MARCH ~ APRIL ~ MAY ~2019
INSIDE:
MURALS Women's History Month Black Healing Space UWC Spring Concert B/AACC Awards and More...
In the records of West African history, “Griot� (pronounced gree-oh) was the honored name bestowed upon wise and knowledgeable story tellers entrusted with the task of documenting tribal histories and genealogies.
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The Multicultural Undergraduate Research Art and Leadership Symposium (MURALS) took place on March 29th, 2019, where participation hit over one hundred as students of color presented their hard work in the Creative Arts, Visual Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Service Learning and Leadership, and STEM fields. MURALS strives to recognize typically underrepresented students and encourage social justice through presentations. Judges deliberated on new inventions, studies, paintings, poems, legislation, and more as students fully delivered on their dedication to their passions. Congratulations to all winners, listed below. SERVICE LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP Dominica Manlove, First Place Akosua Antobre, Second Place Varehya Pratt, Rising Star Award SOCIAL SCIENCES/HUMANITIES Augusta Irechukwu, First Place Jayla Hodge, Second Place Zelle Moore, Rising Star STEM Ryleigh Gellas, First Place Brandon Tighe, Second Place Danelle Lazcano Concelman, Rising Star CREATIVE ARTS Luis Angel Santacruz, First Place Christian Cumber, Second Place Jaquikeyah Fields, Rising Star SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INCLUSION Juri Moore Jennifer Gomez and Lizeth Arellano MURALS OVERALL PRIZE Xandria Amash and Reed Featherstone
Written by: Kerriana Tatum
WRITTEN BY: ETHAN HARRIS
On April 24th, the B/AACC hosted their “Black Healing Space”. The event served to wrap up the office’s celebration of National Minority Health month. Throughout the entire month of April, the B/AACC office held programs each week promoting the four pillars of health: nutritional, physical fitness, mental, and spiritual. The event was led by Reneca Ruff and her husband, Duan. With the help of B/AACC staff, they transformed the space into one of mediation and intentional, introspective thought. To facilitate this, each student was given bluetooth headphones that played a medley of soothing sounds, interjected with sound bites of historical speeches and powerful messages from historically black figures. The office lights were dimmed, and the furniture rearranged to create an intimate environment that supported painting, journaling, or silent stretching. Although each student was in a world of their own creation, everyone was in close proximity to one another, giving the space a familial feel.
b blla acck k h heea alliinng g ssp pa accee As the time in the space was coming to a close, Zion Jones led everyone through a short, 10 minute guided meditation. The meditation capped the evening beautifully and solidified all the spiritual healing that everyone had dealt with within themselves. Overall, the Black Healing Space was a huge success! It gave students and staff a much needed reprieve from the stressors of daily life as we head into finals. Within the space, students were able to find peace, express creativity, and most importantly, take time to heal.
Africans United Presents: To To celebrate celebrate African African culture culture on on CSU’s CSU’s campus, campus, Africans Africans United United kicked kicked off off aa week week dedicated dedicated to to just just that, that, leading leading up up to to their their annual annual AU AU Night Night on on April April 19, 19, 2019. 2019. This This spectacular spectacular event event featured featured over over 15 15 cultural cultural performances performances representing representing over over 15 15 different different African African countries. countries. It It included included dances, dances, spoken spoken word word by by Devin Devin Jones, Jones, drumming drumming by by Wyoming Wyoming African African Student Student Association, Association, and and aa fashion fashion show. show. Africans Africans United United also also took took the the opportunity opportunity to to reveal reveal the the winners winners of of their their African African United United Achievement Achievement Fund; Fund; aa scholarship scholarship that that awards awards graduating graduating high high school school seniors seniors money money to to pursue pursue their their journey journey to to higher higher education. education. The The event event ended ended with with recognition recognition of of valuable valuable members members of of AU AU this this year, year, including including AU’s AU’s outstanding outstanding and and dedicated dedicated advisor advisor Derek Derek Nettingham, Nettingham, new new executive executive members members for for the the next next academic academic year, year, and and graduating graduating seniors. seniors. The The week week prior prior consisted consisted of of events events such such as as community community service service events events with with the the Mulberry Mulberry Community Community Gardens, Gardens, aa guided guided meditation: meditation: Zen Zen with with Zion, Zion, and and aa promotional promotional party party on on the the LSC LSC Plaza. Plaza.
Au nI GhT niGhT WRITTEN BY: ZION JONES
Members Members also also took took an an opportunity opportunity to to explore explore Old Old Town Town Fort Fort Collins Collins for for an an ice ice cream cream social. social. All All events events were were aa great great time time to to bond, bond, explore explore our our cultural cultural identities, identities, and and fulfill fulfill our our philanthropy philanthropy of of engagement engagement and and empowerment empowerment within within the the larger larger community. community.
