NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | wednesday, SEPTEMBER 21 2016
A LOOK AT DR. KING’S LEGACY
wednesday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 2
Letter from the editor
THISISSUE 3 SAAC WEEK A look at their upcoming events.
3 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Hey family, In the wake of injustices we oftentimes look toward leaders in our community for direction. As a student of color I appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of individuals like Dr. King. However, I feel that in an effort to become more appealing to the masses, we have disrespected the legacy of leaders like Dr. King by making
them palatable. The words and ideas of trailblazers like Dr. King and Langston Hughes did not always go down smoothly. In fact, they were met with contention and conflict. While words like “Let freedom ring” sound great and aid us in bringing everyone together, let us not forget other words of Dr. King like “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” In recognizing some of our most famous leaders, it is imperative that we also recognize the influence of leaders on our own campus. The faculty and staff of NC State is full of black trailblazers. For the rest of the semester, be on the lookout for Blackademics, a series featuring faculty and staff of color. From a history professor all the way to the staff of Clark Dining Hall and everywhere in between, we will be introducing you to the black faculty and staff on campus. In this issue you’ll find a feature piece on Preston Keith, the new assistant director of the GLBT Center. This series is designed to help our readers learn more about the people that look like us. Representation is extremely important and in times like these it will be helpful to know people on campus that are outside of your peer group but can still relate to your experiences as a person of color. As always, continue to be great and to lean on each other, but know that there are other faces for you to look to as well. Practice self care and hold tight to the idea that we can and always will overcome. Be blessed, Stephanie
A preview of upcoming cultural events.
4 EXPERIENCING KING
A deeper look into King’s life with poetry.
5 DR. KING’S WORDS
How picking select quotes changes the message.
6 MEET PRESTON KEITH A look at Preston Keith and the GLBT center.
7 U.G.L.Y. CLOTHING LINE A brand redefining the word ugly.
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 PHOTO BY SINDY HUANG| CORRESPONDENT
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.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 3
news
SAAC WEEK PROMOTES POLITICAL AND CULTURAL AWARENESS
keilah davis staff writer
The Society of Afrikan American Culture (SAAC) will host its annual SAAC Week September 19th through 23rd. “We want our NC State family to come away with knowledge about the African American community that can enrich their understanding of our community and culture,” says Malik Zeigler, a junior studying political science and co-president of SAAC. SAAC Week is a week-long event featuring daily educational and interactive programs. SAAC Week is an old tradition of SAAC but it has been revived by the organization in recent years. “My biggest personal goal for the week is for students to take what is presented at events and take it to their classes so the conversations can continue,” says Zeigler. SAAC partnered with African American Textile Society, Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Mu Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to sponsor these events. While some of the events are similar to last year’s list, Ziegler says that even returners will learn something new.
“The political event this year will make people think more than it did last year. Last year was geared towards informing people about candidates but this year is about understanding the system that is being used to disenfranchise African Americans.” Earlier this week, The Race to the White House event was held on Monday, Sept. 19. It was designed for students to learn about the political disenfranchisement of African Americans. “Class” is in Session: The Lookbook which happened on Tuesday was an opportunity to see the importance of presentation to our success. Still to come are the R.A.C.E. Project, this evening, Wednesday, September 21 at 7p.m. in Witherspoon 356 will examine the environmental, systemic, and economic racism that African Americans face in America and the Microaggression Workshop, Thursday, September 22 at 7pm in Witherspoon 356, is an interactive workshop that will help students understand microaggressions and their impact in our society. The week will conclude with the Back to School Edition of the Talley Party DJed by NC State’s very own DJ JayP and NC State alumni DJ Fredo. It
will be held in Tally Ballroom from 10-2p.m., and students must have their IDs to attend. For more information, follow SAAC_NCState on Instagram and Twitter.
