t n i r
P e u l B
t h g li t o p S n a m l e p S A
e h T
: n io t c u d o Pr
a r lF a u t c e l l nte
r e k n i h t e re F e e f i h t sL u r o mp f a rk dC n o a t w n me me
I
nt e r ur C s, n o cti e l E m r dte i g M n i r e v Co
Vol. 6, No. 1
ts r ,A s t en Ev
in a t ter n &E
Fall 2018
2 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
CAMPUS LIFE A Look at What’s Inside:
Changing the Narrative:
The 35th Miss Spelman and Her Court By: Anu Adebowale
Pictured (from left to right): First attendant, Amber Hunter; Miss Spelman, Eva Dickerson; Second attendant, Jessika Dickerson
What’s for Lunch? p.3 Spelmanites CAN Go Global p.3 830 Westview Drive, Look Alive p.4 Roll Bounce Meets Spelhouse p.4 More than the Money p.5 Sweat It Out in the Wellness Center p.5 A New Era p.7 The Stolen Georgia Election p.8 When We ALL Vote p.8 Voting for Glory p.8 Celebrity Influence on Politics p.9 Undaunted by the Fight p.10 Tayari Jones Presents “An American Marriage” p.10
This year’s Miss Spelman and Her Court are using their platform to break down the previous misconceptions that came along with their positions, serve as a resource for their fellow Spelman sisters and stress that you don’t have to be perfect to be a Spelmanite. The 35th Miss Spelman and Her Court gave the BluePrint an exclusive look on how they intend to transform the atmosphere of the college. Eva Dickerson, the current Miss Spelman, is a self described “openly queer individual who rides a bike and doesn’t have perfect skin.” “[Before coming to Spelman] I
Black Girl Magic Takes Over the Tech World p.11 Swelling with Pride p.11 Building a Brand p.12 Spelman College Welcomes the Dark Lioness p.13 From the Black Box to the Small Screen p.13 Inside the Spelman Women Hip Hop Collective p.13 The AUC Resurgence Collective p.14 The Hate U Give p.14
had a sense of self, but it was one I was extremely critical of. I didn’t know how I planned to change the world. I was just a very confused bundle of energy, but Spelman helped me focus that energy. Spelman taught me how to use this new found sense of self to make a positive impact for other people,” Dickerson said. The Atlanta native plans to take what she’s learned about activism and individualism from Spelman, and channel that into her platform. “The Choice” focuses on channeling student energy into making active community changes -- not in the future, but right now.
“Spelmanites don’t ask for permission to change the world and they shouldn’t have to.” The attendants on the Court echo Dickerson’s authenticity. Amber Hunter, a senior political science major from San Diego, digs into some of the hidden struggles of Spelman students. The first attendant to Miss Spelman often felt out of place at school. While the stereotype of Spelmanites is coming from money, she didn’t have the same luxury. The pressures of being perfect took a toll on Hunter her first years at Spelman. “I remember feeling so lost at Spelman because I didn’t feel I was as smart as my Spelman sisters; I didn’t have internships after my freshman year… I didn’t feel as though I had it together,” Hunter said. As a reflection of her growth, she champions pouring into her fellow Spelman sisters just as others did for her. Hunter’s platform L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, Development) is based around the leaders at Spelman giving back to underclassmen. Her platform will host a series of events geared towards helping underclassmen grow holistically—physically, emotionally and academically. Second attendant, Jessika Dickerson, a senior economics major from northern Virginia. As a student who previously dealt with economic challenges, Dickerson developed her Platform F.L.A.M.E. (Financial Literacy
continued on page 4...
THE BLUEPRINT:
Want to Advertise in The BluePrint?
A SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT P U B L I C AT I O N
If you are interested in advertising, please email bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com or the Office of Student Life and Engagement (404) 270-5139.
ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT: Chief Editors Co Editor-in-Chiefs: Ashlea Brown & Tyler Stephens Managing Editor: Kristin Burns Copy Editor: Shala Murray
Advisors Keena M. McClendon Sylvia Maddox
Contact Us Email: bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com Website: https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Instagram: TheSpelmanBP Twitter: @TheSpelmanBP
Advertisement with BluePrint Email bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com
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.
Thanks to all of our contributing staff and featured writers.
Graphic Design provided by Ashley Eberhardt & Printing provided by Greater Georgia Printers Rely on us for ALL YOUR printing needs!
www.GeorgiaPrinters.com
For college students living off campus, having money for healthy and daily meals is no https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Fall 2018 3 The BluePrint an option. In 2018, the HOPE lab released a new report that 36 percent of students at colleges and universities had “low” or “very low” food security. This often leads to a l productivity for students, and can sometimes lead to a lack of retention.
CAMPUS LIFE What’s for Lunch? meal assistance, students must live offcampus and be Pell Grant eligible. Those eligible will receive 20 meals a semester. Commuters voiced some concerns when asked about food options. Niaya Boyce, a junior, stated “the days I’m at Spelman the longest, I just kind of need something quick... what would help more is if I had dining dollars, as opposed to swipes in the cafe.” “The amount of swipes commuters get should at least be a meal a day… 20 meals a semester won’t do much for those who really need it,” said junior, Anah Sinkfield. For concerns, students can address Letitia DeNard, coordinator of the Office of Student Life and Engagement. She says her “... office is open and you don’t have to make an appointment to see me” if students want to discuss food options.
Spelman commuters are voicing concerns about meal inconsistencies both on and off campus. Last year, Spelman attempted to correct food insecurity after students from the National Action Network began a hunger strike to raise concerns of the food options for commuter students. Food insecurity refers to a lack of reliable, healthy and sufficient access to food. To address these concerns, the college allowed the dining halls to open its doors to commuters who were experiencing hunger, and allowed students to utilize unused student meal exchanges. However, students received an email about the criteria required to eat in Spelman’s dining hall on Aug. 16. Spelman “exceeded our allotted amount [of 7,000 meals] and used a total of 10,000 meals.” Now in order to receive
Pictured: Spelman College Suites dining hall
By: Natalie Washington
Caption: Spelman College Suites dining hall Pantry for a meal package or apply for “I have snacks, and more. Vending food stamps. machines, and such, aren’t nutritional. For college students living off There are other options,” says DeNard. campus, having money for healthy and The options that the school directly daily meals is not always an option. offers are limited. Outside of DeNard In 2018, the HOPE lab released a new offering meal prepping advice or her report that 36 percent of students at four weekly Thursday “Lunch and Listen” year colleges and universities had “low” workshops (which have a capacity of 25 or “very low” food security. This often students), students must seek outside leads to a lack of productivity for students, resources to secure food. and can sometimes lead to a lack DeNard suggested that commuters of retention. load money on their ID cards to use around campus, register at Mimi’s
Spelmanites CAN Go Global By: Nzingha Florence and Kennedy Hamilton
ctured: Spelman students in Ecuador.