“The “The forces forces that that unite unite us us are are intrinsic intrinsic and and greater greater than than the the superimposed superimposed influences influences that that keep keep us us apart.” apart.” -- Dr. Dr. Kwame Kwame Nkrumah Nkrumah
Au NIgHt, coNt'D
written by: Jaquikeyah Fields
Rooted in Hxrstory: an Ode to Women's History Month
The The Black/African Black/African American American Cultural Cultural Center, Center, in in partnership partnership with with United United Women Women of of Color, Color, hosted hosted an an event event titled titled “Rooted “Rooted in in Hxrstory”, Hxrstory”, in in honor honor of of Women’s Women’s History History Month. Month. The The theme theme of of this this event event was was centered centered around around representing representing women women as as flowers, flowers, capturing capturing the the process process of of development development and and growth growth in in becoming becoming aa womxn womxn from from different different perspectives perspectives of of individuals. individuals. The The event event included included keynote keynote speaker speaker Simone Simone Ross, Ross, aa CSU CSU alumni alumni who who shared shared her her process process and and experiences experiences
surrounding surrounding creating creating your your own own seat seat at at the the table table and and demanding demanding space space to to be be heard. heard. She She phenomenally phenomenally presented presented how how she she continues continues to to “learn “learn to to unlearn, unlearn, to to relearn” relearn” –– changing changing her her thought thought process process and and self-perceptions self-perceptions in in order order to to get get to to where where she she wants wants to to be be and and how how she she wants wants to to succeed. succeed. Attendees Attendees left left feeling feeling empowered empowered and and with with aa gift gift of of flower flower seeds seeds and and affirmations affirmations to to tie tie in in the the theme theme of of flowers flowers blossoming, blossoming, that that they they too too may may blossom blossom into into something something great. great.
UNITED IN MUSIC:
written writtenby: by:Ronke RonkeAdebayo Adebayo
The The United United Women Women of of Color Color (UWC) (UWC) Spring Spring Concert Concert happens happens every every April April and and itit is is aa time time where where we we showcase showcase phenomenal phenomenal black black female female artists. artists. The The concert concert is is always always aa big big and and exciting exciting time time for for the the CSU CSU community community and and the the UWC UWC members. members. UWC’s UWC’s goal goal with with our our spring spring concert concert is is to to give give women women of of color, color, especially especially artists, artists, the the platform platform to to shine shine and and be be an an inspiration. inspiration. It It centers centers the the theme theme of of empowerment empowerment for for women women of of color. color. To To kick kick start start the the concert, concert, two two amazing amazing artists, artists, Rachel Rachel Bailey Bailey and and Jay Jay Triiiple Triiiple opened, opened, setting setting the the pace pace with with great great performances. performances. Rachel Rachel Bailey Bailey had had the the crowd crowd dancing dancing with with her her amazing amazing voice voice
UWC SPRING CONCERT
and and killer killer dance dance moves, moves, and and Jay Jay Triiiple Triiiple got got the the crowd crowd excited excited with with her her amazing amazing raps. raps. This This year year for for the the concert, concert, UWC UWC brought brought the the stunning stunning and and talented talented Justine Justine Skye Skye as as the the main main artist. artist. She She performed performed some some of of her her hit hit songs songs including including “Build”, “Build”, “Heaven”, “Heaven”, and and “You “You Don’t Don’t Know Know Me”. Me”. The The crowd crowd loved loved her her presence presence and and performance. performance. Justine’s Justine’s energy energy was was high high and and amazing amazing and and the the crowd crowd followed followed suit. suit. The The UWC UWC spring spring concert concert gives gives everyone everyone aa space space to to be be in in community community and and have have fun fun with with one one another. another. Be Be sure sure to to tune tune in in next next year year for for another another great great UWC UWC Week Week and and concert. concert.
REAL TALK
ut vism e A cti laim b c g o A t a sy N ew ate es i t e dequ k a a n i m s f a t but nd o meeddi i m u l o k l a i s a ’ d i c r i t o t at ""SSooc ffoorr bu etti ng the w ison to wh e e r ’ r ’ u u o yyo ar eg c om p yyoou’r " n e e s i s u y t u a e ured. t go f d a n bbeecca s e f o e do v a sshhiieelld cesto rs ha ple th o e p iitt’’ss aa e but n oouurr aa ssue, ar e th i s t n s y a i aactiv k on blicit l r l o u a a e p e r w r e o th yt ""TThhee ’ t ge t irr wa i e n o e h t h d t f e f ." oouutt oo hoosse peopl f or i t e activists e v t h t r f e s of th de a moosstt o m tthey e with m e you i r t A d . r s ie a ha " l ebr it viinngg e v a c a h first? g h t i n s m i v m ""II’’m o i ct ec arree bbe f an a tthhaatt a riitty firs t o r cceelleebb
Home for the Holida ys "How d o you be p res en t and au thentic a t the s ame tim e around the holi days?"
