THE HILLTOP The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924
Volume 101 Issue 1
www.thehilltoponline.com
@TheHilltopHU
August 25, 2016
@TheHilltop1924
Photo Credit: Crystal Smith, Photo Editor
NICK CANNON IS OFFICIALLY A BISON Read How the Actor and Comedian Became A Part of the Class of 2020 PG 3
LETTER FROM HUSA HUSA56 President and Vice President Share Words of Wisdom To Freshman Class PG 6
THE BEAUTY OF THE MECCA A Word From A Doctoral Student To Freshmen PG 9
2
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
CAMPUS
CAMPUS
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
3
Bison: Meet Your Classmate Welcome To The Mecca, Nick Cannon!
Paul Holston
the famed Howard Homecoming Cannon’s privacy as we do those since I was a kid growing up in of all of our students.” California and knew that Howard After speculations over the last would be the perfect place for me I n a recent i nter v iew w it h week at Howard University, the to further my education. I look for- Entertainment Tonight, Cannon rumors are true: Nick Cannon is ward to this new journey in my life conf ir med that he is majorofficially enrolled at The Mecca. and am excited about the possibil- ing in St rategic, Legal and ities ahead.” Management Communication Exclusively released to The Hilltop, (SLMC) at Howard’s School of the actor, comedian and television Howard President Wayne A.I. Communications. personality said that he is “always Frederick also released a following seeking new challenges and contin- statement pertaining to Cannon’s ual growth” and decided to obtain enrollment, stating that Howard his first college degree from an University is honored to have Nick institution that “had a proven Cannon as a member of the Class legacy of producing great minds,” of 2020. according to Cannon’s statement. “Howard students embrace our “ Nelson Mandela once said , motto of Truth and Service as ‘Education is the most powerful they pursue their life’s education weapon you can use to change through the University’s rigorous the world,’ and with that said I and dynamic academic and comhave officially enrolled at Howard munity service programs,” said University,” said Cannon. Frederick.
Editor-in-Chief
Nick Cannon, a freshman strategic, legal and management communication major, poses with a Howard University’s sign on the main campus. Cannon announced last week that he enrolled into Howard University to further his education.
“I have friends, mentors and col- “We welcome Mr. Cannon. In keepleagues who attended Howard ing with our governing policies and University. I have heard about procedures, we will respect Mr. Photo via Instagram
#HOWARDTWITTER REACTIONS
THE HILLTOP
The Hilltop Editorial Office 2401 4th Street NW, 68B Washington, D.C. 20059
(202) 806-4749
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Paul Holston
BUSINESS MANAGER
Almani Jackson
MANAGING EDITOR COPY CHIEF ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF CAMPUS EDITOR NEWS EDITOR CULTURE EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR
Rushawn Walters Sylvester Johnson III Devin Barnwell Maya King Amber Broaden Xavier Handy-Hamilton Crystal Smith
ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Nadaysia Brooks Akiah Singfield
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: eic@thehilltoponline.com MANAGING: managing1@thehilltoponline.com HIRING: hiring@thehilltoponline.com BUSINESS: business@thehilltoponline.com
EST. 1924
4
CAMPUS
Spotlight on Day of Service 8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Maya King Campus Editor
Over 350 Howard students, faculty and staff members gathered in Cramton Auditorium to live out Howard’s “truth and service” motto on the university’s annual Day of Service, sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Chapel, Friday, Aug. 19. The day consisted of six specific initiative projects across 20 community sites around the District of Columbia area: Education, homelessness and poverty, environmental services, HIV/AIDS, violence and voter registration. Among the day’s initiatives, however, was a newer and lesser known goal: Improv-
ing the relationship between Howard students and the surrounding D.C. community by encouraging freshmen to get involved. “[Day of Service] is a time for tradition and discovery. We hear the news, but we don’t always see what’s going on in our own backyard,” said Na’ima Jenkins, public relations chair of the event’s committee. The steering committee sees the annual service day as an opportunity for new students to navigate D.C. neighborhoods and embrace Howard’s culture of interpersonal learning through volunteering. “Day of Service was the
event that lead to my overall volunteerism at Howard and getting involved with the community in general,” said Deja Bryant, vice president of Howard’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter and a team leader at the Day of Service. “I believe the fact that [it] falls during the Friday of Freshman Week is extremely strategic—it allows freshmen to be of service and bond with both their community and fellow Bison,” she said. As Howard faces a battle with culture, Day of Service is a means of ensuring that it continues to maintain a legacy of truth and service.