For many students, finances play a large part in deciding to study abroad. Karen Clay, Assistant Director for Study Abroad, shared that, “Spelman students
should take advantage of the financial aid and scholarships geared towards study abroad programs to make the costs less expensive.”
Pictured: Spelman students in Ecuador Photo courtesy: Anastasia Valecce
Many students are interested in studying abroad during college, and Spelman College offers students several opportunities to do so.
Scholarships, such as The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, are available to undergraduate students who may not have the financial means to travel abroad and can provide up to $5,000. Students can choose to study abroad in the fall or spring semesters as well as over the summer. There are also faculty led trips and a two-week program with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Taylor Janet Brown, a sophomore, had an opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador for a five-week program during the summer of 2018. Brown took Conversational Spanish and Advanced Grammar classes at Amauta Spanish School in Cuenca, Ecuador. She traveled with a group of 15 Spelman students, took cultural classes learned how to salsa dance and toured the country. Studying abroad can also be a great time to connect with others -whether it’s with fellow students or networrking with schools. Additionally, it is an opportunity to be exposed to different foods, histories, music and even iconic landscapes. “Studying abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone, gives you experience cross-culturally, and gives you the ability to appreciate differences and diversity,” said Clay. Visit the Study Abroad Office in the Milligan Building to learn more about studying abroad and the many helpful scholarships for the programs.
4 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
CAMPUS LIFE 830 Westview Drive, Look Alive
Pictured: D. Adams (@mr_dadams)
By: Caitlin Mobley
Miss Dubois. Miss RHA. Miss Black and Gold. Miss Maroon and White. Miss National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame. Despite the many crowns she wears, Anta Njie remains adamant and unapologetic in who she is. Hailing from the southside of Chicago, Njie attributes her success to her upbringing. “I’m so gracious for how my parents have raised me and the things they instilled in me,” she says. Although she has won all five of the pageants she has entered, she had never done a pageant before coming to the Atlanta University Center (AUC). “[Pageants are] not a thing up north. So it was really interesting when I came here and like that was something that I was really like, good at. I cannot explain
it,” Njie says. But her pageant wins have not come without a cost. Being held to a high standard in all of her pageants pushed Njie to be the best version of herself, even when times were rough and the competition was stiff. “Doing Miss Dubois did prepare me for every other pageant I did. It threw me in the fire of the pageant world in the AUC. Having to be on stage, you’re putting yourself out there on front street, for everybody to have an opinion and you don’t know if they’re going to say something good or if they’re going to say something bad,” said Njie. “You have to develop a layer of skin where whatever comes out, slides right off. Because without knowledge of myself, some of
these girls would have ate me alive.” Even though she has had success in the AUC, her first few tries at oncampus activities were not triumphant. At Spelman, specifically, she felt overlooked, but found solace in welcoming attitudes of Morehouse. “I really wasn’t having that good of a time on Spelman’s campus as far as campus involvement. And it wasn’t because I wasn’t putting myself out there; I was. But I was just consistently being faced with rejection said Njie. “And as a freshman coming from the southside, there were a lot of things about me that weren’t sculpted ‘cause I wasn’t gonna do it.” Njie found her way in the AUC as a pageant woman dedicated to service. Her commitment to herself and her community are admirable, as she balances them with poise, but without losing sight of herself. “Be real considerate of yourself, you can do anything,” says Njie.
Roll Bounce Meets Spelhouse On Sept. 14, a video of three Morehouse men roller skating in the parking garage of Morehouse College received 20.4 thousand views, 115 retweets and 360 likes on Twitter. The video resembled the 2005 coming of age movie “Roll Bounce,” that showed a group of young teenage boys expressing themselves through roller skating. The three men featured in the video are part of the Young Black Folks Krew (YBF Krew), a rollerskating group of six members that was founded and led by Troy Jones and Thomas Hammond. The roller skaters have gained media coverage through Instagram, with the videos on Jones’ page receiving nearly 500 views. Jones is a junior, biology major at Morehouse. He began to skate in Morehouse’s parking garage
after he met Hammond during his first year of college. “My father first started teaching me to roller skate when I was in the seventh or eighth grade. However, I didn’t start getting into skating until my senior year of high school,” said Jones. “I would say we are friends that skate together for fun. When we are on skates we are bonding more than anything as a family,” said Hammond. Hammond, a junior business management major at Morehouse, shared that his interest in roller skating began three years ago when he witnessed others dancing and skating. Hammond started skating in Morehouse’s parking As far as YBF Gonzalez Krew’s future goals, garage as a first year student. Photographer :Nykara Jones shared, “In the future I suppose “I have fell in love with the fact goal would be to share with the world that I can express myself on skates,” Bottomour four. something we love to do, in hopes to said Hammond. Marcus mosiah Smith
Adam Thomas coming from school, respectability politics and the expectation of perfection. Anthony Felder However, Dickerson believes Kirk Wellington that the 2018 court is unique in being their authentic selves, and showing transparency with campus wide issues. “We pride ourselves on pushing Leaders in the back standing: the boundaries. Traditionally, this systematic oppression within role is seen as glitz and glam within Troy Jones black communities. a glass casing that is very difficult Representing Spelman can come to Hammond touch, difficult to speak with and Thomas with some difficulties. Their positions can extremely difficult to see through. We’ve be overwhelming, with major pressures
Changing the Narrative:
The 35th Miss Spelman and Court
(continued)
...continued from page 4 Aiming Minority Excellence). Dickerson would like to help others understand how generational wealth plays to
Pictured: (bottom four) Marcus Mosiah Smith, Adam Thomas, Anthony Felder & Kirk Wellington (leaders in the back standing) Troy Jones & Thomas Hammond Photo courtesy: Nykara Gonzalez
By: Dariae Willis
inspire others to seize and develop their own passions.”
