The Generations Issue: Fall 2012

B l a c k S MAgazine ta r FALL 2012

The Generations Issue OUR world then and now

WHAT IS BLACK?

understanding the people behind the skin tone

HEALTH AT EMORY WHY AREN’T THERE MORE BLACK WOMEN IN THE GYM?

The Evolution of Emory TAKING A LOOK AT HOW OUR UNIVERSITY HAS DEVELOPED OVER TIME

Black Star Magazine Editor in Chief: Hugh Hunter Managing Editors: Malaika Nicholas, Samantha Scott

Staff & Contributors Fall 2012

Business & Operations Manager: Briana Keith Arts & Entertainment Editor: Arie Pascale Lesperance Lifestyle Editor: Kimberly Herard News Editor: Hugh Hunter Sports/Fitness Editor: Jaye George Photography: Timothy Walden, Melanie Smith Programming Chairs: Jacqueline Adadi, Mikai Grant Black Star Web Staff: Ibrahima Diallo, Jaye George, Michael Johnson, Briana Keith, Malaika Nicholas, Samantha Scott Layout Staff: Janessa Aneke, Derek Kirkland, Samantha Scott Writers: Ibrahima Diallo, Yvonne Eseonu, Stella Fagbemi, Jaye George, Kimberly Herard, Michael Johnson, Jovonna Jones, Niketu Patel, Timothy Rupnarain, Nagueyalti Warren, Ph.D. *COVER PHOTO: HAMILTON HOLMES VIA EMORY.EDU

A Letter from the Editor... ß

“Back in my day…” This phrase typically signifies the beginning of reminiscence by an elder, probably juxtaposing the positive aspects of their youth with things they consider negative within the current day. We’ve all heard it, and to an extent the best recourse is normally to take the lecture with a grain of salt, with the silent acceptance of the fact that the world changes.

Yet, I’ve noticed a pervasive sentiment among my generation. We feel that we live in an age unlike any that we as a people have ever seen before. Now, that statement may seem intuitive beyond the need for further examination, but I urge you to consider it genuinely.

We have come of age directly affected by one of the greatest terror attacks on American soil. We’ve helped to rebuild lives and cultures after devastating natural disasters. We’ve elected America’s first black president. We have lived.

Today, on Emory’s campus we can notice tangible signs of progress. The addition of Hamilton Holmes Residence Hall as the first hall named after a black person speaks to the fact that our Emory bubble remains committed to diversity.

We have reasons to be proud. The black community, within Emory and across the nation however, is still fighting many battles, with just over 50% of black males receiving high school diplomas in this day and age.

So, where are we exactly? With this Generations themed issue Black Star looks to position ourselves within history using stories, statistics, and cultural perspectives from the past. We as a people have big dreams for the future, and with the amount of successful minorities Emory produces, it only felt right to include input from prominent, longstanding members of the Emory community in our analysis, remembrance, and celebration of the past.

In essence, we have not come this far to get lost now. With patience and hindsight, our foresight shall improve. Look back to smile. Look back to learn. Step forward to change.

Yours,

Hugh Hunter Editor-in-Chief

THE GENERATIONS ISSUE FALL 2012

Have our parents’ prophecies about the world come true? Is life what they told us it would be? Many of the technological advances and cultural changes we have experienced could not have been predicted, and I’ve personally had to grapple with a disjunction between my elders and me, centering on the way I approach life in the same world, but in a very different time from generations past. Although the wisdom of our mentors remains greatly applicable in a theoretical sense, the discontinuities in culture from their time to ours sometimes render us confused, misguided.

FeatureD

5 SAME SEX AMERICA 12 the evolution of emory

Lifestyle

photo via timothy walden

8 WHAT IS LOVE? 20 FROM MY MOTHER’S CLOSET

NeWs 10 black finanace 14 Health at emory

Sports

16 Birth of a superstar 18 Pride or die photo via melanie smith

Arts & Entertainment 22 FROM RICK JAMES TO 2 CHAINZ 23 WHAT IS BLACK?

The Black Student AlliancE, 1972 Photo via Emory Magazine

SA

M

SE

E X

A M E R I C A JON AND KATE or JON AND NATE?

