Sports | 5
Opinion | 6
Religion | 6
Black Athletes
Is it necessary to have two black cultural clubs?
Merge: A place of authentic worship
February 27, 2020 Collegedale, Tennessee
Lifestyle | 7 Student Spotlight: Black Entrepreneurial Students
Southern Accent
Vol. 75 Issue 16
The student voice since 1926
BCU Night: Hidden Figures
Sheryl Kambuni first female SA president elected in 26 years; Abejar, Peteros, confirmed as VPs
Cheyenne Wilson Staff Writer This Saturday night, Southern’s annual Black Christian Union (BCU) Night will showcase a variety of food, dance and a play featuring the “hidden figures” within black history. To begin the night, students will have the opportunity to taste cuisines from places such as Kenya, Jamaica and Trinidad. From there, students can watch performers do a step dance and watch a play written by Wendell Passie, a second-year freshman and computer information systems major. Cierra Dabney, a sophomore communication studies major, joined BCU in 2019. Dabney serves as BCU’s step dance choreographer. “Even though I’ve been [in BCU] for a short amount of time, I realized the consistency of everyone just trying to figure out how we can improve as a BCU family,” Dabney said. “Personally, I think what means the most is just the unity everyone getting together and being able to have a good time. And most See BCU on page 3
Megan Yoshioka Lead Reporter Junior psychology major Sheryl Kambuni is the first female elected Student Association president since Windi Cockrell was elected in 1994. Kambuni secured 78.22 percent of votes. She enters the position with proposals to improve mental health services, make community service count as cultural credit and build mentorship programs for students through alumni relations.
Her opponent, junior psychology major Luis Moreno, received 21.78 percent.
I never expected myself to be in this position, but now it’s a reality. Originally from Kenya, Kambuni is also the first black female SA president at Southern since 1976. “I feel like it definitely puts the pressure on because now everybody’s looking to see what’s
Village Market alters receipt policy Kelly Gustrowsky Staff Writer The Village Market (VM) recently changed its policy for customers keeping their receipts. Instead of having the option to be given a receipt, customers must keep their receipts to show an employee at the exit as proof of purchase. This is due to the shoplifting occurring in the store according to Jackie Rose, VM manager. Rose, says that although it is hard to tell exactly how much the store loses from stolen merchandise, it is safe to estimate approximately 1.3% of profits. “[If put into dollars], it would be substantial, more than you’d actually think,” Rose said.
Food is a primary source of theft, according to management. Employees often find empty containers denoting goods that have been stolen and either eaten in some remote corner of the store or smuggled out.
Food, although the primary choice of theft, is not the only item fallen prey to shoplifting. Rose said basketballs and pillows have also been stolen. “They’ll get [food at] the hot bar, which is a priced item . . .
Customers checking out at the VM. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
and then go to the salad bar, fill [the hot bar container] up, [and] close it back,” Rose said. In this manner, the customer gets the salad for free. Food, although the primary choice of theft, is not the only item fallen prey to shoplifting. Rose said basketballs and pillows have also been stolen. Dee Franks, assistant manager, thinks the past practice of only handing out receipts if the customer desired it might have contributed to shoplifting. “There was a time period that customer service had made the decision to not hand out receipts if the customer didn’t want it . . . and so that’s where it possibly got ‘loosened up,’” See VM on page 3
so special about women and what they can do to benefit our school,” Kambuni said. Senior marketing major Marcus Abejar and junior management major Nadine Peteros were elected executive vice president and social vice president, respectively. Both were running unopposed. Abejar secured 87.79 percent of votes and Peteros secured 94.84 percent. Current SA president Mark Galvez called all three candidates on election night to
inform them that they won their positions. “At first I was like, ‘No, I don’t believe it,’” Kambuni said. “My brain shut down at that moment because leading up to that, I had been so stressed. But it actually happened. And, then, I was just on the ground for a few minutes. Then I got up and was like, ‘Okay, what’s next?’” “My first thought was, ‘Wow, this is actually happening,’” Abejar said. “I never expected myself to be in this position, but See SA President on page 2
McKee Library announces changes to closing hours
McKee Library Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Stephanie Chavez Falla Staff Writer Beginning next semester, the McKee Library will be closing at 11 p.m. rather than at midnight from Sunday to Thursday according to Deyse Bravo, director of libraries. About five years ago, the library closed at 11 p.m. They decided to make the change to extend its hours upon request of the students. However, now the library will be returning to its previous hours. Bravo, who has worked at the library for nine years, says this change is due to the lack of student attendance from 11 p.m. to midnight. “There are fewer people at 11 p.m. than there is at 9 pm.” said Elisa Fuentes, senior health science major and student library worker. “Statistically, every time I take a headcount… at 9 p.m. it