really worked to break that down,” said Dickerson. All the queens described Spelman as the physical embodiment of hope, survival and growth. They would like to be remembered as being heavily involved, but also being themselves. Dickerson states “impact does not have an expiration date.” They intend to leave a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
The BluePrint
https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Fall 2018
5
CAMPUS LIFE Personal Growth as an RA By: Dalia Kijakazi
From helping the social life of dorms to serving as problem solvers in conflicts, Resident Advisors (RAs) take on the role of being both students and mentors on campus. The BluePrint Staff recently sat down with two Spelman College RAs, Cairo Eaddy and Brittanie Rice, to talk about their experiences being RAs. Eaddy is a senior economics major from Detroit and a RA in the Stewart Living and Learning Center (LLCI). Rice is a sophomore computer science major from St. Louis and is a RA in Dorothy Shepard Manley Hall. Is being an RA a general or financial interest? Rice: It is a general interest because because there is so much planning that goes into events, decorations and helping residents with any issue they may have. I choose to be an RA because I like helping others. Eaddy: It is a general interest because of my first-year experience. I lived in supplemental housing, and had a hard time adjusting to campus. However, I had a cool RA who helped me become accustomed to the way of life at Spelman, so I want to do the same for others. Is it difficult to balance school and being an RA? Eaddy: No, I don’t think being an RA gets in the way of me being a good student. Being an RA has taught me how to manage my time wisely because my schedule is so busy. Rice: No, being an RA actually helps me stay on top of my school work and prevents me from procrastinating. Because it is such a huge time commitment it pushes me to complete my work as soon as I receive it because I do not know when I will have free time. Do you feel you have sacrificed to be an RA? Eaddy: Absolutley, I think sometimes when you’re an RA you sacrifice your privacy if you want to have close relationships with your residents and some of your free time.
Sweat It Out in the Wellness Center By: Nzingha Florence
From hopping on the treadmill to swimming laps in the pool, Spelman College students have ways to get fit at the campus Wellness Center. In November of 2012, Spelman College
transformed Read Hall into a new and improved Wellness Center, which includes a basketball court, heated pool, indoor track, treadmills and bicycles, weight lifting materials and multipurpose rooms.
Do you find it difficult to manage students in your age group? Eaddy: No, because leadership has always been one of my strong suits. I think leadership is knowing how to lead in any space regardless of that person’s age and I always try to be relatable and never domineering. Being a leader in an RA role has helped me hone my leadership skills. Rice: I think in all roles you can’t just expect to receive respect because of your title. It is difficult sometimes because I am a peer and my freshman residents are still learning, however, it’s also setting me up for the real world by teaching me how to navigate those spaces. In what ways has being an RA benefited you? Eaddy: I have learned my breaking points when it comes to privacy and how to say no to people. I have also learned how to address hard situations and how to approach someone when you don’t know what they are going through. Rice: I think its made me plan things in advance. I used a planner last year, but not consistently. However this year my planner is with me all the time and I write everything down. Being an RA has improved my time management skills and taught me conflict resolution. Would you recommend others be an RA? Eaddy: Yes, of course! If you are up for the challenge its great. Rice: I would recommend others be an RA depending on their personality, time management skills, availability, and willingness to do the job. If your patient and want to help people grow than yes. If you are interested in further information about becoming an RA, the next information session will be Friday, Jan. 18th in LLC2 Auditorium at 3:00 p.m.
More students are taking advantage of this facility and falling into a rhythm of weekly work out plans. The multi-million dollar gym is symbolic of a push for black women’s health. With black women facing the highest rate at obesity of 56.6 percent, according to getfitamerica.org, it is important that time is made for yourself and your health. The Wellness Center tries to combat these problems, and provides a range
Photo courtesy: brasfieldgorrie.com
More than the Money:
One of the biggest sacrifices is time during the summer because RA’s are required to return to campus early to prepare for residents. Rice: Yes, I did not realize that I had made sacrifices when I first got the job, but now that I think about it I sacrificed the tailend of my summer because I had to come here [Spelman College] two to three weeks earlier than everybody else. Also it is a big time commitment creating programs and having meetings with the residents.
of classes for students. From sound therapy and guided meditation to the class Black Girls Box, there’s something for everyone at the Center. The Wellness Center creates a motivational atmosphere with today’s music playing through the speakers. Some of the workout equipment contains built-in touch screens for students to listen to music, go on social media, play games, or watch their favorite TV shows while working out “I encourage other Spelman students to use the to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Brooke Taylor, a first year student that visits the center at least five times a week. “However, it’s something that you really have to be dedicated to for yourself, and see the purpose behind it in order to follow through with a consistent schedule.” The Wellness Center additionally offers group fitness classes everyday and personal training sessions during gym hours. To find out more about Spelman’s Wellness Center, visit the Spelman College website under the “About Us” section and @spelmancollegewellness on Instagram.
6 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
The BluePrint
https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Fall 2018
7
MIDTERM ELECTIONS
ra: Women and LGBTQ Historic WinsEra: Women and LGBTQ Historic Wins A New
A New Era: A New Era: Women and LGBTQ Historic Wins
Amber Walton and Kristin Burns By: Amber Walton and Kristin Burns
Women and LGBTQ Historic Wins
ew Era: Women and LGBTQ Historic Wins
didate for governor of Georgia Stacey for Abrams didn’t win their electoral this election season brought a wave ofwin record-breaking historical wins. O’Rourke fromrace, Texas and midterm candidate governor of Georgia Stacey in Abrams didn’t ction season brought in this a wave of record-breaking historical wins. their electoral race, midterm election season brought in a wave of record-breaking historical wins.
29-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York’s 14th congressional district, became the youngest person to be elected into Congress after defeating her opponent Anthony Pappas. Cortez unseated House Democrat Joe Crowley during the primaries earlier this year.
Pictured: All 17 black women who won in Harris County Photo courtesy: CNN
Pictured: Representative-elect Rashida Alaib Photo courtesy: Laul Sancya/AP
Pictured: Governor-elect Jared Polis Photo courtesy: The Denver Channel
Pictured: Representative-elect Ayanna Pressley Photo courtesy: Refinery29
In Harris County, Texas, 17 black women made history by all being elected in judicial positions in the county.
Democrats Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland have become the first Native American women elected to Congress. Davids will represent Kansas, where she will also be the first Congressman to identify as LGBT. Haaland will serve in New Mexico.
Republican Kristi Noem beat her Dempcratic opponent Billie Sutton and was elected to become South Dakota’s first woman governor.
Jared Polis, who served as a Democratic Representative from Colorado, won his race for governor, making him the first openly gay man to become governor.
