The BluePrint Feb 2015 by The BluePrint: A Spelman Spotlight Publication

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. 2, No. 3

Intellectual Framework for the Freethinker

February 2015

Our Whole School for Christ vs. A Choice to Change the World

A Look at What’s Inside:

Our Whole School For Christ

C-SPAN HBCU Tour p.2

V.S.

A Choice To Change The World

New Sex Trafficking Legislation p.3

By: Ayanna Runcie C’2015 Co- Editor in Chief

By: Ayanna Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-In-Chief

VH1 Save The Music p.4

Several faculty members and students at Spelman College erroneously believe that “A Choice To Change The World” has controversially replaced “Our Whole School for Christ.” What many students and faculty members do not know is that “A Choice To Change The World” is Spelman’s tagline and “Our Whole School for Christ” is Spelman’s motto. The tagline accompanies Spelman’s logo while the motto is a part of Spelman’s seal. Both coexist with different purposes and functions. The seal is used for formal college events and official college documents such as transcripts, Presidential Inaugurations, commencement programs, Founders’ Day, diplomas,

Reflection Turns Experience Into Insight p.5 Black and Blue p.5 Stocks p.5 Venmo THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE p.5By: Jasmine M. Ellis C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief and Ayanna Compiled Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief

Why Deep Condition? p.6

[Her]story on Black Sports p.6

The The Spelman Spelman College College SealSeal

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE

Trustee citations, and honorary degrees among other things. Faculty who facilitated the branding process of the tagline emphasize that the motto and the seal are sacred and will not be replaced with the tagline. Tomika DePriest, Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, served as Executive Director of the Office of Communications during the branding process of the tagline “A Choice To Change The World.” The logo and tagline Sorority Sisters – CANCELLED are used in conjunction as the “chief By: Ashanna Morris C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff identifying mark for all of the College’s communication and marketing materials to the public,”DePriest said. “The logo appears on all institutional publications,

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Sorority Sisters – CANCELLED

The sealC’2015, is used Co for Editor-in-Chief formal college events documents such as Sorority Sisters – CANCELLED By: Jasmine M. Ellis and and official college By: Ashanna Morris C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff Ayanna Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE Ashanna Morris transcripts, Founders’ Day,C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff Compiled By: Jasmine M. Ellis C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief and Ayanna Presidential Inaugurations, commencement programs,By: Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief diplomas, Christine M. citations, Slaughter C’2015 Trustee and honorary degrees among other things. Faculty who

facilitated the branding process of the tagline emphasize that the motto and the seal are sacred and will not be replaced with the tagline.

Tomika DePriest, Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, served as Executive Director  of the Office of Communications during the branding process of the

Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

Danielle N. Moody C’2015

Rabiah Elisa C’2015

Question 1: Is President and he has to consider the implications of Danielle N. Moody C’2015 Obama doing enough for the Black each decision. Community? Why or why not? “I think it’s important that we also consider what it actually means “Often times, I think that we forget for Obama to ‘do something for the President Obama is a bureaucrat. While Rabiah Elisa C’2015 Black community.’ Everything that may he happens to be Black he is still an positively affect our community isn’t going N. Moody C’2015 electedDanielle official subject to participate to explicitly be a Black initiative. Issues in white electoral politics. While I am that he has prioritized, like healthcare and disappointed, I do understand he is more education, are extremely important to us, of a symbol rather than radical leader.” just as they are for other communities.” – Christine M. Slaughter C’2015 – Danielle N. Moody C’2015 “I can’t give an assertive ‘yes’ “To start, President Obama is the or ‘no.’ Frankly, I’m not sure. There leader of the free world. He has an official are certainly times when I wished he and initial obligation to the American would have been more assertive and people as a whole. That is who he pledged courageous with issues regarding race, to serve when he took the Oath of Office. but I also understand that he walks a fine line. Everything he does is under scrutiny, continued on page 3...

Before the show Sorority Sisters aired this past winter, the Greek community vocalized its outrage through social media. This was mostly due to the fact that the show was to be aired on VH1 and was produced by Mona Scott-Young who almost always has an overarching theme of drama and fighting. Almost no organization wants these character traits associated with their members. Despite the disapproval from the Black Greek community, the show still aired on Dec. 15, 2014. The Black Greek community was outraged. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Council of Presidents issued a letter regarding the show: “As leaders of the four historically African-American sororities, we are

united in our belief that Sorority Sisters, which aired Monday, December 15, 2014 on VH1, poses a shameful affront to our proud legacies of service, scholarship and sisterhood.” The letter goes on to say that “… we are saddened by the producers’ desire to elevate harmful, negative, and stereotypical imagery of AfricanAmerican women in their quest for ratings.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Council of Presidents condemned the cast and show for being antithetical to the values of AfricanAmerican/Black women, sorority sisters and friends. The group encouraged members, friends and families to continue to raise their voice via social media, email

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2 February 2015

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com

The BluePrint

CAMPUS LIFE & Current Events of We Are Christmas that she asked song

...continued from page 1

tagline “A Choice To Change The World.” The logo and tagline are used conjunction Stephens to write theinlyrics for the as the “chief identifying mark for of the College's communication and marketing promotional merchandise andall apparel, A Choice to Change the World. materials to thesigns, public,”DePriest said. “The logo appears on all institutional publications, advertising, web and other promotional merchandise and apparel, advertising, signs, web and other electronic electronic communication.” communication.”