Interested in contributing?! Email: hiring@thehilltoponline.com
Dear Sam, The pressure you’re putting me under is too much.
I QUIT! Sincerely, Your Heart
Don’t let your heart quit on you. If you are living with high blood pressure, just knowing and doing the minimum isn’t enough. Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to stroke, heart attack or death. Get yours to a healthy range before it’s too late. Find out how at heart.org/BloodPressure
Check. Change. Control.™
Photo Credit: Crystal Smith, Photo Editor
CAMPUS
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
5
Photo Credit: Crystal Smith, Photo Editor
Don’t Sleep: 5 Things to do During Your Freshman Year
Cyerra Haywood
Campus Staff Writer
1. Explore Howard’s Campus: Since you’re going to be a Bison for the next four years, you should get a pretty good idea of what is on Howard’s campus. Eat in a different cafeteria every day of your first week (Howard University Hospital and Howard Law School have a number of food options as well). Take time to walk around campus, learn the names of buildings and learn the name of each. That way, when you or someone you know you has a problem, you will know where to go. 2. Learn how to use public transportation: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (commonly known as WMATA) is the premier means of getting around the District of Columbia. To use it, purchase a Metro card at the nearest Metro station or drug store. Using the train may seem complicated at first, but apps like Google Maps and iTrans DC can make route planning much easier. Plus, the more you ride the Metro, the easier it gets. The first time you use the Metro, be sure to go with a group of friends. Also, take advantage of ride sharing apps such as Uber, Lyft and Split. 3. Join an Organization: To quickly make friends and get involved on campus, join an organization! Howard is home
to multitudes of organizations--there’s a club for everyone. Regardless of your classification, you can join various organizations depending on the state you are from, sports that you play, or even your religious affiliation. 4. Visit a historical site: The District of Columbia is filled with historical sites, museums and landmarks. Though some, like the White House, require special permission to visit, there are a lot of sights that you can go to on your own, like the Lincoln Memorial or National Archives. Take a day to explore the city and soak in the history around you. Not only is it good exercise, but also it is a valuable learning experience. 5. Try a new type of food: For every culture represented in the District of Columbia, there is also restaurant to go with it. Whether you walk down 4th street to get some Jamaican Food from the “Jerk@Nite” food truck or daringly trying some new food from a spot with positive Google reviews, it is important to try food that you’ve never eaten before every once in a while. You may end up loving it!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! Howard University’s Office of Residence Life announced new visitation rules on Monday, Aug. 22. Freshmen will have the opportunity to have visitors from noon through midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday, while upperclassmen will have 24-hour visitation. Students need to have a roommate agreement signed along with their roommate(s) if they want overnight guests and need to let the Residence Hall Manager be aware. The official start of the new rules begin at 12:00 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29.
6
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
CAMPUS
Photo Credit: Crystal Smith, Photo Editor
CAMPUS
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
7
Higher learning Lower bill Attention Students! This school year, get 25% off your order - ALL Day, EVERY Day, when you show your student ID. Georgetown 3131 M Street NW (202) 333-7994
Ave
31st. St. NW
nsin
co Wis
N St. NW
M St. NW
Not valid with any other discounts, offers or special promotions. No cash value. Must show student ID. ©2016 The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc.
