NM February 24, 2016

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | wednesday, february 24, 2016

creating change through civil action

black futures month

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 2

Letter from the Editor Hey guys, Happy Black History Month! In the midst of racial injustice in our country and the negative imagery of African Americans, it can become very easy to belittle the accomplishments of our people.

In respect of our ancestors and those who have become before us, we at the Nubian have found it necessary to highlight the progression of our people by celebrating Black Futures Month in conjunction with Black History Month.

Black Futures Month is a deliberate reinterpretation of the typical images we see during Black History Month. We always want to honor our past, but as a way to escape what is becoming a stereotypical representation of our history, we want to look toward our futures. To what we can be and what we will be.

It is true that you cannot know where you are going unless you know where you have been, but we have been learning about where we have been for the majority of our young lives.

Now is the perfect time to begin imagining our futures and the future of our community as a whole.

While events like Blacks in Wax teach us about the historical figures that have influenced black culture, Black Futures Month seeks to emphasize the importance of carrying the torch on. Representation, which is a key component of both Black History Month and Black Futures Month, can often times be obtained through civil action.

The ability and willingness to vote in representatives that will advocate for our needs as a community is crucial. Although much of the buzz that is circulating follows the presidential elections, voting in state and even campus elections is equally as important. Our people, as tenacious and resilient as we are, should always be in state of progression.

There is always more work to be done and that starts with allowing yourself to have a voice.

Take advantage of the opportunity to express your concerns and continue to look forward to the future, while reflecting on and being reverent of the past.

THISISSUE

3 EXPLORING AFROPUNK

The unknown, underground music.

3 BLACKS IN WAX

Black history brought to life by students.

4 GOODBYE BARACK

A look back on his presidency.

5 CAMPUS ELECTIONS Student Government and UAB campaign.

5 WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT Highlighting the Native American community.

6 GLBT IN BLACK COMMUNITES A perspective on the history of QPOC.

Peace and blessings, Jillian Smith

6 SAAC MAKES A COMEBACK How SAAC is engaging the campus.

The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.

Editor-in-Chief Jillian Smith

Managing Editor Stephanie Tate

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.

7 WHERE BLACK LIVES MATTER Opinions on what the future holds.

7 UNAPOLLOGETICALLY MUSLIM The experience of a NCSU muslim student.

8 GET IN FORMATION Looking at what Beyonce’s new song means.

features

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 3

exploring AFRopunk: living history with blacks in wax Anazsha jones the new music scene correspondent benyame assefa Staff Writer With Black Futures Month, the black community is hoping to put a new spin on February and look towards what African Americans today, are doing for the future of our people just as we have always looked back at what African Americans in the past have done for generations to come.

While political activism is the route more traveled when it comes to leading the front in progression, the Afropunk movement follows more of a social progressive movement that aims to shine a light on African American social outcast.

Founded by Matthew Morgan and James Spooner, this movement targets the crowd that doesn’t appeal to mainstream media.

With decades of experience in music, Morgan envisioned an audience that did not follow the conventional route. Finally, a merger between African Americans and “punk” music, usually referring to a genre aimed towards followers indie/rock/screamo genre.

Originating back in 2003 with the cult classic film “Afro-punk”, the movement puts a focus on the “punk” movement and African Americans. Keeping true to African American social culture, hints of Hip-Hop origins are also worth noting.

The convenience of the turn of the Y2K era allowed for an early presence for Afro-punk and the digital media world. The early establishment allowed for a build up of the movement to root early during the beginning of this digital movement.

Circulating around the concerts, festival, and music circuits— Pitchfork, SXSW (South by SouthWest), New York Times, etc.

Afro-punk picked up a large following and by 2005 the Afro-punk movement was in full effect.

Located at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the first Afropunk Festival offered around ideologies based off the movement such as music, independence, individuality, film, photography, and individual creativity.

