Winter 2010 - 2011

Black Ink W I N T E R

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vo De lu di ti ca on te ar d t y o M ed ia eak r B as t m t s s i Chr o Do Li T

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University bids farewell to Dr. Ervin

Black Ink

A Letter from the Editor

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Black Ink

A Letter from the Assistant Editor

Happy Holidays Everyone! ou know, it’s that time of the year again. Jingle bells, Christmas tress, crowded malls, ridiculous sales and of course, the classic holiday spirit, right? But with each new season, there are changes and most times these changes always lead to new things. Well, UNC is going through a few changes this season. This past semester, UNC said goodbye to mentor, role model, teacher, leader and friend…Dr. Archie Ervin.

This past semester, Dr. E (as most of us call him or Doc if you really know him) announced that he would be making a move from the Tar Heel Nation to join Georgia Tech’s diversity team. Dr. E has worked at the University since longer than I can remember and he has impacted so many lives. He has also impacted the Black Ink Magazine so we wanted to dedicate this issue to him. Doc, we appreciate everything that you’ve done for the Black Ink Magazine, for BSM and for UNC and we hope GA Tech is ready for you!

But don’t worry, this issue will not just be filled with anecdotes and farewells, we still have articles that will make you think, make you see the world differently and of course, keep you updated with the latest things happening in the today’s news! In this issue, we discuss a lot of issues and subjects that you might not have thought about from the life and literate works of James Baldwin to a review about Tyler Perry’s latest feature film, For Col-

ored Girls to a closer look at UNC Men’s Basketball team and so much more.

I would also like to wish all of our readers a happy holiday and happy new year. This is the first time we’ve published a winter issue so we hope you enjoy reading it while you enjoy your break from classes and spend time with family, friends and the ones you love. But remember to keep up with the Black Ink as we enter 2011 because we have so many things in store for…YOU! Happy holidays, happy New Year and have a very merry season!

Peace and Love, Kirstin Garriss Editor-in-Chief

Hello Readers!

On behalf of the entire Black Ink staff we would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! As 2010 closes and the New Year begins, I couldn’t help but reflect on how incredible this year has been for Black Ink Magazine. This publication has not been this active for decades and we owe that to our wonderful staff and supporters!

We have decided to dedicate this issue to a man that has truly been dedicated to us, as a publication and individually.

In the past 22 years Dr. Archie Ervin has taken UNC to higher heights, in both the realms of institute diversity and student leadership. He has been the faculty advisor for Black Ink for years and showed an immense amount of dedication and support

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to the success of this magazine. Although Dr. E has left to go on to bigger (but not so better) things at Georgia Tech, his legacy will remain at UNC forever. So to you Dr. E, words cannot express how much we appreciate you! Go show ‘em how it’s done!

Per usual, in this issue you will still find your dose of revolutionary media.

From the intellectual oversight of James Baldwin to the less intellectually stimulating “Pink Barbie” (yes, I do mean Nikki Minaj) this issue spans a pretty large variety of topics, all worth the read. We hope you will take a little break from stuffing your face with Holiday dinner leftovers, get off the couch and take some time out of your vacation to give this issue a little look-see.

So again Happy Holidays! And as always, I hope this issue opens your eyes, expands your thoughts, and challenges your ideals. We thank you for your relentless support as we uphold the success of this publication. And with your help we will continue to represent the Black presence on UNC’s campus through informative and revolutionary media.

Sincerely, Brittany Johnson Assistant Editor

Black Ink

Fashion Commentary

South Korea: Where textiles and geopolitics meet Tia Joy Davis

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Following eight months of geopolitical agitation, the threat of war between North and South Korea was evident on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. As fashionistas in the Western Hemisphere were preparing for Black Friday, artillery fire was exchanged across the 38th parallel.

With South Korea being a global leader in the textile industry, what greater implications will this military tension have-specific to the fashion industry?

Merchants, investors and socially-conscious fashionistas around the world will soon be asking the same.

In American history, our markets often shifted to a wartime economy to serve the needs of our military. Factories transitioned from making our grandmothers’ lace dressed to making uniforms for U.S. soldiers. We were freed of this only when consumer markets exploded with innovation and our country’s infrastructure followed suit.

As one of the most economically

Black Ink

Fashion Commentary

developed countries in Asia, I do not believe South Korea will relive that same history if forced into war. I do believe the threat of such is bound to have some impact on an industry worth billions to a country so small, yet a fashion world so big.

What specific impacts it will have?

My guess is textile trades, imports and exports will be affected if South Korea engages in a four world war (with the Cold War arguably being the third-my total opinion).

The legalized trade agreement between North and South Korea from 1988 would be totally thrown out the window, if it hasn’t already. In addition, the military tactics of war might compromise routes, which are currently feasible for trade with other players in the textile and fashion industries.

So how does this brink of war, geopolitical, technological sector, mumbojumbo impact the lives of socially-con-

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scious fashionistas? If trade and South Korean exports are compromised, so will the designers and merchants who depend on the country’s textiles.

