THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XX, ISSUE 19 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n APRIL 16, 2013

Face Off: Greeks Dominate Weekend Worn as a symbol of the pain African Americans have endured as a people, Greek members put on their best Grit Faces for Pan Afrikan 2013 Kierra Leggett Editor-in- Chief

G

rit faces galore were displayed

show including the Beta Epsilon Chapter of

this past weekend as the 2013 Pan

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Kappa

Afrikan Festival came to an end.

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha

The greatest abundance of the faces were

Sorority, Inc., the Kappa Lambda Chapter

seen at Saturday night’s NPHC Pan Afrikan

of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Mu

Step Show where Greeks took to the stage

Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta

competing for first place and bragging rights.

Sorority, Inc., Triangle Area Chapters of Phi

The host for the evening was Brint Hayes, a student at North Carolina Central University and music was provided by N.C. State’s own, D.J. Koldstone, also a member of the Kappa Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Gamma Gamma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. However, at the end of the night it was the Triangle Area Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Six organizations competed in this year’s Malcolm Stephen at Kappa Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Probate | Jasmine Jack

Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as well as the

that walked away champions.

Faces continued page 5

Task Force on Academic Programs Proposes AFS & WGS Merger Kierra Leggett Editor-in- Chief

B

eginning next fall Africana Studies (AFS) and

the sustainability of the programs, which have tradition-

their integrity. “Although I am certainly pleased that the

Women’s & Gender Studies (WGS) could merge to

ally had relatively low enrollment and graduation rates.

programs will continue, I would love to see the univer-

form a single Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) major. The formation of this merger would lessen AFS and WGS to concentrations.

sity continue its commitment to Africana Studies and While the merger could potentially increase the low number of students who enroll and graduate from the

Women’s and Gender Studies without diluting either of the programs by combining them,” said Smith-McKoy.

two programs, Dr. Sheila Smith-McKoy, Director of both Proposed by the Task Force on Review of Academic Programs, the intent of the merger would be to improve

the African American Cultural Center and Africana Studies, feels that combining the two would strip them of

Dr. Deborah Hooker, Director of Women’s & Gender Studies, also feels that the merger would do more harm

Merger continued page 2

2 |April 17th, 2013

News

Nubian message

Sign Off From The Editor Greetings my Nubian Brothers and Sisters, What’s Up? The Nubian Message and I have survived age 20. Though it was not at all an easy task I made it happen, often by any means necessary. In other words, sleepless nights, countless cups of coffee and more than the allotted number of tardies to my 8 a.m. Medieval History Class. This year has been exhausting, both mentally and physically, but it is not an experience that I would trade for the world. I have had the opportunity to discover my potential as a leader, just how well I work under pressure and how to thrive in chaos. While it was not my original intent to extend my editorship of the Nubian beyond the 2012-2013 academic year, I have developed a strong love and motherly regard for the paper, which is why I reapplied and was rehired for the position of editor-in-chief. That said, I can’t wait to embark on the journey of age 21 with the Nubian. Next year shall be all about the #turnup. Not literally of course, but in the sense that I want to turn up the momentum of the paper, once again. My staff and I will continue to cover news that is relevant to the African American experience, while steadily improving the quality of our reporting and the overall paper. You all, the readers, have been instrumental to the success of the Nubian Message this year, and for that I thank you. I ask that you continue to support us in the upcoming school year. Thank you to everyone who has been involved or picked up a copy of the Nubian Message this year. Peace, Kierra Leggett

Nubian Message

Events for Nubian Brothers & Sisters April 18

Pass or Fail

Hosted in conjunction with the Peer Mentor Program’s Spring Fling, this program is presented by the NAACP. Come learn about the many leadership and organizational opportunities available on campus. Representatives from student organizations will be present, so come increase your involvement in the AASAC community, as well as the N.C. State community as a whole. Freshmen are especially encouraged to attend! Talley Walnut Room, 6:30 pm.