Freshman Spotlight: Nia Hill
Reggie Ogbonna
Campus Staff Writer
When police officers appeared at Nia Hill’s home last August to evict her family, panic filled every part of her Chicago household except the place at which she stood. She did not yell, cry or fight, despite her mother and sister’s reasonable trepidation. “I decided to go take a shower, which was a weird thing to do at the moment,” Hill said. “It was even more weird thinking about how this was the last shower I was going to take in that apartment.” Nia’s neighborhood of North Lawndale in Chicago in is ranked fourth out of the
city’s 77 most violent areas. It is the type of community that can provide many distractions for young people who do not necessarily possess a strong mental fortitude. Nia Hill is not one of those people. When most seniors across the country were making important decisions regarding their futures, Hill and her family were struggling to find a stable home. Education has always been a vital part of Nia’s life. Fortunately, an organization assisted her with all things college-related, ensuring that her hard work would not be in vain regardless of her circum-
stances. Leaders at the Chicago Scholars Foundation, a program which Nia is still a part of, were determined to tell her family’s story in hopes of raising money to fund her education. Fast forward one year later, she and more than one hundred other high school students were invited to the White House for the “Beat the Odds” Summit. There she met First Lady Michelle Obama along with a number of other distinguished guests.
here at Howard University, the freshman accounting major looks to find her footing in a school full of new opportunities.
ing faith, the same faith that consoled her that day in August, and in every unfamiliar place she slept in the months thereafter.
There is a stillness about Nia Hill. It is nothing like a shrinking withdrawal but more of a quiet confidence that is evident upon meeting her. At the core of her calm demeanor is her unwaver-
“[My experience] helped me get closer to God and it was able to strengthen me as a person,” she said. “I’m grateful for it but I wouldn’t want it to happen to someone else.”
“It was an amazing experience,” said Hill. “I felt honored because I was one of only 150 high school students from across the country to be invited to the event to see her. It made me realize that we’re losing an amazing first family.” Now on a full scholarship
Photo Courtesy of LinkedIn
8
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Photo Credit: Crystal Smith, Photo Editor
9
10
CAMPUS
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Experiencing “The Mecca” in all its Beauty
Photo Credit: Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief
Arelia Johnson Campus Staff Writer
There is no one way to describe Howard University just as there is no one way to describe her beauty. Since 1867, this institution has produced some of the brightest figures in American history, graduated scores of doctors and lawyers, and made contributions to the black professional class. This fall, another cohort will be added to the university’s legacy and incoming freshmen will grace the campus with their style, curiosity, diverse backgrounds, and eagerness to submerge themselves in the experience affectionately known as “The Mecca.” But what is there to do on campus besides hunt for parties and step shows? After the presidential address to incoming students, freshmen
are encouraged to attend fall opening convocation on Friday, Sept. 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cramton Auditorium. This event serves as the official opening of the academic year and has featured speakers like Congressman John Lewis, Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick and Rushern L. Baker III, County Executive, Prince George’s County. New students are able to hear the hymn of the institution, put names to faces of university faculty and staff, and intermingle with their fellow Bison. Moving toward the middle of the fall semester and after a much needed break from midterms, homecoming activities will commence starting with “A Day of Service” on Oct. 1. All incom-
ing students are invited to participate in service learning projects while living up to the university’s motto: In Truth and Service. The campus will then pay homage to the hub of the black Greek experience by hosting a stroll off on Oct. 8th, then a pep rally on Oct. 18, followed by the “International” Yardfest and greek step show on Oct. 21. Campus festivities will culminate with the homecoming game on Oct. 22 against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Before you know it, the semester will have concluded and the Charter Day celebration will begin. This year, the university will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the school’s charter and in recent years, speakers
like author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates have been invited to give the keynote address. Last year, Coates spoke of his experience at Howard and said, “I was experiencing the beauty of a heritage, going way, way back that put a pressure on me, a kind of responsibility. Beauty is not free.” Alumni travel from across the nation to attend the ceremony and to be part of the history and beauty Coates speaks of and to commemorate the inception of our institution. This place, our place, was created for students who want to see, feel and experience themselves while simultaneously contributing to the rich legacy that is Howard. And in commemoration of that
experience commencement punctuates the academic year by providing the Bison family a moment to pause and reflect on excellence and achievement. At first, it will seem like the semester is moving at a snail’s pace, but before you know it you will be up to your eyelids in the culture and traditions that make Howard University a mecca and something beautifully historic to be a part of.
