Nubian Message, Jan. 26, 2023—Into the Fray

NUBIANMESSAGE

THIS ISSUE Letter from the editor

Hey y’all,

I can hardly believe the first round of midterms are about to begin. Seriously. The semester just started.

I hope y’all are practicing self-care as the semester progresses. Maybe reading the Nubian Message is one of the ways you destress. If so, you’re really going to enjoy this issue.

Our writers cover a variety of topics. Check out our articles on New Year’s resolutions and Detty December to see how our writers view these topics. Read about our staff’s opinions, including the “Avatar: The Way of Water” movie and queer relationships. We have a range of news to read, from the NYC nurse strikes to our “Here’s What You Missed.”

As always, stop by the upcoming events and gallery section to see what’s happening on campus. Check out the playlist and “Media Summaries” to see what staff has been up to.

Hang in there!

Jaz Bryant

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.

-R. Buckminster Fuller

4 DETTY DECEMBER

A month of celebrations in Nigeria

5 POLICE REFORM

Protests against Cop City

5 WINTER WELCOME WEEK IN BSB

BSB hosts engaging events

11 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Tips to maintain your goals

The Sentinel of the African-American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.

314 Witherspoon Student Center, NCSU Campus Box 7318, Raleigh, NC 27695 office 919-515-1468

advertising 919-515-2411

online thenubianmessage.com

Editor-in-Chief

Jaz Bryant

nubian-editor@ncsu.edu

managing Editor

Ugonna Ezuma-Igwe

nubian-managineditor@ncsu.edu

Copy Editors

Jeanine Ikekhua

Jo Miller

Milan Hall

Layout designers

Abigal Harris

Milan Hall

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of Nubian Message:

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.

cover photo BY Lily McCabe / Staff Photographer Lia Han, a first-year majoring in design studies, studies for final exams with a friend (not pictured) in Talley Student Union on Sunday, Dec 4, 2022. Final exams can be written papers, sit-down exams, or large projects, depending on thte class.

Rolling Stone Rolls Into Controversy

alianna kendall-brooks Correspondent

On Jan. 1, 2023, Rolling Stone magazine rang in the New Year by unveiling its 200 Greatest Singers of All Time list. First released in 2008 as the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, the updated list has increased in size and controversy.

The magazine was first known for its coverage of rock music and politics, explaining the original list’s skew towards niche rock artists. However, since the early 2000’s, Rolling Stone has expanded its readership to younger audiences by shifting its focus to relevant pop culture topics.

According to the article, “When Rolling Stone first published its list of the 100 Greatest Singers in 2008, we used an elaborate voting process that included input from well-known musicians. The results skewed toward classic rock and singers from the Sixties and Seventies.”

In 2008, the top five artists were Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke and John Lennon. These musical giants were followed by others, such as Art Garfunkel, Sam Moore and Sly Stone – all of whom were excluded from the updated list. Rolling Stone’s 2008 methodology is currently unclear, as it defined it as a list of “the best vocalists ever, as voted on by a panel of 179 experts.”

The parameters of the 2023 ranking system are more defined than its 2008 counterpart. Although titled as The Best Artists of All Time, Rolling Stone limits their list to the past century. “This new list was compiled by our staff and key contributors, and it encompasses 100 years of pop music as an ongoing global conversation.”

Additionally, the magazine preemptively explains its exclusion of particular genres, such as opera, “our purview is pop music writ large, meaning that almost all the artists on this list had significant careers as crossover stars making popular music for the masses.”

In the new year, Rolling Stone has focused on artists' mainstream relevancy and whether their impact has maintained longevity in modern streaming. Pop music includes all genres such as rock, indie, R&B, country, among others, and is not limited to an artists’ vocal ability, or lack thereof. “What mattered most to us was originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.”

In 2023, Aretha Franklin maintained the

No. 1 spot, but is now followed by Whitney Houston, Sam Cook, Billie Holiday and Mariah Carey. Social media went into a frenzy reacting to artists like Mariah Carey who jumped from No. 79 to No. 5 in the updated list, while Michael Jackson dropped from No. 25 to No. 86. Rolling Stone has been accused of snubbing artists like Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Tony Bennett, Madonna, Nat King Cole and Dionne Warwick by failing to include them at all.

One Twitter user wrote, “Rolling Stone definitely got it backwards with this best 200 singers list. Michael Jackson is top 10 minimum and not listing Celine Dion is crazy. Who let this run?”

Pleasure P, and other musical artists, criticized the list saying Anita Baker should have been included with a few others. Rolling Stone anticipated the backlash and included a disclaimer in the list’s accompanying article, “Before you start scrolling (and commenting), keep in mind that this is the Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List. Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent.”

Vocal abilities are no longer the focal point like in 2008, but rather an artist's ability to “remake the world just by opening their mouths,” according to Rolling Stone. While controversial, the updated criteria has allowed for more diversity both musically and culturally.

Nigeria’s Burna Boy premiered at No. 179 and was cited as “the ambassador of Afrobeats as a global movement.” Israeli singer Ofra Haza, also known as the “The Madonna of the Middle East,” was celebrated for her rank at No. 186. Jungkook, member of the Korean boy band BTS, made No. 191 and is one of the only Korean artists listed. These artists, along with Aaliyah, SZA, Ariana Grande, etc., were not included in the rock-oriented 2008 list, but have now been recognized as trailblazers within their communities.