“The political event this year will
make people think more than it did last year. Last year was geared towards informing people about candidates but this year is about understanding the system that is being used to disenfranchise African Americans” -Malik Zeigler,
Junior studying political science, co-president of SAAC
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: CELEBRATING CULTURE, LIGHTING THE FUTURE ANAHZSA JONES managing editor Sept. 15 was the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. NC State celebrates Hispanic Heritage month by hosting a series of events and workshops designed to increase student’s cultural competence, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Culture, Lighting the Future.” “Hispanic Heritage month is a month that was created to celebrate hispanic and latino Americans and their contributions to the united states, so similar to why black history month was created. It’s the same idea,” said Leah Young, assistant director of African American student affairs in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). This year Hispanic Heritage month was kicked off by “Woke Brown Girl: A Postcolonial Conversation About Upholding a Latina Experience.” The event, which was held Sept. 15th, featured a keynote speaker, Prisca Mojica Rodriguez, founder of Latina Rebels. Still to come is a film series coordinated by the Women’s Center, featuring the film “No Mas Bebes” in Tally 4210 on Sept.
21. There will be discussion about the some considering the fact that the MSA movie and issues of reproductive justice. does not have a director of Hispanic Another important event is “The Rise of and Latinx affairs. But Young said,“Just Latinx: Striving for because there isn’t Inclusion within “Just because you’re a person someone in the office Gendered Lanthat specifically idenguages,” hosted by of color doesn’t mean that tifies with that culture the GLBT center a professional staff you’re culturally competent” as on Sept. 27, where member doesn’t mean Preston Keith, assisthey’re not, or at least tant director of the knowledge-Leah Young, somewhat, GLBT center, will able about the combe talking about the Assistant Director of African munity and the needs impact of gendered the community beAmerican Student Affairs of languages on people cause a lot of marginalwho don’t identify as male or female. ized or underrepresented populations have There will also be events centered on similar struggles. There are things that are the food and music of Hispanic Cultures. different, but they have similar challenges MSA and Mi Familia are hosting “Salsaband similar assets to their communities or” this Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7p.m. in the being on campus.” Piedmont Ballroom and Tally. University While Hispanic Heritage month focuses Dining will be sponsoring “A Taste of on celebrating and educating about HisLatin America” in Fountain Dining hall, panic culture, it is by no means limited starting at 4:30 p.m. to Hispanic or Latinx students. Students The comprehensive list of events and of all ethnicities and backgrounds are not workshops may come as a surprise to only welcome, but encouraged to attend as
many events as they can. Young emphasized the importance of all students of color participating in events like those held during the month. “It’s really easy to look at the majority population and their culture and see how they’re not as well versed in marginalized cultures. It’s really easy to pinpoint them and say ‘you need to learn more about us, you need to know about our history’ But you can’t ask anyone to do something that you’re not willing to do.” Young emphasized how much other students of color could learn about Hispanic and Latinx culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. “Just because you’re a person of color doesn’t mean that you’re culturally competent, or that you get all of it. That’s how you increase that, by seeking out those opportunities at a college campus, because that’s what college is for.” Hispanic Heritage month ends Oct. 15, so although some events have passed, there are still plenty left to come. For a complete calendar of the events, visit go.ncsu.edu/hhm
wednesday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 4
news
Experiencing King with Danny Glover and Felix Justice Carl Hintz Correspondent On Friday, Sept. 16 Danny Glover and Felix Justice performed “An Evening with Martin and Langston” in Stewart Theatre. This play was part of a series of public events titled “Experiencing King” that took place on Sept. 16 and 17. The play combined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam,” performed by Felix Justice, with the poetry of Langston Hughes, performed by Danny Glover. This play is particularly relevant at a time when Dr. King is almost universally celebrated, but some feel much of his central message is ignored or forgotten. Tierra Knight, a senior studying chemical engineering at NC State said, “He’s glorified today, people pick and choose which parts they remember. They keep the part about peace but not the part about self defense. They hold up King as opposed to Malcolm X.” Dr. Jason Miller, professor, associate head and director of undergraduate studies of English at NC State, studies the relationship between the poetry of Langston Hughes and the oratory of Dr. King. Before the show, Millar participated in a pre-show discussion about how Dr. King frequently used poems from Langston Hughes. For example, his 1956 speech, “Facing the Challenge of a New Age” draws heavily on “I Dream a Poem” by Langston Hughes. “Dr. King told Langston how often he used his poetry,” Dr. Miller said. “He personalized them, altered them, made them his own.” Chantal Lerebours a graduate student in the teacher education and learning sciences graduate program, said “As an educator, this reminded me how much we need the arts. Martin Luther King was inspired by poetry.” In his performance, Felix Justice was particularly effective at displaying the degree of criticism Dr. King faced. “I got discouraged living every day under threat of death and constant criticism,” Justice said while he was portraying Dr. King.
