EGO MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S LETTER

T

his semester, thanks to some help

beacons of light, with a tangible stake in the

from the record shattering movie

future. Love them like T’Challa loved Shuri.

Black Panther, my staff and I were

They are our brothers and sisters building

inspired to dig deep into our souls, dreams,

the tools we need to succeed as a race, while

& nightmares to re-imagine a future for

paving the way for mankind to grow.

Black people. We immersed ourselves in the

Everything that is in this magazine is here

cultural genre of afrofuturism and attempted

because it lends another vision of the future

to find answers for the future, in the past. So,

to the conversation. We have looked back

we wiped the slate clean of the imperialism,

long enough. It is time to put those dreams to

greed, & corruption that shifted our historical

the test and face the future.

trajectory and paved a new path. As we JAMILAH STITH Editor-in-Chief

followed this new road, we discovered that our people have already set out on a path to greatness. Our STEM students are inspiring

E G O S TA F F EGO SPRING 2018 STAFF Julian Alvarez - Managing Editor Rocelyn Hamilton - Photo Editor Jacqueline Morgan - Copy Editor Dejohn Richardson Bria Gremillion Danni Hall Shomari Moore Kyndall Jones Don Green Najeri Evans Jaci Combre Skyler Franklin Laniya Spencer Harold Millican (Contributing Writer)

Southern University Office of Student Media Professional Staff Director of Student Media Heather Freeman Director of Sales/Advertising Camelia Jackson Publications/Graphics Manager Jermaine Proshee EGO MAGAZINE 2

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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DISCLAIMER The EGO Magazine is the official student magazine of Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

It is written, edited and published by members of Southern University A&M College student body. The EGO Magazine is a publication of the Office of Student Media, a Division of Student Affairs. Our office is located in T.H. Harris Hall, Suites 1064 & 1062.

Articles, photographs, and graphics are property of EGO Magazine and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without written permission of the Editor-In-Chief and the Director of Student Media. Articles, features, opinions, speak-outs, and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, editors, staff, or student body.

Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, (404) 679-4500, www.saccscoc.org Copyright Southern University Office of Student Media, 2018.

EGO MAGAZINE

3

DeJohn Richardson EGO Staff Writer

L

et’s

talk

minute!

African

culture

for

Celebrating American

a

Sun Ra, a jazz artist from Alabama.

our

His use of storytelling, galactic

heritage

themes,

and

ancient

Egyptian

is usually through exploring the

elements with his band The Arkestra

historical roots. However, in the

influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix

age of technology we can discover

and bands like Earth, Wind & Fire

more about art, music, religion,

in the 1970s. Their album covers,

and ourselves than ever before.

performances, and music videos

For centuries, Black people have

like Boogie Wonderland (1979) later

been confined to the same forms of

influenced artists like Prince and

expression. Now, we are celebrated

Michael Jackson in the 1980s. The

in books, musicals, plays, magazines,

end of their era guided afrofuturism

television shows, movies, and more.

into hip-hop and R&B. A Tribe Called

Everywhere you look, our culture

Quest dropped People’s Instinctive

has prominence! We are the wave

Travels and the Paths of Rhythm in

that drives the culture forward. It’s

1990, The Low End Theory in 1991 and

important that we learn our history

Midnight Marauders in 1993. These

and cultivate our presence in a way

three

that supports our eccentricity.

sounds and intense Afrocentricity

albums

brought

futuristic

In science fiction, we have broken

which ended up translating over

through the roof, been to the moon,

into albums like Wu-Tang’s Triumph

and come back to the planet Earth as

(1997)

evolved beings. In other genres, we

(1998). In the current era of hip-hop,

represent life in other galaxies with

artists like Kanye West are pushing

the ability to wield a higher form of

his ideas of the future in videos like

power. But afrofuturism is not just

Touch The Sky (2005) and Runaway

books about Black people living on

(2011).

the moon. The idea of a liberated

and SZA released a video for All The

future is not confined to a genre or an

Stars (2018) that showcases fresh

art form. Let’s go on a sonic journey!

afrofuturistic visuals and serves as

The first mentions of afrofuturism

a sign that Sun Ra’s influence on

in music came in the 1950s from

afrofuturism is alive and prospering.

EGO MAGAZINE 4

and

OutKast’s

Aquemini

Recently, Kendrick Lamar

Maybe you aren’t a musichead.

to write TV shows that extends the

It is another tool of resistance as we

Afrofuturism also travels through

range of strong, Black characters like

continue to use music, religion, media,

art, film, and fashion! John Michel

Annalise Keating from “How To Get

and economic power as an advantage

Basquiat’s

are

Away With Murder” and the Bordelon

to overcome in a world designed to

regarded as afrofuturistic because of

siblings from “Queen Sugar”. Similar

detain us from equality and freedom.

his consistent reimagination of Black

to the Harlem Renaissance, Black

It is important to understand that

people mixed with cyberpunk imagery.

people are finding new, creative ways

it’s all about pushing #TheCulture

Spike Lee and Issa Rae showcase the

to express themselves.

forward to help empower the next

famous

portraits

wide variety of Black experiences and

Afrofuturistic

relationships in their films. Movies

because

and TV shows like “She’s Gotta Have

commentary

it

art

often and

is

powerful

features truthful

generation through artistic expression

social

and education, to dream bigger, and to

themes

explore a deeper meaning of existence

It” or “Insecure” serve as examples

related to the plight of the African

within themselves!

of media that introduces narratives

American experience in all aspects

After all, “We don’t just shine, we

of Black lives that the world hasn’t

of life including poverty, slavery,

illuminate the whole show!” – Shawn

seen before. Ava DuVernay continues

urban violence, and cultural identity.

“Jay-Z” Carter.

EGO MAGAZINE

5

In · no ·va · tion

As the only artist- owned subscription based streaming service in the world, Tidal not only stands apart from its competitors such as Apple Music, Spotify or Pandora, but also provides access to exclusive music content that can not be found anywhere else.

EGO MAGAZINE 6

The United States Patent Office issued a patent in March 1883 to Jan Matzeliger for his “Lasting Machine.” It become an instant success. His patent of the shoe lasting machine made footwear more affordable, as the machine was able to produce up to 700 pairs of shoes on a daily basis, compared to a mere 50 pairs that the handlasters or skilled laborers were able to create during a 10-hour work day.

JAN MATZELIGER

T

he Brooklyn bred rapper turned entrepreneur, with a net worth at closely $610 million dollars, purchased Tidal back in 2015 from its Swedish based parent company, Aspiro.

SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA

A

t the time, no machine existed that could attach the upper part of a shoe to its sole; it had to be done by hand.

SHAWN CARTER

SOURCE: GQ.COM

Innovation can be defined simply as a “new idea, device or method”.[1] However, innovation is often also viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs.[2] This is accomplished through more-effective products, processes, services, technologies, or business models that are readily available to markets, governments and society. The term “innovation” can be defined as something original and more effective and, as a consequence, new, that “breaks into” the market or society.

In·no·va·tion in-uh -vey-shun:

Bria Gremillion EGO Staff Writer

SOURCE: BIOGRAPHY.COM

B

orn in Detroit, Michigan in 1929, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records; the most successful black owned music company in the history of the United States.

SOURCE: VULTURE.COM

R

himes is the first African-American woman to create and executive-produce a top 10 primetime television series with ABC’s veteran series, Grey’s Anatomy.

She is also the mastermind of its spinoff, Private Practice, the political suspense sitcom and highly anticipated Motown Records gave Scandal and the legal birth to some of the most drama, How to Get Away successful artists during With Murder. Her next the 60’s and 70’s like the scripted series, For the Supremes, the Temptations, People is set to premiere Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder on ABC sometime this and Marvin Gaye. spring.