Based on my knowledge of economics, and just plain cause and effect, the prices of South Korean textiles are bound to rise which such restriction. It may have little to no impact on our wallets, or it may have a huge one. I guess it’s up to the NYSE or the higher powers of capitalism.

I think it’s too early to tell, but it’s definitely a world crisis worth listening out for. Especially if it has to do with something in your closet. Who would have though South Korea would be a place where 60-year-old geopolitics and the designer sweater you bought come together? Not me! Until next time, fashionistas: happy shopping and continue to say current!

With love, Tia

Black Ink

Halloween Review

Nightmare on Franklin Street Helin Park

I hope you all enjoyed the shenanigans on Franklin Street this past Halloween. I don’t think anyone could have had a valid reason for missing out, especially my fellow freshmen. What could have served as a better welldeserved break from that 6-page paper or lab report, which was conveniently due at noon on November 1st?

Just as expected, the busiest hub of Chapel Hill filled up on Halloween night with thousands of students from UNC as well as from neighboring universities along with members of all ages from the community.

Although the town officials have been coming up with ways to keep the festivities “homegrown” by limiting access from other schools, the crowd was still about 35,000 strong.

Besides the spontaneous celebrations that arise whenever the Tar Heels snatch up a NCAA championship, the town-wide party is usually the most hypefilled event on the street during the year.

No one can be “too old” for one night of costumed fun. Much of our over-caffeinated, over-worked student population left schoolrelated worries behind and adopted a different personality for the

6 night. Sure, it can just be a way to cop out from daily responsibilities, but something about donning that male stripper-cop outfit, putting together a Tetris cutout, or brushing out your human-sized squirrel tail, and stepping out from your normal routine eliminates those hesitations that have been keeping you from making unexpected but valuable friendships.

In between snapping pictures and sharing ‘Kum-baya’ moments while singing with strangers decked out in awesome costumes, that warm fuzzy sense of community bonding does creep into your heart and you’re reminded once again why Carolina is the college town.

Don’t pass up your next opportunity to enjoy an eventful Heeloween!

“Franklin street was a lot of fun in part because everyone was really creative with their costumes and there were a lot of crazy characters, but it was really just a big parade of people. However, we are really looking forward to our costumes next year and having a blast once again!” ~Amanda Furbert, UNC first year

Black Ink

Cuffing Season

internal beauty come into play; it is too cold for the low cut shorts and halter The guys pick out Winter Lovin’ tops. the girls they may want to spend cuddle season with during the summer, Warren Wyatt and act on them when the time comes. When a guy Cuffing, cuddle, boo, sees a girl who knows how to look good in the sumsnuggle - Put any one of these words in front of sea- mer, it will motivate him son and you know exactly to want to settle down and get to know her better what time it is. during the winter months.

For all you people Now don’t get me wrong, who feel like you can’t commit, don’t be alarmed. there are those people who meet during the winter Cuddle season is only a and still experience cuddle fraction of the year and season together; it all deis somewhat enjoyable. pends on the couple.

Sitting, cozy, under a Aside from this, nice warm blanket, arms winter season is also a time wrapped around each when the workload from other, grasping for cloclasses gets a little more sure, eyes locked on each intense, and it’s time to other as if life depended on it, fingers twiddling like buckle down. It is hard to keep talking to multiple snakes in a pit, but I difemales when this hapgress.

The summer season pens, so most people consists of everyone enjoy- settle down with one person and focus ing the single life, ladies on their studies at showing off their assets the same time. and guys drooling over Cuddle them. During the winter, season has its perks, a girl’s personality and but if handled the wrong

7 way, it can lead both parties into drama. If the intentions are not stated from the beginning, then you wanting to just cuddle and chill may have the other person thinking there is something more going on…something like the chance of a relationship.

In all, cuddle season is a chance for two people to get to know each other on a deeper level while still remaining just friends. If it happens to lead to something more, well there is always that strong friendship to fall back on. In the mean time, get ready for the winter months because they’re coming.

Photo Credit: http://blackamericans.com/ blogs/news/archive/2010/03/12/ black-americansare-one-of-thefastest-growingsegments-in-onlinedating.aspx

Black Ink

BSM Ball Review

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Black Ink

LifE KiT Interview

ONYX: An Oppulent Occasion

Final LifE KiT Interview

DJ Latham

Kandace Watkins

Forty three years ago, the first Black Student Movement Ball was held to provide an atmosphere of celebration and elegance for the African American community on campus. Forty three years later, the Black Student Movement (BSM) is still providing this comfortable and much needed atmosphere. On November 12, 2010, the BSM Ball was held at the George Watts Hill Alumni Building here, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, on Stadium Drive. The Special Projects and Parents/Alumni Relations Committee (SPARR), a subgroup of BSM, coordinated this highly anticipated event.

Over the past few years, a big tradition has been the BSM Ball Court, which is comprised of the underclassman and upperclassman court and of course, the titles of Mr. and Miss BSM. The underclassman court consisted of candidates for Mr. and Miss Freshman and Mr. and Miss Sophomore.