Chyra Savage a first year student studying engineering at NCSU who attended the event said, “When King was alive, part of the community didn’t respect him.” Nate Myers, a Senior studying
programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” Part of what made Dr. King an inspiration to millions, and a dangerous threat to those in power, is that he connected the struggles of black peo-
Sindy Huang/Photo Correspondent Danny Glover, an American actor, film director and political activist, portrays Langton Hughes through a series of poems on Sept. 16 during An Evening with Martin and Langston in Stewart Theater in Talley Student Union. This event was a part of Experiencing King at NC State, a weekend that aimed to illustrate the impact made by King during America’s Civil Rights Movement.
Science, Technology and Society, shared a similar sentiment. “It’s always ironic how we treat historical figures,” Myers said. “We despised them at the time, and then years later we celebrate them.” Justice’s presentation of Dr. King showed how he was and is a radical figure. According to Justice, King condemned the “evils of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism.” King spelled out the connection between racial bigotry, inequality, and war, and in words that hold equal relevance today, suggested that, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on
ple with the struggles of poor white people and went as far as to connect these struggles with those of brown people overseas. “We find these people odd who crash through the barriers of localism,” Justice said. Dr. King’s speech was followed by Langston Hughes poetry, performed by Emmy nominated actor Danny Glover. Glover performed Hughes’ Aunt Sue’s Stories, Trumpet Player, Laughers, The Bitter River, Kids Who Die and Let America be America Again. One of the highlighted passages was: “Of course, the wise and the learned Who pen editorials in the papers,
And the gentlemen with Dr. in front of their names White and black, Who make surveys and write books Will live on weaving words to smother the kids who die,” Langston Hughes, “Kids Who Die” After the poems performed by Glover there was some time for questions with the audience. Both Justice and Glover pointed to Gwendolyn Brooks as a poet who inspires them. Glover spoke of a history of young voices who have brought about change. He told the story of how the pullman porters on trains distributed radical newspapers to black barbershops and helped Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee workers in the south. Glover payed homage to radical figures such as Eugene V. Debs, Emma Goldman, Harry Bridges and Phillip A. Randolph. “We need these voices in this century. They were young voices,” Glover said. If there was one lesson to take from this play it is the importance and the power of voice. As Chantal said, “We have to realize that we do have a voice, black people do have a voice, it is joyful, it is sad, it is everyday, and we have to realize that is powerful.”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 5
opinion
Stop Cherry Picking the Words of Dr.King
As disheartened, as I am to write this, I wish people would stop quoting Dr. Martin Luther King kenton gibbs Jr., especially Correspondent if all you can remember are his messages of passivity and peace. So many people have done great disservices to his legacy by choosing what they want to say from him and deciding he said nothing else. In times like today, with massive amounts of civil unrest, Dr. King is more quotable than ever. Colin Kaepernick and his protest have brought out the exact sentiments of Dr. King. Many people who are now using his name are doing so in an attempt to pacify the anger, exhaustion and active protests against injustices toward African-Americans. Everyone loves to use “I Have a Dream” as a point of reference but not his 1963 letter written in a Montgomery prison. I believe it is because “I Have a Dream” is all about togetherness, while the 1963 letter calls white moderates the “great stumbling block” of black people in America. In his aforementioned letter from a Birmingham jail Dr. King said, “First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. 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 that “[Dr. King] changed Councilor or the Ku Klux the world through love in Klanner, but the white modthe face of hate … education erate, who is more devoted in the face of ignorance … to ‘order’ than to justice; through Jesus.” who prefers a negative peace Swinney’s comments are which is the absence of tendisturbing on so many levels sion to a positive peace which for me as a black former is the presence of justice; student-athlete in the ACC. I who constantly says: ‘I agree really do not have the proper with you in the goal you seek, amount of time to cover all but I cannot agree with your the flaws with his misquotmethods of direct action’; ing. who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for First, I must confess another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly that over the past advises the Negro to wait for few years I have been a ‘more convenient