DEFENDER
Volume II, Issue 3
Laney College
Est. 2007
Oakland, California
Spring 2008
BLACK CAUCUS CONFERENCE HELD AT EL CAMINO COLLEGE
NEHASI LEE/HARAMBEE 2007–2008 CalSACC Black Caucus Executive Board with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D–Los Angeles) Feb. 16, 2008. From left. Northern Region Chair Kathleen Madden (College of Alameda), Waters, Secretary Reginald James (Laney), President Marlene C. Hurd (Laney), Southern Region Chair Lisa Martin and Treasurer Charles Perkins (Berkeley City College).
By Sista Andrea Spearman
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DEFENDER DEPUTY EDITOR
he Black Caucus of the California Student Association of Community Colleges (CalSACC) held its 10th Annual Black Caucus Leadership Conference (ABCLC), “Sankofa: Honoring our Past, Celebrating the Present, Building our Future,” February 15–16 at El Camino College. Friday’s activities were kicked off with Af-
Soul & Unity Festival Page 7
rican drumming and dance, followed by the opening session “Hip Hop Comes to School” by Bryant K. Smith. Black Caucus Secretary Reginald James deftly facilitated the “Harambee” workshop simultaneously in two separate rooms prior to the dinner speech by Assembly Member Mervyn Dymally at dinner. The night closed with the film ‘Sankofa.” Saturday morning began with the Soulful breakfast with a keynote address by the
INSIDE THIS DEFENDER
‘The Black Hour’ Radio Show Page 2
Fall 07 & Spring 08 BSU Highlights Page 8
California Community Colleges Board of Governors’ Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith. After two morning education sessions by Lasana Hotep and Alonzo Jones, students attended an inspiring keynote address by Congresswoman Maxine Waters during lunch. Following three motivating afternoon education sessions, schools in attendance elected their representatives for the upcoming academic year. GROUP PHOTO OF BSU, Page 3.
Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival Page 4, 5
Black History Crossword Page 6
LANEY BLACK STUDENT UNION
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Brother
Spring 2008
Reggie
By Brother Reggie
Black History is More Than Just a Month
T
here is a running joke within the Black community about Black history month that; again, we received the short end of the stick since February usually has only 28 days. This is based on the assumption that black history month was given to us by some omnipotent figure, known as the “man,” who handed out this menial token of recognition. Some may find some pride that we recieved an extra day thanks to leap year (and the man). But, Black History Month is more than just 28 or 29 days. Black History Month has come far from its humble beginnings to become a time of cultural celebration, education and community service (as well as a magnet for tokencorporate sponsorship opportunities). Originally started as “Negro History Week” in 1926, Harvard educated scholar, Carter G. Woodson, hoped to eliminate prejudicial segregation and racism by educating whites with a more accurate depiction of black people. MONTH, Page 8
Editor Reginald James Deputy Editor Andrea Spearman News Editor Marlene C. Hurd Opinion Editor Lamar Caldwell Circulation Manager Justin Thompson
Reginald James/DEFENDER
Laney BSU members Deborah Jones (left) discusses Black male/female relationships with President L. Davis while Andrea Spearman listens during the fi rst episode of ‘The Black Hour.’
‘ TThe he Black Hour’ BSU members form radio show to air issues
he word ‘Black’ is often used figuratively to describe negative occurences–“Black Tuesday” or the “Black Plaque” but a few Laney students are redefining “Blackness.” The Black Hour is an internet radio show, organized by members of the Laney Black Student Union (BSU), airing online at 9th Floor Radio through Peralta TV. The Black Hour sheds light on the voices
of Laney’s Black students, taking them from the abyss of silence to the glow of empowerment. Weaving lively student-driven discussions with live music, The Black Hour airs students issues and topics relevant to the community in first person. The show features discussions led by students on topics ranging from the Presidential Elections to Black male and female relationships. The Black Hour can be heard online at www.9thfloorradio.com. For more info about the Laney BSU or The Black Hour, to submit show topics or to be a guest on the show, email laneybsu@gmail.com visit www.myspace.com/laneybsu.
DEFENDER
The Defender is the monthly newsletter of the Laney Black Student Union (BSU).
By Sista Marlene C. Hurd DEFENDER NEWS EDITOR
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We want for writers, photographers and editors who want to sharpen their skills while telling the people the real deal.