U H # 0 2 0 2
CAMPUS
Column: Advice to Freshmen Maya Cade Special To The Hilltop
Freshmen: Let me keep it real 100—Your life is about to change. You’re a Bison now. Let me also be really honest when I say that I’m only typing this letter to you now because I did not graduate in four years. (I’m an expected December graduate.) But you don’t have to be like me, there are four keys to success that you need to be great. First, visit your advisor at least each semester. You’ve probably heard this throughout orientation week and brushed it off but it’s
true. It is important that you become familiar with your advisor—they should know not only your name but also your face. A major part of the ‘Howard finesse’ is being helped by people who recognize you. Also, don’t be in a rush to do anything. During my freshman year I was in a rush to ‘discover myself.’ In retrospect, it was a silly idea. As Howard students and human beings we are constantly evolving and each year at Howard I discovered more about *myself* without trying. Don’t be in
a rush to change as it often happens organically. I don’t want to be the one to crush your #relationshipgoals but a Howard romance, while
“There are four keys to success that you need to be great...” nice, is unlikely. You also may not be with your current bae forever and that’s okay too.
More, call home!! Call home when you’re happy. Call home when you’re sad. FaceTime your mom or dad when you miss your dog. Skype your sibling when you feel an empty feeling you can’t explain. Call your best friends to ask them about their post-high school experiences. (I promise not everything can be explained via text.) It’s okay to miss home--don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And don’t put on a front for your parents. The college experience is tough. They understand. Finally, understand that the Howard Experience goes be-
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
#H
11
U2
0
yond the classroom. Some of my fondest Howard memories were not made in the classroom. Many of them were on the benches on the yard, in the halls of the Smithsonian and the hallways of my freshman dorm. Branch out. Do something new and realize that your experiences are shaped in and out of the classroom. There are free things that you can do (and a bunch are listed in this issue!) That’s it. Be great. The world is yours.
12
NEWS
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Chicago PD Superintendent Johnson takes Steps to Mend Police, Community Relations
Alexa Spencer
Courtesy Photo
News Staff Writer
While the number of police-related deaths continue to rise throughout the nation, officer convictions remain a rare consequence. A large numbers of people have become victims and yet few officers are held responsible. According to The Huffington Post, there has been only 13 officers convicted of murder or manslaughter in fatal on-duty shootings, since 2005.. Newly elected Chicago
police superintendent Eddie Johnson is going against this trend. Superintendent Johnson has chosen to hold the officers in his department accountable for misconduct in a recent on-duty shooting. Sworn in just four months ago, Johnson has already taken initiative trying to put an end to the department’s reputation of cover-ups and scandals. Following the release of the dashcam video showing the
Anupam Roy
Professor Lorenzo Morris, Ph. D of the Department of Political Science said, “He is not pandering to the black community, he is pandering to moderate whites who think they don’t dislike blacks,” he added, “Not that he does, but he wants to show that he can get the blacks under control. He is so poor that the white people don’t even want to admit that he’s talking to them.”
altercation between officer Van Dyke and Laquan McDonald, the officers that were present gave their account of the incident. Officers stated that the teenager posed a threat, even after being shot to the ground. Last Thursday, Aug. 18, the superintendent said in a statement that he will recommend the firing of the seven officers who filed false reports in the fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by white officer Jason Van Dyke. However, all the names of the officers that will be recommended for termination has not been disclosed to the public. “McDonald fell to the ground but continued to move and continued to grasp the knife, refusing to let go of it,” one officer’s report said. Supporting Van Dyke’s claim, his partner, Josh Walsh, told an investigator that McDonald swung a knife toward the officers in an attempt to kill them. An-
other officer also stated that in defense of his life, “Van Dyke backpedaled and fired his handgun at McDonald.”
