Black Ink Magazine October 2012

Camille mcGirt Gets Girls healthy

Faith Hedgepeth: A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten Black Vote 2012: What You need To Know Would You cut Your Dreads to Go To Business School?

October 2012

Letter from the Editor-in-Cheif

Letter from the Managing Editor

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Hello Readers!

Hello Readers,

Can you believe it’s already October?

Summer is long gone and autumn has begun its descent upon Carolina. Football season is in full swing, the BSM Ball was fabulous (as always!), Halloween is close and Fall Break is even closer.

As we dive fully into this school year, I believe there are two important aspects to keep in mind to ensure success-- maintaining a healthy body and maintaining a healthy mind. Luckily, this issue of the Black Ink magazine is providing you with the right articles and resources to do just that.

At Black Ink Magazine, we’re celebrating this month by bringing you the greatest in local and national news, politics, health, music and entertainment.

Check out our cover girl, Camille McGirt, who embodies this exact ideal on page 9 as we celebrate her accomplishments in creating the organization, Healthy Girls Save the World.

My goal for the year is to bring you stories about the best our campus has to offer. This month, we’ll tell you why our beautiful cover girl, Camille McGirt is an extraordinary Carolina student. She’s doing all she can to manifest First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign on a local level and she’s focusing on young girls not too far from her hometown of Durham, N.C. We’re also introducing our new Music and Entertainment section. In this section, you’ll find reviews of the hottest movies to feature Black talent, books by African-American authors and debates about the portrayal of Black men and women on television.

My staff of editors, writers, photographers, graphic and web designers has worked tirelessly to bring you an issue that I know you won’t be able to put down!

You’ll also be able to find Black Ink at it’s new website www.uncblackink.com. Stop by and check it out.

Also be sure to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @uncblackink!

Averi Harper

editor-In-Chief

@averiharper

In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I also had the honor of sitting down with breast cancer survivor Dr. PamelaLove. She discusses how cancer impacted her life, how it impacts the African-American community as a whole, and what steps we can take to maintain our well being.

But what’s a smart body without a smart mind? In wake of this year’s upcoming presidential election, it’s important to stay educated and informed. Black Ink is providing important coverage of the political atmosphere including a Q&A with Tar Heels for Obama, a look at Mitt Romney’s platform and examining the issue of Voter ID in North Carolina.

We strive to give our readers a magazine with the complete package that they can read and fully enjoy. This time around we’re giving you the latest on health, politics, music, movies, and television entertainment.

If that isn’t a recipe for success then I don’t know what is. Hope you enjoy and be sure to let us know your thoughts by following us on Twitter @uncblackink.

Peace & Love!

Briana Harper managing editor

@My_CherieAmour

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

5 9 11 14 15 17 19 22 23 26

Politics Student Spotlight Our Campus State of Blackness Awareness FaceOff In The Pit Sports Reviews Entertainment

Politcs

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Politics

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DISILLUSIONED BLACK VOTERS

VOTER SUPPRESSION Tasia Harris

Chasity Bobbit

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he Black community’s high expectations of President Obama have ultimately left some Black voters disillusioned with his presidency.

From students to adults, mixed feelings are found throughout the electorate for various reasons.

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re you registered to vote?” If you’ve walked down Franklin Street lately, or through the Pit during its busiest hours, you have probably heard that question many times already.

However, throughout the past year, another question has become more important: Are you eligible to vote?

Eligibility may seem irrelevant in a country that prides itself on democracy, but in this upcoming election it is a significant concern.

In 2011, at least 34 states introduced new laws and policies that would make it more difficult to vote. Throughout the country, these states have decided to require voters to show governmentissued photo identification, reduce early voting periods or show proof of citizenship.

Unfortunately, many of these laws are still under consideration and decisions will not be final in some states until a few weeks before Election 2012.

Some citizens voiced their opinions stating that these laws are not unreasonable and should pose no problem in the upcoming election -- but that could not be further from the truth. Photo identification is an example. If an individual does not own government-issued photo ID, he or she must go to their department of transportation where they will then have to present a social security card in conjunction with their birth certificate. Most people do not have the time or the means to go to their department of transportation; many more lack the documents they would need to present in order to apply for government-issued identification and others ultimately lack the money.

The Brennan Center for Justice estimates these laws and policies could disenfranchise at least five million voters based on the following key findings: Political commentators have identified these policies as an intentional and strategic maneuver by Republicans to target certain • Photo identification requirements will prevent more than 21 demographics under the pretense of addressing voter fraud. million citizens (11 percent of American citizens) from voting According to News 21, an online media outlet, since the year 2000 there have been only ten cases of alleged in-person voter fraud; one • The number of states that require a proof of citizenship to for every 15 million prospective voters. The demographics most affected by these new restrictions are senior citizens, young adults, register or to vote has more than doubled minorities, low-income voters, and voters with disabilities. This is • At least 13 states introduced legislation that would eliminate similar to the same demographics that voted for President Barack Obama in 2008.

Election Day and same-day voter registration • •

At least nine states introduced bills to reduce early voting More radical commentators have likened these restrictions to property ownership, tax requirements, and literacy tests of the late periods and four attempted to reduce absentee voting 19th and early 20th centuries. Fortunately, in this time period, we Two states permanently reversed policies that made it easier don’t have to risk our lives to fight voter suppression. Register to vote. for citizens with former felony convictions to restore their Find out what your state’s voting laws are if they have already been determined. Stay informed and make sure you are at the polls on voting rights Nov. 6, 2012.

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Co-Chair of the Black Student Movement’s Political Action Committee Qubilah Huddleston, a senior, political science and public policy double-major believes that young voters are more disillusioned because the “change” that was promised in 2008 that they feel was not delivered.

Co-Chair of the BSM’s Political Action Committee and fellow for Organizing For America Gabrielle Whitehall, a junior, political science and peace, war and defense double-major believes that some adults may be disillusioned because they feel that Obama has not focused enough on Black issues and has compromised too much throughout his presidency.

“Where’s our alliance?” Huddleston asks, “Is it because he’s Black or because he’s actually doing something for us?”

Whitehall argued that Obama’s efforts with health care and student loans have benefited the Black community a great deal.

Many groups feel disillusioned by President Obama, but that disillusionment is not necessarily enough to secure many votes opposing presidential candidate Mitt Romney, thus mobilizing enough voters to get to the polls may be the larger issue for the Democratic Party as a result of the disgruntled population.

As Huddleston put it, “the Republican Party has done a great job alienating Black people.”

Whitehall said, “The issue is not whether they’re going to vote for [Obama], it’s whether they’re going to go to the polls.”

“In 2008, African Americans were willing to wait in long lines to vote for the first Black President,” Whitehall said. “Now we just have to make sure that in November they’re willing to do the same thing.”

Just like any large group, the Black community’s views and opinions of the President varies. It is our duty as United States citizens to vote; whether it is to condemn one man for disappointing his electorate or to congratulate him with four more years.

It will be a shame to those who shed sweat, tears and blood to acquire the right to vote, if Black people choose to sit the election out just because they can’t make a decision.

As students, it is our responsibility to know the issues and where we stand, so that we can then select a candidate based on our knowledge.

No matter which side of the partisan line you fall on, make your voice heard and vote!

