Winter 2012 Double Issue Second Edition
Pulse Â
The Key Players Up close and personal with the leaders of the new diversity movement page 9
HBCUs vs NU page 5
Obama’s Broken Promises page 16
Red Tails Disappoints page 21
Pulse Magazine
Pulse
Pulse Magazine Executive Board Ashley Powell | Editor in Chief, President Baindu Kallon | Managing Editor, Secretary Sydney Smith | Chief Design Editor, Vice-President Sarah Watson | Copy Editor Clarke Humphrey | Marketing & Advertising Executive Terrance Scotton | Web Editor Shannon Powell | Style Editor Iman Childs | Entertainment Editor Ashleigh Nelson| Events Editor Trey Gibson | Health Editor Jorona Johnson | Beauty Section Editor Dallas Wright | Photographer Staff Abiola Aderonmu Becca Abara Adrianne Harmon Vanessa Lecky Nadira Long Dawn Scotland Cierra Strawder Designers Amanda Anumba April McFadden Writers Ryan Arrendell Iman Childs Trey Gibson Diamanta Panford Haley Pilgrim Shannon Powell Jarohn Johnson
Jasmyne McDonald April McFadden Ashleigh Nelson Terrance Scotton Contributing Writers Tonantzin Carmona Daniel Flores Colette Ghunim Jazzy Johnson Pavan Krishnamurthy Special Thanks Charles Kellom Susan Mango Curtis NSBE ASA FMO
2 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
Letter from the
Editor
Dear Family, Producing this magazine was one of the hardest things I’ve done since my arrival at Northwestern. I’m sure that I am not the only person on this staff who could honestly say the same. If I tried to recount the countless hours of editing, late-night meetings, administrative discussions, emails and photo-hogging, (not to mention recruiting, and advertising) this letter could go on forever. This staff has worked hard to bring you this product and we are humbled by the opportunity to present it to you as a brand new entity. These 36-pages contain the voices of your peers. The passion behind which we hope you feel. Every page, every picture strives to resonate with you. If we’re lucky, that passion will not be confined to just the pages of this publication or even the walls of the Black House, but echo throughout this campus and the larger Northwestern population. This is a goal that we cannot dream of without your support. Support is the cornerstone of our community. Our limitations exist within us, and this magazine sees no limitations. We see excellence, we see progress, we see never-ending evolution fueled by you. Why Pulse? Our student organizations are the lifeblood of our community. Consider Pulse that student organization that seeks to bring all of those organizations, which we love so dearly, together as one and then place them in your hands. A pulse is an indication of life. A pulse is that soft, throbbing that emanates from your skin and quickens and slows according to your emotion, and just as your emotions are affected by the things around you, so is Pulse. Pulse Magazine is a black student interest publication that has its ear to the ground, and its eyes on the heart of our community. Despite opinions to the contrary, the black community at Northwestern is diverse. We laugh, we cry, we celebrate, we joke, and we struggle. We are hip and always 100 percent aware of what’s going on around us on this campus and in the world. This magazine is an attempt to capture that diversity of expression and provide an outlet for discussion amongst ourselves and with others. If you like what you see in this double-issue debut of Pulse Magazine, let us know and support us. If you don’t like it, we want to know that, too. We want your feedback. We are your magazine. “Where creativity meets community.” Peace and Love, Ashley Powell and the Pulse Magazine Staff
Pulse Magazine
Contents
winter 2012 Double Issue
It’s A Different World?
HBCUs aren’t as different as we might think.
page
5
Health and Beauty
Hair Care + Beauty Tips page
18
Racialized Abortion Politics The abortion debate is changing- and not in a good way.
page
20
Bluest Eye
Northwestern, like any school, has its share of interracial couples. Get one freshman’s perspective on the matter.
page
7
Entertainment
Interracial Dating
Life
Check out the hair tips from one of our writers and our Spring beauty guide!
The Bluest Eye, which was recently performed by the Theatre Interpretation Center, is still relevant today.
page
21
Review Section Reviews of plays, music and movies.
page
Cover Story
22
Feature
The Key Players
Northwestern was recently forced to confront an issue that is usually swept under the rug: race. See what some students are doing to address NU’s diversity problem.
page
page
14
Politics
Meteoric Rise, Landmark Fall Obama hasn’t delivered on all of his promises, but are the Republicans any better?
page
16
More Stories
Style
Fashion on a budget! Get ready for Spring by taking the runway to Sheridan.
Entertainment
Spring Fashion
9
Whitney Houston A tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston.
page Campus Events Op Ed: The Collective Just Do It Campus Candids Meet the Staff
23 8 12 13 24 25
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 3
life
S
It’s a Differe
How much different is lif University from life By Trey
really are? In some regards it seems that HBCUs truly are a “different world.”
On Academics Everyone chooses to attend a school that will put them in the best position after college, and it’s no surprise that students at HBCUs consider the quality of academic programs before they make their decision. “My school really cares about academics,” says Priscille Demosthene, a pre-med bio major at Hampton University. After attending Boston Latin School, the nation’s oldest high school and one of the best in the country, it makes sense that 19-year-old Priscille would look for a school where she can continue receiving a great education. Jomonavi “Jovi” Chokor, an economics and political science double major, says he knew he wanted to a attend a university with a high ranking. “We have superb faculty,” says Chokor on
the economics department in general. Although US News and World Report doesn’t include HBCUs in their ranking of “National Universities,” HBCUs do get ranked in their own category on the website, and many of the schools do have outstanding educational packages. At a fraction of the cost of a Northwestern education, HBCUs offer students access to a wide range of degree tracks, as well as opportunities to study abroad and immerse themselves in hands-on research. “If I had to go back and apply again, I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” says Demosthene. “A lot of schools can offer me great social scenes, but here I have great academics.”
On Diversity Students who choose to attend nonHBCUs like Northwestern, say they did so for a number of reasons, one of the
Photo by Reginald Hutchins
Photo by Monique Brown
electing a college is no simple task. College applicants can easily be consumed by the seemingly-infinite rabbit hole of questions in an effort to make the right decision. Whatever you need, the school you choose to attend should be the perfect place for you. However for black students in America, it all begins with “HBCU or not?” When the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was established in Pennsylvania in 1837, it laid the foundation for a collection of institutions that became synonymous with strong racial awareness, strong Greek life, and in some cases strong self-segregation. Today HBCUs are responsible for creating and educating some of the top thinkers in the black community. According to statistics found on the United Negro College Fund website, “HBCUs graduate over 50 percent of African American professionals,” and “the average graduation rate at many HBCUs is higher than the average graduation rate at majority institutions.” Still, to students at Northwestern there can be a lot of mystery surrounding what life at an HBCU is really like. Our Evanston bubble provides some strange quirks that appear unique to life at Northwestern, but who’s to say they
The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and other spectators look on at the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at the 2011 NPHC/MGC Yard show. Greek life appears to be huge in the small Black community at NU.