Out of the candidates, the following winners were announced the night of the BSM ball: DJ Latham, Jessica Peacock, Antoinette “Pinky” Newsome, Eric Campbell, Jaimee Daniels, Lukendrick Washington, and Bianca Bell.

This year’s BSM Ball provided a lot of different emotions and thoughts for first-years as well as the seniors. Mr. BSM Freshman candidate Lee Chapman said, “[The] BSM ball was a place where we could get fancy. It was like combing a dinner and a dance party into one. The candidacy also was fun for all of us, and regardless of who won, we all had a good night. My favorite

Me: How was LifE KiT born?

LifE KiT: “We had a dream one spring night, woke up and haven’t went back to sleep since.”

Me: What does LifE KiT mean?

LK: “We identified Love, Energy, Knowledge, and Time as key ingredients to success and as essential elements of a well balanced lifestyle. We decided it was only appropriate to adopt them as our core company values. We later decided to develop these principles into an acronym—“Life KiT” seemed to make the most sense.”

See Pages 26-27 for pictures from the BSM Ball

part was dancing all night, but especially to She Badd!” First-year student, Warren Wyatt said, “The BSM Ball gave everyone a chance to . . . experience a part of the Black community that we usually don’t see.” Although the BSM Ball had some exciting and memorable moments for the underclassman, it was a great senior event for the class of 2011. “The BSM ball was very special for me because it was my last one! I had a fabulous time eating, dancing and laughing! I also had the opportunity to get to know the class of 2014 a little better. All in all, it was a great night!” said senior B’anca Glenn.

Me: How did the idea of LifE KiT as a lifestyle company come about?

LK: “Not long after LifE KiT was conceived, we began to understand the significance in what we were offering the world. We discovered that our products were not only unique and innovative, but they actually had the power to speak to the individual who wears the piece and to others who come in contact with it. Being that Love, Energy, Knowledge, and Time are practical principles that can be applied in our everyday lives, it is definitely something worth living by.”

Me: What is the mission of LifE KiT? LK: “The mission of LifE KiT is to

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I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the founders of an up-and-coming jewelry line based in Durham, N.C. LifE KiT is a budding jewelry and apparel company sweeping across campuses in the Research Triangle area. LifE KiT is the brainchild of three recent North Carolina Central University graduates, Austin Henley, 24; DeAndres Royal, 25; and Pierre Davis, 25. The line was birthed in 2008 from a collective desire to create unique and personal pieces that were not only fashionable, but delivered a positive and inspiring message.

prompt a lifestyle that leads to individual and collective success without losing sight of the needs of the community.”

Me: What inspires LifE KiT? LK: “We are inspired by things we see in the street, casual conversations, music, or random situations we find ourselves in. The inspiration for most of our products usually comes from our own personal style and imagination.”

Me: What kinds of items does LifE KiT create?

LK: “Neck wear, bracelets, buttons, pins, eye glass lanyards, apparel, and other enjoyable extras.”

Me: Who manufactures the products for LifE KiT? LK: “Our hand made products are developed and manufactured in the humble dwellings of our lab in Durham, N.C. by a

handful our LK faithful.”

Me: Who designs the jewelry for LifE KiT? LK: “We do of course” Me: Do you see LifE KiT expanding beyond jewelry and accessories?

LK: “Ideas are in the works as we speak” Me: Any personal message you would like to deliver to the readers?

LK: See. Reach. Grab. - LK For information about LifE KiT and their products visit their website at http://lkallday.blogspot. com/.

Black Ink

Movie Review- For Colored Girls

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Don’t Let a Man Tell a Woman’s Story out a number of essential elements present in the play, namely joy, celebration, sisterhood, and resilience.” Reddy, a poet who appreciates the artistry of words, saw Tyler Perry’s film with the whole Carolina “For Colored Girls” cast. “To say it in few words, Tyler Perry reduced Shange’s brilliant script to over-dramatic, characterized, and poorly conceived melodrama.”

Tyler Perry used 14 of Shange’s 20 poems and mixed them with his own writing style creating a heterogeneous mixture instead of blending the two styles seamlessly together. “The way that Tyler Perry incorporated the poems into the film was rather jarring, as there is a very obvious distinction between his writing and that of Ntozake Shange,” stated Reddy, “The poetry fit in oddly with the rest of the dialogue, sometimes so much so that it was hard to say what was actually going on.”

What some of the real Colored Girls thought In Shange’s original play, the message was clearly told through seven women who used poetry to share their stories. The women were labeled by colors in the play like Lady in Purple who was portrayed by Ari Dedeaux, a junior at UNC, in the play directed by

Education

Reddy in Chapel Hill. Dedeaux knew her character’s poems well and noticed that the poems that were supposed to be recited by her character were changed to another character in Perry’s film to make the movie flow. “[Tyler Perry] basically took one piece, gave it to a person, and tried to build their character around that, and then gave them others to support that,” said Dedeaux.

As usual, Tyler Perry was doing too much for one movie -- too much drama, too much sorrow and pain, and not enough inspiration.

