NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | THURSDAY, February 8, 2024
it's giving black
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Letter from the editor Howdy Y’all It’s the best month of the year, BLACK HISTORY MONTH! And the best newspaper is celebrating! February is when we choose to celebrate the accomplishments of Black people, but to me every month is Black History Month. Every month we make progress, grow and represent the people who allowed us the opportunities we have today.
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BLACK EXCELLENCE IN NC STATE ATHLETICS
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GALLERY
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ELECTION
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AMERICAN FICTION
This issue has a lot to offer! Learn about what Black History Month events are happening on Campus. Hear from and about Black students, faculty, athletes and celebrities in our features. And as always, our opinion section is guaranteed to stir the pot. We also have a lovely gallery for y’all this issue.
A few of the many excellent athletes from NC State Blackademics
The importance of marginalized communities in elections Black people in film
cover photo BY Kaela Belingon/Photo Editor Group portrait of friends and staff of Nubian Message taken at Nubian Message’s Black History Month photoshoot outside the D.H. Hill Jr. Library on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.
Enjoy your (observed) Black History Month readers! See you next issue, The Sentinel of the African-American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.
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Staff Writers
Milan Hall nubian-editor@ncsu.edu
Kaela Belingon
Austin Modlin Nadia Hargett Micah Oliphant Eleanor Saunders Alianna Kendall-Brooks Ross Emelle Senait Richmond
Managing Editor Jeanine Ikekhua nubian-managingeditor@ncsu.edu
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Copy Editors Rebecca Hernández Sydney Bowman Arria Jones Alianna Kendall-Brooks Jo Miller
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.
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News
BHM Events Black ElEanor saunders History Month Staff Writer is here! This month we celebrate Black people, culture, struggles and everything in between. This month, there are events all around campus to engage students and help them celebrate. Below are some events that you can’t miss. Black Alumni Society On Mon., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., students are invited to a Black Alumni Society Virtual Town Hall. Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Services, Dr. Don Hunt, and Division of Academic and Student Affairs Vice Chancellor and Dean Dr. Doneka Scott, will be guest speakers and will “discuss enrollment trends and opportunities for current students at NC State.” The Black Alumni Society is also hosting a Speed Mentoring and Networking Reception on Wed., Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.. This event is for “current students to meet area alumni.” There will be appetizers and a cash bar. This event is located at Dorothy & Roy Park Alumni Center, 2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC. African American Cultural Center The African American Cultural Center (AACC) is hosting events throughout the entirety of Black History Month. The AACC gave the month a theme: “Divine Hands: An Exploration of Black Spirituality, Healing, and the Arts.” The center asks us to join them as they explore “the interplay between wellness and spirituality, embracing the expressive arts as a powerful conduit.” At the AACC’s events, students and the surrounding community are welcome to “delve into various aspects of Black spirituality and the vibrant cultures of the African diaspora.” Every Friday of the month at 3 p.m., the AACC is hosting "Black History Month: Diaspora Dinners." Join the AACC in the Witherspoon Student Center, located on the third floor, as they celebrate different cultures with conversation and food. The AACC “will feature cuisine from the African continent or diaspora and engage in conversation.” The food will range from “soul food to Caribbean food,” said Adrianna Fields, a Masters in Social Work
Intern at the AACC. The food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. On Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the AACC will host the opening of the exhibition 29 Days of Healing: Black Book Blitz Exhibit. This will take place in the Witherspoon Student Center in the AACC’s Gallery on the second floor. This event will be “an interactive space where guests can pick up books from [their] collection and check them out, watch a video montage of how Black folks experience healing and spirituality through literature, art and togetherness in the community.” Finger food and hot tea will be provided. On Feb. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., the 29 Days of Healing: Black Book Blitz Exhibit will have an open mic event that will feature student performers and creatives. This event will take place in the Witherspoon Student Center Gallery on the second floor. This event will mark the end of the exhibition. Light refreshments and appetizers will be available. The Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) MSA, Black Male Initiative, Pack United and Park Shops are partnering “for a Black History Month student-led conversation.” On Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., the event, Wellness Vibes: Navigating College as a Black Student, “will allow folks to share experiences as students and as studentathletes of color and how they have found rest, community and wellness to thrive at NC State.” Students will have the opportunity to engage in a canvas painting activity and receive a free catered meal. This event will take place in Witherspoon Student Center in the AACC. Media Arts, Design and Technology NC State’s Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) are partnering with the NC State University Libraries to welcome guest speaker Dr. Mia Mask to present “Overlooked Black Narratives of the American West”. On Feb. 22, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Dr. Mask will be at the Burns Auditorium in Kamphoefner Hall. Her work was featured on several National Public Radio programs and in several documentaries, including CNN’s “The Movies.”