could be about 60 people. But at 11 p.m. or 11:30 p.m., I’d say it probably drops to a maximum of 15 to 20 people.” According to Bravo, this decision was made by the faculty and staff of the library with the advice of Robert Young, senior vice president of academic administration at Southern. “The reason we decided to make this change is that there is very little library utilization from students from 11 p.m. to midnight,” Bravo said. “We do a headcount every hour… and the numbers during this hour have been very low for the last few years. We want to make better use of the library’s resources by realigning our funding priorities.” The upcoming change to the library has students questioning whether this decision is truly a result of the low number See LIBRARY on page 3
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu
2 | Thursday, February 27, 2020
NEWS SA President continued from page 1
now it’s a reality.” Kambuni said she expects to work with Counseling Services,
I can't wait to see to serve Southern and see what God will do. Student Development and Christian Services in the upcoming school year to implement her policies. Abejar plans to work with Career Services Cen-
ter and Peteros will work with Student Development. “The next step is planning,” Peteros said. “We’re going to meet together, and we’ll go over the schedule for next year. I’m very excited for you guys to see what I have planned, and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy their night.” “I am really excited about this,” Kambuni said. “And I can’t wait to serve Southern and see what God will do.”
Southern Professors work on new edition of Adventist Encyclopedia
OF VOTERS
Top Left: Lisa Clark Diller receiving certificate of appreciation from ESDA's Editor-in-chief David Trim and managing editor Dragoslava Santrac. Top Right: Lisa Clark Diller and Chigemezi Wogu at the ESDA conference in 2015 Bottom Left: ESDA's celebratory cake at the initial release of the encyclopedia this summer at the 2020 GC session. Bottom Right: Alain Czaykowsky in the GC Archives, creating finding aids for encyclopedia researchers. Photo courtesy of Lisa Clark Diller
Madison Reinschmidt Staff Writer Southern history professors Lisa Clark Diller and Kevin Burton are working with Adventist representatives all around the world to create the updated edition of the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists (ESDA). This encyclopedia was first published in 1966 to compile research of Adventist people, places, institutions, events and other issues.
Board members hope to have 2,000 articles written by the initial release, but the ultimate goal is to compile over 10,000 stories.
A letter to Sheryl Kambuni Congratulations Sheryl Kambuni for being elected as SA President! I have walked this road before you and it was one of my best memories during my college years. If you ask Him, God will certainly guide you and give you wisdom for the journey. Know that I am praying for you and the other SA officers to lead with integrity. Be true to yourself and walk in your purpose. Blessings! From Gale Jones Murphy ’76, First female and black SA president 1974-75.
Southern Accent The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, Southern Adventist University, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For any questions, comments, and article submission information email us at accent@southern.edu For all advertising inquiries, email
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According to the professors, the first edition of the ESDA included information of people and places from the North American Division, but lacked research about women and other Adventists around the world. Most articles included in the encyclopedia listed no authors or sources, causing a lack of credibility. The encyclopedia was revised into two volumes in 1996, but the professors said few changes were made to widen content. Because much of the information in the older editions is outdated and inaccurate, the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference (GC) decided it was time to rewrite it. At the 2015 conference meeting, the GC approved the funding for a new edition of the ESDA for a period of five years. The new edition will be released online at the General Conference meeting this summer. Board members hope to have 2,000 articles written by the initial release, but the ulti-
Opinion Editor Anne Pondi Editor-in-Chief Paola Mora Zepeda
Religion Editor María José Morán
Managing Editor Tierra Hayes
Sports Editor Zach Roberts
News Editor Joel Guerra
Humor Editor Bradford McDonald
Lifestyle Editor Christina Robinson
Photo Editor Estefania Sanchez
mate goal is to compile over 10,000 stories. Diller and Burton were asked to be a part of the editorial board of the encyclopedia, along with representatives from all Adventist divisions around the world. English professors Linda Tym and Laurie Stankavich are among others writing for the encyclopedia. Diller is encouraging Southern professors to assign their students articles to write in their classes, while Burton is seeking out individuals qualified and interested in writing articles. Both Diller and Burton have assigned their students articles in their Women’s History and Church History classes. “This project is exciting for my students because it is meaningful beyond a letter grade in the class. They can actually make a difference with what they write,” Burton said. Beyond their classes, Burton and Diller are encouraging anyone who has the ability to write well to get involved. “There’s no money to pay authors, so that is why we want students to write articles for the encyclopedia. You can write about people, institutions, events, your old academy, or even a relative,” Diller said. “We have 10,000 articles to write, so we need talented writers. Anyone can write an article if they’re willing to do the research and know how to write effectively. This is the people’s project.” Diller said the articles only need to be 500 to 1,000 words in length, and there are templates and writers’ guides to aid in finding information. The articles will be peer-reviewed by two historians before they are potentially published in the encyclopedia.