Perry’s inclusion on male characters, interpretations and presentations of poems, and victimization of the main female characters just altered the inspirational theme presented to viewers. And the title alone, “For Colored Girls” signifies the presentation of a gift of some sort. This movie is for colored girls; however, the message that is given to colored girls has been changed by the hand of the storyteller.

From Shange’s, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf ” the message viewers receive is that despite all the things that colored girls may endure, they have enough strength and support from each other to carry on and make it through.

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of the film, “Waiting for Superman” sees the problem as a simple one: start with the teachers. “You hear a lot from public service announcements and your mom and your dad and everyone else that teachers are great and they are heroes, but the truth is, they are the core of our education system.”

Guggenheim goes onto describe his favorite teacher- Mr. LeSure, an American History Kourtney Bradshaw teacher who saw something in him despite Guggenheim being “C-minus” student. In We have a problem. Some have order to improve America’s educational systurned their head and ignored. Others are tem, Guggenheim believes Americans need completely ignorant of the problem, but we cannot sit idle while American children con- to “become a part of appreciating the role teachers play in our society.” tinue on an educational downward spiral.

Geoffrey Canada, an education exIn 2009, American students scored pert and President of the Harlem Children’s 424 on the Program for International StuProject feels the best way to begin to appredent Assessment (PISA), which measures proficiency and understanding in reasoning ciate teaching is by attracting “young talented smart people” who may go into a field and problem solving skill in mathematics. like law, for the money. He proposes giving The results of the PISA test ranked United “super star teachers one-hundred thousand States students nineteenth out of 20 develdollar bonuses,” so, the students graduating oped countries, right behind Mexico. And the statistics are growing grimmer year after college will look at education as a viable option because the job would be well-paid for year. Fewer students are making it out of teachers to start their life. But the most imhigh school with a degree, more students portant attraction Canada saw to the teachenter college completely unprepared and ing field is that teachers would be “celebrated many of these under instructed students for going into a field that demands excelare dropping out of college. According to a lence.” recent interview conducted by Matt Lauer, There are countless problems with our President Barack Obama, stated that the United States is ranked 11th in college grad- education system, and the solution to every uation. What could have possibly happened one may be simpler than anticipated: focus to make the United States education system, on improving teachers in schools. Attract brilliant teachers who can easily inspire Crespected world-wide, suddenly plummet? minus students to become award winning Bad schools systems, poor policy choices, directors. And attract these bright teachers soci-economic gaps, spending cuts on education… the list and complexity of education with pay competitive enough to jump start their lives, and the knowledge that every day, problems in America fill countless movies, they are making a difference in this country lectures, and books. through positively influencing the lives of its But Davis Guggenheim, the director future leaders.

Calling All Supermen (and Superwomen)

Ari Hires In 1974, outside of a woman’s bar in Berkeley, Ntozake Shange premiered “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” The play went much further than Shange expected. The 20 poem performance juxtaposed to music and choreography, “chorepoem,” became a successful play.

Although the Broadway Production was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 1977, it is uncertain if the movie released on November 5, 2010 directed by Tyler Perry will accumulate the same honors. Why? Because sometimes it takes someone who has lived through the story to tell the story right, but we can give Tyler Perry thumbs up for a decent effort.

What exactly did Tyler Perry leave out?

Jamila Reddy, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill who brought the play to life on Carolina’s campus when she directed the play in spring 2010, said “Tyler Perry’s movie left

Black Ink

Black Ink

Christmas Break Events

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Black Ink

Happy holidays fellow Tar Heels! We all are stuffed with turkey and can’t wait to build snowmen over winter break. For those around the Chapel Hill - Carrboro area there’s plenty to do during the holidays. Here are a few winter break things you might be interested in checking out during the winter break or before you leave (if you’re an out-of-stater)!

December 3rd: the Carrboro tree lighting ceremony will be at 6pm on the Town Hall lawn December 4th: The Hillsborough holiday parade starting at 10am in downtown Hillsborough on Churton Street December 4th and 8th: Carolina Ballet will be performing ‘The Nutcracker’ December 5th:The 24th annual historic Hillsborough candlelight tour from noon to 6pm where you can visit decorated houses and historic churches December 10th: a holiday jazz concert will be put on by the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra December 11th: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade begins at 10am in downtown Chapel Hill December 18th: A holiday classic ‘Nutcracker on Ice’ will be performing at the Triangle SportsPlex December 19th: Jim Watson will present his sixth annual Christmas concert in Hillsborough at 4pm. Call (919)-644-0339 for ticket information December 20th-21st: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church located at 210 St. Mary’s Rd. will be performing ‘A Christmas Carol’ at 7:30pm both nights. Tickets are $15 and you can call (919)-7327451 for more information Make sure you take advantage of all the interesting activities that will be going on around the Chapel Hill area. Stop by one and make the best of winter break!

Black Facts

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Black Facts for Winter 2010 – See what you know and don’t know Lauren Huston

1.

Who were the first African-American law students at UNC? What year where they admitted?

2.

Who were the first African-American undergraduate students at UNC? What year where they admitted?

3.

What is the Carolina Black Caucus?