One Twitter user said, “I mean do you all realize what a big achievement being a part of Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest singer of ALL TIME around the world is?”

Rolling Stone has not responded to many of the criticisms circulating social media, falling back on its previous acknowledgement that the rankings would not be accepted by all. The magazine has not revealed whether another list will be released within the next decade.

NYC Nurse Strike Comes to an End

In early Jan., more than 7,000 nurses at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Montefiore Medical Center went on strike in response to low wages and stress resulting from the tripledemic. Protestors called for a labor contract requiring more nurses to attend to patients’ bedsides to be signed.

nadia hargett Correspondent

world-class care they’re known for, in spite of NYSNA’s strike,” Mount Sinai said in a statement. The Medical Centers criticized the union’s decision to go on strike, calling the New York State Nurses Association’s behavior “reckless.”

The nurses brought awareness to the low-staffing in hospitals and medical facilities issue, saying this was happening years before the pandemic began. Union leaders from the New York City Nurses Association have said some emergency room nurses have taken up to 20 patients at a time, and nurses personally said they’ve regularly had to manage three to four patients at a time.

Many striking nurses noted their concern was more towards the working environment rather than the wages, citing the lack of staffing as the main cause. Hundreds of unfilled positions at both Mount Sinai and Montefiore Medical heavily contributed to the problem, with Mount Sinai having over 500 unfilled positions with 3,600 working nurses and Montefiore having over 700 unfilled positions with 3,500 working nurses. Hospital administrators commonly blamed these unfilled positions on the national nurse shortage that’s been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while union leaders blame it on the lack of effort in recruiting and retaining nurses.

Additionally, nurses have highlighted the lack of safe working conditions. A Montefiore neurology department nurse, named Doreen Chulon, said to the press that nurses in her department are forced to work without breaks or time to have a meal. She also said the ratio has gone from one nurse for every four patients to one nurse for every six; this affects neurology patient care due to the confused or altered mental state patients tend to be in.

Many nurses are facing a lot of burnout and stress, especially due to the last three years of the pandemic. The union has said the overly long hours and insurmountable workload have driven working and potential nurses away.

“Our first priority is the safety of our patients. We’re prepared to minimize disruption, and we encourage Mount Sinai nurses to continue providing the

After three days of strenuous pickets and a contentious negotiation, the striking finally came to an end. The New York State Nurses Association said more than 3,500 nurses from Mount Sinai and around 3,600 nurses from Montefiore Medical reached a three-year contract agreement. Various other private hospitals reached deals with the union, including over a hundred new nursing positions and raises totaling 19% over the next three years.

Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, a Montefiore nurse of the negotiating committee, said the agreement was the first time the hospital had agreed to nurse-to-patient ratios in the emergency department. In addition, they “moved on every important issue” that the nurses on strike were emphasizing. New programs and new unspecified premiums have been implemented to help recruit and maintain nurses for Montefiore.

Nancy Hagans, the president of the New York State Nurses Association, said in a statement that the agreements are a “historic victory for New York City nurses and for nurses across the country.” She continued by saying, “NYSNA nurses have done the impossible, saving lives night and day, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we’ve again shown that nothing is impossible for nurse heroes.”

Montefiore said in a statement that it prioritized making sure nurses had “the best possible working environment, with significant wage and benefit enhancements” through the deal they reached with the union. They also wanted to minimize “disruption to patient care” by reaching an agreement with the union and nurses as soon as possible.

In Mount Sinai’s statement, they briefly said they were happy to have reached a tentative agreement and were glad the strike was finally over. They also didn’t reveal the details of the agreement. Instead, Mount Sinai commented that it was similar to those between the New York State Nurses Association and eight other New York City hospitals.

Just hang on til Detty December

"E don cast

Last, last Na everybody go chop breakfast"

These are the words that could be heard as youth gathered from all over the world in the clubs and streets of Lagos as they participated in Detty December. From the first week of December to the first week of January, the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, never sleep.

It's honestly impossible to ask Nigerian youth about their end-of-year holiday plans without them mentioning Detty December. It has easily become one of the most anticipated times of the year in Nigerian and African pop culture.

While the exact origins of Detty December are unknown, the term was introduced in 2019. Detty December a time when Nigerians and other people from the Black diaspora gather together in Nigeria to party, "chop life" and enjoy a host of activities, all-day street festivals and all-night concerts to celebrate the end of the year. While some IJGB's— aka I Just Got Backs, which refers to Nigerians in the diaspora who have just returned home— chose to return to their familial/ancestral villages in the states around Nigeria, Detty December's impact is mainly felt in Lagos.

The new influx of people is evident as Lagos becomes crowded with IJGB's. It doesn't matter whether you are going to a restaurant or a beach party, there will be massive crowds and traffic during December. Oluwatoyosi Adegunle, a representative for the Lagos hospitality brand Xenia Lifestyle, says that December has become the busiest month for reservations; they noticed a 55% increase in extended-stay bookings.

Some people believe Detty December is the result of the 2019 Lagos December Celebrations. These collective events held the record-highest number of concerts and state-promoted festivities in Nigeria at the time. Others believe its origin dates further back to the inauguration of the Calabar Carnival in 2004.

Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River, Nigeria, started the Calabar Carnival because he believed that having a month-long festival in December would boost tourism and the local economy in

the southeastern state. The Calabar festival is hosted in the capital city of Cross River State, Calabar. It is a massive display of culture that includes musical performances, food competitions, a solidarity march, street parties, fashion shows, a prestigious essay writing competition, art shows, traditional dances and masque events. The carnival has been dubbed "Africa's Biggest Street Party" or the "Pride of Nigeria" as it has become Nigeria's biggest carnival and an internationally recognized event. While many from the older generations believe that the origin goes a lot further back to the rapid boom of the Nigerian economy in the 1970s. The economic boom was due to the Niger Delta rejoining Nigeria in 1970 after the Biafran War this caused an increase in oil production after the Biafran War. Control over the lucrative oil production in the Niger Delta played a massive role in the start of the Biafran War when nine of present-day Nigeria's southeastern states declared independence

from Nigeria.

After this tragic war, the government welcomed the massive spike in oil production as it helped the country recover from the war. While the impact of this economic boom would eventually lead to a "resource curse," as it barely enhanced Nigeria's political and administrative capacity and capabilities, it did increase incomes and jobs availablity. This meant that citizens had extra money to spend amid the emergence of Fela Kuti's Afrobeats in the 1970s.

The unorganized institutions of the state and poor government management led to the massive oil revenues and extra money barely lasting as Nigeria failed to realize its full potential due to political corruption. This time around, corporate organizations and state governments have organized and come to embrace the potential economic gain from Detty December fully.

Detty December has allowed for an increased boost in tourism, enabling a

multitude of promoters to profit from shows and events that are expensive by local standards, but very inexpensive compared to performances by the same acts abroad.

Flight costs have suffered at the hands of inflation. "Ticket prices were going up every single day and within a few minutes of checking, the cost went up by another £100," says Agnes Olowogboye, a 27-yearold financial regulations consultant in London who had been monitoring flight tickets to Lagos.

International flights aren't the only ones affected. Local flights increased during December Maryann Okoli, a corporate communications expert based in Lagos, was shocked when she had to pay the equivalent of about $400 for a one-way ticket to Imo State when it was exactly half the price just a month before.

Nigeria isn't the only country that has embraced the term Detty December. Ghana now uses it to describe similar festivities during December, mostly taking place in the national capital, Accra. This is where Afronation, a festival offering a lineup packed with talented Afrobeats, hip hop, R&B and dancehall musicians, is held on Accra's beaches for a four-day party.

The beauty of Detty December is the ability of Nigeria's youth to still celebrate despite our nation struggling from rapid urbanization, lack of housing and poverty. If you look beyond the endless partying and wealth on display during Detty December and take the time to leave the all-day parties and festivals, you'll likely encounter one of the many shanty towns that appear across the city.

Celebrations are the way Nigerians cope with the chaos and precarity of Nigeria. Extravagant celebrations and functions are nothing new to Nigeria. One thing about Nigerians is that we're gonna make ourselves happy despite our circumstances. Fela Kuti famously said Nigerians have a culture of suffering and smiling.

As Detty December thrives and becomes internationally known, never forget that Nigeria started it cause "Naija no dey Carry last!"

Ugonna Ezuma-Igwe Managing Editor

Image from creative commons Musician Di'ja performing

jaz bryant Editor-in-Chief

On Jan. 21, police arrested six demonstrators at a ‘Stop Cop City’ protest in Atlanta. The arrests come after a Georgia state trooper killed an environmental activist three days prior.

The protests against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center construction began in 2021. The resulting interactions between protesters and law enforcement have been increasingly tense. On Jan. 18, a Georgia state trooper attempted to clear a ‘Stop Cop City’ encampment when he was injured. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director (GBI) stated the protester fired first and the officer shot in retaliation. The GBI has decided not to reveal the officer’s identity Footage of the interaction is not available.

The Saturday demonstration started as a peaceful march in remembrance of Tortuguita, the activist killed by law enforcement. Participants shared memories of Tortuguita, who they described as loving and caring.

Atlanta Police say the protests turned violent after 6 p.m. Civilian footage captured the damage done to buildings and police equipment. A subsection of protesters set a police vehicle on fire, smashed business windows and tagged anti-Cop City graffiti. Masked individuals lit fireworks in front of the building that houses the Atlanta Police Foundation and smashed its windows.

Different Georgia officials addressed the event. Mayor Andre Dickens stated, “We will find you, and we will arrest you, and you will be held accountable,” at a Saturday night news conference. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said several of the individuals had explosive devices. The Mayor and APD commented that many protesters were not from Georgia.

Sean Wolters, an affiliate of the “Defend the Atlanta Forest” movement, told CNN, “Why are we even talking about a few windows really, when we should be focused on the life of (Tortuguita) and what he stood for and investigating what happened to him independently?” He also stated protesters came from out of state and it is

“their constitutional right to do so.” Social media housed flyers for the protest, some reading, “Police killed a protester. Stand up. Fight back.”

Wolters states that Wednesday's killing was “indicative of a level of extreme escalation by the police.”

The protests against the Atlanta Public Training Center, colloquially referred to as ‘Cop City’, are composed of different groups and movements. The Atlanta Police Foundation’s project will cost $90 million and sprawl across 85 acres. The construction is planned in the South River forest, which Atlanta city-planners had previously agreed to protect. The plans include a K-9 training unit, a helicopter pad, a shooting range and a mock village. The city of Atlanta will rent the area to the Atlanta Police Foundation.

