The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924 Volume 101, Issue 20
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Washington, D.C.
INSIDE
CAMPUS:
Highlights of Today’s Game Changers Pg. 4/
Courtesy Photo
WHUT-TV Withdrawn From Federal Communications Commission Auction By Daja E. Henry Contributing Writer
fter a little over a year A since announced that Howard University decided
that it would participate in the Federal Communication Commission’s Broadcast Incentive Auction, Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick released a statement stating that Howard will keep its noncommercial license to operate WHUT-TV, the only Black-owned public television station in the country. The university’s reason for its “voluntary withdrawal” from the auction was that the “relatively low yield [from
@TheHilltopHU
the auction] would not justify relinquishing the university’s rights to broadcast WHUTTV.” According to the statement, WHUT-TV’s spectrum was placed in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadcast Incentive Auction early last year. In October 2015, the University issued a statement to students detailing its potential involvement in the auction, which received much backlash. The October 2015 statement cited four options for the future of WHUT: Sale and relinquishment of broadcasting rights, transition from UHF to VHF spectrum,
partner or share broadcasting or not participate in the auction at all. Back in Fall 2015, students launched the #KeepWHUTBlack campaign, delivering a petition to Frederick to prevent involvement in the auction. However, the University still opted to participate up until today despite students’ requests. Although Howard has now decided to keep WHUT-TV’s spectrum, it is still unclear whether the station, which has been beneficial to many students, will continue to be an integral part of Howard University’s School of Communications.
www.thehilltoponline.com
CULTURE:
Are HBCUs Relevant? A Column Pg. 6/
SPORTS:
Men’s Basketball: Bison Come Up Short Against NCCU Eagles Pg. 8/ @TheHilltop1924
PAGE 2
THE HILLTOP
The Hilltop Editorial Office 2401 4th Street NW, 68B, Washington, D.C. 20059 (202) 806-4749
Paul Holston Editor-in-Chief
eic@thehilltoponline.com
Almani Jackson Business Manager
business@thehilltoponline.com
Rushawn Walters Managing Editor
managing1@thehilltoponline.com
Akiah Singfield Sales Manager
adsales1@thehilltoponline.com
Sylvester Johnson III Copy Chief
Devin Barnwell
Assistant Copy Chief
Victoria Jones Copy Editor
Jason Ajiake News Editor
Gabrielle Oliver Culture Editor
Brittany Webb Sports Editor
Dawn Richard Layout Editor
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
BLACK Kwame Ture
(June 29, 1941-Nov. 15, 1998)
HISTORY
Information Courtesy of: www.aaprp-intl.org/ancestor- page/ kwame-ture) Born Stokely Carmichael, the son of Adolphus and Mabel Carmichael, in Port of Spain, Trinidad on 29 June 1941. Kwame moved with his family to New York at an early age. In 1960, while studying at Howard University in Washington, he joined the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and threw himself into the struggle for desegregation and civil rights. As a SNCC organiser Kwame participated in sitins, freedom rides and voter registration drives in the racist Deep South of the United States. His numerous arrests and battles against the Klu Klux Klan and the FBI-CIA intrigues steeled him in struggle. Kwame became Chairperson of SNCC in 1966 and he raised and popularised the call for “Black Power!” during the Meredith march in Mississippi that year. In 1967 he became honorary Prime Minister of the Black Panther Party in a move to forge unity between the Panthers and SNCC. Kwame’s call for an African United Front of all (Black) African organisations struggling against racist oppression became his trademark demand and remained so throughout his life. Kwame’s growing understanding of the nature of US imperialism led him to travel widely in support of the struggles of the peoples of Palestine, Cuba, Vietnam, Ireland, Puerto Rico, North Korea and toforge principled relationships with organisations of the oppressed indigenous people of the Americas. Under kwam’s leadership SNCC denounced Zionist aggression against Palestinian and Arab people during the 1967 Israeli war. Kwame also played a leading role in organising mass resistance against US aggression in Vietnam. In 1968 he visited Hanoi and held extended discussions with Vietnam’s heroic leader, Ho Chi Minh. Kwame always called this meeting “one of the greatest honours of
his life”. Kwame Ture was a lifelong support of the Cuban Revolution and travelled many times to Havana in defiance of the unjust US travel embargo. It was his principled support for the revolutionary struggles of oppressed peoples worldwide that earned him the vicious hatred of the FBI-CIA which orchestrated his banning and exclusion from over thirty countries in the world at one point. But Kwame Ture’s courage, sincerity and tireless work in the service of humanity won him the love and admiration of struggle people everywhere. Following his marriage to exiled South African artist Miriam Makeba and in his search for the correct solution to the oppression of African people in America, Kwame Ture moved to Guinea in 1968. he always referred to this as “the wisest decision I ever made”. In Conakry he became secretary to President Kwame Nkrumah, overthrown by the CIA coup in Ghana in 1966 and studied under Guinean President Ahmed Sekou Toure. Under the tutelage of these two great Pan-Africanists. Kwame recognised that organisation and constant political education are the key to liberation of African and all oppressed peoples. And this is what Kwame Ture unselfishly committed his lief to doing - everywhere and under any circumstances. The first study cells of the All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party (A-APRP) were created by Kwame Nkrumah in Conakry in 1968. In 1969 Kwame Ture under took the assignment to re-visit North America to build the AAPRP under Nkrumah’s organisational direction. In 1980 Kwame Ture, together with sisters in the A-APRP, pioneered the formation of the All-African Women’s Revolutionary Union to ensure that African Women assumed a vanguard role in elimination not just