4 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
Since 2007 every entering Morehouse College class receives a wool, maroon, single-breasted blazer complete with the school seal. The blazer is the symbol of the Morehouse Ideal of the renaissance man. Students are expected to wear them at special events.
ent World?
fe at a Historically Black e at Northwestern? Gibson
Photo by Alexis Johnson
most popular being racial diversity. Chokor, a native Nigerian who has lived in Atlanta since age 9, said he chose Northwestern over an HBCU because he, “wanted to meet new people and have a diverse experience.” The junior says diversity, or a lack-thereof, is a reason he chose not to attend an HBCU. Northwestern University junior, Kirsten Kennedy, says she was fortunate enough to attend a high school with students from all backgrounds, and that she wanted to continue that tradition in college. But are HBCUs really lacking in diversity? Students as well as those in charge of admissions will tell you that HBCUs will accept all qualified applicants, and just because a school isn’t racially diverse doesn’t mean there’s no diversity. In her article, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Post-Racial America,” Northwestern professor Dr. Celeste Watkins-Hayes set out to tackle
some commonly perceived notions. “To assume that HBCUs are not diverse is to limit one’s definition of diversity— and to see blacks in simplistic terms,” says Dr. Watkins-Hayes. “Spelman has both wealthy and poor students, from 12 countries around the world, representing all of the major religions, across the political spectrum.” Demosthene, currently a sophomore, attests to that deeper type of diversity. At Hampton, she says diversity is most noticeable in terms of geographic differences and among black students who aren’t from America, such as herself. And what about the “diversity” at Northwestern that many students seem to choose over the “lack of diversity” at HBCUs? Does that diversity really exist or is it an illusion fed by our crafty media and advertising officials? Northwestern’s recent administration panel discussion on diversity suggests that this “diversity” may exist only in brochures.
life
On Social Life Depending on who you talk to, the social scene at Northwestern can range from fulfilling to boring to downright bizarre. “It seems very party centric, but we’re not,” says Northwestern University junior, Jasmine “Jazzy” Johnson. “[The social scene] is very centered on student group events and I think that’s where we find our socializing, if you will.” Outside of programming, Johnson states that the Greek community is often a source of socializing. Still, like with most aspects of life at Northwestern, the experience here depends on the individual. “It’s what you make of it,” says McCormick senior, Tajudeen “Taju” Sanusi. “I wouldn’t say it’s always poppin’, but if you want to you can find fun.” For Demosthene, attending a school that’s not near the third most populous US city has even more drawbacks. “Coming from the city I consider everything out here ‘the boonies,” Demosthene says. “We have Greek life but administration has been cracking down on it, and malls can only be accessed by cars, so we tend to find our own things to do for fun.
At HBCUs, namely Howard, Spelman and Morehouse, dormitories are represented by different hand gestures comparable to greek organizations. These dorms have stroll teams that residents can participate in.
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 5
life On Greek Life Despite the Northwestern black community being decidedly small in numbers, the Greek aspect of life still plays as dominant a role as it does at some HBCUs – after you take into account the difference in numbers, of course. While Demosthene says it’s been hard to grasp Greek life on the Spelman campus due to the recent chapter suspensions, but adds that the community remains strong on campus. In selecting a school, Demosthene considered both biology programs and Greek life as top priorities. At Northwestern however, everyone can agree that life within the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) differs from that within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA). “The black Greeks hold a lot of respect in the community and they are some of the major leaders in the community,” says Jasmine Johnson. “More or less, Greek people seem like the source of black community fun,” says Sanusi, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. However, Greek life isn’t pushed on anyone at Northwestern, and Kirsten Kennedy adds that there’s no disconnect between Greek members of the black community and non-Greeks. “It seems like so many people in the
6 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
black community are Greek, but that’s not necessarily true,” Kennedy says.
On Dating Life
The majority opinion is that Northwestern has a hook-up culture, but plenty of people would disagree. Jovi Chokor says the dating scene “is there.” “For some reason people think it’s not, but life is what you make it and it’s there if you want it,” says the 20-yearold Chokor. Students within the black community at Northwestern and at HBCUs with small- to medium-sized populations agree that dating can be hard due to the limited amount of options but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to seek meaningful relationships. In Demosthene’s case it may be looking beyond her school, and here it may be looking beyond people who look like you, but dating is within reach. “I know people are looking slowly, but surely outside the black community to pursue relationships,” says 20-yearold Kennedy.
Shattering the Myth? Dr. Watkins-Hayes, an alumnus of both Spelman College and Harvard University, realizes that despite the numbers, many still choose to see the education at HBCUs as “substandard”
or out of touch with reality. Evidence to the contrary is clear. Statistics indicate that many graduates of HBCUs go on to be leaders in their field. “Connecting to the ‘real world’ was at the heart of my educational experience, but we were finally in a school where our race and gender weren’t positioned as sources of disadvantage,” Watkins-Hayes said. “They were asserted as sources of pride, beauty, rich history, and a responsibility to become leaders who live up to our fullest potential.” These are the types of myths that need to be debunked, and as she says, she and her peers “represent the norm rather than the exception of Spelman alumnae.” Anyone can attend a nationally renowned university and go on to enjoy successful careers, and the point to remember is that an HBCU can also be a school of acclaim. Real-world results suggest that educational institutions and employers don’t seem to view graduates of these schools negatively. considering that HBCU alumni make up over 50% of African American professionals, and as with most schools, what matters more than anything is what the individual student makes of his or her experience. ◆
life
Interracial Dating: a freshman perspective
By Haley Pilgrim
Freshman football player Cameron “You’re going to get the looks,” Deonte they may not have in the past. Dickerson is less open to the idea of Gibson, 19, said. “When you have two “I have taken an interest in white dating a woman outside his race. “I people of different races, it’s going to guys because now that’s all that’s think throughout my childhood I’ve bedraw attention.” Gibson began receivaround me,” she said. ing these looks after dating his current Though Northwestern’s demograph- come more attracted to black girls and it got to the point that that’s all I know,” girlfriend, Northwestern softball player ics may broaden the horizons of some he said. “Being around white girls in Julia Kuhn. Deonte said these looks of students from homogeneous neighborcollege hasn’t shifted my mind at all.” disapproval don’t bother him, and Kuhn hoods, the white majority has placed Dickerson said his parents have said she doesn’t notice them. To Julia, mental, cultural and to some extent, the only thing that matters is Deonte’s economic barriers, between people who always hinted that it would be preferable for him to marry a black woman. kindness. may otherwise have formed couples. He said those comments “I only dated Percentage of black men and stuck with him and that white boys in high women who married outside his parents’ opinions school because my their race last year help inform the decischool was presions he makes today. dominately white,” Dickerson’s girlshe said. “There’s friend, Kirsten Watson, a lot of diversity Americans have a does not exclusively here, especially in date her race, but said the athletic comwho is married to someone that she has developed munity. Coming of another race an appreciation for in, I just took it as black men because there who ever I met I Black Women Black Men are so few at Northwestwould be open to. ern. I was raised so race of