The South River forest is located in DeKalb County, a predominantly Black and underfunded area.Some activists state that the facility’s construction would demolish Indigenous Creek land. Others against the training center reference its potential danger to the environment. Many

atlanta: a city in A Precinct Winter Welcome Week with BSB

Black Student Board (BSB) hosted several events during Winter Welcome Week to help kick off the Spring semester. Starting off the semester with events curated to engage students to their student community for the first week.

One of BSB’s most recent events was Coffee, Culture and Collab, held in Talley Student Union. Coffee, Culture and Collab was part of a “trifecta of events during Winter Welcome Week.” The other two events were Pop N’ Pop Culture and Minute To Win It

BSB has hosted several events since the completion of Coffee, Culture and Collab on Jan. 11, 2023. That same day, BSB hosted Minute to Win It in Witherspoon Cinema. The event consisted of various mini-games where students could compete against one another to win prizes. There were musical chairs, speed unrolling streamers and tiktok inspired games. All with a DJ present to help entertain students.

BSB also hosted Beyond the Lights on Jan. 17. Students were able to play skeeball, cornhole, pong and air hockey.

Refreshments were also available for students. Students also enjoyed free giveaways that the BSB provided.

During Coffee, Culture and Collab, refreshments, such as cinnamon rolls, grapes, pineapples, water and lemonade were available for students to enjoy. Students had the opportunity to make colorful waist beads using their creative license. Whilst students made their waistbeads, they learned about their cultural significance within the Diaspora.

Students were also able to mix essential oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, tea tree oil and castor oil with the liberty of adding dried rose petals into their oils. In addition to waist beads and essential oils, BSB had board games out for students to play with their friends. Lastly, a BSB staff member took polaroid pictures of students who wanted one for keepsakes.

BSB provided all the materials needed for this event; all students had to do was show up and enjoy time spent with their friends. Students also had the opportunity to make new friends at this event. Students appeared to be open and welcoming to meeting new people.

Camilia Miles, a second-year majoring in Animal Science, attended the event with some friends. She gave her opinion to the Nubian Message..

Nubian Message: How did you hear about Coffee, Culture and Collab?

Camilia Miles: A friend had invited me to the event. She heard about Coffee, Culture, and Collab from the BSB’s instagram account.

NM: What was your experience when attending this event?

CM: The atmosphere was very welcoming and calm. I really enjoyed the music that was being played. Songs by SZA and Jazmin Sullivan really helped to set the tone. I also appreciated the amount of activities that BSB had on display. It was clear the event was really thought out.

NM: What were you most excited about when attending Coffee, Culture and Collab?

protesters think ‘Cop City’ is in retaliation to the 2020 BLM demonstrations. Residents of the area have complained about noise from the police training.

The Atlanta Police Foundation argues the training center is a necessity. They state it will boost morale and increase recruitment. Moreover, the current training conditions are “substandard.” Georgia officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp and Mayor Andre Dickens, support its construction. UPS, Wells Fargo, The Home Depot, Equifax, Waffle House and Delta Air Lines support Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

The Atlanta Police Foundation plans to proceed with the construction of the Atlanta Public Training Center. The site is disputed amongst individuals and activists. Mayor Andre Dickens says he will continue to seek legal action against those who “commit illicit activities.”

Atlanta, known as a City in a Forest, will continue to have civil unrest due to ‘Cop City.’

CM: The most exciting part for me was the opportunity to make some waistbeads. My friends were really excited to make essential oils. The activities were really engaging, which I really appreciated.

NM: Are there any events by the BSB that you are looking forward to?

CM: Yes, actually. BSB is putting on an event called Beyond the Lights that is neon themed. I am really looking forward to that.

The BSB was able to put on a successful event. Students were able to take a break from the pressures of school to just enjoy time well spent with friends. Although not many students showed up to the event, the ones that did clearly took advantage of the opportunity that was presented before them and enjoyed each other.

Coming up, on Jan. 26th, BSB is hosting Jubilee where students will have the opportunity to have some thoughtprovoking conversations with their fellow peers. This event will take place in Talley Student Union at 6 pm.

march like martin

“March Like Martin'' occured on the final day of NC State’s annual MLK Commemoration Week. Students organized to march from Stafford Commons to Harris Field, an ode to Dr. King’s March on Washington.

top left:

jermaine hudson/Staff Photographer

Members of the NC State community participate in the March like Martin event Jan. 20. This year's march theme was "Move" and revolved around asserting the need for movements.

middle left:

Jermaine Hudson/Staff Photographer

(Left to right) Members of the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Timothy Reid, a thirdyear in Business Administration, Maurice Furet, a fourth-year in Biochemistry, and D.Alex Thomas, a fourthyear in Mechanical Engineering, chant during the March like Martin event Jan. 20. This year's march theme was "Move" and celebrated the movements of the past and present that work towards eliminating injustice and equity.

bottom left:

jermaine hudson/Staff Photographer

Keynote speaker Melanie Flowers presents African American Cultural Center director Angela Gay-Audre with flowers during the March like Martin event Jan. 20. Flowers wanted to show gratitude for Gay-Audre taking on the position of AACC director in 2020.

right:

jermaine hudson/Staff Photographer

(From left to right) Dejah Headen, a second-year in Psychology, and Jaylen Jones, a fifth-year in Nuclear Engineering, holds their signs during the March like Martin event Jan. 20. This year's march theme was "Move" and revolved around asserting the need for movement.

listen to this!

playlist by Nubian Message Staff

New songs from some of our favorite artists.