April 18

You Are What You Eat

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF KIERRA LEGGETT Editor@ nubian.ncsu.edu MANAGING EDITOR DEERRICKA GREEN NCSU.NUBIAN@GMAIL.COM Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness. 325 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE Facebook.com/NubianMessage

The women of Women Empowering Society Together and Sisters in Sports continue their Wellness Week, aimed at promoting physical, spiritual and mental wellness. This program focuses on healthy eating habits including ways to utilize dining options on campus while maintaining a balanced diet, healthy recipes and more. Park Shops 200, 7:00 pm.

April 25

Kappa Step Off

The Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. present their annual Step Off, featuring members of the Panhellenic Association. Donations will be made to the Broughton High School senior tutoring program, a local YMCA, Wake County Battered Women’s Shelter, and a scholarship fund for local high schools. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the Greek Life Office or from the brothers of the Kappa Xi Chapter in the Brickyard. Holliday Gymnasium, Broughton High School, 6:00 pm.

April 26

Ebony-Harlem Awards of Excellence Celebration

The Ebony-Harlem Awards is presented each year by the African American Cultural Center in order to recognize students who represent the mission of the African Center. Everyone is welcome to attend this formal event. Washington Sankofa Room, 6:00 pm.

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

News

nubian message

Merger

continued from page 1

April 17th, 2013| 3

Learning From Nixon How Past Racial Tensions Will Shape Williams’ Presidency

than good. “While I understand the basis for the recommendation, I don’t agree with the proposal for a number of reasons,” said Hooker. “If we became concentrations under a general IDS degree, likely there

Chelsea Gardner Staff Writer

ferings every semester, handle new course proposals,

B

make sure faculty are offering needed courses, etc. In

one month before his presidency

short, the same work would need to be done to offer

ended, after he was attacked outside

the concentrations as to offer majors.”

of North Hall. Despite the short

would be no ‘efficiency’ savings, i.e., both programs would still need to be administered (as they are now) by advisors who guide students with their course selections, arrange internships, coordinate course of-

Currently, the university requires each major to graduate a minimum of 19 students every two years. According to reports on the University Planning and Analysis Website, AFS awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees to 20 students between 2010- 2012, while WGS awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees to 23 students during this period. According to Smith-McKoy, talk of the merger began in December of 2012 however the discussion was not facilitated “transparently.” Smith-McKoy, who says she never had the chance to present to the Task Force on why the programs should not be merged, feels that along with marring N.C. State’s chances at becoming an American Academy University (No American Academy University has a mixed AFS and WGS program), the merger could deter prospective students and faculty from the university. “I think that having a strong Africana Studies program and a strong Women’s & Gender Studies program helps recruit faculty and students who identify with these fields of study,” said Smith-McKoy. “It would be in our favor to support these programs.” Created to ensure that the Provosts’ goal of providing a more comprehensive review of academic programs in the 2011-2012 school year was achieved, the Task Force on Review of Academic Programs is made up of 22 members. Seven of the members are women, and only one person on the force, Myron Ford, a Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management in the College of Natural Resources, is black.

rian Nixon, N.C. State’s second African American Student Body President

resigned from office in 1990, just

amount of time left in his candidacy, the racial intimidation and violence impacted him so greatly that he could not continue. According to the N.C. State Historical Library, “the pain and pressure [of his Presidency had] finally taken its toll [on Nixon] physically, mentally, emotionally, and especially academically.”

coveted position of Student Body President with more than 69 percent of votes. However, racial tension surrounded the election, as some N.C. State students did not welcome his positive efforts for the University. His life was threatened on numerous occasions via calls, letters, and other methods of intimidation. Due to the frequent racial death threats, the University provided Nixon with personal security, but security was unable to protect him from the mental, physical, and emotional brutality.

