PRE-O 2011 SPECIAL
Letters from THE Editors
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Welcome to Carolina fellow Tar Heels! My name is Brittany Johnson and as the 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief of Black Ink Magazine, I would like to welcome you to the first year of the best years of your life! I’m so excited for each and every one of you, as you make this transition into your collegiate experience. Expect to be amazed! The purpose of the Pre-Orientation Issue is to assist you in becoming acquainted with the Black Student Movement as well as give you some helpful pointers for a smooth transition into college life. Whether you are a member of the Class of 2015 or a transfer student, this issue will give you a jumpstart in becoming the best Tar Heel you can be.
BSM History & Executive Board BLACK STUDENT MOVEMENT PREAMBLE “We, the members of the Black Student Movement, embrace a culture distinct from the dominant culture found at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In view of this fact, 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 ensure that the Black Student Movement members never lose contact with the Black community.”
OUR LEGACY, OUR PURPOSE
Beyond this issue, Black Ink Magazine is dedicated to representing the Black presence on this campus through relevant, revolutionary and informative media. As we kick off a new year, we are striving to take this publication to the next level, by consistently giving our readers interesting and intriguing content, voicing the concerns of our Black community and broadening our campus audience. And I have no doubt, with your support we will reach new heights and further the success of this publication.
The Dixon Resolution written by Professor John Dixon on May 3, 1968, requested the Chancellor appoint a five-person committee to generate recommendations for the faculty to help improve the academic climate for Black students. It was the Phillips Committee lead by Professor Dickson Phillips, that recommended an eight-step plan to improve the intellectual climate and remove educational disabilities on the basis of race.
Again, welcome to the Hill and be on the look out for more from Black Ink! Brittany Johnson Editor-in-Chief, Black Ink Magazine
On December 11, 1968, BSM presented a list of 22 demands to Chancellor Sitterson for improvements that they wished to see implemented. It was because of this list that many of the programs and curricula in place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were established.
My name is Averi Harper and as the Managing Editor of Black Ink Magazine I couldn’t be happier to welcome you to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!
This issue is your go-to guide for advice for first-year and transfer students! We’ve created this magazine to offer advice and inform you of the endless resources available to you at Carolina, through the Black Student Movement and Black Ink Magazine. Black Ink Magazine is here to keep you informed and help you out. If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns I’m easily reached on Facebook and Twitter (@AveriHarper) and through Black Ink’s Facebook and Twitter (@ uncblackink). Again, I am pleased to welcome you to the University and I wish you much success during the 2011-2012 school year! Averi Harper Managing Editor, Black Ink Magazine
The Black Student Movement was established in November of 1967 as a result of the slow growth of the Black population on campus and because of Black students’ dissatisfaction with the campus’ NAACP chapter. It was from this beginning the Black Student Movement began to take its position as the leading voice for Black students on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus. The ensuing year became yet another momentous one for Black students on the campus because it was within this time frame that the Dixon Resolution and the Phillips Committee were established.
So fellow Tar Heels I encourage you to open your minds, explore possibilities and take advantage of the incredible opportunities that present themselves.
I remember when I traveled from my native New York to Chapel Hill for my first year of college. I never felt anxious or alone because I knew that at Carolina there are a wealth of resources and strong network of people to aid in your success. The Pre-O issue of the magazine will let you in on this invaluable information.
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BSM continues to hold its strong legacy of advocating and embracing the Black presence on UNC’s campus.