“Writing for the encyclopedia is a great opportunity to get published in other magazines such as Adventist Today or Spectrum as well,” Diller said.
Copy Editors Trisney Bocala Taylor Dean
Lead Reporters Bailey DuBose Sarah Klingbeil Megan Yoshioka Elise Deschamps Ciarah Clark
Social Media Manager Gia Arroyo Layout Designers Allison Barnum Kirsten Clark Web Manager Jonathan Ziesmer
This project is exciting for my students because it is meaningful beyond a letter grade in the class. They can actually make a difference with what they write. “The encyclopedia will be a source for our church for years to come. An important part of our mission is to understand where we came from and how God has led us in the past.” Burton said. “The encyclopedia is free for anyone to use and will be a great way to get our mission out and to bring awareness to what our church has done and is doing. We hope that this resource will help people grow in their understanding of the Adventist church and build up their faith in some way.” To learn more about the project, visit adventistarchives.org
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Southern Alumnus Reaches out to Chattanooga’s Hispanic Community
NEWS
BCU
Library
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Marvin Campos Photo courtesy of Marvin Campos
Sarah Klingbeil Lead Reporter Southern alumnus Marvin Campos aims to improve the lives of immigrants in Chattanooga’s low-income neighborhoods and was also featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Campos graduated from Southern in 2018 with a master’s degree in social work. Now, the 26-year-old works as a bilingual life coach for Building Stable Lives, a free program run by United Way, which aims to connect low-income families with appropriate services to maintain stability.
Growing up in an immigrant home, I understand how a lot of times you;re not welcomed in the United States. Born to immigrant parents, Campos wants to create trust with the Hispanic community around him. “Growing up in an immigrant home, I understand how a lot of times you're not welcome in the United States,” Campos said. “A lot of immigrants stay low-key, and they don't have any resources. So, I want to let them know, ‘Hey, like, you do have worth and you have rights as a human being in the United States. Welcome!
VM
continued from page 1 Franks said. “If you don’t have a receipt, can you prove that you bought it or not?” The VM staff wants to make it clear that they care about their customers. However, those caught shoplifting will have to face Campus Safety and possibly the police. “It is a serious thing—it’s stealing. People go to jail for stealing,” Rose said. “I don’t understand why people do it,” said Amber Maddox, junior Nursing major.
I'm here to help you out and celebrate your wins.’” Campos describes being a life coach as having two job descriptions. First, to help create goals with clients, being a resource coach and maintaining accountability with his clients. The second is to gain access to the Hispanic community and determine its basic needs. “Being bilingual, my supervisor asked me to go to the Hispanic community and figure out what the need is and how to help that community,” Campos said. Based on his interactions, Campos said that this part of the job is a lot harder. “It’s been a lot tougher, because there’s not a lot of resources for specifically immigrant Hispanics,” Campos said. “So there's been a lot of emergency management, a lot more hands-on. We get families [with] a family member who has been deported who has been the main source of income; and it’s starting over.” When asked for advice for Southern students, Campos encouraged students, particularly bilingual students, to branch outside of their comfort zones and stay in Chattanooga. “I want to encourage a lot of them to stay in Chattanooga,” Campos said. “ We need a lot of bilingual professionals.”
“[Students] have meal plans.” Dee Franks says any student struggling to pay for meals can receive help from the Feed My Sheep program, and other customers can get help from the Samaritan Center. “Any time you have theft or loss it affects your bottom line [net income],” Rose said. “So people that are stealing are actually hurting the people who are being honest.” Though Campus Safety has not been notified of any recent shoplifting events at the VM, 30 Campus Safety officers monitor the VM cameras.
BCU Night poster. Photo courtesy of BCU Instagram
importantly, making a BCU change that will make Southern a better place.” According to BCU’s social vice president and senior graphic design major, Daijah Stowe, this BCU play will focus on unrecognized figures in black history. “I want to portray the writer’s vision,” Stowe said. “He really wanted [this play] to be different from the rest of the BCU Nights. He wanted to be more inclusive of different cultures and [for the audience to] actually learn a lesson about today’s culture and history.”