nation (race) - class oppression, but also the added burden of sexism as well. Kwame Ture was a central committee member of the All African People’s Revolutionary Party and a leading figure in the global Pan-Africanist movement. His political career spanned four decades of struggle - from civil rights/anti-colonial movements to Black Power agitation to the present era of building mass, revolutionary Pan-Africanist parties. Brother Kwame’s transition occurred peacefully on Sunday 15 November 1998 after a long battle with cancer. He died in Conadkry, Guinea - his home for the final 30 years of his life. Kwame Ture made immense contributions to the struggles of African people worldwide. He was a tireless and humble organiser in the service of the African Revolution. His life and work will continue to insprie all those who seek the ultimate solution to the long centures of oppression and exploitation of Africans world-wide; this solution is Pan-Africanism the total liberation and unification of Africa
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Apple HBCU Scholars Six students from Howard University have been selected into the Apple HBCU Scholars program. This is the second year of the initiative Apple launched in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide opportunities in the tech industry for students and enhance engagement with faculty on HBCU campuses. During the week of February 13th, Apple hosted 35 students from 16 HBCUs for a 5-day immersive experience at its headquarters in Cupertino, California where they learned more about the company’s culture, ecosystem and community. In May, they will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a paid internship. Upon returning to school for their final year, students will receive scholarship funding to complete their education, and continue their experience with Apple and TMCF as Ambassadors to the program. Please join us in recognizing these students on this great accomplishment:
Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the preeminent writers of 20th century AfricanAmerican literature.
The Hilltop Congratulates: Samman Thapa, Alston Clark, Sabria Jones, Emmanuel Balogun, Obinna Obike, Daquanna Bates
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
THE HILLTOP
PAGE 3
CAMPUS Student Profile [Q&A]: Krya Fox The first thing most people notice about Kyra Fox is her hair… bright blonde curls sprouting from her head. This distinctive feature makes Fox easy to spot, but it also speaks to her character. Like her hair, Kyra Fox is not afraid to be seen – or heard – especially when it comes to issues surrounding the LGBTQ community.
and a half later, I thought of social media and television because in 2016 that’s how we reach people the most. That’s where it started, but the more people I talk to the more the organization expands.
This summer, after gaining online attention for a spoken word piece on the mass murder in Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub, Fox started an organization-turned-nonprofit called Black, White & Different. Black, White & Different (or BWD) aims to shed light and open a dialogue about issues in the LGBTQ community. The Hilltop had the pleasure of sitting down with Fox to discuss everything from “coming out” to her plans with her new organization:
HT: Speaking of bridging that gap between self-realization and public acceptance, how do you want BWD to help others bridge that gap?
The Hilltop: Where did the idea for Black, White & Different come from? Kyra Fox: It came from me making a spoken word video after the Orlando nightclub shooting, because I felt like people needed to see the point of view of the LGBTQ community. The video caught a lot of wind, and I started thinking about what else I could do. I started brainstorming how I could reach more people in the community and how I could educate people outside the community. About a month
KF: Right now, we’re targeting high schools through our mentorship program. We want to expose the importance of health and wellness and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin. We want to be there to show people that we’re in college now, we’ve made it through and you can also make it through. By just showing up and being comfortable with who we are, we are showing others that you don’t have to be scared of coming out to your family or walking into a church. HT: Do you want BWD to be an ally or an advocate? KF: I want people inside and outside of BWD to be
By Kaylin Young Contributing Writer
all involves people speaking up. HT: Often, women of color will talk about how there isn’t enough positive media portrayal of them on television. Do you feel this statement can be made about the LGBTQ community as well?