The Spelman logo courtesy The Spelman College College logo courtesy of Spelman.edu Spelman.edu

“We have always had a logo and we have always had a seal, as is the case with many institutions,” said Renita Mathis, Director of Interactive Communications, who “We have alwaysof had a logoduring and we served as the Director Marketing the time the tagline was branded. “The tagline that accompanies the logo wasn’t to replace have always had a seal, as is the case withthe motto on the seal.”

many institutions,” said Renita Mathis, In 2007 Spelman hired a branding firm to help develop the tagline as a part of its marketingoftrademark. Director Interactive Communications, who served as theshould Director “The tagline not of be Marketing mistaken for the seal,” said JoJohnson, Moore Stewart, Director Kevin Ph.D., associate during the time thePublications, tagline waswho branded. of Spelman College was also an professor integral part of the branding andand director and chair of music marketing of the tagline. Stewart wasthe so impressed with Sarah Stephens,’ C’2007, “The tagline that accompanies logo of the Spelman College Glee composition of We the Are motto Christmas that seal.” she asked Stephens to write the lyrics for theClub, song wrote wasn’t to replace on the the music. The song debuted during the A Choice to Change the World. In 2007 Spelman hired a 2008 Founders’ Day ceremony. This song branding firm to help develop the tagline alongside the Spelman logo and tagline as a part of its marketing trademark. helps market the college while the “The tagline should not be Spelman Hymn alongside the Spelman mistaken for the seal,” said Jo Moore seal and motto remain as sacred articles Stewart, Director of Spelman College of the Spelman community. Publications, who was also an integral part of the branding and marketing of the tagline. Stewart was so impressed with Sarah Stephens,’ C’2007, composition

ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT: Sarah Stephens C’2007 courtesy of spelman.edu

Chief Editors

Section Editors

Ayanna Runcie, Co Editor-In-Chief Jasmine Ellis, Co Editor-In-Chief Erin Gloster, Copy Editor

LaDarien Gillette, Current Events Mia Anderson, Health & Wellness Jordan Watters, Sports Chonise Bass, Religious & Spiritual Life Clarissa Brooks, Arts & Entertainment Sofia Walton, Fashion & Beauty Ansley Carlisle, Online Kalin Tate, Online Tyra A. Seals, Campus Life Tyler A. Lee, Business & Finance Adrian (AJ) Thomas, Opinions

Business Team Corinne Walker, Public Relations Director Eboni Ellis & Achaia Moore, Social Media Marli Crowe, Advertisment & Distribution Manager

Advisor Keena M. McClendon, Journalism Advisor Kimberly M. Ferguson, Dean of Students

Email: bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com Website: www.spelmanblueprint.com Instagram: TheSpelmanBP Twitter: @TheSpelmanBP

Thanks to all of our contributing, staff, and featured writers.

THE BLUEPRINT: Mission Statment 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.

THE BLUEPRINT: A Spelman Spotlight P u b l i c at i o n

C-SPAN HBCU Tour C-SPAN HBCU Tour

By: Clarissa Brooks C’2018, Arts and Entertainment Section Editor

Campus Life/ Arts Februaryand 2015 Entertainment Section Editor By: Clarissa Brooks C’2018,