Black Reparations On Jan. 31 California’s Legislative Black Caucus introduced a slate of reparations bills for Black Californians. This first-in-the-nation reparations package brings California one step closer to fulfilling the long-awaited promise of restitution for Black Americans affected by slavery and centuries of racism. In recent years, California has championed the effort to turn reparations into law. In 2023, California’s reparations task force issued a 1,100-page final report to the legislature. The task force conducted two years of research on the generational damage of slavery and discriminatory practices, and ultimately developed a comprehensive reparations plan. The report included more than 200 recommendations to address the unfair treatment of Black Californians and descendants of enslaved people. It also recommended that California formally apologize for its role in enabling slavery and Jim Crow laws. The report reignited the hopes of reparations advocates, and paved the way for Black lawmakers in California to introduce the "2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package." In a recent press conference, State Sen. Steven Bradford, who was also a member of the nine-person reparations task force, said the journey to restitution will be long but worthwhile. “This is a defining moment not only in California history, but in American history as well,” Bradford said. The package includes 14 proposals that address education, civil rights and criminal justice. If approved, the proposals would provide potential compensation for property seized from Black owners, fund community solutions towards violence in Black neighborhoods and expand access to career technical education. Notably, the package does not include monetary compensation for the descendants of slaves, which is traditionally included in reparations. Assembly member Loris Wilson, chair of the Black Caucus, said in a statement, “While many only associate direct cash payments with reparations, the true meaning of the word, to repair, involves much more…We need a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism.”
Alianna Kendall-brooks Staff Writer
The 14 proposals have drawn criticism from those who think they go too far, and those who don't think they go far enough. Organizers from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, which pushed to create California’s reparations task force, have said the proposals are “not reparations.” “Not one person who is a descendant who is unhoused will be off the street from that list of proposals. Not one single mom who is struggling who is a descendant will be helped,” organizer Chris Lodgson said. “Not one dime of the debt that’s owed is being repaid.” To achieve successful reparations, in their 2023 report, the task force recommended that California pay up to $1.2 million to Black descendants. Many California state Democrats who initially supported the creation of the task force responded with unease to this recommendation. Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed the task force into law in 2020 and touted California as the first state to do so, also responded hesitantly to the task force’s estimate. “California is not as liberal as people want us to believe,” said state Sen. Steven Bradford to POLITICO following the release of the report. “When it comes to the real issue that impacts us the most, race, we’re hesitant to really buck the curve.” The only direct monetary compensation in the package comes in the form of “property takings” which, according to Bradford, would, “restore property taken during raced-based uses of eminent domain to its original owners or provide another effective remedy where appropriate, such as restitution or compensation.” Black lawmakers anticipate a battle as some of the proposals may run into legal trouble with California’s Constitution. However, despite the criticisms and challenges, California's reparations package represents a major milestone in the struggle for racial justice in America. While the current proposals may not satisfy all advocates, they reflect a shift in public awareness and political will. California's actions give hope that the unfulfilled notion of 40 acres and a mule can inch closer to reality.
