Black Ink October 2011 Issue by UNC Black Ink Magazine

October 2011

Letter from the Editor-in-Cheif

Hello Readers! During a time in which the president of the America is Black, gay marriage has become legal in seven states and a women serves as our Secretary of state; many people have become complacent with the state of our country. People might say there is more to fight for but how many of them are indeed fighting for a cause? Although America is indeed progressing, that should not imply that we have reached a final state of “progressed”. The process is not over until injustice no longer exists. Just because we are free to eat at any restaurant, apply to any school, marry anyone we please, does not mean our work is through. Hate crimes are still prevalent, injustice is still occurring, people are still being oppressed, and each and everyone of us has the responsibility of asking ourselves what we are doing about it. It was once said; if you are not actively fighting against an injustice, you are perpetuating it. Silence is not indifference, it is relinquishing your right to make a difference. In this issue our writers address topics like self-segregation on UNC’s campus, the lack of Black students participation in Student Government and even the experience of being an awkward Black girl. In doing this we hope to spark a conversation on those things so often ignored. We are discouraging the position of silence and pushing the community to be LOUD about their concerns. So please take the time to sit down and enjoy this read. We hope that you are as motivated and inspired, as we are, to be LOUD about what you stand for. We thank you for your relentless support as we uphold the success of this publication. And with your help we will continue to represent the Black presence on UNC’s campus through informative and revolutionary media. Sincerely, Brittany Johnson editor-in-chief

Letter from the Managing Editor Dear Readers, We’ve promised to bring you revolutionary work — and we’ve delivered. Read the mixed reviews of blockbuster hit The Help, our opinions on the state of the Black athlete at UNC the profile of UNC-Chapel Hill’s first African-American head football coach Everett Withers and much more. The cover is a testament to the injustice that was served in the state of Georgia. In a country that touts its morality, the execution of Troy Anthony Davis is perverse. His sentence, based on faulty eyewitness testimony, is a slap in the face to all of us who once believed in the legal standard of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” Davis’ execution is the foul product of the justice system that failed him. As I write to you, my heart is burdened with the guilt that I hope those on the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles feel for the rest of their days. Anneliese MacPhail, the mother of the slain officer Davis was convicted of killing, said, “He deserves it…. He made his bed and now he’s got to lie in it.” What MacPhail fails to realize justice isn’t synonymous with vengeance. Davis’ execution was an act of vengeance, which has no rightful place in the justice system of the United States of America. Let’s not forget one of Davis’ last statements, “There are so many more Troy Davis’.” In honor of his spirit, I challenge you, to rise up, make good use of the rights you’re afforded in this country and ensure that another man’s life isn’t taken in the name of “justice.” I hope you enjoy this issue of Black Ink. I hope you absorb the information in it and bring the issues we discuss to the forefront. I hope you act on our words and bring about change to our campus, country and world. Again, Black Ink wants to hear from you, mention us on Twitter @uncblackink! Averi Harper managing editor

Political commentary

WHAT WE SEE IS NOT WHAT WE GET The Absence of Blacks in the UNC Student Government Kristen Johnson

A quality that sets premier university above the rest is its to prepare its students for life after graduation. Some universities seek to accomplish this by engaging students in service-based courses, job fairs, or on-site internship opportunities with successful companies. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ranked fifth amongst all public universities, is the type of institution that uses all of these tools to ensure its graduates have every opportunity available. Unfortunately, some of the real world preparation the University provides inadvertently models some of the more discouraging truths about our nation. One of those models involves the misrepresentation of the American demographic by the United States Congress, Executive Branch, and Supreme Court. Just as the demographics of the key leaders in the Federal Government don’t reflect the true make-up of the United States racial profile, the UNC student government leadership does not reflect the racial diversity of the campus. Although the misrepresentation is not intentional, it is an issue Black students at the University should note. In harsh economic times, when the University’s Board of Trustees is forced to make crucial cuts, it is important that Black students make it known to our leadership that programs that support and serve the Black community cannot be cut. The attempted shutdown of the Institute for African American Research is a notable example. While pressure from student organizations like Black Student Movement helped in keeping the institute alive, it is not enough to guarantee the continuance of other African-American programs. The Student Body President sits on the Board of Trustees, therefore, it’s important that the Black perspective has a presence in campus government. Black voices must be heard in Student Government in order to affect university policy and the decisions of state legislators.

CAUCASIAN - 80%

OTHER - 7 % BLACK - 7 % Ethnic diversity in UNC Student Government

According to the University’s admissions website, ten percent of admitted students in the Fall of 2010 identified themselves as Black. However, out of the 15 key leadership roles in student government (four congressional committee chairs, Speaker Pro Tempore, Speaker, four executive cabinet members and five Supreme Court Justices) only one, the Speaker Pro Tempore identify as a African-American. Three committee chairs of Congress, the Student Body Vice President, the Student Body Treasurer, and four of the five student Supreme Court justices are all identifiable White men. The Student Body President, Chief Justice of the student Supreme Court and Ethics Committee Chair of Congress identify as White women. The Speaker of Congress and Student Body Secretary both considered themselves to be a part of racial minorities but are not Black. When asked his opinion on the under representations of Blacks in Student Government, Speaker Zachary De La Rosa said he believes the root of the problems is rooted in the idea that Student Government has always reflected the demographics of a small network of individuals that has not expanded in his time in the organization. He also notes that the problem has the potential to be eliminated if Student Government begins to actively seek out minorities to participant in the organization. “We have to reach out to racial minority based student groups” said De La Rosa, “We have to reach out to more students in general if we want our numbers to better reflect campus.” Student Body Secretary Adam Jutha also weighed in on the issue. He claims, “On the whole, I’m pleased with the amount of involvement from all corners of the student body. Of course, there’s always room for growth in participation.” Jutha also echoed the thoughts of Speaker De La Rosa in that to gain greater participation in the organization,

Political Commentary

it is the responsibilities of the leadership to “properly tap into different parts” of the student body. Black students should not wait on Student Government to give them an opportunity to participant in the organization. Instead, they should seek the opportunities for themselves. During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s Black Americans sought to be proactive and not reactive in gaining greater representation of their voice in government. They marched, sat-in, and boycotted all over the nation just to be granted the right to be represented. We should have that same attitude towards our campus government. Black student should stand up, stand out, and make sure campus government knows what they stand for.