Americans were “My mom’s theory is didn’t matter.” of Americans were “okay “ with “okay “ with that I can date or marry Acceptance of interracial marriage interracial marriage anyone who treats me interracial relawell,” Watson, 19, said. tionships is on the Source: Pew Research Center Communications rise according to a major Faith Lyde said her father shares 2011 study by the Pew Research Center. “I don’t think most white boys will that open opinion with his wife, but In 2010, 15 percent of all new marriages date a black girl. I think it’s because so were interracial, raising the overall many kids here came from wealthy pri- was nonetheless taken aback when she began dating a biracial man. “My dad percentage of US interracial marriages vate schools, which were mostly white, grew up in 1950s rural Georgia and has to a record high of 8.4 percent. and haven’t experienced the black experienced the worst kind of racism,” Rachel Moran, Dean at the UCLA culture or take a stereotypical perspecLyde, 18, said. “I think he was a little School of Law and author of Interracial tive,” said Falcon. shocked at first because where he comes Intimacy: The Regulation of Race and Rocky Chen, 18, said he would from white people - especially white Romance, said, “people meet in diverse date a woman of any race, but doesn’t men - don’t like black people.” settings, such as college, and find they believe black women are attracted to Lyde’s mother admitted she would have common interests and a common him because he is Chinese. “If a black have trouble fully internalizing that background. It’s these diverse settings girl doesn’t like me, there’s little chance acceptance given some scenarios. She that help people meet and marry.” I would like her. I like Asian girls besaid, “If my son brought home a white Northwestern’s demographics force cause they are interested in me.” some to rethink who they’re attracted Chen, a chemical engineering major, woman I would be offended because I would feel like he didn’t find me beautito. Ashley Falcon, a Weinberg prewent on to discuss the role stereotypes medical student who came from a preplay. He separated his hands at his waist ful. I taught him love and beauty and he brought home someone who didn’t look dominately black high school, is among to show what he called “the black male like me.” those who have re-evaluated their stereotype,” and then moved his hands preferences and now find themselves closer together to illustrate the “Chiconsidering relationships with people nese male stereotype.” Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 7
1
out of
3
close relative
In 1986
33%
In 2006
63%
life
Campus Events MLK Day Candlelight Vigil
Battle of the Greeks
January Hosted by the Nu Sigma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and cohosted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Keynote Speech by Tim King, founder, president and CEO of Urban Prep Academics Co-sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“When we sit wherever we want on a bus, when we eat in any restaurant, when we vote, when we become President of the United States, we are drinking from wells we did not dig. We are sitting in the shade of trees we did not plant.”
-Tim King
Harambee
“We wanted to foster a better sense of Greek unity on campus while supporting a worthy cause, and we definitely feel that was accomplished. We plan on keeping it going for as long as we can.”
- Dawn Scotland
NSBE Date Auction
February
“I was really happy with the way Harambee turned out this year. From the performances of our student groups, to the food and the fellowship, everything turned out better than planned. My favorite part though, was definitely the line dancing portion at 1 the end. Seeing everyone laughing and enjoying themselves was the perfect Annual Black history way to end Harambee. “ Month celebration. - Justin Clarke
An event to raise money for NBSE.
“It was really cool to see all the different people come together in a fun way for a good cause. It got a lot of laughs.”
- Maya Simone Collins
Legacy of X Dr. Martha Biondi spoke about the history of race relations at NU and the Bursar takeover. Freshman Crystal Lennix recited a poem which she wrote specifically for the event.
“The documentary, I thought, brought FMO to a new light. It actually helped me as someone who’s not in FMO to like understand it. And then ending it off with that amazing poem was just a perfect ending.”
- Sara Fadlalla 8 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
Jabulani- ASA’s 12th Annual Cultural Show -Live Music and Fashion ShowMusic by Ghanaboys -Belly dancing by Khalida's North African Dance Experience -Fashion by Temi Ade and House of Tayo Designs
"I think people should have the opportunity to enjoy other cultures, you know learn some new things, experience new things. I don't know. I enjoy stuff like this because it really makes me feel at home. I just came out to support and try to show some appreciation. "
- Opeyemi Kusoro
e h T
Key Players After a Latina student was harrassed while walking home from the library, Northwestern was forced to confront racial prejudice and ignorance head on. There were caucuses held, meetings with administration, and groups formed. Out of it all ,“The Collective” was created--a collaboration of students from different groups around campus committed to increasing diversity at NU. We gave some of the members a chance to explain in their own words their role in the group--and what “The Collective” means to them. “The collective is a movement of students committed to making Northwestern a community more welcoming to diversity and inclusion, through collaboration with administrators and promoting student activism. As a collective, we commit to holding ourselves to the highest standards of courage, character, excellence, and appreciation for others” Edited by Ashley Powell Photos by Dallas Wright
-“The Collective” Vision Statement Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 9
feature On Thursday January 12, Tonantzin Carmona was harrassed by a group of unidentified Caucasian women as she was walking back from the library. Here is an excerpt from her facebook post on the event.
The Catalyst
“
Unfortunately, my story is not unique at Northwestern; racially charged harassment occurs on a regular basis. Incidents such as these makes one wonder why they keep occurring, and why we as a community allow them to. Worse yet, when these “stories” are told, they are often relegated to Northwestern’s margins, and very little is said afterwards. As I look forward to graduating this upcoming June, I have to wonder whether I too can recommend this institution to other students of color, particularly Latinos, if I know that these are the types of circumstances students can find themselves in. In the wake of anti-Latino rhetoric and sentiments, one has to wonder how we as a society are becoming increasingly complacent, and often times supportive, of new forms of prejudice. Where is our voice, and why is it that we constantly permit it to be muffled or silenced? That thought alone has pushed me to tell my story because I do believe that it is our responsibility as students to let administrators and the Northwestern community know that issues of racially-charged harassment need to be addressed, rather than become commonplace. Tonantzin Carmona Weinberg Class of 2012: Political Science | Pre-Medical Studies Hometown: Chicago, IL
”
The Storyteller
“
Daniel Flores Weinberg Class of 2014: Statistics | Communications Hometown: San Antonio, TX Role in Diversity: Collective Co-founder
10 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
I may not be the first, but I definitely won’t be the last. I helped put together and continue to work with The Collective to ensure all the students that attend Northwestern after us won’t have to endure the same racial prejudice or inequality we’ve had to endure. We are working to make Northwestern not only diverse on paper, but foster a Northwestern experience that is culturally accepting and inclusive. On a personal level, I want to make sure future students of color won’t be asked for Wildcards as they enter buildings, be asked if they even attend this school by peers, or be asked if they’re delivering food as they leave their dorms as I have. I went to the most violent high school in my district on the West Side of San Antonio, where I was one of 2 students in my graduating class to leave the state. Nothing was expected of me in high school because of where I went to school, now at Northwestern people expect nothing of me because of what I look like. That elitist and racially charged mindset needs to change, and I am working with The Collective to be one of those people that carries out that change. Countless cultural groups on campus have worked hard to make Northwestern the place it is today, and we are trying to continue their efforts and ultimately shape the Northwestern of tomorrow.