4. Who is the current department chair of the African American Studies and African Studies departments?

5.

Who was the first African-American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin?

Name the sportscaster who became the first black co-host of NBC’s Today show.

7.

What do we call the slave songs that combined African rhythms with biblical scripture?

8.

Who was the first African-American billionaire?

9.

Who was the first African American to own a movie and TV studio?

- Jasmine Cogdell 8.

9.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2.

3.

1.

Answers Harvey Beech, James Lassiter, Kenneth Lee, and Floyd B. McKissick Sr. 1951 Ralph Frasier, LeRoy Frasier and John Brandon. 1955 An organization that consistently and enthusiastically fosters, supports and celebrates the achievement of Black employees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Julius Nyang’oro Duke Ellington (District of Columbia quarter) Bryant Gumbel (in 1982) Spirituals (Among the most popular are “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Go Down River,” and “ Deep River ”) Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television Tyler Perry

Black Ink

Basketball Preview

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Black Ink

Basketball Preview

Photos from Reese Felts Digital News Room

UNC Basketball Season Preview

Carolina basketball.

After a disappointing 2009-2010 season, the men’s basketball team hopes to turn things around this year with the help of three new freshmen: forward, Harrison Barnes and guards, Reggie Bullock and Olivia Hart Kendall Marshall. Barnes, who was ESPNU’s number one high school recruit for the class With the arrival of autumn, comes the arrivof 2010, certainly has the pressure on him to al of many great traditions to the Carolina perform well this season. And Bullock and campus. In October, the leaves scatter across Marshall, who were also both in ESPNU’s Polk Place as students and faculty observe top 25, are expected to play critical roles this University Day and later take a recess from season, as well. classes for Fall Break. The end of the month Another new addition to the team means the time for students and locals to this year is graduate student, Justin Knox, celebrate Franklin Street’s famous “Homea transfer from the University of Alabama. grown Halloween.” But between all the acKnox, who averaged 5.0 points per game tivities and celebrations, many students wait and 3.8 rebounds during his three years in anticipation for the middle of November, with Alabama’s Crimson Tide, is also exfor the return of what could be considered pected to help the Tar Heels make their by some, the greatest UNC tradition of all: comeback.

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2010 – 2011 UNC Men’s Basketball Schedule 12/28/10 – UNC vs. Rutgers (Away) 1/02/11 – UNC vs. Saint Francis (Home) Basketball fans also have something have dropped to #25. But the team has man1/08/11 – UNC vs. UVA (Away) to look forward to with the return of many aged to keep the season looking bright with 1/13/11 – UNC vs. GA Tech (Away) of last season’s key players, including sopho- an 80 – 69 win against UNC-Ashville.

1/18/11 – UNC vs. Clemson (Home) more, John Henson and junior, Tyler Zeller.

So, can the Heels turn this season Zeller is already off to a running start as the around? Most believe it is hard to tell for 1/26/11 – UNC vs. Miami (Away) team’s current leading scorer, with an avercertain, but this year’s team is definitely one 1/29/11 – UNC vs. NC State (Home) age of 17.0 points per game. Zeller is also a with outstanding potential. Considering 2/1/11 – UNC vs. Boston College leader in rebounds on the team, but comes the stats of both the old and new players, (Away) second to Henson, who has averaged 11.8 it would difficult for anyone to argue that 2/6/11 – UNC vs. Florida State (Home) rebounds in the team’s first five games.

UNC’s team lacks talent. And even though 2/9/11 – UNC vs. Duke (Away) With the addition of new talents and the Tar Heels have had a couple of unex2/12/11 – UNC vs. Clemson (Away) the return of old ones, many fans wonder: pected losses, both have been close games.

2/15/11 – UNC vs. Wake Forest how will Carolina men’s basketball fare this The verdict: the team is a young one (Home) year? So far, the Tar Heels (3-2) have manthat certainly has some weaknesses. But aged to defeat Lipscomb in their season as the newest players continue to adjust to 2/19/11 – UNC vs. Boston College home opener, 80-66, and breeze past Hofcollege basketball while the returning ones (Home) stra, 107-63, in the first tournament game keep developing their strengths, Carolina 2/23/11 – UNC vs. NC State (Away) played in Puerto Rico. But after suffering basketball fans can expect this season to be 2/27/11 – UNC vs. Maryland (Home) upset losses in the tournament against Min- one of excitement, suspense, and unexpect3/2/11 – UNC vs. Florida State (Away) nesota and Vanderbilt, the Tar Heels, origi- ed surprises.

Senior Night 3/5/11 – UNC vs. DUKE nally ranked #8 by ESPN and USA Today,

Black Ink

Justin Knox

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Black Ink

Justin Knox

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Transferring into the Tarheel Lane Kirstin Garriss Editor in Chief

Everyone knows how last season went…NIT finals with no victory then we lost three major players, Ed Davis and the Wear twins – not the way we planned, right?

Well, this year’s basketball season is already underway and our line has a few new additions. This season, UNC recruited three all star freshmen but also a big man from the deep South of Alabama…Justin Knox.