BETWEEN BARACK AND A HARD PLACE Ari Hires

Support seems to be waning for President Barack Obama’s historic presidency. Last month, Political Pundit and Talk Show Host Tavis Smiley and renowned Author and Ivy-League Professor Cornel West, embarked on the Poverty Tour. They stopped in 18 U.S. cities in nine states where poverty runs rampant. The tour, what Smiley and West named “a call to conscience,” has been labeled as an “anti-Obama” publicity stunt by Smiley and West’s naysayers. Though Smiley and West passionately decry Obama and are extremely critical of his presidency, the Poverty Tour actually has little to do with the president. Smiley and West aimed to highlight overwhelming financial hardship that affects communities across the nation and place emphasis on the rising numbers of impoverished Blacks. Although the tour did not intentionally shed a negative light on President Obama, it definitely did not help his image or increase his approval ratings. Obama is facing some of the lowest approval ratings he has ever had. According to The Nation, a liberal political magazine, “Obama has thirteen months to persuade voters that they should blame not him but the (Republican party) for his presidency’s shortcoming. He has much less time to convince thousands of activists nationwide — who do the grunt work of getting out the vote — that he’s worth their sweat and sacrifices one more time.” A Bloomberg poll showed that no U.S. president since World War II — with the exception of Ronald Reagan in 1984—has won re-election when the jobless rate is over six percent. Black Americans are unemployed at a staggering rate of 16.7 percent, a rate much higher than that of other races. Campaigns like Smiley and West’s Poverty Tour emphasize the increasing numbers of all Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. This means Obama may have a tough time getting re-elected. Recently, Obama has been discussing an economic plan that aims to put Americans back to work, help small business owners and encourage fiscal growth. Some believe Obama’s emphasis on a new economic plan may be a response to the growing dissatisfaction with his presidency and bleak unemployment statistics. Others believe this is simply an attempt to implement a plan to increase jobs for Americans and put pressure on the Republican-led Congress. Obama said in a recent speech, “You’ve got a right to be frustrated—I am—because you deserve better. I don’t think it’s too much for you to expect that the people you send to this town start delivering.”

Black Student Movement

Courtesy of Jim Wallace, via UNC News Services

Black students participating in civil rights protests

BLACK STUDENT MOVEMENT Continuing the Legacy?

It’s the first Wednesday of the month and from the outside looking in, it’s just like any other day, except for the fact that hundreds of students are wearing Black Student Movement T-shirts. BSM Pride Day is one way to feel the presence of our organization with respect to our number. However, being the second-largest student organization on campus does not completely begin to explain the impact of the BSM. The key to understanding our presence is to recognize the true purpose of the BSM.

Tasia Harris In the fall of 1968, just a year into BSM’s existence, students of the organization could

already be found engaged in a demonstration on behalf of the dining hall workers of the University. Ashley Davis, a member of the Black Student Movement coined what is known as the “Food Workers Strike. The fearlessness of BSM protestors defined the legacy of the campus group. Even when they faced dangerous conditions, students refused to back down. Davis emphasized the dedication of the students of the organization, “I think that the thing that is essential to remember is that BSM has done all this, we have been committed. When it came to arresting, when it came to being out there on the line, our leadership has been out there to take it. And I think that if you look around, a lot of other leaderships at other schools, a lot of times, other people will come in there to lead… and when the shit comes down, they back out, you can't find them.” However, these brave acts of protest did not go without consequence. Davis commented on the impression that people who were either against this movement or people who chose to abstain from it had, “I think that people tried to get an image that BSM were a bunch of rowdy people that the University allowed to stay on campus…” He commented further on the image of the BSM projected by the press, “people got the idea that the BSM was this tremendous organization that was just full of black folks destined to destroy and tear down the University,” but that was not the case.

Black Student Movement

The preamble of the BSM’s constitution clearly states: “It is the goal of this organization to strive for the continued existence of the unity among all its members, to voice the concerns and grievances of its members to the University, to offer outlets for expressing Black ideals and culture, and finally, to insure that the Black Student Movement members never lose contact with the Black community.” Having its mission and purpose misinterpreted has not been uncommon, yet the BSM has continued to press forward. The struggle for the free standing Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, which now stands proudly just off South Road or the Upendo Lounge in the Student and Academic Services Building are, perhaps, the greatest testaments to what the BSM stands and defines its presence most accurately. Damon Toone, senior assistant director of admissions and 1994 UNC graduate, recalls the atmosphere surrounding BSM as “…tense, but hopeful.” During such a symbolic and significant time for BSM, Toone said that reception to the organization was mixed. “Many did not understand that the BSM wanted to promote the beauty of black culture in the United States and around the world.” Toone explained that many white students viewed the debate as “unnecessary and provocative.” Though these misconceptions of BSM’s purpose existed, it remained an outlet for members to make their voices heard. Dr. Donyell Roseboro, a former BSM member, wrote in his dissertations that the BSM “came to epitomize the constant negotiation of identity, a privileging of race over all other identities, and a collective effort at solidarity building and resistance.” Despite the impact the BSM has made, where it stands on current challenges seems uncertain. This past year the Department for African and Afro-American Studies received severe cuts in funding, the Silent Sam monument on McCorkle Place stands tall, people living in the surrounding neighborhoods of the University are frequently displaced and the state of Georgia has unjustly taken the life of Troy Davis. What has BSM’s presence become? What is its purpose? According to Terri Houston, dean of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and faculty advisor to the BSM, “In our presence lies our purpose. Black people will always and should always have a powerful presence at UNC-Chapel Hill…Faculty, students and staff, people at every level, from every walk of life have contributed to UNC-Chapel Hill. We have a significant connection to this place because we built this University.” Houston pointed out that the BSM has stood as a defender of many other underrepresented groups on campus, not just its own. When presented with today’s issues, however, Houston said: “It is my fear that our focus is changing for our people and other marginalized people. We need to unify, support and fight for those who are oppressed, depressed and suppressed to bring them with us and hold their hand to continue the movement.” Despite this well-founded concern, Ms. Houston maintains her confidence in the future. But do we? What are you doing to enhance the presence of the Black student movement? If you can’t answer this question — what are we waiting for? “Uhuru Ni Upinduzi!”