Snooze SZA

Virgo's Groove BeyoncÉ

All Mine Brent Faiyaz

God Is a Circle yves tumor

In Ha Mood ice spice

baby aya Nakamura

Game Changer flavour

Body & Soul joeboy

Princess Diana ice spice

dreams baby storme

Jesus Freak Lighter blood orange

still life RM ft. Anderson .Paak

dear the mother i never knew,

My name is Leila and I just wanted to say hello. Violeta Maria Fula is the name that you might actually know. You wrote me a letter about twenty-one years ago, giving reason to the realities as to why you had to let me go.

Eighteen.

Eighteen and Pregnant.

Eighteen, pregnant, and abused by the grandfather you lived with. Eighteen, pregnant, abused, and abandoned by the man you conceived with. Eighteen, pregnant, abused, abandoned and ostracized by the city you lived in. All justifiable reasons for finding another alternative more permanent solution.

But, you decided to spend nine whole months of your life. I often find myself asking why?

However, in that letter you wrote, you said and I quote, “I want to ensure her a chance at a better future.”

So, in that journey you found “Ayudame”. Spanish, which translates to “Help Me”. The orphanage you chose, built and designed to help find me a new home.

I have all sorts of questions about the pregnancy. First, what was it like to actually be pregnant with me? Did I make you sick in the early mornings? Did I make you feel intensely without any warning?

More importantly, do you ever just sit and think of that reality? Especially around that bittersweet anniversary. The first and last day of our meeting. The day when you named me.

I still have that sweater so soft and sky blue knitted with creative love and handmade by you. You thought I was a boy, I guess my masculinity was really shining through. Maybe as my birth mother that was something you already knew. So here's my letter thanking you for a second chance at life. I am attempting to do my best and making some strides. A senior in college, but ironically will not be graduating on time. Overall I’ll give the experience around four stars out of five.

After college who the hell really knows. My heart says travel and see where that will go. Anything I accomplish you deserve the credit too, because you showed me the love of a mother that I wish I knew.

PROVENZA karol g

fighter saba ft. kaina

All the love, the daughter you slightly got to know

-Leila Ganim

2 sugar wizkid ft. ayra starr

HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED

JAz Bryant Editor-in-Chief

p&G acquires Mielle Organics

On Jan. 11, P&G announced its acquisition of Mielle Organics, a Black-owned textured hair care brand. Berkshire Partners, a previous investor, sold its stake to P&G for an undisclosed amount. As part of the deal, P&G and Mielle Organics will commit $10 million to the nonprofit Mielle Cares, which supports educational and economic initiatives in Black and Brown communities. Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, the co-founders of Mielle Organics, will retain their respective CEO and COO roles. Users of Mielle Organics are worried the transition will mean changes to the formula. However, Monique Rodriguez took to Instagram to reassure consumers that the formula would remain the same. Mielle Organics will operate as an independent subsidiary of P&G as its production expands.

Golden Globes

On Jan. 11, the 80th Annual Golden Globes Awards took place. The winners were chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Zendaya won a Golden Globe for Best Television Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Rue in “Euphoria.” The “Everything Everywhere All at Once” lead actors Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan received Golden Globes for Best Actress in a musical/comedy Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, respectively. The sitcom, “Abbot Elementary,” won three Golden Globes, including Best Comedy in the Television Series category. The show's creator, Quinta Brunson, and actor, Tyler James Williams, also won awards for their roles. Other wins include Angela Bassett for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.”

Florida Bans AP African American Studies

On Jan. 12, the Florida Department of Education rejected the teaching of AP African American History. The course was rejected because it was “historically inaccurate” and contradicted Florida state law. The letter written to the Florida College Board Partnership that runs the AP program did not cite the law it was referring to. This decision comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis passed the Stop WOKE Act, restricting the teaching of Critical Race Theory in Florida schools in 2022. The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, stated that the ban was “incomprehensible.” The Florida Department of Education says they are willing to reopen the discussion if the College Board proposes “lawful, historical accurate content.” Florida schools will continue to offer courses in European History, Japanese Language and Culture, German Language and Culture, Spanish Language and Culture and Italian Language and Culture.

Maya Moore Retires

On Jan. 16, Maya Moore, a 4-Time WNBA Champion, announced her retirement from the league. Moore, 33, announced on Good Morning America that "it is time to put a close to the pro basketball life.” She stopped playing four years ago to assist in the release of Jonathan Irons. After Irons’ exoneration, the two had a child and became married. The Minnesota Lynx initially recruited Moore in 2011, where she led them to four championships in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. She also has two Olympic gold medals. When asked about retiring Moore said, she wants “to continue to be present at home, for our community, and also doing work with our nonprofit -- hangin' it up.”

