THE BLUEPRINT:
A S P E L M A N S P O T L I G H T P U B L I C AT I O N Vol. 5, No. 1
A Look at What’s Inside:
Intellectual Framework for the Freethinker
September/October 2017
New Admissions Policy:
Acceptance of Transgender Students By: Tyler Stephens
More than Beauty Queens: Getting to Know Miss Spelman and Her Court p.2
Poet Camille Dungy Embraces Spelman Sisterhood p.4 Extreme Dorm Makeover: Abby Hall Edition p.4 Lorde’s Dream: A New Campus Safe Space p.5 The Problem with Missing Navy Sailors p.5 Spelman-ish Series: Japanese Exchange Student p.6 An Apple Amongst the Peaches: Domestic Exchange Student Initial Reflection p.6 Focus on You: Addressing Mental Health p.7 Women of Funk p.8 Justice Decades Late: “Crown Heights” Movie p.8 Cardi B: The Rise of a Money Movin’ Artist p.9 Rihanna Launches Fenty Beauty p.9 Are Eyebrows Cancelled? p.10 Natural Disasters around the Globe p.10
On Sept. 5, 2017 Spelman College announced a new admissions and enrollment policy regarding transgender students. “Introduction to Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies,” defines transgender as “an umbrella term that describes people whose gender identity
and expression differ from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender people may or may not chose to alter their bodies hormonally or surgically.” The new admissions policy will admit “students who consistently live and self-identify as women, regardless of their gender assignment at birth.”
However, Spelman does not admit “students who self-identify and live consistently as men, regardless of gender assignment at birth.” The policy also outlines that “if a woman is admitted and transitions to
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Spelman’s Gotta Have It: Spike Lee Movie Revival By: Kristin Burns
On Sept. 30, director Spike Lee visited Spelman College to promote his Netflix series adaptation of his 1986 classic “She’s Gotta Have It.” Lee’s debut film centered on Nola Darling, a sexually independent Brooklyn artist, who is openly dating three men. Prior to the discussion with President Mary Schmidt Campbell, The BluePrint sat down with the director for an interview. Lee’s wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, is the executive producer of the show. It was her idea to turn the movie into a series. However, “it wasn’t easy” starting the show. “We got turned down by several companies and thank Netflix came through ... we were pitching to black women because they understood the cultural significance of the movie ... and the other places we went, my wife and I were the only black people in the room, they just didn’t understand,” said Lee. Lee mentions how the series also focuses on the empowerment of women and “dealing with what sisters go through.” He elaborates by stating that it’s a different world and they’re retelling the story again. “The original film is only 86 minutes, so that’s a very small canvas to work with, and [the series] is 10 episodes
Pictured: Director Spike Lee Photo courtesy: Spelman College
Making a 21st Century Campus: Interview with SGA President Jill Cartwright p.3
Pictured: The new policy on transgender students leaves many questions for future, former and current students. Photo courtesy: BluePrint Staff
Fast Facts About Miss Spelman and Her Court p.2
… so the whole world … [and] canvas has expanded.” Lee praises the writers on the show. He “knew we had to have sisters writing” so that the women’s perspective was authentic. The writers include two-time Pulitzer prize winner Lynn Nottage, award winning actor, singer and songwriter Eisa Davis, Radha Blank (“Empire” writer) and Lee’s sister Joie Lee. In the sit-down discussion with President Campbell, Lee explains
how gentrification played a major role on the show. “‘She’s Gotta Have It’ came out in 1986 … and no one knew what gentrification was about ... Gentrification is misplacing the people who are apart of the culture, apart of the neighborhoods. The neighborhood I grew up in [is] where the original [movie] was shot and [the series] but it’s gentrified now.” “The opening credit sequence [for the series] now shows the juxtaposition
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The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS More than Beauty Queens:
Getting to Know Miss Spelman and Her Court
Pictured: Zaire Bailey, Janna Perry and Haleigh Hoskins Photo courtesy: Spelman College
By: Anu Adebowale
Janna Perry, Miss Spelman
Fast Facts About Miss Spelman and Her Court Janna Perry Miss Spelman: • I’m open and love to chat • I stay up late • I love Beyoncé and the Lord
Pictured: The 34th Miss Spelman Court Photo courtesy: Meggie Noel
hopes encourages students to take care of themselves mentally, emotionally and physically by utilizing campus resources. Hoskins advocates for anti-
Zaire Bailey First Attendant:
• I love Beyoncé, Game of Thrones and the outdoors • I really love to dance
Haleigh Hoskins, 2nd Attendant
responsibility. Instead, they serve as ambassadors to campus, tasked with creating engaging programming for the school and West End community. The court bridges a gap between students and the college. Signature events have included Pajamas and Pearls, which welcomes first year students, and Vagina Monologues, an artistic showcase that explores womanhood and the female body. The court encourages individuality, and each has their own platform. Perry’s platform, “That’s L.A.W,” stands for loving, affirming and winning. Her platform encompasses self-love, and works to boost confidence and create positive self-esteem. Bailey’s program is Sisters Advocating for Self-Awareness, SelfCare and Self-Love (S.A.S.S), which she