Also, some Black religious communities approve of the president’s stance on gay marriage. However, only about 18 percent of Black voters believe same-sex marriage is a critical issue according to a Public Religion Research Institute poll.

Political Science Professor Christopher Clark, who has researched race and politics, focusing on political behavior and public opinion, concluded that Obama is not taking the Black vote for granted when it comes to gay marriage, but is handling it as a civil rights issue. A platform historically supported by the Democratic Party.

Huddleston said, “It’s ironic that all of a sudden these people are saying don’t vote for Obama because of his stance on gay marriage when this issue is not new [to the democratic party].”

Qubilah Huddleston

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Politics

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

BIDEN’S “CHAINS” COMMENT ADDS FUEL TO THE POLITICAL FIRE

Interview with Tar Heels for Obama President Gabby Whitehall

Lauren Houston

Dalisha Sturdivant

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ith the election quickly approaching, we get personal with Gabby Whitehall, Co-Chair of the Black Student Movement’s Political Action Committee and Fellow for Organizing for America.

Q: How long have you been passionate about the Democratic Party?

Q: The big day is less than a month away, how does the outcome for the Democratic Party look thus far?

A: I have been passionate about the Democratic Party ever since I moved here from Barbados. I got involved in the campaign as soon as I moved to the U.S. It is the one party that resonates with me. It represents everything I believe and stand for.

A: At this moment it looks pretty good for the Democratic Party but anything can change [from now until] Election Day.

Q: What do you feel are some of the opponent’s strengths in the election?

Q: The speeches at the Democratic national convention stirred up lots of excitement, what was your favorite part?

A: I won’t say he does not have any personal strengths, but his campaign has a lot of money and money changes everything. I believe his money is definitely helping him; he’s able to put out more commercials bashing Obama. Studies show that campaign success is linked to more money. He also has the big corporations and donors behind him.

A: I loved Obama’s speech, but Clinton hit the home run for me. I believe Clinton’s speech resonated more with the voters.

It probably had more effect on undecided voters. To be honest, Obama didn’t say anything we hadn’t already heard before.

Q: Do you feel the tension in the Middle East will directly affect the outcome of the election?

A: Yes, I think so because of recent events that took place [in Libya]. I think it’s going to determine the election and make it more focused on foreign policy, and allow voters to see which person has the best foreign policy.

Q: Do you feel the young population can alter the outcome of the election?

A: I actually think the election is in the hands of the young people. If they turn out like they did in 2008 there’s no saying where this election can go.

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Politics

Q: What states and groups should President Obama target?

A: He needs to target the swing states: North Carolina, Ohio and Florida. He understands this, that’s why his [DNC] speech was in North Carolina. He needs to win North Carolina, but more specifically UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus.

Q: What excites you the most about the election? Is this your first time voting?

A: It is not my first time voting, but it is my first time voting for a president, especially a president that I’m passionate about. I can see his policies and how they directly affect me and my peers.

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uring an August rally in Danville, Va., Biden remarked to an audience coincidentally filled with a large number of African-Americans that in the first 100 days, Romney would “put y’all back in chains.” The vice president was referring to the Republican’s economic plan that supports “unshackling” the private sector from regulation.

Racial comments and misconceptions seem to be the understated fire that sparks the political spectrum in today’s presidential election. Vice President Joe Biden’s “chains” remark is only one misconstrued source to fuel the fire.

Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said the Obama campaign “has reached a new low.”

Saul along with several other Republicans saw this comment as a potential game changer. Many Republicans felt that this comment proved that the Obama campaign would say or do anything to win the election. GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan also predicted that the tone of the Obama campaign would eventually turn off voters.

“We’ve gone from hope and change to anger and division and blame and attack and I think people are going to see through this,” Ryan said.

President Obama supported Biden’s controversial statement. In an interview with People, Obama stated that Biden did not have negative intentions behind the statement, but that he was attempting to drive home a valid point. Obama added that there was no underlying, negative connotation attached to the phrase.

“The truth is that during the course of these campaigns, folks like to get obsessed with how something was phrased even if everybody personally understands that’s not how it was meant,” Obama told People. “That’s sort of the nature of modern campaigns and modern coverage of campaigns.”

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Student Spolight

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Student Spotlight gatherings. When the life-changing meeting eventually came around, McGirt already knew she’d been accepted to one of the best schools for public health -- UNC. However, this did nothing to stifle the blow. McGirt realized she would be leaving her teammates with whom she had formed an incredible sisterly bond. Still, she remained composed and decided to take a year off and re-group. At Hampton, she had maintained a 3.96 GPA that allowed her countless opportunities for the future.

In the span of one year, McGirt had the opportunity to intern at the White House in the Office of Presidential Personnel, volunteer alongside organizers of Michelle Obama’s infamous “Let’s Move” campaign and promote the eradication of childhood obesity through healthy eating and exercise. She also attended the Management and Leadership for Tomorrow program, a prestigious institute whose goal is to equip high-potential minority students with skills, coaching and door-opening relationships. Following those great experiences, McGirt finally returned home to Durham, N.C.

CAMILLE MCGIRT AND HOW SHE BOUNCED BACK

A STORY OF RESILIENCY AND SUCCESS Mballa ‘Mimi’ Mendouga

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ou’ve seen her on campus before.

Your first instinct may have been that she played for the women’s basketball team. Well, not exactly.

Today, she is co-founder of Healthy Girls Save the World. This non-profit organization works to promote healthy minds, bodies and relationships in young girls ages 8 to 15. Former President Bill Clinton helped to establish this program in 2005 as part of the Clinton Global Initiative, and since then, its mission has been to turn ideas into action.

HGSW recently received a grant from the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Robert E. Bryant Social Innovations Group. In a single year of being active, the organization has already received five awards – three of which are national. Camille McGirt along with the help of her younger sister, Rachel, has been able to construct this successful non-profit despite overcoming a number of personal setbacks.

McGirt stands poised, fit and radiant at 6 feet 4 inches. She transferred to the UNC Gillings School of Global Public

Health from Hampton University, where she was on full scholarship playing for the HBCU’s women’s basketball team.

However, her previously envisioned future was quickly re-routed. During a brief fiveminute meeting with her coach, she was told that the school would no longer be able to honor her athletic scholarship after she had sustained multiple basketballrelated injuries that required surgery.

Although devastated by the coach’s decision, McGirt was stoic. She recalls walking out of the office and seeing a smirk on one of the assistant coach’s face.

Little did they know, McGirt was ahead of the game.

“As an athlete, you know what kind of relationship you’re supposed to have with your coaches, and because I could sense there was a possibility this wouldn’t work out I had applied to UNC.” Indications of Hampton’s impending decision came when McGirt noticed she was intentionally being left out of team

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She left the White House carrying with her a vivid memory of an interaction she shared with First Lady Michelle Obama who explained that during her spare time she often reflects on herself, and tries to absorb the significance of her position as the first African-American First Lady.

One night, McGirt recalls watching her younger sister, a basketball player at The University of North Carolina at Asheville, excel during a game. This event conjured mixed emotions of happiness, love, excitement and memories of her former life as an athlete.

The memories came rushing back like a fast break in a basketball game, and this time, they came with an onset of unstoppable tears. She remembers crying to her mother for hours. McGirt notes this memorable heart-to-heart with her mother as a moment of release. It was also a moment she was able to let go of lingering resentment that came from having to leave Hampton, and a moment that she could mimic Mrs. Obama’s approach and take time for self-reflection in the midst of success.

