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Welcome to PRISM EDITED BY TYKEEM BANINI prism@bupipedream.com
Letter from the Editor TYKEEM BANINI
ASSISTANT EDITOR DAQUAN TAYLOR dtaylor6@binghamton.edu
DESIGNED BY KADE ESTELLE design@bupipedream.com
DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR KIMBERLY GONZALEZ digital@bupipedream.com
PHOTOS EDITED BY JOEL VELASCO jvelasc2@binghamton.edu
ANASTASIA FIGUERA afigue11@binghamton.edu
COPY EDITED BY LIA BERGER copy@bupipedream.com
COVER PHOTOS BY ANASTASIA FIGUERA
PRISM is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and academic breaks. The content of PRISM represents the opinions of its authors, and not necessarily the views of Pipe Dream.
PRISM is back with our first issue of the year! Hello everyone, my name is Tykeem Banini, and I am your current PRISM Editor for the 2019-20 academic year. I hope the start of everyone’s year has been productive and fulfilling! For our first issue back, we have a variety of pieces ranging from coverage of recent multicultural events to music you might have missed but need to check out. This first issue will also include some tips for freshmen. We start off this issue with Perspectives from the Culture, providing the new members of the multicultural community with advice on how to navigate the challenges Binghamton University will present them with. Following that, Anastasia Figuera writes about a cultural hotspot to visit on BU’s campus. “not but nothing other: African-American Portrayals, 1930s to Today” is a new exhibit that details various styles of art by African Americans from key eras of creative production. Continuing with style, art and culture, we also have coverage of the Black Student Union’s annual homecoming fashion show from Assistant PRISM Editor Daquan Taylor and I. This year’s fashion show, titled “HBINGCU,” showcased black student pride. The coverage is accompanied by a photo spread
featuring different looks from the show and displaying the type of clothes showcased. This issue’s theme focuses on helping students within the multicultural community, and continuing that idea, PRISM writer Ayesha Arthur gives advice on the difficult task of finding where you belong in the continuously changing landscape of BU. Alongside her advice on “finding your tribe,” this issue of PRISM also explores the hardships of imposter syndrome and how it impacts the lives of many minority students on this campus. The column comes with tips on what you can do if you’re ever doubting yourself or just feel like you don’t belong. To wrap up this issue, we have also included two playlists: one on the newest dancehall songs released over the last few months that will help carry that vibrant summer energy into the fall, and another on some albums that came out this summer. You may have wrongfully slept on them, but we’re here to remind you. Although this issue is geared mostly toward our communities’ newest members, it still deals with topics we all can still learn from. If at first this feels like it’s not for you, take a deeper look and you’ll see it just might be!
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Perspectives from The Culture
Laquan Garvey
Karima Legette
Chiedozie Onyeukwu
“The beauty of college is that there is a plethora of all different kinds people … As long as you be yourself 100 percent of the time, you’re gonna attract people to your circle 100 percent of the time too.”
“Your attention is a limited resource, but distractions are everywhere, and you should be careful with how you choose your distractions. Distractions can be good … But we have to manage those distractions so that they don’t take over our attention.”
“Stay locked in and remember why you’re here. Yes, school is fun, but just remember to be on top of school.”
Gabriel Osei
Ifeoma Ezelio
President of the Zulu Zay Kingdom of MALIK Fraternity Inc. and a junior majoring in human development
A resident assistant in Newing College and a senior majoring in mechanical engineering “Create a mini executive board around you that consists of friends or faculty members you are close with that you can consult when you’re making a big decision or you need help.”
Interim director of the Educational Opportunity Programy
Vice president of Charles Drew Minority Pre-Health Society and a junior majoring in Africana studies “Find your groove. There will be times where you will take a test and it’s your first-ever college test and you see you got a 75 and you don’t know how to come back from it and you go under this vicious cycle of beating yourself [up], but finding your groove is going to be your success story throughout college.”