Coverage on a national scale is always a big deal for any private college. This past week C-SPAN Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour Bus came to Spelman College to showcase the great leadership and students that walk our campus. C-SPAN’s 45-foot customized Bus visited Spelman College Feb. 12 as a part of C-SPAN’s HBCU Tour. Students, professors, and area residents stepped aboard the Bus to morning program. During the segment learn about the public affairs network’s Tatum discussed the criminal justice programs and resources, including its insystem, female leadership in the civil Coverage on a national scale is always a big deal for any private college. This past week C-SPAN Historicallyand Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour Bus came to Spelman College to showcase the depth coverage of the U.S. Congress rights movement, and the opportunities a great leadership and students that walk our campus. the American political process. Through college C-SPAN’s 45-foot women’s customized Bus visited Spelmanprovides. College Feb. 12 as a part of C-SPAN’s HBCU Students, professors, and area residents will step aboard the Bus to learn about the public exhibits, students and educatorsTour.learned The Bus, now in its 22nd year on the affairs network’s programs and resources, including its in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress and the how to utilize C-SPAN’s comprehensive American political process. Through partners exhibits, students and educators how to utilize C-SPAN’s road, with locallearned cable providers comprehensive online educational resources and services, including C-SPAN.org. online educational resources and to visit schools and community events services, including C-SPAN.org. across the country. During the tour, the “I’m always looking to see Spelman Bus visited Howard University on Feb. being put in a positive light, especially on 4th, Hampton University on Feb. 5th, a national scale,”Faith Janae Lyons said. Fisk University on Feb. 10th, Morehouse Spelman College President Beverly College on Feb. 11th, Spelman College on Daniel Tatum was interviewed in the Feb. 12th, Florida A&M University on Feb. mobile studio on the bus as a participant continued on page 3... in C-SPAN’s Washington Journal flagship

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CAMPUS LIFE &

Current Events ...continued from page 2

The Bus, now in its 22nd year on the road, partners with local cable providers to visit schools and community events across the country. During the tour, the Bus visited Howard University on Feb. 4 th, Hampton University on Feb. 5th, Fisk University on Feb. 10th, Morehouse College on Feb. 11th, Spelman College on Feb. 12th, Florida A&M University on Feb. 17th, Tuskegee University on Feb. 18th, and Xavier University of Louisiana on Feb. 19th.

17th, Tuskegee University on Feb. 18th, and Xavier University of Louisiana on Feb. “I’m always looking to see Spelman being put in a positive light, especially on a national scale,”Faith Janae Lyons said. 19th. Spelman College President Beverly Daniel Tatum was interviewed in the mobile studio Similar to C-SPAN’s Big 10 and Big on the bus as a participant in C-SPAN’s Washington Journal flagship morning program. During the segment Tatum discussed the criminal justice system, female leadership in the civil rights movement, and the opportunities a women’s college provides. 12 Bus Tours in 2014, the C-SPAN HBCU Tour hopes to highlight the substantial role these institutions have had within America’s higher education system, and connect students and professors with C-SPAN’s educational resources. Similar to C-SPAN's Big 10 and Big 12 Bus Tours in 2014, the C-SPAN HBCU Tour hopes to highlight the substantial role these institutions have had within America's higher education system, and connect students and professors with C-SPAN's educational resources.

New Sex Trafficking Legislation By: LaDarrien Gillete C’2014, Current Events Section Editor

President Jimmy Carter spoke at Clark Atlanta University on Feb. 13th about the issue of violence against women. He discussed rape and sexual assault against college students, female genital mutilation, child bribes, and child sex trafficking. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), the buying and selling of minors for sexual acts has recently received a lot of public attention throughout Georgia. President Carter highlighted the fact that Atlanta is among the top 14 cities in the U.S. for domestic minor sex trafficking, partly as a result of the city’s international airport.

On Lobby Day, Thursday Feb. 12th, over 500 advocates for the abolishment of DMST gathered at the Capitol. They advocated for the passing of Senate Bill 8 and Senate Resolution 7 (SR 7). Senate Bill 8 included new laws that no longer prosecute “child prostitutes” but instead treat them like victims and give them the support and rehabilitation that they needed. The bill will also extend the statute of limitations for victims to press charges against the trafficker from the age of 23

to their 25th birthday, require traffickers to register on the state’s sex offender registry and allow for the forfeiture of vehicles used to transport victims. In addition, the bill will fine traffickers an extra $2,500 and tax adult entertainment industries an additional $5,000. The companion SR 7 will ask voters statewide for permission to create the new state fund and use it solely to help trafficking victims. Because SR 7 proposes amending the Georgia Constitution, it required a higher bar to pass the Legislature, including a twothirds majority in both chambers. Both of these bills are strongly supported by antitrafficking groups and passed the Senate by a 52 to 3 vote. The next stop is the House of Representatives where it may be more difficult to pass with the increased opposition from adult entertainment industries. The bill is refers to as HB 244 or nicknamed as The Safe Harbor Law/ Rachel’s Act, named after a survivor who had spoken to representatives on the behalf of all survivors and current victims. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution the bill only has a 34 percent chance of passing. “Slavery is more prevalent today than it ever was,” – President Jimmy Carter. For more information on how you can get involved in the fight to help end domestic minor sex trafficking please contact LaDarrien Gillette at lgillet1@ scmail.spelman.edu