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Features
an icon: ISSA RAE Senait richmond Staff Writer
Inglewood native Issa Rae has become a household name, captivating audiences with her humor and groundbreaking work. Born on Jan. 12, 1985, Rae has carved an inspiring path from her humble beginnings to becoming a prominent Hollywood figure. Issa's creative spark led her to graduate from Stanford University in 2007 where she majored in African-American Studies. In college, she honed her storytelling skills and developed a passion for creating content that reflected the authenticity she felt was lacking in mainstream media. After the success of her web series "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" in 2011, Rae gained widespread recognition for her relatable and humorous take on the Black experience. The series not only resonated with viewers but also opened doors for her in the entertainment industry. The web series inspired her 2015 memoir of the same name, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” In her memoir, Rae says “Challenge the status quo and carve out your own path,” capturing the essence of embracing individuality. In a society filled with norms and expectations, it's easy to lose oneself, however, Rae emphasizes that genuine growth comes from questioning established norms. By embracing our unique perspectives and talents, we navigate our own journeys without being restricted by societal expectations. Armed with courage and determination, we have the power to redefine the norm and open doors to new possibilities. Rae's words are a rallying cry, urging us to liberate ourselves from the confines of the status quo and lead with authenticity and unshakable confidence. Rae also co-created, wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed HBO hit series, “Insecure." The show ran for six seasons and became one of the first HBO MAX originals to stream on rival platforms Netflix and Hulu. The show explores the complexities of friendship, love and race. It garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Rae's authentic storytelling and commitment to showcasing diverse narratives made her a trailblazer in Hollywood. Off screen, Rae's unapologetic personality resonates with her young adult audience. She has been at the forefront of sparking crucial conversations about equality and
racial justice within the entertainment industry. Along with multiple Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nominations, Rae was recognized at the NAACP Image Awards and won a Peabody Award for Excellence in Storytelling and Representation. She acted in movies “The Hate U Give” and “Little” and voiced a character in the animated film “Hair Love.” Other projects she’s worked on include “Rapsh!t” on HBO MAX. Beyond acting, Issa Rae is the founder and CEO of Hoorae Media, formerly known as Issa Rae Productions. Rae actively champions projects that amplify underrepresented voices. Upon receiving the first-ever Emerging Entrepreneur Award at the 2019 Women In Film Annual Gala, Rae amused the crowd with an unexpected speech. After addressing how women are conditioned to be humble she redesigned her speech to purposefully lack humility, taking inspiration from hip-hop artists she listened to growing up. Rae addressed the audience, “Entrepreneur means: I did that shit by myself.” Then said to her team, “Y’all some suckers. Y’all stuck around me, even though I could’ve done this without you, let's be real.” She concluded with, “Entrepreneur till I die, I deserve this. Bye.” Rae's impact is unique as she shows Black women's identities in the media outside of traditional tropes. “Insecure” allows the audience to peer into the good and bad of the Black girl experience. Putting herself on display, Rae shows every part of her life even when it’s painfully embarrassing or personal. Issa Rae is the representation Black girls and women have been looking for and the media never knew it needed. As Issa Rae continues to evolve as a multifaceted talent, her journey provides inspiration for aspiring creators that even an awkward Black girl breaks down barriers in Hollywood. From her childhood in South LA to the heights of Hollywood, Issa Rae remains a force to be reckoned with, shaping the narrative and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive entertainment landscape. At the 2017 Emmys Awards, Rae declared, “I’m rooting for everybody Black,” setting the tone for a career that celebrates diversity and authenticity within the entertainment industry.