President of the Alpha Alpha XI chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and a senior majoring in biology
Temi Daramola
A sophomore majoring in psychology “Try to find people in the same situation as you. That could be done by joining the many multicultural organizations that [BU] offers.”
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BU Art Museum debuts African American gallery ‘not but nothing other’ aims to shine light on African American creators, portrayals
ANASTASIA FIGUERA The acrylic and collage painting “Lost Boys: AKA BB” (1993) by Kerry James Marshall is one of the pieces displayed in “not but nothing other: African-American Portrayals, 1930s to Today,” which opened on Sept. 5 in the Binghamton University Art Museum. ANASTASIA FIGUERA The Binghamton University Art Museum debuted its most extensive display of African American artwork to date in early September with “not but nothing other: African-American Portrayals, 1930s to Today,” a gallery titled after a Fred Monten poem. The gallery, which aims to “evidence the ongoing struggle to affirm Black identity within an America marked since its founding by the legacy of slavery, segregation and racial discrimination,” contains art presented in many different mediums from key eras of creative production in African American history,
from the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights and Black Power eras to modern times. The pieces of art featured in the exhibition were all created by African American artists and show how the wide range of styles and techniques used over the course of decades correspond to ideas of African American selfhood. Paintings like “Lost Boys: AKA BB” (1993) by Kerry James Marshall show an African American take on the lost boy companions from Peter Pan. In the painting, Marshall alludes to a trend of many African American youth being denied the opportunity to grow up and reach adult-
hood in the societal climate of the United States. There are dark tones of acrylic and collage styles used in the painting, which depicts “BB,” a lost boy, looking out solemnly. There are also several lithographs, titled “Runaways” (1993), by Glenn Ligon. The 10 images provide a dispersed portrait of a fugitive slave, which Ligon created by asking friends to provide descriptions of him as if they were reporting him missing to the police. In a 1997 interview, Ligon said the piece aims to show “how an individual’s identity is inextricable from the way one is positioned in culture, from the ways people see you [and] from historical and political contexts.” While these works of art are more somber, there are other paintings that are lighter, such as the oil and acrylic on canvas painting “North Philly N****h (William Corbett),” created by Barkley L. Hendricks in 1975. The painting depicts a black man — sharp as ever in a long peach trench coat with fur lapels and a collared magenta shirt underneath. Hendricks was drawn to the style and aura of individuals, like this man, which became his muse. He, along with several other painters featured in the exhibition, aims to show black people as we see ourselves, and not just depict our brokenness and pain. In addition to displaying the gallery in the museum while the exhibition is open, the BU Art Museum will also host interactive events throughout the fall semester. The events will end
with the closing of the exhibition on Dec. 7. The events, most of which are free for the public to attend, include: “A Reading and Talk by Fred Moten” — Thursday, Oct. 10 at 12 p.m. in the BU Art Museum “Dance Day at the Museum” with the Binghamton Boys and Girls Club Dance Team — Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m. in the BU Art Museum “University Family Weekend” with the BU Gospel Choir — Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the
BU Art Museum Film screening of “To Sleep with Anger” (Charles Burnett, 1990) — Friday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the BU Art Museum “Artist talk with Willie Cole” — Thursday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. in the BU Art Museum “Simone, Ellington and Parks” with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Forum Theater in Downtown Binghamton.
ANASTASIA FIGUERA The oil and acrylic on canvas painting “North Philly N****h (William Corbett),” created by Barkley L. Hendricks in 1975, is displayed in the Binghamton University Art Museum’s new gallery, which features works by African American artists.
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Black Student Union hosts ‘HBINGCU’ Fashion show highlights diversity of the African diaspora TYKEEM BANINI × DAQUAN TAYLOR Ending with a standing ovation, the Black Student Union’s (BSU) annual fashion show kicked off Homecoming Weekend on Friday. Showcasing black student pride, the show featured various multicultural designers and models that displayed a variety of styles, including streetwear, athleisure and business casual. This year’s show was titled “HBINGCU,” and followed the story of a typical homecoming weekend at a historically black university. The story was divided into different parts of the day as models got ready to enjoy the weekend, and scenes included a pep rally, a halftime show and a football game. The Mandela Room in the University Union, where the event was held, was decorated with vivid green lights and an abundance of multicultural organization banners, which showcased unity.