[We] want to come together, to gather and meet new people, and express all different cultures. Stowe encourages students to come with an open mind, to enjoy and to get involved in clubs of their own, whether that be BCU, Asian Club or Latin American Club. “[We] want to come together, to gather and meet new people, and express all different cultures together and be one – [like] a little union,” Stowe said.
of students at the library, or due to a lack of funds to keep the building open later. “It’s one hour extra,” said Jonathan Osvold, senior biochemistry major. “I can’t imagine that it costs them too much [money] or time to keep the library open until midnight.” Skyler HumphreyDavis, junior finance major, expressed that the library closing earlier could affect the students. “I feel like it puts the students at a disadvantage because the library is a place in which they can study,” said Humphrey-Davis, junior finance major. “There are some areas in housing or the dorms where it’s not easily accessible…I think it puts the students at a real disadvantage to have the library close at eleven.” However, student workers at the library find this change to be good. “I personally, dislike night shifts because it’s difficult to be functional at that time,” said Fuentes. “ If they [library student workers] are the kind of people that wake up early, like me, they can get the sleep that they need to be able to function throughout the next day.” To check Mckee Library's current schedule go to southern.edu/library
History and Political Studies department updates pre-law minor
English, History, and Political Studies department sign. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Bailey DuBose Lead Reporter The History and Political Studies Department at Southern Adventist University has updated its pre-law minor, now called Legal Studies. According to History and Political Studies Department Chair Lisa Diller, for the past 30 years, the pre-law minor was referred to as Political Economy. But in the past two years, it has been updated and renamed. “The minor is to help students who aren't [history or political studies] majors get the skills they might need to go to law school,” Diller said. “So, if someone is a music major or a theology or graphic design or psychology major, we make sure -- through the minor -- that they have the reading, research and writing skills that the American Bar Association requires to do
well in law school.” According to Diller, the Legal Studies minor includes political science, English, business and history classes and is in line with the American Bar Association’s recommendations. Due to the name change, the updated minor will not be available in the undergraduate catalog until next school year. According to Diller, there are usually 10-15 students in the Political Economy minor. But the department hopes the name change will attract students wishing to pursue a career in law. “Anyone can take the LSAT (after finishing an undergraduate degree) and go to law school at any time. There's no ‘one’ degree that is required to go to law school,” Diller said. The LSAT stands for Law School Admission Test, which is a standardized test used to
determine the skills of a prospective law student, according to The Law School Admission Council (LSAC). “The minor allows students to be intentional in their preparation for law school and to allow those of us who advise them to know who is interested and reach out to them for events, as well as mentoring and education,” Diller said. Junior mass communication major Trisney Bocala who is currently enrolled in the Political Economy minor said, “When I declared myself a Political Economy minor, I was skeptical. Something about the word ‘economy,’ somehow threw me off. I think ‘Legal Studies’ sounds a lot more like what I was looking for, even if the curriculum is largely unchanged.”
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NEWS
SAU Cardboard Boat Race
Ben Kipps and Kaili Kimbrow racing their boat. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Team Usain building their boat. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Nathan Batchelor and Danny Pauliah racing to get their boat built. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Freja Nelson paddling across the pool. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Danny Pauliah and Natalie Harder in their boat. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
The winning team, The Unsinkables. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Students work to construct boats out of cardboard and duct tape. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
Maddy Thomas and Autumn Dunzweiler beginning to sink in their boat. Photo by Estefania Sanchez
5 | Thursday, February 27, 2020
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SPORTS
Black athletes who have made history Zach Roberts Sports Editor
Xavier Snyder Contributor
Muhammad Ali The Greatest, The Louisville Lip, the People’s Champion—all of these were nicknames for the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Known as the greatest boxer of all time, Ali has won an Olympic gold medal, the World Heavyweight Title three times and has defeated other greats like Joe Frazier and George Foreman. Outside the ring, Muhammad Ali was a humanitarian and activist that was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Ali held a close relationship with SDAs; he lived within walking distance of Andrews University, and he also has several SDA family members, including his cousins and brother
Gabby Douglas Gabby Douglas is the first African American in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, and the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in both the individual allaround and team competitions at the same Olympics. She was named the 2012 female athlete of the year. Mattel, Inc. released a gymnast Barbie doll that was modeled after her.
Bismack Biyombo Bismack Biyombo is a center for the Charlotte Hornets. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft. Biyombo is from the Republic of the Congo and is the president of the NBA Players Association. Biyombo has the Toronto Raptors playoff record with 26 rebounds in a single game.
