Feb. 5, 2020 - Social Movements by The A&T Register

TIERRA FLOWERS | THE A&T REGISTER

Rep. Alma Adams honored at 60th sit-in anniversary KENDALL IVY | THE A&T REGISTER LEFT: Roland S. Martin addresses the audience during 60th anniversary breakfast.

RIGHT: Chancellor Harold L. Martin presents Rep. Alma Adams with the Human Rights Award.

JAMILLE WHITLOW Contributor

The legacy and accomplishments of the A&T Four were honored last week through awarding social advocates in local and national communities. The celebration began with the annual breakfast with this year’s keynote speech given by award-winning journalist, author and host Roland S. Martin. Martin is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, which is the first daily online show in history to focus on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports and culture from an explicitly African-American perspective. Along with being named one of the “150 Most Influential African-Americans in the United States” four times by Ebony Magazine, Martin was also named the National Association of Black Journalists’ “2013 Journalist of the Year.” He is known

for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues concerning African Americans during the 2012 election. “You don’t need permission to stand up,” Martin said when discussing the importance of social activism and civil rights. Martin used his own platform, supported by NABJ, to ﬁght for civil rights in 2019 broadcasting the lack of diversity at CNN. As the keynote speaker, Martin emphasized the massive inﬂuence the sit-in movement continues to have on people no matter their age. “This generation has to do the exact same thing that the previous generation did,” Martin said. “As we move to a nation that is moving to the majority, we are losing our voices.’’ Martin also explained the power of voting. After years of students organizing for an early polling site on N.C. A&T’s campus, the site has now been provided at Dudley Hall, which is also the site location of the famous

A&T Four statue. Another point he made was encouraging all generations to organize and protest together when in terms of advocating for the African American community. He posed the question: “When are you old folks going to pass the baton, and get out of the way?” Following his speech, Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) was honored with N.C. A&T’s highest award, the Human Rights Medal. The Human Rights Medal is N.C. A&T’s annual award that is presented to an individual who has had an impact on correcting social injustices and other humanitarian activities. N.C. A&T awarded its ﬁrst Human Rights Medal in 2001 to Greensboro civil rights activist Lewis Brandon and has awarded it annually since 2007. “Thank you for this medal. I am honored to receive it,” Adams said. “Let us continue to progress and move toward the future,” Adams’ political service within

Greensboro and the state of North Carolina has earned her the recognition for this award. In 1984, she became the first black woman to be elected to the board of the former Greensboro City Schools and she later served seven years on Greensboro City Council. In 1994 Adams, who is a Democrat, was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives and served 10 terms in her seat. She was also first elected to Congress in 2014 and won re-election twice. In recent years, Adams founded and co-chaired the first Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Caucus. She also helped launch the Black Maternal Health Caucus in Congress to draw attention to the issue of the African American maternal and infant health crisis. She concluded the program with a messaged similar to Martin’s. “You take power and you use it without asking for permission,” Adams said.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

Greensboro sit-in 60 years later On Friday Jan. 31, 2020 N.C. A&T celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-in, honoring the legacy of the A&T Four and accomplishments of Human Right Award recipient U.S. Representative Alma Adams. Commencing the celebration was a breakfast and keynote by journalist Roland S. Martin. Jibreel Khazan also particpated in a discussion hosted by Dr. Arwin D. Smallwood, History Department Chair. During the discussion Khazan focused on emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s roots. His recurring statement: “Know your legacy.”

All photos by Kendall Ivy | The A&T Register

Jibreel Khazan (middle) and Joseph Alfred McNeil (right) stand in front of the February One Monument on N.C. A&T’s campus.

Lauren Mitchell is theYARDeditor. Reach her at ldmitchell@ aggies.ncat.edu

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Zila Sanchez MANAGING EDITOR: Elaijah GibbsJones DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: Makayla Williams YARD EDITOR: Lauren Mitchell CULTURE EDITOR: Falesha Brodie WORD EDITOR: Donecia Dunk SCORE EDITOR: Jarod Hamilton SCENE EDITOR: Jaylin Saunders PHOTO EDITOR: Kendall Ivy PR COORDINATOR: Alexus JohnsonMobley PR TEAM: Megan Moore, Asha Fields, Romesha Haynes GRADUATE BUSINESS ASSISTANT: Niya Johnson ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR: Cameron Dinkins LEAD REPORTERS: Morgan Haythorne, Jerry Humphrey III, Kerrington Barnes REPORTERS AND CONTRIBUTORS: Christopher Samuels, Peyton Forte, Melvin Harris, Intisar Mohammad, Jamille Whitlow, MULTIMEDIA EDITOR: Hakeem Shabazz-Norris MULTIMEDIA TEAM: David Robinson, Bria Madden, Josef McDougal, Khadijat Sokoya, Fairriona Magee, Kendall Rooks, Marisa Comer DESIGN EDITORS: Tierra Flowers, Celine Hill SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Amber Primus SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM: Destiny Williams, Kala Washington, Kristina Davis, Naki Franklin, Will Buggs, Asahtewa Heman Ackah, Kiya Young, Alexis Davis, Lexus Monae FACULTY ADVISOR: Emily Harris THE A&T REGISTER is published every semester by students at North Carolina A&T State University. One copy is available free of charge to all readers.