RE–ESTABLISHED 2007
Contribute: We accept poetry, articles and letters to the editor. Please limit letters to 150 words. Please email your submissions to laneybsu@gmail.com or visit Myspace.com/ LaneyBSU for more information..
Spring 2008
LANEY BLACK STUDENT UNION
BSU organizes HIV/AIDS rapid testing
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Over 150 Laney students take threeminute cotton swab test By Brother Reggie DEFENDER EDITOR
Alameda County has been under a ‘state of emergency’ since 1998 due to the rapidly increasing number of people becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. Part of the difficulty in preventing the spread of the disease is the ignorance surrounding testing opportunities and the negative stigma about being screened. In the interest of the health and well being
‘The purpose of the program is to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the biological warare being waged against our people.’
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIO B. PRODUCTIONS Beautiful young models from Youth Uprising pose for a group photo during the 4th Annual ‘Say it Loud’ 70s Fashion Show held Feb. 2 in the Laney Theater. ‘Say it Loud’ was produced by New Breed Entertainment and Mario B. Productions.
‘SAY IT LOUD’
BSU VP ANDREA SPEARMAN
of students, the Laney Black Student Union organized free and confidential HIV/AIDS screening Nov. 14 on the fourth floor of the Student Center. “The purpose of the program is to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the biological warfare being waged against our people,” said BSU Vice-President Andrea Spearman. “According to statistics, Alameda County is one of the leading areas for HIV/AIDS, especially for women,” said Laney African American Studies Professor Dr. Lawrence Vanhook, “and we thought it would be good to have our men and women take control of their own futures.” While the organizers originally planned to have 250 students screened, many who registered were unable to be tested as there were not enough supplies and time to test TESTING, Page 6 all of those present.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEHASI LEE/HARAMBEE Laney BSU members pause for the cause during the 10th Annual Black Caucus Leadership Conference at El Camino College. From left, Justin Thompson, Ruth Snowden, Rochun Mungo, President L. Davis, Joyce George and BSU Advisor Dr. Mujahidun Sumchai.
Laney BSU at Black Caucus Conference
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REST IN POWER MALCOLM X
‘Education is the passport to the future.’
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8th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival May 17 at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. Photos: (1) Blu Pride of Club Knowledge, (2) BSU Treasurer Ariana Mitchell, (3) African American Studies Professor Nehanda Imara, (4) Oakland Nation of Islam Minister Keith Muhammad, journalist Davey D, and POCC Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr., (5) Nu Dekades: K.E.V., Ryan Nicole, and Midhnight Sunshine. (6) Saleem Shakir of Leadership Excellence, Black Caucus of CalSACC Treasurer Charles Perkins, and Defender Editor Brother Reggie, (7) BSU Historian Lamar Caldwell and Minister of Culture President L. Davis
w
Spring 2008
REST IN POWER MALCOLM X
X Honoring
El Hajj Malik Shabazz
Photos and Layout by Reginald “Brother Reggie” James
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Spring 2008
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‘The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.’
malcolm x
May 19, 1925–February 21, 1965
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LANEY BLACK STUDENT UNION
HIV/AIDS testing
TESTING, Continued from page 3.
Spring 2008
Black History Crossword Puzzle
“Over 100 students actually took the test but over 200 registered to be screened,” said Vanhook. “There was an underestimation. Our volunteers from Highland had to go back to get more supplies and some students left without being tested.” Still, Student Trustee Marlene Hurd was pleased to see that students had an opportunity to be screened on the Peralta District’s flagship campus. It is important that students have access to health services at Laney,” said Hurd. “They didn’t have to travel and it was free.” BSU Historian Lamar Caldwell said “We want to make community and sexual health popular here in Oakland.” The HIV/AIDS testing was sponsored by Laney African American Studies, Alameda County Medical Services, Associated Students of Laney College, Laney Health Services and Peralta College’s Student Trustees.
West African drum stolen from BSU room A West African “djembe,” hand drum was reported stolen at 4:41 p.m. Wed. Jan. 23 from room 403 in the Laney Student Center. The BSU member first noticed the drum was missing on the first day of the spring semester, but assumed that someone may have borrowed the drum. He late contacted Peralta Police Services to report the drum stolen. The wooden drum is red with red/black symbols on the sides. The drum was valued at $140, but has cultural, sentimental value. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the drum are asked to contact the Laney BSU at laneybsu@gmail.com.