A tribute to troy davis Aug. 19, 1989 Mark MacPhail, an off-duty Savannah police officer, was shot and killed when intervening in an argument between two men in a parking lot near a restaurant where he worked as a security guard.

7 August 1991 In Davis' murder trial, a number of witnesses said they had seen Davis shoot MacPhail, and two others said Davis confessed to killing MacPhail. No murder weapon was located, and no other physical evidence connected Davis to the murder.

August 30, 1991 Aug. 23, 1989 One of the men in the altercation, Sylvester "Redd" Coles went to Savannah police and implicated Davis in the shooting, resulting in Davis' arrest.

Davis was convicted in MacPhail's murder and sentenced to death.

2000 Davis challenged use of Georgia's electric chair for executions in Georgia, saying it constituted cruel and unusual punishment.

WE ARE TROY DAVIS Brittany Johnson

As a magazine representative of the Black presence and thought on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill as well as the greater Black community, the staff of Black Ink would like to dedicate this issue to Troy Anthony Davis. In no way does this act of commemoration indicate that we are in support of Davis’s innocence, but what we do support is the right of every human being to justice and liberty—things not afforded to Davis in this case. The crumbling of the very legal tradition that America was built upon is seen in the case of Davis. His death is a testament to the flawed judicial system that allows thousands of people to be put to death at the hands of the government without a fair legal process. Do not think that Troy Davis is the only person stripped of his human rights. His death is proof of the lack of impartiality seen in thousands of criminal sentences, most often among Black defendants. It is absolutely imperative that we, as a people, we, as a nation, stand up and become intolerant to these discrepancies. As Dr. King stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Progression is not the finished product, but one step closer to the goal. Let us not forget that the work of our people is not done. We must resist the urge to become comfortable in our current state. If one man is experiencing injustice, we all are. Every one of us, could have been Troy Davis. This is not a time to be silent, this is not a time to let the amending of our countty’s shortcomings fall solely on the shoulders of politicians. This is the time for everyone with a voice to use it. Use it for justice, liberty, unity and love for this mighty nation. Don’t be silent, stand tall and be loud for your rights and the rights of every human being.

Jul

First afte Ben and

is-

A Tribute to troy Davis

Oct. 27, 2008 Scheduled execution date. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stays the execution to consider a newly filed federal petition. A petition with 140,000 signatures was presented to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. An appeal also came from the European Union.

Second scheduled execution date. Execution was stayed after statements from Amnesty International, the Rev. Al Sharpton, former Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., and former President Jimmy Carter. The Supreme court issued a stay two hours before Davis was to be executed, permitting the high court to determine whether to hear the case.

First scheduled execution date. Execution was stayed after appeals from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Pope Benedict XVI, Harry Belafonte, Amnesty International and the European Parliament.

Supreme Court orders federal district court to consider whether new evidence that could not have been easily obtained at the time of the initial trial could establish Davis' innocence.

June 2010 Evidentiary hearing before federal district court; a number of prosecution witnesses recant their testimony. Some witnesses describe what they called police coercion in the case. At least one other witness says Coles confessed to the shooting. That evidence was not permitted to be entered since Coles did not have the opportunity to rebut it.

September 2008

July 17, 2007

August 17, 2009

August 2010 Federal district court upholds conviction.

March 2011 Supreme Court rejects Davis appeal.

May 2011 Amnesty International and People of Faith Against the Death Penalty send out a call for signatures on a new petition calling for the commutation of Davis' execution.

September 17, 2011 More than 600,000 signatures are presented to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles on petitions asking for clemency.

Sept. 19, 2011 Clemency hearing before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Sept. 20, 2011 Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles denies clemency for Davis. Statements from politicians and others decry the board's decision.

Sept. 21, 2011 7 p.m. scheduled execution at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson, Ga. 7:05 p.m. Pause on the execution issued by Supreme Court Approximately 10:30 p.m. Stay for the execution is denied by the Supreme government 11:08 pm Troy Davis is pronounced dead by lethal injection SOURCE: Timeline of Troy Davis case; USAToday | News. IMAGES: Rueters, The Telegraph