superintendent Johnson said. Despite the supported claim of misconduct coming from both the superintendent and the inspector general, the ofThe video, however, contraficers continue to receive full dicts these accounts. It can support from other police ofbe seen that McDonald did ficials, such as Dean Angelo in fact have a knife. After Sr., the head of the Chicago being shot one or two times, police union. McDonald fell to the ground. “That’s what humans go Van Dyke continued to fire through.” Angelo said. “And over 10 more bullets into the contrary to popular belief, young man’s lifeless body, police officers are human shooting McDonald a total being.” of 16 times. Local activists, on the other hand, extend appreciation to “The knife is actually visisuperintendent Johnson for ble. It was a small, I believe, his decision to recommend 3-inch blade in his right firing the seven officers. hand,” said Jeffery Neslund, With officer Van Dyke havthe McDonald family attoring been put on-trial for a ney. “He did not drop the charge of first-degree murknife, but that certainly was der—the first Chicago officer no justification or excuse to charged since 1980—the case shoot a man like that.” could potentially be a step After a 6-month long investowards justice. tigation, a report was issued Jedidiah Brown, leader of by the city’s inspector gener- a multimedia source called al Joseph Ferguson. Once re- Chicago Life noted, “I think viewed, the evidence showed Eddie Johnson gets it. He the officers violated Rule 14, gets the crisis that we are in which prohibits “making a and how to solve it.” false report, written or oral,”
The Bid for Black Votes: Presidential candidates lobby to secure black votes as November draws near News Staff Writer
The Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump continues his effort to reach out to black voters. This became a talking point after his speech at a rally held in a predominantly white suburb of Minnesota, where he said, “You’re living in poverty. Your schools are no good. You have no jobs. 58 percent of your youth is unemployed. What the hell do you have to lose?” Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton responded with a tweet saying, “This is so ignorant, it’s staggering.”
Donald Trump’s campaign has been taking measures to reach out to black voters for quite sometime now. The
campaign hired Howard Alumna and former Apprentice contestant, Omarosa Manigault as director of African-American outreach. She made headlines this past week when she said, “Every critic, every detractor, will have to bow down to President Trump.’’ The Republican nominee is not the only one who has been vying for black votes. Regarding Clinton, Vann R. Newkirk II of the Atlantic said this regarding the statement, “might not be any different if a politician
were to awkwardly proclaim a love of fried chicken or watermelon in a speech at Howard University.”
The third party candidates are also trying their best to secure black support. Libertarian nominee, Gary Johnson, has recently endorsed the black lives matter movement at a presidential forum hosted by Fusion and slammed people saying “all lives matter” as “fundamentally missing the point.” Green Party nominee, Jill Stein, has also been campaigning hard to gain black
votes. She has already proven her commitment to this cause by picking longstanding black activist Ajamu Baraka as her vice presidential nominee. However, this Green Party VP candidate has recently been criticized for standing by his previous statements calling President Obama an ‘Uncle Tom’ during CNN’s “Green Party Town Hall” on Wednesday, Aug. 17. With election day fast approaching, the black votes may be the key demographic that decides the presidential election.
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Howard University | School of Communications Washington, DC
2016 Communications Job & Internship Fair
BRANDING YOURSELF: Attendees of the Job Fair will consist of talented freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students from colleges and universities across the country as well as recent graduates and working professionals. You will meet and network with reps from advertising (agency/ad sales); public relations; TV & film production; radio production; telecommunications management; sales; organizational communications, news editorial, on-line reporting; finance and accounting. Each attendee should be eager to secure internships, employment or graduate school opportunities from the vast network of recruiting representatives participating in the event. Registration will start at 8:00am with panel discussions about the media industry. Interviews will start at 1:00pm and end at 6:00pm. Some recruiters will request prescheduled interviews. All others will interview walk-ups. Bring plenty of resumes (about 30 copies), portfolios and dress for success (professional suits, slacks and shirt or skirt and blouse only)!
DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016 REGISTRATION: Free! Simply email resume to the category you are interested in and put your status (Freshm., Soph., Senior, Recent Grad, Working Professional etc.) in the subject line. You may submit resume to more than one area of interest:
Public Relations | Social Media | Promotions: Advertising Agency | Ad Sales | Graphic Design: Television Production | Film Production: Audio | Radio Production: Broadcast News | News Producing: Print-Online Journalism | Publications: Business | Sales | Marketing | Administration:
HUSCPublicRelations@gmail.com HUSCAdvertising@gmail.com HUSCTVfilm@gmail.com HUSCRadio1@gmail.com HUSCBroadcast@gmail.com HUSConlineprint@gmail.com HUSCBusiness@gmail.com
PAST RECRUITERS|EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:
LOCATION: Armour J. Blackburn University Center, 2397 6th St., NW, Wash., DC (6th & Howard Place, NW on the University main campus). DATE | TIME: Thursday, October 27, 2016 | 8:30am – 6:00pm QUESTIONS: Carol Y. Dudley, Director, Career Development cdudley@howard.edu
13
14
CULTURE
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Divine Nine Do’s & Don’ts Chanté Russell Culture Staff Writer
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is made up of nine international Black Greek letter organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. These nine organizations have been a major part of HBCU culture since their individual founding. Each carries its own unique and
diverse legacy. Despite their distinction, every organization has a common set of “Do’s and Don’ts” when one attempts to familiarize themselves with their organization and culture: Do: Thorough research. Get to know the Greeks on your campus. Current members, like Emir Bailey of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., Alpha Chapter, encouraged students to actually learn about organizations instead of basing their opinion on stereotypes. “Remember that you will be spending a lot of time with these people and you want to make sure that they are who you want to be around,” said Bailey. “It is
also important to be yourself!” Do: Be authentic. Members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. stressed that authenticity is an important attribute. The glamour of Greek society membership is attractive, but genuine interest in the mission statement of the organization is a definite plus. Do: Involve yourself on campus. Mecca McPherson of Sigma Gamme Rho, Alpha Phi Chapter, and David Castain of Kappa Alpha Psi, Theta Tau Chapter, both emphasized that there is a grade point average (GPA) require-
ment and that being a leader on campus and within the community is highly encouraged. Do: Mind your character. Pamela Senegal of Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Chapter, said that “guarding your reputation and not embarrassing yourself or your letters is of utmost importance.” Don’t: Be interested in an organization based only on superficial reasons. “Popularity can and will fade, [but] your impact will not,” said Shaan Khan of Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Chapter. Don’t: Chase the organization.
It’s easy to get overly excited about them but as Jeremy Horne of Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Chapter, warns that “getting to know them and following them around are two different things.” Don’t: Forget to network. Some alumni society members encourage students to take advantage of their network whenever necessary. Dr. Jennifer J. Edwards, Ph.D., a member of Delta Sigma Theta who earned a Doctoral degree in Communication and Culture at Howard, recommends being aware of the school policies in place as well as hosting events within the community as ways to have a great chapter.
Steps to
Are you a student? Do you want to work this fall? Do you want to get paid on time?
FOLLOW THE STEPS! 2. CHECK YOUR E-MAIL for the background check from HireRight and provide requested information.
1. VISIT the Office of Human Resources (OHR) or HU One-Stop to complete your background check registration and your Form I-9 before starting to work.
3. WAIT to receive authorization from the Office of Human Resources to begin working.
1 DOCUMENT (from List A) OR 2 DOCUMENTS (1 from list B AND 1 from list C) COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
you complete all of If If steps, in inorder, order,you you Ifyou youcomplete completeall all of of these steps, steps, in order, you will have no problem getting to your PAYDAY! will have no problem getting to your PAYDAY!