“I have a chance to reinvent myself right now. I don’t have to be Camille the basketball player. That’s not who I am anymore,” she told herself. “ I can be who I want to be now.”

Pulling from her experience as an athlete and the multiple organizations and internships she completed during her year off, McGirt hatched the idea of Healthy Girls Save the World.

10 and I do what I have to do to make sure it gets done. I’m a ‘doer’ and that’s why I’m so effective.”

She was also motivated by her peers in the MLT program. They came from prestigious schools, they were young, they were Black, and some had even founded their own companies.

“It motivated me. I thought ‘I’m young, I’m only 19 and I can do this too,’” she said.

McGirt realized the “Let’s Move” program wasn’t very tangible on local levels so she set out to combine her love for sports with her public leadership experience and interest in the childhood obesity phenomenon to develop HGSW. McGirt began to contact local schools and encourage counselors, teachers and PTA mailing lists to recommend young girls who could benefit from the services that HGSW provided.

“Healthy Girls is for everybody, but we want to make sure that we’re really targeting the girls who need to be there,” McGirt said.

HGSW hosted its first event on Aug. 8, 2011. This program kickoff consisted of workshops in which the numerous attendees received tips from professors in the School of Public Health on how to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. McGirt also reached out to female athletes on campus as well as all other students passionate about the cause.

“Every time the program gets an award, I think of the amazing volunteers that we have and I get emotional. This program would not work without them,” she said. “They stay longer than they have to, they build relationships with the girls, and they’re just some amazing people with a real passion for what we’re doing in this community.”

McGirt will be graduating in May 2013 and is training five volunteers to sustain the program once she leaves. She is also taking steps towards expanding HGSW into other communities and onto other college campuses.

She explains how grateful she is for all the recognition the organization has been receiving.

“It holds me accountable to make sure everything goes well for the program. I have to give my all, but I’m lucky because it’s something that I love to do.”

“As an athlete none of your time is wasted. Everything is so meticulous and planned for you,” she said. “So I don’t waste time

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OUr Campus

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Our Campus

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FAITH DANIELLE HEDGEPETH:

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE Paris Alston

GONE TOO SOON Andrew Bauer

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ne month ago, I stood in front of Carmichael Residence Hall with my family. We made it through the day without any problems -- except for the argument over why my dad was late arriving in Chapel Hill (we needed him to help move furniture).

My dad and I rode to school together for ten years, during most of which he and I scrambled to get there on time. He’d always blame me, saying, “I’m ready to leave the house in the morning but you’re always lagging behind…”

Yeah, right. These things that parents say often go in one ear and out the other.

On the day I moved into my first dormitory residence, the things my parents said to me would stick.

“I’m really gonna miss you, girl. Make us proud,” my dad said to me as we embraced before he, my mother and brother left campus. I’m the youngest and only daughter, so this was quite an adjustment for my family.

It was quite an adjustment for me as well.

While other freshmen may have been eager to abandon their high school lives and emotional parents, I wanted to savor every moment before my temporary move. By starting a new life at Carolina, I was leaving a lifestyle that I was familiar and comfortable with.

One of my observations upon visiting Carolina was how the different ethnic groups were somewhat divided on campus. I

wondered, did being a minority here mean you had to “stick to your own?” Don’t get me wrong, I love my people, but I also love expanding my social horizon. How was I going to find balance and find my place within the Tar Heel Nation?

My question was answered soon enough. Over the past month, I’ve engaged with my fellow Tar Heels through classes, organizations and outings. I’ve learned (and relearned) names, faces and personalities. Although nothing compares to my family in Greensboro, I’ve found a family (or two, or three) in Chapel Hill.

As a minority student, organizations like UNITAS LivingLearning Community, the Black Student Movement, the Carolina Association of Black Journalists, and Black Ink Magazine have made being “different” not so segregated.

These groups have provided me with a variety of friends whom I’ve learned something new from. Feelings of acceptance and community have filled my spirit and made me excited to be around so many bright and inspirational individuals from all walks of life.

As the semester continues, I find myself studying harder, staying up later, and admittedly, procrastinating more. But more importantly, each day I delve deeper into what it means for me to be a Tar Heel—an ebony Tar Heel, at that.

With a strong, developing support system here at Carolina, I have all the resources I need to succeed during my first year, as well as the years to follow. Ultimately, I can and will make my family proud.

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n Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, Faith Danielle Hedgepeth, a student at UNC-Chapel Hill was found dead around 11 a.m. A suspected victim of homicide, Faith was found at her apartment at the Hawthorne on the View Complex at 5639 Old Chapel Hill Road in Durham. She was only 19 years old.

A biology student at UNC with plans to attend medical school, Faith graduated from Warren County High School with a record of academic excellence, community leadership and integrity. She was three weeks shy of her 20th birthday. Faith left behind a legacy of kindness and love to all those who knew her. As part of the Haliwa-Saponi American Indian Tribe in Warren County, N.C., Hedgepeth was heavily committed to her Native American culture and was very passionate about engaging with the smallknit community that loved and cherished her dearly.

At UNC, Faith continued her involvement by becoming an active member of the Native American community when she arrived on campus. She also participated in the Carolina Indian Circle singing group Unheard Voices.

Prior to becoming a Tar Heel, Faith was nationally recognized for her academic success as a Gates Millennium Scholar. Each year, only 1,000 students across the country receive this four-year scholarship to any university of their choice. Faith dreamed of becoming a physician and wanted to apply her studies to effect change in her community.

Following her death, friends and family remember Faith for the plethora of incredible qualities that defined her. They call her sweet, kindhearted, joyful, optimistic, bright and beautiful. Faith was able to touch so many lives within the diverse communities she was active in.

At UNC, students, faculty and administration gathered in her honor on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to reflect on her impact both on the university and throughout the Tar Heel community. Additionally, on Sept. 10, an emotional candlelight vigil was held in her honor in the central part of campus—the Pit. Throughout Faith’s community of family and friends, thoughts and prayers have since continued accompanied by beautiful memories of her life.

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OUr Campus

CHAVIS CATER: THE SYSTEM THAT FAILED HIM

HUBERT DAVIS RETURNS TO THE DEAN DOME

State of blackness

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Vicki Wiggins

Samantha Wilson

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ar Heels are excited to welcome former Carolina basketball player, Hubert Davis, back to UNC-Chapel Hill as an assistant basketball coach. Born in WinstonSalem, N.C., Davis began his collegiate career at UNC in 1988. He played four seasons at UNC before graduating, then later began his professional career with the New York Knicks. After 12 years in the National Basketball Association, Davis became a college basketball analyst for ESPN. Surprisingly, Davis never strayed away from the “Southern Part of Heaven.” When asked how it feels to be back in the Chapel Hill area, he replied, “Welcome back?

Everyone thought I moved to Connecticut when I started working with ESPN, but my family and I have been in Chapel Hill for eight years. I stay a block from Coach Williams.”

Davis was shocked when he was offered the position as assistant coach. He recalled Roy Williams asking him to stop by his office for a favor -- a big favor as he later learned.