“N.C. State is my home.” -Matthew Williams

It is statics like this which push Hooker and Nixon finished up his senior

students, whether they identify as women or as people

year and graduated with degrees

of African descent, who value having the opportunity

in business management and

to engage in these fields through research and course-

economics. Nixon is currently a

work,” said Smith McKoy.

pastor in Chattanooga, T.N. The

Hooker continued, “Just as feminism isn’t ‘over,’ neither is the need for gender education. Students need to know how strongly ideas about gender impact their lives and how they interact with other identity categories--like race, ethnicity, sexuality, and class. Lacking that, students will not have the tools to interpret the world around them and to act produc-

negative experiences, Williams

N.C. State. N.C. State is my home.

appreciates the things Nixon was able

I think the Brian Nixon presidency

to establish during his presidency,

had its successes, but was a dark time

including programs such as “Project

in the history of the Student Body

Togo”, “Adopt-a-Part of Campus”, and

Presidency.” Williams feels that his

“A Night with Student Government,”

presidency will be one without a

all aimed at moving the university

similar incident. “It’s something that

forward.

I firmly believe will never happen on

“[Nixon] was able to accomplish a lot among the adversity he faced,” said Williams. “You can either let experiences break you down or build you up. Brian took those times and built an incredible legacy of great Student Government programs, and became an exceptional pastor, husband, and father.” In his brief bio page from his campaign, Matt mentions that his aunt, Sherry Williams’ courage paved the way for minority students to

Smith-McKoy forward in advocating for independent AFS and WGS majors. “These programs benefit all

Matthew Williams, Student Body President Elect | Kelly Darden

Elected in 1989, Nixon won the

adversity he faced is a harsh reminder to Matthew Williams, our current Student Body President Elect and the fourth African American to hold the position, of the racial tension that was once present on our campus. A native of Cary, N.C., Williams

tively and humanely within it. I would hate to see

has officially stepped into the

either of these majors and the important work they do

legacy of those before him. Though

rendered less visible.”

devastated to hear about Nixon’s

get involved and active in Student Government, especially in executive positions. Sherry Williams was the first African American woman to run for Student Body President at N.C. State in the 70s. Williams said that his aunt ran for Student Body President at a time when students on campus were not as accepting. According to Williams, he is not just inspired by the adversity she faced but her work ethic and determination. He said, “I didn’t look to [her] for [her] courage in dealing with racial violence, because it’s not something I worry about here at

this campus again,” he said.

4 |April 17th, 2013

Nubian message

News

Bald is Beautiful

Student Makes Big Chop for St. Baldricks

DeErricka Green Managing Editor

J

unior Aleiah Miller wanted to participate in

goal. “In addition to this little girl, in between the

the annual St. Baldricks event last year, but she

time that I didn’t participate in St. Baldrick’s last year

“chickened out.”

and this year, my uncle passed away from cancer,” said Miller.

April 8 of this year however, thanks to the encouragement of friends and family, Miller shaved

On the day of the event, Miller carried on the fam-

her shoulder-length hair in order to support the

ily ties to St. Baldrick’s, having her father, Christopher

Foundation’s childhood cancer research, raising more

Miller, a barber, shave her head. Despite her father’s

than $300 in the process.

apprehension, he was encouraging and supportive, Miller says. “I chose my father to cut off my hair be-

For members of the Sigma Nu fraternity, shaving

cause I felt it would make the experience more mean-

their head for St. Baldrick’s is an annual tradition. For

ingful. It was precious. Having him there to support

Miller, the event is a cause that has been on her mind

me was special for me.”

for at least a year. One week since her big chop, Miller says that she’s “I wanted to participate in St. Baldrick’s last year

since realized the security in hair, but that the re-

and I got afraid,” Miller said. “This time I signed up

sponses she’s received have been nothing but positive

and posted [on Facebook that I was participating]

thus far. “Everyone has been great about it. I get nega-

right away so everyone would help [me] through it.”

tive comments from older men who love hair anyway,

According to the St. Baldrick’s website, in the United States, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease. 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, a startling statistic of which Miller is all too familiar. “Some children back home that I know were diagnosed with cancer, one specific case being leukemia. This girl was only four years old and at the time she was given a 20 percent chance of living. Now, that percentage has moved up to 80 percent.”