SHANDA RHIMES

By 1910, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company had become increasingly popular, allowing her to relocate to Indianapolis where she not only manufactured cosmetics, but also trained sales beauticians. The profits of her businesses in those times totaled to multiple millions, even in today’s currency.

SOURCE: WALTER P. REUTHER LIBRARY

In 1908, after traveling the country giving hair care tips and products to black women, Walker opened a factory and a beauty school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

BARRY GORDY

CAHTY HUGHES

In 2016, Radio One Inc. became the only AfricanAmerican media company in the country to own 100-percent, majority interest in a cable television network.

Madam Walker created a line of African-American hair care products back in 1905, after suffering from a scalp disorder that caused her hair to fall out.

MADAM CJ WALKER

SOURCE: CATHYHUGHES.COM

C

athy Hughes is the first African American female to start her own TV network. As Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated, broadcast company in the nation with its headquarters in Washington D.C., Radio One has 53 radio stations in 16 different urban markets.

M

any would call her one of America’s first female self made millionaires.

EGO MAGAZINE 7

Danni Hall EGO Staff Writer Photos: Jaci Combre

EGO MAGAZINE 8

Ladies Q&A

1

Name: Michelle Harris Major: Computer Science Classification: Junior Hometown: Memphis, TN

Q: Why did you choose your particular major?

A: I chose Computer Science because I had an internship going into my freshman year of college and I fell in love with computers and technology.

I admire how technology is always evolving. I felt like it would be a great major to thrive in.

Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree?

A: Definitely. Classes are not easy.

There are certain things we have to do, like coding, which requires a lot of patience and time. The advanced math and science classes are not easy as well. But overall, those challenges motivate me to push harder and pass those classes.

Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed?

numerous internship opportunities.

I feel very pleased with my major. I wouldn’t choose a different career path because I feel that this will be the path to lead me to success after I graduate.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards?

A: Yes, I have received two Computer Science Departmental scholarships and a Computer Science Departmental Honors Award.

Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation?

A: I see myself as a Project Manager in Information Technology (IT) or Programming. Pretty much anything that deals with connecting business and IT.

A: I’m definitely satisfied with the route I’ve followed. Computer Science has opened a lot of doors for me and

EGO MAGAZINE 9

2

Name: Britney Douzier . Major: Mechanical Engineering Classification: Senior . Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Q: Why did you choose your particular major?

A: I chose engineering because I have always had an interest in creating and building. When I was in high school, my school told me I could either join the Art Club or the Robotics Club, and I chose Robotics. Shortly after, I was being enrolled in Physics class and discovered I had a passion for it. So why not engineering?

Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree?

A: One thing I will say is that as a female, you’re either loved or you’re challenged harder than the opposite sex in this field.

Quite often, when people ask me about my major and I tell them Mechanical Engineering, they automatically say, “Oh you don’t look like an engineering major.”

Women face a lot of problems of what they look like in this department and how we wear our hair but it’s a challenge that we have to overcome. Also, more on the classwork side, I will say that one day I was working on a project for about 3 weeks and it was our final project. I practiced the demonstration numerous times before I left my house, and everything worked perfectly. Once I got inside of the classroom the project didn’t work how it did just a few hours ago. I didn’t do my trial and errors correctly. Basically, I was embarrassed in

EGO MAGAZINE 10

front of my professor, but I had an idea on why everything went wrong but ever since then I haven’t faced a challenge as significant as that one.

Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed?

A: I think that the route I’m taking right now is perfect for me with my interest in remodeling and redesigning everything that society has already invented. I can only go further from here.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards?

A: Yes, I am in The National Society of Black Engineers and I am the Programs chair for the chapter. I have not received any awards yet, but they are coming.

Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation?

A: After graduating undergrad, I want to go to graduate school and study AeroEngineering and pursue my dream: designing aircrafts. I want to help create better speed rate and technology for aircrafts. People always say in the future we’ll have flying cars. Why can’t I be the one to make those?

3

Name: Ashley Lewis Major: Electrical Engineering Classification: Junior Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Q: Why did you choose your particular major?

A: Well I like to tinker with stuff and I like electricity. Initially, I wanted to be a Biomedical Engineer. In Biomedicine you learn mechanical and electrical, but I didn’t want to suffer through both, so I chose electrical.

Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree?

A: My challenge is being an African American female in a male dominated curriculum. It’s hard getting my voice heard when I have an opinion about something or when I have an idea. People tend to be dismissive because I am a female. We often get challenged harder when it comes to the intellectual area because most men assume that women don’t like math and science or we’re not good in those subjects. It’s more of a stigma versus actually understanding that women can do these things. Not to mention the sexism in this field due to it being male dominated. People have told me I should be going into the sales director career of engineering because I’m a female and would have better luck at selling technology rather than building it. Overall, it can be a burden sometimes, but it won’t stop me from prospering in this field.

A: I am highly satisfied with my academic path. I would not take a different route, but I would ensure that I passed all my classes on time if it was another go around.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards?

A: I am the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) president for the 2018-2019 school year. I won the Biz-Tech Challenge given by Ellie Nexus and it was a $10,000 award for the Best Advanced Manufacturing. I was rewarded with a $3,000 scholarship from South by Southwest Opportunity Hub. I also have a company that I am CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of.

Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation?

A: After graduation, I want to work towards my PhD. I want to get the company that we started off the ground and I hope to work in design and electronics.

Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed?

EGO MAGAZINE 11

“I’m LEGIT!”

Shomari Moore EGO Staff Writer

I

f someone told you that the smartest person in the world was a 9-year-old, would you believe them? In the Marvel Universe, not everything meets the eye. This time, she literally does not meet your eye.

Meet Lunella Lafayette, a 3-foot-9, 4th grader from Manhattan who was the first person to finish the B.O.X. otherwise known as the Banner Brain Omnicompetence Examiner.

This device was created by Bruce Banner, popularly referred to as The Hulk, to test intellectual aptitude and up until Lunella, no one had ever completed it. Being that she was the only one to complete the test, she surpassed all of Marvel’s geniuses; Tony Stark aka Iron Man, Richard Reed aka Mr. Fantastic and T’Challa aka Black Panther.

No wonder she can “space out” and daydream of new inventions while at her Manhattan public school, earning her the name Moon Girl.

Beyond being the smartest person in the Marvel Universe, the 9-yearold has an interesting sidekick: a pet Tyrannosaurus Rex named Devil Dinosaur. After finding him caged up, Moon Girl liberated and

EGO MAGAZINE 12

befriended the huge creature. Their level of connection is tested when Lunella realizes that she can switch bodies with Devil Dinosaur, especially when she’s angry or hungry. However, she also has to keep Devil Dinosaur away from the Kree, a militaristic alien race with unfriendly plans for her beloved sidekick. Besides her prehistoric friend, she does possess powers like most people in the Marvel Universe. Now unlike most heroes, she didn’t get her powers from a spider bite, or from a mass exposure to gamma radiation. Her distinct power is her intelligence, which she uses to her advantage by hand making

her own weapons and battle armor.

Lunella also possesses the ability to switch consciousness with Devil Dinosaur and still communicate effectively. Later, she will discover that she also has Inhuman genes when she discovers improved strength during a full moon.

She is a part of a long heritage of a Inhumans which is a race of humans that were abducted by the Kree and were experimented on which gave them their new found powers. The rest of her powers are still being discovered as she grows older everyday.