BECOMING A SOCIAL ANIMAL samuel chambers The Black experience at Correspondent
predominantly white institutions (PWI) is challenging to navigate. If you aren’t part of an organization, trying to find the right group of people can make you feel isolated among 38,000 students. Even when you’ve mastered the skills of the ‘social butterfly,’ it remains hard to establish a community when you feel like an outsider. Universities carry the responsibility of establishing strong communities that foster and care for students, faculty and staff. In a room full of white faces, Black students face a silent struggle. Being surrounded by people that don’t look similar to you can feel alienating, almost like you don’t belong. A sense of belonging is something that humanity has always craved. Social interconnectedness is crucial to our state of well-being. Community is a basic human need. So in honor of Black History Month, I decided to check in with some of our fellow Black faculty, staff and students to get their thoughts on how NC State has been helping to build and retain the Black community on campus. My first stop, of course, was the African American Cultural Center (AACC). Immediately, I was greeted with a big smile from Brionna Johnson, the AACC Library Coordinator. Johnson proudly represented the AACC, saying that everyone has the common goal of making our Black and Brown students feel safe and heard, “We’re talking about Black history, talking about world building, talking about dreaming, talking about Black futures. And it's not just during Black History month, it's all day, everyday in the AACC,” Johnson said. She expressed her gratitude for her colleagues, saying that she felt affirmed in being a Black woman because she works alongside many other excellent Black women, “There are some workspaces that you go into and you are singled out or you are other because you are the only black woman in that space.” Taking a step out of the AACC and into Talley Student Union, I met with Black students about their personal experiences with finding a community on campus. Taylor Graha, a third-year majoring in
Design, found her community with the Multicultural Design Students Association (MDSA). Although activity within this organization has slowed in recent years, Graha is looking forward to continuing in her role as an officer, facilitating the growth of relationships between students in the Design school. Building connections is not an easy task, but Graha says “we just try and connect with them just to show that hey, we’re here. If you need someone to talk to, or you want advice on portfolios, resumes, that kind of stuff.” Emoni Small, a second year studying Psychology, described her initial experiences at State as a struggle.“In the classroom it’s a lot different… trying to find people that look like you, because they might not even be there. There’s very little of us here, to be frank,” Small said. Her first year left her feeling isolated with many questions, “How do I go up to people? How do I talk to them? How do I interact with them? How do I find these clubs and organizations that have these people of color that I can relate to?” Small's questions resonated not only with me, but also with Elizabeth Njoroge, a second-year studying Arts Studies. Njoroge is currently finding her community with Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) and happy to find a place that is comforting and welcoming. However, she says that socially navigating her way through NC State has not been easy. Njoroge often pushed the limits of her comfort zone and forced herself to attend events that eventually led her to MSA. Ultimately, it was her sacrifice of comfort that led Elizabeth to grow in her identity and find a community. “It's okay for me to put myself out there, for me to join things that maybe I never considered myself wanting to do before… if anything it’s better for me.” It was truly inspiring to hear how members of the Black community at NC State have found their own community. Getting out of your comfort zone is a necessary step in having new experiences and making connections. So even if you're not a social butterfly, take the next step to become the social people that we are meant to be.