BSU MEETINGS Every Monday
12:30 PM – 2 PM Student Center ‘Liberty Hall’ Room 403 510-464-3531
Answers at Myspace.com/LaneyBSU
Answers to February Crossword Puzzle Down
Across
3. Chisholm 5. Umoja 7. 1791 10. Lee 12. Nkruman
13. Defender 15. Fitzgerald
1. Tulsa 2. Garvey 4. Hampton 6. Oakland 8. Dakar
9. Basie 11. Brazil 14. Noose
LANEY BSU NEEDS YOU!
Students are needed to serve as BSU officers for the 2008–09 academic year. Positions include: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Minister of Information. For more information, email laneybsu@gmail.com.
MYSPACE.COM/LANEYBSU
Spring 2008
LANEY BLACK STUDENT UNION
‘Soul & Unity Festival’ held at Laney
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REGINALD JAMES/DEFENDER Laney BSU member “Queen Sade” demonstrates Congolese dancing during a performance by the Laney Dance Department at the “Soul & Unity Festival” May 7 on the quad. The dance was a preview of the upcoming third annual Congolese Dance Festival in June.
Holla Back Open Mic Series
Eastside Arts Alliance Presents
Every Thursday at 8 P.M.
1st Thursdays
3rd Thursdays
Javier and Colored Ink
President L. Davis
Giggles
Guest Hosts
and...
May 29
July 31
October 30
Eastside Cultural Center 2277 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94606
Myspace.com/HollaBackESA
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LANEY BLACK STUDENT UNION
07–08 HIGHLIGHTS
Spring ‘08 Say it Loud Fashion Show
“DEFENDER” Shirley Chisholm
Brought fourth annual ‘Say it Loud’ 70s fashion show to Laney Theatre.
Art Exhibit & Receception Co-–sponsored art gallery reception.
Annual Black Caucus Leadership Conference Laney BSU members participated in Black Caucus of CalSACC’s 10th Annual Leadership Conference in LA.
Adam David Miller Co–sponsored author Adam David Miller memoir reading with library.
‘The Black Hour’ Started internet radio show for Laney BSU members to discuss issues and spark intellectual dialogue and debate.
Fall ‘07 BSU Reorganized
After being inactive since 2001, the Laney Black Student Union was rechartered.
Peralta African and Black Student Alliance Potluck
BSU organized and hosted a potluck with students from the BSUs at Berkeley City College and Merritt College.
Jena 6 Rally BSU raised awareness to the plight of the ‘Jena 6’ and other political prisoners in America.
Day of Atonement
BSU sponsored Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan’s live telecast honoring the 12th Anniversary of the Million Man March.
Ethnic Studies Rally
BSU rallied to raise awareness to the lack of full-time faculty for Laney African American Studies and the need for students to organize to maintain the program.
HIV/AIDS Testing
BSU organized free HIV/AIDS screening for 150 students.
Soul Cinemas
BSU hosted discussion of the film ‘Tales from the Hood.’
1924-2005
‘Anti-Black, antifemale, and all forms of discrimination are equivalent to the same thing–anti-humanism.’
10 Reasons to Join the BSU
• Black is beautiful! • Get help graduating and transferring • Peer support system • Make a difference in your community • Network with other Black students • Learn about your beautiful history • Develop your organizing skills • Hands-on experience in your major/field • Discover resources for Black students
Spring 2008
Black History
MONTH, Continued from page 3.
Woodson, who founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915, to train black historians, selected the second week of February in honor of Frederick Douglas’ birthday. Soon after, Woodson was overwhelmed with curriculum requests. Woodson is often called the “father of black history month,” and when it became nationally recognized in 1976, it became his legacy. There are still many inequities in our society today which stem from the unequal founding of this country.
Black History Month has come far from its humble beginnings to be come a time for community service, cultural and historical education for liberation. Malcolm X said, “Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research.” Black history is about more than the past; it is about present day and the future which we create. Celebrate Black History Month by learning your history. Everyone should learn more about black history, not just black people. People who have recently come to this country should learn about the civil rights movement and how blacks advocated for the rights they enjoy today. Black history month isn’t just about education; it is about action. Get involved on your campus, your community. By the way, it’s called “Black Liberation Month” at Laney. Reginald “Brother Reggie” James is Defender Editor. Email him at reggiegeneral@yahoo.com. *Parts of this column were originally published published in the Laney Tower in Spring 2006.
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