KF: I love that question because I do feel that way. When I first started writing the proposal and premise of the show that thought came up. Every show that has an LGBTQ couple either gets divorced or (with lesbian couples) one partner will cheat with a random guy who comes in. It’s never just a Courtesy Photo positive represenadvocates. At first, people tation – except for were coming to me saying the show The Fosters. Not “well, I’m not gay…can I every LGBT couple ends still come to the meetings?” up in crazy situations, And I’m like “Of course you but that’s how people see can!” It’s a movement. You it because of the media. don’t see only black people Whenever television shows in the Black Lives Matter show a gay couple cheatmovement. Other races ing with a member of the come together to fight for opposite sex, I immediately the rights of people, holdstop watching because the ing up posters, coming to media is constantly showrallies. For BWD, we want ing homosexuality as “just people outside and inside a phase.” We want to show of the community being ad- that it isn’t a phase, it’s vocates. All our programs, who we are. the mentorship program, the television show, and HT: What do you want the awareness program BWD’s off-campus impact
to be? KF: Right now, we are working to create BWD “Safe Clubs” in major cities all over the country. These safe clubs will have psych counselors, career counselors and people who specialize in LGBTQ mental health and awareness. We don’t want people coming in trying to change who we are; we want people to come in and say “You’re in the LGBTQ community, you’re going to have a lot of negativity thrown at you, how can I help you navigate through life?” Seventy percent of youth in the LGBTQ community don’t feel safe in their homes, so we want to give people somewhere positive to go. You don’t have to be a part of the community, but if you see yourself as different, if you need some place to be at with positive mentors and activities, that is the place. Currently we have six universities who are on board to help develop our org. The university is the center point, but any surrounding high schools, churches or foster care programs are where we also want to reach. We want people to know that you’re never alone and you can get through it.
Be on the lookout for events from Black, White and Different. You can find the video that started the movement on Kyra’s Youtube channel (FoxKyra) titled “Authentic Love.” Follow BWD on social media @BlackWhiteDiff.
Have an amazing, newsworthy story idea that we should cover? The Hilltop wants to hear it! Email the Editor-in-Chief with your idea: EIC@thehilltoponline.com
PAGE 4
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
me a G
Today’s AfricanAmerican Game Changers
1
ELAINE WELTEROTH
cal or Comedy TV Series, Glover hasn’t recently really taken an ‘L’. 2016 might have been Glover’s best year to date. The New York University graduate released an album entitled “Awaken My Love!”, FX’s new series “Atlanta”, was casted to play Lando Calrissian in an untitled Han Solo film and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” although his role has yet to be disclosed. Glover’s talents has exceeded the entertainment industry. He is able to produce television shows and albums, including a baby boy.
At 29, Elaine Welteroth is the youngest person appointed editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue and is the second African-American to do so. Before Teen Vogue, the California State University at Sacramento alumna served as Beauty & Style Editor for Ebony Magazine and a Senior Beauty Editor for Glamour Magazine. During Welteroth’s tenure as editor, the magazine has increased publication surrounding political and social issues. Welteroth, along with other staff members, have explored topics covering the Dakota Accesses Pipeline protests, Vice President Michael Pence’s stance on reproductive and LGBTQ rights, and President Donald Trump’s administration.
2
THE HILLTOP
Recently casted as Simba for Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” and Golden a Globe winner for Best Actor-Television Series Musical or Comedy, Glover’s vast talents has earned him a spot on this short yet comprehensive list. Glover ends Black History Month by receiving an additional accolade for Atlanta- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Director in a Comedy Series.
This past October, HBO in collaboration with Ebony Magazine hosted an “Insecure” HBCU Tour who came to Howard University for an advanced screening of the upcoming episodes in addition to a Q&A session dedicated to Rae’s journey towards the creation of Insecure. As a Golden Globe nominee for Best Actress in a Comedy series and with an upcoming and heavily anticipated season two, Rae lives up to the definition of fierce. Powerful, passionate, confident with an undeniable dosage of potential.
Before her rise to notable fame, Rae’s foundation towards her success began in 2011 on Youtube as the creator of her own web series, “Awkward Black Girl” and
5
YARA SHAHIDI
4
“Black-ish” actress Yara Shahidi has become a prominent figure through the years as she breaks down barriers for actors in film and television.
3
Creator, and star, Issa Rae, remains at the top of her game. As the lead female role of HBO’s new comedy series “Insecure”, viewers are lead through an infusion of hip-hop, love, friendship, and relatable contemporary black experiences. The half-hour program debuts at a time where African Americans are flourishing and thriving in the entertainment industry with the production of FX’s “Atlanta”, Netflix’s “Luke Cage”, and Berry Jenkins’ “Moonlight”.
paign in December 2015 where he raised over $1000 to provide 1000 EMPWR coats to Chicago’s homeless. The coats are water-resistant, self heating and can be transformed into a sleeping bag, all aimed at reducing death by hypothermia.