MLK Monument and Controversy

A MATTER OF RESPECT Samantha Wilson

Did Martin Luther King Jr. inspire a nation? Did he facilitate the potential eradication of American prejudice? Does America care enough to eradicate the potential prejudice arising against him? These questions followed the unveiling of a 30-foot statue on August 22, 2011, that has produced a multitude of conversations and controversy. The massive stone creation is not of a dictator or elected world leader, but an activist, an emancipator of injustice and most importantly, a pioneer. The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr., standing taller than all others statues, is the newest addition to the National Mall and it is the only structure of an African-American leader on this historical site. Traditionally, the National Mall consisted only of structures commemorating U.S. presidents. Though this is a historic statue, this work of art has been overshadowed by a misrepresentation of words, which has already had its fair share of criticisms. Carefully carved into the side of the memorial says, "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness." Despite how historic this memorial may be, the general public, representatives of the memorial and notable public figures find themselves to be at a crossroads. Speaking out against this paraphrased quote is author and poet Maya Angelou. For the past couple of weeks, her distaste has been received by all. This is significantly made apparent by her saying that the quote made Martin Luther King Jr. sound like an “arrogant twit.” Along with Maya Angelou, many feel the entire quote should appear and people are questioning: Should the inscription be changed? Should this be such a controversy? The answer to both of those questions is yes. The quote in its entirety was delivered February 4, 1968, during Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church. His speech later became an eerie foreshadowing of his pending assassination two months later. His exact words were, “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.” The quote may be long, but it is not made up of a miscellaneous line-up of subjects and verbs. Every word adds strength to King’s argument, cause and purpose. Yet, at this time, there are no plans in place to change the quote. A man, who is considered one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, should not have this dark cloud of controversy hanging above his memory. The entrance to the memorial is the “Mountain of Despair” which is separated by the “Stone of Hope” – both are lines from his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. The idea of the mountain and stone are clear of past and present social conditions. During King’s lifetime, the racial and oppressive mountains he faced have been subdued, but are still relevant today. Black America is always in a constant climb to conquer past and present obstacles. Ed Jackson Jr., the chief architect of the project, defends his decision to keep the monument as is. Since the MLK Memorial is the first of its kind in the National Mall, the idea of fixing the miswording is sensitive topic. For this generation, this is a subject of much admiration and concern. Situated between

MLK Monument and Controversy

the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, the MLK Memorial is a sign of transition from societal oppression faced decades ago to the extended degrees of freedoms and civil rights enjoyed today. The multiple controversies radiating from the project are frustrating reminders that the battle for acceptance and justification are far from over. The presence of a few words establishes the presence of an entire man. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful, insightful and humble leader. His life and death changed this nation forever. Therefore, it is only deserving that his monument is truly representative of his purpose.

THE MLK MEMORIAL IS COMPRISED OF SEVERAL ELEMENTS • The Mountain of Despair • The Inscription Wall, • The Tidal Basin Million was raised to construct the monument • The sculpture. The Memorial is located at 1964 Independence Ave, SW. The street number commemorates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — King was an integral part of the creation and passing of that legislation.

want to advertise with black ink Contact the Black Ink Advertising committee for more information uncblackink@gmail.com

*Discounts are available for UNC Organizations

The Help is an interesting investigation into racists attitudes of the Jim Crow and segregated South. It veers away from the typical terrorism (lynching, bombing, shootings and beatings) and looks at the undercurrents of bigotry in society and the apathy of people, which enabled that terrorism and bigotry to exist for years. This racism is more dangerous and deadly than the overt actions of Whites and the KKK. White supremacists and the Ku Klux Klan committed atrocities that were localized and relatively limited. The racists comments, whispers, segregation and treatment of Black people create an atmosphere of trivialization, debasement and apathy in Whites; and one of fear, anxiety and shame amongst Blacks. This climate creates an atmosphere that accepts violence against fellow members of mankind, allows inequality to be written into law, and encourages proliferation. This ingrained racism is more indicative of the lives of Black people in the 1960s. The average Black person did not go to work every day thinking they were JEFF SULLIVAN going to see someone getting lynched. Blacks were immersed in a steady stream of messages and policies which told us we were worth less, not as smart, dirty and diseased. Their racism is not something as apparent. You discover the rules of this world as you have gain experience and at the end you realize the smallest actions on your part cause extensive, complex, and irreparable consequences. Worse, Blacks were not simply subjected to ingrained racism but coerced into participate — to say “yes ma’am” and say it with a smile. You may say this is not life-threatening; that bombings, rapes police brutality and Klan burnings are far worse. And I’m not denying that these actions are incredibly scary and more damaging than the uttering of a few words. But words have a hidden impact, their effects are not immediate but culmative. Over a lifetime, their weight, takes a larger toll on the mental, emotional and physical well-being of people. The insidious nature of ingrained racism and its impact on Black people, are a far more interesting, palpable and easily overlooked aspects of racial relations and are reviewed well within the The Help. I would also like to address concerns that Black people in the novel and film are “rescued” by a White lady and how that weakens the novel as story of Black empowerment. To this, I can only say you haven’t seen the point of the novel. The Help is a novel about finding your voice in a society that represses it at every turn. Aibleen is a woman drowning in her repressed thoughts, her bitter seed continually growing. She is then offered an outlet in Skeeter’s book. The book, I would argue, is not an attempt at rescuing the Black people of Mississippi or abolishing segregation but a vehicle to take the voiceless, and offer them a voice. The Help was an amazing book and an incredibly well-crafted movie. Stockett, the author of the book, and Taylor, the director of the film, did an excellent job at getting into the minds of three distinct women and crafting a world full of suspense, drama and surprising humor. They have made one of the best movies of the year and a great basis for discussion of racism and racial relations.