Greta Thunberg Arrested

On Jan. 17, German police detained climate activist Greta Thunberg. The interaction took place near the German village of Lüetzerath. Thunberg and others were protesting the planned demolition of a town to build a coal mine. Christof Hüls, the police spokesperson, says that the protesters broke through a police barrier towards an unsecured coal pit. She addressed the incident on Twitter by saying, “Yesterday I was part of a group that peacefully protested the expansion of a coal mine in Germany. We were kettled by police and then detained but were let go later that evening.” German authorities released Thunberg after performing an identity check. The protest is ongoing.

French Workers Striking

On Jan. 19, over a million workers went on strike in France. The protests started in response to President Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. He says that the reform is necessary to keep the pension system viable, especially as life expectancy in France increases. French people are eligible for retirement after working a specified amount of years. Many French individuals who take time off will have to work more years. France’s eight biggest unions participated in the demonstrations. Police have so far detained 30 protesters. Some French unions suggest a higher tax on the wealthy and higher payroll contributions from employers. Unions are calling for another strike on Jan. 31.

NUBIAN SUGGESTIONS UPCOMING EVENTS

The Intruder (2019)

Eleanor Saunders / Correspondent

Streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and more, The Intruder follows Scott and Annie Russell as they buy their first house together. The house is situated on a beautiful piece of land that is well taken care of. The house itself is the envy of the town. Charlie Peck, the previous owner of the house, helps the Russell family move in, but there is more to Charlie than what meets the eye. Moving from the city to a rural town, Scott and Annie face a life changing challenge as they settle into their new home.

Flatbush Misdemeanors (2021)

Jaz Bryant / Editor-in-Chief

Flatbush Misdemeanors follows the daily life of down-on-their-luck friends. Dan, an underappreciated teacher, took in Kevin, a struggling artist. The two friends grapple with finding success and love in the neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. Zayna rounds out the cast as an underachieving student who only knows how to hustle and Drew, her drug-dealing uncle who takes care of her. The comedy, created by Dan Perlman and Kevin Iso, captures the essence of being young and inspired. Each line is shocking, titillating and humorous.

Songs in The Key of Life by Stevie Wonder (1976)

Nadia Hargett / Staff Writer

Stevie Wonder’s eighteenth studio album, “Songs in The Key of Life,” is an iconic soul and R&B Motown masterpiece that features some of Wonder's most famous songs, including “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Sir Duke,” and “As” among many others. Even 45 years after its release, it’s still held as an iconic display of musicality. With 21 songs making up its tracklist, there isn’t a shortage of music for you to listen to from this album. With its joyous melodies and heartfelt lyrics, you’re sure to find yourself ascending at the sound of this masterpiece.

Play with the Changes by Rochelle Jordan (2021) Micah Oliphant / Staff Writer

Rochelle Jordan’s debut studio album gives way to a new generation of house music. Jordan’s 12 track album provides the audience with a captivating and cohesive mix of U.K. dance/electronic and Chicago house. The album experiments with emotions and feelings, both romantically and in terms of her art. It’s a great testament to how Rochelle has grown within the industry and how she has found her voice, especially in the opening track ‘Love You Good.’ Jordan expresses vulnerability and the longing for someone in songs like ‘All Along’ and ‘Next to You.’ The songs ‘Already’ and ‘Count It ’ are about Jordan declaring her independence, staying true to herself and not settling for just anyone. Jordan's vocals, her ethereal tone and outstanding production make this work an easy listen.

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

ASSOCIATION OF LATINO PROFESSIONALS FOR AMERICA (ALPFA)

INTEREST MEETING

Nelson Hall Room 1212

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6:00 pM

BSB

JUBILEE JANUARY

TSU 4280

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7:20 pm

MU XI CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA

SORORITY, INC.

ZETA GAME NIGHT

Witherspoon 356

Friday, Jan. 27 | 5:00 - 9:00 pm

NCSU LIBRARIES

FEMME GAME NIGHT

Game Lab - Hunt Library room 3201

Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm

ETA OMICRON CHAPTER OF ALPHA

PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

POLAR PLUNGE FUNDRAISER

Original TV Poster

Original Film Poster

Original Album Cover

Original Album Cover

The “De-yassification” of Queers

It’s sad to say, but heteronormativity has the queer community in a tight chokehold and has yet to let go.

Heteronormativity, as described by the European Institute for Gender Equality, is the idea that heterosexuality is the norm, natural and is preferred in society compared to homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, etc. Within heteronormativity comes gender roles placed onto individuals based on their assigned gender at birth. This still occurs despite us entering a generation where gender is becoming deconstructed and society’s understanding of gender expression is beginning to expand. So, why is heteronormativity still affecting the queer community and queer relationships?

While scrolling on TikTok, I came across a video from one of my favorite creators, ‘vzus’, commonly known as Venus on social media. Venus posts videos about her life within the ballroom community, a subsection of the community that creates a safe space for Black and Latino queer individuals to express themselves through dance and competitions.

Venus often responds to comments she receives on her videos, which was the type of video I stumbled on. She was responding to a comment regarding someone not understanding how she could be in a relationship with her girlfriend who happens to be a trans-woman. Venus responded to this comment in a now deleted video, stating something along the lines of, “It’s almost as if you can’t fathom women dating someone of the same gender, even if they are trans.”

