August 20, 1993
Otterbein boasts rich black history
"Andwhilethemasters were sleeping and indulging their ease, the Black Hero was laboring and toiling that the American soil might bear her fruitage."
While in Kentucky he instituted the Penny Saving Bank Plan in schools, led Dunbar School into the modem age and William Henry Fouse
ceasing zeal was laboring and toiling that the American soil might bear her fruitage."
To this day, the "Black Hero" fights for that same American soil sowed by her ancestors.
One of
William Henry Fouse was the first black graduate of Otterbein these heroes
organized the Bluegrass Oratorical Association and Bluegrass Athletic Association
Fouse's connection with Otterbein had not ended upon his graduation , however . His parents lived in a house that is now an Otterbein historical site. The Hanby House, named for former Otterbein professor and abolitionist Benjamin Hanby, was purchased by the Fouse family in 1889
That same house was once a part of the Underground Railroad and later the home of former slaves Squire and Martha Fouse.
Squire and his wife died in 1909 and 1921 respectively. They are both buried in Otterbein Cernetary. College. Picture supplied by Otterbein Archives. attended
James T. Scott, Haram.bee Editor Otterbein and became not only its
African-Americans have been proving themselves heroes in America from its beginnings to its present.
Otterbein' s first black graduate, in his commencement address, spoke of these heroes' struggles.
"And while the masters in the southland of this commonwealth were sleeping and indulging their ease, the Black Hero with never
first black graduate, but also its first African-American recipient of an honorary doctorate. William Henry Fouse, son of Squire and Martha Fouse, graduated Cum Laude from Otterbein College in 1893 and went on to be an American hero of education.
Fouse was a teacher in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, serving as principal of Dunbar School in Lexington, Kentucky for 24 years.
W. Fouse wrote an article about his father in 1938 in which he said, ''Three interests dominated the life of Squire Fouse. They were a home, the education of his children and his church. If he could speak now, (he) would say that the spirit and literary gifts of Ben Hanby had been infused into his own son."
William Henry Fouse, a champion of education, died in 1944. Seven years after receiving an M.A. from the University of Cincinnati.
Fall
AASU president encourages involvement
•
Students asked to pull together
Hotep !! It is with great pleasure that I greet the new members and welcome back the seasoned veterans of the AASU. I hope that you are rested and ready to start this extremely important year.
The AASU will have a new voice in 1993. That voice is Harambee. Members of the AASU are asked to submit articles, poetry and art work. Harambee is a Swahilli word which means pulling together. In 1993, it is my hope that we not only pull together but that we blossom into the most progressive student organization in the history of Otterbein College. It is imperative that we unconditionally unite as a people and nurture our community. We are responsible for teaching the larger community about our culture, breaking barriers that separate us from the larger community and dispelling myths and stereotypes that hurt and discount us as a people.
because they hired a new Black administrator or because the Black students have a new publication. It will only happen if we pull together and place petty issues aside, celebrate our diversity and embrace our African heritage. You must respect yourself and your culture.
Welcome to the Otterbein College African-American Student Union (AASU) family. In deciding to attend Otterbein College, you have chosen a wonderful institution with a rich history of educating African-Americans. We hope that during your years at Otterbein, you will find a place in the college community and become a strong supporter and --'worker of and in the AASU
El Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X) stated, "We didn't realize that as soon as we were made to hate Africa and Africans, we also hated ourselves. You can't hate the root and not hate the fruit." With this in mind, I challenge every Black Otterbein student to come back to campus respecting your African heritage and embracing your opportunity to improve your quality of life through education
The AASU is is a ••ttfall students of Whether you are of PacificAfrican, or Native the AASUembraces you. All students of color have a home within this organization in which we want to celebrate the diversity within the whole African diaspora.
However, this will not happen
" Education is our stairway to success, ignorance is the trap door to failure If you believe, you can achieve." -Let's Get Busy!!! Darryl Peal, asst. dean or students/ coordinator or ethnic diversity
12 shots to the dome
Although there will be times when Otterbein seems difficult and lonely, you will always have an extended family in inthe AASU. The AASUwill sponsor cultural, andacademic programs in whichwe hope you willbe involved. But your freshman year so do not feel obligated to be involved with every single Come if you desire and the AASU will look upon youwith open arms.
"Education is our stairway to success. the trapdoor to failv,t,, Sisterly, ShalaMale,M.fVpresident
Fall Feature 3
How to survive at Otterbein
Developing academic skills
James T. Scott Harambee Editor
Developing good academic skills and actively seeking academic assistance can decrease the time spent studying and increase your grade point average.