Pictured: Deb Haaland Photo courtesy: Deb Haaland Twitter
Pictured: Governor-elect Kristi Noem Photo courtesy: USA Today
Pictured: Jahana Hayes Photo courtesy: Washington Post
Democrat Ayanna Pressley became Massachusetts first black woman elected to Congress and Democrat Jahana Hayes earned the same title for the state of Connecticut.
Pictured: Sharive Davids Photo courtesy: Elite Daily
Pictured: Ilhan Omar Photo courtesy: ABC News
In Michigan, Rashida Tlaib (D) and Ilhan Omar (D), became the first Muslim women elected into Congress, with Omar also being the first Somali-American elected into Congress.
Pictured: Representative-elect Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez Photo courtesy: CNBC
By: Amber Walton and Kristin Burns
On Nov. 6, all 435By: seats in the House Representative were up for reelection, as well as Amber Walton and Kristin Burns eBy: of Representative were up forBurns reelection, asofwell as Amber Walton and Kristin one-third Senate. While somenominee Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Democratic hopefuls such as U.S. Betohopefuls On Nov. 6,ofallthe 435 seats in theSenate House of Representative were such up forasreelection, as well as Beto On Nov. 6, all 435 seats in the House of Representative were up for reelection, as well O’Rourke from Texas and candidate governor of GeorgiaasStacey Abrams didn’t win their eHouse for governor ofofof Georgia Stacey Abrams win theSenate. Senate. While some Democratic hopefuls ofone-third Representative were up reelection, asfor well as their as one-third the At for the state level, didn’t multiple governor and localsuch electionsU.S. Senate nominee Beto electoral race, this midterm election season brought innominee a wave of record-breaking historical some Democratic hopefuls such as U.S. Senate nominee O’Rourke from Texas and candidate for governor ofwins. Georgia Stacey Abrams didn’t win their wins. season brought in aWhile wave ofDemocratic record-breaking historical occured as well. some hopefuls such asBeto U.S. Senate Beto
8 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
MIDTERM ELECTIONS The Stolen Georgia Election “Concession means to acknowledge an action is right, true or proper. As a woman of conscience and faith, I cannot concede. But my assessment is that the law currently allows no further viable remedy,” said Stacey Abrams in her final candidate speech for governor, after losing the election to Secretary of State Brian Kemp on Nov. 16, 2018. As best said by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, during the governor’s race “the eyes of the world [were] on Georgia.” The Georgia gubernatorial race was symbolic of conflicting ideologies and principles within the American political system. Abrams, our Spelman sister from class of 1995, is symbolic of the changing face of the country, and the driving force of women running for office. On the same coin, the election of Brian Kemp symbolizes everything wrong with our country. Brian Kemp is actively working to discredit the rights of minority citizens in Georgia and will cater his governorship to a select few. As secretary of state, Kemp purged 1.5 million citizens from the electorate with strict election laws. In a single night during July 2017, Kemp removed 500,000 voters from the electorate citing the exact match law, which requires registration to match government records exactly. A missing letter or change of address from moving could result in revoked registration. In other words, Kemp cheated his way into office by denying
basic rights to the people he wanted to govern. At Morehouse College’s 2013 commencement speech, President Barack Obama said “as an African American, you have to work twice as hard as anyone else if you want to get by.” And maybe that’s the most frustrating part of the governor’s election – even when we play by the rules and are the most qualified candidate on the stage, it’s still not enough. Frankly, Abrams’ leadership in Georgia was unmatched. She cosponsored legislation to reduce taxes on affordable-housing construction and saved universal preschool for four-year-olds. These are just a few of Abrams’ accomplishments. Abrams has served on the front lines of fighting for equality. The Georgia election had an historic turnout of 3.9 million votes cast, with some waiting hours in line to vote. We showed up. But in a way, it didn’t matter. At Abrams’ election night rally, Congressman John Lewis asserted that “the vote is still the most powerful nonviolent instrument.” Lewis, a civil rights activist who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid the bloody price for voting rights when marching across the bridge of Selma, AL in 1965. However, recent elections call into question the weight of a vote against the established forces of the state.
When We ALL Vote By: Ashlea Brown and Kristin Burns
On Sept. 27, the new nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization WHEN WE ALL VOTE held a rally at Spelman College to speak to the Atlanta University Center (AUC) students about the significance of young people voting. Speakers included singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe and CNN political commentator and attorney, Angela Rye. Monáe discussed women’s rights and immigration. “Let me be clear, women’s rights are human rights… we need men showing up, we need gender fluid people showing up,” she emphasized, “It doesn’t matter where you are from, what you identify as, there’s a lot on the table for humanity.” She noted the state of gun reform and immigration is on the table and
addressed the need to help those people coming in the country to make a better life for themselves. As she closed her speech, she left the audience with statistics including that there was a seven percent drop in black votes from 2012 to 2016. “Imagine if that seven percent showed up…it’s real, I mean history has shown what happens when we don’t show up. So even if you don’t believe that the system is working for you, vote for those who do believe,” said Monáe. “I believe we can turn this country into a place that works for all of us and not just some of us.” Before Monáe took to the stage, Rye opened the rally by
continued on page 9...
Photo courtesy: Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images
Opinion By: Tyler Stephens
It’s easy to be pessimistic. But some good came from the election. Abrams stood her ground and ran an honorable campaign. The fight for every vote and making sure every Georgian was heard, is not something to dismiss. Her passion for the state and willingness to battle all the forces going against
her was inspiring. The first black woman to run for governor in any state, my Spelman sister blazed a path for future leaders. I know this will not be the last time we hear the name Stacey Abrams.
Voting for Glory:
The BluePrint Exclusive with John Legend By: Shala Murray
On Oct. 2, singer and songwriter John Legend was welcomed by Morehouse College’s Student Government Association in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel for a conversation about the importance of voter registration and criminal justice reform. The BluePrint had the opportunity to ask Legend about his own journey and passion for social justice. BP: James Baldwin once said, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in rage almost all the time.” As we know, it’s important to be actively aware and knowledgeable as a citizen, especially being black, in the world. With this knowledge and consciousness, often
comes anger and rage, as Baldwin said. How do you personally stay motivated to rally, campaign and advocate for reform and social justice despite the anger? JL: I think anger is good. Sometimes it’s a motivator and makes you wanna work hard. It makes you wanna avoid the things that cause your anger in the first place, like selecting Trump. We wanna avoid that happening again. But we also want to make sure we channel that anger into positive activity. To me, I’ve channeled my anger into making sure we fight in these local and state elections around the country and elect representatives that can hold Trump
continued on page 9...