Aleiah after her haircut

and I got called ‘sir’ once. Other than that, everyone has shown me love.” Sigma Nu collected more than $14,000 for research. Originally when Miller got her head shaved, she reached her goal of $350, but since donations have continued. “I don’t have plans of going natural or anything, but I think over the summer, I’m going to keep my hair short like this. I’m looking forward to playing

She cites familial ties, as well as the case of the

with it.”

little girl as her main influences for carrying out her Aleiah before her haircut

Uninhibited Praise

Speak Life: Decades of Praise Photos by: Jasmine Jack

Members of Uninhibited Praise singing during the 90s themed portion of their Speak Life: Decades of Praise Concert at Oberlin Road Baptist Church, Sunday April 14.

nubian message

News

April 17th, 2013| 5

Faces continued from page 1 The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma impressed judges and the crowd with their zombie themed performance. There mission for the night was to “eradicate the enemy” and they gave a forewarning to all at the beginning of their performance with the message “If you want it you can get it.” The Devastating Divas of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. thrilled the audience with their Saw Red Redemption themed performance, complete with a singing grim reaper. Dressed in pink wigs reminiscent of those worn

Sisters of the Mu Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at their Probate

by Nicki Minaj, the ladies of the Kappa Omicron Chapter

Despite not going home with a trophy,

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

arguably the biggest performance of the

stepped all the way to second place in their

night came from the Kappa Lambda

signature heels. Decked out in pharaoh caps, the brothers of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. also slithered into second place telling the crowd, “A pharaoh is strong, we never retreat.”

Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Together, the brothers took to the stage as “Bad Bruhz II,” in a performance inspired by the Bad Boys films starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Though the performance began with just two members, it ended with the Chapter teasing audience

members by bringing out four masked neophyte members. The neophytes were unveiled at 4:11 p.m. Sunday, at the Kappa Lambda Probate that took place at Tucker Beach. There, the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. introduced to The Yard, Tyler Allen, AJ Woodard, Richard Lewis and Malcolm Stephen.

Two other probates were held Sunday including that of the Xi Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Mu Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Xi Zeta Chapter welcomed to The Yard, Thomas Jasmine, while the sisters of the Mu Xi Chapter welcomed to The Yard, Cynthia Sharpe, Rameika Jones, Ashley Gaie, Ashley Wilklerson, Ebony Watson and Tiffany Williams.

Above: Members of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Triangle Area Chapters of Phi A member of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. stepping at this year’s NPHC

Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. after winning first place at the NPHC Step Show. | Kelly Darden

Step Show. | Kelly Darden

Below: Local High School Student and member of high school step team performing during intermission of show.| Kelly Darden

Perspectives

6 |April 17th, 2013

Nubian message

What’s That Drank in Everyone’s Cup

A Closer Look at the Rap Industry’s Obsession with Lean Alfred Anderson Staff Writer

R

umors swirled the Internet a few weeks ago that New Orleans rapper, Lil Wayne had died as a result of seizures induced

by his frequent use of Purple Drank. While these rumors were false, his hospitalization has brought new attention to “Texas Tea” also referred to as Purple Drank. A powerful concoction used as a recreational drug in the rap community, Purple Drank has many names including Sizzurp and Lean. It consists of prescription-strength cough syrup, a soft drink such as Sprite, Mountain Dew or Pineapple Fanta, along with some kind of candy, usually Jolly Ranchers, for additional flavor.

“Purple Drank has many names including Sizzurp and Lean.”

My Drank” by Lil Wayne, just to name a few. Consumed out of white, Styrofoam cups, the drink which sells for $300 to $600 per pint, has spread outside of the rap community to urban and suburban areas including colleges and high schools. This is dangerous given that the side effects of Purple Drank includes dizziness and drowsiness. It slows down the heart rate and suppresses the respiratory system and when used often or mixed with other drugs like alcohol or ecstasy, the results can be fatal. As if this is not enough, the rap community has even lost great talents as a result of the frequent use of this drug. Pimp C (member of UGK), DJ Screw, and Big Moe (a DJ Screw protégé) all passed away after heavy usage of the drug. With its constant appearances in rap videos and verses, it is apparent that this drug will not

The addictive drink has origins in Houston, T.X. where some artists, including rapper Big Hawk claim that the drug has been in use for

be going anywhere, anytime soon. If one thing is certain however, the rap community needs to put a cap on this drug before it claims even more lives.

recreational purposes since the 1960s. Despite this Purple Drank didn’t gain widespread popularity

Promethazine with Codeine Syrup and Sprite, main ingredients in Purple Drank

until the 1990s, mainly because of producer DJ Screw and other popular artists from Houston. Subsequently, its usage began to spread

31 Students took our

throughout the southern United States, becoming

online survey where we

cornerstone of southern rap culture along with

asked 1) Have you ever

the chopped and screwed style of music that also

tried lean? and 2) If yes,

originated in Houston. In June of 2000, Three 6

would you try it again.