Just over a decade later and the Afropunk movement isn’t losing any momentum, it’s picking up more than ever. Within the last year, Atlanta was one of the first cities to pick up the festival outside of Brooklyn.

Unfortunately, the October 3-4 premiere was cancelled due to weather increments according to a Billboard article covering the debut event. Thankfully, the weather in Paris was choice and Afropunk went international May 23-24.

2016 promises to bring more international shows and hopefully a successful second run in Atlanta, for those in the area that may have had their interest peaked.

Further information and all inquiries towards Afropunk and the multitude of blogs, forums, and updates can all be found on the main page afropunk.com

“Ago!” Mamma Thorpe calls to the crowd.

This Swahili word is a call for attention, usually from an individual to a group. In the case of the African American Cultural Center, it has become a call from a group to the community and on Feb. 21, it took the form of Blacks in Wax. Blacks in Wax is an annual event held in Witherspoon wesley coates portrays Earl Graves Student Center. It is designed as an interactive museum Sr. in blacks in wax. where students from NC State and members of the comkaydee gawlik | staff photographer munity dress up and act as characters in black history. It features a variety of figures from pop culture, like Chaka Khan and Diana Ross to politics, like Michelle Obama, but also hones in on lesser known individuals, such as Raleigh’s first African American mayor, Clarence Lightner.

Mama Thorpe describes the event as “a tribute to African American excellence in a way that honors our ancestors and celebrates our current accomplishments. The museum is an artistic, academic compilation of talent and hard work.”

Each character is chosen by the person playing them and they develop the script and information themselves, with guidance from the Blacks in Wax committee. Participants get a chance to play people who inspired them, and not just from a cultural standpoint.

Bethany Kendall, a junior studying history, has been a part of Blacks in Wax for the past three years portraying Billy Holiday, Eartha Kitt, and this year, Grace Jones, who was, among other things, a model, singer and actress. Jones is most known for the way she broke barriers in the fashion world with her dark skin and androgynous appearance. Bethany chose this character, she says, because Grace Jones taught her “You don’t have to fit into beauty norms to be beautiful. You don’t have to be weak and white to be pretty.”

“It’s important because they get to see themselves,” said Mama Thorpe. “You are not the stereotype. You have a rich culture that is rooted in academic success.”

The event also has a community focus, opening its doors to local schools, after school groups, community centers and the general populace.

“We’re not great independently. We’re great based on what’s been poured into us, and that’s why we have a responsibility to give back,” Mamma Thorpe said.

Shay Branch, mother of two toddlers, brought her children along to the exhibit.

“I’m passionate about it [Black history], and whether they were listening or not, it would expose them at mama thorpe talks to students at the an early age to it,” Branch said.

At this event, exposure is the key. Many of the fig- blacks in wax event. kai mcneil | staff photographer ures represented were unknown to most of the people who came through, and as each character ended their presentation with “Who am I?” People became painfully aware of the fact that they had no idea.

“It sparks conversations,” said Jordan Anderson, a junior studying environmental technology and management and AYA Ambassador for the AACC. “There’s a lot of forgotten names in African American history and so it revives those people so their legacies are still here no matter how long they’ve been gone.”

Blacks in Wax can be seen as both an opportunity and a responsibility to ourselves and those that came before us. It was a beautiful tribute to the lives lost, as well as a reminder that while we have come far as a people and a nation, we still have far to go.

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 4

news

BLACK FUTURES MONTH “Black Futures Month is a shared vision of the Movement for Black Lives. We aspire to use art to imagine what the future of Black life looks like.We are committed to remembering, celebrating, and learning from our history, but also imagining our future. Black people are more than what happened to us.” Tanya Lucia Bernard, Arts and Culture Director for Black Lives Matter

“BARACK TO THE FUTURE” encourages civil activism jillian smith editor-in-chief

On Feb. 18, the Society of Afrikan American Culture brought students together to look back on Barack Obama’s presidency while also looking forward to the upcoming presidential Malik Zeigler leads the elections. barack to the future The event was hosted by event on feb. 18. nicki leary | staff phoMalik Zeigler, a sophomore tographer studying political science, Malik Hines, also a sophomore studying political science and Cecile Sadler, a sophomore studying computer engineering. The three students and executive board members of SAAC came up with the idea to honor President Obama and inform students on the upcoming elections at a general meeting a few weeks ago.