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com February 2015

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE

...continued from page 1 President Obama is a Black man, a fact that we can all see and has shaken the Grand Old Party to its core, but he is not just a Black man and we are not his only focus.” “Though his presidency exemplifies a profound historical context for AfricanAmericans, he also stands as a change agent and answered prayer for all minorities and he has surely tackled some hot-button minority issues. President Obama championed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as his very first bill signed into law.” “Then came the Affordable Care Act which has primarily and directly benefited African-American families and those of lower socioeconomic status disproportionately plighted by health risks. He did this despite a nation of criticism and utter disrespect. President Obama has increased open dialogue, funding and feeder programs for HBCUs. “More than any other administration in history, President Obama has defended the rights of LGBT and Trans Americans. He repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, put an end to DOMA, and signed an executive order to protect LGBT workers. “President Obama’s equality expansion across the spectrum of minority demographics has been nothing short of ‘enough.’ In terms of specific concerns of the Black community, more could and should be done. There’s no reason young Black men and women can be shot down dead and choked in the streets by the same people who wear a ‘badge of honor’ vowing to protect us, without facing legal consequences. “ Not nearly “enough” has been done in this regard. Though President Obama has addressed this egregious abuse of power and put forth an attempt at curtailing rogue police behavior via camera surveillance, this, we know, is not enough. We are witnessing the rise of Fascism and far more urgency, concern and effective regulation needs to be implemented within our flawed law enforcement system.” – Rabiah Elisa C’2015 Question 2: Do you think that Dr. Tatum has done enough for the Spelman community? Why or why not? “Dr. Tatum has fundraised for the college. Considering the state of other HBCUs that are not as fiscally responsible or financially stable - it’s important that Spelman can stay relevant when HBCUs are targeted through federal funding cuts

and disregard in the public eye. We so often compare Tatum to Cole and since Cole was exceptionally phenomenal and ‘Sister Prez’ her charisma is just a hard personality to upstage.” – Christine M. Slaughter C’2015 “Yes. Dr. Tatum has been at Spelman for a long time, and the school has improved tremendously during her tenure. From new buildings and renovations to raising a record-breaking $157.8 million, a lot of great things have happened for the college with her leading it. She’s created a great legacy, and I don’t think she gets enough credit and recognition for her accomplishments. The reality is, Spelman is stronger with her than it was without her, and she has set a strong foundation for the next president.” – Danielle N. Moody C’2015 “Dr. Tatum came to Spelman the same year my sister started Spelman. She has since then championed fundraising and increased donations to the school. She has kept the school #1 in Us news, reports and reputation, and has increased the digital and social presence of the college immensely. “Dr. Tatum emphasized the importance of being ‘free-thinking’ and ‘global’ women in 2010. While continuing that empowerment, Dr. Tatum has also turned the campus communities attention to being healthy women, who are not only sustainable intellectually, but physically, spiritually and emotionally as well. “Spelman’s overall attraction and presence has grown vastly under Dr. Tatum and the administration’s leadership with high profile actors, of both the alumnae and greater community, regularly visiting and speaking with current students. Additionally, Spelman’s museum is now a reputable attraction on campus for both students and visitors. “In short, yes. Dr. Tatum has done ‘enough’ for the Spelman community. However, while there have been a great many gains, there have also been an oversight of past and current programs and departments from which the students of Spelman would truly benefit. “These include but are not limited to: the lack of funding to International Studies; withdrawal of Spelman’s sports teams; a Communications major; and the reinstatement of on-campus teacher preparation programs for Education Studies majors; and accessibility into certain buildings for disabled persons. This being said, every school has room for improvement and growth irrespective of its prestige or how far it has come along.” – Rabiah Elisa C’2015

4 February 2015

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The BluePrint

ARTS & Entertainment VH1 Save The Music

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and snail mail regarding Sorority Sisters, VH1 and its advertisers. Advertisers began to pull advertisements from VH1. In a radio appearance, K. Michelle stated, “I am a Delta. I have acted a fool on TV; but at the same time, I didn’t do it with Delta Sigma Theta tatted on my back in front of people. You don’t get on TV in the name of women that came before us and do what you are doing. Especially at a time when our Black community is struggling so much with things, the sororities and fraternities are the one thing we look to in college that uplift the community.” While some agree wholeheartedly with K. Michelle’s stance, some nonGreek members believed that the show was a decent representation of the women in their everyday lives, showing that they are not perfect. After just four episodes, VH1 pulled the series and played the rest of the season on Friday, January 16th. The cast our episodes, VH1 pulled the series and played the rest of the season on Friday, members, in a VH1 special, expressed . The cast members, in a VH1 special, expressed that they would have shown he positive value of sororities and their ability to work together and support one that they would have shown the world Black women had the show continued to air. the positive value of sororities and their ability to work together and support one another as Black women had the show continued to air.