But Knox isn’t like other recruits… he’s a transfer and a graduate student. This 6’9” forward played for three years at the University of Alabama and graduated early with one year of eligibility. Knox decided to spend his last year with the Tar Heels as a senior on the court but a graduate student in the books.

Still confused? Basically, with one year of eligibility left, Knox is considered a senior in the sports world under the NCAA Graduate Transfer Waiver. But no matter how it boils down, Knox will be a major help for the Tar Heels.

Making the move to UNC The transition from Alabama to North Carolina was more than just a learning a new campus, meeting new people and adjusting to the climate change; it was a

whole new atmosphere for Knox – particularly in the sports arena.

“I came from a football school and now I’m at a basketball school,” said Knox. “So in terms of that it’s totally different.”

At Alabama, he said the basketball team was more in the background compared to the football team. Here at UNC, Knox is experiencing the complete opposite with basketball as one of our “claims to fames” and a major component of Carolina life.

But he’s not letting this new change get in the way of his focus on the court.

Knox also said he’s going to bring all his experience from playing college basketball at Alabama to the team. But he’ll also give the Tar Heels an extra big man who can get rebounds, make blocks and score a few jumpers.

Playing in a new atmosphere Before the season even started, Knox knew the basketball experience at Carolina would be different compared to Alabama but he said he was ready for it. “[I’m] excited about the atmosphere that we’re going to have at every home game,” he said.

And so far the home games have represented the usual Carolina basketball

atmosphere – a packed Dean Dome with cheering fans, a sea of Carolina blue surrounding the court and the famous “Tar… Heel” chants coming from the risers.

But Knox also recognized the reputation Carolina still carries in the ACC. “You know having that target on our back so to speak because we are North Carolina and everybody’s going to bring their best game,” Knox said. “So I like that challenge as well…everybody bringing their A game.”

And so far, he’s been right. The Tar Heels have had a decent start to the season and everyone has been bringing their A game when they’ve entered the Dean Dome.

“You know experiencing how intense that rivalry is and just being a part of that.”

“1, 2, 3…Go Team” This year, Carolina has an interesting mix on the team – three all-star freshmen recruits, a good group of sophomores, a few well-seasoned juniors and a few big men

like Knox.

And after a little bit of a slow start to the season, it looks like the Tar Heels are starting to gel.

“I think as basketball players, like once you’re together…you’ll have your own, like one personality as a team,” Knox said.

“And…that’s how you gel with each other throughout the season.”

So far the Tar Heels have scored some much-needed wins and gotten a few losses but even with the losses Knox still has high expectations for the season. He said he wants the team to make to the tournament and hopefully redeem themselves from last season.

But until then, he has his mind set on a few games like the UNC vs. Kentucky game but of course, Knox is ready to play in the one and only battle of the blues, Carolina – Duke rivalry.

“I’m also looking forward to…playing Duke,” he said. “You know experiencing how intense that rivalry is and just being a part of that. I’m really excited about just doing that and playing that game against them.”

“So I like that challenge as well…everybody bringing their A game.”

Life after Carolina After the season ends, Knox, like most Carolina basketball players, wants to enter the NBA draft and play professionally.

Currently, he doesn’t have a major preference as to where he goes and which team drafts him…he just wants to play ball.

(But if you ask him which team is his favorite to watch, he’ll let you know that it’s the Los Angeles Lakers.)

But Knox has big plans after basketball. He said he wants to go back to school to finish his graduate education. “It’s a three year program and I want to do that and try to have a business of my own,” Knox said.

With several games under his belt, Knox has already proven himself an asset to the team and he’s bringing all of his college basketball experience to the court. But we still have some major games ahead of the Tar Heels like NC State, Wake Forest and Clemson and of course, March Madness, fans will just have to wait to see how Knox will do in the future.

Music Commentary

Black Ink

The Minaj Movement: A Review of Pink Friday Averi Harper

Pink Friday has finally come.

Nicki Minaj has released her much-anticipated debut album, Pink Friday. This ends the long wait her fans, affectionately known to the starlet as “Barbies”, have endured to listen to 15 tracks of original music.

Long-gone are the days of Nicki’s mixtape.

She’s a star, much to her critics’ dismay. “She isn’t a good role model for young girls,” “She’s not representative of black women,” “She’s not a great rapper,” “Her style is too eccentric,” they say.

Well, this album takes a chunk out of their credibility with powerful punch lines, fantastical pop-rap beats, and A-list features.

Minaj has tracks with award-winning artists including Kanye West, Rihanna, Eminem, Drake and Will.I.Am. Pink Friday is a testament to those in her past who said she couldn’t reach her goals and words of encouragement to young women have big dreams of their own. The album is surprisingly positive with motivational messages and minimal expletives.

Minaj has already made hip-hop history. She has the most Billboard Hot 100 entries of any female rapper. “Your Love” one of the first singles off Pink Friday garnered a number one spot. It was the first single from a female rapper to hold that spot since Missy Elliot’s “Work It” in 2002.

Check out Nicki Minaj’s declaration to her naysayers. Pink Friday is in stores now.