In this new age of black superheroes in the Marvel Universe like Iron Maiden, War Machine, Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Storm, Moon Girl is by far the best of them all.

Real Name: Lunella Louise Lafayette Current Alias: That Crazy 4th Grader Gender: Female Height: 3’ 9” Weight: 48 lbs (22 kg) Eyes: Brown Hair: Black

“I’ve got the Gene you know!”

She is the smartest person in the universe, she has a T-Rex as a pet, superpowers, and she’s Black. Her comics could inspire young Black girls to go into STEM fields and extend past their current horizons.

For now, Moon Girl will stay in the shadows but soon she will be the recognized for the Black girl genius magic she is.

EGO MAGAZINE 13

BLERD TALK Julian Alvarez EGO Managing Editor

Do you see those Black nerdy people? They are the ones sitting alone, the ones people always scream at, the one that will answer in a silent, sort of anxious tone. The tone that says “I am too busy to entertain you, but prey do not have choices so what can I do.” Those are the Black nerds, Blerds for short.

You’re thinking: what a bunch of losers, they have no power, they won’t survive in this school.

Well, you’re right to say all those things. They have no power in the school, they are a bunch of losers in the school, and they will stay at the bottom of the social ladder in that school. But great things come to those who wait. On one hand there’s you, planning to break the Blerd down to improve your temporary status, while the Blerd is studying and preparing for the brutal world because he knows life goes on after school. Blerds aren’t comfortable just living in this world.

They become comfortable when they leave an impact that can not be forgotten. While you go to the mall with your friends and buy into every fad to look cool, when you get to school those Blerds have their noses in a book. That book is the same as a mall to the Blerd. They spend something more expensive than money: time. You can spend $10,000 dollars on your new car for your entourage to enjoy, but that is just money. You can get that money back.The Blerds are spending 10,000 hours perfecting their craft and they can’t get those hours of their life back.

Time is like an hourglass, everyone’s grains of sand varies. However, once a grain hits the bottom, the hourglass can not be flipped. The Blerd uses 10,000 of his grains on skill and the rest on changing the world. It is a steep price, but time is a currency that gives back.

White America is going to be extinct just like King predicted at Washington. Every face on the billboard won’t be a White one. Every lawyer with a commercial won’t have straight hair and lack melanin. Black entertainment will be for us by us. When you see a Blerd, call them a loser while you can because that privilege won’t last. Diamonds are made by pressure and when the diamond is made, it is hard to break. Keep being the pressure that makes the diamond because it will not last for long. Pain is not temporary, for success is the product of pain. As long as it is not death, the Blerds can always bounce back. Overcoming adversity is never easy because it can make or break you. Blerds will always come out on top and look back on the pain to shape all future decisions. There is always a choice. No one is born smart. No one is born stupid. You become what you set out to be and Blerds are the ones that will choose to be smart. Again I am saying, pressure makes the diamond. Pressure is a tool that few will pay for, but all the money goes to the diamond. The diamonds compete to be the most lustrous they can be, and shine so bright that people in other galaxies will go blind. So Mr. Bully, do you want to continue being the pressure or do you want to become the diamond?

Best, Your friendly neighborhood Blerd

EGO MAGAZINE 14

EGO MAGAZINE 15

Jaguars in Motion

Southern University students attend Southern Conference On African American (SCAASI) Kyndall Jones EGO Staff Writer

The Southern Conference on African American Studies, Inc. (SCAASI) is a conference that is held in the south, focusing on preserving African American history and culture in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The first convening was held at Texas Southern University in 1979. This year’s conference was held on February 8-10, 2018 in Jackson, Mississippi and it had a theme of “Violence on Black Bodies in the Diaspora.”

Throughout the conference, there were various panels and interactive sessions, including some collaboration with Tougaloo College and Jackson State University. 2018 Executive Secretary and Director, Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor hosted and held a few of these sessions herself. In one session she showed “I Am Not Your Negro”, a James Baldwin film which showcased his life and legacy as a writer, activist, novelist, and social critic. After the film, an open discussion was held pertaining this question: “Why does America still need the n*gger?”

Various points were made, stating that America was built upon blood and racism EGO MAGAZINE 16

Ebony Lumumba, wife of the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, poses for a quick photo with a group of Southern University students during the 2018 SCAASI conference.

this year’s theme. From both teams, the essays touched on police brutality and consistent incidents of racism throughout the years. From Emmett Till to Eric Garner, both teams thoroughly presented their information clearly and precisely with factual evidence of these historical atrocities. Joy spoke on the murder of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a seven year old child shot and killed while sleeping on her grandmother’s couch during a police raid. She elaborated, stating that her murder was an act of systematic racism, due to the area where she lived there was a high minority population in turn, there was an influx in police officers for the area. Jordan Victorian a Junior Secondary History Education major and Aislinn Wheeler a Senior History major, led presentations focusing on systematic racism and the history of tribes around Africa.

Joy Antoine, Jonathon Banks a Junior Mechanical Engineering major, James Nettles a Freshman Biology major, and Jamilah Stith, a Junior Secondary English Education major, demonstrated the proceedings for the Black History Quiz Bowl competition as no other team showed up in attendance for this competition.

Stephanie Jackson, a Sophomore Chemistry major, read a poem at the annual banquet speaking on police brutality and racism.

SCAASI

therefore, America must always have a conflict to survive. It was also decided that in some way or another, racism is prevalent in other countries around the world, whether it be colorism, sexism, or spectranism, even through things as simple as a holiday.

Ebony Lumumba was this year’s keynote speaker. She is the wife of the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Chokwe Antar Lumumba. Mrs. Lumumba spoke on the ongoing violence that Black people endure, especially in the South, at the hands of police officers. She spoke briefly about how building community could have the ability to help curb police brutality and other attacks on Black people. When she ended her speech, she was awarded with a full sized, original painting from a local Mississippian folk artist. Her eloquent speech led the inspired students into the following academic competitions: The Reanitsa K. Butler Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest, the Hornsby Quiz Bowl, and the Slade Poetry Contest.

The student participation from Southern University was astounding.

Students Joy Antoine, a Senior History major and Kyndall Jones a freshman Agriculture major, participated in the Essay Competition at the conference against Tougaloo College with a panel of judges. This competition consisted of two teams, with essays centered around

EGO MAGAZINE 17

15

WHAT PERIODICAL

14

WHO BECAME THE FIRST

13

WHO WROTE NARRATIVE

WAS THE FIRST BLACK

AFRICAN AMERICAN

OF THE LIFE OF FREDERICK

NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN

FEMALE BILLIONAIRE IN

DOUGLASS, AN AMERICAN

THE UNITED STATES?

2004?

SLAVE IN 1845?

12

16

WHAT TERM REFERS GENERALLY TO THE ARTISTIC

WHAT POPULAR MAGAZINE DID JOHN H. JOHNSON

AND SOCIO-CULTURAL

BEGIN IN 1945?

AWAKENING AMONG BLACK PEOPLE IN THE 1920S AND EARLY 1930S?

17

IN 1991, WHAT BECAME THE FIRST BLACK-CONTROLLED COMPANY TO BE LISTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE?

TEST YOUR

KNOWLEDGE OF

BLACK HISTORY

18

WHAT BLACK AMERICAN WOMAN USED THE TRIAL AND ERROR METHOD TO INVENT HAIR CARE PRODUCTS IN 1905?

1

KNOWN FOR HIS SOCIAL AND

WHO WAS THE FIRST BLACK

POLITICAL VIEWS, WHO PUB-

AMERICAN WOMAN CHOSEN

LISHED THE SOULS OF BLACK

AS MISS AMERICA?