Junior Victor Solomon sings at the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Vashti Hinton discusses the importance of voting at panel follwing Wreath Laying Ceremory.

Rep. Alma Adams accepts the N.C. A&T Human Rights Award.

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LEFT: Keynote speaker Roland S. Martin takes a photo with an attendee. RIGHT: Jibreel Khazan and attendee smile at annivesary breakfast.

Students from the Richard B. Harrison Players perform a reenactment of the the A&T Four.

Members of the N.C. A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir at the anniversary breakfast.

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A Q&A with Aggie Collective ELAIJAH GIBBS-JONES Managing Editor

The Aggie Collective is a group of N.C. A&T students who are radicalizing for political education for not only current Aggies, but for college students in the state. The spearhead of Aggie Collective sat down with the A&T Register for an exclusive interview on the group’s initiatives, projects and proposed solutions to education issues.

What do you think the group has done that has had the most impact? AC: Even though the university publicity behind sexual assault has died down versus what it was at this point last year, I do think that it was an important moment. After the duct taping situation [of Dowdy Administration building] I remember the next day the chancellor called an emergency meeting with all the head people and SGA folks who were there all day ﬂushing out ideas, initiatives and plans to progress the university in that way. Some of those are still being worked on and implemented, so I think that was really important. It was the most eﬀective as far as tangible results.

What issues should students pay more attention to? AC: On a campus mileage level one thing I think is really important is surveillance and police culture. Surveillance meaning the way that university entities look over organizations. A lot of students [current and previous] express grievances about treatment under OSA [Oﬃce of Student Activities]. When they try to program on their own and do their own thing, there’s a lot of gateways to be held there. Maybe students being aware of that and seeing if we can form any alternatives, so students can do the things they want to do for students. I think that on a community awareness level, an issue that could be talked about especially here in Greensboro is the housing crisis. We have enough housing for people, but they just don’t have access to it, and that’s because of bureaucracy and all of the things that go into localized government here. On a community level that is a big issue we could all be paying attention to, and could all be organizing around. Students here experience houselessness.

Is there anything in particular the group is working on? AC: Right now we are working on electoral suspension, which is basically getting classes cancelled on primary election days, super Tuesdays and one day during the early voting period so students are able to vote without being penalized for missing class. As important as it is to be in class, it’s

Photo Courtesy of Aggie Collective’s Twitter also important to participate in elections. It will funnel on a state level to make election day a holiday, so folks can get oﬀ of work to participate in elections as well.

In a perfect world, how would N.C. A&T operate? AC: In a perfect, perfect world the whole establishment of university politics would be gone, so it wouldn’t be a problem for students to get what they want. But, in a world that we live in right now with tangible goals, I think it would look like the university giving students more autonomy to speak and organize and make things happen, and work with the university to make

Letters of hope initiated by Mr. RHA LAUREN MITCHELL theYARD Editor

As a way to take a political stand Mister Residence Hall Association Connor Harrison hosted a letter writing program on Monday entitled Freedom Writers: Letters of Hope for Ramsey Orta. Orta is a citizen journalist, who filmed Eric Garner’s killing in 2014 and sparked a national movement against police brutality and cover-ups. Five years following the murder of Garner, federal officials announced they would not file civil rights charges against the offending officer Daniel Pantaleo. Pantaleo walks free, but Orta is behind bars. After being arrested multiple times following Garner’s death, including being framed for gun and drug possession, Orta eventually plead guilty in a deal to free his mother and brother, who were also arrested. “I personally feel that Ramsey Orta sacrificed his peace of mind, even though it was his constitutional right to film, it’s important to understand that there are ramifications to social activism,” Harrison said. Orta has been abused, repeatedly thrown into solitary confinement and moved through 11 New York prisons. He was denied parole in early August of 2019 and is expected to be incarcerated until June 2020. “Even though many programs are impactful at the end of the day, I want to align my passion with my

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Photo Courtesy of Connor Harrison position,” Harrison said. “I want to be a civil rights attorney and very passionate about the political arena and civil rights activism.” Program attendees had the option of handwriting a letter in return for two service hours. If the letter is emailed to Harrison at cmharrison@ aggies.ncat.edu, students will receive one service hour. Attendees were

also provided the option to bring magazines or books for an additional three service hours. If an interested person was not able to attend, they can send their letter to Orta here: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200, Collins Correctional Facility, Middle Rd., PO Box 340, Collins, NY 14034-0340.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

Aggie pushes for sustainability Makaila Gill discusses reducing the carbon footprint a project that dealt with some type of social injustice. My group’s topic was the environment. We thought, “why not have a recycling competition?” Since there aren’t a lot of recycling bins on campus, we wanted to show Chancellor Martin that this is something that needs to be taken seriously. It turned out really well. We got over 600 recycled items.