Studying and worrying about academic performance are major causes of stress. Stress is the way your mind and body react to a threatening or exciting situation. You can not perform well if you are too stressed to concentrate.
This stress does not have to be harmful and can be alleviated
If you learn to manage the stress of attending classes and taking tests, it can work for you and allow you to get the most out of your college years.
Handling this academic stress will be easier if you develop and perfect a study strategy.
BEGIN IN THE CLASSROOM
*being the only AfricanAmerican in a class may be different, but don't let it shake you.
*be an active listener concentrating your attention on the professor and on taking good notes. You can't do either if you don't go to class.
*you are bound to miss a class every now and then, but it should not become a habit because doing so is only wasting your time and money.
*it's hard enough to pay for four years of college. Why make it six by missing class.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
*focus your attention on what's being said not on what you 're going to do after class
*compare what you hear to what you already know (this helps make things interesting)
* ask questions (don't worry about others thinking your question is stupid, they probably don't know either)
* complete reading assignments before they are lectured about in class
TAKE GOOD NOTES
* rewrite what you hear in your own words
* use as few words as possible - cut out words like the, is, and, was
* if it's on the board, it's important
* look for key words" Three reasons for the ," ''The main reason ," etc.
* review your notes frequently to aid retention
KNOW HOW TO STUDY
* develop a schedule that includes time for studying, job, sleep, exercise, etc.
* take short study breaks
* choose a place free of distractions
* preview chapters before reading them
* take notes while reading
* try to verbally summarize the material after reading
These hints, along with study aids like flashcards, acronyms and acrostics, should help you make the most of the time you spend studying.
Unfortunately, there may still be instances where you struggle with a course. Don't give up on the class. Look for help. If it is the course material with which you are
struggling, ask the professor for assistance. Call him or her at home or visit during office hours. The times that your professor is available to help you should be on the syllabus distributed on the first day of class. If the times are not on the syllabus, ask what they are He or she may be willing to spend some extra timeexplaining the subject matter.
The Learning Assistance Center in Towers Hall can also be a big help. This department offers tutorial services at no cost to the student. Of course, they cannot help you if you don't tell them you need help.
If the problem is a paper, however, you can find help in the Writing Center in Towers Hall. The people in this office, who are professors and upper level students, will read the rough draft of your paper (they will not write it for you) and offer constructive criticism.
Although you will have to perform in certain capacities by yourself, you will not be alone at Otterbein. Develop aasupport system. Utilize African-American resources like Darryl A. Peal, assistant dean and coordinator of ethnic diversity and M. Jeanne Talley, associate director of admission. Talk to upperclass members of the African-American Student Union (AASU). Maybe there is someone who has taken the class you are taking now and can tell you what to expect. And visit the House of Black Culture at 154 West Home Street. These resources are here to help you get your "passport to the future."
4
Feature Fall Support systems provide solid ground
Margenett Moore, guest writer
It's six o'clock on Saturday night, you have just finished taking a shower and are drying your hair when you realire that you are out of hair grease and moisturizer. You have a date at seven-thirty and you want to look good.
You ask your roommate, "Do you have any moisturizer?"
"Yes," she says, "it's on my dresser."
You walk over to her dresser and you see some skin moisturizer, but no hair moisturizer.
"I meant hair moisturizer," you say.
"What's that?" she says. "Never mind", you say, "I'll just run over to the bookstore to get some."
You run across the street to the bookstore hoping to God that it's still open. You have been trying to hook up with this dude since the second week of classes and you ain't trying to have a single hair out of place. When you get there you breathe a sigh of relief, it is open. You walk through the aisles, up and down. Up and down.
Finally, you see Miss Clairol coloring kits and Jhirmack shampoo and conditioners, so you know you are in the hair care section. You continue to search the shelves looking for some perm repair, moisture max, or something you can use to oil your scalp.
You go up to the counter and ask the student worker if they sell Black haircare products.
"Yeah, on the second shelf from the wall," she says.
"I saw those, but there weren't any haircare products for AfricanAmerican women," you respond.
She says, "Let me ask my manager."