The opening scene, titled “Wake Up,” showed models beginning their day and getting ready for homecoming events. Models wore pajama pants and silk loungewear designed by Tiamat Fontes as they struck a fierce pose for the camera. Another scene was dedicat-
els confidently walked down the runway ready to take on the day, giving women of color a spotlight that deviated from the sexualized images often seen in pop culture. The halftime show featured performances from Binghamton University’s X-Fact’r Step
energy dances and stick tricks throughout the show. The high energy from the marching band was contagious and as the night progressed, the audience became invested in the models’ every move. The football scene featured an all-male cast of color going
“Our community is filled with many talented and multidimensional individuals. We are leaders, creators, artists, game-changers and the future.” ed to women of color in business. All of the pieces, which ranged from pantsuits to skirts, were designed by Simone Sullivan, catering to the business casual side of women’s fashion. Although the clothing was meant for a professional environment, many of the pieces were versatile and could be used for nightly outings. Mod-
Team as they engaged in a hardhitting step battle and the Black Dance Repertoire, which engaged the audience with dances inspired by majorette dancers and featuring music by Beyoncé. In addition to the dancers, a marching band comprised of kids and teenagers from Brooklyn United Music & Arts also performed, breaking into high-
head-to-head. The clothing in this scene was designed by Jarret Dines and Austin Johnson from their brand Epok. Models sported blue and red tracksuits and athletic shorts as they performed stunts. The segment created a sense of camaraderie and black boy joy as smiles were brought to audiences’ faces. The closing of the show
conveyed the show’s main message. Titled “The Culture,” the last scene demonstrated that even with having descent from Africa in common, we as a community are composed of multifaceted individuals. In this scene, models were able to express their own personalities, walking the runway under different categories. The models got a chance to showcase themselves as opposed to clothing. This scene also catered to the different ethnic identities within the African diaspora for Latinx, African and Caribbean students. Although we go to a predominantly white Institution, this year’s BSU fashion show reminded all of us that no matter what, we should be proud of our melanated skin. Our community is filled with many talented and multidimensional individuals. We are leaders, creators, artists, game-changers and the future. We will continue to progress and grow as long as we unite and support one another.
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HOMECOMING HBINGCU Photos by Joel Velasco On Sept. 20, the Black Student Union (BSU) kicked off Binghamton University’s 2019 Homecoming Weekend with their annual fashion show, titled “HBINGCU.” With proceeds from the show going to the BSU’s Youth Program, the event showcased more than just fashion. Performances from groups such as BU’s X-Fact’r Step Team, Black Dance Repertoire and Brooklyn United Music & Arts made the fashion show an experience to remember.