The Va lidity o f Rec the N W laiming "Not sa ord ying on e is wo other, b rse tha n the ut r acis m and blackn ess are antivery di we don fferent ’t separ and a te the d which ifferen can be ce danger "Who a ous." re you choosin on th e g to ch use of t eck h e does th word? at say t What o them a nd thos around e you?"
d Play n a p that Shut U cally think mati othing o t n u a m o r le o ome f "Peop c s rent s e e t f f e i l d h t a up d black rown g l lly an l a a c i e t v ’ n authe but we g e for n i t m n a e s s e e h repr isn’t t y l e t a accur one." and C every B , A ect ’t exp n what d l e u s o u h a ec ll "We s eone b t fulfi m ’ o n s a c m ey fro hen th w s n happe it?"
Pride in the Black Community "People shouldn’t have to feel obligated to explain to other people who they are." "I’m not gonna go drop it like it’s hot at the family BBQ in comparison to my female counterparts because I’ll be getting those weird looks. Sometimes I do drop it like it’s hot at the family function because I want the smoke. I have time today." Mohammed
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WRITTEN BY: KERRIANA TATUM
The men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. welcomed six new members into their organization, and presented them to the CSU community, the UNCGreeley community, and Black Greek life on April 20th, 2019. As NPHC continues to build up its individual organizations, there are many strong, smart, young men and women who have stepped up to contribute to the council, and the young men of Kappa
are no exception. We’re ecstatic to see the presence of Eman McNeil, who will be representing the crimson and cream on CSU’s campus next year. Congratulations to all Spring 19’ initiates: Christian Williams, Paul Wilson, Jerone Jackson, Isaiah Swopes, Ofori Boateng, and Eman McNeil for taking on the responsibilities of Kappa Alpha Psi. Welcome to the Yard!
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WRITTEN BY: KERRIANA TATUM
The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented seven new members in Greeley, CO on April 20th, 2019. Tau Lambda has made strides since reviving their presence on CSU’s campus and UNC Greeley’s campus. The Devastating Divas welcomed Isabelle Rayburn,
Marcela Riddick, Mia Adkins, Kalie Black, Micaela Parker, Tabitha Jones, and Michaela Conway this semester, and we’re excited to see what they have in store. Congratulations on repping the crimson and cream, ladies, and welcome to the Yard!
Alpha ALPHA Kappa KAPPA alpha ALPHA Sorority, SORORITY, Inc. INC. NEW MEMBER PRESENTATION
written by: Kerriana Tatum
The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presented their four newest members on Sunday, April 28th to the CSU and Black Greek community. With every new addition to the National PanHellenic Council, there is new energy and strength brought forth to contribute to the community
and Black visibility on campus. We’re excited to see what Alyssa Caldwell-McGee, Analyssa Green, London Evans, and Simone Butler bring to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Xi Eta chapter. We’re excited to see your presence and commitment, ladies. Congratulations, Pretty Girls! Welcome to the Yard!
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
NEW MEMBER PRESENTATION WRITTEN BY: HENRY COOPER
On April 14, 2019, the Lambda Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated welcomed the new initiate, Elias (Eli) Sutton. His line name is OwtQast. Eli is a current sophomore studying Political Science at Colorado State University. He is also a part of the university's track and field team,Â
where he competes in the 60and 200-meter sprints for the indoor season, and 100, 200, 4x1, and long jump for the outdoor season. Because the funky Lambda Beta is a joint chapter, Eli was presented on the University of Northern Colorado's campus at the Marcus Garvey center. Welcome to the Yard, Eli!