Pictured: Zaire Bailey, 1st Attendant
To the 34th Miss Spelman Court, Spelman is more than just a college. “Spelman means so much to me,” said Janna Perry, the 34th Miss Spelman College. “[It’s] where I needed to come to realize who I was. It is my home and safe space.” Zaire Bailey, first attendant, agrees, “Nobody expects us to be anything less than excellent … Spelman is a transformative space … it is the hope of the black community.” “[Spelman] has helped me grow spiritually, mentally and physically. It’s really bittersweet to have to leave,” adds Haleigh Hoskins, second attendant to Miss Spelman. Miss Spelman and Her Court were chosen last year in a spring pageant. However, these women were not chosen as beauty queens with no real
bullying and suicide awareness through her platform “Si Se Puede,” which translates to “Yes You Can.” She began this campaign after being bullied as an adolescent, and during some time at Spelman. The court wants to stress that they are approachable and available to all Spelman students. “Although we are public figures on campus, we are your sisters first,” said Bailey. They are here to give advice and listen to any concerns students may have. Hoskins added, “We’re really relatable, we’re goofy and we laugh a lot. I remember a few years back feeling like I couldn’t talk to school leaders … [In contrast] I think we bring a warm and inviting feeling to the Spelman environment.” Miss Spelman and Her Court intend to leave a legacy that promotes encouragement, prosperity and success within their fellow Spelman sisters. “We come to Spelman and we say we want to make the choice to change the world, I think we can start with changing individual worlds,” said Perry.
Haleigh Hoskins Second Attendant:
• I’m a very corky and awkward black girl • I don’t have it all together • I love Star Wars and gardening
The BluePrint
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CURRENT EVENTS Making a 21st Century Campus:
Interview with SGA President Jill Cartwright
Pictured: Jill Cartwright Photo courtesy: Spelman SGA
By: Ashlea Brown
ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT: Chief Editors Tyler Stephens, Editor-In-Chief Ashlea Brown, Managing Editor Kristin Burns, Section Editor
Advisors Keena M. McClendon Sylvia Maddox
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Mission Statement It is the mission of The BluePrint to serve as a profound forum that fortifies
understanding, unity and advocacy throughout the Spelman and greater AUC community. The BluePrint strives to produce innovative, fair and creative journalism that helps its readers understand the nation and world through the lens of African-American and Black women.
Contact Us Email: bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com Website: https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Instagram: TheSpelmanBP Twitter: @TheSpelmanBP
Thanks to all of our contributing staff and featured writers.
THE BLUEPRINT: A SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT P U B L I C AT I O N
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You may have seen her in the cafeteria or caught a glimpse of her participating in organizations like AUC Shut It Down. No matter the setting, Jill Cartwright has a commanding presence. People gravitate to her because she’s insightful, and it’s no wonder students selected her as Spelman College’s 76th Student Government Association (SGA) president. As the first openly queer president, Cartwright believes she veers from the typical SGA president in a number of ways. “We haven’t had a lot of presidents who had a nontraditional path, like those who weren’t on class council and who weren’t involved with SGA extensively beforehand ... I mostly have an activist background.” Cartwright, while aware of the great things Spelman has to offer, is also ready to address problems on campus. “I am very critical of Spelman and anything regarding our campus; I think what people fail to realize is that I love Spelman so much that I am willing to change it,” said Cartwright. She believes Spelman can always improve, and ultimately wants to ensure inclusivity and priority for students who have an experience that is not traditionally accepted, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students,
religious minorities and those with vegetarian and vegan dietary restrictions. “I’m really adamant about making sure Spelman is doing everything in our ability to always make sure we are moving towards something that is representative of a 21st century campus,” said Cartwright. During her time at Spelman, Cartwright has participated in the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the Social Justice Program, AUC Shut It Down and Lorde’s Dream. When she’s not busy with extracurriculars, the senior women’s health major from Milford, Delaware, enjoys biking, singing and social media. “I literally love Twitter. Sometimes with all the things going on … it is comforting and helpful to go on [“Black Twitter”] and just see how black people have managed to turn something that’s tragic into a point of resilience,” says Cartwright. The SGA president is not simply a mouthpiece for administration. Instead, the college describes how Cartwright will serve as a liaison between students, faculty, staff and administration through programming and resolutions that “reflect the tenor of student opinion.” Along with campus events, Cartwright is also here to build sisterhood by “helping students gain an understanding of themselves and society.” Though a big job, Cartwright is prepared to tackle this upcoming year. Follow @spelmansga on Twitter and Instagram to stay updated on future SGA events.