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It is important to find your tribe Freshmen should make an effort to be engaged in classes and clubs AYESHA ARTHUR Over the course of my time at Binghamton University, I have accumulated a few amazing people here and there that I have added to my tribe. Our initial meeting places vary widely, from Hinman College and College-in the-Woods, classes, general interest meetings (GIMs), internships and, let’s not forget, the line for the printer at Glenn G. Bartle Library. These friendships started off with either me asking or answering a question, giving or receiving a compliment or making eye contact with them from across the room when someone says something crazy in class. Regardless of how they began, the main point is that they didn’t end. I went from occasionally saying “hi” while walking in the halls or during GIMs to attending on-campus plays, performances
and events with them. My tribe has made my time at BU memorable. When I say tribe, I do not mean the problematic anthropological term typically used to describe nations and communities in the motherland of
to meeting and interacting with new people. Maybe that means attending a GIM or talking with someone from your class. Whatever it may be, going in with an open mind will make a huge difference. I understand the idea of
fear to prevent you from creating meaningful connections. In all honesty, you probably are going to be rejected. You will be upset about it, but you will get over it. Don’t allow rejection to devalue you. Your value will never be determined by how many
“You find your tribe by reaching out to people. Don’t sit around thinking people are going to fall into your lap because things do not work that way. You need to be open to meeting and interacting with new people.” Africa. I mean finding or creating a community of people that you connect with. Your tribe. How do you find your tribe? You find your tribe by reaching out to people. Don’t sit around thinking people are going to fall into your lap because things do not work that way. You need to be open
reaching out can be scary, but are you afraid of reaching out or are you really afraid of being rejected? Fear of rejection is real. It can prevent you from going up to someone and having a conversation, and that is okay. It is okay for you to be afraid. However, it is not okay to allow that
friends you have, or whether or not you are accepted by others. Your value and self-worth will always be determined by how you see yourself and the love you have within yourself, for yourself. Besides, every rejection you face will only make the moment when you are accepted
and make a connection more valuable. You’re probably wondering, what about my social media? Although social media has played a huge role in keeping us connected, it prevents us from connecting with one another in the real world. We tend to turn to social media in moments where we need a listening ear or support, and even though we do get the support we need, it does not prevent the inevitable feeling of loneliness. We feel it when we need a shoulder to cry on or even a hug and there is no one physically present to give us one. I get that our generation prides itself on being “selfmade.” We preach “I don’t need nobody” while having an “I-N-DE-P-E-N-D-E-N-T” mentality, in the words of Webbie. But when are we going to own up to the fact that we need a tribe?
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Experiencing imposter syndrome does not make you a fraud It’s important to recognize when something is not right and seek help
FERNANDO RAMIREZ It’s the first day of class, and there are so many emotions coursing through your body that you feel unstoppable. You can’t describe the way you feel, but it’s an overall positive feeling. The first day morphs into the first week, and then the first month. Little by little, you feel your attitude change for the worse. You start to question yourself and your place in the world. Usually, doubt usually pertains to a singular aspect of your life; this time it feels as if you are doubting yourself as a whole person. I am alluding to a condition called imposter syndrome. As defined by Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is “a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.” Although it may seem extreme that somebody could see themselves as a fraud, the emotions associated with this syndrome are valid and can disturb your mental state. There have been studies that suggest “minority status” is a predictor of imposter syn-
drome. Periods of transition, such as coming to college, can influence the development of imposter syndrome, particularly for students of color or financially disadvantaged students who are unconsciously comparing themselves to their peers. This condition is not merely feeling bad about yourself; there are real repercussions to living with imposter syndrome. Psychology Today states, “it can be debilitating, causing stress,
drome, or that you may experience it yourself. From personal experience, I know what it’s like to fall into the trap of constant doubt while questioning your place at Binghamton University. For me, freshman year was a year filled with personal growth. As someone who knew what imposter syndrome was and was aware of the possibility of developing it, I still fell into it. If I were someone who hadn’t heard of
Through my experiences, I’ve compiled ways to help prevent and overcome imposter syndrome. Understanding that something is not right is a good way to start. Pay attention to how you feel and pay attention to your actions. Some seem small at first, but may increase in magnitude as time passes. Understand that these negative thoughts are not okay. If you realize that you are having negative thoughts, you should
“Little by little, you feel your attitude change for the worse. You start to question yourself and your place in the world. Usually, doubt usually pertains to a singular aspect of your life; this time it feels as if you are doubting yourself as a whole person.” anxiety, low self-confidence, shame and in some cases, even depression.” This, tied into the stigma that continues to surround mental health, can make it feel like there is no exit — you are trapped in your own mind. Moreover, imposter syndrome is more common than expected, with about 70 percent of all people experiencing at least one episode throughout their lives. Therefore, it’s likely you may know someone who is also dealing with imposter syn-
the term prior to developing it, it would have been difficult to get out of that mentality. Prior to coming to college, I received tips on how to deal with anxiety as I was entering a predominantly white institution, as I was not accustomed to my peers being mostly white. I consistently was the only person of color in a classroom, and for me, this was an intimidating experience. Additionally, contrary to what I was accustomed to, I was no longer the smartest person in class.