CHANCE THE RAPPER
ISSA RAE
DONALD GLOVER
After writing for NBC’s “30 Rock”, then transitioning towards life in front of the camera as Tony Barnes in “Community”, while producing music as Childish Gambino, it seems Glover can do anything and everything. His successes from double Grammy nominee, Because the Internet, Atlanta’s Golden Globe for Best Musi-
with her recently published book entitled The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.
ore : m m ut rs at e.co o ab nge nlin n r a Cha topo Le l hil e h w.t w w
With his triple Grammy win last week, all for “Coloring Book”, Chance The Rapper has already made black history by winning and being nominated for a streaming-only album. From being featured on Kanye’s “Ultralight Beam”, John Legend’s “Penthouse Floor”, and contributing towards his own brother’s success in “Broad Shoulders”, Chance continues to spread his talent for the benefit of himself and others. The Chicago native’s talent also reaches towards the community of Chicago and nationwide. During his Magnificent Coloring World Tour this past fall, he collaborated with the NAACP to bring a Voters Registration Drive to the show. Concertgoers had the chance to register to vote as part of the #StayWokeAndVote campaign. On the eve of Election Day, Chance led thousands of people in Chicago on a march to the polls entitled #ParadeToThePolls. He co-created the Warmest Winter cam-
Being of mixed race (black and Iranian), Shahidi stood in solidarity with fellow immigrants during President Trump’s Executive Order “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” in January. Taking it to Instagram, she reminded fans how the issue came a little too close to home as Iran was one of the countries affected. “If my Baba was stuck in an airport because of a Muslim ban 39 years ago, he would have never fallen in love with my mama,” Shahidi continues. “I would not exist and I wouldn’t have two amazing brothers.. Xenophobia destroys the power of love and the power of our collective potential,” the actress states. “It creates a false sense of security for some and an environment of fear for others. Immigrants don’t threaten safety - stereotypical narratives that promote hate do.” The 17-year-old will be in The District at an entertainment panel entitled ‘Diversity Dialogue Conference’ at Georgetown University on Saturday, February 25.
By Jacinth Jones Staff Writer
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
THE HILLTOP
PAGE 5
NEWS EyE on Africa 1 3 GAMBIA
On Saturday, Feb. 18, Adama Barrow was sworn in as the third president of The Gambia in a packed stadium in the capital city of Banjul. Thousands witnessed as President Barrow was sworn in for the second time. The first ceremony took place in January at the Gambian embassy in Senegal due to the fact that Barrow’s predecessor, Yahya Janneh refused to cede power. Barrow offered a message of reform and unity, pledging to work to make free education a reality and to free political prisoners, as well as rejoin the International Criminal Court and Commonwealth. Barrow also promised to work to put an end to human rights abuses in the country.
2
SOMALIA
Thirty-four people were killed on Sunday, Feb. 19 by a car bomb that went off in one of the market places in the nation capital city, Mogadishu. From the crime scene, police captain Mohamed Hussein said “that the attack was only aimed at killing civilians. The blast came from a parked car, and no group has claimed responsibility as of now. This marks the first major attack since the election of the nation’s new president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.” Newly elected President Mohamed met with victims of the attack and visited the scene of the blast. The government has also offered a reward of $100,000 to anyone who supplies information that could help with the ongoing investigation.
T
he Democratic Party is set to elect a new chair on Saturday, Feb. 25 after months of vigorous campaigning by prominent officials jockeying for the position. The position has remained open following the unceremonious firing of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention in July 2016. Schultz was forced to resign after allegations of misconduct and impropriety were leveled against her and her staff by the Bernie Sanders campaign, as well as activist organizations like WikiLeaks that batch-published hacked emails that appeared to show Schultz’s preference for former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Despite showing no evidence of wrongdoing, the resulting outrage forced Schultz out, while also casting shadows over the first few days of the convention. With interim chair Donna
Brazile declining to seek a full term amid allegations of collusion with the Clinton camp, the race for chair was wide open following Secretary Clinton’s upset loss to Donald Trump in November’s presidential election. The candidates for chair seem almost uncannily like the presidential candidates that they supported, and the chair race has ultimately become in the eyes of many pundits a rehash of the contentious Democratic presidential primary. U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) was one of Bernie Sanders’ only establishment or Congressional supporters, and his outspoken allegiance made him a favorite of the party’s progressive wing. His insistence on defending Sanders, even going so far as to lambast Hillary Clinton after the election for not being suitably progressive, has made him a progressive star on the same level as Senators Sherrod Brown or Elizabeth Warren. His chief opponent for the
By Sophia Hussein Contributing Writer
SOUTH SUDAN
Two top military officials have resigned from their posts as overseers of the military courts in South Sudan. The resignations of Brigadier General Henry Oyay Nyago and Colonel Khalid Ono Loki came as a result of the “crimes against humanity; genocidal acts and ethnic cleansing.” In his letter of resignation, Lokoi accused President Salva Kirr of protecting soldiers of his tribe that had been accused of theft, murder and rape, as well as the unlawful arrests of those of different tribes. The ongoing civil war in the world’s youngest country began in 2013, and has since killed over 100,000 and displaced over 6 million.