FALESHA BRODIE

theCULTURE Editor

Has activism always been a part of who you are? If not, when did it begin? Gill: I’d say I’ve always been rebellious as a kid. I always wanted to lash out about stuff. I feel like activism really started for me in middle school/high school. In middle school, I started getting more into the environment and finding out about issues like genetically modified foods. That then turned into activism for our people and climate justice. You’re vegan. So, I was wondering if that was a part of your activism? Gill: It is. I went vegan last May and over the past year, I’ve learned about how to agriculture business affects the environment and climate change. That is why is important for me to go vegan. I felt like, “I can’t say that I care about the environment and still eat meat.” Do you look up to any activists? Gill: I’d have to say Marcus Garvey. Being a rebel, I admire how bold he is. One of the things he did that stood out the most for me was his meeting with the KKK. I remember thinking, “If he can meet with the grand wizard, he is completely fearless.”

CREATIVE CORNER

[Untitled] LEXUS MONAE Contributor

Have you had a lot of support with this movement? Gill: On campus, I have plenty of support. The Earth and Environmental Club is planning a lot of this semester, so I’ve definitely received good energy and support. PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITTER

If you had to explain why sustainability is important in your own words, what would you say? Gill: Literally everyone should be an environmentalist. If you want to continue to live on this earth, and you want your grandkids and great-grandkids to have a safe place to live, it is important to care about the earth. If we don’t become more sustainable, our earth is going to end up looking like “The Lorax” movie. Can you tell me about the recycling initiative you led on campus? Gill: It actually started as a class project. We needed to come up with

What about any pushback? Gill: I’d say I get the most pushback from my family. When I try to incorporate more sustainable practices at home, they’re a little reluctant. Even when I went vegan, they looked at me like I was crazy. But it’s gotten a lot better. My mom will try to buy vegan stuff for me and make sure the restaurants we go to have vegan options.

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What is sexual liberation? KIYA YOUNG

seeming like they are “begging for sex.” “Strippers have feelings too,” Rose said. But being about women and men embracing their sexuality. Whether it be with clothes they wear or how much sex they’re having. Interestingly, many college students do agree with the idea of being sexually liberated but admit

Contributor

“What a slut!” Three words with the power to control how many men and women live their lives. Sexual liberation is a recurring topic in today’s society, especially with the emergence of the #MeToo movement and the age of social media slut-shaming. It’s defined as more sex outside marriage -- particularly for women, according to psychologytoday.com But to countless other Americans, it means so much more. Sexual liberation derived from a social movement in the 1960s that challenged the norms of behavior related to sexuality and sexual relationships throughout the United States. The movement was created to remove the guilt or judgment that comes with freely meeting sexual needs. It is an ideology that is constantly changing with the environment and requires an open mind. A name that heavily surrounds the movement today is Amber Rose. Rose is an American model and actress who is extremely vocal about her opinion on femininity and sexual liberation for women. She also focuses on gender equality and inspiring women to wear and do what they want without fear of being judged or labeled a “slut.” Previously a stripper and former wife to rapper Wiz Khalifa, Rose receives backlash from the media because of her past and comments on

Falesha Brodie is theCulture editor. Reach her at fbrodie@aggies.ncat. edu

they do not fully know what it means. “It’s about owning you who Courtesy of Google Stock Images are when it comes to a sense of pleasure,” said Michael Jones, a Protesters at 2011 Slut Walk in Chicago. sophomore mechanical engineering student. “Knowing what pleases you social media. without being restrained by other In 2015, on a Juicy J track titled people’s opinions. Doing what you “For Everybody,” her ex-husband’s want to do. For women, I think of it lyrics included: as women having sex with whoever I fell in love with a stripper they want and not worrying about funny thing is I fell out of love stuff like body counts.” quicker Briona Grant, a sophomore “That really hurt me because all architectural engineering student, I ever did was love him,” Rose told tried to define sexually liberated. the Washington Post. “I loved him “It means your body, your so much and gave him a beautiful choice. That women can do what son. To be told that I was nothing they want with their bodies because but a stripper hurt. So, I decided to it’s just that. Their bodies.” have this SlutWalk for women who Another student, Jaylen Wright, a have been through the same things sophmore psychology student gave as me.” her own take on sexual liberation: The first SlutWalk happened in “It’s really just people’s choice/ Toronto, Canada in 2011 after a decision if they want to involve police officer told women to stop themselves in sexual intercourse dressing like sluts if they wanted to or not,” Wright said. “Whether avoid sexual assault. they do or don’t, they shouldn’t see Rose wanted to bring attention any shame or guilt in what they’re to the fact that strippers and other doing.” women can be open with their sexuality without being shamed or

The devil has seen my head down and thought he won Until God spoke and said “the storm is over, now the blessings have just begun” Fighting the demons crying every night Not really sure who’s side you’re on, feeling too little to even when the fight Until heaven opened up the gates & I have seen the light Thanking God for saving me and making everything alright Breathe in breathe out. “You got this” is what I use to say Saying shit that sounded good but no action applied for a better way Feeling empty inside demons taken over life Until I met my King at the alter & realize I wasn’t the perfect wife Too focused on the seen, anxiety taken over Searching for composure and closer Pieces coming together filling in the gaps Come to find out, I was numb and wilding cause I truly miss my pops Black little girl with daddy issues a bitch But I refuse to be another statistic, I’m in the 1 percentage

