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.