The event began with a quick biography of Barack Obama and what he accomplished during his presidency. There was an even balance of platform promises kept and platform promises broken that showed what President Obama has accomplished over the past seven years.

“We wanted to make sure that it was balanced,” said Zeigler. Hines added that they wanted the section of the presentation on Obama to be as nonpartisan as possible.

“Effort makes them effective,” said Hines.

The next portion of the event focused on the voting process, revealing many little known facts about primaries, caucuses, the electoral college and

winner-take-all states. These were parts of the voting system that many students either do not know about, or they do not understand how it works.

“I remember in my American government class, Dr. Michael Cobb did a Pack Poll asking students if they could still register to vote in Talley, and a lot of the kids still didn’t know that you couldn’t. I think NC State students are informed, but they aren’t informed in the right ways,” said Zeigler.

Sadler also believes that there are not enough events like this on campus for student to become properly informed. That is why this was so important for SAAC. It was a way to teach students information that they might only learn in a political science class in a fun, informal setting.

“As an engineering major who knows not minimal, but barely anything about how politics work, I thought there have to be more people like me who need to know this information,” said Sadler.

Zeigler reviewed the candidates for the 2016 presidential election after Hines talked about Obama, revealing some of the platforms and ideals of these candidates that have not been as widely discussed in the media.

The entire room was then invited to play Kahoot!, an interactive game that students connected to through their phones. They were asked questions pertaining to statements made by various presidential candidates.

“I thought it was necessary to get a look at the real views of the candidates rather than what the media says,” said Zeigler.

Lastly, students graded a survey that they were given at the start of the event that showed how liberal or conservative their personal views were.

This survey was used as a way to show attendees that they can have a wide variety of opinions that fall in different places on the political spectrum.

“We wanted to get people to think outside of the box of democratic versus republican or liberal versus conservative. Your views can askew from everyone’s in the room even if you have similar political views,” Hines said.

At the end of the event, students had the opportunity to register to vote with the organization.This ws an important and well-emphasized point of the presentation: get out and vote.

“Whether or not people consciously learned something, it got their brains thinking,” said Sadler.

The main message Zeigler, Hines and Sadler wanted to express to students is the importance of doing research and making students register to vote an educated contribuafter the event. tion to society. As we nicki leary | staff photographer say farewell to our first Black president, we do not want to see the hope he has given the Black community fade.

Suffrage is something our people fought for not too long ago, now it is our duty to take advantage of that right to shape our own futures and change the face of this nation.

Wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 5

news

Student government, union activities board campaining

We GOn’ Be Alright: native americans in pop culture

stephanie tate managing editor

nyna nickelson correspondent

The time has come for us to choose our new student leaders. Both student government and the Union Activities Board have started the campaigning process. Campaigning started on Monday February 22nd and the polls will be open between 8 pm on Feb. 29th and 8pm on March 1st.

There are five candidates that have filed for student body president and student body vice president. Nate Bridgers, a junior studying business administration and the university’s current student body vice president, is now running for student body president with Hayes Griggs as his running mate. Bridgers and Griggs are running under the slogan “Trusted. Honest. Dependable.”

Cody Long, a junior studying political science and history and the current student senate president, is also running for the president position with Mitchell Moravec as his potential vice president. Long and Moravec abide by the slogan “Integrity. Inclusion. Innovation.”