The Liaison
“
Pavan Krishnamurthy Weinberg Class of 2012: Political Science | Legal Studies | Business Institutions Program Hometown: Coppell, TX Role in Diversity: Asian American Outreach
feature
As I wrap up my senior year at Northwestern, I have developed certain opinions and positions that I never thought I would take. Before starting my undergraduate studies, I considered colorblindness as the solution to racism and I believed that drawing distinctions between races reinforces stereotypes. I always felt uncomfortable around race, racial categories, and how it was imposed upon me. I just wanted to be Pavan, whatever that was, but just like my academic concentrations, my opinion of race relations evolved and changed at Northwestern. As time went on, I became more interested in civic engagement and politics and was eventually elected as president of APAC. By then, I thought it was about time that I declare an Asian-American studies minor and investigate the trajectory of Asian-American academia and politics. And, through the last four years, I believe the Asian American voice has been absent in multicultural discussion. My involvement is not only to provide a voice for Asian Americans but to situate my community in a broad and more appreciative Northwestern University. There is power in numbers.
”
The Unifier
“
Colette Ghunim Weinberg Class of 2014: Communication Studies | Psychology Hometown: Schaumburg, IL Role in Diversity: Collective Co-Founder, Coordinator of “NU Perspectives”
As one of the creators of La Colaboración, a Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs student group created to build a more inclusive community within the NU Latino Community, I have been extremely passionate about making students feel welcome and appreciated by all members of the Northwestern Community. As incidents arose that were preventing this from happening, I joined other very engaged students to address the issue of prejudice at Northwestern. The Collective has moved beyond ethnicity, age, and student group boundaries to begin active discussions about racism on campus. Being both Palestinian and Mexican, I have grown to love learning about cultures and perspectives different from my own. My aspiration, both at Northwestern and beyond, is to engage whatever community I am part of in understanding and appreciating other cultures. As Northwestern constitutes my current community, I became very attached to The Collective’s mission to understanding what diversity is on campus. Though it has been difficult deciding what specific initiatives to enact, I feel confident that The Collective is an initial step to making both the administration and greater student body aware of others’ experiences with diversity and prejudice at Northwestern.
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 11
feature
I believe that is what many people at Northwestern are asking right now; “who can show us anything good?” Though many of us are enjoying our experiences, something is not right. At Northwestern, It seems to me that there is a general disinterest in the well-being of others. I don’t say this to be negative in any way. I am being realistic about the pragmatic mentality of the majority of NU students. However, I love Northwestern! I think that the most beautiful thing about Northwestern is our differences, our uniqueness, and our passions. The issue is that we often struggle to appreciate each other’s differences. We often struggle to even talk about them. That’s why I’m doing all of this, to encourage people to find their voices and express them to one another. I stay motivated because of my faith and that’s what keeps me involved. Because of my faith and hope, I am able to stand in the midst of chaos and believe that we can make a difference.
”
The Optimist
“
Jazzy Johnson School of Communications Class of 2013: Communications Studies | Business Institutions Program Hometown: North Richland Hills, TX Role in Diversity: Head of the Coalition of colors
Many are asking, "Who can show us anything good?" Lord, let us see your face smiling on us with favor. Psalm 4:6
Who Has the Right to Feel Comfortable?
A
By Sarah Watson
s I watched Morty slump in his seat, Provost Linzer get defensive, PTI wondering what in the world she had gotten into, and Burgie trying to offer meager concessions to keep the peace I saw that they were very, very uncomfortable. It was that stifling kind of discomfort. The kind that sets your face on fire as you try to come up with an adequate response or decipher what someone is telling you. It’s the same kind of discomfort I feel when someone is surprised that I know who my father is. The same kind I feel when a white person touches my hair without permission. The same kind of overwhelming, painful, debilitating discomfort I felt after being turned away from a white frat that was “over capacity,” only to watch a group of white girls be accepted no questions asked. So who has the right to feel uncomfortable? The discomfort felt by white people and in turn the administration surrounding diversity is one stemming from a fear of change. The change of a system that for hundreds of years has systematically excluded others on the basis of difference. What they feel is embarrassment, awkwardness, inconvenience—but nothing has been done to them. My
12 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
discomfort is the result of white people years ago, refusing to feel uncomfortable because of the differences they discovered in others. My discomfort is pain, irritation, disadvantage, hardship, social exclusion. I can’t hide from the word DIVERSITY in my every day life, so neither should the administration. Change is a part of life, and with chance comes discomfort. But that is no reason to give up. The school needs to have a better stance on diversity, and make the comfort of its minority students a priority. By refusing to take a stand on DIVERSITY, the administration is sending a message that they only care about the comfort of the students for which this university was built—the white upper-class. Well, I have news for them: the face of Northwestern is changing, whether due to societal pressure or a natural progression, that’s the way it is. Minority students have the right to feel welcome, respected, and valued as members of this community. And yet, too often we feel like outsiders just going through the motions to get a degree. One thing is for sure, change WILL happen. And if the administration doesn’t step up to the plate on this issue, I can guarantee they will feel very, very uncomfortable, indeed.
“How Bad Do You Want It?”
The Man Behind the Video: An Interview with Eric Thomas By Diamanta Panford
Pulse: What were your thoughts when the video at Michigan State went viral? Eric: Um…unbelievable. I’ve been doing this work for years! See, now first of all, I’m not…I’m on the other side of technology. Yeah, so when I first went to college, you know were trying to just get, you know we still had word processors, typewriters, et cetera. So it wasn’t until the end of my academic career for my bachelor’s degrees that I really got exposed to it. And I can’t say that I never saw it, you know, as this major vehicle that brings the world together. You know so, when the first video went viral, I was amazed, I mean I couldn’t believe that so many people, from so many walks of life, from so many different parts of the world were all connecting to my message. Pulse: What are your future goals? Eric: Well, you know, ultimately, I’m going to continue to produce videos that are going to change lives. You know, that’s my goal. You know, I just want to be a voice, a reason, a voice of hope and inspiration, you know, for this generation so if that comes to, you know, more videos and more books, a reality TV show, you know, whatever! Whatever the vision is, it’s not primary to me, it’s more important to get the voice out to millions of people across the world. To provide them with the motivation that they need to make their dreams become a reality. Pulse: What has been your toughest experience and how did you learn from it? Eric: I guess my toughest experience must have been being homeless. You know, um, but I guess what I learned from it was you make choices. You don’t get to where you are in life because that’s where you want to be persay. But you get there
because of the choices that you made. So if I’m not happy with where I am, I need to change my choices so that I can eventually get to where I need to be. Pulse: How would you like to see the face of education for minorities change? Eric: Well, I would just like to see the disparity gap, um, you know decrease, through more opportunities for minorities, you know first things on the college campus, study abroad, um, I think better jobs. A lot of times, many of the minority students are forced to take, you know jobs that require them to work late hours, long hours, that really does not put them in the position that other students are in who are at desk jobs and have the opportunity not only work but to study. Unique internships that not only pay but also provide young people with opportunities, um, you know not only to study, to have time to study, but also exposing them and introducing them to the people who are in the field who can help them eventually get jobs. I’d like to see the job proportion change, probably some change in the level of professionals that minorities are exposed to and the opportunities that they are exposed to. I’d like to see that broaden. Pulse: Okay, and finally are there any last words that you would like to share with the students of Northwestern? Eric: You’ve got an opportunity. There’s only two things that will hinder you from actually making your dreams become a reality. One is you don’t want it as bad as you breathe. When you’re not competent, and I’d like to believe that if you’re at Northwestern University, I’d like to believe that you are not incompetent. You don’t have the drive or motivation that you need, and that’s internal. So flip that switch, and take advantage of every single opportunity that is available to you.