Davy Ondrejka Contributor
Usain Bolt Known as the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt has plenty of accolades to back up that claim. He’s an 8x Olympic gold medalist, 11x World Athletics Champion and still holds the world record for the 100 and 200 meter dash. As a boy, Bolt attended the Sherwood Content SDA church in Jamaica.
Almaz Ayana Almaz Ayana Eba is an Ethiopian female long-distance runner who competes in the 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000-meter events. She broke the 10,000 meters world record, set in 1993, while winning the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At the 2017 World Championships in London, she took home the gold medal in the 10,000 metres, finishing 46 seconds ahead of the next closest runner.
Magic Johnson Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. (Magic was his nickname) won championships all throughout his career; in high school at Michigan State, and later five separate times in the professional league with the Los Angeles Lakers. To supplement his championship rings, Johnson was also a 3x League MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 12x AllStar and a 1992 Olympic gold medalist. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Johnson’s mother was an SDA, and he talks often about his Adventist upbringing—the main reason for his support of Oakwood University through
Simone Biles Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast. With a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo and Russia’s Larisa Latynina. Born March 14, 1997, in Columbus Ohio, Biles had a humble beginning. She grew up in foster care with her three siblings until the age of six when her grandfather adopted them. In 2012, Biles began homeschooling so she could boost her training time from 20 hours to 32 hours a week. In the 2016 Summer Olympics, Biles joined team USA. She won four golds out of a total of five metals in Rio that year. Biles may stand at a height of just 4 feet 8 inches, but that never stopped her from reaching her goals and showing all of us how great things can come from small beginnings.
Erba Tiki Gelana Erba Tiki Gelana is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who competes in marathon races. Her personal best of 2:18:58 was the Ethiopian record from 2012 to 2017. She won both the 2011 Amsterdam Marathon and the 2012 Rotterdam Marathon. She won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London with a time of 2:23:07, a new Olympic record.
Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam, a forward for the defending NBA champions the Toronto Raptors, is the reigning NBA’s Most Improved Player. On Feb. 13, 2019, he scored 44 points, becoming the 11th Raptor to score 40 in a game in their franchise history. He is currently averaging 23.7 ppg with 7.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the second seeded Raptors.
Serena Williams Serena Williams might go down as the greatest tennis player of all time. Since her first major win in 1999 she has gone on to win a total of 23 singles major championships, the most of any man or woman. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on Sept. 26, 1981. Since the age of three, she has been practicing and playing tennis. Williams is a huge name in sports, with a net worth of $180 million. She has also won 14 grand slam doubles titles with her sister Venus Williams. This quote from Williams truly shows her belief in the importance of family. “Tennis is just a game; family is forever. Family’s first, and that’s what matters most. We realize that our love goes deeper than the tennis game. I definitely have found a balance. I’ve had so many offers in the past to do different movies or different things, and I always choose tournaments over it.” Williams is an amazing example of a great athlete, sister, mother and woman.
Barry Sanders Barry Sanders was an NFL running back for the Detroit Lions from 1989-1998. He is well known for being one of the greatest running backs of all time, being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Sanders was expected to be a star in the NFL after winning the Heisman Trophy in 1988, and he did not disappoint. He was in the Pro Bowl every year he played in the NFL. He was also a 6x first-team All-Pro, and won MVP of the League in 1997. In 1997, he set an NFL record by rushing for at least 100 yards in 14 consecutive games and became only the third player to reach 2,000 yards in a single season, and 15 career touchdown runs of 50 yards or more, the most in NFL history. He was never the fastest or the strongest, but he always kept Jesus in his heart. “Christianity affects your whole life. I feel I’m more competitive; a better player. But off the field is where there is always a battle.”
Ruth Ogbeifo Ruth Ogbeifo is a Nigerian weightlifter. In the 1999 World Championship, she won bronze medals in the 75 kg category in snatch, clean and jerk, and overall. She competed in the 75 kg weight class at the 2000 Summer Olympics and won the silver medal, with 245.0 kg in total. She was the first African woman to win a medal in weightlifting.