However, the decision was not a difficult one to make. After telling his wife and crying at the dinner table, Davis humbly accepted the offer.

Coach Davis believes that his past involvements will allow him to connect with the players and to build a great relationships with them. Experiencing UNC as a studentathlete, and now coach, provides him with a unique perspective of the university.

“I went through the same program. Leadership as the only senior player here at UNC means I can tell Dexter Strickland how to best help his team as a senior and also help the other guys.”

Coach Davis is eager to start the season and experience Carolina basketball yet again.

As Tar Heels, we all have that one thing about UNC that sits near and dear to our hearts. Coach Davis’ love for UNC expands beyond the Dean Dome.

“Carolina basketball has been a big part of my life. I went to camp here, college here, and this is where my wife and I got married. I don’t just love this basketball program.

I love this community.”

All of these reasons and numerous others explain why Davis is the perfect person to fill the position as the assistant coach for the UNC men’s basketball team. Beginning, Oct. 26 he will rejoin the sidelines to kickoff this upcoming season.

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As a native Arkansan, I have grown weary of the erroneous details that surround this case. A man was killed and no one can explain how or why. Now, it is said that he had methamphetamine and anti-anxiety drugs in his system. Police also state that Carter made a phone call to his girlfriend from the rear of the Chavis Carter, a 21- year-old Jonesboro man was pulled over vehicle. His girlfriend says that Carter called her and said “that he loved her and that he had a gun on him on the evening of July 28. He was a passenger in a vehicle (in the rear of the police car) and he was scared.” with two other men. The original purpose of the traffic stop was to alert the driver that the vehicle’s headlights If this man was such a threat and had an outstanding were off. Police questioned Carter and the two men with warrant, why wasn’t he under tighter surveillance him were allowed to leave. Subsequently, officers found after he was apprehended? Many believe this to be a out that Carter had provided falsified identification and racially charged case with suspicion of discrimination. that he had an outstanding drug warrant in Mississippi.

Carter was Black and the other two men with Carter was then arrested. Standard procedures require that officers search the offender to check for anything that could him were white. His white counterparts were not questioned at all. be harmful to them or cause harm to the individual in custody. The Jonesboro Police Department reports that their officers searched Carter twice and found a small amount of The Jonesboro Police Department neglected their duties to “protect and serve.” There should be no marijuana. Carter was placed in the back of the police car reason for so many questions to surround the death and was awaiting transport to jail. of a young man. I’m saddened, but not surprised.

Situations of this nature are constant reminders of the Jonesboro police said that at sometime during this wait, flaws that still encompass our society. I hope answers Carter pulled out a gun and managed to shoot himself in will surface to offer more insight into the demise of the head. According to autopsy reports, he placed the gun Chavis Carter. against his right temple and killed himself. This story has prompted questions like how did a man with handcuffs double-locked behind his back, shoot himself in the head?

Where did the gun come from and how did police manage to miss this during the search so thorough that it yielded a tiny bag of marijuana? he daily news bombards consumers with stories of war, national protests and heinous crimes. Small towns and big cities are the focal points of ongoing investigations. The latest city to be hit by a controversial surge of media coverage is Jonesboro, Arkansas.

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Awareness

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN HOLLYWOOD Nia Davis

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AWareness

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omestic violence is an issue that is hardly recognized unless it hits close to home.

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BATTLING BREAST CANCER TO BUILD AWARENESS

Even with an issue as serious as domestic violence, Hollywood has its way of distorting the harsh realities into entertainment for the average spectator.

Briana Harper

In Black Hollywood, there have been high-profile domestic violence cases.

One cannot forget the early controversy surrounding celebrities like: Ike Turner who abused his wife Tina Turner for a lo ng period of time; OJ Simpson, who allegedly abused his, now deceased wife, Nicole Brown; Halle Berry, who was allegedly punched so hard by Wesley Snipes that she lost her hearing in one ear; and one of the most infamous cases of domestic violence to date, the altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna. Sadly, that’s not the most recent case.

The most recent publicized act of domestic violence in the Black celebrity community is that of football player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and “Basketball Wives” reality star, Evelyn Lozada. Johnson was arrested for allegedly head-butting Lozada after she confronted him about a receipt displaying a condom box purchase. Lozada was treated for a head laceration, while Johnson claims they had just accidentally bumped heads.

Lozada immediately filed for divorce.

These celebrities are put on a pedestal, it is assumed that their every action is going to be critiqued by the public eye. However, when it comes to domestic violence in Hollywood, it seems that the public does not take as strong of a stance on the matter.

People seem to focus on the careers of the individuals, the personality or social status of the abused victim, and even go as far as to joke about the matters on social networks.

In response to Johnson’s and Lozada’s domestic violence situation, backlash on Twitter included comments on how stupid Johnson was for jeopardizing his already fading career. Also, Marlon Wayans, jokingly took to Twitter and said, “What happened to the good ol’ days when women could take a punch?”

The media either romanticizes domestic violence in books and movies as an act of profound affection gone wrong, or criticizes the victim instead of the abuser. In many of these situations, some defend the abuser saying the victim must have triggered the abuse or is deserving of it because she isn’t perfect. Violence by celebrities is usually laughed off or criticized for it being brought to the public’s attention because “it is not anyone’s business.”

Domestic violence occurs much too often to men and women alike. If we laugh off a celebrities’ domestic violence situation, what are we saying about the incidences of violence that occur every day? Abuse would not be funny if it was a friend, relative, classmate or coworker, so it shouldn’t be taken so lightly in Hollywood.

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t’s October- the season for Halloween and the first full month of autumn. But more importantly, it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A doctor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Pamela Love, believes this is what truly makes this month so noteworthy.

“It’s a chance to educate people about the disease and have people open their eyes and hearts to breast cancer survivors. And for me personally, it’s about celebrating survivorship,” said Love.

This year, she commemorates being cancer-free for three years. Since her diagnosis in February 2009, not only has she emerged as a fighter, but an advocate as well. Love was diagnosed with triple negative cancer, a form of breast cancer that is more commonly found in AfricanAmerican women. Research shows the breast cancer diagnosis rate for Black women is 10 percent lower than white women, yet the breast cancer mortality rate for women of color is 36 percent higher compared to white women.

Dr. Love believes this statistic has a lot to do with the fact that Black women are usually diagnosed at a later stage and have more aggressive types of cancer. With these odds against her, Love says her only option was to be proactive.

She consistently completed her own self-breast exams, and when she noticed an abnormal lump she immediately notified her doctor.

Fortunately, Love was able to detect the lump early and prior to that she said she was blessed to have maintained good health for so many years.

“I work out and always try to stay in good shape. In the end, this helped my body handle the chemotherapy treatments much better because you never know when your body will have a challenge,” said Love.

Her experience can be a testament to the rest of the AfricanAmerican community. She emphasizes that self-breast exams and regular exercise are the two factors that saved her life.

Love is also part of the 70 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer who have no family history of the disease. Her advice to you? Stay informed and educated when it comes to your health.

Love said, “I think a lot people don’t realize you can be healthy today and tomorrow have a diagnosis. That’s why health literacy especially in the Black community is so important.”