By: Clarissa Brooks C’2018, Arts and Entertainment Section Editor

Courtney Mack

“The show in itself had the potential to be something great for the Black Greek community. Because they entitled it Sorority Sisters, it made it all the more difficult to be representative of the community. The women on the show knew “The show in itself had the potential better than to represent themselves and to be something great for the Black Greek community. Because they entitled it Sorority Sisters, it made it all the more difficult to be representative of the community. The women their organizations in such an exploitive on the show knew better than to represent themselves and their organizations in such way. They engaged in something that an exploitive way. They engaged in something that was not positively reflective of Black women and Black sororities. They should have refrained from participating, especially was not positively reflective of Black once they got the general direction or focus of the show.” women Mack and, C’2015, Black TheyInc., Mu Pi Chapter -Courtney Alphasororities. Kappa Alpha Sorority, should have refrained from participating, especially once they got the general direction or focus of the show.” – Courtney Mack , C’2015, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Pi Chapter

Do You Think?

So What Do You Think?

Ce Ce Lee

“I think the show was ridiculous. It was a gross misrepresentation of the Black women and the community. Specifically, how women and sororities interact with each other, especially after graduation.” – Ce Ce Lee, C’2016

Alaya N. Martin

“Sorority sisters was terrible. It didn’t have a real storyline other than just creating drama. It was a bad idea.” – Alaya N. Martin, C’ 2017

isters was terrible. It didn’t have a real storyline other than just creating drama. d idea.” – Alaya N. Martin, C’ 2017

Bria Brady King

“The brief part that I did see was not a reflection of sorority life and was degrading to Black women in general and our sisters in sororities. It showed how mainstream media continues to negatively portray Black women.” – Bria Brady King, C’2015, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Eta Kappa Chapter

highlights included Michael J. Butler On Jan. 30th the Ray Charles “James Bambu” performing a duet with Performing Arts Center on Morehouse College was filled with a variety of people. Miss Spelman, Courtnie Mack. Mack and From students, vocalists, and parents, the “I think the show was ridiculous. It was a gross Bambu serenaded the crowd with an misrepresentation of the Black women and the community. Specifically, how women and India Arie ballad. Miss Maroon & White, audience was ready for a great show. sororities interact with each other, especially after graduation.” – Cethe Ce Lee, C’2016 Brittany “Reeci” Botts did spoken word. The VH1 Save Music Benefit Her performance addressed the trials, Concert was hosted by Phi Mu Alpha injustice and crime towards blacks. Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., Xi Eta Chapter. This is the 3rd annual Denzel Fields’ did a rendition of the song ‘Glory’. concert spearheaded by the organization. A portion of the proceeds raised from Spelman had a very real and special presence at the VH1 Save the the concert will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The Music Benefit Concert as many Spelman students were involved as backup Foundation organizes the teaching of Aisha Hitson dancers, poets and vocalists. In fact, jazz and classical music to children “It was amazing how the Greek some students performed with Oliver in underprivileged communities and community came together as a powerful Twist, Morehouse student and rapper, as underfunded schools across the country. network of concerned citizens to get the The Concert involved students from he showcased his latest singles. Sorority Sisters show cancelled. But why The VH1 Save the Music Benefit across the Atlanta University Center. The is it that the same power is not being Concert, hosted by Phi Mu Alpha, provided entire show was filled with performances coalesced to address similar shows “It was amazing how the Greek a stage for voices and acts that the AUC by students and surprising featured that negatively depict Black women community came together as a powerful network of concerned citizens to get the Sorority artists, including singing, dancing and may have not otherwise have been Sisters show cancelled. But why is it that the same power is not being coalesced to address and the Black community like Love similar shows that negatively depict Black women and the Black community like Love and exposed to. “The show really brought to spoken word. “I’m excited to see the and Hip Hop and Atlanta Housewives?” Hip Hop and Atlanta Housewives?” - Aisha Hitson, SGA Advisor and Program Coordinator, light some great student artists I would audience’s reaction because we’ve Student & Engagement – AishaLifeHitson, SGA Advisor and Program have never interacted with before,” said all worked so hard to make a great Coordinator, Student Life & Engagement show.” said Keith Asberry, Morehouse Christine Singleton, first year student and sophomore Morehouse band member. Some of the show’s most important

“The brief part that I did see was not a reflection of sorority life and was degrading to Black women in general and our sisters in sororities. It showed how mainstream media continues to negatively portray Black women.” –Bria Brady King, C’2015, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Eta Kappa Chapter

The BluePrint

RELIGION

& Spiritual Life Reflection Turns Experience Into Insight By: Chonise Bass C’2018, Religious and Spiritual Life Editor