Averi’s Top 5 Song Playlist 1. Blazin (feat. Kanye West) 2. Fly (feat. Rihanna) 3. Dear Old Nicki 4. Roman’s Revenge 5. I’m the Best

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Black Ink

Literary Commentary

The Forgotten Brilliance of James Baldwin Kerri Kearse Up until the last 40 years or so, there has been a gross under representation of Black literary voices in American classrooms and textbooks. According to one study conducted in 1965, only 6.7% of the 5,209 textbooks published that year featured stories with AfricanAmerican characters or images of Black children. Since then, there have been more inclusions of Black writers in American literature classes, but typically, it is just same few players: Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Toni Morrison. A surprising absentee from this list is one of the most controversial and popular writers of the Civil Rights and post-Civil Rights era: James Baldwin.

James Baldwin was born and raised in Harlem during the height of the Renaissance. He grew up reading the works of Black literary masters and seeing the disparity between the treatments of Whites and Blacks in America at that time. “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be

in a rage almost all the time,” he once said of his experiences as a young man. Baldwin channeled his outrage into his writings. During his life, Baldwin published six novels, two plays, and eight collections of essays and short stories in which he chronicled the Black experience in America at this time and explained what needed to happen for America to become the truly equal nation that it proclaimed itself to be.

He was an activist and personal friends with revolutionaries like Malcom X and Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr. His prose was a mix of the lyrical and profound and truthfully depicted the Black experience during the post-WWII era. So the question becomes: Why is the work of such a major activist, commentator, and artist so unknown today? The reason for this is because of Baldwin’s homosexuality. Baldwin was writing as a gay Black man during the 1950’s, a time that was especially unfriendly to anyone who was not White and heterosexual. His

17 Works By James Baldwin Giovanni’s Room (novel, 1956) The Amen Corner (play, 1954) Notes from a Native Son (essay, 1955) Sonny’s Blues (poems, 1983) The Fire Next Time (essay, 1963)

brilliant and insightful second novel, Giovanni’s Room, was almost not published in 1956 because it dealt with a man struggling between society’s pressure to be heterosexual and his innate homosexuality.

Baldwin’s unapologetic outspokenness about his thenradical ideas about sexuality and race explains why it is only recently that his works are being reprinted and finding their way into the public consciousness again. (Partially responsible for this is UNC’s own Creative Writing professor Randall Kenan has recently edited and published a number of Baldwin’s previously uncollected works in The Cross of Redemption earlier this year.)

As Americans become more and more open to discussing what race and sexuality mean in a social and historical context, the more Baldwin’s artistic and philosophical brilliance will come to light. Baldwin will finally take his place among the great Black literary minds of the 20th century.

Black Ink

Farewell to Dr. E

Every now and then we each bear witness to the extraordinary. Lucky for us, UNC witnessed not a moment, but over two decades of it, through the tenure of Dr. Archie Ervin.

After serving the UNC-Chapel Hill community for more than 20 years, Ervin has taken the new position of Vice President of Institute Diversity at Georgia Technical Institute, which began Jan. 1, 2011. During his term at UNC, Ervin became one of the most influential leaders this university had seen. Most recently serving as the Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, this Tar Heel truly dedicated himself to progressive, boundless diversity at this institution. Between the years of 2004-2006, Ervin led a diversity action plan whose implementation has ranked UNC as one of the most diverse

20 universities in the nation.

As a North Carolina native, Dr. Archie Ervin attended Appalachian State University where he earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Political Science. He then proceeded to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning his PhD in Educational Organization and Policy Studies.

Following his graduation from UNC, he began working in UNC administration as Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for University Affairs. Throughout his time at the university he also served as Assistant to the Chancellor and Director for Minority Affairs.

Although these achievements speak well of Dr. Archie Ervin, it was his continuous and unrelenting support of UNC’s Black and Latino/a communities that earned him the love and respect of the student body. Ervin served as the Faculty Advisor for the Black Student Movement; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; Carolina Rejuvenating Our Community Through Service; Minority Student Recruitment Committee (MSRC) and this publication, Black Ink Magazine. He also cochaired the Executive Committee in the Carolina Latino/a Collaborative, an effort to make Carolina more inclusive of Latino/a communities and cultures.

“Dr. E has the impeccable ability to transpire leadership on all realms from students,” said Will Chaves, MSRC Technical Coordinator for 2004.

Ervin truly impacted every person he encountered at Carolina. And his genuine love and concern for the stu-

Black Ink

Farewell to Dr. E

dent body greatly influenced and motivated young leaders.

“Dr. E has been an inspiration. The type of leader that commands respect without having to demand it,” said Ada Wilson, MSRC On-Campus Coordinator for 2007.

On December 15, 2010, students, friends and colleagues gathered at the Sonja Hanes Stone Center to commemorate Ervin’s term here at the university.

The surprise event was hosted by the Black Student Movement. Associate Dean and Director of the Center of Student Success and Academic Counseling, Harold Woodard; Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Winston Crisp; Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Terri Houston; and over 50 students were in attendance.

Although he has moved on from Carolina, Ervin has stressed that his love for the university is something that will never change.