Spelman’s Gotta Have It Revival (continued) ...continued from page 1 between black Puerto Rican Brooklyn and today ... when you move into a neighborhood, have some respect for the culture. You just show up ... like you’ve been there. These neighborhoods have history. Have some respect for the culture.” Lee reflects that gentrification not only affected the community, but characters like Nola Darling. “She has to have five jobs to be able to afford rent. I mean, she’s an artist ... one of the greatest things about New York City has always been the artists, but young artists can’t afford to live in New York
City anymore ... and if New York City can’t nurture the artists, it’s not going to be the same.” Darling will be played by DeWanda Wise (“Underground,” “Shots Fired”) and Mars Blackmon, who Lee portrayed in the original film, will be depicted by Anthony Ramos (“Hamilton”), who is Puerto Rican. The interview drew to a close with Lee giving advice to aspiring filmmakers. “To love what you do is not a job ... A job is something you hate. It doesn’t click all the time – it might come late, it might come early – but try to find something that you love.” The series premieres on Netflix Thanksgiving Day.
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The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS Pictured: Dungy signing junior, Adesuwa Joseph’s book Photo courtesy: Dr. Stephen Knadler, Spelman College’s English department chair
Poet Camille Dungy Embraces Spelman Sisterhood
Pictured: Camille Dungy Photo courtesy: Dr. Stephen Knadler, Spelman College’s English department chair
By: Zoë Holloway
On Aug. 31, Spelman College English professor, Dr. Sharan Strange, presented the award-winning poet, Camille Dungy, to an excited audience of faculty and students. The special guest read her past works and poems from her latest book, “Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History.” For Dungy, what permeates her thoughts while writing is “women, black women; the world beyond, that is also is within us; agency and power, who has it and who doesn’t.”
“I have always been a writer. My mother says I scribbled stories before I knew language,” says Dungy. But it was during her sophomore year at Stanford University that Dungy found her love for poetry. Later, Dungy attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina where she experienced a completely different landscape from her hometown in California. “Living in a geographical area that I was not most comfortable in made me a better writer; it made me think about my feelings towards the place I was most
comfortable,” said Dungy. Through her undergraduate education and skills as a writer, Dungy was able to articulate what she saw in North Carolina. She believes it is important to move through different spaces through reading, writing and traveling. “Read a lot, write a lot. Create a habit of writing, but be flexible with it,” said Dungy. She is not a fan of being tied down by rituals, but is flexible with her writing habits, which have “different triggers and different times of day.” The poet does not believe in “writer’s block,” but in “quiet time” and “blank page moments.” When she is having a “blank page moment,” Dungy tricks herself into writing, even if it is just five minutes a day. She also experiments with writing poems inspired by various poems and
poets she admires, reassuring students “it doesn’t matter if it is horrible. Play. Have fun.” The BluePrint was invited to lunch with Dungy after the reading. During this time, Dungy talked about everything from her trips to Ghana to social injustices in the United States. As a writer, Dungy thinks it is important to “notice the things happening in the world, sit on it,” then let yourself feel the immediate ideas before putting it into a broader context. Dungy encourages Spelman students to believe in themselves. She insists,“there will be times when no one believes in you, or it feels like no one does ... [in those moments] answer these questions honestly: Do you still believe in yourself? Where can you find someone to believe in you?”