Mafia released the single “Sippin’ on Some Syrup,”

Here are the results we

featuring Houston’s own Pimp C and Bun B who

got.

formed UGK (short for Underground Kingz). Together, they helped introduce Purple Drank to a nationwide audience and set the pace for southern rappers to glamorize the indulgence of this dangerous mixture. Since the dawn of the millennium, the popularity of Purple Drank has continued to rise thanks to rappers like Eminem, T.I., Rick Ross, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Future, who have verbalized their relationships with Lean. There are even songs released by these artists and others in which the entire focus of the song is on the recreational use of the prescription drug. Example’s of these songs include “I’m On One” by DJ Khaled, Feat. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, “Drank In My Cup” by Kirko Bangz, and “Me and

Lifestyles

nubian message

April 17th, 2013| 7

The Haute Seat Pan Afrikan Edition

Christopher Lynn Staff Writer

I

t’s the Beard Gawd, aka Deion Slanders bringing you the Haute Seat once again.

thing for warmer weather. This baffles me, The next day of Pan Afrikan was Soul

Saturday rolls around quite mildly for

because doesn’t more hair make your head

the ROAT Carnival. No violators were

Coming back from a semester hiatus in

Food Sunday, and out of respect for the

hot? As my homie Pymp said, “People like

present; I guess they figured to keep the

full form, I bring you my review of the Pan

Sabbath, I will omit any blasphemies I saw

to act Dominican in the summer.” Any-

ratchetry at a low level for a good cause.

Afrikan week as it pertains to fashion.

that day and keep it moving.

way, all of you Diana Losses are supremely

Kudos to them.

catching L’s in this heat. Pan Afrikan week, from the Kick-Off to

Monday brought us the AATS Fashion

But as soon as the sun sets, the banshees

the probates, was nothing short of what I

Show, and I can confidently say that no

Thursday was chill. The sun was high,

are in full form. You had people taking it

expected. From multiple patterned outfits,

one disappointed me here. This goes for

but the temperature was not. Peaceful day if

back to 2004 with the airbrushed shirts.

to variant kicks, it seems like we have

the designers and the attendees. Everyone

I must say so myself.

It’s like their bad decision came full circle

learned nothing from my tenure here as

looked great. Either that, or I was too busy

Haute Seater. Not shying away from the

shuffling through tickets to catch anyone

spotlight, there were numerous offenders

slipping.

It seems like all of the real recklessness starts on Friday for the weekend. Well, the

just waiting for their time to shine, so here it is.

when he came back to the Fairgrounds wearing the shirt where he quite possibly got it airbrushed.

12th was no different. Pullen Park is a place Moving on to Tuesday, which happened

of joy and tranquility, but this is the Haute

Going into the last day, the three pro-

to be a great day to be on the Brickyard,

Seat, so you know that’s not how it really

bates were the cherry to top off Pan Afri-

there were many leftover runway looks

went down. With another warm day given

kan. Other than the few trying to get chose

week officially, ironically, I found some-

seen. During the dog days of Spring, a

to us, and all the Jungle Juice in the atmo-

in their hoe uniforms, there was quite an

thing very unofficial in the crowd.

day of 86 degrees, I saw people trying

sphere, there was sure to be scantily-clad

atmosphere that couldn’t be beat.

to catwalk the bricks in six inch heels. I

offenders. From cropped, sleeveless, lycra

There was a sense of black unity and at-

mean, hey, I get it; you want to be seen, but

turtlenecks, to visible tracks, it was just a

mosphere that really lived up to the “Black

with some of my friends, and into the

wearing high-low skirts, and those “Jeffrey

sight to see.

