2014
Letter from the Editor
photo by jovonna jones
Welcome students, new and old, to the 2014 edition of Black Star Magazine’s Fall Survival Guide! Through this series of articles, we aim to provide the tips and tricks necessary to help any and all undergraduate students through their Emory journey. Whether you are a first year student adjusting to college life, an Oxford continuee, a transfer student finding your place on this new campus, or a graduating senior enjoying the last of the ride, Black Star Magazine is here for you! As the only black, student-run publication at Emory, we occupy a unique and necessary space on this campus and with your support, we will continue to thrive. It is our hope that the following articles offer a sufficient introduction both to our publication and the Emory community that we envision. Over the next several weeks, use this guide to help navigate the Emory bubble and beyond. Enjoy! Thanks,
Sammie Scott Samantha Scott, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BLACK STAR MAGAZINE
Contents
4 THE EBSU FROM GRACE’S VIEW 5 Three StePS for oxford continuee & Transfer student Success 6 The Who’s Who of Black Faculty + Administrators at Emory 7 Dine-Out 8 Odds N’ ends
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THE EBSU FROM Grace’s VIEW 8 things to know about the emory black student union I Grace Gardner
The Emory Black Student union is... 1. LOCATED on the second foor of the DUC (E206), right across from OMPS. 2. A great place to NAP during the day! With multiple Fatboy bean bags and colorful couches, falling asleep in the EBSU happens regularly 3. RESERVED for Scandal fans on Thursday nights at 10 pm on the dot With two TVs in the room, it is the perfect place to enjoy the show with other dedicated fans. Although talking is only allowed during commercial breaks, tweeting is encouraged when something shady or unexpected happens. A PLACE WHERE 4. studying, heated conversation, free styling, and dancing can occur at the same time 5. various organizations hold meetings and host events A PLACE THAT 6. often has FREE food 7. cultivates and encourages black excellence 8. you should DEFINITELY visit! ++ Get to know the Advisors: Andrea Grant - Assistant Director, office of multicultural programs and services Marlon Gibson - acting assistant dean for campus life//Director of Student Conduct
After two years of student-led activism and negotiations, The Emory Black Student Union opened its doors to students in the fall of 2013. commonly referred to as the EBSU, it exists as the first physical safe space available to black students since the closing of the BSA House in 2011. In its mission and vision, The EBSU seeks to provide black students with a sense of belonging, affirm black identities, and support solidarity among black students. BLACK STAR MAGAZINE
3 Steps for Oxford Continuee and Transfer Student Success Kevin Satterfeld
We all know that transitioning between environments can be tough. That transition can be even harder when you’re in the middle of your college career. Luckily, we have some great insight for transfer students and Oxford continuees about how to make that transition on Emory’s Atlanta campus painless and rather enjoyable.
1. Join an organization on campus that advocates for a cause you care about. Most believe that friend groups are pretty static come sophomore or junior year. This is most certainly not true at Emory. If anything, people are more willing to interact and befriend those who are new. Moreover, student organizations are always looking for new faces on campus to either take leadership roles or contribute to the organization as a general member. Getting to know a handful of students really well can make meeting new faces much more organic and comfortable. New students to campus will have plenty of opportunities to introduce themselves to the various student organizations and student leaders on campus. The first opportunity to join an student organization is the Student Activities Fair in late August when you can walk up to a table, introduce yourself to the team, and give them your contact information.
2. Visit the Career Center. As a transfer student or Oxford continuee, your time on the Atlanta campus to interact with the Career Services team is a little shorter. For this reason, it is important that you reach out to the Career Center for Emory College or the Goizueta Business School as soon as possible. In addition to sending an email introducing yourself, schedule an appointment with one of the advisors if you can. They can be extremely helpful in setting up mock interviews, building your resume, and providing overall career guidance. Try establishing a healthy relationship with an advisor with whom you have a chat for an hour every month. You’ll stand out in the crowd of faces they see every day, and they might just go above and beyond to make sure you get that internship or scholarship you’ve been eyeing.
3. Establish a relationship with a professor It’s not unlikely for a student on campus to have a favorite or most impactful professor. To be honest, some students choose certain classes because certain professors teach them. For this reason, it is important as a transfer student or Oxford continuee to connect with a professor after class or in office hours. You don’t have to necessarily see him or her about the material. Introduce yourself and your interest. When a professor can recognize your face and speak to your character, he or she may be more likely to invite you to take part in a research project they’re working on. Moreover, professor recommendations are important to internship applications, graduate applications, and scholarship applications. Professors are one of your best resources on campus to flourish academically and professionally.