The BluePrint
https://issuu.com/spelmanbp Fall 2018
9
MIDTERM ELECTIONS WeVoting All Vote,for WeGlory: All Win: TheBluePrint BluePrintExclusive Exclusivewith with John John Legend Legend The
Photo courtesy: Solomon Enders
(continued)
infrastructure, improve the criminal justice system, all these things that have nothing to do with what the President accountable when it comes to the House does are determined right here at the and the Senate. At the state and local state and local level. So we can channel level, we have folks that have a lot of our anger into electing politicians that will power. So, governors in Georgia have a represent us better. They’re not going lot of power. They can expand medicare, Courtesy of Solomon Enders to be perfect. We have to hold them make education more affordable, improve
...continued from page 8
When We ALL Vote 8, singer and songwriter John Legend was welcomed by Morehouse College’s (continued)
ray
Celebrity Influence on Politics
accountable. Even Stacey, we love her. She’s one of us, a Spelman graduate. And so we love her, but we have to hold her accountable too. If we elect her, we have to pay attention to what she does and make sure she does right by her promises that she made to us and does right for the young people that she’s
motivated to go out and vote. BP: Your 2014 song “Glory” with rapper Common was made for the Martin Luther King Jr. movie Selma. During the time of the song, there was a lot of broadcast surrounding police brutality and injustices and it was also pre-Trump era. Do you believe that the world will see that day of glory? JL: Well, I think it’s an aspiration and I think it’s something for us to work towards. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to the point where everyone is treated equally and justly in this country or around the world. But I think it’s something we should be working towards. And all the effort that we put towards it means we can make some progress. And every little bit of progress actually makes a difference in people’s lives. If we can end cash bail, for instance, which is something that’s really legitimately possible around the country. [Then] people aren’t locked up simply because they’re poor. Even before they’ve been convicted of a crime. These are the kinds of things that get us closer to justice, closer to freedom in this country. I know that the idea of a utopia that we all get along and everybody treats each other equally may be a distant vision, but I think we can do tangible things to get us closer to that point.
By: Kennedy Hamilton and Tyler Stephens
In the recent midterm elections, celebrities played a large role in encouraging citizen participation and voting. There are advantages and disadvantages to celebrities choosing to publicly express their political opinions. Some people believe celebrities shouldn’t be allowed to have a role in politics -- especially in the age of social media where they have undeniable influence over millions of people.
Artists Frank Ocean and Travis Scott offered free merchandise and tickets to people who voted, and other entertainers like Beyoncé (who supported Texas Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke) and Tom Hanks posted on social media that they voted, encouraging people to head to the polls. Candidates for office have also begun to see the value of celebrity for campaigns. During her campaign for governor in Georgia, Stacey Abrams
received support from Oprah Winfrey, CNN contributor Angela Rye, singersongwriter John Legend, rapper Ludacris and comedian Will Ferrell. The election of Donald Trump, who was the producer and star of NBC reality show “The Apprentice” has seen the fusion of celebrities and politics. The president’s relationship with celebrities has varied. Trump responds positively to those in favor of his policies. Kanye West was extended a visit to the White House on Oct. 11, 2018 after claiming he was shamed by Saturday Night Live (SNL) for wearing a Make America Great Again hat in support of Donald Trump. However, for those that do not agree with Trump, they are open to attack. Jay-Z, Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Griffin, Rosie O’Donnell, Jimmy Fallon and countless others have been attacked by Trump in interviews and on Twitter for speaking against his policies and conduct. The president’s reaction to celebrity opinions on politics points to the power that entertainers, sports players and other figures have within society.
nment Association and the Radical Administration in Martin Luther ...continued King Jr. from page 8 urging the crowd, to register to Chapel for a conversation about the importance of voter registration, criminal vote and check their registration status. Belton, editor-in-chief of The and the importance of voter registration. The Spelman BluePrint hadDanielle the Root also took the stage, followed by the Government Association (SGA) ask Legend about his own journey and passion for social justice. Student presidents of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. Each student reminded the audience that black people’s right to vote was fought for in the past, and each individual should take advantage of their right to make a positive change in our communities.
Photo courtesy: Patrick Semansky- AP
dwin once said, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to ost all the time”. As we know, it’s important to be actively aware and e as a citizen, especially being black, in the world. With this knowledge and Follow us on often comes anger and rage, as Baldwin said. How do you personally stay Twitter @TheSpelmanBP ally, campaign and advocate for reform and social justice despite the anger?
10 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS Undaunted by the Fight:
yourselves, do not be deterred. Breaking Senator Kamala Harris of California the barrier may at times be painful, but would visit this theme of undaunted it is so worth it. The reason is that you often during her hourlong speech to will be fighting a fight worth having. You students and alumna in Sisters Chapel on will be exercising that choice to change Oct. 26, 2018. By: Tyler Stephens the world, and by doing that you will also The first of many, Harris has learned ensure that the next generation will have the definition of undaunted. Harris a path,” she asserted. was the first woman, black person and The senator, a Howard University person of South Asian descent (her alumna and member of Alpha Kappa mother is Indian) to serve as attorney Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, decided to general of San Francisco. She repeated visit Spelman College after a chat with these firsts when she became attorney Spelman alum and Board of Trustees general of California in 2010. And finally, member Rosalind Brewer. Another in 2013, she became the first Indian undaunted warrior, Brewer is the COO of American and the second black woman Starbucks and former CEO of Sam’s Club. to serve in the Senate. Brewer introduced Harris, telling Being the first often lead Harris to the audience how “[Harris] is a human be the only black woman in the room, and first. She is so deeply personal about with that comes the burden of what many the things that happen to us as African perceive a black woman to be. American women, and it shows so “I want you to know that when you well with everything that she’s done in walk into any room, do not be burdened by her legacy and leadership … she is a someone’s else assumptions of you are. game changer.” Do not be burdened by their perception or Though Harris is the first to do judgement, and don’t let anyone ever tell many things but is determined “not to them who you are -- you tell them who be the last.” She encouraged the next you are,” she advised. generation of black leaders to rise up with But fighting this burden does not this piece of advice: “Being undaunted come easy, and Harris acknowledges 1995) or breaking glass ceilings (like Tayari Jones Presents “An American Referenced in the college’s hymn, Marriage” by the fight means being unburdened that you can’t break barriers without Rosalind Brewer, class of 1984), walking Spelman students pledge themselves to by what has been, and instead knowing getting cut. through the Spelman arch at graduation be “beacons of heavenly light, undaunted By Autumn Harris what can be.” “All that can take a toll, and you signifies walking into the world tasked by the fight” in pursuing justice and may second guess yourself at times with the challenge of leaving it better equality. Whether it be breaking barriers in your career. Do not second guess than before. in politics (like Stacey Abrams, class of Photo courtesy: Spelman College
Senator Kamala Harris’ Visit to Spelman
By: Autumn Harris
First Baptist Decatur traditionally serves as a home for church goers. However, on Sept. 2. the stage transitioned into a think tank for those interested in storytelling, the perils of love and unconventional womanhood by way of Tayari Jones’ fourth novel, “An American Marriage.” About 200 onlookers sat in the pulpits, hanging onto every word that novelist, and Spelman alumna, Jones (C’91) uttered. The Atlantabased writer was interviewed by Pearl Cleage, Jones’ mentor and author. Jones tapped into her writing process, the development of her characters, and answered reader’s brewing questions about her novel. The novel is a love story about a woman whose husband is wrongfully incarcerated. While in pursuit of living her own life, untethered, she falls in love with another man. “In Washington D.C., one out of four black men will at some point be
Pictured: Tayari Jones signs a reader’s “An American Marriage” copy after her conversation with Pearl Cleage at the AJC Decatur Book Festival.