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Millennials say no to marriage ALEXIS DAVIS Contributor

There is one word that will leave some people running, others longing for more and the rest wishing they would have never done it: commitment. Commitment, along with marriage, seem to be a thing of the past for millennials. A frequent trend among millennials is wanting all the benefits of a relationship without tying the knot. “Marriage is essential, but most individuals want to pursue “situationships” rather than commit to one person their entire life these days,” said Camryn Deans, a junior multimedia journalism student. Situationships are defined by Urban Dictionary as a “relationship with no label,” and “a friendship, but more than a friendship.” Even by reading the definition, one could be confused. But ultimately, situationships allow two people to not be held accountable to each other. Today, millennials are more focused on economic success instead of finding a lifetime partner. “They’re taking time to get their financial act together first,” said Hillary Hoffower from the Business Insider. “Like establishing a career and paying off student loan debt so they can enter a marriage with less stress.” But this method, in fact, seems to

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CREATIVE CORNER

[Untitled] PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR

be working for the new generation. The divorce rates are down almost a quarter from 40 years ago. “Millennials are driving what experts have estimated is a 24% decline in the United States overall divorce rate,” said Hannah Smothers, Cosmopolitan senior writer. Some millennials see the pros and “cons” of marriage but are still unsure where they stand when it comes to the big commitment. “Even in college now, I still have some family members who tell me I should enjoy the single life until I get older,” said David Hendricks III, a junior public relations student. Prolonging marriage plans have a lot to do with upbringing. are also in

LEXUS MONAE Contributor

the best interest of some of today’s youth due to their upbringing. If one sees marriage as a seed of unhappiness, they are less likely to want to jump on board. “Personally, I never really saw any happily married couples as I was growing up,” said Hendricks III. Because the time period to get married is prolonged, millennials have higher expectations. “I believe this generation expects everyone to be perfect and to have everything together from the jump,” said Cayla Makell, a junior kinesiology student.

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Why is it that you put others before yourself? Why is it that it pains you to let others down when you have shut down on your own motherboard? Falling in a trap door of depression & anxiety Blocked in a box with no walls & nobody seems to hear your screams Your soul use to be filled with happiness, peace & love But now it’s empty, darkness invading your privacy People using you for what you have to give Taking from you every chance they get like a thief in the night But when you need someone, a shoulder to cry on everyone scatter from you like you have a disease Mind has exploded, fakeness already noted, friends have folded, not a word is being spoken because we all know that she has begun to notice... Notice that people are incapable of loving someone else the right way The way a friend should be loved and respected Because deep down inside we are all broken All misunderstood. All trying to find our way. All flawed. All have been beaten down & abused. Taking Ls constantly. Ls beating us in the back, the head, the side It’s a fight we try to stand up in but cannot win Editor’s Note: The two poems in this edition’s Creative Corner do not have a title.

Want to read more? Visit www.ncatregister.com GRAPHIC BY NAKI FRANKLIN | The A&T Register

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TTHE HE A&T A&T

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

The A&T Register is the student newspaper of N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University. The opinions reflected are those of the student editorial staff and not those of university administrators, faculty or staff. We, the staff, are students.

Zila Sanchez is the Donecia Word editor.Dunk Reachisher theWORD editor. at zsanchez@aggies. Reach her ncat.edu at ddunk@aggies.ncat. edu

The rise of the feminine divine The power of the Black woman has been underestimated for years. Surrounded by grace, beauty, and inspiration, this generation is blessed to continue to see the impact Black women have in today’s society. The Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a time where African-Americans acted as a unit to confront societal issues that impacted their community. While Black women were an integral part of the movement, this is not often portrayed. The New York Times highlighted in a 2015 article the uncommonly known fact that two-thirds of the Black Panther Party consisted of women. However, the group’s mentality stemmed from male chauvinism, the belief of men being superior over women when it comes to skills and their overall existence. Society has always believed that men are superior to women; even if her credentials supersede that of her male counterparts. Despite this mentality, the most renowned women of the movement engaged in civil issues but in their own way. Likewise, professor Kathleen Cleaver and author, activist and philosopher Angela Davis had similar objectives in mind. Cleaver advocated for political prisoners while Davis defended prisoners who killed a guard at Soledad Prison. In continuance of this movement, Black women proved to be essential in the growth of equal representation of African-Americans. Every year, the same stories are told when it comes to Black His-

Photo courtesy of Unsplash tory Month. Though every story is important, the narrative is usually about a Black male who has impacted the African-American community. Where are the narratives of Black women who assisted during this difficult time in history? Women like Davis or even Coretta Scott King, a woman who “held down” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and faced much oppression in his fight for equality. Throughout the years, there has been a trend of Black women expressing themselves through music and speech. Recently, they have been truly dominating the field of pageants. In 1977, the first Black Miss