FOLKS IN 1903?

START HERE EGO MAGAZINE 18

2

11

WHAT FAMOUS BLACK AUTHOR

10

9

WHO WAS THE AUTHOR OF

SHE IS ALSO A POET WHO

SAID, “BLACK WRITERS DO MORE

THE HIT PLAY A RAISIN IN

DELIVERED HER POEM “ON

THAN MERELY EXHIBIT RAGE

THE SUN ?

THE PULSE OF MORNING” AT

– THEY MUST ANALYZE THE

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON’S

ROOTS OF RACIAL OPPRESSION?”

INAUGURATION IN 1993?

8

WHAT MEDIUM DID GORDON PARKS USE TO DESCRIBE BLACK AMERICANS DEPRIVATION AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION?

7

Don Green EGO Staff Writer

WHAT MUSIC IS REGARDED

BY MANY AS A FORM OF STREET POETRY?

6

KUNTA KINTE WAS ONE THE CHARACTERS IN WHAT ALEX HALEY BOOK?

3

WHO WROTE “THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD” ?

4

WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NOVEL WAITING TO EXHALE?

5

THIS DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER AND ACTOR ESTABLISHED “40 ACRES AND A MULE FILMWORKS”.

HIS FILMS CONTINUE TO BE CONTROVERSIAL AND PUSH RACIAL BOUNDARIES.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 21

EGO MAGAZINE 19

EGO MAGAZINE 20

ANSWERS 1. W.E.B. DU BOIS 2. VANESSA WILLIAMS 3. ZORA NEALE HURSTON 4. TERRY MCMILLAN 5. SPIKE LEE 6. ROOTS 7. RAP 8. PHOTOGRAPHY 9. MAYA ANGELOU 10. LORRAINE HANSBERRY 11. JAMES BALDWIN 12. HARLEM RENAISSANCE 13. FREDERICK DOUGLASS 14. OPRAH WINFREY 15. FREEDOM’S JOURNAL 16. EBONY 17. BET 18. MADAM C.J. WALKER

EGO MAGAZINE 21

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EGO MAGAZINE 23

In 3029, flying cars, robot citizenship, holograms, and intergalactic communication are a part of today’s culture. So you can imagine my surprise when my mad scientist cousin, Zadar, sent us flying into the past. As a galaxy girl, I didn’t take kindly to trading in my portable home and self-flying car for last century’s so-called luxury life. This is how it happened.

In my time period, waking up for morning mantra and meditation on

Mars is my saving grace. This particular day was different. Zadar sent a hologram with specific instructions, “Meet me asap, we have to leave.

There is something hidden in yesterday that will solve tomorrow.” The message was odd to me, but the unexpected is always expected with Zadar.

It was then I should’ve known. Fast forward 10 hours later, I’m trapped in a time machine with Zadar! He tricked me into traveling into the past in an effort to solve the mystery of our ancestors. Legend has it, 300 years ago, in an effort to unify the human race, all knowledge before the year 2500 has been completely erased from life as we know it.

Now I’m trapped in a small space unit with my crazy cousin,

shooting through a black hole to return to the year 2499. The thing I miss the most on my trip is the music. Every Saturday, TLC holograms performed the “No Scrubs” video at my bedside. Now, maybe with the time travel machine I can live through it.

Back home, we have underground auctions for the escaped robots,

but I wonder here, in the past, do they do that? I remember hearing of an older artist, Janelle Monae, she did a video exposing underground auctions in her music before it was public, but no one believed her.

It took us 29 long days on auto when we reached the year 2499. We were

EGO MAGAZINE 24

nervous to exit the capsule, and for good reason, when we finally stepped out, Zadar and I both panicked. The smell of pollution went rampant in the air and my antennas were buggin’! Man! I’d never smelled a place so stank in my life!

The

pollution AND the smell almost killed us! Zadar was beyond ready to start

exploring this “old world”. He immediately wanted to head inside a nearby store called a “CD” store. I had never heard of something like that in my life! Zadar headed toward these “CD’s,” and I stayed close by to try and gather information from other people. I was unfamiliar with the language they spoke, but luckily my antennas were able to decipher parts of their speech. Before I was able to ask the outsiders any questions, Zadar was in a panic to leave. Inside the store, his antennas helped him browse through 300 years worth of music!

When we finally returned to the space unit, he told me of his findings.

Centuries ago, people were divided by color. Apparently, the white people stole the black people away from their homeland and exploited, manipulated, and dehumanized them for centuries. Eventually, the tension created a race war, and to fix the damage, a genocide was started on the human race. The most elite humans were reserved, and created the world as Zadar and I were familiar with. Cyborgs and robots were the creation of the elitists, and a hierarchy was developed to create an illusion of world order.

The something hidden in yesterday that will solve tomorrow is history. The

history that was erased, prevented the citizens of my time from knowing what has happened, and will happen again. Zadar and I were full of rage, but even more full of passion. Our eyes met and our antennas locked, we knew what we had to do. “Last one to the space unit is a rotten freezer dried egg!”

EGO MAGAZINE 25

EGO MAGAZINE 26

If

PEOPLE MINDED THEIR OWN

DAMN BUSINESS

Najeri Evans EGO Staff Writer

One shift in the past, and the world

had his ice cream tattoo and lil Terio

never would’ve went to jail, and OJ’s

as we know it would be a different

teaches a dance class. A beautiful

wife would still be alive. A world where

place… Somewhere in an alternate

place, where water is free, trees don’t

the only Christopher we acknowledge

universe, people of all shades would

die just to make paper, and zoos were

is Wallace, Brooklyn hasn’t been

coexist peacefully.

museums of animal photos.

gentrified, and bestiality isn’t legal in

A world where Columbus never

The

land

of

milk

and

honey,

14 states.

sailed the blue seas of imperialism,

decorated

unthreatened

Where Swag Surf could replace the

and Reagan didn’t push crack through

creatures, nonsexualized people in the

national anthem, Walk it Out is played

black communities. Like the world is

nude, and unridden with the smell of

at graduation ceremonies, and no one

ours, “Imagine smoking weed in the

chemicals in the air. A place unfazed

knew T-pain used autotune.

streets without cops harassing.” Where

by judgment, where people travel

If white people could mind their own

the cookout is everyday, European

freely, natives outnumber whites in

damn business, they could learn quite

beauty standards only exist in Europe,

America, and Nazi’s are a German

a bit! De’arra could teach Sally how to

and Colonel Sanders is nonexistent.

bagel.

season Chicken, Guadalupe may teach

with

Martin Luther King Jr was an author,

A place only existent if white people

Jonathan how to salsa, hell Ricky

Malcolm X worked the graveyard shift

minded their own damn business. If

may even help Jessica with her math

and Rosa Parks ran a daycare.

white people minded their own damn

homework! They would learn to walk

business, Al Gore wouldn’t have been

away from danger instead of towards

without

cheated out of a presidency, the Twin

it, not to talk shit if they don’t wanna

ridicule and the American Dream was

towers would still be standing, and

get hit, and that kissing dogs on the

a movie sold at Walmart. Where black

Texas is a Mexican territory. So much

mouth is not okay.

people are not only of the majority in

would be different if the pale faced

Most importantly, if white people

Africa, Vietnam was never a warzone,

race would stop dippin’ in the kool aid

could mind their own damn business,

and Muslims were safe in France.

when they don’t know the flavor.

they would know not to touch things

A great land where white picket fence

communities

went

A so called utopia of Utopia’s, where

If white people minded their own

Soulja Boy could really kiss his fans

damn business, Jay Z wouldn’t have

through the phone, Gucci Mane still

cheated on Beyonce with Becky, Tupac

that are not theirs, for example, people.