Tayari Jones Presents “An American Marriage”
in jail or in prison,” Jones said, “I had all this information but I didn’t have a story to tell. I didn’t have the drama, the conflict, the human interest that makes a novel… and I didn’t know what I was going to do.” It wasn’t until Jones’ returned from New York City to her native city Atlanta that she began to piece together a story. “All I had was an angry copy of the ‘The New Jim Crow’ with folded pages and index cards. But I came back to Atlanta... and went shopping, which I do when I’m at crossroads,” said Jones Jones. “While I wasa reader’s funeral and after had thather rendezvous… just been doing “An this forAmerican over 20 years Marriage” so she Tayari signs copy conversation w there, I overheard a couple… and the looking at the way Andre talked to her? could have had the same success in Pearl Cleage the AJC Festival. woman said, ‘Roy, you know youat wouldn’t Oh, I loved it!” herDecatur first novel,” Book L.L.B.C. member Charvi have waited on me for seven years!’” “An American Marriage” taps into Kennedy said. “She’s very consistent. So began the development of her the hearts and minds of three people I enjoy her writing and I’m so happy for story that would become the 2018 Oprah separated by forces beyond their control. her success!” Book ClubFirst selection. She church left audience members one Ruby Wallace, anotheras participating Baptist Decatur traditionally serves a home for goers andwith members o Members of the Ladies of Literacy lasting reminder, “The challenges of L.L.B.C. member, recalled her favorite congregation. However on Sunday, Sept. 2., the stage transitioned into a think tank Book Club (L.L.B.C.) were present, as writing are the same challenges of life... part of the novel. thoseMarriage” interested perils love andyou unconventional womanhood by “An American was in theirstorytelling, can’t be afraid.” “I’ll bethe honest, I’m aofromantic,” way of Tayari Jones’ fourth American February reading. Wallacenovel, said. “So“An when Celestial andMarriage.” “I read all four of her works. She’s Andre went back to the hotel after the
About 200 onlookers sat in the pulpits, hanging onto every word that novelist, and Spelman alumna, Tayari Jones (C’91) uttered as Atlanta-based writer and Jones’
Visit spelman.joinhandshake.com or the career center to learn of upcoming events opportunities at top technology companies. opportunities at top technology companies. Fall 2018 11 Visit spelman.joinhandshake.com or the career centerThe to learnBluePrint of upcoming events and career opportunities at top technology companies. https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
CURRENT EVENTS
Black Girl Magic Takes Over the Tech World By: Gabrielle Audain and Tyler Stephens
Despite the rapid growth of technology companies, women of color are rarely represented within the industry. Recent reports from leading technology companies show that fewer than 10 percent of employees are women of color. However, many companies are now actively trying to recruit diverse candidates. The BluePrint spoke to four seniors with non-technical backgrounds on their experiences at some of Silicon Valley’s top companies. As one of two black women interns in her office, Maya Mitchell, a senior English major, was still able to thrive at Twitter. “I think that as black students
... it can be easy to discount your skills and assume you aren’t prepared to be in a rigorous environment often dominated by white males. All of our work in these offices is necessary and companies are starting to see the value in diverse candidates. As a minority student, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to work for a tech company. We all deserve a seat at the table,” said Mitchell. Senior Natalie Ford-Hodges encourages students to apply to technology companies, even if they feel their major doesn’t align. “I know nothing about technology, yet I worked at Google this summer. My
Swelling with Pride: Why Atlanta’s Pride Celebration is Unique By: Bre’Auna Liggans
Atlanta Pride is a combination of high energy performances and parades to celebrate Pride Month, with the educational spirit of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender” (LGBT) History Month. Piedmont Park becomes a safe, nurturing grounds for these interactions, leaving festival goers both empowered and informed. When strolling through Piedmont
Park during Pride weekend, you will notice not only the performances and eye catching trinkets, but local initiatives and organizations promoting their services for physical, mental health services. Atlanta Pride strives to be an all-inclusive experience with parades like the Annual Trans March and the Annual Dyke March.
continued on page 12...
major didn’t limit me. Being an economics major makes you naturally curious, which helped with me learning and appreciating all of the great technology being built around me,” said Ford-Hodges, who will be a full time Google Associate Product Marketing Manager after graduation. Peyton Hawkins is a senior economics major and an incoming Microsoft Product Marketing Manager. While initially worried for her summer at Microsoft, she had an amazing experience. “I was super nervous I would go to this amazing company with this amazing opportunity, and not feel comfortable. That was absolutely wrong. I made really great friends and we formed a little squad. Three of my close friends at the program were from Howard University, and
the other was from Florida A&M University (FAMU). It was an amazing experience being able to represent our schools,” said Hawkins. Kelsie Warmack spent one summer interning at CareerBuilder.com managing accounts and websites; the next summer, she interned at Apple helping to limit the company’s environmental footprint. The senior economics major has found a new freedom in exploring different job positions, “Try your best, you never know what you’re good at until you try. Even if it’s different, you should still try.” Visit spelman.joinhandshake.com or the Career Center to learn of upcoming events and opportunities at top technology companies.