Homecoming” title. But not digressing too

distance, I spotted some fugazy Olympic

Campbell’s” you got from Charlotte Russe

VIs. I guess these J’s came from the 2012

are not the way to do it.

The Pan Afrikan Kick-Off started the

I was minding my own business, chillin’

Going into that night, the wardrobe

Egyptian Olympic Team care package. Apparently this young sir didn’t learn from the

much, this week made me proud. With

Moving on to Wednesday, where it was

there not being too many violators, I guess

changes were so bad, Corey Holcomb

people are really learning from the Haute

offered a complementary Burlington trip.

Seat. Finals are approaching, and I can

September 26th edition of the Haute Seat.

another blistering day of heat in the neigh-

Concrete is an unforgiving surface, so

proudly say I see N.C. State not repeating

Not only did he not learn from yours truly,

borhood. During the Sprummer (yeah,

walking that rocky road to the Dorton

Fashion Don’ts 101.

he also had the nerve to stand and befriend

‘cause you know we don’t really get Spring

Arena in heels was nothing short of a

someone wearing the legitimate Olympic

around here) is where less is more. That

tightrope performance. Except, there was

VI’s. Though I do give him some credit for

even goes for “your” hair, too, seeing how

more spandex and clown make-up worn

having some dignity and buying a non-

more of those tracks gives you less edges.

than usual.

airmax midsole variant.

For some reason big, curly weave is the

I guess it’s the time to ice the Haute Seat.

Start PUSHING YOUrSELF EVEN FUrtHEr. START A NEW EXPERIENCE.

START YOUR JOURNEY.

START BUILDING YOUR CAREER.

START MOLDING YOUR STRENGTHS.

START AHEAD OF THE CROWD.

START DISCOVERING NEW TALENTS.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Many influential government and business leaders started with the help of Army ROTC. When you enroll in Army ROTC at North Carolina State, you get hands-on leadership training to give you a strong start after college as an Army Officer. Army ROTC offers scholarships up to full-tuition and a monthly stipend to help pay for your education. There is no greater place to start toward a strong future than Army ROTC.

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Start out on top.

8 |April 17th, 2013

Nubian message

Accidential Racist Ladies (and Gents) Don’t Love Cool J’s New Song Amanda McKnight Staff Writer

N

.C. State’s own Dr. Blair Kelley,

“I’m proud of where I’m from but not

America is in a place right now where

believes that a comparison of some cheap

a professor in the History

everything we’ve done

people do not want to acknowledge

jewelry and the significance of the chains

the adverse effects that slavery and

that our ancestors were forced to wear

institutional racism has had on this

is appalling. Rappers, basketball players

country. This whole song sounds like an

and regular people on the street can wear

ode to Paisley’s own “white guilt” but that

whatever jewelry they want but iron chains

is a whole other topic.

were forced and a part of institutional

Department, (@profblmKelley

on Twitter) was featured in the online Podcast “This Week In Blackness” and offered her opinion on the new song, “Accidential Racist.” If you have recently been on a hiatus from TV, Internet, and magazines you have probably missed last week’s newest entry into the “You Tried and Failed” Hall

And it ain’t like you and me can re-write history Our generation didn’t start this nation

slavery. When you make unequivocal

And we’re still paying for the mistakes

With songs like, “I Need Love”,

comparison like that it does exactly

That a bunch of folks made long before

“Momma Said Knock You Out”, and

what this song is trying to do, lessen the

we came”

“Headsprung”, LL Cool J has not always

significance of racial issues.

of Fame. Award winning country star

Here Paisley makes a valid claim that

Brad Paisley released his ninth album

we hear quite a bit. Some white people feel

Wheelhouse on April 9th. The album

like they should not be blamed for what

includes a song featuring veteran rapper,

was done in the past to minorities, in this

LL Cool J, entitled “Accidental Racist” and

case black people, and that is very fair.

that is where things begin to go wrong.