YOUR BSM EXECUTIVE BOARD Eric Campbell
Darius Latham
Camile Jones
Maylott Mulgetta
Sharessa Royster
Kaneesha Henderson
Alexis Davis
Lee Chapman
Terri Houston
President ebcampbe@email.unc.edu Vice-President mulgetta@email.unc.edu Secretary alexisd@email.unc.edu
Treasurer dlatham@email.unc.edu Parliamentarian royster1@email.unc.edu Executive Assistant chapmajl@email.unc.edu
Outreach Chair camilej@email.unc.edu Assistant Treasurer kshender@email.unc.edu Faculty Advisor
Message From BSM PreSIDENT & VP
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Greetings Class of 2015! Welcome to the best place on earth, where the sky is always Carolina Blue, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My name is Eric Campbell and I am your 2011-2012 BSM President. I am a senior in Kenan-Flagler Business School majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Consulting and a minor in African-American Studies. I am really excited about this upcoming school year as members of the executive board and myself have worked extensively on various projects and getting things in order for you all. I hope that you join us this coming school year and that we can offer an outlet for expressing Black ideals and act as a social, academic and extracurricular support system in the beginning and throughout your journey at UNC-Chapel Hill. Congrats on making it into one of the nation’s top institutions, but now the real work starts. It is time to come together, as varsity sport team captains, valedictorians, AP/IB students and the leading innovators and thinkers for the 21st century to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. The Black Student Movement isn’t just a political action oriented organization; we instead want to be leading drivers for a more inclusive environment. With plans to team up with organizations, such as Dance Marathon, Carolina Union Activities Board and Young Democrats, we hope to make great strides in that vision this year. Again welcome and I hope to see you all August 31st at 5:30 pm for our first meeting in the Stone Center! Eric Campbell, BSM President 2011 — 2012 BSM Family! Welcome Class of 2015 to your new home, Carolina! My name is Maylott Mulugeta and I will be serving as your BSM Vice-President this year! The Black Student Movement has been one of the most influential and impactful organizations of my Carolina experience. I hope to play an active role this year in helping you all, find a supportive and uplifting community within the BSM. Alongside Eric and the rest of our hard-working executive board, we have been working to make this upcoming year an unforgettable one for BSM. I personally will be working very closely with the Class of 2015 in making sure you all find your specific interests and passion within BSM. This organization truly has so much to offer. We hope, this year, to re-energize our community through organized and transformative activism that will allow us to focus on areas such as unity, outlets of expression and connections—all of which are part of BSM’s mission and purpose. We have a lot of work ahead of us this year but we are so excited to welcome you all to the BSM family, as innovative and inquistive young thinkers! Again, I welcome you all to this amazing university. We hope this organization can be both a foundation and stepping stone to all the success and growth that is waiting for you here at Carolina! All the Best, Maylott Mulugeta, Vice President 2011 — 2012
Listen to Your Elders
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FIRST-YEAR 101
A TRANSFER’S PERSPECTIVE
Transitioning from high school to college is like moving from a fish tank to the ocean. The boundaries that once surrounded you are no longer visible, and your world has expanded exponentially. You’ll meet people, discover places and experience life like never before. However, this new world can be more harmful than helpful if you venture away from your goals. One way to help you survive is the acronym P.O.S.E.; prioritize, organize, synchronize, and exercise. These four little words can make a big difference in your first year of college.
I transferred from Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, Pa. my sophomore year. It was definitely a major change for me, but throughout my adjustment, I learned some really helpful tactics about how to acclimate to life at Carolina. The most important thing is to GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS. Carolina is a huge place, with so many diverse people and opportunity, and getting involved helps prevent you from getting lost in the crowd. Membership in campus organizations, sports teams or even campus jobs will help you make a smooth transition.
Prioritizing simply refers to understanding what’s most important to you. For example, most students would put academics above social gatherings. Although this seems simple, it’ll come in handy when you mix in commitments to organization and personal time. Once you know what’s important, organize your weekly calendar starting with what is necessary. A great way to do this is by printing off your class schedule and planning around your courses. Although there may be multiple organizations or activities you’ll want to participate in, keep in mind that you can’t be in two places at once. Synchronize yourself with the calendar you created by being familiar with what’s on your plate every day. This should help avoid planning too many activities for one day. Finally, put all your tools together and use them! Exercising the tips you’ll pick up this year will be helpful well beyond your first two semesters. As you go further into your college career, you’ll find that it takes a lot to finish. But hopefully the acronym P.O.S.E will help you keep your composure along the way. Kristen Johnson, Class of 2013
Carolina offers many programs and organizations specifically for transfer students. The students in these groups understand the difficulty of transferring to a new school and can help you feel more comfortable. These groups come with built-in social networks, and best of all, help you make new friends while pursuing your interests. For me, joining the rugby team was an excellent way to get to know other students I wouldn’t normally befriend. Also, working out at campus gyms helped me meet new people that enjoy exercise and fitness as much as I do. As a transfer student, it is important to welcome all opportunities to socialize because you never know where that conversation in a dining hall, The Pit or walking out of class could led you. In all this remember to stay on top of your academics, socially acclimating yourself is very important to get the full Carolina experience but it is more important to adjust to the challenging academia. Keep your academics first but, if possible never turn down a good conversation. At least until you find some friends! The best advice is to stay open-minded; to new people, experiences and opportunities. Trust me, after the first term or so, your go-getter attitude will pay off! Harvey Schmidt, Class of 2013
BSM Subgroups & committees There are tons of ways ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK (ASB) to get involved with ASB is a spring break program that allows the Black Student Movement. BSM members, UNC and Duke students to These are the subgroups and committees that are sure to nurish any talent you may possess.