In a media environment laden with skewed images of Black women, the on-screen adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s The Help has once again thrust caricatures of Black women into the national spotlight. As if seeing the modern-day mammy perpetuated over and over again in Madea, the character Tyler Perry trademarked, wasn’t bad enough, Stockett, a Mississippi -bred white woman, brought old-school mammy back with her novel and now blockbuster film, The Help. In a discussion held after a prescreening of the movie, Stockett called it “a tribute to the Black woman who shaped her.” I don’t buy it. Not to conjure up terrifying images of the Jonestown Massacre, but I’m not “drinking the Kool-Aid,” for that one. This movie trivializes the lives and struggles of Black women during the 1960s. According to the Association of Black Women Historians, up to 90 percent AVERI HARPER of Southern Black women were employed as domestics in White households. These women were institutionally oppressed, crippled by segregation and forced to take up some of the only positions available to them to earn a salary. The film reduces their troubles to petty cat-fights and insignificant squabbles with their White employers, but many Black domestics dealt with not only verbal abuse but also physical and sexual abuse. That’s nowhere to be found in Stockett’s “ahistorical fiction,” just loud-mouthed Black women delivering feces-filled pies to their racist employers. The movie exaggerates Southern Black colloquialism to make Black characters seem dreadfully uneducated. The speech of Black characters in the movie can be likened to that of a child. Shortly after the opening of the movie, Aibileen, Viola Davis’ character, coddles the White child she cares for and chants, “You is smart, you is kind, you is important.” The overstated effort to capture an authentic “Black” tongue crossed over to an irreverent display of Black exploitation. Minny, actress Octavia Spencer’s character, even has a line in the film about how “frying chicken will change your life.” During the aforementioned advanced screening, the film’s director and Stockett’s best friend Tate Taylor, said that an on-screen portrayal of Minny’s abusive husband was left out because there were already too many images of abusive Black men in the media. Taylor, keep your sympathy. What about the dozens of stereotypical images of Black women you bolstered to create this “feel-good” film around a white female protagonist who uses these poor Black maids as little more than props to further her endeavors? Taylor remains apathetic on that end. This film represents all that is wrong with the marketing of movies containing Black characters. People of all colors have flocked to theaters in droves to catch a glimpse of The Help, a film in which Black women are cast in marginal roles because the film was marketed toward people of all colors. But if a film portrays Black women in central roles, ones of power and authority, the movies are cast-off into a “black box” and only marketed toward audiences of color. The Help is a setback for the image of Black women in mainstream media. Think about that when you venture out to theaters.

State of Blackness

SELF-SEGREGATION AT UNC Deserè Cross Additional Reporting: Kristen Johnson

Have you ever wondered why the majority of White students live on North campus and the majority of Black students live on South campus? If one knew the history of UNC, back when the school segregated its living quarters, they would not brush this coincidence off as just a mere situation of chance. The forced segregation of the past has transcended its way to the present, thus resulting in the voluntary segregation of living arrangements on campus. This situation is one of many cases at UNC where students choose to racially self-segregate. Self-segregation is when members of a society choose to set themselves apart from their environment and form a sub-group consisting of members of their own race. The issue of self-segregation on college campuses has raised debates among scholars. While some believe that self-segregation undermines the diversity element that a university strives to achieve, others have conducted experiments that prove otherwise. For example, Debra Humphreys, a researcher for the Ford Foundation Campus Diversity Initiative concluded her self-segregation study stating that “college campuses are not dominated by widespread racial/ethnic segregation and the racial/ ethnic clustering that does occur isn’t impeding intergroup contact. In fact, the existence of racial/ethnic groups and activities, along with other comprehensive campus diversity initiatives, is contributing to the success of today’s college students and preparing them to help build a healthier multicultural America for the future.” But is self-segregation really a bad thing as long as people are willing and able to step outside of their comfort zones when prompted? As mentioned before, some people feel that self-segregation on college campuses

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment http://oira.unc.edu/total-enrollment-by-race.html

State of Blackness

undermines or threatens the university’s attempt to diversify the student body. Instead, I believe that self-segregation and diversity work together to enhance the college experience of students. Not only should students step outside their comfort zones from time to time and experience other cultures, but they should also surround themselves with like-minded people of similar backgrounds and ideologies. If people with similar backgrounds and ideologies happen to be of the same race, then that is just the way it happens to be. Here at UNC, the university has an entire office committed to promoting diversity: the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Its purpose is to “build and sustain an inclusive campus community and to foster a welcoming climate that values and respects all members of the university community.” But how inclusive is the campus and how welcoming do students find the climate at UNC to be? According to a survey conducted by Black Ink Magazine, out of 60 students, 98.3 percent of them said that they often saw students of the same race clustering together on campus. When asked if they felt that self-segregation posed a threat to the diversity that exist on UNC’s campus, 58.3 percent answered yes, 31.7 percent answered no, while 8.3 percent didn’t believe diversity existed on campus (note: 1.7 percent did not know what self-segregation is). Although the purpose of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs is to promote diversity on UNC’s campus, they can’t force people to take advantage of this diversity. On their UNC homepage, the office acknowledges that “[they] face an ongoing challenge to overcome the effects of the continuing influences of adverse historical, social, political, and economic factors.” The survey conducted for this article also questioned how often students found themselves hanging out with people of their own race. Almost 60 percent of students admitted to socializing primarily with their own race. Research by psychologist Beverly Tatum, explains why this is when she suggest that there are complex psychological reasons that cause college students to cluster in racial/ethnic groups. She further argues that racial grouping is a developmental need used to explore one’s identity. If you’re looking to expose yourself to different cultures, there are a number of clubs on UNC’s campus that you can get involved in that promote diversity and encourage intermingling of races. One such club is Masala. Masala is a hindi word that means “mixture of spices.” The organization “strives to bring cultural organizations together to unite, educate, and stimulate the campus community concerning issues of diversity and cultural awareness.” Campus Y is also another great organization on UNC’s campus that fosters the “cultivation of pluralism,” the diversity of different views. Whatever the causes may be for self-segregation, its effects are evident on UNC’s campus. However, its solutions aren’t as clear. Should the university be held responsible for the decisions students decide to make when it comes to choosing their group of friends? I don’t think so. The only role the university should play in the promotion of diversity is providing the opportunities for students to diversify themselves. This fall, take the time to step outside your comfort zone and intermingle with people outside of your race. You never know who you will meet and what you may learn. You might just find somebody of a different race who isn’t that much different from you.

The State of Blackness once told me those AN AWKWARD REVOLUTION “Someone were the two worst things you could be. They were right,” Issa Rae’s character, J, FOR BLACK WOMEN said as she refers to being Black and

Kristen Johnson awkward in the first episode of the popular web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.