Extreme Dorm Makeover: Abby Hall Edition
Pictured: Abby Hall Dry Erase Walls Photo courtesy: Makailah Dawnyel
family oriented … there’s something about the tradition of staying in old Abby. And I can see how our bond was so close.” Even though Dawnyel shares a different experience than her first-year residents, she admits the renovations in
Pictured: Abby Hall Renovated Hair Sink Photo courtesy: Makailah Dawnyel
During the summer of 2017, Spelman College’s first-year resident hall, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Hall, was renovated to include entirely new floors, lights, furniture, doors, dry erase walls and even a new lounge. The bathrooms are also newly renovated with walk-in showers, and the sink in the laundry room has been replaced with a new hair bowl. Former Abby resident and now Abby resident advisor (RA), Makailah Dawnyel, originally had mixed feelings about the new Abby and how it impacts relationships between residents. “At first, I was mad. I wish we had dorms like this. A lot of nostalgia came back … I kind of missed the old Abby,” said Dawnyel. “It was like a home, more
Pictured: Abby Hall Renovated Shower Photo courtesy: Makailah Dawnyel
By: Shala Murray
Abby are nicely done. She went on to say that she “appreciates Abby so much more now. I feel like I grew up with Abby. Me and Abby are sisters.”
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CURRENT EVENTS Lorde’s Dream:
A New Campus Safe Space By: Kori Barnes
The Problem with Missing Navy Sailors By: Cassidy Meyers
On Aug. 21, U.S. Navy ship, The USS John McCain, collided with merchant vessel, Alnic MC, off the coast of Singapore. The collision resulted in five injured sailors and 10 missing. This is the fourth incident involving United States warships in Asian waters this year. Prior to
this incident, a June 17 accident resulted in seven deaths. About a week after the collision the remains of the sailors were discovered by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps divers. Four of the five injured sailors were flown to a hospital in Singapore for non-life-
Pictured: Lorde’s Dream Photo courtesy: Lorde’s Dream Instagram (@lordes_dream)
On Sept. 5, President Mary Schmidt Campbell announced that Spelman will accept students who self-identify as women for the 2018-2019 academic year. Lorde’s Dream is working to build their mission and future programming around these incoming students. Gardenhire says, “transgender students will always have a safe space and someone in their corner, advocating for them. This means that transgender students will have a shoulder to cry on, a source of motivation, and someone to speak up for them. As Lorde’s Dream continues to learn about the plights of trans students at Spelman, we continue to shift our environment into a safe and equitable space.” threatening injuries. Due to these recent collisions, the Navy has received a lot of backlash. Experts speculate that the latest incidents call into question the validity of the Navy’s training and leadership. On Oct. 11, the U.S. Pacific Fleet released a statement saying “It is evident the collision was preventable, the commanding officer exercised poor judgement, and the executive officer exercised poor leadership of the ship’s training program.” The Navy fired these top two officers as a result. Graham Ong-
Webb, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam school of International Studies, told news network Al Jazeera that “these accidents might encourage terrorist groups.” President Donald Trump has also received backlash for his public statement. When asked if he had any commentary about the incident, Trump stated, “That’s too bad.” This brief answer has caused a stir in the media. However, on Twitter he simply expanded by sending “thoughts and prayers.”
Pictured: The 10 deceased sailors Photo courtesy: CNN
A new organization has emerged on Spelman College’s campus that serves as a safe space for the queer community. Lorde’s Dream was founded spring of 2017 by sophomore Brionna Gardenhire and senior Keo Chaad O’Neal, who felt that a space without judgement was needed for queer students. “Lorde’s Dream is ... an organization that allows members to express every part of their identity without any inhibitions or judgement. Lorde’s Dream is essential to Spelman College because there is no other space like it. There is no space on campus that validates and supports queer students who are engaged in social justice work and community service,” said secretary Abeo Chimeka-Tisdale.