“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” Check It Out! You can see Eric Thomas’ “Motivation Central” at http://www.etthehiphoppreacher.com/
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 13
style Runway This Oscar de la Renta gown is gorgeous in every way—from the champagne ombre that looks beautiful against model Liya Kebede’s sultry skin, to the openness of the shoulder line’s silhouette, to the pleating which will be particularly popular this spring.
Sheridan
But if a de la Renta gown, which will usually run about $2500$3000, is out of your price range, a similar spring look is this $15 H&M dress. Paired with a sun hat and a wedge sandal, you can create the perfect look for a Sunday afternoon brunch or a day of shopping with girlfriends.
From the Runw
Creating the Hottest Runway Styles on a College Student Budget Runway
This look just gushes with fun. All of the bright colors look beautiful against her dark skin. I love how Sophie Theallet took the classic look of a cardigan and knee-length skirt while adding an exciting twist with all the funky colors. Sophie Theallet has been noted for styling our first lady with presidential pieces ranging from $500 to the thousands.
Sheridan
This H&M cardigan is only $18 and equally as fun as the Theallet piece. Pair it with this two-toned pleated skirt from Bloomingdale’s for $40, or show a little leg with a fuchsia chiffon pleated skirt from Urban Outfitters (not shown) for $49. Tie it all together with a fun wedge like this one from Urban for $59, or pair it with a bright pair of flip-flops or Keds for a sweet schoolgirl look.
14 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
style Runway Take one glance at this YSL jumper, and it’s love at first sight. It’s sleek and sexy. The plunging neckline, open shoulders and cutouts along the waist make it a perfect look for a spring night out. It was first seen on pop-singer Rihanna a few months ago. But if Yves Saint Lourent pieces are a bit out of your price range (similar jumpsuits are priced at about $3800) no worries.
Sheridan This jumpsuit from Urban Outfitters creates a similar effect for a fraction of the cost, at $69. Adding a statement belt or necklace along with a simple pump and red lips can help to bring together a classic yet equally fierce look for a night out similar to that of Rihanna.
way to Sheridan
By Shannon Powell
As we near Spring quarter, NU students anticipate the excitement of warm weather after a long winter. This calls for a wardrobe change. It’s a time to put away the long pea coats and snow-boots and pull out the capris and tees as you take a walk along the beach, downtown, or even just to class. But this year, as you prepare yourself for the glorious days ahead when you can show a little skin, there are a few trends you may want to keep in mind. I went over to the style experts at Vogue.com and GQ to get an idea of some hot looks for the street-savvy, bargain shoppers out there.
Sheridan
Runway
For the fashion-forward NU man, I figured it was only right to recreate a look from the latest issue of GQ. But if a $949 jacket and a $255 shirt, isn’t in your budget, fear not.
Sheridan
H&M sells a similar blazer for $70 and you can find the pinstripe Polo for $30 on Overstock.com.
Zappos sells white Levi jeans reminiscent of those Trey is wearing for $48. Accessorize the fit with a pop of color like his belt, for more of a spring feel. Dress it up by rolling up the pants a little above the ankles and pair it with some niceloafers. Dress it down with a pair of Chuck Taylor’s.
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 15
politics
Meteoric Rise,
T
he 2008 presidential race was one of the most inspiring events in contemporary political history. Nevertheless, President Barack Obama faces a possible referendum on his policies in 2012. There are various inconsistencies in the president’s pre- and post-campaign political agenda. The most effective tool in his political arsenal in 2008 was the notion of transformation. Both then and now Obama is referred to as a “transformative” figure. But what has transformed? Obama crafted a movement-style rhetoric, but after Inauguration Day he did not deliver movement-style politics. Professor of political science and international relations at Northwestern, Brian Hanson, said, “[The president] seems by nature to be a person who looks for points of consensus. However, the political arm was partisan and it had and still has difficulties finding middle
16 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
ground where they agree.” Hanson noted that while the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was a major victory for the Obama camp, the distrust of government in its handling of the economy is ubiquitous. “The Obama administration has a different economic understanding than Republican monetarists. In their view, if you can provide a cash push-in, you can help [the economy] through hard times. That concept is an unpopular idea as both parties have embraced to different degrees that small government is better.” Republican Kian Hudson (WCAS ’12), made a similar claim regarding the widespread public distrust of government. In his opinion, “Going in, [Obama] had
legislative majorities in the House and Senate. He could have led the process or deferred to democratic leaders. He chose the former and I think that was a mistake. He allowed himself to be identified with the legislative agenda.” Kian discussed his approval of the TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) bailout (which originated in the latter years of the Bush presidency) and his staunch opposition to the auto industry bailouts, arguing that Obama’s policies “put unions and industries in a very difficult corner.” The high labor wages put significant strain on firms while poor business practices—selling a great amount of SUVs and pickup trucks at low demand—and external components such as geopolitical tensions and the energy crisis added to the pressure. Bailouts caused irregularity in market flow, resulting in job cuts and the nationalization of previously private resources. To develop a concrete political defense, Kian posits, “[Obama] will want to look at the economy, “If it improves enough he can run on that. If it stalls, he’ll
politics
Landmark Fall By Terrance Scotton
need to find another angle.” Nonetheless, the shortcomings of Obama’s opponents still struggle to present competitively attractive alternatives to the president’s governing style. “He’ll win the race against Santorum on social issues. Santorum is very extreme and is willing to alienate a large portion of the American electorate,” says Kian. On Mitt Romney, Kian said “he is the best opponent, and Obama should counter using an argument of inequality.” Mitt Romney is a multi-millionaire and avoids many domestic taxes through the
federal distinctions made between ordinary income and capital gains, in addition to offshore funds. This may isolate Romney from middle class families who may feel it is impossible for him to identify with them “Obama should defend his record but also offer the choice of ‘do you really want these other guys in power?’” Despite Obama’s meteoric rise, many believe it is impossible to find a black, con-