However, being Black and awkward seems to be bringing Rae and her web series much success— and cyber stardom. Rae, who has over two million views for her web series on YouTube, has pushed the envelope by redefining the image of Black women in the media. The show, which has eight episodes thus far, tells the classic “girl meets guy” tale with added conflict that Screenshot courtesy of Awkward Black Girl arises through the development of their relationship. What makes the series fascinating is that J is simply an average individual who defines herself as being socially awkward. The title characteristic makes the show relatable to viewers, many of whom describe themselves as awkward. Rae told the Kansas City Star, “The web series came about because I really didn’t see anybody like me on the screen, nobody I could relate to.” The show has garnered fame via social media buzz since its launch in February, but there is an important question that remains. What do critics say about the series? The media has shined a favorable light on the show and its creator, Issa Rae. She has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Essence, Vibe, and the Huffington Post. She even managed to fundraise over $44,000 from viewers to keep the show going for five more episodes. On Facebook, fans explode with excitement for the show. Some describe the series as the “greatest thing that’s happened to YouTube.” Others beg for it to be converted to a television sitcom. Students at UNC-Chapel Hill are amongst the thousands of fans. Nicole Wilkerson, a sophomore Public Relations major said, “The show speaks to my life”. Wilkerson sees the show as insightful and refreshing. Rae announced that she is now represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, the same agency that works with Saturday Night Live star Tina Fey. Where will the show go from here? Rae intends to turn the web series into a 30-minute sitcom. The future is bright for Rae and the all the awkward Black girls everywhere.

The State of Blackness laminated brochure changed WHY DON’T BLACKS Amythin,life.crispI was infatuated with image of downtown Singapore after dark: the was akin to that of New York’s, STUDY ABROAD skyline the dark waters of the Singaporean Strait

Taylor Fulton enveloped the bottom of the page, and the pumpkin orange-colored sky of Singapore at dusk was enticing. Six months later that brochure became my reality and a year later I can still see it clear as day.

I know that everyone doesn't have the same ethereal image of studying abroad that I have developed, but it is indeed an increasingly popular topic in college discussion. According to world language and culture website Vista Wide, the number of students Taylor Fulton studying abroad has increased by 130 percent in the past decade. Despite the overwhelming increase, minority students still aren’t studying abroad which leaves many college and university administrators puzzled. There are numerous probable causes. In the past, study abroad programs have amounted to little more than opportunities to send some of the richest American students to various European countries to boast their nationality and confirm stereotypes of Americans amidst countless liters of alcohol. According to travel website GoAbroad, Italy, Spain and England are among the top destinations which have only reinforced this idea. Students who opt to stay on American ground during their college years may do so to avoid language barriers and confusing monetary exchange rates. Also the downward spiral that is the American economy make going abroad more difficult. As travel costs and tuition are often very expensive. Money and culture shock are the obvious answers but after more thought, there are others. Many students aspire to be the movers and shakers in their own country. And with graduation requirements, fellowships, scholarships, internships and any other opportunity creating new and exciting viable pathways to success, leaving those opportunities behind to study abroad isn’t always an option. In a time when minority students are taking on more, learning more, and are hungry for even more success the desire to stay, grow, and prosper right here in America is important and respectable. Now I don’t claim to be the spokeswoman for study abroad, nor would I accept the challenge. I will say that sometimes it takes leaving a place to better understand yourself and the world around you.

Music Review really awkward moment in the HIP-HOP ON LIFE SUPPORT That 400-meter relay when the team who’s AFTER WATCH THE THRONE AND THE CARTER IV Mballa Mandouga

been in the lead the majority of the race suddenly drops the baton…

Studio albums Watch The Throne and Tha Carter IV could be equated to such an unexpected disappointment. While WTT is debatably better, both albums are embarrassingly mediocre. The past few years of hip-hop have been a Roc Nation and Young Money Cash Money oligopoly. The fact is that the celebs of the holy trinity of hip-hop –Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne– have officially sealed their position as hip-hop deities of royalty. No matter what they will remain at the two spot. They’ve achieved this irrevocable status by releasing quality music and complete works. So when a new album comes out, we expect every single track to be classic and we never expect to hit the skip button. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for Watch The Throne and Tha Carter IV. There are a few top-notch songs on both albums, such as “Murder to Excellence,” on WTT, and “She” on Tha Carter IV, however, none are timeless records that we will jam to when hip-hop is no longer considered cool. However, the idea of a timeless record is a concept that both artists have managed to accomplish so well in past works. To this day, Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Kanye West’s College Dropout and Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter are still in heavy rotation on radio stations and iPods everywhere. Both albums are worth a listen. Consider lending an ear to “New Day,” a melodious letter to Jay-Z and Kanye’s unborn offspring, or Lil Wayne’s “Megaman,” another catchy and lyrically rich ode to himself. Despite a few gems, neither effort makes a compelling case to address the ongoing debate of whether or not hip-hop is dead. Ultimately, neither album met the anticipated standards of musical superiority. While Jay and “Ye” prove that their genius and innovation extends beyond the knowledge of hip-hop, which is more than can be said about Lil Wayne’s recent album, it just didn’t cut it. It may not be safe to say hip-hop is dead, but it is certain that the heartbeat is slowing down. All we can hope for is that J. Cole and Drake’s forthcoming albums bring defibrillators to prevent flatline.