4
NIGERIA
Nigerian based Non-Governmental organization, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) sent an open-letter to U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month urging the administration to “release to Nigeria some $500 million worth of U.S. based products of corruption traced to former Nigerian dictator, General Sani Abacha.” The letter calls on the U.S. to return funds in accordance to the UN Convention Against Corruption. General Abacha took office in 1993, following a coup and remained in power until his death in 1998. During this five-year period, he has been accused of stealing over $4 billion. $700 million has already been returned by the government of Switzerland, and over $480 million had been seized by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2014.
An Overview:
DNC Elections Loom By David DePriest Columnist chairship is former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, an Obama administration alumni who, despite being one of the most progressive cabinet secretaries in history, threw his support behind Hillary Clinton. Perez was shortlisted for vice president, with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly pushing for Perez, even over herself, to be Clinton’s VP
last year. Both candidates promise a 50 state strategy where the party will devote resources towards winning back gerrymandered districts in industrial states like Ohio and Michigan that, despite boasting large working class and minority populations, narrowly went for Donald Trump in November’s election. In addition to that, Ellison has campaigned on the promise of vigorous grassroots opposition to Trump, a sharp contrast to Perez’s focus on recruiting candidates on the local and national levels to challenge weak and entrenched Republicans and moderate Democrats. Both candidates have been criticized by lesser known candidates like former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley (who, like in the primary, ultimately failed to gain traction and unceremoniously dropped out) for not sufficiently appealing to the party’s moderates, and the question of how to keep the Democratic Party from moving too far
to the left has been central to the race so far. Perez is largely seen as the candidate who appeals mostly to moderates, but Ellison’s strong support among the younger Democrats that Clinton ultimately lost in November makes him a strong contender for the position. Both candidates would be historic, with Ellison being only the fourth African American to chair a political party (Ronald Brown was the first in 1989 when he was elected to run the Democratic Party). Secretary Perez would be the first Hispanic American to chair a major political party. The election is expected to be close, even as Perez maintains huge pockets of support from within the Democratic Party establishment. Ellison was long considered to be a lock, but in recent weeks, concerns over his past anti-Semitic remarks have pushed many senior party members into the Perez camp.
PAGE 6
THE HILLTOP
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
art
submissions
CULTURE
See Your Poem or Artwork in The Hilltop! Contact: CULTURE@THE HILLTOPONLINE. COM for more details and guidelines. By Keron Ifill, Philosophy Major, Eastampton, New Jersey
COLUMN
HBCUs: Are They Still Relevant?
By Imara Bright-Johnson Staff Writer About every other week, you could probably log onto Twitter and have the opportunity to see another round of the infamous contest of merits between historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly white institutions. It is important to hone in on why historically Black colleges and universities are, in fact, extremely important and essential to this society. Many people are not educated on the history of HBCUS, why
they were established, and why they still exist. If more knew about the specific purpose that they serve, their role in America and their overall impact—then the never-ending debates would cease. After the Civil War, AfricanAmericans had, for the first time, an opportunity to pursue education. Between 1861 and 1870, the American Missionary Association founded seven Black colleges. The demand for higher education was larger than ever and needed resolution. The goals of these schools were to provide African Americans
with education and degrees and see them become leaders in society. Initially, many of the schools focused on teaching students skilled trades, but over the years their teachings expanded. After the late 1860s, more historically Black colleges were established, such as Howard University, Jackson State University and Lincoln University. Many acknowledge the fact that historically Black colleges were relevant during that point in time, but often question if they are still relevant today. Although AfricanAmericans are now allowed to attend any university of college of
their choice, HBCUs are still very pertinent in college education in America. In the United States, HBCUs represent 23 percent of the nation’s Black college students, 70 percent of Black physicians, 50 percent of Black lawyers, 40 percent of Black engineers and 50 percent of Black teachers and professionals attended a historically Black college or university. HBCUs provide a conducive, productive and often comforting environment for all students of color to meaningfully express themselves, both academically and socially. They are relevant institutions today, and always will be.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
THE HILLTOP
PAGE 7
OPINION “Be the Gold You Wanna Hold, My G’s”: Black Creatives and Award Shows By Chantè Russell Staff Writer
T
o the surprise of many, Beyoncé did not win the Album of the Year for “Lemonade” during the 59th Grammy Awards, Feb. 12. But was it really all that shocking? In the 59 years The Grammys have been around, only eleven Black artists have won Album of The Year (and that’s counting Outkast as two). The last Black artist to win album of the year was Herbie Hancock in 2008. The last Black woman to win Album of The Year was Lauryn Hill in 1999. Similar problems persist in the Academy Awards. In 2015, 332 new members were added to
the Academy to improve diversity and Black actors were nominated in every acting category for the first time ever this year. While this progress was thrilling for many, it still took 89 years of Oscar award shows for this to happen, with at least two years of no Black actors being nominated at all. Despite the talent of all those nominated, it’s hard to imagine this sudden inclusion as anything more than the Academy’s response to last year’s #OscarsSoWhite. It’s no secret to us that Black creatives in both film and music work hard and produce great stories, but it’s also no secret that their
Jackie Wilson
Singer-songwriter, Jackie Wilson, was born in Detroit June 9, 1934. He began his musical career by singing gospel as a teenager. At the time he was also a boxer, but he chose to focus on music when his mother asked him to give up boxing. In 1953, he replaced Clyde McPhatter as the lead singer of Billy Ward and the Dominoes. In 1957, Wilson released his first solo single “Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Want to Meet).” In 1958 “Lonely Teardrops” became his first first No. 1 R&B hit and it also reached the Top 10 on pop charts. In the 1960’s he expanded into opera. On Sept, 29, 1975 Wilson collapsed while performing in New Jersey. He had suffered a heart attack which sent him into a coma. In 1977, he was placed in a retirement community. After his eight year coma, Jackie Wilson died on Jan. 21, 1984 in a New Jersey hospital. Three years after his death Jackie Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Anderson died in Portland, Oregon where she lived with her her nephew in 1993.