Sports
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Black Excellence in NC State Athletics Throughout the years, there have been numerous Black athletes making exponential impacts on NC State’s athletics department. If I were to sit here and name every single Black athlete who has made their mark on NC State’s athletics, this article would be longer than a J. R. R. Tolkien novel. To avoid that, I am only going to talk about a few of these remarkable athletes. To start off, I have to mention the man who is possibly the most notable athlete in NC State history: David Thompson. Thompson led the NC State’s Men’s Basketball team to its first of two NCAA Championships. His jersey number, 44, is the one-and-only retired number in NC State Men’s Basketball history. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, and the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. Commonly referred to as one of the best, if not the best, basketball players from the ACC, Thompson collected two Consensus National Player of the Year awards, as well as three ACC Player of the Year titles. He then went on to play in the professional leagues for nine seasons, dividing his time between the Denver Nuggets and Seattle Supersonics. In 1976, he received the American Basketball Association’s (ABA) Rookie of the Year title. The ABA was a second professional basketball league that countered the NBA. During his time in the ABA and NBA, he racked up an average of 20-plus points per game for six consecutive seasons, continuing his legacy of excellence. Recently, Thompson became the first ever student-athlete to have a statue built in his honor on NC State’s campus. The statue is located outside of Reynolds Coliseum and shows off his impressive 44-inch vertical leap. Thompson is posed as if he is catching an alley oop pass and from certain angles, it looks as if he is getting ready to shoot the ball into the net, represented by Talley Student Union’s Tech Tower. Moving into women’s basketball, we have another NC State Athletic Hall of Famer: Chasity Melvin. Inducted in 2014, this superstar is known for putting up incredible numbers all around the board. While playing for NC State, Melvin scored 2,042 points, got 1,020 rebounds and holds two school records for free throws. To this
Emma hamrick Correspondent
Hallie walker/Nubian Message David Thompson, NC State forward from 1972-75, smiles during the statue unveiling event outside of Reynolds Coliseum Dec. 6. Thompson is the first student athlete to have a statue on campus. Thompson is a three time ACC Player of the Year and was the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Championship game in 1974
day, she holds the first place spot for free throws, with 182 attempted in a single season and 639 over her whole career. Under Coach Kay Yow’s leadership, Melvin and the 1998 team went all the way to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament. Just like Thompson, Melvin’s jersey number, 44, has been retired and hangs in Reynolds Coliseum. In 1998, she was drafted into the American Basketball League by the Philadelphia Rage. After only a year, she moved up into the WNBA and was the 11th overall pick, drafted by the Cleveland Rockers. For 12 years, she played in the WNBA under a number of different teams, and became a WNBA All-Star in 2001. In her professional career, she kept up with her insane rebound skills, and still ranks top 20 in the WNBA for total rebounds. Today, Melvin works as a member of the Professional Sports Counseling panel at NC State, helping athletes transition from college sports to a professional career either on or off the court. We have another NC State Athletic Hall of Famer: Torry Holt. In 2013, Holt was inducted into the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame, and for good reason. Holt played for the NC State Football team from 1995 to 1998, setting record after record. His list of records, from both the ACC and NFL, is extensive. He holds records for
receiving yards, touchdown receptions, total receptions, touchdowns and more. After an amazing collegiate football career and receiving multiple ACC Player of the Year awards, Holt went on to get picked sixth overall in the 1999 NFL draft. Starting off with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots. After 11 seasons in the NFL, he played in the Pro Bowl seven times, finished 10th in all-time receiving yards, and took home a Super Bowl Championship Ring in 2000. Following his retirement from the football scene, Holt created the Holt Brothers Foundation along with his brother, Terrence, fellow NC State football star. After watching their mother battle cancer for a decade, the brothers realized the impact having a parent with cancer can have on a child. They decided to create this foundation in order to support children dealing with the same circumstances that they did. The Holt Brothers Foundation has a few different programs, but their main focus is KidsCAN!. This program helps children understand what cancer means and how to cope with their emotions. Cullen Jones is one name that would be a crime to leave off of this list. Inducted into the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018, Jones is a five-time ACC Champion. He is
the 2006 ACC Swimmer of the Year and Meet MVP and the 2006 NCAA champion in the 50-meter freestyle. And we can’t forget his two Olympic gold medals as a part of the 4x100-meter medley relay team in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. His medal in the 2008 Olympics made him the first African-American swimmer to hold a world record. He also acquired two silver medals in 2012, one for the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and one for the 50-meter freestyle. At the 2008 Olympics, Jones helped the US 4x100-meter freestyle relay team achieve a world record time, and then again the next day. The top three times for this event are all set by the US team, and the only common names on each of the rosters are Michael Phelps and, of course, Cullen Jones. To this day, Jones remains NC State's most decorated Olympian. Last, but certainly not least, we have Irwin Holmes. Back in 1956, Holmes was one of the first four Black undergraduates to enroll at NC State. When he graduated four years later with a degree in Electrical engineering, he became the first Black graduate of NC State University. Soon after enrolling at State, Irwin Holmes joined the tennis team. This was yet another set of firsts for not only NC State, but the ACC as well. Holmes was the first Black athlete in the ACC, first Black varsity letter winner and the first Black co-captain of a varsity team. Due to his amazing presence on the tennis court as well as his academic achievements, Holmes was inducted into the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020. Although Holmes didn’t go on to become a professional athlete, he had a successful career as an engineer at IBM. He remains very involved with the NC State Engineering program, as well as the Black Alumni Society. To honor Holmes, in 2018, the NC State Board of Trustees renamed the University College Commons on Centennial Campus to Holmes Hall. As I mentioned before, this list is not all inclusive. There are hundreds of names that could be listed, along with the five that I have here. NC State has worked with athletes of high caliber since the earliest days of the athletics program, and will continue to do so. As every season passes, the list of excellent Black athletes will only continue to grow, and I can’t wait to see who will be added.
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Arts & Culture
blackademics
Arts & Culture
Kaela Belingon / Photo Editor Concept by: Milan Hall Education is progress, and Blackness always moves forward. From the folks at Nubian, have a joyous Black History Month! Featuring: Alianna Kendall-Brooks, Ryan Bolton, Juail Brim, Samuel Chambers, Ladi Folarin, Milan Hall, Senait Richmond, Cole Tyson
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Arts & Culture
Award Winners playlist by Nubian Message Staff
Here are some of Nubian's favorite Black award winners
Cuff it
beyoncÉ
on my mama
victoria MonÉt
I feel love
donna summer
Are we still friends?