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The Who’s Who of
Black Faculty + Administrators
IN
kimberly herard + Sammie Scott
high school, many of your teachers knew who you were, how accomplished you were, and how much you would excel once you walked across the stage but those connections may not help you too much now that you’re at Emory. It’s time to establish new relationships with Emory faculty and administrators. Whether you’re new to campus or on your way out, these are six people who can provide you with support, guidance, education and resources during your time here.
James Francois Assistant Dean of Campus Life//Director, OMPS
A a mentor to many, Francois can lead you to opportunities at Emory and provide academic support. Make sure to say hey to Assistant Directors, Andrea Grant + DeLa Sweeney and Administrative Assitant Patricia Taylor as well!
Dr. Robert Lee Associate Dean + Director of Multicultural Medical Student Affairs
Dr. Lee offers advice about medical school (grades, where to go, taking the MCAT and certainly never forgets those he meets!
Andrea Neal Assistant Director, Center for Science Education
A fabulous science mentor with connections both on campus and beyond the Emory bubble. If you’re pre-health, you need to know Ms. Neal.
Dr. Rizvana Bradley Assistant Professor of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Arriving at Emory in Fall 2013, Dr. Bradley has quickly proven herself to be one of the most engaging, dynamic, and best-dressed professors on campus. Recommended classes include Black Feminist Thought and Intro to Performance Studies.
Dr. Andra Gillespie Associate Professor of Political Science
In addition to teaching a variety of classes about race and politics (particularly, black politics) in the United States, Dr. Gillespie is an author, frequent CNN commentator, political pundit, and mentor for the Mellon Mays Undergradute Fellowship. She is also a member the Emory Black Student Union Advisory Board.
Carlton Mackey Assistant Director of the D. Abbott Turner Program//EASL Chair, Emory Center for Ethics
Carlton is heavily involved in the arts and social justice both on campus and in the greater Atlanta area. Additionally, he is the creator and curator of 50 Shades of Black, “a multi-faceted platform for creating an interactive global dialogue around issues of race, skin tone, sexuality and identity.” Explore our collaboration with 50 Shades in the Spring 2014 Special Edition issue!
BLACK STAR MAGAZINE
ASK: BLACK STAR’S Ultimate Foodie CafE Intermezzo 1065 Peachtree Street, Suite 2, Atlanta GA 30309 This European coffeehouse does not disappoint at all with breakfast, lunch, and dinner cuisines, about 125 different pastries, and a 50 page beverage book that includes coffee, tea, and more. This coffeehouse is a little bit pricier than your average Starbucks, but the ambience and drinks definitely make up for it. This is definitely a place to go if you want to de-stress and treat yourself or someone else!
VORTEX BAR AND GRILL 438 Moreland Avenue Atlanta, GA 30307 OR 878 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30309 Looking for a good burger? The Vortex has got you covered. There over 20 varieties of burgers to choose from and you can still build your own unique combinations of toppings. From basic burgers to bypass burgers, The Vortex has everything and more. FUN FACT: The Vortex has been featured on Man V. Food and has won the “Best Burger in Atlanta Award,” among several other accolades.
THE VORTEX BAR AND GRILL
Going to the DUC... YeT again?
FELLINI’S PIZZA
Lucky for you, our team of food experts has you covered. Check out these places to escape to when the DUC has you down
MARY MAC'S TEA ROOM 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30308 Located in Midtown, Mary Mac’s offers some of the best, if not THE best, southern cooking you can get in Atlanta. First opening in 1945, this historic restaurant is the last tea rooms left in Atlanta. There are so many different selections you can get here from fried catfish with dumplings, to their family style southern special. The homestyle southern cooking and great hospitality will keep you coming back for more!
DOC CHEY'S DRAGON BOWL 1556 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307 Found in our own backyard in Emory Village, Doc Chey’s is a neighborhood restaurant that serves amazing, affordable, pan-Asian food. Try their Mongolian stir fry, Chinese Lo Mein noodles, or Korean tacos!
MARY MAC’S TEA ROOM
FELLINI'S PIZZA 2809 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 If you are looking for a good pizza place in Atlanta, then Fellini’s is definitely worth trying. They serve generous slices, making sure that you will leave full and satisfied! Try Fellini’s special pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, Italian sausage, meatballs, green peppers, black olives, green olives, and extra cheese. It’s the best!
