look up to our celebrities, but quickly I’m met with the somber reality that not all of them actually care for their less rich counterparts. One perfect microcosm of the self-absorbed and rich celebrities is Floyd Mayweathers. Once again, I don’t have a problem with his positions on these problems. It’s his explanations that are feckless and repulsive. Retired boxer turned promoter, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, was recently quoted as saying, “What I learned from boxing which everyone can take in life is follow directions. Follow order and don’t give nobody a hard time.” He went on
to talk about how we call cops when crime is committed against us, until he was asked about Colin Kaepernick. He then went on to say “Kaepernick needs to focus on getting the starting job, stand up and get the starting job.” Well there’s a few problems with this logic. The biggest being that Mayweather is displaying an all-too-common infatuation with order in spite of justice. This raises the very clear point that legality and morality are not interchangeable concepts. It was true when Dr. Martin Luther King said, “I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice;”, and it still holds true to this day. There are tons of examples where inhumane practices were legal and thusly created order. Next, I’d like to explore the idea that Kaepernick should “stand up and get the
starting job”. Well, simply put, even if Kaepernick lives to 100, the game of football will be over for him less than 10 years from now. But in the same scenario he’ll be a black man for every day of his life and even after he hits the grave. Even more important than just Kaepernick is the fact that intentional and systemic oppression of people of color predates the game of football. There’s also the tiny factor that the lack of accountability for law enforcement officers affects the world exponentially more than the San Francisco 49ers performance. I really am waiting to see irrefutable evidence that there’s no such thing as bias in cops or any other part of the world. I would happily listen and try to take in what’s being presented. But we seriously need to consider how long we continue to watch and support celebrities who spew toxic ramblings of uninformed thoughts.
celebrities making an impacT kenton gibbs Staff Writer
In our society, famous people are often seen as larger than life figures whose lives we want to emulate. Whether it be our favorite athletes or pop up celebrities who are famous for nothing, these people have large followings and great amounts of visibility. That’s why whatever statements they do or don’t make are so important. With such weight behind their words, any commentary they give should be well thought out. With recent events that have transpired, national conversations about racism, inequality, and police brutality are becoming popular in American discourse. That fact makes it particularly important for pressing things to be spoken about by people with the platform to reach many. However, I want to caution people about the dangers of following what a celebrity says, especially if their evidence to support a claim or stance is anecdotal and baseless. Please understand that I’m not saying all the popular people in our culture have to think what I think. I’m simply saying it would be great if they took their levels of socioeconomic privilege into mind and researched what they were talking about be-
African American Cultural Center presents
Ms. Tensie Taylor
Author of: BULLIED From Terror to Triumph, My Survival Story Tensie Taylor returns home to the Wolfpack to tell her story of survival. During October, National Bullying Month, Ms. Taylor encourages everyone to take a stand and empower youth by understanding the impact of bullying on victims and perpetrators. Everyone is welcome to hear this story of TRIUMPH. While bullying is relevant to all ages and places, this message is especially important for youth and those advocating for youth. Join us and learn how to make the world a kinder place for everyone. This program is presented in partnership with Wolfpack Outfitters. You may purchase a copy of Ms. Taylor’s book at both events.
AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
25th Anniversary 1991-2016
Tuesday, October 25 at 6 pm - 8pm African American Cultural Center Washington Sankofa Room 126 Witherspoon Student Center Author Talk and Book Signing Wednesday, October 26 at 2pm - 3 pm Wolfpack Outfitters (Lower lobby area beside Starbucks) Meet the Author and Book Signing
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event. For more information, please visit our website, www.ncsu.edu/aacc, or contact Dawn Morgan at dmmorga2@ncsu.edu
Time-honored traditions. All-new special events. This Homecoming, we’re counting down the days to our fundraising Campaign Kickoff on Friday, Oct. 28. Join us for a weeklong celebration of NC State’s past, present — and future.
EVENTS SPOTLIGHT
Actress Laverne Cox visits N.C. State
WED
Pack Howl Concert 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Catch hip-hop legend T.I. live at the newly renovated Reynolds Coliseum.
FRI
State of NC State 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hear Chancellor Woodson deliver his annual fall address at Stewart Theatre.
FRI
Campus Celebration 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Turn out on Stafford Commons for free food, music, games and NC State swag.
26 28 28
TITLE
go.ncsu.edu/redandwhiteweek