tyler, the creator
you don't know my name
alicia keys
la negra tiene tumbao
celia cruz
rosa parks
outkast
Opinion
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Marginalized Communities in Elections Election years are always difficult, to say the least. Politicians attempt to convince people of all backgrounds, interests and priorities that they are on “the peoples” side. In politics, catering to those in power is Ross common as that is where Emelle the money often lies. Staff Writer However, neglecting marginalized groups will ultimately lead to failure. In the lead-up to the presidential election, the rights of marginalized peoples were challenged and attacked. These issues arose due to laws and Supreme Court decisions made in the last few years. An example of this is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring statement in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the case that overturned Roe V. Wade. Thomas wrote, “For that reason, in future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence and Obergefell.” These cases protected the right to contraception, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage. Though this is only Thomas’ official opinion, it’s still concerning for a Supreme Court member to say. 2023 in particular also revealed discriminatory rulings, laws and statistics in the country. Following the overturning of Roe V. Wade, the country saw stricter abortion laws continue to affect people, almost leading to the death of Kate Cox in Texas. On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against public accommodation laws for LGBTQ+ couples. It was also the deadliest year in terms of police brutality in the country’s history, with Black people being three times more likely to be killed by police than white people. Project 2025, created by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, is a plan of action intended for a candidate if they defeat current President Joe Biden and become president. The plan calls for a total upheaval of the federal government,
intending to oust federal employees who they believe stand in the way of the president’s goals. This plan is especially concerning considering the Heritage Foundation’s stance on political issues in recent years. From hosting anti-trans activists at a panel in 2019, to opposing LGBTQ+ rights, the Heritage Foundation has consistently opposed marginalized peoples. Though the Heritage Foundation may not be as influential as it was in years past, it still holds power over politics in this nation. It is because of these situations that, for those of us who are part of marginalized communities, voting isn’t really a choice but a necessity. Voting is necessary to protect our family, our friends and ourselves. As time goes on, our voting block continues to grow. The percentage of eligible voters in the US has diversified in recent years. As of 2019, races other than non-Hispanic white people make up 41% of the population. By 2044, the US Census Bureau estimates that races other than non-Hispanic white people will make up more than 50% of the population. The LGBTQ+ voting block has also increased in recent years. The Human Rights Campaign predicted that by 2030 one in seven voters will be LGBTQ+, an increase from the current one in 10. These changes are representative of the importance of marginalized groups in elections. Despite all the problems I
reduces discriminatory attitudes. Dividing or forcing people to hide their identity sustains these attitudes as many people view groups they aren’t a part of as the same, leading to stereotyping. Challenging these views is essential in changing these attitudes. The U.S. is more diverse now than it’s ever been. As a result, more people than ever are aware of these issues and are personally affected by them. We want to support ourselves, our family and our friends. Today, more people are comfortable doing things that previously weren’t commonplace, whether that be embracing their natural hair or identifying as the gender that makes them happiest. Image from creative commons This leads others to recognize, understand Photo of an "I Voted" sticker and challenge their biases. It is clear that some authority figures discussed earlier, this country has made know this, given how the issue of racial progress in my lifetime. Generation Z gerrymandering and the redistricting and Millennials, the youngest voting of states to reduce the power of racial block, are more likely to view diversity as minorities in recent years. Many states, a positive and approve of same-sex and including North Carolina, have faced interracial marriage. Generation Z is also the generation most likely to believe in the scrutiny in recent years due to allegations of racial gerrymandering. Politicians inclusion of more gender options other gerrymander to take power away from than male and female. voters, specifically, racial minorities. Growing up in a time when these Alabama is another state with this beliefs are more common has led to issue. The US Supreme Court told state more tolerance, though this still isn’t legislatures to redraw their congressional accepted everywhere. However, society is maps after the Supreme Court ruled progressing, however slowly that may be. that their maps were taking power from So long as society progresses and becomes more open, bigoted ideas become Black citizens. A similar case has been raised in North Carolina, alleging racially less agreeable. Bigotry is often born from discriminatory maps. However, that case is a need for more understanding. However, still progressing through the courts. when someone interacts with a person Politicians are trying to take power or group they hold biases against, they away from these groups and ensure naturally begin to understand them more. their vote has less of an impact on the This was shown in a study conducted election. Taking control away from these by Stanford in French High Schools, marginalized groups is one of the best testing whether seeing a wide variety of ways for politicians to oppose social justice Arabic people would reduce biases. The and win elections. researchers placed a poster with pictures With the growing diversity of the United of different Arabic people with text that States, changing national opinions and emphasized their differences in French an election with so much on the line, classrooms. The study found that just marginalized people will be at the center having the poster in the class helped of this year’s elections. Protecting our lessen cultural biases, while students rights and the rights of those around us who didn’t see it were more likely to hold will be a major factor in the upcoming stereotypical views of Arabic people. elections. This is why diversity is important in our everyday life. Just seeing diversity