12 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS Swelling with Pride:
Why Atlanta’s Pride Celebration is Unique
(continued)
and: Underclassmen Entrepreneurship on Campus By: Dalia Kijakazi
ege
...continued from page 11
The U.S. also recognizes October as LGBT history month, thanks to Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher who advocated for the education and history of the LGBT community in 1994. For most of its 48 year run, Atlanta has followed this traditional June observance until 2009, when the celebration was moved to October.
Most cities celebrate Pride in June in direct remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Following the Stonewall riots, the Library of Congress deemed the last Sunday in June as “Gay Pride Day” with the purpose to commemorate the events that transpired at Stonewall Inn. “Gay Prideplanning. Day” would evolve balancing school Eventually work requires extensive “When you are passionate about something into the Pride Month we now know. you find time,” Brown said. Advice: “Go for it and be consistent.”
Building a Brand:
Slay by Shaun Who: Shaunice Simmons, a sophomore Economics major from Las Vegas, NV
Underclassmen Entrepreneurship onmovement, Campuswith many women on a growing entrepreneurship
What: Independent makeup artist
By: Dalia talked Kijakazi to three businesswomen on beauty businesses. The BluePrint work. Spelman College is home to a growing entrepreneurship movement, with many
Photo courtesy: IG - itstaylorjanet
Photo courtesy: IG - slaybyshaun
How: Simmons created “Slay by Shaun” to help women on campus beginning their own beauty and lifestyle businesses. The BluePrint women feel beautiful talked to three businesswomen on how they balance school and work. and empowered through makeup. Simmons began doing makeup services It’s Taylor Janet for her friends. This Who: Taylor Brown is a organically grew, and sophomore economics major soon friends and others from Pittsburgh, PA were paying for her Courtesy: IG - slaybyshaun services. Simmons uses What: YouTube lifestyle Slay by Shaun her business not only to make money, but as an outlet to express her artistic side and channel Who: Shaunice Simmons, a sophomore Economics major from Las Vegas, Nev. to de-stress. : Independent makeup artist How: After years ofWhat planning, Advice: “Consult established professionals in your field.”and empowered : Simmons created “Slay by Shaun” aiming to help all women feel beautiful Brown began herHow channel through makeup. With this goal, Simmons began doing makeup services for her friends. This in 2017. As popularity organically grew, and soon friends and others were paying for her services. Simmons uses her for her channel grew, Lexi Lash business not only to make money, but as an outlet to express her artistic side and to de-stress. Brown began collaborating Advice: “Consult established professionals in your field.” Who: Alexis Clark is a sophomore with other YouTubers to economics major with a minor in produce content. She’s Spanish from Chicago, IL even involved in a support What: Eyelash technician group for the Spelman YouTube community. The How: Clark began her business this self-starter earns money Lexi Lash summer after wanting to learn a through sponsorships and new skill, and decided to bring her advertisements on her business to Spelman after seeing a channel. Brown admits maintaining a business and balancing school work requires high demand for technicians. Using Courtesy: extensive planning.IG-itstaylorjanet However, she insists “when you are passionate about something, you her network of friends and word find time.” of mouth, Clark’s business spread It’s Taylor Janet across different campuses. She now Advice: “Go for it and be consistent.” homore economics major from Pittsburgh, Pa. sees an average of two customers a day, and the rate is steadily rising.
annel Advice: “Build credibility through a strong following.” g, Brown began her channel in 2017. As popularity for her channel Who: Alexis Clark is a sophomore Economics major with a minor in Spanish from Chicago, IL ating with other YouTubers to produce content. She’s even involved What: Eyelash technicians business
homophobia. The The sharp contrast of Muholi’s skinskin against the props andand background, or or homophobia. sharp contrast of Muholi’s against the props background, against the whites of their eyes is both jarring yet fascinating to the viewer. One eveneven against the whites of their eyeseyes is both jarring yet fascinating to the viewer. OneOne against the whites of their is both jarring yet fascinating to the viewer. nterpret this as a statement about the existence of the black body whatever the could interpret this this as aas statement about the existence of the body whatever the the Fall 2018 13 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp could interpret a statement about the existence of black the black body whatever The BluePrint nment or sociopolitical strife; the body is magnified and placed on a stage, even environment or sociopolitical strife; the body is magnified andand placed on aon stage, even environment or sociopolitical strife; the body is magnified placed a stage, even the environment is blatantly forcing it to fade into the background, there is a when the environment is blatantly forcing it to itfade into into the background, there is a is a when the environment is blatantly forcing to fade the background, there l to be silenced. refusal to betosilenced. refusal be silenced.
ARTS & Entertainment
xhibit will run in run the run museum from now until Dec. 8. Dark 2018. Spelman College Welcomes the ThisThis exhibit will the fromfrom nownow until Dec. 8. 2018. exhibit will in in museum the museum until Dec. 8.Lioness 2018. By: Bre’Auna Liggans and Aniyah Joseph
After traveling to four continents in three years, South African artist Zanele Muholi created the portrait series Somnyama Ngonya (translated to Hail the
Dark Lioness) to showcase activism in art. Muholi’s portraits made their United States debut Sept. 14 at Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Arts. Muholi
portrays how the black woman’s body is often policed and politicized, but can also serve as a form of resistance. Muholi, who is identified with
they/them pronouns, is based out of Johannesburg and is an outspoken activist for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in South Africa. They use photography as a form of activism to document the black queer and female experience. Muholi as the model of the black and white portraits. The body represents the complexity of beauty and identity while also shedding light on racism, sexism and homophobia. The sharp contrast of Muholi’s skin against the props and background, is both jarring and fascinating to the viewer. One could interpret this as a statement about the existence of the black body whatever the environment or sociopolitical strife; the body is magnified and placed on a stage, even when the environment is blatantly forcing it to fade into the background, there is a refusal to be silenced.