While the gender and sexual orientation of the original commenter is unknown, there were queer individuals in the comment section agreeing and making similar claims. While expected by society, it’s alarming and downright awful that some individuals within the queer community are still unable to let go of the conditioning of heteronormative society. It’s painful to see how closed-minded and limited we are as a community.

Society has come to an understanding that it is somewhat acceptable for women to date other women. However, it seems as though people are still having trouble

differentiating between gender expression and sexual orientation. I believe trans people aren't seeking gender reassignment to escape the gender roles put onto them at birth; instead they are seeking an identity and life that has felt true to them, but not given to them. The idea that trans individuals should not date people of the same assigned gender at birth is harmful rhetoric and sets society back another several decades.

We are in a generation where gender identification doesn’t affect someone's sexual orientation, as shown by many trans and queer individuals.With more trans creators stating they are dating people of the same gender, and some of their partners being trans themselves, it brings up the question of why the queer community strives to come as close to heteronormativity as we can.

In my opinion, I see this is heavily within homosexual men, with some gay men having a bad habit of putting labels on everything and everyone. They tend to try and assign certain attributes of someone's personality into a box, which is then often applied in sexual advances. Tops and bottoms are a couple of the many labels that gay men tend to put on one another. Tops usually refer to a more masculine and muscular man, a deeper voice, taller, not “feminine” and more sexually dominant. Bottoms often refer to men who have more “feminine” personalities, a smaller frame and are often more sexually submissive. Within the “bottom” category are other labels such as twink, which has somehow

turned from a harmless insult within the gay community into a condescending slur often used by straight women towards gay men.

Regardless, some queer men claim that these labels are effective. However, they can be destructive to the community, especially to young gay men just entering the community and still trying to figure out what they are themselves. Queer men will create these labels in order to categorize individuals within the community, so that it makes it easier for them to select who they want to romantically or platonically pursue. However, by doing this, they’re creating a metaphorical checklist and checking off boxes of characteristics that commonly appear in men who identify with these labels. This in turn makes it harder for men who don’t check off most, if not all, of the boxes in these list of characteristics and makes it impossible for them to find companionship. You can read more about this on Evolve Treatment.

Subjecting certain body types to specific labels is damaging to the queer community conscious, especially when it seems as if your specific body type isn't what others are looking for. Labeling gay men with a more “feminine” personality as bottoms/ twinks and then neglecting them when it comes to romantic advances just shows the amount of internalized homophobia and femmephobia the gay community continues to exude. Not to mention the level of borderline racism and fatphobia within the community as well, but that’s another conversation for another article.

The queer community sometimes makes it harder for individuals to find love in a world where gay people are killed for being loved.

While gay men labeling other gay men in the community based off of characteristics don't directly seem to be contributing to a heteronormative society, it is. You are trying to create a binary in a community that's whole purpose is to stray away from that. By having labels like twink and top, the queer community puts limitations on who they can love.

While there is a struggle for eradicating heteronormativity within the queer community, there are a lot of efforts being made to highlight different queer relationships on the big screen.

HBO is doing a great job at this, with characters like Leighton Murray from the Sex Lives of College Girls and Monet de Haan from the 2022 reboot of Gossip Girls. Both of these characters are feminine lesbians who are attracted to other feminine lesbians, which is something that I had yet to see on screen.

The lesbian community often falls victim to gender binaries; usually romanticizing femmes being in relationships with studs, more masculine leaning black women. So, being able to see two main lesbian characters on two different shows be not written characters to date a "butch" woman who is was a breath of fresh air, and reminded me that although we still have a long way to go as a community, we are slowly making progress in the right direction.

Queer relationships should not have to mimic straight relationships. There doesn't have to always be a feminine figure and a masculine figure within a relationship to make it “normal.” For Christ's sake, we aren’t “normal.” For our entire lives, we have learned that people like us are descendents of Lucifer and are not normal. That we were not what God intended, and my favorite, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” So, why do we try so hard to fit into the norm? We should encourage others to open their minds, truly follow their hearts and stop making it a point to limit themselves to who we decide to love.

micah oliphant Staff Writer

image form creative commons Intersex-inclusive pride flag

avatar does it again

it also promotes the white savior mentality often seen in films.

New Year, New Me

Alianna Kendallbrooks Correspondent

Director James Cameron has not been shy in revealing what inspired him to make the highest-grossing film of all time, “Avatar” and its sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Cameron said in an interview, "Avatar very pointedly made reference to the colonial period in the Americas, with all its conflict and bloodshed between the military aggressors from Europe and the indigenous peoples...It's not meant to be subtle."Amassing almost two billion dollars in revenue since its release, the films' recreation of Americas violent colonial period in has proved profitable – but not ethical.

The first film is set in a futuristic world where humans have depleted Earth’s resources. In search of more, they travel to Pandora – a lush moon inhabited by a local tribe called the Na’Vi. The military along with the protagonist, Jake Sully, infiltrate Pandora by transferring their consciousnesses into hybrid clones of the Na’vi, called Avatars. After losing his way in the forest Sully meets Neytiri, a Na’Vi woman, and he falls in love with her and her culture. Along with other Avatars, Sully decides against exterminating the Na’Vi and embodies the white savior trope by defeating the colonizing corporal in the third act. In the end, Sully remains on Pandora to become chief of the Na’Vi tribe. “Avatar: The Way of Water” picks up over a decade later with Sully’s avatar rocking locs as he attempts to save his family from his fellow colonizing earthlings, again.