Universe was Janelle Commissiong. Six years later, the first Black Miss America was awarded to Vanessa Williams. Decades later, during 2018-2019, five women changed the world by making a statement with their beauty. For the first time, Black women represented all positions in regard to the five major beauty pageants. The five positions are Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss USA, Miss World, and Miss Universe. In order, the five women are Kaliegh Garris, Nia Franklin, Cheslie Kryst, Toni-Ann Singh and Zozibini Tunzi. There have only been seven Black women in the past that have won in

February Adjusting to College · January 23rd – February 27th (Thursdays) · 4-5 PM · Proctor Hall, Rm 115 Adjustment to college group for non-traditional age college students as well as transfer students.

The Cypher · January 27th – February 24th (Mondays) · 6:30-7:30 PM · McNeil TV Room

A student collective that listens to hip hop, analyzes lyrics, and discusses content related to mental health concepts, and engages in freestyle sessions!

Sista’ Circle · February 5th – April 1st (Wednesdays) · 3:30-4:30 PM · Murphy Hall, Suite 204

A weekly support group designed to assist survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and/or stalking. Participants will explore feelings related to unhealthy relationships; safety and boundary issues; shame, guilt and forgiveness; internal and external messages; and healing and recovery.

This, That, & The Third · Friday, February 7th · 10 AM and 11 AM · Murphy Hall, Suite 204

Interpersonal communication skills, stress/time management, coping skills, and other academic/career concerns

Vision 2020 · February 12th – March 25th (Wednesdays) · 4-5 PM · Murphy Hall, Suite 109

Small group setting to have powerful discussions on topics like dealing with life issues, school, stress, depression, etc.

LOVE… · Friday, February 14th · 10 AM and 11 AM · Murphy Hall, Suite 204

Love is complicated but healthy relationships don’t have to be. Whether you are in a relationship, a situationship, or single; this group will open discussions around unhealthy vs. healthy relationships, love languages, and more.

#selflove · Friday, February 28th · 10 AM and 11 AM · Murphy Hall, Suite 204

In the current social media culture, it can be hard to love yourself. This group will help you to unplug yourself from the illusions of beauty/happiness and reconnect you to reality.

the major beauty pageants. While the odds were against them because of their skin complexion, most of the women decided to push the boundaries by wearing their natural hair. Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi decided to wear her hair similar to the character Slim’s haircut in the movie “Queen and Slim.” “I’m telling women, you can be beautiful too if you want to,” Tunzi said in an interview with Business Insider. “You can stand up and say ‘I’m beautiful the way that I am, with the shape that I am, with the skin color that I have, with the freckles that I have.” Because of their achievements, children can have someone who looks like them and go against the grain of what society portrays as beauty. The world is slowly accepting non-European beauty features. Black women should recognize their worth and be comfortable in expressing their views to the world. In doing so, this creates a positive chain reaction to help the African-American community, progressively adding to the continuous repertoire of Black history. “I think the importance of doing activist work is precisely because it allows you to give back and to consider yourself not as a single individual who may have achieved whatever but to be a part of an ongoing historical movement,” Davis said in a 1977 interview with Frontline.

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SPRING 2020

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5 , 2020

The politics of black hair

Photo courtesy of Unsplash INTISAR MOHAMMED Contributor Natural hair has always been highly politicized and stigmatized. Dating to times of slavery, kinky curly hair was looked down upon by white people because straight hair was associated with superiority. That racist narrative remains with words such as “unconventional” and “unprofessional” used in reference to natural, African American hair. A recent example of this is DeAndre Arnold. Arnold, a Black student at Barbers Hill High School, has faced negative consequences such as in-school suspension and possibly not walking in graduation for refusing to cut his dreadlocks. “Male students’ hair must not extend below the top of a t-shirt collar or be gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes when let down,” according to the school policy. Arnold does not want to cut his hair because it is part of his Trinidadian heritage. Arnold has tried tying his hair up to fulﬁll the requirements, but even that isn’t allowed because male students are not allowed to adorn their hair with anything. Arnold’s story was similar to that of a young girl in Louisiana. Eleven-year-old Faith Kennedy was sent home because her box braids were against Christ the King Parish School’s school policy. The policy states that students’ hair, “must be conventional....must not interfere with the learning process or draw undue attention to the student…” If those standards are not met students are sent home or suspended until their hair is “deemed appropriate by the principal,” according to the handbook. That is where the root of the problem lies. Natural hair has never been considered “conventional” or “appropriate”. Black bodies and Black hair have always been politicized. With movements such as the Black Panther Party and even the current “woke” movement, Black people have encouraged each other to reject eurocentric standards and accept themselves. That within itself is considered “extreme”. In professional settings, employers are allowed to uphold those biases which can result in employee

