Nubian Message, Feb. 1, 2017 — Shades of Love

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | wednesday, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

SHADES OF LOVE

wednesday, february 1, 2017 | 2

THISISSUE 4 NAVARASA 2017

Indian classical dance competition

5 INTERRACIAL LOVE

A story of race, triumph and love

6 CAMPUS ROMANCE

Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on campus

7 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Love letter to men of color

8 V-DAY PLAYLIST

Playlist for Valentine’s Day

9 MELANATED MOVIE NIGHT

In light of recent events, the Nubian Message staff would like to encourage you to know your rights when dealing with police officers, immigration agents and other law enforcement agencies. Here are some tips adapted from the ACLU: Know Your Rights: • • • • • •

Top movies depicting black love

10 KENTON’S CORNER Minding your business

Useful phrases: • • •

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

Stephanie Tate

Editor-in-Chief

Ashley Darrisaw

LAYOUT DESIGNER

You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.

You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.

If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.

You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

You have the right to peaceably assemble. (Protests may take place on public streets, sidewalks, and parks. Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. A permit may be required if you block traffic, use amplifiers, block the flow of pedestrians or for protest in some parks or plazas.)

Anahzsa Jones

Managing editor

Allona Wilkerson

LAYOUT DESIGNER

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.

•

“Am I free to leave?” (If you are under arrest you have the right to know why) “Do you have a warrant?” (Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it to the window so you can inspect it).

“I would like to speak to a lawyer.” (You have the right to speak to a lawyer if you are arrested, ask for one immediately).

“I wish to remain silent.” (You have the right to remain silent. If you are not a US citizen and are detained, do not discuss your immigration status with anyone other than your lawyer.)

WEDNESDAY, february 1, 2017 | 3

NEWS

PREVIEW OF Black history month dion figuer0a CORRESPONDENT

Black History Month runs for the whole month of February and NC State’s Department of Multicultural Affairs has an array of events scheduled to celebrate Black History and Black culture.

The program kicks off on Wednesday, February 1st at 6:30 PM with “Black Girl Magic” in Talley Student Union’s Piedmont Ballroom. High school teacher and fashion blog operator, Kimberlee Postell, will be coming to NC State to hold a discussion on identity representation and black womanhood. On the same day in Witherspoon 218 from 9 AM to 5 PM, an art gallery will be on display depicting “Portraits from the African American Music Trails of North Carolina.” The gallery will be open from February 1st through March 4th.

On February 2nd starting at 5 PM in Witherspoon 201 a series of lectures and panels titled “Unlawfully Incarcerated: A Panel Discussion with Survivors of Unjust Incarceration” will be held. The discus-

sions will be themed around this year’s common reading, Just Mercy, and the impact that unlawful incarceration has on the community.

Late in the second week of celebrations Dr. Sylvester Jim Gates, Jr. will be visiting NC State. The February 9th talk “Equity vs. Excellence: A False Dichotomy in Science and Society” will be held in Talley 3285 at 6 PM. Dr. Gates will be speaking on the varied issues of diversity from an evidence-based and scientific point of view. Dr. Gates is a physicist at the University of Maryland, and served on former President Barack Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

On Wednesday, February 15th Multicultural Young Educators Network (MYEN) and the Women’s Center are hosting a panel on “Role Models and Representation.” The panel scheduled for 6 PM in Park Shops 210 will feature women of color from the education field speaking about their experiences rising through the

ranks of their respective careers.

From 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, February 18th in Witherspoon 126 the African American Cultural Center & AYA Ambassadors will be hosting “Blacks in Wax.” The annual event will allow visitors to learn about key historical African-American figures by the figures themselves.

NC State students will dressed up and portraying these figures allowing people to get a hands-on unique experience, while learning about African-American History.

During the last week of the program there are two events that stand out. First is the film viewing of Mon amie Victoria (My Friend Victoria) in the Witherspoon theater. The film “probes the life of Victoria, a French-born woman of African ancestry who gives birth to a daughter by Thomas, a white Frenchman who is the scion of a left-wing but rich Parisian family.” It then follows her life as she deals with the issues of being accepted in her family.

Although the film does not deal overtly

with the topic of racism, many of the sub themes of the film deal with diversity in today’s society.

Lastly, to finish off African-American History Month, Camille A. Brown & Dancers will be performing “Black Girl: Linguistic Play.” The event sponsored by NC State LIVE will be hosted in Stewart Theatre in the Talley Student Union at 8 PM on Saturday, February 25th. The play uses the “rhythmic play of African-American dance vernacular” to speak about the issues of Black womanhood in a racially and politically divided world.

This is in no means a comprehensive calendar of events happening around campus, but only a spotlight on some of the larger events. There are countless more events that can be found on the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs’ website: oied.ncsu.edu/MSA/black-history-month-2017/.

SEXUAL ASSAULT town hall recap KEILAH DAVIS STAFF WRITER

On Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. in Talley Piedmont Ballroom, Student Government hosted over 120 students, staff, and community members at its Sexual Assault Prevention Town Hall.

Soraya Russell, a junior studying finance and international studies and the director of University Affairs within Student Government, was a primary organizer for the event. “At the beginning of the year, we knew we wanted to have have a town hall,” Russell said. “At first we were only going to have it under the Women’s Center. Then we reached out to other centers. Sorority and Fraternity Life helped out a lot. They helped to reach a lot of their members.”

The town hall began with short presentations from Dr. Linda McCabe Smith, vice provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity; Robinette Kelley, assistant vice provost for Equal Opportunity; Winn Decker, It’s On Us regional coordinator and a graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life; and Lisa LaBarbera-Mascote, director of the Women’s Center. Other representatives from the Office of Student Conduct, GLBT Center, Campus Police, and Fraternity and Sorority Life were also

in attendance.

The presentations covered new campus initiatives including the SAFE at NC STATE website, sexual assault survey for undergraduate and graduate students, and It’s On Us campaign updates. The speakers also reminded students of existing programs and resources including Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Silent Witness program.

The town hall concluded with a Q&A session. During this segment, LaBarbera-Mascote spoke about the Fraternity and Sorority Life task force on sexual assault and harassment prevention.

“About a year and a half ago there was an external review to look at the fraternity and sorority community,” LaBarbera-Mascote said. “Out of that came seven focus areas: sexual assault, harassment, credibility, values alignment, chapter operations, diversity and inclusion, and hazing. From that larger process, we whittled down to some task forces, and staff members that are on it include Robinette Kelley and Jess White, associate director of student conduct, as well as representatives from

a number of chapters in Fraternity and Sorority Life.”

Paul Cousins, director of the Office of Student Conduct, clarified that students involved in underage drinking who witness or are survivors of sexual assault will not be charged with conduct violations.

“There isn’t a single case that I’ve seen in the last two years that didn’t involve alcohol or some substance,” Cousins said.

“It makes it real hard for people in the moment to make decisions that they would make when they were sober.”

It was unclear whether Cousins’ comment addressed the perpetrators or survivors of those cases. “It’s important to remember that alcohol is the most commonly used date rape drug and that when someone is intoxicated they are unable to provide consent,” Lauren Frey, a senior studying environmental sciences and women and gender studies, said.

According to the Office of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol is commonly used as a “date rape drug” by perpetrators who commit sexual assault.

“I liked hearing about all the programs,”

Jessica Maynor, a junior studying genetics, said. “I’m interested in getting in contact with Winn [Decker] about the It’s On Us campaign and talking with the Women’s Center about the task force and possibly getting students involved in that.”

While some students spoke highly of the town hall, others were left desiring more.

“I think something that worries me about an event like this is that it sometimes preaches to the choir,” Frey said.

“But I’m wondering how effective a town hall like this is at actually spreading the word. I think it’s a good chance for campus-affiliated partners and people to get to know each other but I don’t really know if that happened today. I’m hoping that there were at least a few people in the room that did learn something good and that they tell all of their friends.”

The majority of speakers were university administrators and staff, so there was less time for comments and questions from students. “I would have liked to hear more about the actual climate here on campus,” Joelle Fuchs, a junior studying neurology, said.

wednesday, february 1, 2017 | 4

news

NAVARASA: INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE COMPETITION carl hintz STAFF WRITER On January 28th, about 600 people gath- category as determined by three judges: Punjabi culture. The dance used several biology and political science at Virginia ered in Stewart Theatre to watch Navarasa, Ramya Sundaresan Kapadia, Meena different rhythm instruments as props.

Commonwealth University said, “classical NC State’s first Indian classical dance com- Rajagopal, and Hasita Oza. Duke DBS Emory Savera won second place for the dance is just as important as more modern petition. Approximately 6,000 dollars were Raas, Tar Heel Raas, and George Mason Indian classical dance category. Their forms. Like today where we were showing raised for Child Rights and You (CRY) University Bhangra competed for the performance told the story of human’s about ending domestic violence.” an international charity that supports the category of viewer choice. In addition, disregard for nature. They portrayed both rights and wellbeing of children.

NCSU Sangeet performed Indian classical the death and potential revival of mothIndian classical dance is an adept mode Ayarah Dharanikota, a sophomore at music, NCSU Grains of Time performed er nature. First place went to Penn State of storytelling that uses the full range of NC State studying biomedical engineering, a’cappella; NCSU Nazaare and Ek Taal also Natya. Their team depicted a story of two human expression. Krish explained that said, “The main thing that “Bharatanatyam comes from the words I find with classical dance Bhava, Raaga, Taala, and Natyam. is the story telling part.

Bhava means expression, Raaga means There are different types of melody, Taala means rhythm, and classical dance, and they Natyam means dance. Bharatanatyam each have a different way is known as one of the highest forms of expressing their stories.” of art.”

Dharanikota volunteered Raas is a type of folk dance from Guat the event as a liaison. “I jarat, the Indian state. Raas stands out helped to make sure the with the use sticks called Dandiya that teams have a good tranare spun in the air by the performers. sition into the call, make “It’s really high energy,” said Arjun sure they’re comfortable, Desai, a member of the Duke DBS get anything that they Raas team. need,” Dharanikota said.

All of the proceeds from Navarasa The performances went to support Child Rights and ranged from lightheartYou, an international nonprofit that ed to serious and drew supports children in many countries from many different time including India and the United States. periods and cultures. On Dr. Apoorv Agarwal, the Honorary the serious side, VCU Trustee, Treasurer & Advisory Board Thandavam told the story Director of CRY America said “CRY of a fairytale wedding that was founded in India in 1972. The idea ends in domestic violence was to look at children issues in the and tragedy. Duke DBS form of rights, not to look at children Raas retold a Sherlock as objects of sympathy, but to really Holmes mystery in the look at them as human beings with instyle of Raas, a traditional alienable rights, and therefore, specific folk dance. NCSU Nazaare rights. The right to survive, the right to Emma Dimig/Staff Photographer told the story of a heroine develop, the right to be protected, and Konark Bhasin and Anisha Kolla of George Mason University’s Bhangra team perfom at making her way through the right to participate.”

Navarasa in Stewart Theater on Saturday. Navarasa, an Indian Classical intercollegiate senior year of college.

More information about the organidance competition, was hosted by NC State this year.

“All of the students zation CRY is available at http://amerorganizing the event were ica.cry.org.

NC State Students. Five out of ten, half the performed. lovers who were banned from seeing each Organizers and volunteers at Navarasa board, is also on the dance team, NCSU other by their respective communities expressed that they hoped more people Thandav. We’re competing next weekend Harish Tangella, a senior at NC State because their union was not considered would learn about and appreciate Indian at a university in Maryland,“ said Jyothi studying business administration, served socially acceptable. classical dance. “I want classical dance George, a sophomore studying Human Bi- as the finance chair for Navarasa. “This is competitions to get more recognition, beology at NC State who served as the social our first year holding this kind of comOne theme throughout the event was cause they don’t get as much appreciation chair for Navarasa. petition. It’s the only competition in the the strength, robustness, and diversity of in the dance circuit, so coming to these In total, eight different dance teams state, it’s the only competition in the whole Indian culture. Pavani Peri a first year stu- events, observing them and appreciating participated in the competition. Virginia Southeastern United States,” Tangella said. dent studying linguistics at UNC Chapel them and other dance forms to is importCommonwealth University Thandavam, While there were many strong perHill said, “Starting off with the nationant,” Dharanikota said.

Tufts Pulse, Emory Savera, Case Western formances, three teams received special al anthem of both the US and of India Nritya, and Penn State Natya performed in recognition. George Mason University showed the strength of the culture, that it’s the Bharatanatyam tradition and comBhangra won first place for viewers’ being passed on.” peted for first and second place in this choice. Their performance highlighted Sneha Krish a first year student studying

features

WEDNESDAY, february 1, 2017 | 5

it doesn’t have to be black to be love anahzsa jones MANAGING EDITOR

When Dr. Jamila Simpson, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student Services for the College of Sciences, met her husband, she knew they were meant to be. His name, Clarence, is a family name. She told him, “We must be meant to be friends.”

For a year they were. She learned a lot that made her believe they would work well together in the future. “When you’re friends, because you’re not trying to impress each other, you can see how they talk about other people, how they think about things,” she said.

The more Dr. Simpson learned about Clarence, the more impressed she was. He skipped two grades, didn’t smoke or drink, played guitar for his church, and spent spring break volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Even more impressive was his wide-ranging taste in music and people.

She said, “He was living the diversity that I felt was so important.”

One way he stood out was by noticing how she said her name and how others did. She said, “He asked if my name was ‘juh-milla’ or ‘juh-meela’, and when I told him [it’s juh-meela] he said, ‘well then you should have people call you Jamila.’”

It may seem like a courtesy, but for Simpson it was much more. She said, “It was the first time that I had had someone affirm my name, and it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true…He was trying to instill in me a self confidence that I did not have. And I respected him so much for that.”

Simpson’s parents were adamant that she honored African Americans’ contributions to the country. Clarence, on the other hand, was not raised alongside issues of race. His father, who passed away when Clarence was 15, was a member of the U.S. Military and met his mother in the Philippines. Simpson says Clarence’s mother believed she had to assimilate, and so didn’t teach him much of her native heritage.

According to Simpson, “He didn’t come from a family that thought talking about race was important.” So she was surprised by the effort he made to further his understanding when offered the chance.

In her time at NC State, Simpson served as president of the Society of African American Physical and Mathematical Scientists (now the Society of Multicultural Scientists), the Afrikan American Student Advisory Council, and the Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students. “He knew what he was

getting into,” Simpson said. Through their entire relationship, Clarence took an active interest in her loves.

He asked her once, “How could I learn more?” and she mentioned the iconic movie series “Roots.” That weekend he rented the entire series and they watched it together. “That’s when I knew he was serious about learning.”

His willingness to learn was a factor in Simpson’s decision to move their friendship to the next step. “I was projecting into the future,” she said. “I was not one of those people that saw dating as just having fun. I saw dating as finding out whether we’re compatible to possibly one day be married.

“For me and my social justice heart, that was important in a partner,” she continued. “I’m not going to hold it against you that you haven’t lived my experience, but you have to care about it.”

The couple dated for four and a half years.

Simpson admits she questioned the relationship due to their races. “You do feel a responsibility to the black community. Here I am, president of this black organization and this one and this one… What am I communicating?” she said.

The largest hurdle in their relationship was Clarence’s mother. Dr. Simpson first met Mrs. Simpson when she and Clarence were friends. “She was very kind to me, to my face,” she said.

When they began dating, things changed. Simpson recalls a time when Clarence’s mother called him to say “I can’t believe you’re dating that black girl.”

There were those, namely Simpson’s father, that were afraid his mother’s feelings would keep them apart. Those fears, however, proved unfounded. “The proposal was pretty epic, I’m not going to lie,” Simpson said.

One day after work, Clarence took her to a “balloon rally” in Raleigh. When they arrived, it wasn’t balloons, but a billboard waiting for her. The message read: “Dear Shida, I know this has been a long time coming, but there’s an even longer time to look forward to. Will you marry me? Love, Clarence.”

The two were engaged and married in August 2002, but it wasn’t without hardship. Clarence’s mother’s opposition remained. Simpson confesses she was uncertain at times, that there was a lot of prayer involved, but eventually their decision was made.

“Me and Clarence basically had this point where we had to decide, are we going to live life without each other just because of how she feels or are we going to give this a chance? Are we going to allow hate to win over love? That’s what it came down to,” she said.

In the end, Clarence’s family didn’t come to the wedding. Simpson made a point to have her family and friends sit wherever they wanted. “What I didn’t want was for him to feel like he had nobody there to support him,” she said. “This is where friends are really important. To step up and be that family that he doesn’t have.”

Despite the groom’s lack of familial support, the wedding was a success. “It was great because it was really just about friends and family and really relaxed and laid back. He and I are both really nerdy, so it was really calm.”

The Simpsons have since had two sons and are teaching them to love themselves for who they are, melanin and all. “One thing I’m consistently working on is affirming their black heritage,” Simpson said, “And that’s not to dismiss the Filipino or the white side, but those aren’t under constant attack from society.”

Having mixed race children has not presented too many difficulties for Dr. Simpson, other than being mistaken for a nanny, having her son checked off as Hispanic at school, and being told she cannot film other people’s children in the hospital.

But she’s taken it all in stride, thankful to live where her family can be themselves without fear.

Simpson says, “Overall it’s been great, because the Wake County area is more open-minded and inclusive.” She is glad to see her children benefit from this inclusivity. Having interracial parents and being exposed to different cultures has already

““I’m not going to

hold it against you that you haven’t lived my experience, but you have to care about it.”

-Dr. Jamila Simpson

put her eldest son ahead of the curve. Dr. Simpson, who teaches a diversity course at NC State, decided to try a version of “The Doll test” with him.

In the test, children are asked questions such as “Which doll is ugly? Which doll is pretty? Which doll is well behaved?” In both the 1947 and 2010 versions, most children of all ages and ethnicities identified the white doll with positive traits and the black one with negative traits. In 1947 only 38% of the children identified the black doll as having a “nice color.”

To her delight, her son did not follow the trend. His way of answering was to make up stories to justify why he chose each picture. The concept of one race being better than another, of racism, did not exist for him.

Clarence’s mother has yet to come around, so she is not a part of their lives.

She was given chances: once when their eldest son was an infant, sick in the hospital. They called hoping for support and sympathy, but her response was “I told you not to have kids with that woman.” And that was that.

“Some people’s hate is so deeply rooted it’s not going to change and it is not your responsibility to change it,” Simpson said.

Their son recently asked about his grandmother and why she wasn’t around.

Simpson explained the situation, “But also let him know that that’s not my problem, or his daddy’s problem. That’s her issue. I am determined that he will never see his blackness as a deficit.”

With this mission, Dr. Simpson could not have chosen a better partner, despite their races. “You also have to make sure that the psyche of who you’re with is supportive of your identity. There are some brown people who don’t necessarily align with the empowerment of brown people.”

Clarence might not be her shade of brown, but he is empowering. Dr. Simpson is active in her job, and she is able to do so due to his support. “He is why I am able to do the work that I do. He is not black, but he gets my job, and he loves my job. He is always looking for ways to help me.”

Dr. Jamila Simpson and her husband Clarence may not be the most traditional example of black love, but their family shows it in many ways. Love for one’s black self, black children and the black community are all encompassed, and that is why their story is worth telling.

wednesday, february 1, 2017 | 6

features

ways to celebrate valentine’s day on campus penny lawrence CORRESPONDENT True extravagant romance comes with finding adventure together: adventure in the world, heart, and mind. Doing that on a college campus can be daunting, but not impossible.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, some of those who want to celebrate the special day are trying to find this magical thing called romance. If you’re having trouble coming up with a way to romance your loved one, here are some romantic date ideas tailored specifically for North Carolina State University: If you have a meal plan, you are required to have dining dollars. Use those to your advantage. The C-Stores around campus have the basic essentials for a nice spaghetti dinner, or if you’re not much of a cook, they also have premade food. The food at a romantic dinner isn’t quite as important as the atmosphere. Spruce up your dorm or apartment or go out for a picnic around campus. Another good option is junk food and a movie night. Either online streaming, or some 24-hour desks will have movies that can be borrowed.

Your dorm’s 24-hour desk also lends out cooking equipment. Don’t forget oven mitts if you’re baking! It’s also a good idea to check out your cooking equipment beforehand because a lot of them will be checked out already by Valentine’s Day.

If you decide to go for a picnic, there are more places available to you than just campus. Nearby you have Pullen Park and the rose garden by Raleigh Little Theatre.

If you have transportation, Duke Gardens is definitely worth the drive.

“The food at a romantic

dinner isn’t quite as important as the atmosphere. Spruce up your dorm or apartment or go out for a picnic around campus.”

You can also use dining dollars to have a quiet ice cream date in the library bookstacks. Read to each other or play hide and go seek.

Coffee dates are greatly underrated, but there are two coffee options in Talley Student Center that work with the meal plan. Spice it up by sitting close to the One Earth Lounge fireplace and asking each other fun questions.

Near Talley is another underrated thing: Price Hall. Take your date to a music practice room and learn a duet on the piano

Sorena Dadgar/Staff Photographer Revert to an old classic this Valentine’s Day with the “Netflix and chill” move. Snuggle up on a couch with your favorite snack and romantic comedy. See our list of top black romance movies for inspiration.

together, or make your own.

Stargazing is also a good idea. It can be difficult to find somewhere dark enough on campus, but the stars can be seen in the Court of Carolina.

“Take your date to a

music practice room and learn a duet on the piano together, or make your own.”

If you’re a more active couple, there’s the art trail leading to the North Carolina Museum of Art that starts around Hillsborough Street. The museum is free to enter and there are scenic areas for a picnic, as well as a restaurant inside.

If you have transportation and a little money to spare, there are many more nearby ideas. Try ice skating at the skating rink then find a small coffee shop and enjoy some hot chocolate.

If you both enjoy retro arcade games, try Boxcar in downtown Raleigh. It’s both an arcade and a bar.

In the same area there are many art exhibits, including Artspace. It can be nice to just stroll through and look at all of the

art.

If you’re both over the drinking age, there’s a nearby Vineyard that offers tours and tastings for 10 dollars each.

No matter your situation, with a little creativity and thought, you can make anything romantic with the right person. College doesn’t have to hinder your relationships. It’s supposed to make them

“No matter your

situation, with a little creativity and thought, you can make anything romantic with the right person.” easier and more open because you get to control it. If this is the year when you want to inspire love and wonder into your valentine, then make it your year. Don’t stop yourself short because of money or transportation, and your social life can be just as important as your school life. Take time to cherish each other.

Sorena Dadgar/Staff Photographer Warm up your Valentine’s Day by spending time in front of the fire. Share a scoop of ice cream with your significant other to sweeten up the mood.

WEDNESDAY, february 1, 2017 | 7

opinion

AN OPEN letter to men of color

stephanie tate

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dear men of color, In a time where our country is more divided than ever we are approaching a day that celebrates love. Valentine’s Day is often painted as a transactional holiday, one where we give gifts in exchange for love.

This Valentine’s Day I am writing to tell you how much you are loved and appreciated. Although society often tells you that you are less than and not valued, know that you are all kings.

NC State might overlook your contributions when they don’t include Carter Finley Stadium or PNC Arena, but I don’t. I appreciate your willingness to stay in DH until well past midnight and then discuss the racial climate of our campus in a town hall the next day. I know that sometimes it is hard to discuss issues regarding race and ethnicity without being labeled as angry. But I say, be angry, be passionate and be anything else you want to be. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and your feelings. Rigid masculinity can prove toxic and in a world that will make every effort to choke the life out of you, you don’t need anything else to weigh you down.

I appreciate you whether you wear letters on your chest, a jersey on your back or a Marvel t-shirt. I acknowledge that you all come in different sizes, skin tones and speak different languages. I recognize that you have a variety of religious affiliations, you might be apart of the LGBTQ+ community and you have various socioeconomic statuses. You are not a monolith at all. You are the furthest thing from it. In fact, here at NC State you are a diverse group of scholars.

As young men, as our future, it is imperative that you practice self care. Take some time to read, study, play basketball, do whatever it is that makes you feel great. In the words of Audre Lorde “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Know that you are valued and worthy of being loved. If no one else has told you today, I love you and I hope you have a very happy Valentine’s Day.

Sorena Dadgar/Staff Photographer

On behalf of the Nubian Message, we would like to present a small selection of the stunning men of color on NC State’s campus. These potraits encompass both the beauty of Valentine’s Day and the carefree nature of men of color. You can view the full gallery from our Valentine’s Day shoot on our website: thenubianmessage.com .

kai anthony/Staff Photographer

Sorena Dadgar/Staff Photographer

wednesday, february 1, 2017 | 8

OPINION

ROMANCE IN MUSIC: YOUR PERFECT V-DAY PLAYLIST 1. At Your Best - Aaliyah

KAI ANTHONY STAFF WRITER

It’s that time of year again when you get those butterflies in your stomach.

It’s time for the fellas to put on the pink polo with the white forces and for the ladies to put on that cute black mini dress. It’s the only day you’re expected to be bae’d up: Valentine’s Day. We got you covered on the perfect tunes to put love in the air. This playlist is perfect from start to finish for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your significant other, whether you’re taking your lover to The Cheesecake Factory, 1887 Bistro or just Netflix n’ chillin in the dorm.

This is one of the few remakes that was far more popular than its predecessor.

Aaliyah took the Isley Brothers ballad and made it her own. If you didn’t fall in love with Aaliyah and this classic in the 90’s , you fell in love with “New New” singing this to Rashad in the orange El Camino. It is only right we pay homage to our short lived legend with her taking the top of the list. Play this as you drop your date off, I promise you’ll be kissing at the door. R.I.P. Aaliyah.

6. Poetic Justice - Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick’s hip-hop classic, with sampling from Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place,” is a dope selection for mixing up the Valentine’s Day vibe. This song has Kendrick’s laid back vibe accompanied

by Drake’s always emotional description of his special ladies “assets.” It’s slow and sensual but still lets your baby know they mean the world to you.

2. She’s Mine pt. 1- J. Cole

7. Saving All My Love for You - Whitney Houston

3. Candy Girl - New Edition

8. Yo (Excuse Me Miss) Chris Brown

After a long awaited year, J. Cole blessed us this past December with “4 your eyez only.” In this ballad, J. Cole relates his friend’s love of his baby’s mother to his own wife, Melissa. We can relate to Cole’s narrative of opening up to his girl and finding someone who understands him and all of his demons.

New Edition, with the recent debut of their biopic on BET, is back on the scene and back in your ears. Spotify even paid homage to the group with their own Spotify playlist. This 80’s pop classic will help you express your sweet-as-candy love for your bae.

4. 21 Questions - 50 Cent

Make sure you play this when you’re in the droptop with your ride or die. Can your lover love you in the worst circumstances like on a bus or if you were locked up? A true measure of your love with your significant other could be gotten from asking them at least three of 50 Cent’s 21 questions. (Cautionary warning: don’t intentionally go broke or get locked up to see if bae was being honest.)

5. Loving You - Minnie Riperton This 70’s throwback will take you back in time to when things were simple. This is perfect for a sunny Valentine’s Day picnic or a sweet candle lit dinner you may have prepared for your life partner. Even though many people remember loving you is easy because you’re beautiful, the lyrics to this song show you her feelings are much deeper than the surface.

Another legend we lost too early.

Whitney has the perfect ballad to play for the perfect person. If you have to be apart from your boo for an extended period of time, play this song the night y’all meet up. Ladies please play this for your man so he knows it real.

This middle school classic will have you reminiscing of sliding across the gym floor trying to talk to your middle school crush.

9. I Like It - Debarge

The Debarge family truly showed out with this one. The smooth vocals of El Debarge accompanied by the genuinely adorable lyrics make this song a simplistic nod to your significant other.

10. 4ever - Lil’ Mo

Lil’ Mo’s career was short lived but this upbeat classic will have you and your boo thinking about tying the knot. Perfect for the ladies who want to drop the hint to their man or just any couple that can see themselves “4ever.”

Honorable Mention: Out Yo Way - Migos This is for the culture.

opinion

WEDNESDAY, february 1, 2017 | 9

your guide to a Cultured valentine’s cinema 1. The Best Man (1999)

vladimir ureÑa

Correspondent

February is known for many different things, and Valentine’s Day is one of them. Whether you’re single or you’re mingling, you can’t escape love as the fourteenth comes closer.

One of the many ways that we celebrate the holiday is through watching different kinds of romantic movies. However, most of the love movies out there depict characters or situations that we can’t always relate to. For that reason, we here at the Nubian wanted to share a list of love movies, not in any particular order, that will keep us all a little cultured.

This classic features a star-studded cast that will never fail to make you laugh.

Harper is going to be the best man in Lance’s wedding, but once he arrives in New York, the truths in his yet-to-bepublished autobiographical novel are slowly revealed, which puts a strain on all of his relationships. Whether it’s the talks between a group of close friends or the drama that builds up before Lance’s wedding, you’re bound to be glued to your screen waiting to see how things will be resolved.

2. Boomerang (1992)

Eddie Murphy stars in this paradigm rom-com as Marcus, a womanizer who knows he’s got game. But when he starts to court his new boss Jaqueline, played by Robin Givens, he soon realizes that he’s not the player, but the one being played.

3. Poetic Justice (1993)

The fact that Janet Jackson and Tupac are the starring actors in this movie should already make you want to watch it. The fact that the poems that Jackson’s character recites were written by Maya Angelou means that you have to watch it.

The fact that it inspired the song by Kendrick Lamar means that you should have already watched it.

4. Love Jones (1997)

When poet Darius meets photographer Nina, the two immediately hit it off and develop feelings for each other, despite neither being sure if they want to be in a relationship with each other. This sets up different obstacles between the two, and it brings life into very realistic characters and a believable story.

5. Love and Basketball (1990) Perhaps the most popular of any film in this list, this movie tells the story of two next door neighbors that are pursuing their dreams of being professional basketball players. In the process, they realize that their love for each other is stronger than their love for basketball.

6. Brown Sugar (2002)

Andre and Sidney are lifelong friends who are both successful as a record executive and a magazine editor in chief,

respectively. Aside from sharing successful careers, they’ve shared a love for hip hop since they were kids. Now, however, they have begun to realize that hip hop is not the only thing they love.

11. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)

Queen Latifah stars in this movie as Leslie, a physical therapist and the biggest basketball fan. It just so happens that her newest client is Scott McKnight, played

by Common, a professional basketball player who recently got injured. As the two spend more time together, they both realize that they’re beginning to fall for each other.

Forty year old Stella, played by Angela Bassett, is a single mother and a corporate executive. When a friend convinces her to take a vacation to Jamaica, these parts of her identity don’t seem to matter as much.

Especially when Winston Shakespeare shows quite an interest in her. The only problem is he’s 20 years younger. Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg and Regina King bring this movie life, comedy and make us ask, how old is too old for love? If you still need convincing, shirtless Taye Diggs on a beach. ‘Nuff said.

8. Beyond the Lights (2014)

12. Jumping the Broom (2011)

7. Just Wright (2010)

Coming from the same director as Love and Basketball, this film tells a fresh story unlike anything else on this list. Noni is an up and coming music star who has already won numerous awards despite not yet having released her debut album. However, the pressure begins to mount and she attempts to commit suicide, but is saved

by Kaz, a young police officer who wants to become a politician. Despite everyone telling them to focus on their careers instead of love, they realize that they are finding themselves and what they really want in each other.

9. Tyler Perry’s Why did I Get Married? (2007) This romantic comedy is also full of stars. Tasha Smith, Janet Jackson, and Jill Scott star alongside Tyler Perry as part of a group of friends, all married, all well off, a nice change for African Americans in cinema. As the friends embark on their yearly getaway, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and new love is found.

10. The Best Man Holiday (2013)

If you just couldn’t get enough of the characters, love and drama of “The Best Man,” you’re in luck; Harper and the gang return in this sequel. Amidst growing families and the real life complications of marriage, the friends come together for a reunion 14 years later. You would think that the time has dialed back the drama, but you’d be wrong. There’s drama, there’s love, and there’s heartache. Warning: you will need tissues.

This movie exhibits two very different subcultures within the African American community, and the differences cause young couple Sabrina and Jason some problems. When uptown meets downtown and a family has secrets, it is inevitable that there will be conflict. This film is a perfect mix of romance, comedy and drama. Keep it in mind for your Valentine’s Day date night.

13. Love Don’t Cost a Thing (2003)

In this early 2000s teen romcom, Nick Cannon and Christina Milian take us back to highschool, when the “popular kids” were like gods and the nerds would do anything to be part of the in crowd. Nerdy Alvin, played by Cannon, coerces popular girl Paris to date him, and events spiral out of control. This nostalgic movie is one of the few light hearted, high school dramas with black teens whose only problems consist of their social standing, GPAs and young love. Remember when life was that simple?

Whether you’re a sucker for romantic movies or not, you are bound to find a movie in this list that you will fall for almost as hard as the characters fell for each other.

wednesday, february 1, 2017 | 10

OPINION

kenton’s corner: to each his own They say comparison is the thief of joy.

I think the old adage is true in all aspects of life but especially with one’s love life. This Valentine’s Day you can avoid arguments and keep yourself a litKENTON GIBBS tle happier by focusing on what you have and STAFF WRITER not worrying about anything else.

In today’s society we are seeing a transition from a dating for marriage system to hook-up culture. Some people want to preserve the old fashioned way, as others are happy with the new wave that’s being ushered in. To me, both sides have their

“ Whether you practice

monogamy, or you’re a member of a life partner gang a la Stevie J, as long as you’re happy, then that’s all that matters.”

ups and downs; however, I couldn’t care less what type of relationship works for other people. If a couple decides to be just talking for 20 years or married after 20 days, it doesn’t affect me.

It cracks me up how focused some people are on the relationships of others.

Whether you practice monogamy, or you’re a member of a life partner gang a la Stevie J, as long as you’re happy, then that’s all that matters. People will have something to say regardless, so why let folks who won’t be there for you influence your opinion of your relationship?

You wouldn’t take advice on what to do with your car from anyone who has little to no experience with cars. So why be so quick to follow up the advice of your friends? Fellas, if your homeboy is notorious for being a dog, why ask him how you should react to your girl during an argument? In the same vein, ladies if your girl is always single and advising you to break off your relationship for the smallest thing, why keep going to her?

The crazy part is that the need to give too much credence or criticism to the situations of others extends beyond just the relationships overall into small details like gifts or sexual favors.

Last year around this time, a friend of

“You wouldn’t take

advice on what to do with your car from anyone who has little to no experience with cars. So why be so quick to follow up the advice of your friends? ” mine from back home posted a picture on Instagram that showed a woman receiving a Mercedes Benz filled with gifts for her birthday. She captioned it with the famous Future quote, “If you care about her put her in designer.”

The sad part is she had a boyfriend at the time. Her need to compare her level of gifts probably sped the process of that relationship ending up. It’s sad that social media had her expecting her 20 year old boyfriend to buy all of that. Oddly enough, the epidemic of always worrying what someone else is getting isn’t gender exclusive. Many men constantly repost pictures of womens’ tweets about how your man shouldn’t have to ask for thing x,

y or z in the bedroom.

Both of the aforementioned situations are problematic on so many levels. First off, there should be much more to your relationship than just materialism or sex.

Your significant other should be more than your bank or your pornstar. If not you can go on sugarbabies.com and work that arrangement out with less feelings.

Second, people like Future are multimillionaires, so of course he can put anyone he wants in designer. Us regular folks don’t have money that long. Lastly, if these folks were so obsessed with people who go viral because of their willingness to be nasty or to give generously, then why don’t they go date those people?

Some people say the grass is greener on the other side, but I was always taught that the grass is greener where you water it. So this Valentine’s Day spend all of your time and attention of making sure your lawn is as manicured as can be.

Wolf Ridge Apartments

HOUSING SELECTION 2017 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS THROUGH FEBRUARY 2

I OP T O N

4

LAST CALL!

PARTIES OF 1-2 ENDS FEBRUARY 2 FIND A NEW SPACE IN A RESIDENCE HALL, APARTMENT OR VILLAGE

FIND OUT MORE:

go.ncsu.edu/housing_selection

Networking dinner with Black Male Initiative

Villages beyond the First-Year Experience ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS THROUGH FEBRUARY 2

To apply for a Village: Complete a village application online and participate in OPTION 4 for Housing Selection on January 31.

OPTION

4

PARTIES OF 1-2

JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 2

FIND A NEW SPACE IN A RESIDENCE HALL, APARTMENT OR VILLAGE

FIND OUT MORE:

go.ncsu.edu/housing_selection