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The BluePrint
OPINIONS Spelman-ish Series:
Japanese Exchange Student BluePrint’s Spelman-ish series takes a look at Spelman students that may deviate from the typical Spelman journey. This series of interviews aims to unpack what it means to be a Spelman student. A multitude of identities contribute to the student body of Spelman College. Japanese exchange student Reina Kaba, class of 2019, came to Spelman from a women’s college in Japan. She brings with her a unique insight into the idea of what it means to be a Spelman student. Kaba was interested in a historically black women’s college because she “wanted to experience life as a minority, to be able to critique Japan in a different way.” Coming from a racially homogenous country, Spelman has been a completely different experience. “Because Japan is mostly Japanese, I never realized I was Japanese
or thought about race … coming here, I have to think about race,” said Kaba. In alignment with her goals to be editor of a Japanese publication, she recognizes the value in exposure to different cultures. Not only does Kaba notice a difference between her culture and black Americans, but also among other Asian exchange students. Many international students face an imposed racial identity upon arriving at schools in the United States. This can cause confusion and isolation when combined with language and cultural differences. As she walks the roads of Spelman, Kaba notices that people often stare at her. Although it bothered her initially, she recognizes that this is what she signed up for, to be different. Kaba’s experience at Spelman has exposed her to a side of the United States that many exchange students will not see, the experience of a historically
Photo courtesy: BluePrint Staff
By: Serena Hughley
black women’s college. One of her favorite things about Spelman are the classroom discussions, whereas classes in Japan are more lecture based and less interactive. Kaba has noticed a distinct difference from media and Japanese portrayal of black people, versus the women she’s met at Spelman. At home, black people are portrayed as scary.
An Apple Amongst the Peaches:
Domestic Exchange Student Initial Reflection
Pictured: Sarah Lawrence College Photo courtesy: Sarah Lawrence College
By: Alisha Brabham
When I decided to apply to Spelman College for a domestic exchange program, a nostalgic feeling of escapism overtook me. After attending an all girls Catholic high school, I applied to Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, N.Y., where individuality isn’t just welcomed but encouraged. The college proved so idiosyncratic that the school has no majors. Have an interest in neurobiology and
Shakespearean play structure? Fear not, succeed in the classes that interest you and you’ll still graduate at the end. However, the introverted personalities of students and the lack of black professors had me yearning for more. I applied to Spelman out of need for collaboration and community. And it didn’t hurt that I would be going to the ‘black capital’ while developing as a screenwriter.
I came here with surface research of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) life — fraternities, white dresses, Miss Spelman and fried chicken Wednesday were the only parts of the AUC I knew. What good is wasting time with a trailer when you can just watch the movie? Sarah Lawrence doesn’t count presentation until the end. On the other hand, Spelman focuses on presentation throughout. Don’t cut corners — not
However, the kindness and sincerity of students quickly disproved these perceptions. The demeanors, foods and hairstyles within the Spelman community also vary greatly from the stereotypes. Kaba has come to enjoy the variance in hairstyles and difference in fashions. If you feel your Spelman journey is unique, email bpexecutiveeditors@gmail. com for a possible interview!
even when it comes to landscape. Spelman students and alumnae are filled with confidence and intelligence unmatched. There’s joy in seeing people excel here and support their friends. The teaching styles at Spelman differ as well. My professors at Spelman base whether I know the information off a test that everyone takes. At Sarah Lawrence, a professor would talk to me about my 20 page conference paper and progress in the course in a more casual setting over coffee. Both campuses share a love for activism. At Sarah Lawrence, buses would take students to marches and rallies. The campus was in constant discussion, presenting perspectives I normally wouldn’t hear. Luckily, I’ve found outlets at Spelman to engage in similar conversations. Twenty years old with half of my undergraduate career in the bag, I see how college can build character. My style in screenwriting is understood by my black professors, something I wasn’t getting at Sarah Lawrence. Being here, I’ve been able to build my foundation of film — where Ava Duvernay and Spike Lee are used as the examples. Combining the individualism pushed at Sarah Lawrence and the collaboration at Spelman, I don’t think I could receive a better education.
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HEALTH & Wellness Focus on You:
Addressing Mental Health By: Deborah L. Wallace
Knowledge of mental health related issues can allow students to recognize symptoms within themselves and others, and allow them to seek help before the problem becomes unbearable. The BluePrint conducted an informal survey among Spelman
Photo courtesy: MJ Celebrity Magazine
As college students, balancing social, work and school life can be difficult. The Atlanta University Center (AUC) acts as a refuge for many; with the school year starting back up, it is important to bring awareness to the mental health of college students.
students, and from our sample we discovered one out of every 15 women currently or has suffered with some form of anxiety or depression. The stigma surrounding mental health continues to remain a significant problem within the black community. In a report, “Mental Illness Stigma Intervention in African Americans: Examining Two Delivery Methods” discusses how the stigma of mental health leads many people to avoid their symptoms.