Sister’s Network is one resource that provided Dr. Love with the necessary support and information to help her through her recovery process. This African-American breast cancer survivorship program is committed to doing exceptional things by raising awareness throughout the Black communities in the Triangle area. The Gift for Life Block Walk is one event in particular that attempts to get the community involved in support of the cause. Each year during the month of October, the Sister’s Network visits a local Black neighborhood and goes door-to-door to give women of color a variety of helpful information on how to schedule mammograms, ways to maintain their health and more.

For Love, it’s a cause that is dear to her heart, but it is also something she is excited to share with others as well.

She said, “I just want to encourage everyone to use October to make sure their loved ones--- mothers, grandmothers and aunts—are up to date on their breast exams and overall health cause this can prevent one less breast cancer diagnosis and one less death.”

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“What do you think about Chick-fil-A Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy’s anti-gay marriage statements?”

W

T

ith the presidential election rapidly approaching many issues have come to the forefront of our nation’s attention. One of the more sensitive subjects being discussed is same-sex marriage in the United States. However, this issue didn’t arise overnight. Evidence of its presence stretches back to the official Armed Forces policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. More importantly, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Act of 2010 demonstrated a shift in the nation’s roots in old-fashioned beliefs and foundations on which this country was built. In more recent times, the issue hits closer to home with the debate over North Carolina’s Amendment Only months ago, which aimed to strip same-sex couples of certain rights that were awarded to heterosexual couples.

Dan Cathy, chief operating officer of fast-food powerhouse Chick-fil-A, added fuel to the flame during a radio appearance in which he stated, “We’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fists at him and say ‘we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’” In a separate interview following his radio appearance, Cathy stood by and further supported his previous comments declaring, “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit.”

his entire Chick-fil-A debacle has added further stress and separation among people who should be united in trying to gain equality for all. In July, Chick-fil-A Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy, made several public statements supporting what he believes to be, “the traditional family,” declaring that those who “have the audacity to define what marriage is about” were “inviting God’s judgment on our nation” referencing to same-sex marriage. It was also discovered that Chick-fil-A was co-sponsoring a marriage conference with the Pennsylvania Family Institute (PFI), an organization that has openly opposed same-sex marriage legislation. Protests in the form of “Same-Sex Kiss-Ins’”as well as “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” sprouted in support and opposition of Chick-fil-A thrusting itself into the political spotlight with its open opposition and support of anti-marriage equality legislation.

DILLION ROBINSON

A whirlwind of support and opposition formed in the aftermath of Cathy’s bold statements. His stance on this subject received national attention almost immediately. It goes against the grain of the more favorable marketing strategy other companies have followed. Some large companies and corporations have taken notice to how quickly the gay community is growing each day and have taken it upon themselves to make sure everyone is aware that they are in support of same-sex marriage.

Cathy’s actions are admirable for remaining true to the foundations of the company his father laid out, instead of compromising or abandoning them in order to gain a larger support base. His actions are also justified as he reserves the right to express his opinions and beliefs under the First Amendment.

Although it has now been openly noted that Chick-fil-A operates on the basis of Christian values, their simple mission statement “Be America’s Best Quick-Service Restaurant” should also be acknowledged to demonstrate the core goal that Chick-fil-A strives for each day. Those who have ever craved a chicken sandwich and ice-cold lemonade or sweet tea only to be sadly disheartened upon realizing it is a Sunday are exposed to even more evidence of the restaurant’s long-standing Christian values. Since its inception in 1967 Chick-fil-A has never opened its doors on a Sunday which serves as a clear testament of the value the restaurant places on the Bible.

From my perspective as an African-American, low-income and openly gay man, I would prefer if Chick-fil-A would stay in its own lane as a fast food provider and stay out of politics. Cathy’s comments were unnecessary. They created nothing ADRYEN PROCTOR but separation amongst people who were thought to be allies before. One side continues to eat at Chick-fil-A knowing their stance on same-sex marriage and the other side has boycotted and refrained from eating at the restaurant because they are aware of and disagree with Chickfil-A’s stance on same-sex marriage. I do not think that was a wise financial decision for the chain. Chick-fil-A has lost potential customers in people that do not agree with its against same-sex marriage sentiment, especially those that identify as sexual and gender minorities.

I must ask this the question, instead of buying chicken from a company that supports anti-gay initiatives, why not donate that money to a homeless shelter or a food bank?

It seems as if people are so focused on stopping same-sex marriage legislation that they are forgetting the truly important ways in which humans can help each other.

Cathy’s statement does make me think twice about going to Chick-fil-A. I wonder how long it will continue to support antigay organizations.

I definitely do not think we’ve heard the last of Chick-fil-A’s effort to “protect the institution of the family” from the “threatening same-sex population” Cathy spoke of.

If Cathy were just another ordinary citizen, the pastor of a small church, or maybe even a college student like me, then maybe his comments would have gone unnoticed. It is clear that our nation is divided once again and the fire rages on.

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IN the Pit

19

Would You Cut Your Dreads or Cornrows To Get Into Kenan-Flagler?

JALEESA JONES

B

eing Black in America is a balancing act. African-Americans often find themselves caught in a psychosocial war, trying to reconcile Eurocentric characterization with cultural conventions. This sort of double-consciousness even extends to hairstyles as the professionalism of natural styles is largely held in contention. Whereas proponents of natural hair maintain that hair is of little consequence to academic and vocational pursuits and may actually contribute to branding, opponents argue that natural hairstyles have no place in the corporate world. Sid Credle is one of these dissenting voices. Credle, the Hampton University Business School dean, has upheld a ban on dreadlocks and cornrows for males enrolling in the five-year MBA program’s seminar class. The ban has stirred controversy since its institution in 2001. Here at UNC-Chapel Hill, we’ve taken to the Pit to see what members of our student body have to say and if they would compromise their natural look for the sake of entrance into the KenanFlagler School of Business.

“I mean, if that’s something I really want to do, I guess…if it’s the business school.”

In the Pit

20 “I feel like Hampton University is infringing on their student’s personal expression while insinuating that Black hair is unprofessional. For this to be an HBCU, it seems as though it is teaching their students to conform and comprise their “blackness”, which, if I’m not mistaken, is the opposite of what HBCU’s are about. I am all for maintaining a neat and tidy appearance, but the way one wears their hair should not be an issue of focus. We should be teaching our students more about real life experiences, more than how to conform to simply get a job. If I had an employer turn me down for a job because of my hair, I would not want to work for them anyways.”

– Annasa Harris, Sophomore Radiologic Science Major

“Well, I think it’s kind of a nuisance way of reasserting your Eurocentric values of appropriateness and professionalism because I think it’s one thing to say your dreads need to be neat versus you just can’t have any. And there’s no backing behind it as to why. I don’t think people should have to comprise their identity or their expression just to be successful if they have the skills to do so. I think that goes the same for tattoos and piercings. Particularly for dreads and braids, it’s racialized because the majority of people who have dreadlocks and braids are people of color. So it’s saying you shouldn’t express your culture to make it in mainstream America or you won’t be able to.”

- Funmi Solar, Senior Communication Studies Major, English and Cinema Studies Double Minor

– Steven Hoggard, Freshman Computer Science Major

“My idea is that if you’re in a business school, a lot of business employees like they’re employers to look a certain way.

It’s all about honesty. If the business school tells you straight up they want you to look a certain way, I wouldn’t mind shaving my dreads. But if they told you afterwards that you have to cut your dreads or braids, that would just be lies and deceit.”