attempt to talk to someone about how you feel. This person doesn’t have to be someone you met in college, but should be someone you trust. Comprehend that it’s not your fault. Realize that you are not the only person going through this and that someone can give you advice. At the end of the day, be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s not your fault. Don’t punish yourself. You should do the opposite and have self-care days where you rest and intro-
spect about where you are in life. Lastly, if you are ready to seek professional help, there is nothing wrong with doing so. You deserve to feel better and a professional can help you. BU provides multiple resources to help you improve your mental state, including the University Counseling Center, helplines and connections to external counseling. Additionally, BU has a vast network of programs to improve health and wellness. There are also many communities that you can join to diminish the effects of feeling marginalized. Personally, I wasn’t active on campus. I’ve learned from that mistake and now am a part of multiple organizations. Currently, I attend Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society meetings, where I surround myself with fellow pre-law students of color. Additionally, PRISM gives me a platform to discuss topics that affect the minority community at BU. I also participate in other organizations that allow me to meet new people and immerse myself in new experiences. The suggestions I have given don’t only apply to imposter syndrome, but all mental health issues. You are 100 percent responsible for your achievements and luck has nothing to do with where you are now. You earned your place at BU, so go treat yourself in Marketplace, and fight on!
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PRISM’s dancehall summer playlist LORRAINE O’CONNOR
The summer was lit with these hot summer songs! This playlist has various hit songs that were popular in Jamaica this summer, as well as other countries around the world. It features some of the biggest tracks from Shenseea and Spice, and highlights trending songs by new artists such as I Waata. This is real and raw dancehall! You can find this playlist on Spotify, bringing you the high energy.
“Come Home” — Vybz Kartel Ladies, get ready to wine your waistline! This highenergy track by the king of dancehall, Vybz Kartel, brings the original dancing vibes. The song is about how a woman’s body makes her man “come home.” In the track, he reassures her that he is not leaving her for anyone. Kartel deejays, “Me nah left, me nah left / Me nah left / Go deh me gyal yuh body wicked inna bed / She cyan seh yuh cyan bubble pon yuh head.” Vybz Kartel expresses that he cannot leave his woman based on her skills in bed.
“Blessed (feat. Tyga)” — Shenseea After signing with Interscope Records, Shenseea dropped a hit single with Tyga. The track has a hiphop sound with a dancehall beat to it. She sings, “First thing in the mornin’ when I wake up / Thank God for life / Look in the mirror, say / B***h I’m the best / Best, best, best, best, best, best / Way too blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed.”
“Standard” — Squash
“Cool It” — Spice
The 6ix is real! Squash is currently one of the hottest artists from Jamaica. He runs a deejay/singing group called 6ix which includes other popular acts such as Chronic Law and Daddy 1. With popularity comes attraction from the ladies, which he addresses in “Standard.” He sings about how his baby’s mother leaves him because he has too many women around him. However, he tells her “Yuh drop yuh standard cause yuh a di queen,” telling his lady to stand firm to her morals.
With a hot summer, we need something to “cool it” down! Spice’s single, “Cool It,” has been blazing the dancehall scene this summer. The song brings fun and high energy to the genre. Both men and women love dancing with each other to the song, especially at parties. “Cool It” is also doing well abroad in various countries within Europe.
“Cut Off Jeans” — I Waata This new artist has been turning up the stations and parties in Jamaica with his hit song “Cut Off Jeans.” The song brings great dancehall vibes, plus lyrics Jamaican men can relate to because they love wearing jeans in the summer. As he deejays, “Suh mi role / Suh mi role / Suh mi role / Rolex pon wrist yuh kno dat a gold / Suh mi role / Boy suh mi role / Mmm a just suh mi role / Role out inna mi cut off jeans.” The song focuses on how I Waata flexes when he is
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Six albums you shouldn’t be sleeping on MALACHI MITCHELL × ANASTASIA FIGUERA So far, 2019 might seem like a lackluster year for music, but a surprising number of talented artists have dropped new releases over the last few months. Although you may not have heard of some of these releases, we guarantee you’ll be paying closer attention to these artists after streaming their summer projects.