New Admissions Policy:
Acceptance of Transgender Students
(continued)
...continued from page 1 male while a student at Spelman, the College will permit that student to … graduate from Spelman.” This new policy is a year in the making and the result of the combined efforts from selected staff, faculty, alumnae and students. This group – often referred to as the College’s transgender task force – put forth recommendations to President Mary Schmidt Campbell and the Board of Trustees. The school also did a public poll to current students and alumnae to gather feedback.
Alisha Brabham is a junior domestic exchange student at Spelman from Sarah Lawrence College. She notices that the conversation centered on transgender students differs from those at Sarah Lawrence, another liberal arts women’s college. “I think [transgender rights are] in constant communication … the whole college is engaged in transgender rights. Transgender isn’t looked at as binary, as I think it is here … even [the new admissions policy] stated you must identify as a trans woman, whereas at Sarah Lawrence gender is digested as a spectrum.
Under President Campbell, traditions and customs of Spelman have been adjusted to create a more gender inclusive campus. Beginning in 2015, the traditional white dress ceremony was altered to allow students to wear pants. Resident advisors (RAs) are also being trained to be more inclusive and use gender neutral pronouns. Kourtney Johnson, a junior RA for Learning Living Center I (LLC), said that during summer training sessions, she was told to refer to residents as siblings instead of sisters. There is no uniform policy for transgender students at women’s colleges. This year Bennett College, the only other all women HBCU, released a similar policy to Spelman. The main difference is if a student decides to self-identify as a male, they can no longer attend the college. The school
In Lottie L. Joiner’s book “Black May Not Crack, but We’re Aging Faster Inside,” she discusses that while black women age gracefully, their insides — internal organs, brain cells, heart, blood vessels — tend to age at a faster rate due to continuous stress. Makeba Reed-Johnson, fitness coordinator and self-care consultant at the Spelman College Wellness Center, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She believes it’s important to not constantly pour yourself into organizations, friendships and community service without taking time to take care of yourself. “[It’s] critical for women of color to have self-care protocols: list of things you do for your self-care and mental-care everyday, once a week, and every month and that you continue to check them off.” Some symptoms of the top mental health conditions are: • feelings of worthlessness, guilt or helplessness • loss of interest in hobbies and activities • decreased energy or feeling of fatigue; difficulty concentrating, remembering or making a decision • insomnia or oversleeping; loss of appetite and weight loss or increase in appetite and weight gain • thoughts of death or suicide • restlessness or irritability It’s important to seek help if these symptoms occur. Spelman has free counseling services in MacVicar Hall Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
is also committed to continued use of “female pronouns and the language of sisterhood,” which the school believes contributes to their mission. Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia recognizes and accepts “individuals across the spectrum of gender.” On Oct. 13, the Transgender Admissions and Enrollment Implementation Group, in conjunction with several student organizations, hosted a town hall meeting to provide information about the policy. The new admissions and enrollment program will begin in the 2018-2019 academic year. The BluePrint will continue to give updates on this new policy. In the next issue, we will have an interview from the dean of students, Fran’Cee Brown-McClure.
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The BluePrint
ARTS & Entertainment Women of Funk
Photo courtesy: Jordan Rogers
When asked about Morehouse College’s House of Funk marching band, Jazmine Freeman, a junior at Spelman College and captain of Mahogany-N-Motion said,“I adore how House of Funk allows both men and women to coexist in a male dominated arena. We get the chance to share our own interpretations of music through our bodies as dancers.” Thirty-two women contribute to the House of Funk marching band through instrumentals, the Mahogany-N-Motion dance team and the Maroon Mystique flag girls. While the women contribute to the House of Funk, they do not receive scholarships for their talents. Band members believe if Spelman students took more control of more higher-level positions, there could be changes in the band. “Because men are the majority of the band, the men hold higher positions. The women in the band should start running for positions of power, such as band council or drum major. The men will have more respect for the [women] in the band if we start taking control of what we want to change,” said Alesha Westbrook, a junior at Spelman and co-captain of Maroon Mystique. Even now, there is still a need for more women in the band. The band is looking for more members to re-start the Dazzling Diamonds, the drum majorettes group that has been inactive for five years.