After a few seconds a nervous little woman comes and points out the four bottles of Pink Lotion down behind the counter.
the counter too, but you think better of it You pay your $5.28, snatch your bottle of moisturizer off the counter, and march on back to your room. You've got a date to get ready
You frown, --------------for. "How much are "Any episode of racism on a they?" predominantly white campus can Whether "$4.99 plus the e pe • leave the taroeted group fieeling . x nence tax," she says is as subtle as indifferently. very unwelcome, very lost and theomissionof "I guess I'll very alone. This is the reason we hair care take one," you need to develop solid support products or as sigh, remember- systems designated specifically blatant as ing that you to meet our needs.,, seeing the word better go ahead nigger etched in and get an extra pair of stockings just a wall, we will experience episodes of in case. You grab the bottle and head racism, ignorance and, unfortunately, for the pantyhose shelf. hatred. We will be angry, hurt and "Eh-uh. I 'II just keep that here very often misunderstood by our until you come back," the nervous white peers. Many of us who come little woman says with a tight tooth from predominately Black neighborsmile. You roll your eyes, put the hoods have not felt the impact of bottle down on the counter and think being the target of hate crimes in a "I don't believe this crap." predominately white environment
Frustrated, once again you head up and down the narrow aisles, searching a little quicker this time because it's about that time for 'ole dude to get here. When you find the pantyhose shelf you see about twelve pairs of pantyhose in an assortment of beige, tan, nude and taupe. "Shoot, don't tell me they don't have brown, or coffee, or even a dark nude." You scan the shelf one more time on the slight chance that you missed them. You didn't.
You think "I better get on out of here before I really get mad."
You head back to the counter to pay ''$4.99 plus tax" for a bottle of moisturizer that only costs $2.99 in your neighborhood. When you get there you consider asking the woman if she hides the pantyhose for African-American women behind
We no longer are afforded the comfort zone we are accustomed to, nor the relentless, immediate support of family, friends, neighbors and school mates.
Any episode of racism on a predominantly white campus can leave the targeted group feeling very unwelcome, very lost and very alone. This is the reason we need to develop solid support systems designated specifically to meet our needs. A system that gives us the foundation and resources we need to survive in this foreign environment.
The African-American Student Union is a support system designed specifically to meet the social and developmental needs of brothers and sisters who find themselves misunderstood or who are simply longing
See "4.99 plus tax" page 5
Fall Feature
African-American Student Union First Week Activities
Sunday- September 12. 1993
Reception at the House of Black Culture
(Informal Orientation for new AASU members)
154 West Home Street
Monday- September 13. 1993
Picnic and Mixer at the House of Black Culture 154 West Home Street
5:00-7:30 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Friday- September 17, 1993
Party "Ice Breaker"
The Campus Center 10:00-1 :00 a.m.
Sunday- September 19. 1993
AASU Informational Meeting
The House of Black Culture 154 West Home Street
I.S. Festival-African American Week*
Monday- October 18, 1993
Movie- "Imitation of life" Followed by discussion Campus Center
Tuesday- October 19, 1993
South Africa Night (A closer look)
Campus Center
Slide presentation/Movie "Sarafina"
Wednesday-October 20, 1993
Thursday-October 21, 1993 Fashion Show Campus Center
Friday-October 22, 1993
Movie Night at the House "Malcolm X"
Saturday-October 23, 1993
Soul II Soul 101.5 FM
Theatrical Reading- "Come Down Burning" "The History of Black Music"
* The Integrative Studies Festival schedule is tentative, but it is your responsibility to find out about schedule changes and to be on committees that help finalize the event schedule. For more information, contact Darryl Peal, asst.dean ofstudents/coordinator ethnic diversity.
"4.99 plus tax" from page 4
for the unique traditions that our culture has inherited and created. Sometimes you just want to be down, or speak slang, or play the dozens, eat chitlins' in peace, sing old jams, or just have somebody know where you are coming from. The AASU is dedicated solely to giving us solid ground to stand on. It is a safe haven for us when we are feeling invisible and lost in a community that does not reflect our likeness, our values, nor our life experiences. We will also need to develop support systems outside of our African-American community. Yes the white folks. We can not exist in a vacuum and ignore the larger community. There are several white people on this campus who want to learn about our culture--teachthem.
Search them out. By investing time and being willing to teach, we can create a much healthier living environment for everybody. While they may not be able to understand, many will listen and, sometimes, that's all we need.
We will find that the majority of caucasians on this campus will be indifferent to our existence. They may have never had exposure to African-Americans. There are also those who constantly reach out and search to understand. They are few, but they give a ray of hope to the future of race relations. Get to know them.
Then, there are those who have known only hate for the AfricanAmerican community. Do not fear them. Do not fight them. Show them that despite their harsh words and bitter acts we will continue to
persevere as still we rise. Show them that if they only took the time to open their tightly shut eyes they could see that we are a race to value and appreciate. Show them that no mattter what they do, our African-American community will grow and be prosperous. We sill not stand on the periphery of this campus as if we don't belong. We will not disappear and we will not go away.