“GINGER” — BROCKHAMPTON
“IGOR” — Tyler, The Creator
“Angel’s Pulse” — Blood Orange
Favorite: “SUGAR”
Favorite: “GONE, GONE / THANK YOU”
The self-proclaimed hardest-working boyband is all grown up on this album, their fifth in three years. “GINGER” sounds like a therapy session for the already open and honest group as they deal with the events of 2018, when they kicked out a member of the group amid sexual misconduct allegations. Despite this, the album still has plenty of bangers, and it’s songs like the infectiously sweet “SUGAR” and the very raw “DEARLY DEPARTED” that stand out. In the end, the band’s ever-present chemistry shines through as usual to make this album one of the best of the summer.
Tyler, The Creator is one of the few rappers who gets better with each release. Pair that with the fact that he has one of the most unique sounds and voices in rap, it was inevitable for him to put together an album like “IGOR.” “IGOR” sounds like the type of sound Tyler, The Creator has been building up to his whole career. An album that challenges the conventions of rap, he spends most of it singing, despite his high level of skill in the rapping territory, thereby showing off his true artistry. The album makes for one of the most emotionally resonant listening experiences you’ll have all year.
Fresh off The Internet’s last release, “Hive Mind,” Steve Lacy returns with his debut album, “Apollo XXI.” The album is a very interesting, yet laid-back experience. It’s the type of album to listen to on a nice, hazy summer day. Lacy is still trying new things, though: “Like Me,” is a nine-minute track that transitions from moods and topics with relative ease, which could be said about the album itself. Lacy impresses while still keeping intact the modern, creative thinking that he’s shown in his career so far.
“Angel’s Pulse” — Blood Orange
“85 to Africa” — Jidenna
Favorite: “Tuesday Feeling (Choose To Stay)”
Favorite: “The Other Half (feat. St. Beauty & Mereba)”
“LEGACY! LEGACY!” — Jamila Woods
Blood Orange is somewhat of a recluse to the world — we know of his multiple talents, but don’t even know of the man himself. Despite this, his music feels personal and real. On his mixtape “Angel’s Pulse,” the follow-up to his striking 2018 album “Negro Swan,” he makes the soundtrack to your golden hour August day with a special someone or just your homies. It’s more laid-back than his aforementioned previous album, but it’s just the right vibe for your summer.
Jidenna is best known for his breakout single “Classic Man,” but since then has released his freshman album, “The Chief,” and an EP, “Boomerang,” in 2017. This summer Jidenna dropped his sophomore album, “85 to Africa. He said his aim was to make an album that took everyone back to their roots and combined both African and African American culture in a way that black and brown people could globally connect to. Between the afrobeats, bars and ballads that Jidenna drops in this album, there are also a lot of lessons and guidance with a hint of finesse.
Favorite: “Like Me”
Favorite: “GIOVANNI” “LEGACY! LEGACY!” is the R&B and soul artist’s sophomore album. Each track is named after a notable person of color, such as “EARTHA” for Eartha Kitt and “MILES” for Miles Davis, paying homage while still maintaining her own sound. The album is soulful, personal and poetic, making it a chill weekend vibe and a new addition to your study playlists. Woods’ sound on each track is unique and makes it one of the most calm album drops of the summer.
ANASTASIA FIGUERA The brothers of the Zulu Zay Kingdom of MALIK Fraternity Inc. perform at the Fraternity and Sorority Expo in the Mandela Room on Sept. 14.
ANASTASIA FIGUERA The sisters of the Beta Iota chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc. perform in the Mandela Room during the Fraternity and Sorority Expo.