Pictured: Jazmine Freeman Photo courtesy: Jordan Rogers
By: Brisha Jones
Dianna Sanders, a third-year band member of the trombone section says, “I believe girls should join the
band to not only help us to get scholarships for women, but also to help us get the Spelhouse community closer to
one another.” Support the House of Funk this semester during football games.
instinct to crush those among us whose brokenness is most visible,” writes Stevenson. Ashlea Brown, a junior English major at Spelman College, attended a special “Crown Heights” screening. “It is good that they highlighted
his story to show him as an example of people that are in prison due to similar situations like this,” said Brown. To learn more about Warner’s story, you can purchase “Crown Heights” on Amazon.
Pictured: Colin Warner’s mugshot; left is Colin Warner, right is LaKeith Stanfield portraying Warner in the film Photo courtesy: Mefeater
Justice Decades Late: “Crown Heights” Movie By: Naomi Steplight
“Crown Heights,” is a drama that explores the American prison system. The film tells the true story of Colin Warner, an 18-year-old falsely accused of murder who spent 21 years in prison. In 1980, Warner was picked up by police when a witness identified him as the shooter in a murder case in Brooklyn. Warner was arrested, despite being in another part of town during the time of the shooting. Unfortunately, Warner’s story is not unique. It’s no secret that black people, especially black men, are thought of as targets for police officers. Michelle Alexander, a civil rights
advocate and author of “The New Jim Crow,” writes that “courts emphasized that granting police the freedom to stop, interrogate and search anyone who consented would likely lead to racial and ethnic discrimination. Young black men would be the likely targets.” Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer and social activist who will be at Spelman College Nov. 2 for a special convocation. In his book “Just Mercy,” he writes how the American prison system targets people of color in with a lower socioeconomic status. “We’ve submitted to the harsh
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Cardi B:
The Rise of a Money Movin’ Artist By: Natalie Washington
As she raps “Say I don’t gotta dance, I make money move,” Belcalis Almanzar, better know as Cardi B, is moving a lot more than money. On Sept. 16, Cardi B became the second female rapper to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 without a feature. The last woman rapper to reach this was Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998. It’s hard to escape “Bodak Yellow.” Artists like SZA and Janet Jackson are featuring “Bodak Yellow” at their
concerts. Cardi B even had Beyoncé and Jay-Z bobbing their heads to the money moves tune when she performed at the 2017 Made in America Festival. Cardi’s story has been one of ups and downs. At 19 she began stripping to escape an abusive relationship and fund her way through college. But Cardi was always focused on the music, and wanted more than dancing. Through her Instagram and Vine, she posted videos of her daily life. She attracted the eyes of “Love and Hip-Hop: New York” producers and landed a role on the show for seasons six and seven. She decided not to return to the reality television show to pursue her music career. Last year on Instagram Live, she told fans “everything takes time… only great things sell.” Fast forward to now, the “Bodak Yellow” music video has reached over 147 million views on Youtube. In an interview with “The Breakfast
Photo courtesy: Natalia Mantini for Complex magazine
ARTS & Entertainment
Club,” Cardi explains “I’m competing with myself. I’m competing with the number two record and stuff.” Cardi also hinted
towards dropping a song in October, as her fans wait for the album’s release.
Fenty Beauty is Rihanna’s debut to the cosmetic industry. On Sept. 8, Fenty Beauty was released and within a couple of hours some foundations were sold out. But what makes Fenty Beauty so different from other makeup collections by celebrities? Seeing a void in the makeup industry, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty. The singer told Vogue that “The first woman I saw put makeup on her face was a black woman — my mom — and then I think of my customers, I want everyone to feel like they can find their color, that they are represented as part of this new generation.” With 40 foundation shades, people are now finding makeup that matches
their skin tone, including Krystal Robertson, an albino nurse from Mississippi pictured on the left. After the launch of Fenty Beauty, makeup brands began to market their darker shades on their websites and Instagram pages. The notion that makeup companies will not make money off of darker foundation tones is now being questioned. Companies like Estee Lauder, KKW Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics have begun to amend their marketing strategies so that their darker shades are revealed. Got any makeup hacks or beauty advice? Tag us on Instagram at TheSpelmanBP for a shoutout!