Performance Preview

18 IF YOU GO “MAU A MALAWI: STORIES OF AIDS” ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT DATE October 14 TIME 8:00 p.m. WHERE Memorial Hall, UNC Campus FREE Free, but donations are welcome BOX OFFICE INFO CALL 919.843.3333 HOURS Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EMAIL performingarts @unc.edu For more info visit: http://globalhealth.unc.edu/?s=story+of+aids+ malawi+concert

WHAT ABOUT AIDS Toyosi Oyelowo

It is the single biggest killer of all Africans after Malaria. It is an pandemic that has been reduced to a statistic, one that is seemingly pigeonholed in Africa. Is there another illness that is quite as socially stigmatized? No. In Africa, nobody wants to have AIDS or talk about it. Globally, we have reduced AIDS to be a disease that burdens Africans and no one else, but Carolina graduate Andrew Magill decided to change the discourse and stigma associated with AIDS. Upon receiving a 2009-2010 FulBright-mtvU Fellowship, Magill was sponsored to research AIDS in Malawi for one academic year. He collaborated with Peter Mwanga, a widely respected Malawian activist and musician to merge music, AIDS and Malawi in a broader complex with a social health interest. Through the premier of Mau a Malawi: Stories of AIDS at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Memorial Hall, Magill hopes to touch viewers on a personal level. As viewers recognize the human struggle and the issues all people face, he hopes viewers are inspired to love and affect change. This great inspiration through song will tell you ten powerful stories of Malawians living with AIDS. Music is an extension of life and culture in Africa and the album features voices that evoke the cries of millions of Africans through ten lives affected by AIDS. Come to the premier of Stories of AIDS on October 14 at 8 p.m. in UNC’s Memorial Hall. The free one-time event incorporates lights, monologues, film, dance and music from both the U.S. and Malawi. Musicians featured on the album will perform. Claim your seat as the voices of Malawi change the global perspective and discussion of AIDS in Africa.

Sports

PLAYING FOR MONEY WASN’T THE DREAM

Overcoming negative stereotypes of race and sports

19 Black athletes are usually viewed positively. But lately they are seen as a detriment or liability – especially at UNC-Chapel Hill. Although American culture is often heralded as “post-racial,” race does play a large part in the perception of black athletes, particularly in basketball and football where they are the most visible. It is no secret that athletes who make headline news are often ones of color. Negative stories about athletes of color are abundant, but does anyone ever try to discover the reasons behind the actions of these athletes?

Darrilyn Fisher Why did Michael Vick start dog fighting? What made Plaxico Burress feel so unsafe that

he needed a gun? Why did UNC football players feel they weren’t capable of writing their own papers? These are the questions that the mass sports media have failed to ask. To understand the black athlete one must retreat to his or her upbringing. According to CNN, more than 24 percent of African-Americans were living under the poverty line in 2004. The estimated number has only grown as a result of recession and general economic downturn. The communities that impoverished blacks call home is often where they are forced into playing sports and joining professional sports leagues as a means to elevate their family from poor communities. The aforementioned sentiment is often held by black athletes even after they reach the professional level. While they may not represent the majority of black athletes, there are other black children who play sports for recreational purposes and are pushed to continue on higher levels simply because they exhibited great ability. The variance in the upbringing of black athletes is important to note. Too often, black athletes are viewed as incapable of making wise decisions. When they make mistakes they are put under a metaphorical magnifying glass and scrutinized heavily. Their status, as public figures, makes them different from private persons who make their mistakes quietly without having to worry about the media and the public’s opinions. For example, The Center for Academic Integrity stated that 80 percent of undergraduate students surveyed admitted that they had cheated at least once. UNC football players who cheated were despite the regular occurrence of these academic infringements. Athletes recieve an incredible openly criticized critism and the stakes are twice as high for college athletes. They are expected to excel athletically and academically — a task easier said than done. The circumstances concerning UNC football players and the academic indecencies they were accused of must be analyzed with a keen eye. Also we must look at American culture, when holds athletes to a higher esteem than intellectuals. Not that the two are mutually exclusive but athletic ability and extreme wealth is cherished in mainstream American culture. Desires to conform to those ideals may also drive black athletes. We must be aware of the societal pressures and special circumstances when analyzing the conduct of black athletes.

Sports

RACIAL PROGRESSION IN CAROLINA ATHLETICS UNC Football’s Everett Withers

20 If you’ve been to a Carolina football home game this season, you’ve seen the Ram’s Club videos featuring notable team alumni. Fans that cheer for famous Tar

Aaron Dodson Heel greats like Dré Bly, Julius Peppers and T.J. Yates applaud even louder to rally support behind the new man-in-charge as he utters, “I’m Everett Withers and I’m a Tar Heel.”

Named the team’s interim head football coach afterthe blustery exit of former Head Coach Butch Davis in late July, Withers is entering his fourth season at UNC-Chapel Hill. This season, Withers will undoubtedly face the pressure of coaching a team with an infamously dark past of NCAA violations, player suspensions and dismissals, and imminent NCAA punishment. The magnitude of his position may outweigh that pressure. Withers is UNC football’s first black head coach and only the second black head coach in UNC history since Track Coach Hubert West in 1982-83. “Progress is good for the conference and for college football,” said Withers when asked about the September 16 match-up against Coach Mike London and ACC rival University of Virginia Cavaliers. This game will be the second game in conference history between two black head coaches. Withers spent the past three games as the team’s defensive coordinator and secondary coach. He is a North Carolina native from Charlotte and an alum, former defensive back and team captain of the Appalachian State Mountaineers. He made his coaching debut as a defensive coordinator at Austin Peay University in 1988-89 and has coached six colleges and two professional teams. During his time here at UNC, Withers has led a strengthened Tar Heel defense to break many conference and national records. This resulted in him being named the nation’s sixth overall defense in 2009, which contributed to his nomination in 2009 for the Broyles Award, a national recognition given each year to the nation’s top college secondary coach.