EGO MAGAZINE 27

Shomari Moore EGO Staff Writer

Black Panther Review

A

cross the planet on February

starts off strong as young prince

be revolutionary. The depth and range

16, 2018, Marvel fans’ hearts

T’Challa returns to his home country of

of the numerous strong, intelligent,

raced when their favorite

Wakanda to be crowned king after the

trustworthy, Black female characters is

superhero, created in 1966, leaped off

passing of his father, King T’Chaka in

incredible. However, some critics claim

the pages of a comic book and onto

Captain America: Civil War. Everything

that Black Panther was not everything

the big screen. They were going to see

is harmonious until the newly crowned

it could have been because of its lack of

Black Panther, one of the most widely

king is challenged by an intense

LGBTQ+ representation.

anticipated movies of Black History

contender with an interesting, twisted

This is because across the series of

Month. Southern students described

backstory. It’s all up to T’Challa to set

Black Panther comics two members

the movie as “the best Black movie

things right and restore the balance of

of the Dora Milaje warrior clan were

of the year”. The expectancy makes

power.

in a romantic relationship, although

sense because seeing this movie is

Socially,

Black Panther of

they were not revealed in the movie.

black

Despite the missed opportunity, Black

an experience like no other. Now, as

excellent

the top rated movie of the year, Black

ingenuity and showing how community

Panther’s

Panther is a perfect example of what

can come together to affect change. One

dynamic prototypes of the potential of

Black excellence looks like. The movie

word to describe Black Panther would

Black people. Children and adults alike

EGO MAGAZINE 28

representation

was an

powerful

cast

portrayed

are excited to see a superhero movie where the heroes look like them.

Black

Panther’s

cast

is

full

of

exceptional stars. T’Challa is played

by Chadwick Boseman, his archenemy

strong foundation to build upon.

Marvel has made a movie out of but,

This film, along with other Marvel

also is the top selling movie that they

films, lead up to the culminating

ever put out since the Avengers. Black

Avengers movie: Infinity War.

Panther has grossed over $1 billion

In

the

trailer,

is

the

thousands

of

worldwide, breaking several records at

Erik Killmonger is played by Michael

battlefield

B. Jordan, his younger sister and

Wakandans and the Avengers take

With a magnetic plot, a gorgeous cast,

technological genius Shuri played by

their stand for humanity against

and stunning visuals, Black Panther

Letitia Wright, Wakandan spy and his

Thanos who plans to rid the world of

has sunk its claws deep into the box

love interest Nakia performed by Lupita

humanity and start over. With Black

office and into the hearts of millions.

Nyong’o, and his Dora Milaje general

Panther, the Dora Milaje, and all of

Wakanda Forever!

Okoye was played Danai Gurira. Forest

Wakanda, Thanos has a good fight on

*Make sure to stay and wait for the

Whitaker,

Daniel

his hands. For almost 20 years now,

famous Marvel previews AFTER the

Kaluuya, Winston Duke and other

Marvel has made comics into live

post credits.

amazing actors and actresses filled

action movies, but the Black Panther is

the rest of the cast, giving the movie a

not only the first black superhero that

Angela

Bassett,

where

Wakanda

the same time.

EGO MAGAZINE 29

Skyler Franklin EGO Staff Writer/Photographer EGO MAGAZINE 30

EGO MAGAZINE 31

LEVI BROWN

MAJOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: SHREVEPORT, LA AGE: 21

EGO MAGAZINE 32

Why did you choose your major?

Q. I chose my major while I was at Southern University in Shreveport. I was introduced to the major through a summer STEM program where we completed research experience. Originally, I wanted to be a sports physician. But I didn’t like having to retain the information and it wasn’t something I actually liked. So, I ended up changing to computer science because I always been interested in technology. I was one of those children who were taking stuff apart and putting it back together. Southern did not have computer engineering so I chose the next best thing: computer science. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about computer science is the fact that it’s tech-y but it has business elements.

Every business has a tech department. Plus, there are so many tech companies that the opportunities are so vast. For example, I was a spring 2015 NASA Aerospace Scholar in Stennis, Mississippi. It was a two-month, online internship where we had to build a rover and answer questions about NASA. If you completed everything, you got to tour the NASA building in Stennis. I was also a unit tester on a translator between two computer languages.

What do you love most about science?

A. What I love most about science is that there is something new to figure out everyday. It’s so open that you can create and invent new technology.

There’s always room and space to grow and improve.

Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors?

A. If you look at major inventions in the history of the world or even the United States, a plethora were created by Black people. Think about the traffic light, toilet, and light bulb. I feel like there has been a rapid decline in people pursuing STEM degrees but there’s so much government money available for African

Americans to be able to study and learn so much while getting paid to do it. Just pursue a degree in STEM, I know it’s not everyone’s passion but it’s something you can grow to love, which is what happened with me.

Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major?

A. I want to be able to change the way people view data. I want to change the way businesses view data, how they crunch their numbers, and how they make decisions based on what is happening in real time. I want people to understand data analyses like never before. I want to help businesses make real time decisions by crunching their numbers using data analysis.

Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now?

A. I definitely like the direction science is going.

We’re seeing a lot of the same old things, just revamped. But there’s also a lot of very new things.

The way technology is shifting towards autonomous things like the self-driving cars is cool. It’s pretty neat that we went from horses and carriages to cars that drive themselves.

Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans?

A. After I graduate in May 2018, I’m trying to work something out with a specific company, so they can work with me as I complete graduate school at LSU. I want to pursue my Master of Science: Data Analytics degree, a one-year program. When I graduate again next May I’ll build my way in the industry and work as a system engineer or a data analyst. By the time I’m 35, I want to become a Chief Analytics Officer for a company After I retire, I’d consider being the Chancellor for Southern University at Shreveport so I can help cultivate the seeds of the next generation like my mentors did for me before.

EGO MAGAZINE 33

AKIL STRAWDER

MAJOR: BIOLOGY CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: JACKSON, MS AGE: 23

EGO MAGAZINE 34

Why did you choose your major?

Q. I chose my major because I like science and one day I want to attend pharmacy school at either FAMU or Xavier University.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about science is the ability to engage in hands-on experiments.

What do you love most about science?

A. What I love most about science is you can discover something new, such as discovering a cure that can one day save the world.

Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors?

A. I think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors because it is a field that is predominantly white and one that has countless opportunities with tons of money up for grabs for African Americans.

Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major?

A. With my major, I can be a successful pharmacist.

Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now?

A. As of right now, science and technology are constantly improving, and new innovations are found every day.

Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans?

A. My post-bachelorette plans are to attend pharmacy school at either Xavier University or Florida A&M University. For backup, I may just attend graduate school possibly in Houston, Texas.

EGO MAGAZINE 35

Why did you choose your major?

Q. 1. I chose to major in mechanical engineering because I love to see how things work and move. My brother and I took apart our PlayStation 3 in 9th grade and put it back together; ever since then I’ve fallen in love with engineering.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about my major is that I get to solve problems the world faces, and I get to make this world safer and more efficient.

What do you love most about science?

A. I love how science continues to evolve and more technology is being used to make life more enjoyable.

Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors?

A. As the world continues to evolve, so does technology-rapidly. We need more minorities to oversee the technology of our future. It’s time our people understand that we can make more money using our brains than our bodies and that its much more out there than being an athlete and entertaining.

EGO MAGAZINE 36

Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major?