6 | Thursday, February 27, 2020
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OPINION Is it necessary to have two black cultural clubs? The tale of two cultures: the historical argument for two black cultural clubs
Stop the whispers, embrace the culture
David Runnels II Contributor
Charity Ogoti Contributor
Southern Adventist University is a great campus because of its diversity. The school brings people from different cultures together to learn from each other and grow stronger together academically, socially and spiritually. Cultural clubs are an important aspect of Southern that help people become more aware of the cultures of their peers. While most cultures are only represented by one club, black students at Southern are represented by two clubs, Black Christian Union (BCU) and the African Student Union (ASU). This has led to a valid question: Why are there two clubs for black students when this is not the case for other cultures? As a history major, I believe that in order to answer this question, we must examine the history of black people. One of the most consequential events of black history was the African Diaspora, the capture and transport of 12 million Africans to the Americas to work the agricultural plantations of their captors. This event separated millions of people from their families and their culture. And for the people that survived the treacherous Middle Passage, the challenge of maintaining their culture was a hard one. This was made harder because of their masters’ disdain toward African traditions and their refusal to let them continue these traditions in the Americas. For example, many African peoples used drums in their ceremonies and as a mode of communication over long distances. But
the slave masters began to fear that drums could be used to start slave revolts, so they were banned in many parts of the Americas. This is just one of many examples that show that Africans who originally brought African culture to the Americas were forced to create a new culture and identity in their new homes. The Africans who were not
enslaved had their own challenges as well. The abolition of the slave trade by every major country in 1888 did not signal the end of the white supremacist mindset that fueled the trade. European nations soon saw that while human labor was no longer deemed acceptable to exploit in Africa, the continent’s natural resources were ripe for the taking. These nations split African countries amongst themselves and made colonies that treated the native African peoples as second-class citizens. Since the
African independence movements in the 20th century, many nations are still attempting to rebuild themselves after centuries of foreign influence. So, is it significant that black students at Southern have two different clubs to represent them across campus? Certainly! When we look at the history of the two groups represented by BCU and ASU, we can see that although they are descendants of the same people, the experiences they and their ancestors have had are very different. One group was forcibly removed from their homes, brought to America, and enslaved. The other group emigrated to America of their own free will like many other ethnic minorities, but were subjected to over a century of European colonial rule of their homeland. This common ancestry, contrasted with different historical narratives, have led students who identify with the two groups on campus to have cultures that share some similarities, but also many differences. These differences should be celebrated, which is why two clubs representing black students at Southern is not only acceptable, but necessary.
There are many reasons why we have ASU (African Students Union) and BCU (Black Christian Union) as official clubs on our campus. From my point of view, we should place less focus on why either club should exist and instead, place more attention on the underlying principles of both clubs. The form of discussion I am stating is not about our delicate history, but about the silent whispers that are heard on campus, where one might gossip and look down on either ASU or BCU. Now, more than ever, we have to form respect for both organizations and understand that both groups represent a part of our student body. It is hard to summarize the history of 54 countries under one organization, while also shining light on the history of African Americans, Blacks, Africans, and those from the Caribbean islands (such as Haitians, Trinidadians, and Jamaicans). It is nearly impossible. If you look at Africa, you are met with black people (Africans). If you look towards the islands in the Caribbean, you are also met with black people (i.e., Jamaicans and Haitians). And when you look to America, you encounter black people, too. I am expressing all of this to show you that there is more to a black person than what
meets the eye. You cannot fully encapsulate black culture into one club. For instance, though Haitians and Nigerians share some similarities in music— both love plantains and both embrace the gift of family, yet they are completely different when it comes to traditions, culture and language. Therefore, to be blatant, it is demeaning when we are asked why we have two different organizations that feature black people on campus. I hope that I have made it clear that a black person is more than a black person: he or she is made up of history. We all had to fight and overcome different parts of history that made us who we are today. If you look closely enough at both organizations, you will notice that both clubs on campus strive to make everyone cherish and understand their uniqueness. If you do not believe me, attend BCU night on the 29th of this month or pass by one African potluck this semester; because, just like all the clubs on here on campus, everyone is welcome to partake.
RELIGION Merge: A place of authentic praise Michaela Lewin Contributor My parents are super conservative when it comes to praise and worship. Okay, maybe not super conservative, but definitely more than I am or what you would see at a church like Merge. My dad grew up Adventist all his life in Jamaica; and if he had it his way, we would sing hymns 24/7. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That was just never me. After awhile, I felt myself going through the motions. You can still see this whenever I’m with my parents now. I’m a lot more reserved and, dare I say, “stuffy.” I grew up going to predominantly white churches, and I wasn’t really exposed to gospel music until I moved to Bermuda. In fact, I had to teach myself how to clap on the second and fourth beats and move at the same time before I joined the choir. But, after a while, gospel music became a part of who I was. Coming to Southern, the music was so different from what I was hearing in Bermuda, but familiar because it was what I’d grown up with.
Church members from back home would always ask, “Do you guys at Southern only sing Chris Tomlin?” Then I would drop the bomb on them and say, “You know, not all the time. In fact, we actually started a gospel service on campus.” Then I’d launch into my whole story of how I got involved in Merge.