Both films are reminiscent of European colonization and the brutal genocide of Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. While Cameron offers a more optimistic alternative in which the Na’Vi people are able to defeat the imperialists with Sully’s help, the film is unable to transcend tired tropes. “Avatar: The Way of Water” crosses the line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. By inhabiting the bodies of the Na’Vi people, we once again see the commodification of Indigenous people’s bodies as was seen during colonization and slavery. Furthermore, the Na’Vi are predominantly played by white actors– aside from Zoe Saldana. The lack of representation is not just a glaring contradiction to the film’s source material,

The protagonist, Jake Sully, manages to save the Na’Vi people with sheer military genius? Not only does it lack logistical sense, it paints a false image of white people as the savior of Indigenous people when in reality it's the exact opposite. ‘Avatar’ follows behind other Disney movies, such as Pocahontas and the Legend of Tarzan, by perpetuating white savior tropes within the subtext of colonization. Crystal Echo-Hawk, president and CEO of IllumiNative, says “It’s a level of arrogance once again that a White filmmaker can just somehow tell a story that’s based on Indigenous peoples better than Indigenous peoples ever could.”

In 2010, Cameron joined the Xingu people in the Amazon to fight against a dam project and spoke about how the experience related to Avatar. “This was a driving force for me in the writing of Avatar – I couldn’t help but think that if (the Lakota Sioux) had had a time-window and they could see the future… and they could see their kids committing suicide at the highest suicide rates in the nation… because they were hopeless and they were a dead-end society – which is what is happening now – they would have fought a lot harder.”

Cameron’s heart may have been in the right place in protesting the construction of a dam in the Amazon, but his comment is victim-blaming and ignorant. Once again, Cameron crossed the line.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” has reignited conversations about what distinguishes cultural appropriation from cultural appreciation. Although Cameron strives for cultural appreciation, Sully has a parasitic relationship with his environment and his ignorance endangers both the Na’Vi and Metkina people. The production of the film itself is unrepresentative of the Indigenous cultures it appropriates and it seems Cameron prefers complacency over apologies.

Cameron responded to criticisms in an interview with Unilad, “It’s not up to me, speaking from a perspective of White privilege, if you will, to tell them that they’re wrong,” he said of his critics. “It has validity. It’s pointless for me to say, ‘Well, that was never my intention.”

Cameron plans to make three more sequels and further profit off the film's depiction of colonization. Will you be watching, or will you be boycotting?

“New year, new me.” Right? Speaking with friends and family, there are mixed feelings about this quote. Some believe going into the New Year with new resolutions is a waste of time, while others write theirs down and go into detail about everything they want to accomplish.

I’m going to help those who write down their New Year’s resolutions down to accomplish those goals. I also hope to encourage their who don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions to give them a shot. How do I plan on doing this? By providing tips on how to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions. I generally don't make resolutions but this year was different. It's necessary to make a change when you aren't getting your desired results. Albert Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” New Year's Resolutions are an attempt to break that repetitive cycle.

Another way to help maintain your New Year’s resolutions is by using applications, like DONE, can help you create and maintain your resolutions. According to the Done website, “Done helps you create healthy routines by helping you set goals, tracking your progress, and then motivating you with streaks/chains, all in a simple, clean, package.”

This app, that’s marketed as easy and convenient, can assist you in accomplishing your goals by keeping you on track. To achieve your goals, it is important to create a healthy routine. According to Northwestern Medicine, routines can “help you manage stress more effectively...sleep better...eat healthier...get active.”

Personally, I love routines and schedules. They allow me to be more productive and structured. Using an application, such as Done, has helped me to make sure that I accomplish everything that I set out to do in the day.

Done has the ability to not only help with goals for today but also help you monitor your future goals. The application also automatically syncs with your health app in your phone, so you do not have to transfer all that information over. These are just some of the advantages of using an application like Done.

My last tip is a simple one: Eat healthily and sleep well. Taking care of your body is essential to accomplishing any goals. As a college student, I know how hard it can be to eat three times a day and go to sleep on time, so here is what you should do.

So, what can you use to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions? A vision board. According to Brigett Ealy in Oprah Daily, a vision board is a “visual representation of your goals.” Typically poster-size, vision boards include images and text that illustrate your goals. You can get these images and text from virtually anywhere– the Internet, Pinterest, magazines and newspapers are a few examples. Your creative license is limitless. One way to be accountable is to have a vision board night. Creating vision boards with you and your friends is a great way to start the year off. Surrounding yourself with people working towards accomplishing their goals will help encourage you to achieve yours.

If you're having difficulty finding balanced meals, the dining halls offer healthy options. There are a variety of options and the staff is really nice. The dining halls also accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

Sleep has been important since the dawn of time. According to the CDC, in order to wake up refreshed in the morning and ready to start your day, we need seven-plus hours of sleep per night. And who doesn’t love to sleep?

Hopefully, with these tips, you will be able to accomplish whatever you put your mind to this year. Happy New Year!

Eleanor Saunders Correspondent

“ It's necessary to make a change when you aren't getting your desired results. ”

"Flash By Jo Miller"

Flash depicts a posing model who is spotlighted as cameras flash. Reference photo is of Senegalese Fenton model, Aly N’Diaye.