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Opinion
American Fiction and Historical Media Representations of Black Life The start of a new year represents new beginnings and possibilities. A new year also signifies the beginning of award season for television and film industries alike. For Black actors, Tynesha writers, directors and Mccullers producers, award season Correspondent is not only opportunity to celebrate the work that they develop and release but to receive legitimized accolades for their work. The 96th Annual Academy Awards, scheduled for March 10th, includes seven nominations for Black actors and films. Leading this year’s nominations is the satirical comedy-drama, "American Fiction." Directed by Cord Jefferson, "American Fiction" is a screen adaptation of Percival Everett’s book "Erasure," which deals with the complexities and critiques of Black literature within the American publishing industry. Although the film is a limited release and was only made available in select theaters, its popularity and overall impact on the media industry cannot be ignored. "American Fiction’s" critical acclaim also made me wonder about the different ways the film both embraces and challenges the Black stereotypes in the media. American Fiction Synopsis Released in December 2023, "American Fiction" follows the life of Thelonius “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a college professor who teaches English and writes novels. In both his roles, Monk is seen running into issues with his students and his colleagues alike; presumably due to his lack of popularity and inability to create art that is celebrated by the masses. A conversation with his agent further illuminates that Monk’s books don’t sell because he fails to write about stereotypical Black experiences centering around poverty and violence. After learning of a new bestselling
Original movie poster
Poster of American Fiction book by author Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), Monk writes a book riddled with tropes about Black life and experience, and to his surprise, it's embraced by the publishing industry and the public at large. For the remainder of the film, we see Monk navigate his feelings about his newfound success; and further question the media industry’s desire to simply promote stereotypical depictions of the Black experience. The situations faced by Monk as it relates to his work are not limited to the publishing industry, instead, these recurring themes are prevalent in the television and film industries as well. These themes are also part of a longer history of the exploitation and commodification of Black life and experience for entertainment and profit. Black film and media history While "American Fiction" continues critical conversations about the exploitation of Black life and experience for profit, its observations are part of Black art and films' long history of working within the confines of white imagination and expectation. Notable historian scholars Donald Bogle and Thomas Cripps, examined six stereotypes that shaped Black
representations in mainstream film for decades. They are the Mammy, the Buck/ Savage, the Uncle Tom, the Sapphire/ Black Wench, the C**n/Zip C**n and the Pickaninny. These stereotypes mocked Black people and were performed by Black actors as well as non-black actors in blackface. White filmmakers pushed these stereotypical characterizations of Black people in film since the industry’s inception and continue till today. More concerning is the way these representations of Black people saturate the industry and seem to be the only depictions of Black life that receive formal accolades. For almost a century, the Academy Awards presented 22 African American actors with Oscars. Six of these awards were for Best Lead Actor/Actress while the remaining 16 were for Best Supporting Actor/Actress. Among the Best Lead Actor/ Actress recipients, there are five men and one woman. Women lead in the Best Supporting Actress category with nine wins while men hold the remaining six in the actor category. The first African American to ever win an Academy Award was a Black woman by the name of Hattie McDaniel. In 1940, McDaniel received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for playing Mammy
in the movie Gone With the Wind. While her win was widely celebrated, later there were questions about why a Black woman's portrayal of the stereotypical mammy character was what won this award. A mammy is a trope that depicts a Black woman as an enslaved domestic worker who nurses babies and serves white people. The mammy stereotype also depicts Black women as fat, passive and ignorant. In the decades that have followed McDaniel’s win, Black actors have been cast in similar roles that show them as subservient to white people. Commentary about the entertainment industry’s desire to only produce and promote work that embraces stereotypes about Black people is not new. Robert Townsend’s Hollywood Shuffle and Spike Lee’s Bamboozled are both Black films that tackle the overwhelming reliance on these tropes in the white-dominated television and film industries. Although these cult classics didn’t receive formal accolades, they paved the way for movies like "American Fiction" to critique the entertainment industry which continues to produce content steeped in racist tropes. An example of this can be seen in the upcoming film, The "American Society of Magical Negroes," which is set to be released on March 15th. The movie’s trailer has already garnered several mixed reviews from film critics and consumers alike while being compared to "American Fiction." The consensus about "The American Society of Magical Negroes" is that we don’t need another allegedly Black film that perpetuates stereotypes and presents Black people’s existence as servants to white people. However, only time will tell if and how the movie will be received once it enters theaters. From my viewpoint, "American Fiction" offers necessary commentary about the entertainment industry’s insatiable appetite for the exploitation of the Black experience. I’ll hold my applause until such critiques are no longer based in reality but instead works of fiction.