We will be instrumental in helping the college implement a mission for the future that can include our values and reflect our accomplishments as a group and as individuals.
Our sweat and blood supplied the foundation upon which this country was built-we deserve to reap the benefits of our labors. All that lies ahead of us is already ours.
Welcome.
6 Commentary Fall
Five lessons for AASU members to read and pass on to new African-American Students
1. Remember that Black folk can never take anything for granted You have to work your way up- hard and continuously. Don't stop learning; if you do you '11 be left behind.
2. Set goals and work quietly and systematically toward them. Many people talk big and act small. You can achieve in life if you don't mind doing the work (and letting others get the credit sometimes).
3. Sell the shadow for the substance. There's nothing wrong with owning a Mercedes or designer clothes or partying, as long as you do not condsider them life goals or. spend every dime and all the time you have on them.
4. Assign yourself. Black parents always ask us whether the teacher gave us any homework. If we said no they would reply, "Well, assign yourself." Don't wait around to be told what to do. Hard work, initiative, and persistence are the nonmagic carpets to success.
5. Don't be afraid or criticism or or taking risks. Don't be afraid of failing - it's the way you learn to do things correctly. It does not matter how many times you fail; just how many times you keep getting up. (These Helpful hints were taken from YSB Magazine!)
Haram bee needs people to write stories, submit poetry, take pictures, edit stories and lay-out pages. No previous experience is necessary but people who are interested need to be committed to Harambee and willing to deliver on promises made.
No one will be turned away. If you have an interest, we can show you the ropes. Editorial positions, however, will be earned. If you are interested, please contact a member of the staff. Either Darryl Peal or James T. Scott.
Come into the house.
Fall Habari gani 7
African-American
Commandments of Consciousness
1. Love yourself first for no one is greater than you.
2. Develop knowledge of your heritage to know your past is to define your future.
3. Develop respect for each other ... respect between individuals makes for a strong people.
4. Develop clear lines of communication between parents and children ... there must be clear understanding so true love can exist.
5. Develop firm objectives and goals for yourself to plan today is to be aware of where you are going tomorrow
6. Develop and define the role of Man and the role of Woman.
7. Develop a strong base of unity and keep it solid.
8. Develop your knowledge of AfricanAmerican history and basic educational skills education is the key link to economic • strength.
9. Develop clear understanding of politics therefore ideologies and philosophies can better be defined.
10. Develop your spiritual belief to the highest plane possible.
11. Develop discipline and control for lust, desire, and sheer materialism
12. Develop your home (Africa) land of origin ... for without a home these commandments can not flourish to their fullest potential.
"Remember these commandments and keep them conscious."
NguzoSaba
(The Seven Principles)
Kwannza is an African-American holiday based on the first fruit celebrations of Africa, which were times of harvest, thanksgiving and reinforcing of bonds between the people. Thus, Kwanzaa was created to reinforce seven basic principles of African culture. These values, called Nguzo Saba, are the focal point and meaning of Kwanzaa.
These values are:
1. UMOJA(Unity)-tostrivefor and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
2. KUJICHAGULIA (Self-determination) - to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.
3. OJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility) - to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together .
4. UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) - to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
5. NIA (Purpose) - to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greamess.
6. KUUMBA (Creativity) - to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
7. IMA NI (Faith) - to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Students needed to aid admissions
Darryl Peal. asst. dean ofstudents/coordinator ofethnic diversity
The 8th Annual Visit Day for Students of Color is scheduled for November 3, 1993.
M. Jeanne Talley, associate director of admissions/director of enrollment for students of color stated she needs the support of the AASU family during the visit days and that it is important for AASU to encourage perspective students to make Otterbein their college choice.
Approximately 60 African-American students from the metropolitan Columbus area will spend a halfday on campus. During that time, AASU members will be needed to drive vans, take perspective students to class, escort them to lunch and provide positive information about the Otterbein experience.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact
M. Jeanne Talley in the Office of Admissions, ext. 1500. The Otterbein Student Ambassadors also needs African-American representation.
Student Ambassadors return to their home (high) schools during the Christmas break and are given the opportunity to share the positive experiences they are having at Otterbein and do grass roots recruiting.
For more information, please contact M. Jeanne Talley or Saundra Burel at ext. 1500.
Saundra Burel, an African-American, also works in the admissions office and brings African-American students to campus. She and the rest of the admissions staff also need your help. Please volunteer to meet, talk with or host perspective students that come to campus. Your cooperation and assistance will make a difference.
A.A.S.U.
Otterbein African-American Student Union
Otterbein College
African-American Student Union Westerville, Ohio 43081