BSM Subgroups & Committees
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black males on campus and provide positive images of blacks for the greater campus.
and Hispanic Recruitment Weekend and other events for prospective students.
Cultural Diversity hosts various programs and it’s initiatives are original ideas that have resulted from the enthusiastic participation of BSM members and the other students.
Contact: Warren Wyatt, wwyatt@live.unc.edu
Contact: Rickita Blackmon, rfblack@email.unc.edu.
Cultural Diversity intends to be a resource for those who are in a position to mentor and nurture diversity in the work place regardless of whether they are minorities.
FCC is designed to bring first-years closer
to the BSM family. Throughout the year, FCC members plan events like socials, cookouts and parties to help unite first-year students.
Contact: Antoinette Newsome, Miguel Cardona acnewsom@email.unc.edu, mcpete13@email. unc.edu
Movement of Youth is an educational and mentoring program built to expand educational opportunities for diverse high school students.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMMITTEE
They also help freshman network with peers and administrators. Being a part of this council, members have an active roll in BSM, while building confidence, strong leadership skills and long-lasting friendships.
Movement of Youth encourages students, who have demonstrated academic promise, to pursue higher education.
This committee is dedicated to researching and promoting Black history in both the UNC and surrounding communities.
HARMONYX
participate in a week long service trip.
Students will explore the unique culture and history of the Mississippi Delta and learn about the myriad of social issues that are prevalent in the Delta region as they engage in community service with the Sunflower County Freedom Project. Contact: Lauren Winston, lwinston@email.unc.edu
Harmonyx is the only a cappella group on campus that focuses on African American styles of music, such as R&B, hip hop, oldies, spirituals, and gospel.
The Black History Month Committee hosts events such as comedy nights and poetry readings, presents Black films and participates in community service projects within the Black community. The first meeting is Sept. 6, 2011 in SASB North at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jasmin Howard & Ilyasah Shabazz, bsm.blackhistory@gmail.com.
CELEBRATION OF BLACK WOMANHOOD (CBW): This committee honors the strength, diversity and essence of Black women through an appreciation and celebration of her heritage and culture. The committee holds programs that deal with women’s issues such as self-esteem, healing your inner soul, and climbing the corporate ladder. Contact: Jaimee Daniels, Maya Jumper & Dianne Matthews, jaimeed@live.unc.edu, mjumper@live.unc.edu, lmatte1@email.unc.edu.
FRESHMAN CLASS COUNCIL (FCC)
EBONY READERS/ONYX THEATRE
Harmonyx puts on two major shows during the year. Harmonyx normally has auditions in September, seeking all voice parts, including beat boxers.
EROT specializes in written poetry, spoken word performance and theatrical drama.
Contact: Jonathan Holston, holston@email.unc.edu
EROT hosts three major productions a year, one in the fall and two in the spring and performs at a wide range of campus events and organizations throughout the year. EROT meets once a week with additional rehearsals for members involved in any productions. Please visit www.erot-unc.com or follow “EROT Poetry” on facebook and twitter for more information! Contact: Ari DeDeaux, arideaux@live.unc.edu
EMBRACE
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
EmBrACE stands for Emphasizing Brotherhood Across Campus Effectively, and is focused on empowering African American males to make a difference within BSM, our campus, and our community.