As a senior studying material science and engineering and political science and a veteran member of the executive branch of student government, Paul Nolan brings a wealth of experience to the table along with his running mate Brayndon Stafford. Nolan and Stafford are running on a platform that includes an All NC State App and the opportunity to report a bias incident.

Rye Robinson, a junior studying business administration, is also running for student body president alongside Jotionette “JJ” Jones. Their slogan is “For every student.”

Harrison Preddy, a sophomore studying political science is running for president with Caroline Moody as his running mate. The two have produced a platform that includes: decreasing restrictions on greeks and allowing student government representation for the agricultural institute.

Kamrie Risku,a sophomore studying political science, will be running for UAB President on a platform grounded in allowing students to express their programming proposals.

Amanda Cannon, a junior studying business and communication, is also running for UAB President. Her platform boasts the idea of bringing more events to Greek Court and Centennial Campus.

Student government sponsors events, allocates money for student groups and more. While the Union Activities Board acts as the premier program planning board on campus. UAB is known for bringing films to the campus cinema and picking our homecoming concert performer.

Both organizations affect students in a number of ways as they use a portion of student fees to accomplish their various tasks. When asked about the importance of voting in campus elections Alonzo Fullenwilder, a junior in mechanical engineering said “Voting is important because it gives people an opportunity to choose their leaders and those that represent their interests. Exercising that right is something we all should take advantage of.”

While it can be tempting to vote frivolously, take a moment to explore the platforms of all of the candidates. The websites for the candidates can be found on the student government website. Allowing yourself to be familiar with the candidates makes voting much more simple and it ensures that your voice is heard.

NC State welcomed Kyle Mays Wabinaw as a part of SAAC Week for his presentation of We Gon’ Be Alright: Indigenous Relations in Pop Culture and Why It Matters.

The night began with the question: “What does #Blacklivesmatters mean to you and this campus?”

The audience bustled with ideas and answers from Dr. Kyle T. Mays speaks during modern day injustices to police brutality to accurate “We Gon Be Alright.” kaydee gawlik | staff phorepresentation. tographer However, the next question Mays posed: “what does #Nativelivesmatter mean to you” was met with blank stares and puzzlement. One participant stated: “I never really have to think about this.”

Wabinaw and several other members of the NCSU Native American Student Association (NASA) educated the audience on the statistics of crime on native peoples and issues that are prevalent today in the diverse cultures. He touched on the relationship between native peoples and the black community and debunked the myth that minorities cannot appropriate the culture of other minorities.

Wabinaw used the depiction of native peoples in pop culture to call out our own ignorance; he called our attention to the absurdities of Andre 3000’s 2004 Grammy performance that was equipped with UFO tepees and dancers clad in vibrant green feathers and fringe. This video left the audience with the age old question of whether to laugh or cry.

He also pointed out the clear cultural misappropriation of Pharrell’s headdress cover on Elle and the blatant racism entangled the songs of Disney’s Peter Pan. Finally he highlighted the snippet of the representation of Mardi Gras Native Americans in Beyonce’s “Formation.”

All of these examples showcase stereotypes and watered down interpretations of native cultures. He made it clear that in reference to the cultures of native peoples, “cultures” should always be plural because of the diverse traditions that are unique to each tribe.

The lesson to take from the event is to recognize that native peoples exist and are active in today’s society. Mays pressed the audience to remember that native peoples do not only live on reservations but also in urban areas.

He opened the audience’s eyes to Native hip hop artists such as, Eekwol, Frank Waln and Nataanii Means. These artists are actively attempting to greaten the amount of Native cultures representation within the mainstream culture.

He ended the evening with allowing the audience to discuss ways in which we can support native peoples. Some of these ideas were supporting local businesses owned by native peoples, renounce stereotypes about native peoples and cultures, support the recruiting of native peoples in colleges and higher education, boycott brands that steal designs and textiles from Native cultures (like Urban Outfitters) and of course listening to indigenous rappers.