season.’” Many people that have gravely disappointed comfortably straddled the with the white fence on racial issues in America are now willingmoderate. ly exposing themselves as detractors to anything that -Dr. King, resembles equality. These are Letter from the white moderates that Dr. King spoke of. The people Birmingham Jail who agree that equality is the goal but often take exception to the actions taken for it, What I found to be the particularly when any actions greatest perversion of logic is taken for equality are not the “two wrongs don’t make first approved of by them a right” statement. In essence and anyone else that it would he was saying that both make uncomfortable. sides of the matter are doing Enter Dabo Swinney and wrong. If I follow him down Kate Upton. In a recent inter- this rabbit hole, he is saying view, Dabo Swinney, the head that Kaepernick’s kneel is coach of the Clemson Unia wrong that is measurable versity football team, said, “I against police brutality and don’t think it’s good to be a law enforcement’s ability to distraction to your team … to murder with impunity. use the team as your platform Furthermore, Swinney sayI totally disagree with that … ing there’s a time and place I just think there’s a right way is exactly what Dr. King was to do things and I don’t think referring to when he spoke of two wrongs make a right. I the man who sets the timetathink that it just creates more ble for equality and says wait divisiveness, more division.” for a better time. Fortunately He then went on to say for Swinney, he was sur-
“
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passed in demanding better timing by a series of tweets from Kate Upton. On the 15th anniversary of 9/11, Upton released a tweet saying, ‘[Athletes] have every right to protest & should stand up for beliefs. Justice system IS corrupt. Not the time during the anthem on 9/11.” Dr. King would be turning over in his grave at this. Her statement is that of a privileged white woman admitting that the justice system corrupt. She’s saying she knows that the disparities and inequities exist. However, literally one sentence later she says that the lives lost in an act of foreign terrorism over a decade and a half ago is comparable to the daily reality of black people. Particularly the part where those who swore to protect and serve citizens are abusing their power to target people of color.Upton is another white moderate whose attitude has ensured that systemic racism stays in place. Long story short, stop using the parts of Dr. King’s legacy that you like and ignoring the ones that you don’t. That means stop saying “what would Dr. King say” about all of the rioting because he actually was quoted as saying, “Riots are the language of the unheard.” That means, don’t say Dr. King changed the world through Jesus when in all reality it was untimely and disruptive protests like Kaepernick’s that resulted in change.
wednesday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 6
features
BLACKADEMICS:
Preston Keith ON Supporting every member of the pack STEPHANIE TATE editor-in-chief JESSICA STUBBS STAFF WRITER Freshmen weren’t the only ones to begin a new chapter of their lives at NC State this year. Preston Keith, the new Assistant Director in the GLBT Center in Talley Student Union, joined the NC State family on August 21. Since coming to NC State Keith has made countless positive impressions on fellow faculty and students. The native of Charleston, SC, manages GLBT advocacy programs and teaches faculty and students ways to be more aware of things concerning the GLBT community. He also advises student organizations within the GLBT Center such as AcePack, an interest group for students who identify as asexual and/or aromantic, and Queer People of Color (QPOC). Keith also co-advises the GLBT-Community Alliance. As an African American male, Keith feels that he can serve as representation for people of color in the GLBT center. “Representation matters and the fact that there are so many obstacles and barriers for people who identify differently, and who don’t have a safe space, that is the most isolating and marginalizing feeling one can go through. The center is there for support, so be who you are. Be free. There are people who carved out a space for you. Sometimes our histories can get washed away and forgotten, and it’s my job to support people. I do this to help others so that they don’t have to go through the same things that I had to go through” said Keith. Prior to working at NC State, Keith had a passion for marginalized groups
Dr. Maya Angelou, “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” Preston says “ I live by that because I’m such a positive person and you never know what other people are going through, so I try to be compassionate and understanding and just try to be that rainbow for someone else who may need it.” Keith will be working to make sure that the GLBT Center is as inclusive as possible. He wants students to know that “The GLBT Center will be taking an intersectional approach to supporting students. We will be cultivating and creating spaces affirming to all identities.”