BY Timothy RupNarain

Black Star Magazine

5

L

awrence King was a fifteen-year-old boy who lived in Oxnard, California. Maintaining the normal, average teenage life may have been a difficult task for him to uphold. He lived in a cold, lonely world with nowhere to go: “he lived in a shelter for abused and troubled children.

Perhaps the most difficult part of young Lawrence’s life was attending school every day. Lawrence was recognized as being gay by his classmates because he wore make up and nail polish to school; they would constantly tease and ridicule Lawrence for his sexual orientation. The physical, verbal, and mental abuse continued and eventually led to Lawrence’s death. On February 12, 2008, a fellow classmate shot Lawrence in the head, and he was declared brain dead the next day. On that day, Lawrence’s right to live and choose the life that was right for him was taken away. Such extreme hate towards homosexuals is unacceptable; however, these attitudes are malevolent consequences of people’s personal hatred towards homosexual individuals. Currently, in society, not only is there a strong general sense of dislike towards homosexuals, but also there is a movement against gay people’s right to choose same sex marriages for themselves.

According to the American Heritage of Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, “marriage” is defined as the legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife, and in some jurisdictions, between two persons of the same sex, usually entailing legal obligations of each person to the other. Quite frankly, gay marriage only violates this definition of marriage in the aspect of gender, not the reasons behind why people get married. Marriage is an essentially private, intimate, emotional relationship created by two people for their own personal reasons to enhance their own personal wellbeing. Generally speaking, people who get married are madly in love with each other and marry each other to legally bind their love. Often, marriage fills up the loneliness in the hearts of people longing for love.

Once married, individuals are satisfied and enjoy pleasures of life mentally, physically, and sexually. They marry to feel a sense of belonging and wholeness. Many people feel at one with their spouse, whether opposite or same sex, and view that significant other as their better half. Why should homosexuals be excluded from this pursuit of happiness?

6

Today in America, divorce is becoming more widely accepted among couples. With a divorce rate of about 40 percent, marriage can no longer be considered a long-term,

holy bond between two people in love; instead, marriage is now a “temporary state of affairs.” If two gay people love each other and want to be married, and a marriage would bring them ultimate happiness, they should be granted the right to be happy just like every heterosexual couple. They should be allowed to express their love, visions of marriage, and intimacy on an equal basis with heterosexuals. Although many argue that homosexuality and same marriages are wrong and immoral, and this country was not founded on such values, this argument is not necessarily a valid claim.

Many conservative Christians tend to see same sex marriage as being inferior in value compared to heterosexual marriages

“Marriage is an es-

one else’s husband or wife, both adulterers must be punished and stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22:22). Individuals who oppose same sex marriage cannot legitimately justify their views on same sex marriage unless they are truly living the strict lifestyle outlined in the Bible. Many people in America do not follow and adhere to the teachings prescribed in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, yet they find the time to bash homosexuals and the institution of same sex marriage, using the Bible as their proof.

Quite frankly, these people are guilty of hypocrisy, claiming they are “good” Christians and are living pious lives according to the Holy Scriptures. Christian hypocrisy is intolerable: when Christians use the Holy Bible solely to attack homosexuals, it is a misuse of the Holy Scriptures, showing lack of scholarship and poor pastoral practices.

and justify their claims with the Holy Bible, which bans homosexuality: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be put upon them” (Lev. 20:13). In a religious aspect, it is understandable why people hold such strong, conservative views on homosexuality and gay marriage; however, the problem here is that they Bible accepts sexual practices that we condemn, such as polygamy, and condemns practices that we accept, such as divorce. For instance, divorce is strictly forbidden in both the Old and New Testaments, specifically in remarriage of anyone who has been divorced (Mark 10:1-12).