THURSDAY, February 8, 2024 | 11
Opinion
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS There have been many conversations about Black artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Noname and more, in the realm of political activism and community based impact. While entertaining, these Austin conversations raise Modlin critical questions about Staff Writer the intersection of music and activism. News outlets frequently portray Black artists as some sort of political activists or leaders. When it comes to Black activism, a majority of news outlets primarily utilize hip-hop artists to represent Black activism. News outlets make artists out as the token voice for Black issues as if they are the end all be-all for us. However, I have always wondered why news outlet feel the need to elect Black artists as primary spokespeople for the Black community. Music has been one of the premier calling cards of revolution and arguably the greatest tool of modern social commentary because it assists in rallying the community. While music is important to the cause of social activism, I believe that music and its artists should not been seen as the primary tool for Black activism. Many would argue that in recent history, Black artists have done a great deal for the Black community. Beyoncé founded the BeyGOOD foundation, which strives to support marginalized, under-resourced communities and programs through providing scholarships, internships and structured resource access for small Black businesses. I’m not saying that artists' positive contributions to the Black community shouldn’t be taken into account, but we need to remove artists from this odd role of being spokespeople for the entire Black community. Especially since many of them are just regular people who were talented and lucky enough to become relevant in modern pop culture. While Black artist have to become spokespeople for their community, this responsibility never seems to fall on white artist. In fact, many white artists are praised for doing the bare minimum while
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Photo of a Black Lives Matter Protest also contradicting their own “activism.” For example, Taylor Swift, despite previously having a relationship with known indie musician turned racist podcaster, Matty Healy, has people stating how much she cares for social causes. This is just one example of this phenomena. With Taylor Swift and Matty Healy, as well as other white artists with “interesting” opinions (to say the least), no one ever uses them as the spokespeople for the white community. As a collective, we need to stop making Black artists a litmus test for where the Black community stands on certain things. Why are we giving Boosie a platform to speak on gay marriage or trans rights? I don’t expect Lil Wayne to understand the nuances of misogynoir or how homophobia in the Black community only hurts us all and further reinforces white supremacy, so I wouldn’t make him the spokesperson for these issues. These are not the people that should be advocating for the Black community. These artists are not perfect, in fact, they are far from it. One of the primary things one needs to understand when engaging in political activism is the necessary experience and skill required to properly organize political movements. While I’m not saying that every artist lacks experience in organizing, I’m inclined to believe most artists
aren’t doing research on how to. They are definitely not contacting people and organizations to do so. This is not to throw any sort of negative critique at these artists but at the end of the day, they are still regular people. Many of them come from various walks of life. No one is automatically a revolutionary or political activist when they are born. However, there needs to be some sort of balance between Black artists utilizing their music to speak or raise awareness about political situations and actually making lasting changes. There have been many artists who have made albums or songs that push pro-Black political message, but outside of a handful of songs a year, what endeavors have they made to actually create a change? There are some artists who have created policies and programs to enact positive change in our community. One of which is Noname, a critically acclaimed artist who created Noname Book Club, a Black-led initiative that circulates radical books into prisons to give to incarcerated people for free. This is something that creates change, as it educates people on political perspectives free of charge. However, this is not something that Noname did by herself. It’s a Black-led
cooperative organization, meaning that the people who work within the organization are the primary stakeholders. This is a great example as to how artist can work with others to make something self-sustaining. Like many things that create change, it takes a village. There is nothing that stops Black artists from initiating radical change in our community. If they want to do something about an issue, they can educate themselves on political organizing or simply help in funding political activists who are working to make a change in our community. They just have to put their money where their mouth is. In the end, nobody can force artists to do the work and research. This is simply a choice that Black artists must make themselves. When it comes to Black artists in regards to political change, I believe that like everyone else, they have the potential to do that. However, we should not expect them to speak for Black people as a whole but just let them be artists. Besides, music has its own place in political change. It is a beacon, something to inspire change. While many people believe in the fanatical idea that a civic leader has to be some sort of great, one-of-a-kind individual, I think belief is hopeful at best. Civic leaders should be the everyday person in their community that wants to make a difference for their people. After all, who better to hear and advocate for the community than someone who lives with them? Someone who sees them and hears them everyday? In many cases, the everyday leader can understand their community and its culture and many nuances. We all have that capability. We all can be that everyday person. We simply need to believe it and support that person who decides to take that leap of faith. The only people that can save us are ourselves. It would be a disservice to those that advocated for their communities before us to believe that someone will just appear from thin air to save us. We can all make a difference, it just takes work and dedication to do so.