servative counterpart for Obama. Alan Keyes and Herman Cain can barely be called legitimate. What would an authentic candidate of this characterization look like? Paul Jackson (WCAS ’13) delineates an insightful model: “[He or she should employ] socioeconomic affirmative action as opposed to racial affirmative action; federal investment in underdeveloped pockets of the country, support marriage…as a contract between two free willing consensual human beings; oppose abortion, and support strong foreign military policy and foreign aid for countries in particular that want to do business with us and who we’ve underdeveloped in the past.” Jackson stalwartly believes these ideas will be effective if employed sensibly. Is President Barack Obama a socialist standing in the way of free markets and enterprise, economic growth, and competition? Should the country stay the course in fighting unemployment or inflation in the short-run? These are questions that will drive debates and pundits until November. ◆
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 17
beauty
Hair Care Moisturizing and Sealing By Ashleigh Nelson
The idea that black women cannot grow long hair is a common misconception. Hair is constantly growing; in fact, the average person grows about one inch per month. Let’s say you’re an 18 –year- old college student. Your hair has been growing at a rate of 1 one inch per month since you were born. In theory, your hair should be about 18 feet long. Even with the regular trimming of ends and some breakage that is still pretty long hair. So where did all of it go? The key to gaining length is mastering retention and hair health. Although relaxed and natural hair are very different, there are four basic principles to retaining length and having healthy hair: ▶ Low manipulation/Protective styling- Heat damages. Over-processing damages. Excessive combing damages. Opt for styles that you don’t have to do too much with your hair in order for it to look good. Also, always use a heat protectant. ▶ Rehydrate and seal- Hair that is not hydrated will break. Broken hair does not stay long. Use a leave-in, water-based conditioner and seal the moisture in with a light oil. ▶ Regular cleansing- Your hair and scalp should always be clean. Shampooing with a sulfate-free shampoo is the best choice. ▶ Moisture/Protein Balance- Although hair needs to be moisturized, it also needs the right amount of protein. How do you know what your hair needs? Simple: The Wet Strand Test Grab a small strand of wet hair and pull gently. If your hair stretches and then breaks, it needs some protein; you have too much moisture in it. If your hair barely stretches and then breaks, you need some moisture. Ideally your hair should just fall into place with no breakage. Relaxed and natural hair have the same needs. The only difference is, relaxed hair is more fragile because it has been chemically processed, so it needs more moisture than natural hair. Another great tip for relaxed hair is to stretch the time between your relaxers in order to give your hair a break. Hair type influences the way your regimen is designed and this is where the differences between relaxed hair and natural hair are made obvious.
Writer’s Picks These products are sure to make your hair long and healthy!
¬
Shampoo Organix Coconut Milk or Tea Tree Conditioner Organix Coconut Milk or Tea Tree
$6.99 each, www.cvs.com
Leave-in Conditioner Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leavein Split-End Protector $2.99, www.target.com
Oil/Sealant ® Natural Oils such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Argan Oil, CHI Organics Silk Oil $4.99 for 2 oz. bottle www.amazon.com
¯ Deep Conditioner Deep Conditioners: Biolage by Matrix Ultra Hydrating Balm $11.99, www.amazon.com
Want to know more?
18 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
Check out these blogs: justgrowalready.com; curlynikki.com; blackgirllonghair.com; relzedhairhealth. blogspot.com; hairlista.com
Glowing for Spring
beauty
Nars Laguna Bronzer $34, www.narscosmetics.com
Fresh Prime and Glow $10, www.sephora.com
Part of the Pure Radiant Collection $42, www.narscosmetics. com
Beauty Bargains Covergirl EyeShadow $9.99, www.cvs.com
This cream/gel eyeshadow is a medium-colored good and has a shimmery finish. It has a soft texture that glides onto your eyelids easily, but still holds to the skin well. Overall, it’s a cream eyeshadow with high payoff. Pulse Beauty Rating 4.5/5 Photos by Jorona Johnson
This mascara has an inky, mousse like formula that feels light on the lashes and leaves them a sooty, natural black. While the mascara certainly has staying power, the volume that I’m used to getting in a LashBlast is just not there; 3 coats and my lashes are still just normal. Pulse Beauty Rating: 4/5 Revlon Mascara $7.49, www.cvs.com
This matte finish eyeliner is highly pigmented, goes on smoothly and is easy to blend. It also comes with a sharpener at the bottom, so you can always get a fine line when you’re putting it on. While it did not hold up for the full 16 hours it says it can, this eyeliner is still a good product to add Revlon Mascara to your makeup routine. Pulse Beauty Rating: 5/5 $7.49, www.cvs. com
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 19
Photo by Courtesy Photo
Photo by Jorona Johnson
%HQHÀW 6XQ Beam $26, www.sephora.com
When the flowers are blooming and the temperature starts to rise, the last thing anyone wants is to be wearing heavy amounts of makeup. It runs, it gets sticky and makes both you and your face feel horrible. Luckily there is a product that can give you the look you want without caking up on your skin: tinted moisturizer. Now most beauty girls (and guys) are familiar with this product, but for us with deeper tones of skin, the challenge becomes finding a shade that fits. This spring locating that shade will become a lot easier thanks to Nars and their Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer. The collection contains nine shades, with the majority of it covering the broad spectrum of colors brown skin comes in. “Our offerings in this important category are limited, so with this product we are bridging the gap of some of the white space we have in the complexion category,” Louis Desazars, the chief executive officer of Nars Cosmetics, said in his interview with WWD. In order to have that “spring ready” look, tinted moisturizer is only the first step. In order for the look to really pop and turn heads, your skin needs to have a healthy glow; and nothing makes brown skin glow better than bronzers and illuminators. Bronzers whether they are in powder or liquid form, look best on top of the skin. Those with tawnier complexions might try Nars’ Laguna bronzing powder to warm up their skin. Deeper-colored skin looks great when topped with gold shimmer and Benefit’s Sun Beam is liquid bronze in a bottle; dab and blend a bit on each cheek to glow all day long. Illuminators help bring out the same radiance in your skin that bronzers do, but they are a bit easier to mix with your moisturizer or foundation. Fresh’s Twilight Freshface Glow is a color-neutral illuminator that can blend into any shade of makeup; plus, it comes in a miniature size, so it can be easily tested before you commit to the full bottle. You don’t have to sacrifice your makeup and your favorite looks just because it’s getting warmer. By switching out your products, you can still look great and glowing for spring.