termination. “I was told, my natural hair is unprofessional and the equivalent to him throwing on a baseball cap to go to the grocery store,” according to Brittany Noble Jones, a former journalist at WJTV in an interview with “Medium”. In the past few months, California and New York have banned discrimination based on natural hairstyles. Only two out of the 50 states outrightly protect Black and brown people from discrimination based on the hair that grows out of their head naturally. Another place that Black people face discrimination is in pop culture. In 2015, actress, singer and dancer Zendaya attended the Oscars with her hair in faux locs. Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of E!, made a racist comment saying that the dreadlocks made Zendaya look like she, “smells like patchouli oil. Or, weed.” Zendaya responded on Instagram saying, “There is a ﬁne line between funny and disrespectful...To say that an 18-year-old young woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or ‘weed’ is not only a large stereotype but outrageously oﬀensive.” Some came to Rancic’s defense saying that it’s just hair. Since this incident, and even before then, non-Black artists have appropriated dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles. It’s frustrating and infuriating that Blackness has always been hard to digest in non-Black spaces. Blackness and Black culture have never been acceptable on Black bodies. It has always been too “radical,” too “aggressive,” and “takes up too much space.” Black culture has been easier to swallow on non-Black bodies. It has never been just about hair. Black people shouldn’t have to fear the response of their employers and society when they wear their natural hair. They shouldn’t have to navigate their way through obstacles of acceptability and appropriateness. Blackness has never “sat right” in spaces of euro centricity. Black culture has always been loved but never Black people. “You should care that somebody is trying to take your rhythm but not know your blues,” Amanda Seales said in an Instagram post.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

MILLIONS MOURN BRYANT’S DEATH

Kobe’s impact is felt worldwide MELVIN HARRIS Contributor

Heroes come and go, but legends like Kobe Bryant are forever. There have been many social movements in the NBA, especially over the past decade when the Clippers wore their warm-up shirts inside out in protest of Donald Sterling’s racist comments, or when teams wore “I can’t breathe” shirts in protest of Eric Garner’s death. The NBA community – including fans, celebrities and all other spectators -- was left speechless when the news was confirmed Sunday afternoon that Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in route to a basketball game at Bryant’s Mamba Center. In light of his death, many NBA teams started off the game with a 24-second shot clock violation or an eight-second backcourt violation to honor the “Black Mamba.” Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins sat the ball down on the free throw line where Kobe passed Michael Jordan for third on the league’s all-time scoring list. Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young began his game wearing the No. 8 jersey instead of the customary No. 11 that he wears. Not to mention, Young was Gigi’s favorite player. Young’s game hours after the tragedy was special as he became the first player since Bryant to have a 45-point double-double with under 25 field goal attempts. The entire Detroit Pistons team warmed up in No. 24 and No. 8 jerseys with “Bryant” on the back. The Lakers vs. Clippers game was postponed due to the tragic event. When the Blazers came to town to play the Lakers for the first game since the tragedy, the Lakers performed many tributes from video

MAKAYLA WILLIAMS | THE A&T REGISTER Bryant is the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history.

packages to LeBron giving a message pre-game to Lakers PA announcer announcing the entire starting lineup as Kobe. The Lakers and Blazers also performed 24 second and eight second violations respectively to start the game. Some NBA players such as Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Spencer Dinwiddie have begun informally retiring Kobe’s numbers – eight and 24 – out of respect to the legend. Dinwiddie plans on changing his number from eight to 26. This generation looked up to Kobe. Many saw him as a hero in their eyes. “He really was like my hero, the reason I started playing basketball,” Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said in a television interview. Many retired and current-day players such as LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade saw Kobe as more than a teammate

and competitor but as a brother. O’Neal gave his remarks on social media: “There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and my brother Kobe Bryant. I love you and u will be missed,” O’Neal tweeted. Bryant had been mentoring his daughter, Gigi, for a while – practicing, taking her to games, and giving all the time he could give her. Gigi had the same love for the game just like her father, and according to Kobe, she wanted to carry on his legacy. “She was special,” said former NBA Player Tracy Mcgrady. “She was built like Kobe, mannerisms, and everything. Just to watch her play was like watching a young Kobe.” Nevertheless, Bryant’s impact goes beyond the court. Fans gathered

in front of Staples Center where Bryant played all of his home games. Students on campus met at the Reflection Pool to show their love for Bryant and the Bryant family, releasing purple and gold balloons into the night sky. People all over the world mourned the death of the icon. Many murals were drawn, prayers were said and paper balls were thrown in the trash. However, Bryant would want the world to fight through this troubling time. Bryant would want fans all over the world to have that Mamba Mentality and get what needs to be done. “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do,” Bryant said once. It’s safe to say Bryant has inspired generations to come who will continue his legacy.