Progress is good for the conference and for college football,

Black Relationships

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS WAITING FOR THE RIGHT ONE Alexis Simmons

College is a place of limitless opportunities. Some people are on the search to find that special someone, while others are really just trying to explore their options. Looking for the right person can be like waiting for the bus. You can be ready and on time to the bus stop, but it still might not come when you expected. You look to see when the next bus comes but it’s not the one that takes you to where you want to go. Okay, so enough with the analogies. But honestly, how do you know when you will find that special someone? I may only be a freshman, but I do know that you have no business trying to find “the one” if you haven’t yet found yourself. So many of us go out into the dating world in hopes of finding someone to love, when we really should be focused on loving ourselves. It may sound cliché but it’s true. It’s important to find yourself first by setting your own expectations, rather than adapting to someone else’s. Figure out what your standards are, what you like and don’t like. Learn you! So when you bring someone else in the picture, whether they are the love of your life or your greatest heartbreak, you never compromise who you are. Becoming someone you’re not will never lead you in the right direction. So my advice is to live your life and let that special someone come along when the time is right. Yes, there will be some broken hearts, tears and pain, but life always goes on. There’s such a diverse selection of people out there and you’re bound to find someone, somewhere when the time is right. Sure you can complain with the typical “see men just don’t know how to act” or “these girls out here are triflin” but in reality, we have all done our dirt. No one is perfect. So take a little time and focus on yourself. Don’t give the opposite sex so much power. And when it right, trust me you will catch that bus you have been waiting for.

Events Calendar

OCTOBER 1

The Civil Rights Struggle, African-American GIs, and Germany Exhibition

Areatha Franklin

This exhibition features photos, cartoons and political posters about the African American and German soldiers’ connection in the struggle for civil rights. It runs till October 28.

Durham Performing Arts Center

It’s the queen of soul!

Angélique Kidjo Kidjo blends West African elements along with R&B, funk, jazz, European and Latin elements to produce what The Los Angeles Times describes as “Global-diva credentials.”

Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum Gallery Hours: 9:30am – 8pm, Monday – Friday

Frantz Fanon His Life, His Struggle, His Work Having influence in the Algerian Revolution and the future Civil Rights Movement, the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History will show a documentary revealing the life of Frantz Fanon.

Memorial Hall

Hitchcock Multipurpose Room – Stone Center • 7 p.m.

The Fanon Symposium Remember the Life and Work of Frantz Fanon Dedicated to one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century, the Stone Center will hold a symposium celebrating the life and legacy of Frantz Fanon. The following day, panel discussions will take place with visiting scholars and faculty from the local area. Visit the Stone Center website for more information. Hitchcock Multipurpose Room – Stone Center October 6 • 7 p.m., October 7 • 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Black Student Movement Ball

Race Relations Expressions After Dark Engage in thoughtful dialogue with BSM’s spoken word group EROT as they discuss controversial topic such as race and interracial dating after dark. Hanes Art Center

27 28

Late Night with Roy Start off the new basketball season right with Roy Williams and his top-ten rated team at Late Night with Roy. Believe us, you would not want to miss it! Dean E. Smith Center • 7:30 p.m.

The 9th Annual Adrian Carroll Official HBCU/ High School Battle Of The Bands This battle features North Carolina Central University, Howard University, and Winston-Salem State University and Southwest DeKalb Marching Panthers who were featured in “Drumline”. O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium at NCCU • 3 p.m.

Mark Auslander will be joined by Tim McMillian, Professor in the Department of African/African-American studies, in his discussion.

Homecoming Step Show Come to one of UNC’s hottest and most popular events of the year. The step show will feature National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities with performances by other student organizations. Memorial Hall

NOVEMBER 3

The Sonja Hayne Stone Memorial Lecture Lecture features Dr. Janet Southerland, Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. The lecture is co-sponsored by the UNC School of Dentistry. Cobb Auditorium • 7 p.m.

Hitchcock Multipurpose Room • 8 p.m.

Author’s Discussion Series Mark Auslander

Bull’s Head Bookshop

Transfer In this movie, an elderly white German industrialist and his wife swap bodies with a young, healthy African couple. As you probably can predict, both couples learn a lot through this experience.

Join us for a special BSM meeting where we will hold a discussion about domestic violence. Join EROT as they celebrate National Domestic Violence month by discussing serious topics that affect many college students today. TBA

Come “Continue the Dream” with members of the Black Student Movement at their annual ball. Carolina Inn • 8 p.m.

BSM Meeting Look Ma, No Hands

Cat Momma’s, Cat Daddy’s A showcase of the poems, plays and other creations writtn by EWrite a subgroup of EROT. The Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum

Franco Gallery Opening This art exhibit will feature pop art from artist Luis Franco. The opening will feature spoken word and a brief speech by the artist himself. The Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum

BSM Week Events planned include community service, socials, an EROT performance, and a cultural show/panel. UNC Chapel Hill • TBA for additional or updated information follow Black Ink Magazine on Twitter @uncblackink and BSM at @uncbsm

Executive Board Brittany Johnson

— Editor-in-Chief

Jeffrey Sullivan

— Creative Director

Averi Harper

— Managing Editor

Toyosi Oyelowo

— Associate Editor

Ebony Shamberger — Copy Editors Kadija Lewis Jasmine Nesi

— PR Coordinator

Shana Smith

— Ad Committee Chair

Briana Harper

— Alumni Relations

Contributing Writers Deserè Cross Aaron Dodson Taylor Fulton Darrilyn Fisher Tasia Harris Olivia Hart Ari Hires Kristen Johnson Mballa “Mimi” Mendouga Alexis Simmons Samantha Wilson

Interested in joining Black Ink? Contact Brittany Johnson at uncblackink@gmail.com for more information

Photographers John Daniels Nick Johnson

Our mission remains: “If Blackness can be transformed into pictures and words, we intend to do so, by any means necessary.” *The Black Ink is a recognized publication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This issue was paid for, in part, by student activity fees. **If you have questions or concerns about the Black Ink please email uncblackink@gmail.com