From the Black Box to the Small Screen: By: Jolaun Hunter
the filming process, Chenzira shared, “Queen Sugar has a really great structure, in that each director who comes in has an opportunity to see the director who’s working before her. Everyone is very welcoming and excited that you’re there. You do your work and then you hand the set over to the next person. Everything about it was exciting.” A challenge that Chenzira faced while working on “Here Beside the River” was the weather. Much of the show is filmed outside which means that thunderstorms can sometimes delay filming. Despite the rain, Chenzira described the filming process as “all fun because you get to see, again, how the team just comes together… to problem solve.” Chenzira’s episode deals with
Inside the Spelman Women Hip-Hop Collective By: Amber Walton
Last year, the Spelman Women Hip-Hop Collective (SCWHHC) was created by Eboni Dawn to provide Spelman students the opportunity
to share culture Spelman towards
their love of hip-hop and its with like-minded women. offers no courses geared the hip-hop industry, so the
an array of issues from black men’s vulnerability to intergenerational conflict surrounding a deceased family member’s legacy. Chenzira explained that the episode’s script is “very special” because often times “you don’t get to see a range of black men in one episode just putting it all out there.” Chenzira credits DuVernay for not only leading women in film to shatter glass ceilings, but also “consciously and strategically making sure that it happens.” In reference to black women in the film industry today, Chenzira shared that, “If you study black cinema there have been many moments where women have made either one extraordinary work or have a body of work…and then those moments pass.” While there are more
opportunities for black women to receive Hollywood funding for films, “if we only have 1 black woman directing a $100 million picture and we don’t see that again for 10 or 20 years then we really haven’t made a lot of change.” As for Spelmanites who are interested in film, Chenzira encourages students take advantage of the many opportunities that are available and “to figure out what it is you want to do… it’s a really exciting field because it incorporates almost everything you can think of.”
organization hopes to stimulate interests in the industry through fellowship, engagement, empowerment, and community outreach.” The BluePrint sat down with the current president, Kennedy Protho, where she discussed the future of SCWHHC. Why did you join the Spelman Women Hip-Hop Collective?
continued on page 14...
Pictured: SCWHHC logo
Dr. Ayoka Chenzira is a filmmaker and Chair of Art & Visual Culture. On Aug. 1, Chenzira’s television directorial debut of “Queen Sugar” (Season 3, Episode 10) aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Created by Ava DuVernay, “Queen Sugar” depicts the lives of three siblings who inherit their family’s sugar cane farm in rural Louisiana. The BluePrint sat down with Chenzira to discuss her recent project. Chenzira’s journey with directing the “Here Beside the River” episode of “Queen Sugar” began with a personal phone call from DuVernay. After accepting the invitation Chenzira traveled to New Orleans to begin working. The entire process of preparing for, filming and editing the episode took a little over two weeks to complete. When asked about
Pictured: Dr. Ayoka Chenzira Photo courtesy: Dr. Ayoka Chenzira
Spelman Professor Directs Episode of “Queen Sugar”
14 Fall 2018 https://issuu.com/spelmanbp
The BluePrint
ARTS & Entertainment
When I was 10, I began producing music, [but] stepped away from it [in] middle school and high school. When I got to Spelman my love for music came back. However, Spelman doesn’t offer a program specifically for hip-hop or R&B, so when I learned about
SCWHHC, I knew it was a great chance to immerse myself in the industry and the culture. What challenges does the club face, compared to other clubs on campus? Mainly red tape from Spelman on who we can bring on campus for guest speakers, or to do performances or
The AUC Resurgence Collective: Creating a Collaborative Space for Art By: Jolaun Hunter
The arts are a major part of student expression in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). Bringing talents from across the country together, the AUC has been home to famous artists like director Spike Lee and poet Alice Walker. The AUC Resurgence Collective serves to continue this collaborative community, and help student artists grow. Deandre Washington created the collective two years ago to foster crosscampus diversity. “There are a mixture of photographers, painters, poetry fashion designers [and] a documentarist. Most
The Hate U Give By: Dariae Willis
On Oct. 3 at the Regal Atlantic Station Stadium, the film adaptation of Angie Thomas’ New York Times Best Seller novel “The Hate U Give” premiered
people don’t just have one team,” said Washington. “The goal is really giving back to the community. This can be a learning experience or a way of just letting someone be...who they are.” Washington mentions how it is has been difficult to get people, including administration, to support another artistic space on campus. “There’s this narrative in the AUC that if it’s not already established, there is no place for it. I’m just really trying to break that narrative.” Going to open mics, staying
in Atlanta. Students of Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University were provided with free tickets to the movie screening. The theater was filled with excitement and energy. “I had a great experience at the movie premiere it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the cast and listen to their experiences filming the movie,” first-year Spelman student Kayla Alston said. Directed by George Tillman Jr., the film follows Starr Carter, played by Amandla Stenberg (“The Darkest Minds”) who struggles to find her voice after witnessing the shooting of her best friend at the hands of a police officer. Stenberg stars opposite KJ Apa (“Riverdale”) and Algee Smith (“The New Edition Story”). “The Hate You Give” won the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative English Language Feature along with two other audience awards for best feature film. The Fox 2000 Pictures film has achieved a gross revenue of $19.60 million and
The club also held a few events during homecoming, including a masterclass with R&B singer Ella Mai. For more information on the SCWHHC please follow them on Instagram @spelmanscwhhc.
Where do you envision the organization in 5 years?
consistent with his artistic work and old-fashioned conversations with people has allowed Washington to spread the word about the Collective. The collective has more in mind, beyond artistry. Washington expresses that, “we do have projects. We have open mic, a community service project in the works, a watch party for Earthlings and discussion on what it means to be vegan. I really want to teach about how to submit to publications and help people get their work out there and get paid for it.” Washington explains that the ultimate goal for the collective has changed over time. It’s original intent was to be a small AUC poetry slam team consisting of five or six people. Now, the collective has 13 people and expands across wide mediums of art,
Pictured: Student performs at AUC Resurgence Collective event Photo courtesy: AUC Resurgence Collective
...continued from page 13
Why should Spelman students join the SCWHHC? For the love of the music and its history and everything that comes with hip hop culture. Also our e-board is really helpful with networking, so students can talk to the right people about the careers their interested in.
I envision SCWHHC as one of the main attractions on Spelman’s campus, with a lot more members who love hip-hop and want to learn all they can from [the organization], and who will come back after graduation to help the next generation.
with further intentions to give back to the community. The group meets every Sunday at 3 p.m., for more information, follow the group on Instagram @resurgence.collective.
Pictured: Algee Smith poses for a picture with AUC students.
Inside the Spelman Women Hip-Hop Collective (continued)
even promotional events. We have to go through so many hoops to get people on campus, and sometimes even after all of the legal stuff, we still can’t get certain artists to come.
has received a ninety-six percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Alston, felt she could relate to Starr’s fear because there are people who refuse to acknowledge the issue of police brutality against AfricanAmericans, which also creates a larger divide between the people of our country.
“I had a great experience at the movie premiere it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the cast and listen to their experiences filming the movie,” Alston said. “The Hate You Give” is now available to rent.