work has to be twice as good as that of any white artist to be considered marketable. Even when films and albums made by Black artists have mainstream popularity and impact, that still doesn’t guarantee an award, and sometimes not even a nomination. These are the issues we’ve been dealing with for decades, which is why we created our own. However, the mainstream population does not value BET Awards, the NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards like they do the Academy and Grammy Awards. Artists of every race dream of being awarded by the Academy,
Blacks in the Arts: A MiniSeries By Chantè Russell Staff Writer
and while there is little to no doubt that they still appreciate their awards from Black awards shows, they’re definitely not held to the same esteem. Instead of constantly aspiring for outside approval, we should aspire toward the awards created for us by us. We’ve been shown time and time again that our talent doesn’t excite or interest anyone but us, and I think we need to accept that. Lack of acknowledgement to our talent does not make it any less great. I’m not saying we should not be happy for Black artists who do get the recognition they deserve, but that can’t
be the only time we acknowledge their awards as significant. Following the Grammys, Solange tweeted “create your own committees, build your own institutions, give your friends awards, award yourself, and be the gold you wanna hold my g’s.” Although the tweet was later deleted, it still holds an important message. We have our own, it’s time we start valuing that. There are so many Black actors, musicians, filmmakers and writers who are amazing at what they do, but we shouldn’t have to wait for the Academy to tell us that in order to truly believe it.
Palmer Hayden
Palmer Hayden was a painter of the Harlem Renaissance. He was born in Widewater, VA on Jan. 15, 1890. As a teenager, Hayden moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked as an animal and equipment handler for Ringling Brother Circus. He eventually began creating publicity posters for the Circus. From 1914 to 1920, he served at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. After being discharged, he moved to New York City where he studied drawing at Columbia University during the day while working at the post office at night. In 1925, he traveled to Maine to the Boothbay Art Colony and won the gold medal in visual arts from the Harmon Foundation in 1926. Hayden spent 1927 to 1932 in Paris where he painted seascapes and studied the philosophy of Alain Locke. In 1935, he began working for the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project. Throughout the 1930’s his work depicted African American life in Harlem. His most famous piece was “The Janitor Who Paints.” Hayden received both criticism and praise for depicting Black characters with exaggerated features. Some viewed it as perpetuating stereotypes while other saw it as social commentary. His last famous works were a series of painting of folk hero John Henry created from 1944 to 1954. On Feb. 18, 1973 Palmer Hayden died in New York City.
PAGE 8
THE HILLTOP
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
SPORTS Howard Bison Fight Back, But Suffer Tough Loss Against NCCU Men’s Basketball By Nicole Hutchison Staff Writer
O
n Monday, Feb. 20, the Howard University Bison men’s basketball team put up a fight, but fell short to the conference’s number one team, North Carolina Central University with a final score of 59-66. Going head to head against a team who lost by only six points to Ohio State, and losing to them by almost 40 points in their last meeting, it stunned everyone in the crowd by tight the game was. The Howard Bison (7-21, 4-9 in the MEAC) were on a two game winning streak after demolishing North Carolina A&T Aggies and Morgan State Bears, but the streak was terminated by the NCCU Eagles (21-6 overall, 12-1 in the MEAC). After getting off to a rough start, senior Solomon Mangham stepped up as the leading scorer in the first half snatching 11points, while freshman Charles “CJ” Williams contributed eight.