MOVIE MOVIE CORNER: CORNER:
BLACKKKLANSMAN a Spoiler-Free article by Ahonsi Ohimai
BlacKKKlansman, directed by Spike Lee, features the tale of an African-American man infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan to investigate the way they operate. Spike Lee won his first ever Oscar award for Best Adapted Screenplay, which I believe speaks to the greatness of this movie as it has taken over 30 years for this to occur in his triumphant career. The movie takes place in Colorado Springs with their local police department and provides insight into the operations of the KKK at this time. At this conclusion of the movie, Vance Payne led a student discussion touching on the different aspects of the move and how the themes relate to current life on CSU’s campus. One discussion was centered on
on the way race relations have changed or not since the original story took place. Another topic was how the cop had to deal with racism from other officers while working against the KKK. Finally, the conversation ended on how police were more scared of Kwame Tori than the actual KKK who was actually violent. The conversations surroundings these topics were enjoyable, as they really helped put into perspective the last implications the movie has on the general climate today. Overall, it is highly recommended that everyone watch the movie if they get the chance and find a takeaway that they can apply to everyday life, and continue having conversations around race relations.
NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH
MONTH
WRITTEN BY: JOURNEY TAYLOR
The month of April is National Minority Health Month, and to celebrate the occasion, we hosted one event each week concerning a different aspect of health. The first week focused on nutritional health, which included a presentation by a dietitian on nutritional myths, healthy practices for college students and how to grocery shop on a budget. The following weeks were centered around mental health and spiritual health.Â
Activities to acknowledge these topics consisted of a Real Talk and a Black Healing Space. Students of all ages as well as faculty and staff attended these events in an effort to learn more about healthy practices to implement into their lives and have a little fun while doing it. Giving ourselves space not only to learn about our health, but also to address our health and ways to improve it is the key to a healthy future.
Celebrating Our Excellence The 35th Annual In Pursuit of The Excellence Awards was a great Excellence way to to close close out yet another great way year. The The evening began with the year. whole room Swag Surfin like it whole was 2009, 2009, lead by the 2018-2019 was B.E.S.T. staff. Brittany Soloman B.E.S.T. took the crowd through a wonderful rendition of “Lift Every wonderful Voice and Sing”, the powerful Voice words of the Black National words Anthem. Then Dr. Blanche Anthem. Hughes captivated the audience Hughes with her her inspiring words as she with presented Morris Price, Jr., presented Colorado State Alum and brother Colorado of Phi Phi Beta Beta Sigma, with the “Pillar of of Excellence” Excellence” award, one that of recognizes continued commitment recognizes and leadership throughout the and CSU and and Fort Collins community CSU and beyond. beyond. This set the tone for and the night as various students, the faculty, and staff were recognized faculty, for contributing contributing greatly to the for community throughout the year. community Entertainment was provided by Entertainment Michelle Mendoza, who once again Michelle shared aa beautiful spoken word to shared celebrate the 2019 graduates; Ezi celebrate Ohaya from Africans United blew Ohaya everyone away with a
traditional Nigerian dance. dance. We We also had the opportunity to to hear hear from outstanding students students from from each year. They showed their their gratitude and shared with us us what what they intend on accomplishing accomplishing in in the near future. The ceremony ceremony closed with Michaelah Coleman Coleman singing “Hero”, as the 2019 2019 graduates accepted their Kente Kente stoles and stood on stage for for all all to to admire. Congratulations to to the the Class of 2019! Go Rams!
A W W AA RR DD SS R EE CC II PP II EE NN TT SS A R Outstanding Rites of Passage Mentee Award: Vivian L. Kerr Outstanding Student Award: Jayla Hodge Dr. Dawn Person Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Selam Tewahade Dr. Blanche M. Hughes Distinguished Faculty/ Staff Award: Melissa Edwards Bruce E. Smail Diversity Award: Michelle Mendoza Paul Chambers Outstanding Student Organization Award: Africans United Outstanding Freshman Award: Merry Gebretsadik Outstanding Sophomore Award: Ronke Adebayo Outstanding Junior Award: Deborah Ilangikwa Outstanding Senior Award: Akosua Antobre Jennifer Williams Molock Outstanding Greek Chapter Award: Omicron Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. NPHC Highest GPA: Xi Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Bill Green Outstanding Student-Athlete Award: Barry Wesley
Simone Butler Outstanding Rites of Passage Mentor Award: Analyssa Green Highest GPA Freshman: Chelsey Bankhead & Lisa Natasha Nyangao Highest GPA Sophomore: Stephanie Cloughesy Highest GPA Junior: Ashli Hellman Highest GPA Senior: Sierra Thompkins Outstanding Staff Member: Mohammed York Director’s Award “Fight the Power”: Jayla Hodge Special Friend Award: Tamara Wesley Pillar of Excellence: Morris Price Paul Chambers Scholarship Recipient: Shirley Randolph & Puleng Marutle Claridy Hill Scholarship Recipient: Merry Gebretsadik United Men of Color Scholarship: Ahmed Farah Hirsi