On February 4th, Sisters Chapel hosted the last of four events in the Faith, Leadership, and the Formation of Intellectual Activism series. This program in particular was a panel that featured Dr. Jeanne Meadows, Dr. Donna Harper, and Dr. Cynthia Spence, three of Spelman’s finest faculty members. The amount of wisdom shared with the audience was invaluable. Dr. Harper spoke first, and she covered about six themes. From Divine Guidance to Weariness at Work, she used her life as a testimony to her faith. At one point during the speech she instructed the 22 members of the audience to “Thank God in advance for the things you so desire.” These words can be touching

to students because despite all of the midterm preparations, random projects or assignments that professors like to throw, they know that their path is already laid out for them. If students want something, like that stellar GPA or active social life, or even free Chick-fil-A every once in a while, and work really hard at it, their destination is reached before they even begin their journey. Dr. Meadows and Dr. Spence also gave powerful lessons through their life experiences. Dr. Meadows spoke on her childhood illness and triumph while Dr. Spence used her Catholic Background as a framework and explanation for the way she approaches life and what she has gained.

OPINIONS “Black and Blue”

Black and Blue

By: Karimah Noble C’2015, Ped Scholar

flickr creative commons

Raheem DeVaughn

“Love ain’t pain / Love ain’t fear / Love ain’t bruises / Love ain’t tears / Love ain’t a two in the morning phone call / When I first heard these lyrics by DeVaughn, I could not help but smile. I s filled with a Phone sense of pride. I imagined some/ woman lyricsfor for the call to 911 Lovehearing ain’tthesefear t time, and in that moment, finding the strength to remove herself from an abusive uation. your life day and night / Isolated from your loved ones / made me feel Everything about this song, appropriately entitled Black and Blue, od as a woman, not simply because a Black man sang it, although that was icing on the And know it made ain’ta choice makeup e; it was the fact that Ithis Black man to changeto the cover narrative. your Surely u know the narrative to which I am referring, the one that has become commonplace in / have the world believe that all Black men are violent oughout media andscars that would d abusive animals who, with one strike of a fist, render their girlfriends, fiancés, and Compromising who you are.” ves unconscious in elevators. -Raheem DeVaughn When I first heard these lyrics by DeVaughn, I could not help but smile. I was filled with a sense of pride. I imagined some woman hearing these lyrics for the first time, and in that moment, finding the strength to remove herself from an abusive situation. Everything about this song, appropriately entitled Black and Blue, made me feel good as a woman, not

“Love ain't pain / Love ain't fear / Love ain't bruises / Love ain't tears / Love ain't wo in the morning phone call /  Phone call to 911 / Love ain't fear for your life day and ht /  Isolated from your loved ones /  And I know it ain't makeup to cover your scars /  mpromising who you are.” -Raheem DeVaughn

simply because a Black man sang it, although that was icing on the cake; it was the fact that this Black man made a choice to change the narrative. Surely you know the narrative to which I am referring, the one that has become commonplace in throughout media and that would have the world believe that all Black men are violent and abusive animals who, with one strike of a fist, render their girlfriends, fiancés, and wives unconscious in elevators. Allow me to be clear. I am not downplaying nor dismissing the reality that the immense evil domestic violence exists within the Black community. I also understand that the topic is taboo. Most of us do not like to talk about it, either out of fear, embarrassment, or some combination of both. However, truth be told, abuse is not a “Black” issue. Transcendent of race, it is a human issue, one that affects women of every nationality and socioeconomic background. What affects one, affects us all. For many, it is hard to fathom: “I love you, yet I hit you.” It almost seems like an oxymoron. However, as I type these words, I wonder if any of my Spelman sisters have been, or are currently being,

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com February 2015

BUSINESS & Finance Stocks

By: Tyler A. Lee C’2015, Business and Finance Section Editor

The infamous Dow Jones Industrial Average is an index of 30 leading publicly traded American companies. The increases and decreases of the Dow average are indicators of the economic health of the United States economy. Below are companies that recruit on Spelman’s campus and their stock prices as of the Feb 20th day close.

BAC GS JPM IBM NKE GE MSFT CSCO

Procter & Gamble Co. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. JP Morgan Chase & Co Int’l Business Machines Nike General Electric Microsoft Corp Cisco System Inc

84.87 191.51 59.80 163.65 94.93 25.21 43.86 29.61

Venmo: The App That Solves Everything? By: Tyler A. Lee C’2015, Business and Finance Section Editor

Stress management, different ways of thinking, and the inevitable rule that every penny counts are all taught throughout the four years of undergraduate college. The costs of tuition, books, room and board, and food is quite expensive and sometimes the only way to get by is with a little help from friends, family and Spelman sisters. The Venmo app is a revolutionary application for microloans and allows the user access to grant or receive payment free of charge. Venmo has created a mechanism for convenient, virtual, monetary exchange that can be utilized nationally. By a tap of a screen, the $14.50 you owe your friend for lunch will be transferred directly into their account and virtually erases the ever-daunting trip to the store to purchase overpriced gum to receive change after withdrawing from an ATM.