New WNBA agreement includes higher pay JAROD HAMILTON & DESTINY WILLIAMS theSCORE Editor and Reporter

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced the establishment of its new collective, WNBA Changemakers. The goal of this initiative is to bring together other valuedriven businesses to expand the advancement of all women in sports. The initiation of the platform launch was highlighted by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the league’s announcement of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Changemakers platform is organized to provide centered support to the league and its business transformation among marketing, branding as well as a player and fan experience. With a brand new approach to sports sponsorship, the platform is deeply invested in instilling effective change for the WNBA, women in sports and women in society. This can be looked at as a positive

PHOTO COURTESY OF LORIE SHUALL Cathy Engelbert highlighted the WNBA Changemakers during a CBA announcement.

marketing-wise for the league but none of this comes to fruition without the new CBA. For years fans and media alike have begged the question of when the

players of the WNBA were going to receive the same rights their National Basketball Association (NBA) counterparts get. Included in the CBA: salary increases, which also includes the league’s highest-paid players getting paid $215,000 – up from the $117,500 in the previous CBA; also, singular hotel rooms, child care stipends, fully paid maternity leave, more marketing opportunities, among many more things. The CBA runs through 2027, with the Players Association and the owners being able to mutually optout in 2025 after six years. This is not exactly the end all be all as the players still want more. While some star players may make the base salary of $215,000 and up to $500,000 if they hit all their incentives in their contracts, the NBA’s league minimum for a rookie in the 2018-2019 season was $582,180 and has likely increased this season. The hope is that this can keep players fresher for the season. It is widely a well-known fact in the basketball community amongst most fans that WNBA players play

overseas to make more money while they wait for the debut of a new WNBA season. This was a big deal in the CBA deal as players voiced their concern, especially after 2018 WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm, ruptured her achilles playing overseas. Ironically, Stewart tore the tendon when she landed awkwardly on the foot of WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury, who was also playing overseas for the same reasons. This injury had caused a stir amongst players and fans against owners saying that they would be less likely to get hurt if they got more and better benefits that did not make them play overseas. For now this is a historic step in the right direction. Perhaps by the time this CBA ends and the next one begins the players of the WNBA will be able to take another historic step for women’s basketball and women’s rights overall.

Read the full article at ncatregister.com.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

Women’s liberation in music KERRINGTON BARNES theSCENE Lead Reporter

Women often experience the double standard of limiting their self-express and sexual desires in music as society continues to depict women as prim, proper and unheard. However, in the new generation, there has been a shift in that narrative; women are reclaiming their sexual liberty. This shift in music and entertainment expresses a side of women that have been silenced. It is a common interest for female music artists not to create music for the empowerment of women, but the empowerment of everyone. The sexual liberation of women in the music industry comes in many forms including relationships, body positivity, empowerment through music and limiting their use of makeup. Here is a list of women who ensure their sexual liberation is seen and felt. Beyonce has expressed that she wants to combat the double standard women face daily through her music, according to an interview with madamenoire.com. Beyonce wants women to understand that sexuality is apart of womanhood, and there is nothing for women to be ashamed of. After the birth of her oldest daughter Blue, Beyonce began to work on her self-titled album “Beyonce.” Her daughter’s birth made her feel empowered and conﬁdent about her sexuality, according to medium.com. Lizzo spoke with TeenVogue stating her music is for people who feel like they do not ﬁt the label that society has created. Her goal was to create music where she can express the side of her

Beyonce at the Summer Sonic Music Festival in Osaka, Japan in 2009

that is deemed ugly or undesirable. Lizzo considers herself part of the LGBTQIA+ community. She performs at pride festivals to ensure she supports the LGBTQIA+ community as she has a large queer fanbase. Lizzo is also well known for being intuned with her body and is not afraid of showing the world how to wear their ﬂaws with conﬁdence. “When it comes to sexuality or gender, I personally don’t ascribe to just one thing,” “I cannot sit here right now and tell you I’m just one thing.” Lizzo said in an interview

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS KUTLESA

with Billboard.com. Alicia Keys’ no-makeup movement has been a topic of discussion since the artist vowed to stop “covering up” in 2016, according to her Lenny letter. “My mother taught me growing up to care deeply and strongly about other women,” Keys said in an interview with Variety.com. Keys is known for writing music that inspires and empowers women even before her 2012 release of “Girl on Fire.” In the interview, she admitted the song was a way for her

Jaylin Saunders is theSCENE editor. Reach him at jsaunders@aggies. ncat.edu

to lift herself in the days was she felt she was not enough. “I’m always trying to figure out how to lift myself, how to remind myself that I’m greatness,” Keys said. “It gets confusing, and you lose your footing. We beat ourselves up, as women.” Ever since Cardi B entered the music industry she has been transparent about the past of being an exotic dancer. This has often resulted in the media targeting her intelligence. Cardi B is also known for expressing her sexual freedom in her music and not allowing critiques to kill her confidence. Her platform has shown her fearlessness, whether it is in music or politics. The voice of Cardi B’s political activism was a common theme at the Women’s March. Many women have used quotes from Cardi B’s tweet to protest for women’s rights. Summer Walker, who is also a former exotic dancer creates music for women and girls who felt like they were too powerful to be loved. In her music, she sends the message to women and girls of reclaiming ownership of their bodies, according to newyorker.com. In Summer Walker’s “Girls Need Love” she provided a perspective that addressed the double standard women often do not express. The topic of women addressing sex is often viewed as taboo. This transition in the female sector of the music industry will not be the last. This inspiration that these artists are feeding young girls will give them the confidence they need when it’s their turn to take over the music industry.