“I don’t support [Hampton’s ban]. In what ways are dreads counterproductive to business? Does the hairstyle make the owner act any less professional in interacting in that system? Also, if others have any negative connotation of dreads, I ask, ‘why?’”

– Matthew Taylor, Sophomore AfricanAmerican Diaspora

“Not at all. I mean, for me, personally, I grew my dreads to change the connotation… or the way that people associate people who wear dreads. I try to be a positive member of the Carolina community and I do that with dreads…it’s supposed to be a statement. Especially at an HBCU, where they’re supposed to honor Black culture, it was really startling for me to find out that they have that rule because, to me, that’s just furthering the problem that we have with Afro-descent hairstyles and forms of self-expression. Even in a professional setting, dreadlocks and braids are okay because it’s just a part of your hair...I can carry myself well in a professional manner and having dreadlocks doesn’t detract from that.”

– Samuel Everett Pride III, Senior African-American Studies Major

- T.J. Richardson, Senior Music Major

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21

MOvie Review

Movie review

22

DRAMA WITH “RED HOOK SUMMER”

Road is rocky, but Spike Lee’s latest

joint satisfies Ebony Shamberger

R

ed Hook Summer” is Spike Lee’s newest movie that gives a realistic account of church life in an impoverished black neighborhood.

Despite its stylistic plot, its dramatic ending leaves viewers with mixed feelings.

As a part of Lee’s Chronicles of Brooklyn series, which includes “She’s Gotta Have it,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Crooklyn,” “Clockers” and “He Got Game,” “Read Hook Summer” takes place in New York; the city well-known for pizza delivered by none other than Mookie, a role in which Lee makes an unexpected reappearance.

The film is about a middle-class black boy from Atlanta who doesn’t eat fried chicken, wears a Mohawk and goes by the name Flik (Jules Brown). He’s forced to stay with his preachy grandfather (Clarke Peters from “The Wire”) for the summer and attend Lil’ Piece of Heaven Baptist Church.

The plot starts with Da Good Bishop Enoch Rouse walking through Red Hook neighborhood and casually speaking to main characters. This includes the neighborhood gang leader, played by Nate Parker (“Red Tails”); the drunken deacon, played by Thomas Byrds; and Fli, Flik’s loud-mouthed friend (Toni Lysaith).

As the movie progresses, the audience is entertained by usual tattle-telling outbursts between the teens, awkward Sunday morning alter calls and, of course, loud sermons accompanied by a dynamic organist (music written and performed by

Jonathan Batiste).

Preaching to his congregation of about 20 members, Da Good Bishop says specific scriptures from Matthew and Luke, which help create ties between him and churchgoers – on and off the screen.

However, for those who’d rather not have “the Bible stuffed down their throats,” these sermons could be considered a little over sensationalized.

Later in the movie, there are useful messages about the dangers of technology and social media. Through loose interpretation, parents learn the importance of keeping up with the times by watching what their children do on Facebook and Twitter instead of solely relying on God and their children’s upbringing to guarantee good decisionmaking.

About three quarters into the two-hour movie, which could’ve been cut much shorter, an ear-bleeding testimony heightens suspense and creates a hellish climax.

This is the part of the movie that creates hurt, fear and anger.

This is the part when you wonder about the “perfect” image of churches.

This is when you ask ‘How could God let something like this happen?’

Though the movie starts slowly, the action-packed climax makes the movie

worthwhile. Not only that, but you also get to hear a good arrangement of music, watch high-quality footage and experience fantastic performances by the actors.

So what’s so wrong with the movie?

The ending.

We all know that lasting impressions are everything. So it is easily debatable that the last few minutes of random scenes flashing of the Statute of Liberty and such could’ve been left out. It confuses the audience and becomes a little annoying.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: “SPARKLE” Jaleesa Jones

T

he film “Sparkle” follows the story of musical prodigy named Sparkle as she struggles to appease her strict mother and pursue her passion along with her two sisters.

A remake of the 1976 classic, “Sparkle” is set in Detroit in the late 1960s. The movie’s credibility is diminished by this in the sense that, by this period, the Motown tide was already ebbing. Racial tensions, on the other hand, surged and the movie just arbitrarily mentions this.

On the other hand, from the overall quality of “Red Hook Summer,” viewers probably would never guess it was selffinanced by Lee with less than $1 million.

The character development in “Sparkle” also leaves much to be desired. Sparkle, played by sixth-season “American Idol” winner, Jordin Sparks, may be the only saving grace of the film. Her understated beauty and genuine aura provide a delicate point of authenticity that is otherwise lost in the framework of the film.

Likewise, they probably wouldn’t guess that Lee’s film students from his alma mater, New York University Graduate Film School, were a part of the crew.

Sparkle’s brilliance, however, is often lost in the effervescence of her older sister, ironically named “Sister,” played by Carmen Ejogo, whose own character development does not extend much beyond her depiction as a sex kitten.

With all that said, I give this Oscarnominated movie a thumbs up.

It may be a long, seemingly endless rocky road. And it may leave you uneasy. But it’ll leave you with a message. I’m not sure what message that’ll be. But if you interpret the movie anything like Jules Brown, who plays Flik, you’ll think the message is “to be aware that there are people that have had their good or … [bad] things that are personal to them.

But it’s how you take it that matters.”

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Sparkle’s other sister, Dolores, played by Tika Sumpter, is not so much a solid character as she is a source of sassy comments. Although her character possesses a sort of homegirl vibe that commands respect, she comes off as a space-filler, a third member to complete the girl group.

Whitney’s Houston depiction of Sparkle’s mother was passable. She got the neuroticmother bit down, but it came off as corny—just because of the screenplay.

Character development aside, the movie is an entertaining score, which will hopefully give audiences “something to feel” and curb boredom.

Overall, I walked away thinking it was just a regurgitation of “Dreamgirls” that struggles with complex character development and lacks any figment of authenticity with respect to historical circumstances. Thus, I would not recommend seeing it.

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Book & Performance review

GOOD MEN DO CHEAT Alyssa V. Townsend

T

here is a thin line between good and bad, so thin in fact, that men tend to cross, miss, or ignore it from time to time,” writes Carl A. Roberts, author of “Good Men Do Cheat.” Is that an acceptable excuse? Should women settle and accept that? The answer is no, but many already do, according to Roberts.

In his new book, released Sept. 14, Roberts highlights several topics about men and cheating. What types of men do it? Why do they do it? What is the definition of cheating? “Only a man can truly understand a man,” Roberts writes.

Chapters include, but are not limited to, “What Men Consider Cheating (Flirting, Conversation, Sex),” “Women Are the Reason Why Men Cheat,” “The Real ‘Good Man’: Is There Such a Thing?,” and “The Type of Woman A Man Would Never Cheat On.” So the question remains: should you read this book? Yes. Roberts offers invaluable insight into the mind of a man. He begins to take on the role of a mediator.

He outlines the differences between who men are and what women expect. He

BIG K.R.I.T SHOW AT CAT’S

CRADLE Dillion Robinson

A

ll memorable rap performances usually consist of t-shirts soaked in sweat, ringing ears, and a montage of profanity-laced lyrics that you dare not repeat in front of your mother.