Merge is where I find I can praise authentically, one hundred percet. My freshman year it wasn’t called Merge. In fact, my earliest memories were of just hearing from word-of-mouth that BCU was having church in whatever dorm chapel would let them. First, I loved going there; because, if it was in Thatcher, I wouldn’t have to walk very far. And, second, because they were singing the songs that I sang at my high school. It was something familiar, almost like a little piece of home; and as a freshman, I needed that. I didn’t
start getting seriously involved in Merge until my junior year at Southern. By this time, we’d officially gone by the name Merge, and we were meeting in Talge chapel twice a month. I was at a spiritual fork in my personal life. There were things that I was trying to let go of from way back, even all the way back to high school. Music and singing for me are the ways I express myself. If I’m sad, stressed, or happy, my comfort and emotion has always been expressed through music. This community that I was now a part of allowed me to express my inner frustration to God the only way I know how, through song. I definitely feel that other students, specifically people of color, can relate to how I felt in terms of stifled praise. The looks we sometimes receive from others can be a deterrent from expressing ourselves the way we truly want to. Whether it be shouting respectfully, standing, raising your hands or singing louder than the praise team themselves, everyone
praises differently. What works for me may not work for you. But I think Merge gives you an outlet to experience something different and see what really does work for you. I wasn’t always that person that didn’t care if she was the only person who was
standing during praise and worship, who lifted her hands or clapped along to the songs. I feel blessed to have grown with Merge and in that aspect of my spiritual life. Merge is where I find I can praise authentically, one hundred percent.
7 | Thursday, February 27, 2020
For more related news visit our website at accent.southern.edu
LIFESTYLE Black History Month
Student Spotlight
Hair done by Durbin
Life outside of academics, student side hustles Christina Robinson Lifestyle Editor For this issue’s lifestyle piece, we wanted our monthly Student Spotlight to highlight two black students with side hustles for our special Black History Month issue. Both of these students have found business opportunities offering hair services with students on campus.
Sherley Registe: Miami native and junior biology major Sherley Registe decided to start her hair business in college when she realized the lack of hair salons in the Chattanooga area that catered to naturally curly hair. At a young age, she learned to do her own hair. “I wanted my mom to stop doing my hair because it was the same style every time,” Registe said. “YouTube became the source of learning, DIYs and where my passion for natural hair started.” She started to create videos after she visited a salon that damaged her hair. Registe began to practice cutting and styling her own hair, learning different styles and techniques.
She offers services that include braids, shape trims and cuts. Looking for a natural hair stylist? Message her on Snapchat: @shallay_0619. Durbin Brown: Durbin Brown, a Costa Rican senior nursing major from Sacramento, California, created his barber business in 2015. He learned to cut his own hair at the age of 12, when his brother, who was his barber, felt it was time for him to learn. In high school, Brown began to learn different techniques and friends started to notice, asking if Brown could cut their hair too. His business, Durbs Cuts, grew in college as clients recommended him. “Since my freshman year, I’ve cut all types of hair–curly,
straight… I cater to everyone. Red and yellow, black and white. It doesn’t matter,” Brown said. What makes Brown stand out from other barbers in Talge is his accuracy. “I always take my time with clients,” Brown said. “I’m not in a rush to go from client to client.” According to Brown, he doesn’t see competition with other barbers because they work together and recommend each other, depending on what a client requests. Brown charges standard cuts for $15, lineups for $10, and beard trims for $8-$10. Tips are always welcome and he accepts CashApp, Apple Pay and cash. To book an appointment, visit durbinbrown.youcanbook.me.
Durbin Brown
Hair done by Sherley
Sherley Registe
SOCIAL MEDIA
For a chance to be featured use #saulife or tag @sauaccent on Instagram or Twitter in your posts!
#SAUlife Sherley Registe
Julia Ciasca
Samuel Kumendong @samm_ek This rain really doesn’t want the new student center to be built in time.
Joel Guerra @j8war King Nebuchadnezzar: Everyone must bow down to my brand new statue! Daniel and his buddies: ...We have no choice but to STANd
Patrick Mcgraw@saintpatthicc THE PROMENADE NEEDS A NEW LANE FOR FAST WALKERS! AS SA PRESIDENT, I WILL shallaybenatural There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise. #SAUlife
Astacia Sigarlaki@astaciax *Talking about Cheetos commercials* boy in my psych class: “Yeah whatever that animal thing is” ... sir you mean the cheetah???