Created by the owners of PayPal, Venmo creates a money trail between users, provides an insight on friends’ transactions, and helps the user keep track of their transactions. Virtual banking and transactions have provided efficiency and convenience to a process that was once tedious, but provided a feeling of security. Fortunately, Venmo accounted for security skepticism and created the cash out method. To hold an account the user inputs their account information by linking the app to their pre-existing online banking ID, and when transactions occur they do so between users and not to direct accounts. When the user is ready to retrieve their funds they do so independently. Furthermore, the financial stresses of college will always be there but at least there is an app to make financial transactions a little easier.

affected by domestic violence. I can just hear you all now, “Oh no! Not Spelman women! Maybe those other women, but not Speeelman women!” Who exactly those “other women” are, I have no clue, but I am willing to bet that at least one person reading these words can relate, or knows someone that can. If you happen to be someone who allows these lyrics by DeVaughn to penetrate the depths of your soul. Allow them to resonate so deeply that you not only believe them, but also live them: “Love is courage / Love is hope / Love is facing all your fears / Love is strength in seeking help / Love is the joy inside your tears / Love is help to lend a hand / Being loved by a real man / Love is this, from me to you / ‘Cause I would never put my hands on you.” Irrespective of race, this is the

mantra that a real man lives by. And if you are involved with anyone that believes and/or behaves contrary to it, just know (and be clear) that you are not dealing with a real man. Understand that a healthy relationship does not require you to compromise your dignity, selfrespect, or honor. If it asks you to, it is not (nor was it ever) a real relationship to begin with. If I can offer my fellow Spelmanites any advice to take along with you on your journey at Spelman and throughout life, it would be this: Become acquainted with your worth. As a matter of fact, become intimately acquainted; bosom buddies. Once you do, not only will you live by DeVaughn’s lyrics- never allowing yourself to be abused, misused, or devalued- but you will also accept nothing less than to be treated like the queen that you are.

6 February 2015

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com

The BluePrint

FASHION & Beauty Why Deep Condition? By: Sofia Walton C’2018 , Fashion and Beauty Section Editor

($16.95) Deep conditioning is important—it Heat treatments are the is the process of fortifying hair with apex of deep conditioning protein and nutrients. When hair feels processes. They deeply dry or brittle, it is usually a sign that penetrate the hair to really deep conditioning is needed. moisturize and strengthen It is important to apply conditioner the hair, and they are pretty to the hair but to avoid the scalp. fun to do! This treatment Applying conditioner into the scalp works best with a plastic cap and left on creates clogged pores, prevents for 20 minutes. Great for all hair types! scalp circulation and cause limp hair. Moreover, conditioners come in many Curly Beauties Read on! formulas for different hair types: thick, Curl Junkie Hibiscus thin, oily, color-treated, dry, frizzy, etc. & Banana Deep Fix So, picking the correct formula is a Moisturizing Conditioner necessity for a “good hair day.” ($20.00) Specialty conditioners range from Curly Beauties Read on! This deep conditioner reconstructors that volumize hair to color has banana extract treated conditioners that deep condition. that helps soften hair and rich oils that help smooth and protect the hair shaft. Heated Treatments! This hibiscus extract has moisturizing Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment For the girls with dryer hair!

For quick results! Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep ($7.00) For over worked, chemically For the girls with dryer hair! EDEN Body Works processed hair! For only a three minute routine, JojOba Deep this Aussie product deeply Conditioner ($9.99) This deep conditioner penetrates damaged hair with natural Australian aloe is made with coconut, hair! best results. jojoba and mono to For over worked, chemically processed for the replenish hair strength and restore dry, For over worked, chemically damaged hair, resulting in healthier hair. processed hair! Neutrogena Triple For the low maintenance chicks! Moisture Daily Deep DevaCare One Condition ($17.95) Conditioner ($4.96) This conditioner is the one-stop-shop This conditioner is a quick one minute rinse for who are more that is proven to hydrate relaxed about their and moisturize even the hair. DevaCare One Condition is a leave-in most over-processed and deep conditioner that severely dry hair. provides maximum moisture for healthy hair. properties, and this creamy conditioner smells delicious!

For the low maintenance chicks!

For quick results!