NCCU controlled the first half, making 7 of 16 threepoint attempts already having a 13-point lead going into the second half. The Bison came into the second half ready for battle, but NCCU’s stars Dejaun Graf and Patrick Cole somehow found a way for them not to give up their lead. “The guys made some adjustments defensively and did a better job with our matchups,” Howard’s associate head coach Keith Coutreyer said. “We wanted to go under the screen on the point guard number 10 (Graf), and then on number 11 (Cole). We wanted to switch as many screens as possible to make sure he wasn’t getting open looks. We just wanted to play a little tougher and defend a lot better in the second half.” Senior Tyler Stone, highlighted player of the game, gave the Bison their first lead of the game, putting up nine points instantly off the bench to make the score 58-56. The Eagle’s defense did not allow the Bison to keep their lead for
(Photo Credit: HUBison.com) too long. Despite players often facing backlash for shots they missed or plays they failed to execute, win or lose, Coutreyer holds himself accountable for the team’s loss against the Eagles. “The inability to score down the stretch when they had the team to only one free throw was probably more of me than the guys” Coutreyer said. “Not used to making calls and making those decisions, I
probably didn’t get them into things as smoothly as we had been getting into the last two games.” Keeping the game as close as it was gave the Bison a lot of momentum in the game and confidence facing one of the top-ranked teams in the league. “Close only counts in horseshoes. So really for basketball it won’t say anything in the final analyses,” Coutreyer said. “We can take confidence from
Men’s Basketball Schedule
this game. We beat Morgan who is ranked third, keeping it close with the number one team. Closing our season out with three of the top four teams in the league should give us confidence going into the tournament.” The Bison look to bring home a victory as they travel to Norfolk, VA to face Norfolk State on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
THE HILLTOP
PAGE 9
NBA All-Star Weekend: East Dominates the West in Celebrity All-Star Game Friday Night By Nathan Easington Contributing Writer
T
he stars shined bright Friday. Before Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets won the MVP award during the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, celebrities, known for their fame outside of basketball, participated in the Celebrity All-Star game on Feb. 17. Fans have said in years past that the Friday night games are more exciting than the actual All-Star game, due to of the lack of defense and effort by NBA participants in the AllStar game. Most players play “soft” to preserve their bodies
for the actual season. This year was no different. The celebrity game, which graced the audience with the presence of stars like, Howard University’s own Nick Cannon, owner of the Mavericks Mark Cuban, NBA legend Jason Williams and rapper Master P, was controlled by East from start to finish. Brandon Armstrong, who was the game’s MVP, had a bit of an advantage, as he played in the NBA-D league and overseas for a period of time. Armstrong, who finished the game with 16 points and 15 rebounds, may have been the game official MVP, but the “real MVP”, as Kevin Durant once
Michael Smith’s West Team Tom Cavanagh (actor) Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner) Baron Davis (NBA legend) Andy Grammer (recording artist) Jiang Jinfu (actor, model) Anthony Mackie (actor) Romeo Miller (actor, recording artist) Hasan Minhaj (actor, comedian) Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks) Master P (actor, recording artist) Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) Aaron Sanchez (celebrity chef)
said, was 14 year-old Jarrius Robertson. Going a perfect 1-1 in the fourth quarter, Robertson showed the crowd the true meaning of having fun while playing a sport. He shot and made his first and only shot of the game with a smile on his face. Contrary to the poker face he played with, Robertson’s life is threatened as he battles a chronic liver disease. The Rising Stars Challenge also occurred, which consisted of first and second year NBA players who are divided into two teams based on their origin countries. Natives of America are play for the U.S. team, while players from foreign countries play for the World
team. Murray finished a total of 36 points. He was a rival of Frank Kaminsky of the Charlotte Hornets and Karl Anthony-Towns, who finished with 27 and 24 points, respectively. Buddy Hield, who was playing on his former home court in New Orleans, had his eyes set on the MVP, after sinking four three pointers himself. “When a guy is hot, you can’t be selfish and not give the guy the ball,” Hield said addressing Murray’s performance. “Hats off to him, man.” The game concluded with a 150-141 win for team World, after fending off a late game run by team U.S.A.
Jemele Hill’s East Team
Brandon Armstrong (former NBA D-League player and social media star) Win Butler (musician) Nick Cannon (actor, recording artist) Rachel DeMita (NBA2K TV personality) Ansel Elgort (actor, recording artist) Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks owner) Caleb McLaughlin (actor) Peter Rosenberg (media personality) Oscar Schmidt (Basketball legend) Lindsay Whalen (WNBA player) Jason Williams (NBA legend) Kris Wu (recording artist)
PAGE 10
THE HILLTOP
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
NBA All-Star Weekend:
Skills Competition Shows Improvement, Dunk Contest Doesn’t Live Up to Saturday Hype By Evan Brooks Contributing Writer
T
he NBA’s Saturday All-Star night was filled with some of the most promising stars in the NBA, Feb. 18. To start things off in the skills competition, after knocking off DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings (now New Orleans Pelicans center) in the first round, New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis would be the eventual champion of the competition. In the semifinal round, Porzingis would face the talented center from the Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic. Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward would defeat the Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas in the semifinals to matchup against Porzingis. Porzingis would go on to defeat Hayward in a close match and won the skills competition in his first ever appearance.
“I just tried to hit the shot, which is the most important part in this whole thing,” Porzingis said. “The first one went in and I was able to win.”