A. My goal is always making the world a better place.

I plan to change the world. I want people in Flint, Michigan to have potable water again. I want people to be able to play football without fear of getting a concussion. I hope to contribute to the people to make life easier for them and more enjoyable. Life is precious, and everyone should be able to enjoy it.

Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now?

A. I hope science and technology doesn’t get out of hand. I hope people don’t manipulate these fields and send the world on a path of chaos. That’s why getting a degree is important. Technology is only as smart as those who are operating and overseeing it.

Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans?

A. My post-baccalaureate plans are to attend grad school and get my MBA! Then I want to be the best engineer that has ever lived. Eventually I want to open my own engineering firm.

JAYLEN SCOTT

MAJOR: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: BATON ROUGE, LA AGE: 22

EGO MAGAZINE 37

EGO MAGAZINE 38

PEOPLE MINDED THEIR OWN

DAMN BUSINESS

“We represent the culture, the future, the highest expression of individualism on a leveled plateau. Each person in this photo represents being themselves, and being responsible for portraying their own message through personal style .... personification of individuality but no “EGO,” there is no one person thinking they are above or beneath the other person .... just equality, respect, and selfness .... students evolving and adapting to the world around them.”

DeJohn Richardson EGO Staff Writer/Photographer EGO MAGAZINE 39

Jamilah Stith EGO Editor-in-Chief **Make sure that you’ve watched Black Panther before you read this: SPOILER ALERT**

in a miniature Wakanda, disguised as a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). HBCUs are one

After walking out of the movie theater, I pushed

of the few places on Earth that Black people are

my glasses further up the bridge of my nose. Before

accepted with open arms, especially in the face of

they had the chance to slip back down, I blurted out

trauma. HBCUs are special because they allow Black

to my friends “I want to live in Wakanda.” Truthfully,

people to control and craft their own futures, along

they looked at me like I was crazy. Of course, I

with providing the tools to build it.

wanted to live in Wakanda. Everyone wants to live

Think about it. We are all T’Challa, trying to find

somewhere they will be celebrated and loved for who

out what kind of king/queen we want to be. Our

they are naturally. But as we learned in the movie,

professors are like the ancestral plane, we go to

Black people are consistently pushed out of spaces

them for advice and wisdom. SGA is the council of

like Wakanda. Even if our intentions are to help

leaders of different clans, making decisions for the

our fellow brothers and sisters with our newfound

betterment of the communities it serves. Vibranium

knowledge, we are rejected because we hold the

is our melanin and intellect. Nakia’s spirit runs

trauma of those centuries of abuse. To our African

through our fraternities and sororities as they serve

cousins we are damaged, volatile goods and cannot

the greater Black community. With campuses being

be trusted. To us, we are shining phoenixes, finally

modernized, people like Shuri are shining brightly.

reborn from the dust of Plymouth Rock’s landing.

The only difference between Marvel’s Wakanda and

This begs the question: why not create Wakanda

HBCUs is that we accept people like Killmonger

for ourselves? After careful research, I found that

with open arms. We help them shed the traumas of

every time we build flourishing business worlds like

imperialism and give them the tools to help their

Black Wall Street and religious havens like the 16th

specific community. Our purple herb is our diploma

street Baptist Church, we are met with hatred and

because once we have that, we can apply everything

terrorism. Naturally, that would curb encouragement

we’ve learned. And although we might disagree

to build our own Wakanda.

with other, HBCU clans like the Jabari tribe, history

However, once I reached the hump that separates the campus from the rest of the world, I realized that

reminds us that we have always had each other’s backs in times of crisis.

Wakanda is real. In essence, Wakanda is just a utopic

Just like Wakanda, the race for improvement

idea of what Black spaces would look like without the

never ends. However, do not be discouraged. With

interruption of European imperialism (i.e. if we were

unity and creativity pushing us forward, Wakanda is

in charge of creating our own futures). I already live

not as far as it seems.

EGO MAGAZINE 40

EGO MAGAZINE 41

. . .

H .

T ... . . .

r ito Ed n o o t lt Pho mi Ha riter/ n y fW cel f Ro Sta O G E

.

. . . ..

O E R U T U ........... . . .

F . . .

E ..

E S N .

E R P T S A ..

P . ..

..

What

.. ..

were going to take over the future? By take over the

..

if I told you that Black people

..

future, I don’t mean world denomination or wipe out other races.

..

Just imagine that in the future we are the majority instead of the minority, and more dominate in all aspects. As a matter of fact, we would actually be more

...

cohesive with other races and have a better understanding of each other’s cultures and manage to coexist together better than we do now. Except with white people. Actually I take realized that they can never duplicate the magic we create and make it look as good. So by then, they

...

that back, by this time they will have learned their lesson to stop mooching off our culture once they

....

will have FINALLY learned to stayed in their own lane and leave us unbothered and continue to mind their Caucasian business.

Science and technology will definitely be at its peak. We have seen many accomplishments by young black broadcasted. I’m not saying that we’ll have flying cars or anything like that, but it’s a possibility. Technology would

be infused into our everyday life, even in our clothing. Like if we try on something and it doesn’t fit right, there would be some kind of way the seams could detect what needs to be taken in or let out and conform to our bodies basically,

............

individuals as far as science and technology and that momentum will continue to grow and become more

and the material would be a protective material just incase something happens. Our household appliances that we use would be more advanced, (not to the point where they would have a mind of their own and revolt because we not with that) more so like they would just be automatic and know that we have to use them and what settings we need them

to be on. This brings us to our community as a whole. We wouldn’t be completely separate and isolated like Wakanda from Black Panther, but we would definitely be own our way to that. We would have enough space to where we can

.. . . . .

flourish and be able to have all these things, but one from the outside would be able to see a distinct difference in surroundings as if they were walking to into a new world. Our buildings would be more advanced and eccentric in design, our food supplies would be more fresh and unprocessed, our natural resources would be more efficient and just everything would be better.

.

As far as Hollywood and the industry itself, it would be more improved than it is now. and overall better. We would have more representation across all boards when it

Makeup, clothing, jewelry, and other accessories

.

EGO MAGAZINE 42

. . .

would incorporate bright and

. . .

of everything and still be the driving force like how we are today.

.

comes to acting, award shows, the whole nine. We would be the forefront

. . . .

Everything that we have as a part of our culture now would still exist, just more advanced

O.F. . .B . . .L AC .....

K FO

..

.

...

T . F U T . . . LK ...

U R E .... .. beautiful colors that would accentuate our features and skin tone. For example, the color gold would be a very popular because golds and yellows look good on our skin. Our hair would be just as beautiful as it is today and there would

..

..

.

be no pass judgement on whether you choose to wear weave or go natural. Women especially would be more free with their hair choices and not be afraid to rock bright

pastel colors.

..

... ...

. . .

. . .

. ..

Can you see that? You can? Great now let’s bring it back to the present.

For as long as we can remember, African-Americans have been the backbone and driving force for

just about everything you can think of. From us building this country to having heavy influences in music,

fashion trends, and culture in general. But instead of us being at the forefront, we are pushed to the and most, if not all, our ideas are stolen by white people and they get the credit for things that we already had. A prime

example is when Kylie Jenner exploited designs by designer Titza Balemlay and tried to pass them off as hers for her own gain. Or when the trend of “boxer braids” were so called started by Kim Kardashian, but to us they were just regular french braids that we have been wearing since we were children. Like always, they benefit from it and what do we get? Exactly.

As stated on the hit TV show Scandal, “we have to be twice as good as them t o get HALF of what they have”. This is something that has been universally instilled in us as young children. We as young people of color have to keep

... . . . ..