“You can’t find a place better than UNC,” said Ervin.

When asked to describe his experience here in three words he stated, “exciting, challenging and humbling.”

Dr. Ervin accepted his new position at Georgia Tech in early October 2010.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for him to assume what is really a new leadership position at another major research university,” said Woodard, “It is a critical opportunity.”

Ervin will be the first person to hold the new post at Georgia Tech, which was created to increase the level of diversity at the institute.

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“It was an opportunity that was really hard to turn down,” said Ervin.

As this university says goodbye to a man of excellence, another is welcoming him in. And we know that Ervin will be successful in leaving his legacy there.

Ervin’s time at Carolina was more than just a tenure, he has left a standard for us to follow. Will Chaves said it best when he referred to Ervin inspiring this community with music yet to be heard. He had the impeccable ability to see what others could not, to be an innovator, a trailblazer. And without his vision Carolina would not be what it is today.

So on behalf of Black Ink Magazine and the Black Student Movement, we would like to dedicate this issue to Dr. Archie Ervin in commemoration of the 22 years he so willingly dedicated to us. And although we are sharing him with another university, his home will always be right here at Carolina.

Black Ink

In The Pit

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Black Ink

In The Pit

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Do you think the DTH had an obligation to sue the University? If so/not, why?

In the Pit Session The DTH suing UNC What do you think?

“I would definitely say they had an obligation … yes. But certain information shouldn’t necessarily be released. Let’s say if there was specific academic grades stuff, I feel like that sort of stuff should be kept quiet between the student and the university. But if it’s like where they’re [the football players] getting their money [illegal contributions] from that’s obviously something that should be public because that affects the whole team and the well-being of UNC football as a whole.”

Administered by Ebony Shamberger Photos by John Daniels

The Daily Tar Heel is suing UNC because the University withholding public records of football players and a tutor. Allegedly, some football players had received improper donations from football agents and a tutor had violated the UNC Honor Code while aiding some football players. Based on the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), personal education records of students shouldn’t be released. This had led to the following question by university officials: Should the DTH have the authority to publish private information about UNC football players or tutors? (8 news organization including the DTH are suing UNC)

Enoch Kisubika, senior, Biology major Do you think the privacy of the football players and the student tutor has been safeguarded properly, so that their reputations won’t be damaged?

“I think so. I haven’t really been following it. I only saw that they [staffers of The Daily Tar Heel] were suing it [UNC] and I think that it brings a real negative light to the whole scandal. I thought it had kind of quieted down, and then it kind of blew up again. I think it definitely does negatively affects the players and the tutors.”

McKay Roozen, junior, International Studies and Political Science major, and Chinese minor Do you think the DTH’s distribution of information to the public was/ is being handled in a timely and efficient manner?

“I feel like the public had a right to know, but as far as putting out personal information I don’t think they [staffers of The Daily Tar Heel] really had to do that. But, we did have to know who the specific players were and stuff … it was just a difficult situation.”

Do you think the DTH had an obligation to sue the University? If so/not, why?

The Black Ink Copy Editor Ebony Shamberger smiled with Rufus Hurlacher, first-year, undecided major, after chatting in the Pit.

“I’d say that it can kind of go either way depending on which way supports them [The Daily Tar Heel] getting the story. It’s their business because they [DTH contributors] are representing the news of the local students. I guess they want to know, right?“

Kiva Moore, sophomore, Communication Studies major Do you think the privacy of the football players and the student tutor has been safeguarded properly, so that their reputations won’t be damaged?

“I really don’t have much to say. I really don’t know much about the subject. But, I can say that coming from a prestigious school, like UNC, I guess you should know as an institution … you [UNC officials] shouldn’t be disclosing information about people’s privacy like that. Like people’s academic records, what they do outside classrooms … any of that. It’s people’s private life. Aside from that I don’t really have much to say.”

Herrison Chicas, sophomore, Psychology major

Black Ink

BSM Ball

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Black Ink

BSM Ball

THE BSM BALL

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Executive Board Kirstin Garriss Brittany Johnson Ebony Shamberger Kandace Watkins Shana Smith Averi Harper Briana Harper

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Editor-‐in-‐Chief Assistant Editor-‐in-‐Chief Copy Editor PR Coordinator Ad Committee Chair Blog Master Alumni Relations

Graphic Designers Jeffrey Sullivan Cameron Lewis

Contributing Writers

Interested in joining the Black Ink Family? Contact Kirstin Garriss at uncblackink@gmail.com for more information

Meah Barrington Kourtney Bradshaw Jasmine Cogdell Tia Davis Ari Hines Lauren Houston Marquise Hudson Kerri Kearse Jessica Kirby Jasmine Nesi Toyosi Oyelowo Helin Park Warren Wyatt

Photographers Lee Chapman John Daniels DJ Latham Graham Mulvaney Portia Polk

Our mission remains: “If Blackness can be trans-‐ formed 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 is-‐ sue was paid for, in part, by student activity fees. **If you have questions or concerns about the Black Ink please email uncblackink@gmail.com