It’s JUST WATER but it impacts many JAYLIN SAUNDERS theSCENE Editor

Jaden Smith is known for a lot including his music, acting and being the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. The young star has also been spotlighted for his social awareness in diﬀerent communities. In 2015, Smith along with his parents launched his “JUST Water” brand through JUST goods. Inc., a company co-founded with Drew Fitzgerald in 2012. Since founding the company Smith has made impacts in many places with his main focus being on supplying clean water to those in need. JUST Water continues to share the company’s motivation on its website with the following statement. A group who came together to drive social and environmental impact through business. A business that rethinks how we source, deliver and consume the items we hold in our hands every day. A business that combines for-proﬁt energy and

non-profit motives with the goal of offering products with impact, affordably. Smith and his company designed a reusable water carton that could substitute for the plastic bottles people use. Along with the water carton being reusable, it is also completely recyclable with it being made of 54% paper, 28% plant-based plastic, 15% protective plastic film, and 3% aluminium. “Cartons are great because they are sturdy and keep food safe while at the same time use more renewable resources and less fossil fuels in their makeup,” according to the company’s website, JUST goods Inc. did not stop at water cartons. In March 2019, Smith’s water box landed in Flint, Michigan, which is a community that has been battling a water crisis since 2015. The company also launched Just Water in Australia. Smith used the same filtration system his company uses at their

plants, but he made it smaller and donated to the First Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan to help with the water crisis they face. “The project they ultimately launched, a mobile water ﬁltration device called the Water Box, was designed and built with the full partnership of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, which had been ﬁelding bottled water donations and hosting water drives for the local community since the crisis began

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P five years ago,” said Katharine Schwab in a Fast Company article. Four months later, the second water box was implemented and supplied Flint with more clean water as a gift from Jaden to Ellen DeGeneres, the host of the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Not long after donating both boxes to Flint, the company was valued at $100 million and expanded the JUST Water brand to the U.K., which further expanded the eco-friendly water cartons around the world. Anyone can support the brand and its mission through purchasing JUST Water cartons at any CVS in Greensboro, North Carolina. The water is also available in different organic fruit flavors like lemon, blackberry and mint. The water cartons can also be bought in 24 packs of each flavor on shopjustwater.com.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

Date night movies for Valentine’s Day MORGAN HAYTHORNE & STEFON SMITH theYARD Lead Reporter & Contributor

It’s that time of the year again, where everyone gets all “lovey dovey.” Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for all to show those around them that they love and care for them. Cards, balloons, teddy bears are all the cute things to give a loved one, but here are a few movies that will be out on Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14th some eye-catching movies will be playing in theaters for the first time. One of them is called “The Photograph”. Actress Issa Rae (HBO’s “Insecure”, “Little”) and actor Lakeith Stanford (Netflix’s “Someone Great”, FX’s “Atlanta”) collide together in this romantic movie about how a woman must learn from her mother’s past mistakes with love to find the power to love and to be loved by someone else. If you’re a classics lover and new romance films just don’t do it for you. You can stream some of the greatest classics on Amazon Prime. One timeless classic is “Love Jones” starring Larenz Tate as Darius LoveHall and Nia Long as Nina Mosley. The movie follows a young photographer, Nina, as she exits a bad relationship and finds herself falling for author and poet, Darius. Available to rent for $2.99 and to buy for $9.99 Another classic is “Love & Basketball” starring Sanaa Lathon and Omar Epps. It follows two basketball players who have been best friends since they were kids, but as they get older friends turn into lovers. Available to

rent for $3.99 and to buy for $12.99. For couples on a budget this Valentine’s day there is always Netflix, which has a huge variety of romance movies you and your partner can choose from. The sequel to the Netflix original film, “All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” will be coming to Netflix on Feb. 12. “To All the Boys: PS. I Still Love You” is based off of the romance novels by American Author, Jenny Han, is about a teenage girl in high school who makes a promise with her boyfriend that they’ll never break each other’s hearts. Things get complicated when an old crush from middle school is back in her life. For the single Aggies and couple’s who aren’t looking for love stories, “Birds of Prey” is being released Feb. 7. “Birds of Prey” starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, reprising her role she had in Suicide Squad that released in 2016. The movie follows Harley Quinn after her break up with the Joker, there are villains in Gotham that want her dead. She joins a band of women who want their own form of justice against these said villains of Gotham. With or without a Valentine’s date this year you can be entertained by the movies coming to the big screen or familiar classics on streaming services. Red Cinemas is a local family owned movie theatre in Greensboro, and it offers student discounts Monday through Friday. N.C. A&T students must bring your Aggie one card as proof of enrollment and is located at 1305 Battleground Ave.

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2020

On February 1, 1960 Four North Carolina A&T College freshmen students boldly took seats at the segregated F. W. Woolworth lunch counter in downtown Greensboro. Their courageous efforts launched a movement, inspiring activists to action across the region.

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