Office of Human Resources • Department of Recruitment • 2244 10th Street NW • Suite 413 • Washington, DC 20059 • 202-806-1280
CULTURE
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP
Code-Switching: The HU Student’s 404 Error
15
Xavier Handy-Hamilton Culture Editor
As a single parent, my mother worked tirelessly to provide the best life possible for my siblings and me. Unfortunately, her dedication to us also led her to spend the majority of her time at work.
serene, telephone persona with a velvety ‘hello’. As a child, this puzzled me. How could one become a stranger that fast? The only conclusion was that she was crazy. Overtime, I grew comfortable with my grandmother’s insanity, but it took me until my freshman year of college at Howard University to truly understand it. What my grandmother did was practice her ‘time and place’ motto: She was code-switching.
describes code-switching as “the modification of one’s behavior, appearance, etc.; to adapt to different sociocultural norms.” For me, the key word to understand here is ‘adapt.’
Upon my arrival at Howard, I expected a fair amount of cultural adaptation and assimilation, but I never experienced people adapting to an environment by denouncing their privileges. In fact, I’d witnessed just the opposite up to that point in my academic and social career. To understand this pheAll too often, I saw a student nomenon at this university projecting a hardened image you first must know what a to their newfound “Freshman Week” friends. All the No one embodied this better ‘code-switch’ is. It goes past masking your natural accent, while, their parent-funded than my granny. At one moor being overly mannerallowances and Jack and Jill ment she could be furiously of America affiliations stood braiding a disciplinary switch; able--it’s a deeper gesture of cultural assimilation. By as stark contradictions. It the phone would ring, and she would seamlessly switch to a definition, Merriam Webster was as though Howard students wanted to be broke. Like many single parent households, multiple double shifts with scarce, suitable sitters resulted in my grandmother becoming our primary caregiver. Under her tutelage, we were instilled with certain behaviors in the hope we would become successful. Of these lessons, one was recurrent: “There is a time and place for everything.”
YOU CAN LAND A GIG IN SILICON VALLEY
OR YOU CAN APPLY
YOU KNOW TO PROTECT OUR NATION.
This code switch seemingly worked. With this “hardknock life” persona, students felt as though they were well adjusted to Howard’s culture. What wasn’t accounted for in measuring their adjustment was the frequency of switching. A code-switch is temporary; it is meant for limited use in marked social interactions. You would not use this tool in a place where you strive to feel comfortable, like at home. Logically, if a person constantly code-switches to mask an accent, that person may lose it. This is essentially what I saw happen to some students. Those who continuously switched away from their true selves eventually lost the ability to switch back. I witnessed other students become unable to properly express themselves. They cloaked their personality so frequently that they began to lose themselves. For some, this loss turned into resentment that manifested itself
As new Bison, you have the ability to make this experience the best four years of your life. To accomplish this, however, there first has to be a level of comfortability at home. This year is the start of the rest of your life. If you choose to be comfortable in your own skin, you can make this experience anything you want it to be and be yourself. Despite the sometimes intimidating prospect of Howard culture, it is always the right time and perfect place to be yourself.
WELCOME #HU20 First-Year Families join the Chapel Choir for the traditional “Total Praise” during the first Chapel Service of the year
This is your opportunity to have a career that’s as meaningful as it is challenging. Apply today.
Join us this Sunday… Rev. Dr. Dharius Daniels
An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce.
Having witnessed this emotional deterioration firsthand my freshman year, I caution the class of 2020 about the dangers of code-switching. While the reasons you and your peers decided to enroll may vary, you all chose to make this university your home.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHAPEL
Sure, you could work for a buzzworthy tech company that has a playground in the lunchroom. Or you could come to the CIA – where you’ll embark on a mission to keep Americans safe. With your STEM background, critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity, you’ll crack some of the toughest challenges imaginable – from developing the world’s most advanced technology to seeing the complex narrative in big data.
THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.
in multiple ways; namely, blaming the university for imposing hierarchical identity standards.
cia.gov/careers
Founder and Senior Pastor, Kingdom Church Ewing and Burlington, New Jersey
follow us on instagram ca__howardu
16
8.25.2016 | THE HILLTOP