Photo by Sephora
1IPUP CZ #FOFmU
By Jorona Johnson
health
I
Racialized Abortion Politics By Trey Gibson
n the pro-choice v. pro life deAmerican. The website makes a point to bate, cleverly crafted rhetoric can mention that the latter percentage – 47 be key to evoking emotions that percent – was higher than the national can sway people’s opinions to one average of 37 percent. Nothing is said side or the other. As onlookers about the percentage of those women to this discussion we are subjected to who were raped, or the racial make-up ambiguous and ever-evolving synof the city in general, and all the reader onyms for the same acts. No matter is led to believe is that African Ameriwhat phrase you choose, “terminating can women are simply more likely to a pregnancy” is the same choose abortions over any one else. thing as “terminating an embryo,” which is the same thing as “terminating a life.” To reduce this debate to a war with words is to ignore the many social and philosophical questions that the issue also presents. However those in charge of the policies that govern abortion are often men and women who have very little practical knowledge on abortion. The idea of uninformed politicians working in an informational vacuum is troubling A “That’s Abortion” billboard in New York City considering that something like a woman’s decision to have an So what do politicians do with abortion is influenced by countless facstatistics like these? They find ways tors from all possible sides. Statistics are to tie them into their anti-abortion some of these groups’ most devastating rhetoric but now with a twist: they want weapons. For example, statistics such as to appeal to the black community and those that racially breakdown women make it clear that the fight against abormost likely to abort a pregnancy have tion is also a fight against black infant the potential to throw some of the hard- genocide. est blows. “The most dangerous place for an That's Abortion, an anti-abortion or- African American is in the womb,” ganization, has statistics on its website reads one of That's Abortion's New York (www.thatsabortion.com) including City billboards. Ads like these have bethe percentage of pregnancies that were come the new way for this fight to gain terminated in New York City in 2009 African American supporters. that were white, Hispanic, and African And when anti-abortion fighters
20 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
aren't trying to get blacks to join their fight, they're busy trying to stop them from doing anything else that might get in their way. Most recently, the breast cancer awareness organization, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, pulled its funding for breast cancer screening from Planned Parenthood, in what was widely seen as an attempt to stand against the company’s practice of performing abortions. The Susan G. Komen Foundation insists that there were no political motives behind its decision. Nonetheless, the message latent within the action is baffling. What caused the rift between two such similar organizations that once went hand-in-hand? The Susan G. Komen decision was swiftly reversed following the immense backlash. The decision would have done more than stand against abortion – although it should be noted that Planned Parenthood isn't an organization that exists solely to perform abortions – but the decision would have also stood against black women and other women of color, who without a doubt make up the largest percentage of Planned Parenthood clients. As long as politics are about going after the biggest group they can reach, black women will continue to be key players – and targets – of the anti-abortion movement.
entertainment
The Bluest Eye A fresh look at an old problem
Adapted from the acclaimed Toni Morrison novel by Northwestern alumna Lydia Diamond, the Theater and Interpretation Center’s production of “The Bluest Eye” showcased the enduring relevancy of the story, sixty years after it takes place in the novel. Probably the most significant character is 9-year old Pecola Breedlove (Christabel Agyemang-Donkor ), who is from a troubled home in Ohio during the 1940’s. The Breedloves are described as ugly because they accepted all of the baggage that society placed on them. Pecola’s mother, Pauline (Rebecca Abara) wanted to look like the alluring women in movies. Pecola’s father, Cholly Breedlove (Stone Pickney), felt powerless against white society and derived his only sense of freedom through sex and violence, which resulted in Pecola’s pregnancy. The Breedloves have an abusive relationship fueled by Cholly’s incessant drinking and Pauline’s anger. Pecola witnesses it all, frequently desiring to disappear. She almost succeeds, at least in her imagination, but she could never get her brown eyes to vanish. Pecola dreamed of having the blue eyes of Shirley Temple and frequently indulged in the Mary Jane candies that featured a pretty blonde girl, also blue-eyed. In one particularly powerful scene, Pecola eats the Mary Jane candy while the narrator recites “she eats the candy, its sweetness is good. To eat the candy is somehow to eat the eyes, eat Mary Jane. Love Mary Jane. Be Mary Jane.” While her neighborhood friends, Claudia (Kenya Hall) and older sister Frieda MacTeer (Drew Tildon), were not conquered by these idealized images of white beauty, Pecola deeply internalized them. On the other hand, The Bluest Eye paid significant attention to the reality that all black girls do not accept these images presented to them. One wonderfully executed scene in the play involves Claudia’s hatred of a white baby doll that
her mother, Mama (La Donna Smith), bought her. Claudia did not understand why everyone seemed to think that the blonde, blue-eyed doll was special. She proceeded to defiantly torture this doll that she despised. This defiance is also present in Frieda and Claudia’s altercation with Maureen Peel (Kyra Jones), a girl that everyone gazed at because of her lighter skin complexion and long hair. While Pecola was fascinated with Maureen, Frieda and Claudia rejected her snobbish and uppity attitude. These acts of defiance illustrated that many African American girls are like Frieda and Claudia, while a smaller portion of girls are affected as Pecola was. How are these themes still relevant? Extending the doll motif, one recent psychology study of young black and white girls found that the black girls were more likely than the white participants to show preference for dolls of the opposite race (Kurtz—Costes, DeFreitas, Halle & Kinlaw, 2011). Although the black girls in this study will most likely not grow up to hate their own beauty, as Pecola does, this provides evidence of how early girls
can begin to believe that white dolls are somehow better. These themes of race and beauty resonated with the playwright and several of the actresses. Diamond recalls a moment during the first production of The Bluest Eye when “an [African American] actress in the play shared that her little girl, who was at the time three, expressed a desire to be white. “This is a woman who is so
By Jarohn Johnson
solidly, proudly, an African American woman, raising her girl in a world that we think has radically changed.” As a child, Rebecca Abara remembers wanting to look like a “Barbie Doll” and the “lighter-skinned” and “exotic” looking African American women in television ads. Jacqueline Maize (Darlene) says she wished for “longer hair that I could blow out of my face,” because of the images she was exposed to as a child. Although these issues persist, portray-
als of beauty have become more diversified since the time period of The Bluest Eye. Theater Professor Harvey Young believes media portrayals are far from perfect, but they have improved over time. “I would argue that it is different than it was back when Toni Morrison wrote The Bluest Eye, in that there are more models of beauty out there. You can look at fashion magazines and see more black women depicted on covers.” Young noted a New York Times article that heralded Michelle Obama as a fashion trendsetter. “That being said, you can also look at the magazines and turn on the television and realize how rare those presentations are,” he said. The Bluest Eye, Northwestern’s first main-stage production with an allAfrican American cast, not only raised questions about race and beauty, but it also left an indelible mark on the cast and crew. La Donna Smith eloquently sums up the essence of the play, “whether it’s our hair, whether it’s our complexion of our skin, I think that we all need to strive to embrace that and show the world that it is beautiful in all of its pure and natural form.” Photos by Justin Barbin
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 21
entertainment Dark Phases of Womanhood By Iman Childs
“Red Tails” Fail
By Jasmyne McDonald
Tuskegee Airmen walking near a local Italian bar
A scene from AATE’s adaptation of For Colored Girls
Riding the wave of popularity following Tyler Perry’s film adaptation, The African American Theatre Ensemble chose Ntozake Shange’s Tony-nominated play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf for their winter production. Using a fresh and modern approach, the original seven roles were adapted for a cast of four: Adrianne Harmon, Jasmine James, Jasmyne McDonald, and Amanda Summey. Surprisingly, this change was largely unnoticeable, and actually preferable due to the unique, yet constricting shape of Jones Great Room. The production, which depicts the experiences of black women, derives its strength from Shange’s honest words and the actresses’ strong performances. Director Brendan Yukins’s adaptation made the play more relatable with the inclusion of a line about Northwestern and the song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” While the two levels of the space made it difficult to see the actresses at times, it was put to good use. At the climax of the show, a veteran with posttraumatic stress syndrome drops his daughter out a window; everyone was on edge as Harmon simulated the action by hanging off the balcony. The choreography and art direction were also pitch perfect in multiple scenes, particularly the rape scene, which made excellent use of lighters and segued marvelously into a poem about a back-alley abortion. However, with actresses running through the space during monologues, costume changes on stage, and a portion where four monologues were performed simultaneously, the staging, at times, distracted from the true focus, the poems. Nonetheless, each actress put an enormous amount of power and emotion into each poem. Stand-outs include the comedic “Toussaint Louverture” which featured Summey and Harmon’s impeccable portrayals of children, and Jasmine James’s heartfelt and tearful rendition of “Somebody Almost Walked Off Wid Alla My Stuff,” were some highlights. Even 30 years later Shange’s poems still have the power to touch audiences.