Emily Turk
julia_ciasca Thank you for such an amazing evening. I love you. #SAUlife
Elise Deschamps
Natalie Boonstra @nataliejeann Literally hid my cheezits when I heard the RA coming in to do night check bc I didn’t want her to think I was eating snacks at 1 am even though I was anyway how’s your night?
Bradley Hutchinson @be_rad_ly Stepped in a puddle on my way to work so I’ve officially lost all self worth in case anyone was wondering.
emilyturk Feelin like a mix of the 80’s, country, and hobo #SAUlife
Congratulations @noah_banks_!
Come pick up your gift card in the Accent office. It’s that time of the year to make changes in your wardrobe. Find Kevin this week to buy a new shirt with a
Eddy De La Cruz
leeezie The softest grass for the softest day and a softening heart. #SAUlife
Allison Barreto
$10 H&M Gift Card! DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding! offic1aldlc I’m just saying you could do better. #SAUlife
camilabarreto NY, always a good idea! #SAUlife
8 | Thursday, February 27, 2020
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu
HUMOR You know you’re in a black church when… Tierra Hayes Managing Editor
1. It’s 2 p.m. and the pastor just got up to speak 2. Someone shouts out a friend’s name when they walk up on the pulpit!” 3. The pastor says he is closing up and someone yells “take your time!” 4. Your pastor tells you to ask your neighbor a million questions 5. You know the difference between Redeemed (337) and Redeemed (338) 6. A chorus of “Amens!” ring out after a point hits home with the audience 7. You are in service for several hours 8. Someone yells “you better sing!” when the soloist gets up front Here are a few things that to me define my experiences (and those of everyone who replied to my Instagram request) with black church. What makes black church unique to you?
CHATTER SA Announcements
Today 27 30-44
ATTENTION SENIORS: If you are a graduating senior and took senior portraits last semester, please come to the SA office to pick up your proofs. We need you to come pick these up as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Autumn
Convocation: 11 a.m. Iles P.E. Center, Meet the Firms
Dunzweiler (adunzweiler@southern.edu). HIDDEN FIGURES (BCU NIGHT): This Saturday night, February 29th, at 8:00pm in
Friday 28
Iles PE Center, BCU is presenting their annual “BCU Night”! The theme this year is Hidden Figures. Come out, enjoy some delicious food, and fellowship with your fellow students!
Saturday 29 Adoration: 9 a.m., Church 32-51 Merge Worship: 11:30 a.m., Lynn Wood Chapel Renewal: 11:45 a.m., Church Connect: 11:45 a.m., Collegedale Academy Evensong: 6 p.m., Church BCU Cultural Night: 8 p.m., Iles P.E. Center
Monday 2 53-60
Southern Sophomore Success: 12 p.m., Presidential Banquet Room E.A. Anderson Lecture Series: 7 p.m., Brock
32-48 Sunset: 6:35 p.m. Vespers: 7:30 p.m., Church, Joseph Khabbaz Star Watch: 8 p.m. Hickman Parking Lot
49-66
chance to win upwards of $2,000! Turn in your audition before Sunday, March 1 to belltyler@southern.edu. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the amount of $2,000, $1,200, and $800. The actual talent show will occur on March 28th, so if you don’t want to audition, come and support your friends!
Sunday 1 Cave Open: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Student Park I Cantori Concert: 7:30 p.m., Ackerman
40-60
Tuesday 3 Southern Sophomore Success: 12 p.m., 60-66 Presidential Banquet Room Music General Recitals: 7:30 p.m., Ackerman
Wednesday 4
SA TALENT SHOW: Talent Show submissions have been extended! You still have a
Weekly Birthdays TODAY |27
Saturday |29
Hannah Cheneweth
Dominique Anson
Tuesday |3
Zachary Cheneweth
Sunday |1
Timothy Caran
Tiago Ferreira
Kc Alegrado Cabil
Kimberly Kra
Ryleigh Lewis
Jeffrey Begley
Becca Overstreet
Daniel Morton
James Chin
Edyn-Mae Stevenson
Patricia Pakpahan
Efileni Perez-Ortiz
Wednesday |4
Minda Ruba
Caroline Wells
Matthew Baker
Cheruto Shiow
Monday |2
Dustin Battenberg
Friday |28
Tiffany Benson
Chloe Elias
Mary Aquino
Lizandra Diaz
Brianna Ford
Luke Graham
Jake Johnson
Rachel Santana
Daniel Im
Erik Lorenz
Siosiua Telefoni
Tahkai Martin
Cameron Reel
Ryan Van Zyl
Edrian Sanchez
Jaime Simulis
Wyatt Tracy
Solomon West
Drew Willson