When asked what one thing did he want his audience to take from the event, Kyle Mays Wabinaw said, “Native Peoples exist in the present and that hip hop is one way that they do exist.”

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 6

Features

what it means to be a queer person of color in history keilah davis correspondent Everyone knows about Martin Luther King Jr.

and Rosa Parks but whose stories get left out of Black History Month? Whose contributions go unnoticed?

Too often, queer people of color (QPOC) are pushed out of our historical narratives.

"Queer people of color have always been at the root of activist movements," said Natalie Nguyen, the assistant director of the GLBT Center.

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most renowned leaders in the Civil Rights Movement; he gave his infamous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

However, the organizer of the March was a black, gay man named Bayard Rustin. (Rustin.org) "Because he was queer…we're just gonna give [credit] to Martin," said Nguyen.

The 2015 film Stonewall tells the story of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which are credited with sparking the gay liberation movement in New York City. However, the film conveniently omits that the riots were started by QPOC. (Forbes.com) Only recently have conversations intentionally highlighted the contributions of QPOC. The hashtag and organization #BlackLivesMatter was founded by three queer black women. The organization's website also explicitly states that Black Lives Matter "affirms

the lives of Black queer and trans folks." (Blacklivesmatter.com) The protesters of Ferguson, Missouri, who arguably sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, were black people with identities across the gender and sexuality spectrums: women, men, non-binary, transgender, gay, lesbian, queer.

It's clear that QPOC have been integral to social justice movements, including black liberation movements. But why is it important to inclusively reframe historical narratives? Intersectionality.

Intersectionality, or intersectional theory, refers to the concept that different oppressions cannot be separated because each one acts on individuals simultaneously. It's important to address the contributions of QPOC and it's equally important that we address the oppressions faced by QPOC. "We can't look at [systems of oppression] separately. We have to look at them collectively if we're going to really be effective at addressing the ways in which people face not just oppression, but violence and even death," said Renee Wells, the director of the GLBT Center.

According to a Human Rights Campaign report, 87 percent of the transgender people killed from 2013 to 2015 were transgender people of color.

"These conversations have to dovetail. We have got to be intentional about thinking about systems of oppression that impact race, sexuality, and gender. They all intersect; they're the same systems," said Wells.

What is NC State doing address intersectionality and further these conversations?

The GLBT Center and Multicultural Student Affairs collaborate in hosting events throughout the year. As part of Black History Month, the GLBT Center sponsored the screening of Out in the Night, a film about a group of black lesbians who were jailed

for defending themselves from a homophobic attack. The discussion that followed addressed the intersections of race, sexuality, and socioeconomic status that negatively impacted how the

women were seen by the justice system and the press.

The GLBT Center also has a support group called QPOC for students of color who identify as queer.

QPOC creates space for queer students of color to discuss how they experience these intersections.

"People without the QPOC lens often don't get it," said Nguyen.

Nguyen is also the advisor for QPOC. Students interested in joining the group can contact him or visit the GLBT Center website for more information.

sAAC makes a comeback, increases campus presence jessica stubbs correspondent

The Society of Afrikan American Culture (SAAC) is the oldest black student organization on campus and was founded as the black political voice for students.

SAAC Week just ended and there is no doubt that this organization has made its comeback to NC State’s campus.

“To me, SAAC represents the past and present movement for Black Lives, family and love, passion and purpose, and creative leadership and political engagement,” said Vice President Jasmine Cannon.

Cannon has been with the organization since September of 2014.

Over the years, SAAC has flourished and it has also fallen to the wayside. This year, however, with two successful Talley parties and increased student involvement, SAAC has gained visibility and popularity

on campus.

“The 90’s Talley Party: In Living Color because it was the event that catapulted SAAC back into relevancy. We were getting modThe SAAC Exeutive Board poses after an erate program event.