........

..

....

pushing through because we have no room to stop and simply give in. Especially with a system that we know is not for us. And that perseverance is what has me optimistic about the future for us. We know how to be innovative and make something from nothing without even trying. Because of our innovativeness and how strong we are, we will become the forefront and eventually have the representation that we need. We are slowly but surely in Hollywood and of course with the recent release of Black Panther. We are slowly but surely starting to reassert our influence everywhere and getting the credit we deserved. And to be quite honest dry, and very, very unseasoned, just like Susan’s baked chicken.

.

. . .

. . .

.

without our influence and of course influences from other cultures, everything would be bland,

. . .

...

starting to get more representation when it comes the makeup industry, fashion industry and especially

EGO MAGAZINE 43

EGO MAGAZINE 44

EGO MAGAZINE 45

Laniya Spencer EGO Staff Writer

I

n 1712, British slave owner, Willie Lynch

and related positive characteristics with the white

stood on the bank of the James River and

doll. They rejected and associated the negative

delivered a speech that would affect an entire race for

characteristics with the darker dolls. Although this

centuries. Standing in front of hundreds of Southern

was 78 years ago, modern studies show the results

slave owners, he taught and dissected his methods to

haven’t changed much.

control slaves. Since the African American race varies

A recent doll test was conducted by a Youtube group

in skin tones and hair textures, they outlined these

called FanPage, where instead of American kids, the

specific characteristics to pin slaves against each

subjects were Italian. Even then, the results were

other. For example, slaves whose features were closer

still the same from the tests done in the 1940’s. After

to Anglo-Saxon beauty standards tended to have better

associating the positive attributes with the white

living areas, clothing, and were trusted more than other

doll and the negative ones with the darker one, they

slaves. As a result of these differences, fear, distrust, and

were then asked which doll looked similar to them.

envy spread among the slaves. Another mechanism

This shows that these stereotypes based upon skin

used to divide slaves was to make them psychologically

color has a negative affect on how lighter skin kids

weak and dependent upon their masters. In this case,

feel about darker skin and how the dark skin kids

the slaves felt as if their owners were their only means

feel about themselves. Prejudice, discrimination, and

of survival. Betrayal and rebelliousness was not an

segregation creates a feeling of inferiority among

option. If implemented rigorously for one year, Lynch

African American children and damages their self

guaranteed these methods would last thousands of

esteem. Ultimately, this test shows the extent to

years. December 18, 1865, marked the ratification of

which their color, their sense of their race, and status

the 13th Amendment, which put an end to slavery, but

influences their judgement about themselves. These

unfortunately not colorism.

boys and girls then grow to be brainwashed men and

Every day children are born into a world that will determine their beauty and worthiness by their skin

women, who pass this syndrome down to their own kids. In a sense, colorism has become hereditary.

color. Black girls and boys are left self conscious and

148 years after the abolishment of slavery, the minds

full of internalized hatred because they’re constantly

of a majority of African Americans are still being

reminded of how society believes their dark skin is

corrupted by the teachings of Willie Lynch. Now in 2018,

unattractive, or how the next individual with lighter

these emotions have crossed over to the 21st century,

skin will have it way easier in life. For example, the doll

where Black people categorize themselves into “team

test was created in the 1940s to study the development

dark skin” and “team light skin.” These arbitrary

of the sense of self esteem in children based on

classifications come attached with stereotypes that

race, specifically African Americans children. The

particular groups are full of themselves or envious

experiment consisted of four identical dolls, except

and jealous of the other group. In some cases, there are

they differed in skin color. The children, ages three

people who believe they are more attractive because

to seven, were then asked to assign characteristics

their skin is lighter, as well as people who believe that

to a certain doll. Majority of the children preferred

they are unattractive because their skin is darker.

EGO MAGAZINE 46

Not only African Americans, but the entire world has fed into this pathological stereotype. This belief

a younger age, the mind is undergoing development, which is the perfect time for this step to be executed.

only exists to explain and justify inequalities such

Another method of Lynch’s was to make the slaves

as, “The darker your skin, the more you’re watched

weak and dependent upon their masters. African

while in a store, the more you have to fear the police,

Americans should become more reliant on our race

the more you’re associated and reduced to low income

instead of on the ones who put us in this predicament in

neighborhoods, schools, and jobs, and the more

the first place. One thing that has faded into our history

difficulties you’ll face in life.”

is the flourishing African American neighborhoods

In Lynch’s methods, he included dividing the

we once possessed. Black owned dentist and doctor’s

African American race by skin color which would turn

offices and stores should be brought back to our

different groups against each other. Unfortunately,

neighborhoods. The skills we attain professionally

Willie Lynch’s premonition was correct. However,

should be used to bring prosperity within our race. This

there’s hope! Just like it was attained, this curse can

wealth could be used to fund better quality housing

be broken. In efforts to regain power, this brainwashing

and schools for our children and future generations.

mechanism can, in turn, be used to promote a more

Orange Mound, a once prosperous African American

positive visual of African Americans starting within

neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, consisted of

our race. There are several necessary steps to break

only Black owned businesses. Not only did this bring

the cycle. First, colorism must be acknowledged. So

in revenue to fund things in the community such

many people aren’t aware of it and the mentality is

as better schools, housing and activities; but it also

often unconsciously passed down to their children.

served as motivation for the children to aspire to be

People who are aware of this system should shine light

entrepreneurs and give back to where they came

on the subject, whether it’s speaking publicly in front

from. Once integration took place, the businesses

of hundreds or in the comfort of your own homes with

migrated to predominantly white areas of Memphis,

family. “Light skinned privilege” can be used to call

leaving their once blooming and powerful community

attention to colorism and the difference in experiences

to deteriorate and become impoverished. Now when

between dark skin and light skin people. That privilege

people ride through Orange Mound, no one would ever

can also be used to open doors, like educational and

suspect its history.

professional opportunities, for darker skinned Black people, if the environment is discriminatory.

Ultimately, the fate of the African American race lies in the hands of the people. Will African Americans

Another way to help reverse this method includes

take back their conscious minds and unite despite

parents embedding self-love and confidence in their

differences in complexion or will they continue to let

children by complimenting them regularly. Despite the

the ongoing cycle of colorism continue?

world already having a perception of a person’s skin color, the parent’s encouragement has the possibility to overrule all negativity aimed towards the child. At

EGO MAGAZINE 47

A BLACK CELEBRATION Harold Millican

Contributing Writer

I’ve never been a fan of comic books.

This is significant because the 1960s

When it is truly black, I call it black-

No one pulled me on the side saying,

were a challenging time for African-

adjacent. Black-adjacent is a word I

“Hey, check this out!” In fact, I knew

Americans. Remember, this comic

use to describe entertainers that may

a struggling comic book seller who

appeared shortly before Martin Luther

be black or be black-influenced, but

admired me so profusely, he wanted to

King, Jr’s death, and before the Black

their entertainment is manufactured

make me believe in comic animation.

Power Movement gained steam in the

to reflect a white-centered idea of

To appease him, I read two to three

1970s.

African-American

comic strips and that’s where my

culture.

New

So, the subtext behind the film is for

Orleans born DJ Khaled, Canadian

We knew each

a conversation about black identity.

born Aubrey Graham, and Hawaiian

other for several years and I still did

The film has plenty of metaphors that

born Bruno Mars are black adjacent.

not get what he saw in the comics. That

make it a very complex image.