Cat’s Cradle hosted a performance by hip-hop artist Big K.R.I.T. who offered all the essential elements of a worthy rap concert. K.R.I.T.’s Live from the Underground Tour featured the likes of his long-time friend Big Sant, as well as GT Garza and Tito Lopez. Boss Hogg Slim Thug also made an appearance in which he took the time to pay homage to Southern rap deceased heavyweight Pimp C by performing verses from hits such as “International Player’s Anthem” and JayZ’s “Big Pimpin’”.

After final adjustments had been made, the lights dimmed and the moment we had anxiously been waiting for was finally upon us. Donning his usual bright smile, K.R.I.T. opened up his set with

Entertainment

23

BLACK REALITY TELEVISION

writes that his only purpose for writing the book was to “inform the uninformed – yes, women – and to help women understand their worth.” Although there is an undercurrent of blame on women for why men cheat, he offers a simple solution: look within. Men will do what women let them. Roberts suggests that women learn more about themselves and “never compromise [their] self-respect or character for wanting to keep or be in a relationship.”

If you are a man, you may be wondering, “Why do I need to read this?” For starters, it will let you know what information and trade secrets Roberts has now made available to women. If you’re a man, you may disagree with much of what he says.

He includes a chapter entitled “A Message To Men,” a chapter that may inspire a moment of self-reflection. Are you a good man?

Still have questions? Continue the conversation by visiting Roberts’ Facebook fan page, ‘Good Men Do Cheat’, or his Twitter, @1carlroberts. the jazz infused “Boobie Miles” before he proceeded to rip through bass heavy bangers like “Forever and a Day,” “Just Touched Down,” and “Sookie Now”.

In the second half of his set, K.R.I.T. mellowed the mood with a heartfelt rendition of “The Vent” where he reflects on misfortunes of life and the continuous journey of trying to find the good amidst a world full of bad. After the crowd took time to bask in this calm atmosphere, bottles of water were opened and splashed on the crowd launching the energy level through the roof as K.R.I.T transitioned into “Country S--t”. To wrap up his set, he jumped down into the crowd and engaged in a mosh pit while performing his latest single “I Got This” from his debut album Live From the Underground.

Sweat drenched my shirt and I can now say I’ve been baptized in Southern rap culture.

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24

Are We Fulfilling Our Stereotype?

Trey Mangum

I

n recent years, the popularity of reality shows continues to increase and take precedence over comedy and drama. Over the past four years, television networks have been forced to cancel several major soap operas, leading to the decline of the genre overall. And now, Black television is experiencing a similar dilemma.

Black Entertainment Television made many strides in its creation of original programs, such as Let’s Stay Together and Reed Between The Lines. Nonetheless, BET is still unable to match the ratings of its network competitors, including VH1 and Bravo, and struggles to remain a cultural powerhouse.

Has BET become too boring for Black America? From the looks of it, yes. Catfights, scandals, and relationship drama seem to be more interesting, and have the ability to bring in much higher ratings. The season finale of the Stevie J-fronted Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, which airs on VH1, reeled in a combined number of 5.5 million viewers.

This number helped make the series the number-one show on prime time cable among adults ages 18 to 49.

Now, TV One, the second of the two African-American networks, has premiered its own reality entertainment show titled R&B Divas.

Some people argue that these reality shows are just as staged as scripted television. In 2011, popular shows like The Hills and Keeping Up With the Kardashians were staged television shows. The same could be true for favored reality shows like Love & Hip-Hop, Basketball Wives and many others.

Scripted or not, are large ratings worth distorting the portrayal of the Black family? In an interview with MTV, Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’s executive producer, Mona Scott Young said, “(They) have every right to tell their stories.

I think they’re valid stories, and judging by the numbers, they’re stories that people want to see and hear about.”

Scott’s statement was absolutely right. Everyone loves to tweet about how crazy Love & Hip-Hop’s Joseline acts, or how “ratchet” Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes looks, but we are the ones who support it by watching.

These emotional and sometimes violent stories are played out on the small screen just for the sake of entertainment.

At the end of the day, the cast members are paid.

Sil Lai Abrams of NBC’s TheGrio is appalled at the series and saddened by the mindset of the shows’ viewers who she believes have been “brainwashed into believing that there is no damage being done to our people.”

The viewers, creators, and stars of these series’ are all to blame. However, it is inevitable that these types of shows will take over. Sooner or later BET and other networks will begin to follow suit and introduce a reality show of the same caliber.

Do I feel embarrassed while looking at Love & Hip Hop? Sometimes, but will I stop watching? Probably not.

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Entertainment

Entertainment

25

26

“COLE WORLD”

IS A ‘B*TCH’ REALLY BAD? Kiana Glover

Homecoming Edition Kamaara Lucas

B

*tch bad, woman good, lady better, they misunderstood,” Lupe Fiasco casually spits in the hook of the controversial song “B*tch Bad” off of his new album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1. The song is based on the usage of B*tch in popular songs affecting our youth’s perception.

In the first verse, Fiasco begins by talking about a motherfigure singing along to a song on the radio where she refers to herself using profanity. Her son watches and associates the word with his mother, thinking that it has a positive connotation. “Couple of things that are happenin’ here: First he’s relatin’ the word ‘b*tch’ with his mama, comma because she’s relatin’ to herself, his most important source of help, and mental health he may skew respect for dishonor,” Lupe rattles off implying that while the mother has the filter to know that for her the derogatory term is just slang used in a song, her son does not and will therefore begin to think that a b*tch is a woman he should look up to and admire.

Fiasco continues on in his second verse to highlight young girls watching music videos on the Internet. As a rapper spews out “bad b*tch, bad b*tch, all I want in life is bad b*tch,” Fiasco claims these girls are associating the video vixens with what it takes to be a “bad b*tch,” and they want to imitate that. The song continues on with the boy meeting the girl after they have matured. While the girl tries to imitate what she has learned is a “bad b*tch” by dressing and acting sexually, the boy is looking for what he has been taught is one – a respectful woman. Lupe illustrates this disconnect by saying, “And he thinks she a bad b*tch and she thinks she a bad b*tch he thinks disrespectfully, she thinks of that sexually. She got the wrong idea, he don’t wanna f*ck her, he thinks she’s bad at being a b*tch like his mother. ‘Momma never dress like that, come out the house, hot mess like that, a**, titties, dress like that, All out to impress like that.’ Just like that, you see the fruit of the confusion. He caught in a reality, she caught in an illusion.”

All over the Internet, fans and naysayers alike commented on Fiasco’s new flow and subject matter, which is exactly what he wanted.

“Whether right or wrong some things need to be said in order to start a conversation,” Fiasco said in his interview on MTV’s RapFix Live.

H

omecoming is not to be taken lightly here at Carolina. During the eventful autumn week, Tar Heel pride is at an all-time high. Before cheering the football team to victory and attending the endless amounts of on-campus events, students can look forward to kicking off the festivities with the annual homecoming concert. Each year, the announcement of the chosen performer is greatly anticipated. Many students were extremely enthused upon learning that hip-hop artist J. Cole will be headlining this year.

Expectations for his concert are quite high.

Not to be confused, Fiasco isn’t using this word to his advantage. He says it best when he states, “I’m saying it to get you to talk about it; I’m not saying it to glorify it.

I’m not saying it to big myself up…I just feel like it’s so subtle that we look over it. I just wanted to bring it back to the surface and inject some potency back into it.”