Focused on education and networking within the Black Student Movement, this committee
Its goal is to promote brotherhood amongst
MEMBERSHIP/ELECTIONS COMMITTEE The Membership/Elections committee aids in the successful recruitment of BSM members and facilitates all election forums for school wide and BSM elections.
MOVEMENT OF YOUTH
Contact: Tina Kawatu, tkawatu@live.unc.edu
OPEYO! Opeyo!, was formed to provide an outlet for artistic expression and community outreach through various genres of dance. Opeyo, meaning “Beyond the Horizon” in Swahili, is currently comprised of 2 divisions; Opeyo! Hip-Hop and Opeyo! Modern.
SPPAR The Special Programming Parent/Alumni Relations is instrumental in the planning and implementation of major BSM events: The Annual Coronation Ball, Kwanzaa Celebration, Parents Weekend, and Umjoa Celebration. The committee also serves as a vital network between the BSM, parents and alumni.
TRIPLE ALLIANCE COMMITTEE (TAC) TAC is the service branch of BSM. This “triple alliance” is made up of the students, the campus administration, and our neighboring Chapel Hill community. TAC’s goal is to organize volunteer projects that are designed to foster relationships between these groups through service. Contact: Lauren Latten & Cheyenne Turner; Lauren_Latten@kenan-flagler.unc.edu, cdturner@live.unc.edu.
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE This committee is BSM’s avenue for political activism. As the venue for which BSM can articulate opinions on issues that affect its members, this subgroup enables for these strong concerns to be heard and more importantly, dealt with appropriately. Contact: Maya Jumper, mjumper@email.unc.edu
MSRC
SERVICE AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Minority Student Recruitment Committee (MSRC) is comprised of over 200 dedicated student volunteers and a student administrative staff whose efforts includes implementation of recruitment programs and activities through the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
The mission of the Service and Education Committee is to prepare the students at UNC to educate and inspire the students in the Orange County School system.
MSRC works closely with various cultural student organizations on campus as well as the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to offer recruitment programs such as High School Honors Day, Decision Day, Native American
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Through training sessions in the areas of leadership, communication, networking, and service, it is our mission to combine the knowledge gained into projects that will motivate and encourage Orange County Students to be proactive members of society striving to continue on the legacy of service imparted to them.
UNC GOSPEL CHOIR The UNC Gospel Choir is a group devoted to praising God through song. The choir travels to various cities around the triangle as well as nationally to promote and praise the Kingdom of God. This group is an excellent avenue to strengthen ones relationship with God and to develop a social support system. This group welcomes singers of all types and musicians. Contact: Mone’ Smith mones@ad.unc.edu
Remember to attend the first BSM meeting, Aug. 31, at 5:30 p.m. in the Stone Center Auditorium! More information about each subgroup and committee will be given at this meeting.
Executive Board Brittany Johnson ‐ Editor‐in‐Chief Jeffrey Sullivan ‐ Creative Director Averi Harper ‐ Managing Editor Toyosi Oyelowo ‐ Associate Editor Ebony Shamburger ‐ Copy Editors Kadija Lewis Jasmine Nesi ‐ PR Coordinator Shana Smith ‐ Ad Committee Chair Briana Harper ‐ Alumni Relations
Interested in joining Black Ink? Contact Brittany Johnson at uncblackink@gmail.com for more information
WEEK OF WELCOME 2011 EVENTS FRIDAY AUG. 19
MONDAY AUG. 22
THURSDAY AUG. 25
SATURDAY AUG. 20
TUESDAY AUG. 23
FRIDAY AUG. 26
Target Kick-Off Event Cultural Show Welcome Back Jam
Summer Reading Program Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started College
Flix on the Brix: Bridesmaids Target Back-to-School Express
SUNDAY AUG. 21
Dinner with your RA New Student Convocation FallFest
University Career Services Part-Time Job Fair Grille in the Ville Granville Towers Foam Party
WEDNESDAY AUG. 24
Diversity 101 Transfer Night at the Museum
Summer Reading Lecture Sex After Dark Hypnotist Peter Momos
Red Cross Blood Drive DSI Best Show Ever
SATURDAY AUG. 27
Carolina Fever Kickoff EROT Poetry Slam
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