Rihanna Launches Fenty Beauty
Pictured: Krystal Robinson finds a skin tone match with Fenty Beauty products. Photo courtesy: Krystal Robinson instagram
Pictured: Rihanna with her Fenty Beauty products at Sephora. Photo courtesy: Krystal Robinson instagram
By: Ayana Marie Davenport
10 Sept/Oct 2017 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
ARTS & Entertainment Are Eyebrows Cancelled? Photo courtesy: Sheen Magazine
By: Ayana Marie Davenport
Braided eyebrows, squiggle eyebrows and even eyebrows with chains are leaving social media in a frenzy. These bizarre Instagram trends have gone viral and are questioning everything we know about eyebrows.
For the past few years, but are squiggle eyebrows the new thing? This new squiggle brow trend involves taking an eyebrow pencil and creating a wave above and under the brow. Then, you must blend them in
with an eyebrow brush and shape them with concealer. With just the search of the hashtag #squigglebrows, it can be seen that these weird trendy brows have been done by girls everywhere. Snapchat has even created a filter dedicated to this confusing new craze.
CURRENT EVENTS Natural Disasters around the Globe
Catastrophic hurricanes, floods and storms have pervaded across the United States within the last couple of months, yet hurricane season has not reached its pinnacle. In addition, droughts and fires have been raging across North America and the world, resulting in wildfires and poor harvesting. Hurricane Harvey made landfall on Aug. 25 near Rockport, Texas, with winds surpassing 100 mph. Harvey dropped to a tropical storm and stalled over Houston and surrounding towns for four days, leaving over 70 percent of the area with 30-40 inches of rainfall, causing extreme flood damage. The devastation of Harvey left 60 dead and thousands of people displaced without homes. Many neighborhoods in Houston and areas outside the city are still flooded with water. The estimated cost of damage is around $160 billion. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Caribbean as a Category 5 hurricane with
winds of 185 mph, causing catastrophic damage to many of the islands in the Caribbean, leaving 44 people dead and thousands displaced due to over 90 percent of land being destroyed. According to BBC, the French part of Saint Maarten was left with 95 percent of houses destroyed and 60 percent of the island uninhabitable. Irma caused a massive power outage throughout the islands of Cuba and Turks and Caicos. Hurricane Maria made landfall to the US Virgin Islands, Dominica and the Dominican Republic on Sept. 22 and severely impacted the island and United States territory of Puerto Rico. As of now, the majority of the island does not have cellular service and is without power, causing panic for many residents with family in the US. Aid containing food, water and generators have been coming to the islands. Irma has left over 50 people dead (a number expected to climb significantly) and has left what, according to CNN,
Pictured: Wildfire running through forest is Oregon Photo courtesy: The Mercury News
Pictured: Hurricane Maria aftermath in Puerto Rico Photo courtesy: New York Magazine
By: Kristin Burns
Puerto Rico officials call “apocalyptic” damage to the island. Criticized for his lack of aide to Puerto Rico, Trump claims the state’s infrastructure and economy was damaged before the storm. His response is unprecedented, but not unusual behavior from Trump. On Oct. 12 he tweeted that aid can’t stay in the state “forever.” Many believe his response to Puerto Rico, which was not seen in other states, is because Puerto Rico is largely people of color. Wildfires spread across the state of Oregon through the months of August and September, and spread across the state of California during the second week of October. Each raging over tens of thousands of acres, causing mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents and governors calling for states of emergency in multiple counties. Many campsites, hiking trails, parks and highways in Oregon will be closed until 2018 as a result of the wildfires. Some parks and forests were damaged so severely, they may remain closed for years. In October, Californian fires killed up to 40 people with hundreds missing in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Montana and North Dakota are also experiencing extreme drought. As a
result, Montana is dealing with wildfires that have burned more than million acres of land. In a statement to The Guardian, Adnan Akyuz, the state climatologist for North Dakota, asserts that the months of March through July were some of the driest months the state has experienced since 1895. Severe natural disasters are happening all around the globe. Disastrous flooding hit Nigeria and Bangladesh and resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. For the past three years, Somaliland has been suffering from a drought, with this year being the worst. Mexico City, Mexico and Oaxaca, Mexico were both hit with severe earthquakes in September, resulting in a death toll of over 300, but the number is expected to rise in the coming weeks. Over 30 buildings collapsed and entrapped civilians who have since been rescued. People are speculating that these natural disasters are an effect of climate change. In a statement to The Guardian, Michael Mann, a climate scientist at Pennsylvania State University, affirms that disasters like Harvey aren’t a result of climate change, but the severity of these disasters can be linked to global warming.