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George Lucas told me what to expect: the story of the Tuskegee Airmen depicted as black super heroes providing young men role models they can emulate. I believe this is an irresponsible use of a story that could have yielded dividends with far greater significance than those attached to the message it was limited to relaying. Grading Red Tails based on awesome special effects earns it an A. Evaluating the movie on par with a first grade history lesson also warrants an A. Yet, Red Tails lacked the nuance and character development given to similar historical, war movies such as Saving Private Ryan or Black Hawk Down, garnering it a C+. Important elements like playful character interactions, racism, love, and a longing for action were present, but only in simplified forms. The 93 million dollar film only scratched the surface of black culture and the realities of what these American heroes actually encountered. Nuance is the key word. The absence of complex Black relationships so key to our culture is perhaps most egregious. Rather than be told about Easy’s (Nate Parker’s character) ambitious upbringing I wanted to learn about his parents, understand his college years, and witness more deeply its consequences than just the alcoholism. Instead I got the 10-minute “Spark Notes” version of his story. Also, while I know there weren’t Italian-speaking mochaskinned sisters doing laundry on the roofs of every home in 1944 Italy, I wanted to see the impact of Junior’s (Tristan Wilds’ character) assumed death on his wife and child. Instead I got an extended interracial relationship that fulfills an all too familiar prophesy about black men and white women. But I digress. While black action heroes are important, the story of the Tuskegee Airmen offered an opportunity for Lucas to do use so much more than cool, computer-generated fight scenes. If he was going to accept the praise for telling this story, he should have taken the responsibility that comes with developing layered characters and portraying legitimate images of black people. Instead he spent 120 minutes depicting a black Fantastic Four/Superman/Batman/Wolverine combo leaving the lives of the Airmen poorly represented.
Photo Source: 20th Fox Century
entertainment
Kid Cudi’s WZRD A Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius-Sponsored Trip to the World of Hip-Hop Rock By April McFadden
Kid Cudi is back with his third studio album, this time in collaboration with Dot Da Genius. After several delays the album was finally released on Feb. 28. This isn’t the first time the two were on their “Jay and ‘Ye” tip. They collaborated on Cudi’s first single “Day N’ Night.” Similar to Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak, WZRD is expected to flop because the album is a break from their previous work. However, WZRD is a smooth transition to the alternative rock genre. Similar to some of Cudi’s earlier works like “Revofev” and “Trapped in my Mind” (also a collaboration with Dot Da Genius) from his sophomore album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, there is no rapping. The guitar riff foundation found in “Trapped in my Mind” actually inspired the project when the duo thought similar sound effects could make an album.
Pulse Rating
A Tribute to Whitney
n February 11, 2012, the world lost one of its brightest stars. For over two decades, Whitney Houston gave the world hits to which they could dance, cry, dream and live to. She graced the big screen in “The Bodyguard” with all the beauty of her natural character, defeating stereotypes in a leading black female role with a white male love interest. And of course, in The Preacher’s Wife, we caught the spirit and magic of the Lord in her breaktaking renditions that truly took us to church even as we watched the movie again and again in the privacy of our homes. Gospel or not, Whitney was a bonafide hit-maker. Even The Star Spangled Banner became a radio hit after she belted it out at the 1991 Super Bowl. In the “We Are Family” group on Facebook, over 30 people voted on their favorite Whitney song but there were just too many to choose from. At an open mic hosted by the Theta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., senior Shauntelle Brown sang Whitney’s timeless, “I Will Always Love You.” “Performing it was very intense for me,” said Brown. “I was able to get through it by connecting with the words and focusing on the emotion rather than trying to sound like Ms. Houston, which is impossible.” Brown’s performance did not disappoint however, she received a huge round of applause from the crowd. While no one was ready for Whitney’s “last bow”, she will forever live on in our hearts and minds as someone whose music we wouldn’t hesitate to run to.
By Ryan Arrendell Photo Source: People.com
O
Lyrically the album isn’t powerful, it doesn’t rattle any feathers or include any profane language. So if you decide to play it at home over Spring Break, your mom wouldn’t cringe—finally. The songs mostly cover topics of life, most likely inspired by Ben Breedlove; and love. The first song, “The Arrival” makes me feel like I’m about to embark on an epic journey, typical Cudi. The album is very guitar heavy and focuses less on the percussion, which isn’t very elaborate anyway. WZRD’s highlights are the singles that aren’t getting airplay: “Brake “and “Teleport 2 Me, Jamie.” My favorites are “Love Hard,” “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” (a Nirvana cover) and “High Off Life.” I’m not going to pretend that I listen to a ton of alternative music to make an educated comparison. WZRD has a really relaxed vibe and is good for light studying. I give this album four out of five.
Clockwise: Whitney singing the Naitonal Anthemi at the1991 Super Bowl, winning a Grammy, and a scene from The Preacher’s Wife
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 23
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1. Campus Kitchens hosted by the Theta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. | 2. Campus Kitchens | 3. The Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at the MLK Candlelight Vigil | 4. Campus Kitchens | 5. Two members of the Bhangra dance group pose for a picture after Afropollo | 6. Northwestern Community Ensemble sings at the MLK Candlelight Vigil | 7. Members of Phi Beta Sigma at The Battle of the Greeks | 8. Sophomore Elena Westbrook speaking at one of the diversity caucuses | 9. The Iota Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma after they won Battle of the Greeks | 10. Students line-dancing at Harambee.
24 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2012
Meet the
Pulse Staff
From left to right: Top row- Sydney Smith, Shannon Powell, Iman Childs, Clarke Humphrey, Nadira Long, Terrance Scotton. Second row- Ashleigh Nelson, Diamanta Panford, Amanda Anumba, Baindu Kallon, Jorona Johnson, Ashley Powell, Jarohn Johnson, Vanessa Lecky, Trey Gibson, and Haley Pilgrim.
Did you enjoy the magazine? Get involved! We’re always looking to expand our staff. Contact us at ThePulseofNU@gmail.com
Winter 2012 Pulse Magazine | 25