No one should blame white people born 100 years after slavery for their ancestor’s

The song was written with good

mistakes. The problem comes when you

intentions. Paisley and LL Cool J did an

ask people to forget the past and accept a

interview with ABC News defending their

system that is still unfair and unequal to

song and they seem to have their hearts

the descendants of those enslaved people.

in the right place. Yet they go about this completely wrong. The song chronicles “

If black people were still not socially

a white man comin’ from the Southland,”

and economically suffering from the

and a hip hopper “living in the hood,” as

effects of being enslaved then maybe we

they struggle to understand each other’s

could accept this notion. But that is not

views on race relations. For example in this

the case. To actually get past an issue

line Paisley says,

takes acknowledgement of the problems, a solution, and then we can move on.

been the rapper that the black community goes to when looking for “conscious” lyrics and in my opinion it should stay that way.

clumsily addresses an issue that cannot be

About three minutes into the song you

fixed by some country song no matter how

hear, “Dear Mr. Whiteman I wish you

good its intentions. Reducing what racism

understood...” and that is when the song

is and how it affects all of us, black, white,

takes a turn for the even worse. Cool J’s

brown, yellow or whatever down to just

verses are all saying that we should agree

the appearance of a confederate flag or do-

not to judge one another based upon

rag sets up back 60 years.

appearance. That is a very fair desire. We hear of incidents all of the time of a black

There has been a lot of talk about

person “fitting the description” and being

this song and whether or not it is helpful

judged but the way he goes about his

or hurtful to the progression of racial

comparisons are very problematic.

tensions in this country.

In the middle of Paisley singing the chorus we hit some of Cool J’s ad-libs and he says, “If you don’t judge my gold chains, I’ll forget the iron chains.” Now this is interesting because why Mr. Cool J

Poetry From @TheBlackVoice

My beautiful roots are very strong The world tried to steal my joy But see my hair caught wind of the ploy It locked up and made the system dread These powerful locs flowing from my head I got good hair, I got Afrikan in my family Kinky and curly, I’m happy to be nappy Born in the cradle of civilization The beauty of my hair is lost in this nation

on and it is up to you to make your own opinion.

Daily Hustle Everyday I wake up to the revolution

See a Black man in America is a dangerous gig

blacksankofa.wordpress for more of his writing.

Whether I choose to wear it short or long

anything there are multiple sides to fall

Nesta’s usually my first choice, he soothes my fear

him on Twitter @TheBlackVoice or visit

Kinky and curly, I’m happy to be nappy

Brad Paisley stand by this song. Like

I gotta have music bumping first thing in my ear

free-lance writer based in Durham, N.C. Follow

I got good hair, I got Afrikan in my family

Despite the backlash, LL Cool J and

My first step in the morning is to thank God for evolution

Taurean Brown is a commuity activist and

Good Hair

This song is a problem because it

Often times they want to kill you if you aren’t doing their jig

Novocain Novocain going straight to the Black brain Drowning in propaganda has us going insane

Off to the plantation I go Capitalism has me bound to this show I can feel the man on my back I hope he know one day I am going to pay him back

Hiding the injustice that they inflict every day

At work, but freedom is on my mind

Sometimes I feel like the I’m only that has something to say

Sitting here constantly watching the time

Novocain going straight to the Black brain Numbing our minds so we don’t feel the pain The knife was 12inches in back Now we cheering cause they inched it back Novocain going straight to the Black brain

Finally the clock strikes freedom Off the plantation I return to the kingdom Now it’s time for me to starting learning Feeling starved all day my mind is yearning Reading, writing, and seeking truth That is what is taking up the days of my youth

The more things change the more they stay the same Distracting us with their materials

Finally I lie in the imitation of death

Only they are benefiting from those residuals

Hoping that this won’t be my last breath

Tender headed and flinching

Novocain going straight to the Black brain

Combs popping and scalp itching

Crippling the people leaving them lame

My hair is as strong as my history

A person can’t fight what they don’t feel

For deep inside these tangled roots lies a mystery

The only way to heal is to deal

I say a quick respect to the ones that have passed me on Peace, love, and unity keep me strong. This is just a day in my story A quick window into this beautiful journey.