-Joseph Welcome 7
ACTIVtIES
[super fun stuff]
Student Activities Fair August 27
Held on McDonough Field, the Student Activities Fair is devoted to presenting you with all of the clubs and organizations chartered at Emory. You can hear from representatives from different clubs and organizations and sign up for all that may interest you.
Songfest August 28
Orientation week is devoted to acclimating you to what will be a fulfilling four years at Emory, but most upperclassmen will tell you that participating in Songfest was one of the most gratifying highlights of freshman year. Songfest puts your singing and dancing talents on full display as residence halls compete against each other to be crowned Songfest champion. Some halls are remembered for their witty lyrics. Others are praised for their amazing t-shirt designs and banners. Regardless, Songfest is your first real opportunity to become more acquainted with your hallmates and show your hall pride! It is also the first time you learn the battle chant of Swoop or meet Dooley, the Lord of Misrule. Did I mention that the winner gets bragging rights all four years at Emory?
BlackOut Weekend August 29 - August 31
We all know how eager you are to meet and greet classmates during your first weekend at Emory, and BlackOut weekend has all of the events to cater to your social needs. Among things to do include an alumni mixer in the EBSU, the first Function Friday of the semester, Best In Show for performances from many of black organizations and dance groups at Emory, and all the free food your stomach can manage. Be on the lookout for updates about events to attend throughout the weekend.
Freshman Semiformal
For all you freshmen who love to dress up and dance the night away, Freshman Semiformal is the event for you. Have the time of your life with your fellow classmates and make it a night to remember. In years past, the annual dance has been held at the finest of Atlanta venues including the Atlanta History Museum, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the grand Fox Theatre. You can ask your Resident Advisors how to purchase tickets.
- JAYE GEORGE BLACK STAR MAGAZINE
ODDS N’ ENDS Important Acronyms & Abbreviations
Late Night Eats
DUC = Dobbs University Center EBSU = Emory Black Student Union The Libs (alternatively, Club Libs) = Woodruff Library OMPS = Office of Multicultural Programs & Services SA = Sophomore Advisor RA = Resident Advisor SRA = Senior Resident Advisor RHD = Residence Hall Director CD = Complex Director
The WREC Room
HOURS: Sun-Thurs, 6 PM-1AM $: Dooley Dollars + Swipes
DOMINOS
HOURS: Daily, 10 AM-3 AM $: Dooley Dollars
ZAYA
HOURS: Daily, 11 AM-3 AM $:Dooley Dollars
get involved! campus Wide OrGs College Council Residence Hall Association Student Government Association
Black Student Organizations Association of Carribean Students & Educators | ACES African Student Association | ASA Brothers and Sisters in Christ | BASIC Black Star Magazine [;)] Black Student Alliance | BSA The Brotherhood of Afrocentric Men | BAM The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People | NAACP Ngambika NPHC Alpha Kappa Alpha Kappa Alpha Psi Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma Zeta Phi Beta
gREEK LIFE MGC Delta Phi Lambda Lambda Theta Alpha Xi Kappa
IFC Alpha Epsilon Pi Pi Kappa Alpha Alpha Tau Omega Sigma Alpha Epsilon Beta Theta Pi Sigma Chi Chi Phi Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa Alpha Zeta Beta Tau Kappa Sigma
Panhellenic Alpha Delta Pi Delta Delta Delta Delta Phi Epsilon Gamma Phi Beta Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Kappa Gamma Sigma Delta Tau
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BLACK STAR MAGAZINE IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS,EDITORS,PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGNERS, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS, PUBLICITY + PROMOTIONS, AND MORE FOR THE FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR. to learn more: + + + +
visit us at the student activities fair attend the interest meeting -Aug 31 at 6 PM in the EBSU follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram//@Blackstaremory Email Us//blackstar.emory@gmail.com
Black Star Magazine is the first and only black student publication at emory university. we publish once per semester and produce weekly digital content.
BLACK STAR MAGAZINE
20 14 ST -20 AF 15 F
Samantha Scott I Editor-in-Chief Jaye George I Managing Editor, Print Joseph Welcome I Managing Editor, Digital Briana Keith I Business & Operations Manager Janessa Aneke I Creative Director
Charity Gates I Editor, In the Cut Kimberly Herard I Editor, Lifestyle Shanice Kellman I Editor, Arts & Entertainment Jordie Davies I Staff Writer, News/Lifestyle Stella Fagbemi I Staff Writer, Lifestyle Manzi Ngaiza I Staff Writer, The EP Ethan Ramsammy I Staff Writer, The EP Kevin Satterfield I Staff Writer, Lifestyle 11