SPORTS [Her]story on Black Sports: Lynette Woodard

[Her]story on Black Sports: Vonetta Flowers

By: Jordan Watters C’2015, Sports Section Editor

A ball of fire on the court, Lynette helped her team win the gold medal— Woodard left an imprint in basketball the first time for team USA women’s history by becoming the first female basketball. member of the world famous Harlem Looking to expand their fan Globetrotters in 1985. base and gain popularity, the Harlem A Wichita, Kansas native born Globetrotters sought the addition of a August[Her]story 12, 1959, Woodard began playing female player to their roster. Woodard on Black Sports: Lynette Woodard By: Jordan C’2015, Sports Editor made the team after a competitive tryout basketball asWatters, a pre-teen with Section lessons from her older brother. process. She traveled with She was a standout high the club for two years and school athlete receiving played an equal amount of national attention as an time as her male teammates. All-American. Woodard continued Woodard attended playing basketball overseas the University of Kansas in Italy and Japan from the (KU) where she was a late-1980s to early-1990s. stellar athlete for the Before retiring, she joined women’s basketball team Lynette Woodard via www.wnba.com the newly formed WNBA Lynette Woodard all four years. To this day, in 1997, playing with the ball of fire on the court, Woodard left an imprint Rockers in basketballand history she is the A leading scorer in Lynette women’s Cleveland thebyDetroit Shock becoming the first female member of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in 1985. college basketball with 3,649 points. one season each. A Wichita, Kansas native born August 12, 1959, Woodard beganleaving playing basketball as a Woodard earned a spot on the Since the court as a pre-teen with lessons from her older brother. She was a standout high school athlete receiving 1980 national Olympic basketball player, Woodard has been inducted into attentionwomen’s as an All-American. team. However, due to the U.S.-led numerous hall of fames including: the Woodard attended the University of Kansas (KU) where she was a stellar athlete for 1980 the Olympic boycott, she was unable Kansas Sports ofinFame women’s basketball team all four years. To this day, she is the leadingHall scorer women’s(1990), the college basketball with 3,649 points. to compete. Woodard returned to KU and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of graduated inWoodard 1981.earned a spot on the 1980 Olympic Fame (2002), and the However, Women’s Basketball women’s basketball team. due to the U.S.-led 1980 Olympic she was unableHall to compete. Woodard returned For to KU Woodard’s Three years after boycott, graduating, of Fame (2005). and graduated in 1981. Woodard was selected for the 1984 untouchable basketball legacy, her story Olympic women’s basketball team. She was selected is iconic in Black sports history. Three years after graduating, Woodard for the 1984 Olympic women’s

At the onset of the 21st century, a make the team either year. [Her]story on Black Sports: Vonetta Flowers young and vibrant Vonetta Flowers slid Just when Flowers thought it was By: Jordan Watters, C’2015, Sports Section Editor into history by becoming the first person over, her husband Johnny came across a of African descent flyer encouraging to win a Gold track and field Medal in the Winter athletes to tryout Olympics. In the for the USA 2002 Salt Lake City Bobsled team. The Games, Flowers couple decided and her teammate to accompany Jill Bakken one another in finished first in the the tryout, but inaugural Women’s Johnny—a former Vonetta Flowers via www.womenssportsfoundation.org Vonetta Flowers Olympic bobsled track and field At the onset of the 21 century, a young and vibrant Vonetta Flowers slid into history event, with 1 minute 48 seconds time. athlete, too—injured himself and was by becoming the first person of African descent to win a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics. In the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Flowers and her teammate Jill Bakken finished first in the Born and raised in Birmingham, unable the competition. inaugural Women’s Olympic bobsled event, with 1 minuteto 48 finish seconds time. Alabama, Flowers was a tri-athlete Flowers kept the faith and mastered Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Flowers was a tri-athlete in high school, volleyball, basketball, and running track. On6-event the track, shebobsled shattered records won in high school,playing playing volleyball, the test,andsome of which numerous titles and awards, earning a scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). basketball, and running track. On the included sprinting, jumping and throwing Flowers won 35and Conference awards atAt UAB,26 as well as conference in track, she shattered records wonChampionship a shot. years old,titles Flowers soon the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and triple jump. numerous titles and awards, earning a found herself dominating a brand new As a prolific runner and sprinter, Flowers qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1996 and scholarship to the 2000. University ofdidAlabama sport. However, she not make the team either year. at Birmingham (UAB). Just when Flowers thought it was over, her husband February 19, 2002 will forever be a Johnny came across a flyer encouraging track and field athletes to tryouthistoric for the USA Bobsled team. The couple decided Flowers won 35 Conference day in black sports history. Since to accompany one another in the tryout, but Johnny—a former track and field athlete, too— injured at himself and was finish the competition. Championship awards UAB, asunable welltoas becoming an Olympian, Flowers has been conference titles in the 100 meters, 200 inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of meters, long jump and triple jump. Fame, as well as coached track and field As a prolific runner and sprinter, at her alma mater UAB. Flowers qualified for the Olympic Trials Her story is truly iconic. in 1996 and 2000. However, she did not

basketball team. She helped her team win the gold medal—the first time for team USA women’s basketball.

Looking to expand their fan base and gain popularity, the Harlem Globetrotters sought