Following the skills challenge was the 3-point contest. Klay Thompson was looking to defend his title after ripping the nets apart in last year’s 3-point contest. Despite his efforts, Thompson failed to qualify for the final round, shooting a score of 18. His 18 points failed
Courtesy Photo
to get him in the top three category with Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and Eric Gordon, who shot 20, 19 and 25 points, respectively. Starting the final round was Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets, finishing with a total of 17 points. The 17 points failed to be enough as Irving and Gordon would both finish with 20 points,
forcing the contest into overtime. Irving was up first in overtime, and as fatigue started to settle in, he would finish two points less than his previous round, scoring 18-points. Gordon, knowing the score to beat, would catch fire and finish with a final score of 21, winning his first 3-point contest champi-
onship. The key to his victory was him knowing where he shoots his highest percentage. The players decided where to have their moneyball rack placed on the court, and he strategically place his. “It was just my night tonight,” Gordon said, per NOLA.com’s John Reid.
The final and most anticipated event during AllStar Saturday night would be the dunk contest. This years contestants included Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic, DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers, Suns rookie Derrick Jones Jr., and Pacers forward Glenn Robinson III. After putting on a great show during last year’s dunk contest, Gordon failed to live up to the hype, missing multiple dunk attempts and not making the cut into the second round. To Gordon’s credit, he currently has a foot injury and it looked to be bothering him on Saturday night. Jordan put on a decent show for the crowd, but it was not enough to eclipse Jones or Robinson, who made it to the final round. After multiple attempts in the final round, Jones would finish with a two roundcombined score of 87 points. After receiving a score of 44 on his first dunk Robinson would need a 44 points to be crowned champion. After completing his final dunk, which involved jumping over Pacers’ star Paul George, the judges would award Robinson with a perfect 50 crowning him champion of the dunk contest. “This is just the beginning for me,” Robinson said. The overall contest had bad reviews, as many NBA fans were not entertained with the overall product of the contest. After an epic battle last year between Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon the dunk contest had a lot of hype to live up to this year. This left fans wondering will the dunk contest ever return to being the one of the most entertaining events.
(Photo Credit: hypebeast.com)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
THE HILLTOP
PAGE 11
NBA All-Star Weekend:
(Photo Credit: NewsDay)
The Sunday All-Star Game…Or Lack Thereof By Darnell Dinkins Contributing Writer & Brittany Webb Sports Editor
T
his past Sunday, Feb. 19, the NBA hosted the 2017 AllStar game in the city of New Orleans. Some of the best players in the game came together for a game filled with many highlights and jaw-dropping moments. The arena was packed with fans and celebrities like Beyonce, Jay-Z, Michael B Jordan, Spike Lee and many more. Singer John Legend was also in attendance and performed a melody during halftime. There was a lot of speculation heading into the game regarding former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, with many fans watching to see how they would react with each other if at all. Golden State Warriors coach and Western Conference All-Stars coach Steve Kerr put
Westbrook in the game with Durant, and the first play he through an alley-oop to Westbrook, which made crowd erupt. When asked about the play after the game Westbrook said, “He threw a lob, and that’s all that happened…it’s basketball.” Although they seemed to have not solved the issues between them, the play was still exciting for fans to see and even surprised sports commentators Chris Webber, Reggie Miller and Marv Albert, who were questioning how the two would play together after Durant left the Thunder for the Warriors. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Eastern All-Stars with 30 points, while Anthony Davis stole the show scoring 52 points with a 20 point burst in the 4th quarter for the West. He broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most points in the All-Star game. Many questioned whether this feat is attributed to Davis’
greatness or the lack of defense being played during the game. This has become a ritual in the all-star game with players being allowed to go directly to the lane without even a swipe at the ball. Miller, a former All-Star and player of the game, was one of the critics of how the game has been played during All-Star weekend, having seen it played for years. “What we saw last night was a video game,” Miller said Monday morning on The Dan Patrick Show. “That’s all it is. It’s all scoring and there’s no defense. So yes, the younger generation, the millennials, [think], ‘Oh, that was a fantastic All-Star Game.’ Guys of our generation, we’re like, ‘This is a joke, this is an absolute joke and mockery of the game.’” Miller wishes that players would play real basketball, with real competition for at least “eight minutes in the fourth.”
Kerr agreed with Miller, saying he would like to see the game be more competitive, but lacks knowledge of how to do it. Regardless, Davis did have an amazing night, which got better after the game when he received news he would be playing with his All-Star Demarcus Cousins, who was traded from the Kings to the Pelicans without knowledge on Sunday night. All-Star weekend left fans with plenty to look forward as the second half of the season begins. It also left all the players injury-free. “I think the biggest thing coming out of the game is that everybody leaves injury-free,” returning All-Star and NBA champion LeBron James said Sunday night, via Cleveland.com. “We gave the fans what they wanted to see and everyone left injuryfree.”
PAGE 12
THE HILLTOP
WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM