Nubian Message, Oct. 31, 2019 — Exploring Blackness: Unique Perspectives

NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | THURSDAY, october 31, 2019

exploring blackness: unique perspectives

THURSDAY, october 31, 2019 | 2

Letter from the editor Hi Everyone, I hope you are having a great Halloweek! Enjoy the candy, parties and fun.

Remember that just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean you can appropriate someone else’s culture or wear Blackface.

These things are never acceptable and if you didn’t know that now you know.

Speaking of Halloween, if you are ever looking for treats to eat, check out Caleb Parker’s Black Apron. The catering company often sells plates on campus that include dishes like mac and cheese. For more information about Parker’s business turn to page five.

THISISSUE 4

LGBTQ+ HISTORY

5

BLACK ENTREPENURIALSHIP

7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

A look at the history of the Triangle Student chef brings food to campus

Events happening during November

For more Black excellence, turn to page four for a breakdown of the new student group, Channel Blond. The Nubian Message sat down with Channel Blond’s founder, Jordan Bullock to learn more about the purpose of the group.

cover photo BY Robyn bess/ NCSu Red-i

Photo of Channel Blond members

Also in this issue, you will find two news pieces. One of them is a wrap-up of an LGBTQ panel that took place at NC State. The other provides details of an event entitled “Moisturized Melanin” that focused on self-care.

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

Finally, don’t forget to check out our November community calendar. This month’s calendar features events like the Culture Clash party hosted by the Caribbean Student Association, African Student Union, Top Notch Entertainment, and Evident Marketing Group. For more information about the events listed in our calendar, please visit our website (https://thenubianmessage.com).

314 Witherspoon Student Center, NCSU Campus Box 7318, Raleigh, NC 27695 office 919-515-1468 advertising 919-515-2411 online thenubianmessage.com

As always, make sure that you are following all of our social media accounts (@nubianmessage) and enjoy your Halloweekend.

With love, Yesenia Jones

Yesenia Jones

Editor-in-Chief

nubian-editor@ncsu.edu Kevin Moye

Managing editor

nubian-managingeditor@ncsu.edu Elikem Dodor Ugonna Ezuma-Igwe Layout designers

Mersina Boynton

general manager

media-sales@ncsu.edu

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of 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.

news

THURSDAY, october 31, 2019 | 3

Panel Dives Into the Triangle’s History of LGBTQ+ Movement The GLBT Center Kevin Moye explored the history of Managing Editor

the Triangle’s LGBTQ+ community with a panel discussion hosted on Oct. 24. The panel featured four Triangle leaders apart of the LGBTQ+ community each with longstanding ties to the region.

The discussion covered a variety of topics ranging from the development of LGBTQ+ life in the Triangle to analyzing the intersectionality of the community.

Natalie Watson, the Operations Manager for the LGBTQ+ Center of Raleigh, opened the talk with a brief walkthrough of the origins of the Pride Celebrations in the Triangle.

“The original history of Pride dates back to the 1980s,” Watson said. “There was a young man found murdered in the Eno River. And people believe that he was gay and that was why he was killed. The actual North Carolina Pride was started from a protest and it went on for several years…

Durham decided to take on the day festival and Raleigh took on the night festival.”

Justine Hollingshead, the Chief of Staff for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA), spoke about the devel-

opment of the LGBTQ+ community in Raleigh.

“I helped to start the LGBTQ+ Center of Raleigh and was on the first board before it was a physical place,” Hollingshead said.

“Initially, Raleigh was really just Legends -- a white, male identified bar. There wasn’t really a nightlife there.”

Debra C. Hyson, the president of Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, spoke about how she has personally witnessed the progression of LGBTQ+ rights in both Raleigh and North Carolina.

“This year I was invited to the Governor’s mansion in June for pride month,” Hyson said. “If you would have told me 20 years ago that in Raleigh, NC I’d be in the governor’s mansion because I am an LGBTQ+ leader I would’ve called you crazy. This is the South. But this is a sign that things are changing and for the better.”

But while the panel expressed their pride in seeing the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, they still discussed the not-so-positive reality of being in the South that many members of the community still must face.

North Carolina’s ugly history of LGBTQ+ disenfranchisement came up several times

during the discussion. The two pieces of legislation that were talked about the most were North Carolina Amendment 1 -- an amendment passed in 2012 which outlawed same-sex marriage -- and the infamous House Bill 2.

The group was able to elucidate for the audience just how impactful the passing of the pieces of legislation was for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“People in the Triangle had to wake up and realize that we are not in a bubble,” Watson said. “HB2 was, I think, very eye-opening for a lot of folks. It forced people to finally have to take a stance and do some research on their own about the trans community. It made people get more into politics than they were comfortable with.”

Timothy Lemuel, the owner of three LGBTQ+ affirming night clubs in Raleigh, reflected on the intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community and pointed to how racism still plays a role in fracturing the community.

“Racism is alive and strong,” Lemuel said.

“In Raleigh especially, there is a strong divide between white, gay men and the rest of community… It’s a feeling of ‘we can get

married, we can be out in public -- good luck to the rest you.’ I fight that in my club by trying to create events and parties where we can obliterate that.”

Hollingshead underscored the importance of both members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to continue fighting for the advancement of the community.

She acknowledged that burnout is a problem for advocates, but emphasized that we must keep fighting for future generations.

“It takes a long time,” Hollingshead said.

“When you look at civil rights, voting rights -- it doesn’t happen overnight. There might be some things I’m fighting for that won’t happen in my life, but it will happen in your life.”

Hyson continued with the sentiment of the need to continue improving the Triangle’s LGBTQ+ community.

“Even within our own community we have a lot of issues and problems,” Hyson said. “All I can do is encourage each and everyone of you as you go into your lives post-college and even while you are in college is to ask ‘what can you do to affect the world and be the change that you want to see.”

#MelaninPopping: SAAC Preaches Self-Care On Oct. 23, oluwajoba ogun the Society of Staff Writer

Afrikan American Culture (SAAC) hosted an event as apart of SAAC week called Moisturized Melanin. The intimate event was dedicated to self-care, specifically through face masks; emphasizing the importance of relaxation, especially as African-Americans attending a predominantly white institution (PWI).

The main goal of the night was to share a beneficial face mask that was made for Black skin -- that gives glow to melanated skin.

Kyla Talmadge, President of SAAC, a fourth-year studying criminology and Arabic, discussed the event.

“We thought this one [event] will be a little more fun,” Talmadge said. “Face masks are all the rave right now so definitely just having a night for Black students specifically to come out and learn about face masks, specifically for them, that is just something we really wanted to do.”

The night started with an intro powerpoint. The powerpoint consisted of introduction questions to get the audience to speak about what self-care looks for them.

Marlon Kinnard, a third-year studying accounting and Spanish, answered saying, “I feel like self-care is either like a thing or a hobby that can help you decompress from all the stresses that is going on in your life,” Kennard said. “Whether it be taking a whole day off and getting manicures… whatever you enjoy doing really that’s kind of separate from your day to day tasks, that you may not want to be doing and it’s just a way to replenish your soul.”

After the powerpoint presentation, the SAAC executive board announced to everyone that they would be creating a face mask that was made specifically made to soften the skin. Bowls were passed around as the executive board came around with the ingredients for the audience to begin to create their mask.

The ingredients included one tablespoon of turmeric, two tablespoons of honey and a drop of water. The facial mask is supposed to help open up pores by getting rid of blackheads and allowing the skin to breathe.

As students were mixing their masks, the SAAC executive board started a trivia game,

asking questions on Black history and pop culture with a chance to win mason jars.

Questions ranged from Supreme Court decisions that declared equality among African- Americans to books written by famous Black authors, as well as questions about the history of SAAC. As students were winning their mason jars, they placed their facial masks inside as a way to preserve it, as to use for later times.

Cynthia Bilal, a second-year majoring in design studies, talked about her favorite type of self-care and how it helps her to relax.

“Face masks, drinking tea and listening to music helps me to destress and to get my mind off all the stresses of school,” Bilal said.

Kalala Tshimanga, a fourth-year studying finance, reflected on the event by speaking on the significance of self-care.

“To bring students from the Black community at NC State to participate and to start a conversation about how to take care of yourself…Our ideas of self-care are different but at the same time too, it’s still self-care, it’s just that everyone’s different,“ Tshimanga said.

Precious Rogers, a fourth-year studying

accounting, brought up the importance of taking a break as college students.

“College students rarely take a second to breathe,” Rogers said. “We don’t understand how important self-care is. But I think this event was important to say ‘it’s okay to take a break, it is okay to take a breather’ and one way you could do it is by doing a face mask and just relaxing at home” At the end, the SAAC executive board thanked everyone for coming to the event, “It’s definitely important because this campus, overall, I feel like they do a good job with talking about how to relieve stress in general, but sometimes the stresses that they feel like we’re facing aren’t the ones that we’re actually dealing with,” Talmidge said.

“So it’s a lot easier for people who are African-American or of the African diaspora to then hold events for our own people so that we know exactly the things we need.”

THURSDAY, october 31, 2019 | 4

features

Q&A with Channel blond’s Founder yesenia jones Nubian Message sat down with Bullock to Editor-In-Chief

discuss the purpose of the group and how it came to be.

NM: How did you decide on the name Channel Blond?

JB: I actually decided on the name while in a meeting with Jonathan McCorey (Director of the GLBT Center) as we were discussing creating a space for Black queer students to feel safe on campus. A huge part of my own acceptance is due to my love of music, and that made me think about Black queer artists that are relevant in my and others lives and Frank Ocean was that artist for me. Within his lyricism and musicality, I learned more about myself through the stories he told through his songs, and the struggles he spoke about overcoming as a Black queer man in both of his albums, Channel Orange and Blonde. His music got me through a lot of feelings of inadequacy and internalized problems, and those are the few purposes of this group. Thus, I combined the two titles and Channel Blond was created.

NM: What was the inspiration behind starting this group?

JB: I was actually a part of the hiring committee that got Jonathan on campus; a part of my interest in him was because he is a Black queer man. So, when he got onto campus, he caught hold of my name and set up a meeting with me. His first question to me was “where are we (Black queer folks on campus) at?” to which I had no reply.

We talked about how Black queer students didn’t feel comfortable coming into the GLBT Center because of how white it was and because of how uncomfortable most folks feel about embracing their own sexualities, with the added pressure of being outed by frequenting a space where people can see them walking in. I told him that we exist on campus, but we’re spread out and most are closeted and don’t know how to identify other Black queer students on campus to develop a support system. I got tired of that thought and decided to take action to prevent further marginalizing Black students on campus.

NM: What was the process of starting this group?

JB: I essentially made note of issues regarding the intersectionality of the Black community and sexual orientation. Those issues look like internalized homophobia, toxic relationships and important topics that go undiscussed like safe same-sex intercourse and HIV/AIDS prevention or support. The main thing I wanted to focus on

photo of jordan bullock taken by ncsu red-i

is the internalized homophobia that makes Black queer students repressed and afraid of themselves or coming out to others. I asked, “How do I create a space for us without outing anyone while also providing support for those that may be down-low (DL) as well as those that are out like me?” It required alot of thought because there are alot of sensitive areas to consider when thinking about the Black queer consciousness, and a major part of that is acceptance. I wanted this group to make whoever comes to it feel accepted and a part of a family that they may not have ever had. It took a lot for me to accept myself and to find those that accepted me, and I committed myself to do whatever I can to prevent others from going through the same struggles I went through.

NM: How does your group hope to service students on campus?

JB: We hope to help two different types of groups of Black queer students on campus: those that are out and just need support from a group of other out students that look like them and those that are closeted and need help understanding their curiosities or misunderstandings of their sexual orientation in private. We meet biweekly in a discreet location to celebrate each other, check-in and to talk through our struggles in our identities. We’ll also have Black therapists from Student Health services come in when needed to help students achieve some level of catharsis. We provide an anonymous

coming out service through our Instagram account and upcoming blog, in which Black queer students can keep things virtual and ask questions that they don’t necessarily want to talk to anybody else about because of the fear of being outed. Some of the responses to these questions will be posted anonymously on our Instagram account to help others with the same questions navigate their own situations. Students that don’t feel comfortable being present physically can DM our Instagram account (@channelblondncsu) and have a discussion with Jonathan or myself who have been out and comfortable and have gained experience in our Black queerness for a while now. The whole point is to remain confidential, which is why we’re remaining a closed group, by and for Black queer students.

The goal is to foster a family for Black queer students on campus no matter how you identify. Channel Blond is a family that has fun, that becomes educated on who we are as Black and queer individuals through intersectional discussions, and that supports one another as students and people. I want students to understand that there isn’t any shame in their sexualities or sexual orientation.

NM: What does it mean to you to have a group on campus specifically for Black queer students?

JB: It means ending cyclic nonsense of

self-hate and feeling abnormal. It means manifesting a safe space for students that have been negotiating showing up as either their Black or queer self in different spaces and at home. It means normalizing our lifestyles and ceasing a generational curse of misinformation and internalization of unhealthy feelings towards self and others that choose to be comfortable with their sexual orientations and express that outwardly. It means that I’m doing my job and going back to fetch that in which I’ve forgotten (Sankofa Principle).

NM: How have students responded to having Channel Blond on campus?

JB: We have gotten a lot of positive responses to Channel Blond from current students and alumni. I’ve had countless Black alum, heterosexual and queer, contact me and congratulate me on my bravery and for cultivating a space for Black queer students because of the necessity for a space like Channel Blond. Our members grew exponentially, going from 12 members during our first meeting in the beginning of October, to 26 members now (three weeks later).

Several members have approached me with tears in their eyes expressing appreciation and have plugged the group to their friends that need Channel Blond, so I would say the response has been pretty great.

NM: How do you hope Channel Blond will grow in the future?

JB: With it being my senior year, I hope that Channel Blond will be around for another 4+ years after I graduate. I want the group to normalize Black queerness so much on campus that we spread to other campuses. I want the next Black queer person questioning their value on this campus or in this world to enter Channel Blond and utilize its resources to become a better leader and advocate for themselves. I expect Channel Blond to have 100 or more members when I come back for homecoming next year, and I expect closeted students to become more comfortable with themselves during their journeys because of the group.

NM: How can interested students join?

JB: Interested students should email either Jonathan (jmccore@ncsu.edu) or I (jtbulloc@ncsu.edu) and express their interest in joining. We just have to confirm they are both Black and queer or questioning because we are a closed group and keep everyone’s information confidential; outside of those that have expressed permission to be seen. From there, they will be added to our emailing list, and it is up to them to come to our physical meetings or stay in contact virtually.

THURSDAY, october 31, 2019 | 5

features

For Us, By Us: Black Apron Black Apron is a naz santiago catering business Correspondent with the mission of “bringing good food to good people.” This has been a growing business that caters to events and holds plate sells, founded and operated by Caleb Parker, a fourth-year majoring in sociology. Black Apron is also a food page created by Parker on Instagram with the intentions of bringing a community of food enthusiasts and food influencers together.

Parker grew up watching the food network and cooking, picking things up as he went. He spent a lot of time thinking about his future which emerged the idea of creating a food business.

“It all began March 11, 2018,” Parker said. “I was thinking about future plans and things of that nature, and what I really wanted to do with my life and different skills sets that I had. I know how to cook, I thought, why don’t I try to create a food business.”

He taught himself cooking techniques and used his resources as an NC State student to further his experiences in the kitchen.

“I taught myself a lot of things as far as techniques,” he said. “And once I got to college I was able to navigate the kitchen more and I practiced different recipes because the kitchen was more accessible to me.”

Parker made the Black Apron page which gradually grew, attracting food enthusiasts.

“I started cooking in the apartment,” he said. “People said the food was really good and that I should post it so I created another page.”

Black Apron specializes in wings and mac and cheese, this is what he calls his signature dishes and go-to.

“I do an assortment of dishes, so it’s like, I range from vegan dishes, different cultures and even fusion dishes where I mix cultures and everything like that, wherever my mind lands on really,” Parker said.

Keeping up with food trends can often be important in the catering business.

Parker keeps up with trends and tries not to restrict himself when coming up with dishes as well as get creative with what he thinks his customers would like and what they respond best to. He also likes to push himself to think outside the box.

“I love experimenting with food,” Parker said. “I really enjoy it. I don’t mind doing the extra work.”

Peers in the food scene have been a source of inspiration for Parker.

“Peers influence me, and I live in the

south so you got all this southern food around you and we got all these different tastes that all just collide into one,” Parker said.

Black Apron has been growing as a business, as well as Parker as a cook and his Instagram page.

“My page has grown and reaching 1,000 followers has been a milestone because I remember when it was a hundred, and every follower has been organically got,” Parker said.

Different opportunities and events have manifested along the way for him due to his growth, an unexpected growth, that is.

There is a lot of hard work and effort put into Parker’s dishes, he is very passionate about his intent with every meal he cooks.

“With every meal, I want people to experience a piece of happiness because I put in a lot of passion and soul so that people can taste the work that was put into it.” Parker said.

His goals for Black Apron are to keep growing and to keep moving forward, and possibly branching out, and reaching a larger audience.

“I would like a chain, and to branch out into different avenues, whether it is a food truck, restaurant, contracts with big businesses, wherever it may take me,” Parker said.

Branching out into different styles of restaurants with different dishes and menus is something he says might be a possible outcome or a long term goal for his business. As for himself, he would like to continue to learn the art of cooking and increase his skills.

As the operator of this catering business, and also being a college student, Parker states that it is very time consuming doing both at the same time.

“It is very time consuming, but it is a burden of love because it is something I deeply enjoy,” the student turned chef said.

“So I happily stay up until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. marketing content or creating new recipes or prep work.”

Black Apron has continuously been recognized and growing around campus due to Parker’s perseverance and all of his hard work.

“The difference between a dream and a goal is all the work you put into it to make sure that dream is fulfilled into reality,” Parker said. “You have to learn how to adapt with life and with business and keep going and perseverance, is all what you need to succeed in anything.”

In my bag Playlist playlist by Ugonna Ezuma-Igwe and Elikem Dodor

Graphic by Kyle howe

Secure The Bag

This playlist is dedicated to all of the Black and Brown entreprenurs who are breaking generational curses and chasing a bag. The full playlist is availble on our Spotify.

Martins Feelz ft. Falz

Takin’ Care of Business I Get The Bag

BTO Gucci Mane Ft. Migos

Get Money

Junior M.A.F.I.A

She Works Hard For The Money

Donna Summer

Cash Sh*t Proud Mary Run the World (Girls) 9-5 Money, Money, Money Count up

Megan Thee Stallion Tina Turner Beyoncé Dolly Parton ABBA Speaker Knockerz

Chancellor’s Fall Address Join Chancellor Randy Woodson and the wider Wolfpack as we celebrate NC State — and look forward to our extraordinary future.

1 p.m. | Friday, Nov. 8 Atrium Lobby, Talley Student Union Howling Cow ice cream to follow.

All are welcome.

THURSDAY, october 31, 2019 | 7

community calendar

november 2019 Here are a few events to look forward to next month sunday

monday

tuesday

Wednesday

thursday

friday

1

3

10

4

11

channel blond (aacc library)

saturday

2

Native American Heritage Month Kick-off (Stafford Commons)

NC State LIVE Presents Nella (Stewart Theatre)

8

9

Black Excellence Summit (Witherspoon)

Homecoming finale: Culture clash (Reign Night Club)

15

16

5

6

7

Project SAFE Workshop (Centennial Campus)

Stalking is Not Romantic (Women’s Center)

Black Alumni Society: Karaoke for the Culture (Woody’s City Market)

12

13

14

Poole College Display Reveal (Nelson Hall)

Native American Supporting Portrayal in the Survivors of Media Color

Supporting Students with Disabilities in the Classroom (Talley 4280)

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

THE KAPPA LAMBDA CHAPTER OF omegA PSI PHI FRATERNITY,INC. PAGEANT (PIEDMONT BALLROOM)

NAHM Cultural Night (Talley)

Cultural Values about Gender and Violence in the Trans Community (Talley 3210)

Transgender Day of Remebrance Vigil (GLBT Center)

GLBT Holiday Potluck

NAHM: Indigenizing the Academy (Talley)

24th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

25

26

27

28

29

30

24

Taste of Native American Cuisine

Disclaimer: We understand that this is not a comprehensive list of all the events occurring in the area. If you would like your event to be featured in future community calendars please email us at nubian-editor@ncsu.edu. For more information about the events listed, please check out the online version of our calendar.

Nov. 4-9, 2018

Monday, Nov. 4 10 a.m. Pack Appreciation Day Stafford Commons

Show donors who support programs, facilities, research, experiences and scholarships at NC State how much they are appreciated. Student participants will receive T-shirts and refreshments while supplies last.

12 p.m. Wear Red, Get Fed Stafford Commons

5:30 p.m. How Quick Can You Brick?

Thursday, Nov. 7 10 a.m. Hillsborough Street Cleanup Hillsborough Street

12 p.m. Wear Red, Get Fed Wolf Plaza

6:30 p.m. Red and White Week Pep Rally Stafford Commons

7 p.m. NC-SYNC: Tunes From the Teens Stafford Commons

Wolf Plaza

Tuesday, Nov. 5 12 p.m. Wear Red, Get Fed Wolf Plaza

Friday, Nov. 8 8 a.m. Black Excellence Summit Witherspoon Student Center

12 p.m. Wear Red, Get Fed

2 p.m. Canned Food Drive Park Alumni Center

Stafford Commons

1 p.m. 2019 Chancellor’s Fall Address Atrium Lobby, Talley Student Union

Wednesday, Nov. 6 12 p.m. Wear Red, Get Fed Wolf Plaza

12 p.m. Cupcakes for a Cause Brickyard

2 p.m. Raiders of the Lost Arcade D.H. Hill Jr. Library

6 p.m. Red and White Week Homecoming Parade Hillsborough Street

Saturday, Nov. 9 7:30 p.m. NC State vs. Clemson Carter-Finley Stadium

7 p.m. Red and White Week Speaker: Leigh-Kathryn Bonner Talley Ballroom

For more information, visit redwhiteweek.ncsu.edu #NCStateRedWhite