Photo courtesy of SAAC attendance and people weren’t really sure what SAAC was. After the party people were like SAAC is back and taking interest in what we could potentially do,” said Marcus Zeigler, the

President of SAAC. Zeigler has been SAAC president for the 2015-2016 school year. He said that the hardest part of his job has been thinking of ways to bring SAAC back.

“SAAC is the center of all black involvement. It is the centerpiece in the black community. Being the political voice on campus of the African-American community, has brought the community closer,” Zeigler said.

SAAC can help provide political and organizational knowledge base to the younger students to help acclimate them to the campus environment.

Cannon said that her favorite event SAAC has done this semester was ‘Barack to the Future.’

“The program was so strong, fun and informative.

Our underclassmen really showcased their skills and talents in that program,” she said.

opinion

NM YOUR VOICE: “In a world where Black lives matter...”

Courtney sebring correspondent In 2012, the #BlackLivesMatter Movement formed as a call to action against the murder of Trayvon Martin and the non-indictment of his killer. It was a response to the anti-Black racism plaguing our society. The Movement is an active resistance to the de-humanization of Black people in this country.

African Americans have the highest poverty rate among racial and ethnic groups at 27.4%. An overwhelming 45.8% of young black children live in poverty compared to the 14.5% of white children. One in three Black men can expect to go to prison in their lifetime. The school-to-prison-pipeline targets black and brown youth with zero-tolerance policies, intimidating police presence, and out of school suspensions.

We turn on the news and watch the same story play over and over again. Another black man or woman or woman killed by police or vigilante violence. Another non-indictment of the persons or systems responsible. Another protest. Another hashtag. Another community struggling to put itself back together.

This year the #BlackLivesMatter movement is reimagining the month of February as Black Futures Month. While we should celebrate the historical achievements of our people, we have to acknowledge the current systemic racial discrimination and ask ourselves where do we go from here? What would it be like in a world where Black Lives Matter?

Brayndon Stafford: “In a world where Black Lives Matter, I imagine there would be equality among all and there would be a decrease in the income disparity gap. There would be a level of cultural competency in which people of all races would understand black people better than we do. I would be less stressed. There would be equal playing fields. I wouldn’t constantly feel like I’m being taken for face value by the color of my skin.”

Justin Davidson: “In a world where Black Lives Matter, I imagine hat young African American males won’t be targeted as thugs and criminals, but be seen as upstanding citizens. That racial injustices would become abnormal. I would have less stress because I feel like I wouldn’t feel like I was being watched, and having the constant pressure of being watched. I would feel like I belonged instead of being ridiculed.”

Darion Williams: “In a world where Black Lives Matter, I imagine, I see more understanding within different races as far as different groups of people not being afraid to talk about difficult situations, because we live in a world where it’s kind of hard for someone who is not black to come up to a black person and ask them a question without feeling like they are being offensive. I have never had a random Caucasian person come up to me and ask me why I feel like I’m being judged or something because I feel like that’s just not socially acceptable. I feel like in a world where Black Lives Matter, that conversation could happen more easily because at the end of the day they know that we matter.”

Kai McNeil | staff photographer

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 7

BEing muslim at ncsu suha ahmed correspondent

In the wake of the one year anniversary of Our Three Winners, many of the Muslims on campus have reflected on what it means to be a Muslim. I, for one, found myself reading articles, watching videos, and attending all the events that were held to commemorate Deah, Yusor, and Razan.

I scavenged through details of the incident as I was trying to make sense of all of it. Thinking there were some people that actually believed this was over a parking dispute was quite disturbing. Are we so blinded by the politically-motivated propaganda that we can not believe a hate crime when we see it?

Shattered Glass, hosted by Mohammad Moussa, was one of those events that I attended. This multimedia spoken word performance did not leave a dry eye in the room. Moussa knew the victims personally and honored them by highlighting all the good they did in the community.

Deah, Yusor, and Razan were active members of society, whether it be through dental relief missions or United Muslim Relief (UMR). Their story reached the homes of millions of people around the world and it was illuminating to see the significant impact they had.

I believe this tragedy shook so many Muslims, mainly, because we see a lot of ourselves in them.

Our religion is not out to get anyone. If that were the case, we would have taken over a long time ago considering there are 1.7 billion Muslims globally.

Being a Muslim is embedded in my identity and while I do not claim by any means of being the perfect Muslim, I understand my responsibility to uphold by religion with the highest standard.

It is necessary to promote tolerance, love, and acceptance. Ignorance breeds hate and I think we should put more effort into getting to know each other rather than keeping our distance. This requires an open-mind and an open heart.

If you see a Muslim praying, ask them about it instead of giving them weird looks. If you have a question about the hijab, ask. If you want to know why a Muslim does not eat pork, ask.

Nothing is more frustrating than people making assumptions about your religion when they do not take the time to understand it.

Move #ForwardWithFaith by #KeepingTheirLegacyAlive.

To learn more about the tragedy that took place February 10th, 2015 or to donate to the endowment, please visit ourthreewinners.org.

opinion

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | 8

get in formation: a new take on black culture jounique lyles correspondent

“What happened at the New Orleans?”

This is the first line of Beyonce’s new single “Formation.” As I hear conversations about the song, I hear people talking about the strong representation of black culture, southern roots, police brutality, the feminist movement, and Hurricane Katrina. Yes, I stand proud in such representation, but is that all it is, representation?

Beyonce’s portrayal of our cultural issues was indeed a great sight. We even got to see her perform the song at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show where she alluded to the Black Panther Party.

As the controversy streamed across social media platforms, a divide was created between those that viewed her performance as powerful and those that viewed it as antagonistic.

As many enjoyed their Valentine's Day, the buzz surrounding “Formation” re-emerged as Saturday Night Live produced a skit called “The Day Beyonce Turned Black.”

The video depicted over-exaggerat-

ed reactions to the song and how this was the first consciously black song she made. SNL moved quickly to embody the ever growing strife between the black community and white community when addressing issues such as these. So this is clearly inflamatory, but where does it leave us?

As all of this unfolds, I don’t see any progressive movement towards solving our issues or furthering our own self-development. Yes, the spark of such cultural dynamics has increased our voice, but has it truly added to our productivity in social change and our political strength as a community?

As we enter the 2016 elections, are we truly reflecting upon our stance as a community and our past circumstances?

“What happened at the New Orleans?”

Again, the first line of the song, the raw statement as the start of the song hits me the hardest. Do we as a community understand what has happened and are we proactively moving towards adjustments to ensure it doesn’t happen again?

Many blame the faults of the black community on poor political involvement and a lack of funds, leading to a weakened voice in this arena. Some even point to this as the reason for Katrina, Ferguson, and even Flint.

At least on our campus, we are becoming aware of these issues and slowly taking the steps toward more community involvement and a greater political presence. Student Government Town Hall meetings, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Flint Fundraiser, various organizations’ efforts to register students to vote and even the Society of Afrikan American Community (SAAC) Week help ground us on our issues and provide a safe space to address those issues.

As we have this progressive movement we must take the next steps and truly build our political ground not only within the NC State community, but also beyond into the greater Raleigh area and our hometowns. Let’s not have a “What happened in the 2016?” edition of Formation.

continued from pg. 6 Zeigler and Cannon are both seniors graduating in May, but they are both very optimistic about the future of SAAC after their departure from NC State.

“After I graduate, I believe SAAC will continue to grow.

The responsibility just lies in knowing our history and purpose, continuing to make sure everyone feels included, and collaborating within the organization and with our student leaders,” said Cannon.

Zeigler agreed saying, “I think we have a good core of younger students, so I think that they can grow and do better than what I have done and continue to grow and keep SAAC the great organization that it is.”

SAAC elections are coming up next month, so if you are interested in holding a position, contact Cannon or Zeigler for updates and events.