Every year, the Carolina Union Activities Board uses different methods in order to select a concert headliner.

According to CUAB president, Tom Low, this year’s process was based largely on student input. Before the end of the Spring 2012 semester, CUAB and the Carolina Athletic Association accepted student e-mails with performer suggestions. Once names were tallied, the organizations contacted artists and determined which ones were feasible. Of the big-name musicians who met the CUAB requirements, J. Cole was the most highly requested by students.

Upon hearing mention of the concert, first-year student Audreina Blanding immediately expressed her enthusiasm: “I am very excited; I have never been able to attend one of [Cole’s] concerts in my hometown because they are always sold out. I am definitely looking forward to this performance.”

Watch the video at www. uncblackink. com to see how Fiasco brings the term to life.

The rapper, a Fayetteville, N.C., native, is no stranger to the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill and claims to be an avid fan of the Tar Heel basketball team. While J. Cole has made appearances at UNC in the past, this will be his biggest oncampus performance to date. He will be taking the stage of Carmichael Arena.

With the nature of hip-hop becoming increasingly risqué and the focus being aimed young people, the line between whether being a b*tch is good or bad could never be more blurred. Fiasco realizes that his song is not going to remove the word from hip-hop, but he wants people to think about how they are using it and how it is affecting the development and morals of our youth.

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So far, student feedback has been very positive.

Of course, it is nearly impossible to please 100 percent of the diverse student body, however, CUAB believes that their choice has satisfied the vast majority. Though the actual concert is less than a month away, it is rare to get through a day on campus without overhearing discussion of the event.

R&B artist Elle Varner will open for the rapper.

The homecoming concert will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. Student tickets will be sold during the Student Union Box Office’s regular hours (Mon-Fri 9-5 p.m.). Prices are $15 for student upper level seating, $20 for student lower level seating, and $30 for outside guests.

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Entertainment

Entertainment

27

BLACK MEN AND THE MAINSTREAM

28

A REFRESHING LOOK AT BLACK WOMEN ON TELEVISION

Darrilyn Fisher

Kali Hackett

T

he recent career moves of Terrance J and Michael Strahan shed light on the advancement of Black men in mainstream television

For years, the daily images of Black America that are produced have been critiqued scrupulously. It seems that these critiques have gotten louder in recent years with the increasing popularity of reality shows that boast primarily Black casts. Most points of contention, however, focus on the portrayal of Black women. There seems to be varying amounts of outrage about the characteristics that could be attributed to Black women as a whole, especially when this imagery is viewed by non-Black communities on non-Black television networks. While these conversations are being heard loud and clear, much of the success of Black men on television in recent months has been seemingly pushed aside.

Former 106 & Park host Terrence J, former NFL star Michael Strahan, and even Steve Harvey have all taken steps toward the top of the ladder in mainstream media. In early September, it was announced that Michael Strahan would be permanently filling the seat beside Kelly Ripa on ABC’s syndicated talk show Live! With Kelly. This same day, it was also announced that Terrence J, whose full name is Terrence Jenkins, would be replacing Ryan Seacrest on E! News. Steve Harvey also took a major step in his career with the premiere of his own daytime talk show.

The excitement, however, may have been a bit overshadowed. Not long after the Terrence J story was posted on popular urban entertainment blog Necole Bitchie, a commenter began saying that he was a sell-out because he used the urban market to reach success in the mainstream. Expression of this view seems to occur all too often.

It’s rare that an underground rapper’s legitimacy isn’t questioned once he or she gains mainstream recognition. As the effects of the demand for more positive programming depicting Black women remain to be seen, it is important to recognize and support the steps that Black men are taking in a positive direction.

Black men should be celebrated for breaking color barriers in entertainment and having a stake in creating a counterbalance to the status quo negativity that is increasingly promoted every day.

visit us at www.uncblackink.com| follow us on twitter @uncblackink

I

n today’s media culture, African-American women are constantly portrayed as loud, obnoxious, violent, and materialistic. We are bombarded with television shows such as Basketball Wives, Real Housewives and Bad Girls Club that receive great ratings, but have no substance or positive messages.

What ever happened to female leads like Clair Huxtable or the women of Living Single? They have been replaced by reality stars like Joseline Hernandez, from Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta or Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives.

Despite the assortment of television shows that perpetuate negative stereotypes against black women, there are a few that attempt to break the mold. The first stand out is VH1’s Styled by June, a reality show that details the life of celebrity stylist, June Ambrose. As VH1 is becoming increasingly popular with black viewers, it is a nice change to see them feature an independent successful black business woman. Contrary to most fashion shows on television, such as the Rachel Zoe Project or The City that feature white designers, stylist and celebrities, the show Styled by June purposefully brings African-American actresses and singers to the forefront.

In an interview with Allison Samuels for the Daily Beast, Ambrose said, “I thought very clearly about the message my show would be sending before we started filming. I have a family, a mother who was and is graceful and proud and I have daughter. I knew this show had to be entertaining, but it also had to be about a person who has something to offer.” Ambrose gives a positive new take on Black women in reality television shows.

Aside from reality television, the field of broadcast journalism currently features heavy hitters Robin Roberts and Soledad O’Brien. These women have gained respect in a field dominated by white men. In comparison to popular reality show stars, these women are an example to young girls, in that the way to success is not through a man, but through hard work and education.

I cannot speak on broadcast journalism without mentioning

the queen of talk shows, Oprah Winfrey. After suffering low ratings in the first year, her new network, OWN, has found a happy medium between inspirational and educational pieces and entertainment. Her new show Iyanla: Fix My Life, features inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant on a quest to help others restore their happiness. It is always refreshing to see educated Black women on television working to improve the lives of others.

The one aspect of television where positive Black female characters are obviously missing from is prime-time scripted television. Shonda Rhimes is trying to change that with the hit series Scandal, which returned for its second season this September. The show is centered around the life of crisismanagement extraordinaire Olivia Pope, played by Kerri Washington. The success of this show and Rhimes’ other series, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, both of which feature strong African-American female roles, will hopefully be models of success for future series to come.

Although most television shows that feature African-American women do not present them in a positive light, there are a few exceptions. Hopefully sometime in the near future, that statement will be reversed. However, if the ratings continue to soar for shows like Love and Hip Hop and Bad Girls Club then that’s never going to happen. The people control the market.

Stop watching, and they’ll stop producing.

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Masthead Averi Harper — Editor-in-Chief Briana Harper — Managing Editor Chantrel Reynolds — Creative Director Mballa “Mimi” Mendouga — Associate Editor Tyler Rouse — Copy Editors Samantha Wilson Lauren Houston — PR Director Kiana Glover — PR Assistant Paris Alston Andrew Bauer Chassity Bobbit Nia Davis

Contributors

Darrilyn Fisher Kali Hackett Tasia Harris Jaleesa Jones

Kamaara Jones Trey Mangum Adryen Proctor Brianna Rhodes

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Dillion Robinson Ebony Shamberger Dalisha Sturdivant Alyssa Townsend Vicki Wiggins

John Daniels Nick Johnson Krista McGuire Interested in joining Black Ink? Contact us at uncblackink@gmail.com follow us on Twitter @uncblackink and visit our website www.uncblackink.com

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