It seems that there’s a subtle colorism

fascination ended.

said, Marvel Studios makes films for

We’ve got an all-black cast including

afoot. When you’re a darker skinned

fans of the old comics like Superman,

Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman,

black person, the odds are up that

Spiderman, etc. To their credit, they

Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.

you become a caricature. Now, we

do not only make films for people

Only two led rolls were played by white

did break-ground with “This is Us.”

reading comics. They make movies

men in the entire film. Only in Tyler

Thanks, Sterling K. Brown.

to sell tickets. They are a corporation.

Perry movies or on BET, does such a

So, I’m writing about Black Panther

high frequency of blackness exist.

And we’ve got Viola Davis, Will Smith and Octavia Spencer.

But people of

without having read the comic. Now,

If we examine American television,

color are typecast predictably as drug

the movie is not about the Black

it’s very white or black-adjacent. It’s

dealers, heartless assassins, crooked

Panther Party, but about an old comic

white in terms of the number of white

cops, and inarticulate dummies.

book by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The

and white-looking men that are in

Black Panther first appeared in 1966.

our media. Have you really looked?

EGO MAGAZINE 48

Image

wise,

entertainers

pass.

black I

adjacent

loved

Justin

Timberlake for many years and then I

you’re

see

made me reminisce about the former

realized that he’s black-adjacent. He’s

fictional characters that are black.

African dynasties of Mali, Ghana,

not a bad guy, but he’s not excellent

A positive black character within a

and Songhay. In this era, blacks were

either. We aren’t supposed to note this

story increases the self-esteem of

powerful, intelligent, and united. The

issue because it’s a subliminal idea.

the entire black diaspora. He or she

movie reminded me so much of how

We’re just supposed to appreciate that

needs to be smart, thoughtful, kind,

resilient we can be together.

a white man loves our culture so much

capable, strong, and mighty. Surely,

We have a right to be frustrated if

that he’s willing to establish a working

that representation should not be a

America believes that black culture

relationship with black producers

threat. But if people are programming

is only good when the right kind of

to do it. But this is the reason the

blacks to place a specific role and a

person represents it. Black Panther

tattooed, blonde, mixed-race artist is

characterization less valuable than

was not just a movie. The story

now a staple of blackness. So, excuse

the new role presented, someone’s

illustrates

us if we are terribly emotional about

going to be upset. Viewing the movie

black power when it falls into selfish

the beautifully dark characters in

reminded me how bad “colorism”

hands. Erik Killmonger is a symbol of

Black Panther. We do not see this

affects

media.

what occurs when rage is the prime

enough in our lives. Sure, we’ve got

American media really likes lighter-

motivation for leadership. We also

Samuel L. Jackson and Eddie Murphy.

toned blacks. Not that this is the worst

see that T’Chala eventually needs

But young black actors are going to be

thing, but it forces uninformed blacks

the support of his sister, mother, and

the inspiration for young black men,

to believe that we aren’t as complex as

neighboring brother to smite Erik.

so let us have this, please.

we truly are. It forces us to settle for

We see what happens when a race

The release of the Black

a distorted identity, rather than the

war devastates a community. We

Panther film is important for

one that is most authentic. If we’re

see a son coming to terms with the

two reasons: The

truly honest, heroes that are people of

successes and sins of his father’s

color are rarely portrayed. But

reign. We also what happens when

a

it’s difficult to see that when

two strong leaders fall to cooperate

character

your group has always had the

and reach resolution. We see how

privilege of being number one.

the images and wars of the past

being, kids need to

see

representing them.

If

first

black,

you

need

African-American

to

the

consequences

of

Black Panther is important for

shape the future. And all this at time

black men and women because it

when people still resist the inherent

teaches us to remember that we

complexity of black America. After

were not always enslaved, that

Black Panther ended, I remember who

there was a period in our history

I was, and celebrate where I’ve come

when we were free and un-

from, because if we don’t celebrate

burdened. Although Wakanda

ourselves authentically, someone else

is a fictional place

might tell our stories the wrong way.

in East Africa, it EGO MAGAZINE 49

Shomari Moore/EGO Staff Photographer

EGO MAGAZINE 50

“Going back in time...or reflecting what’s to come in reference to art, culture, fashion, scientific inventions, ancestral exploration... through photos...a realism to the culture of freedom, liberate yourself!!! ....through Afro-Centric expression!” #weareWakanda DeJohn Richardson/EGO Staff Writer

EGO MAGAZINE 51

Shomari Moore/EGO Staff Photographer

EGO MAGAZINE 52

“They were on their way...on the way to a particular event of some sorts, not knowing what to expect, however they were dressed and ready for combat... dashiki’s, boots, vintage sneakers, and suits. The journey was foreseen by some, yet determined by the new-age kids who were confused and needed to be enlightened on exactly what “IT” was. Turns out it was a cosmic exploratory journey of peace, power, and prestige of African ancestral heritage! Take back your power!!! #WakandaForever DeJohn Richardson/EGO Staff Writer

EGO MAGAZINE 53

Ten years from now I see Southern University flourishing as never before, if we continue to keep the priorities of the students first. I believe it is imperative to continue to launch initiatives to enhance our student life. In doing so, we will continue to attract the best and brightest students to our campus. Our campus has made several much-needed improvements in the last year. I am confident that our administration will continue to move the university forward.

If I could go back and change anything in my college career , I would definitely apply for more scholarships.

As students, we definitely dislike the application process because of time consumption. I would advise any incoming freshman to take advantage of scholarship opportunities and to avoid student loans if they could. It is definitely worth applying for and will benefit you in the long run.

Our culture here at Southern University is remarkable. There is no experience like a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience. Here I believe we have created an environment in which not only students can explore themselves, but here we can also be ourselves no matter where you are from. I stand firm with the saying “You Are Who You Are, So Embrace It” and We Are Southern, that’s our culture!

- Xavier D. Diamond Student Government Association Vice President 17-18 Senior ~ Education Major

EGO MAGAZINE 54

Where do you see Southern University ten years from now?

If you can go back and change anything in your college career what will it be?

How do you feel about our culture on campus at this very moment ?

In ten years I see Southern University continuing and improving on its current mission. I think the university will be providing opportunities for an even more diverse student population than we see today. I also see the university accomplishing its goal of providing a high-quality global educational experience, which will be key to graduating students capable of successfully competing with other students worldwide. In the future we will still be the Southern University you have always known and loved, however, we will be better and stronger.

I don’t think I would change anything. My previous experiences good or bad have led me to where I am today. I am thankful, appreciate and understand everything I’ve been through has prepared me to handle and accept whatever is to come now or in the future.

I think the culture on campus is different now. Students, as well as faculty, don’t interact as much in person with each other anymore. I feel we all miss out on opportunities to learn and enjoy new experiences as a result. However, we do interact with social media and that seems to lead to most of us seeing, hearing and learning about different cultures and backgrounds. Also, the campus is not as diverse as it was in the past.

Maybe that is due to the drop in enrollment over the years. Nonetheless, there are still wonderful opportunities for students to interact with each other and the culture here on campus allows this to happen.

Darrell Roberson Assistant Professor/Media Engineer Mass Communication I envision Southern University doing remarkably well ten years from now.

I believe the university has established a solid ground of stability and is on pace to becoming a very prestigious university not only among HBCUs but top PWIs as well. The energy is definitely there, Southern University is on stride to accomplishing great things. #GOJAGS - Ivyion Variet Criminal Justice Junior / Lafayette, LA

New year!

New Leagues!

BREC Athletics is now registering teams for our spring leagues, and there’s never been a better time to play BREC!

BREC.ORG/ATHLETICS

EGO MAGAZINE 55

they tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds

- Mexican Proverb