SIndy Huang/Photo Correspondent Preston Keith joined NC State this August as Assistant Director of the GLBT Center. His jobs include advising student organizations and GLBT Center affiliates on how to be more supportive and inclusive of people of various sexualities.
and GLBT students in particular. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology, Keith went on to the University of Iowa to study higher education and student affairs. Once he graduated with his masters, Keith worked at the University of Iowa as a LGBTQ multicultural specialist. It wasn’t long before the Southeast called him home and Keith moved to North Carolina to work at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. During his time at UNC-Asheville, Keith worked as the assistant director of the multicultural student programs. This position required him to plan events for Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, and Pride Month.
His experience at programming will definitely help him in his role at the GLBT Center. Programming is one of the things that Keith is looking forward to this year. According to Keith, the programs will challenge students and faculty. “You’ll learn a lot through our systems of oppression, identity, the politosphere, and marginalized communities within the LGBT community. Just show up and be present because you’ll learn a lot! Coming soon is a program called, The Rise of Latinx. It talks about the gender identity in Latin and Hispanic countries where the language is very gendered,” said Keith. Keith will bring some of his personal attributes to his new position at the GLBT Center. He lives by a quote from
FUN FACTS: Favorite type of food: chicken parmesan Celebrity crush: Usher, Channing Tatum Favorite vacation spot: Montreal, because of the architecture and culture Favorite song : Don’t Hurt Yourself by Beyonce Influential Person: Maya Angelou
features
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 7
U.G.L.Y.: A brand with a purpose Brianna lloyd correspondent
Courtesy of U.G.L.Y.’s Facebook page
Jerald Lesane Jr. is a student studying Arts and Design at Shaw University, who is enrolled in the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges program at NC State. Lesane is also the designer behind the clothing line UGLY, a clothing brand that is meant to be more than just what you wear. When asked about the history behind the name of the line, Lesane said, “I wanted something that was going to be blunt and something that stuck out, but not something that was supposed to be accepted.” Lesane says he played around with ideas and decided he wanted to call his brand UGLY. At first UGLY was not an acronym, but Lesane soon decided UGLY would stand for “U Gotta Love Yourself ”. Lesane has always been interested in fashion. He started making clothes and was inspired to create a clothing line in primary school, but started to really design and sell clothing in middle school. When he was younger he wanted to have the latest fashions that the other kids were wearing, but his mom would
make him clothing, telling him he didn’t need to be like everybody else. Lesane was inspired by his mom’s ability to make cool clothes out of fabrics she bought. Since then, Lesane has always wanted to dress like himself, and the best way to do that was to make his own line. When asked if there were any designers or celebrities that inspired him, he responded that Pharrell Williams taught him to be himself, and that Kanye West gave him confidence and said “it was okay to be weird, because being weird is cool.” Lesane uses brands like Kid in Me and The Hundreds to challenge him, and to make him stay on top of his game. A lot of his inspiration comes from his past and he admits that he really struggled with self-confidence when he was younger. He was able to pull himself out of a bad situation and saw that he could help other people by designing clothes that promote self-confidence. Lesane sees his line as a source of confidence and self expression. “My inspiration is when someone gets the whole message of UGLY. Not when someone buys a shirt or a hat, but when they hit me up later and say they understood the message.” Lesane wants his line to be a part of his customers’ lifestyle. He doesn’t just want people to wear his clothes, but to feel good while wearing them. When asked how he would describe his line to someone not into fashion he said he would describe it as, “Comfortable as far
as feel, and comfortable with who you are.” In order to make his clothes comfortable, Lesane chooses comfortable fabrics to make his clothes. His clothes are made distinctive by his different designs which incorporate sayings such as FLY, which stands for first love yourself. These sayings and designs help to convey his message and make sure people confident in his clothing. August 23rd marks the third anniversary of his work on the UGLY brand. Lesane is currently finishing his degree and he designs for both major and local brands, but the UGLY brand is his passion. In the future,
Lesane hopes to focus specifically on the UGLY brand. Lesane’s goal is to change society’s view of the word ugly. “As long as when someone sees the word ugly and sees ‘u gotta love yourself,’ and not what the world thinks of it, then I’m happy.” Ultimately, Lesane hopes to make a difference. Lesane said, “A lot of people are looking for a change...Hopefully I can be one of those differences that can bring a little unity here. If everyone loved themselves, we wouldn’t have as many of the problems we have now.”