Gay marriage opponents believe that procreation is a fundamental aspect of marriage, but making babies is completely irrelevant to the purposes of marriage. Also, using the procreation argument against homosexual couples is quite unfair because homosexuals are biologically incapable of conceiving children. Can society justifiably disapprove of homosexuals, biologically incapable of conceiving children, to marry but approve of infertile heterosexual couples to marry? Frankly, the answer to this question is absolutely not. Infertile couples have access to assisted reproductive technologies, for example in-vitro fertilization, and have access to adoption resources. Homosexuals who choose to do so also have adoption resources and can just as easily raise a family as heterosexual couples. In addition, same sex marriages are the functional equivalents to heterosexual marriages when it comes to raising children. It is easy to make a baby but hard to love and protect him or her until adulthood. The primary role of a parent is protecting a child and parenting him or her with love, guidance, and discipline. Same sex couples are just as capable of raising children as different sex couples. Same sex marriage opponents debate whether gay couples are sufficiently good parents, yet there is no evidence that children will not thrive and be happy when raised by same sex couples.

In addition, it is common to find individuals who commit adultery and have sex with another person’s spouse. Often, we see these stories depicted on reality television shows and syndicated shows such as Jerry Springer and The Maury Show. According to the Bible, if a married person has sex with some-

Regardless of whether same sex marriage is right or wrong, the institution of marriage itself is no longer what it used to be, or is out of date. In the past, marriage was romanticized as the ideal hold bond between two people in love. Today, the values behind marriage are drastically changing, and

sentially private, intimate, emotional relationship created by two people for their own personal reasons to enhance their own personal wellbeing”

riage. Domestic violence is rising and is at an all time high. According to the Department of Justice, “more than 588,000 women and more than 100,000 men were physically assaulted, raped, or robbed by their [spouses or other] ‘intimate partners’ in 2001. More than likely, these statistics may have increased in the past decade because domestic abuse continues to occur across America. In extreme cases, marital abuse can lead to physical injury, for example, in the case of Yvette Cade, a 31 year old from Clinton, MD, where her husband walked into the T-Mobile store where she worked, doused her with gasoline, and set her on fire. Frankly, these cases of abuse do not show loving, benign intentions in a marriage. Instead, they show malicious and malignant intentions geared towards harming the other spouse. Overall, the institution of marriage has become so disarranged that there is no need to argue whether same Also, many marriages today fail to fulfill sex marriage is right or wrong. Either way, the concept of marriage as an essentially marriage, whether heterosexual or hoprivate, intimate, emotional relationship mosexual, will have a diminished value. created by two people for their own personal reasons to enhance their own per- Same sex marriage continues to be one of sonal well being because more and more America’s most controversial, ongoing isspouses are being abused in their mar- sues, and is far from being settled. There are the high standards romanticized in heterosexual marriages are diminishing. With a divorce rate of about 40 percent, marriage can no longer be considered a long-term, holy bond between two people in love; instead, marriage is now a temporary state of affairs. From an economic viewpoint, marriage is increasingly being treated as a business deal because heterosexual couples are able to obtain a number of economic benefits such as Social Security and jointly filing income taxes; however, their homosexual counterparts are not able to reap the same benefits because same sex marriage is not federally recognized. As a result, under federal law, homosexual couples must file their federal income tax returns as single people, whether or not they live in a state that recognizes their same sex marriage. This law is quite an unfair disadvantage towards homosexual couples.

many people who support same sex marriage; however, they are generally afraid of going against the status quo. Even if they support same sex marriage, because of societal pressures, they will “gay bash,” as in the case of Lawrence King, and will be against same sex marriage outwardly.

It is only a matter of time before America goes through drastic societal changes; similar to women being able to vote, same sex marriages may eventually become a societal norm in the United States. Instead of watching the lives of John and Kate on reality television, Americans may eventually spend their evenings watching the lives of John and Nate. Until this happens, same sex marriage is far from being settled. Americans must set aside their differences and find common ground on the issue; if such compromises are not made, this controversy may never be alleviated.

If the basic rights of gays can be easily diminished, one must wonder what and whose rights will be the next to go?

Jurusdictions which have legalized Same-Sex MarriagE: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, iN May 2012, President Barack New York, Obama “CaME out” in Support of Vermont, same-sex Marriage. and Washington,

The FACTs

According to a july 2012 Pew Research Poll, 48% of Americans supporT gay marriage as opposed to 39% in 2008.

Black Star Magazine

7

Love is powerful, yet weakening. Love is calming, yet frenzied. Love brings forth meticulous thinking, and rash actions.

Love can breed hate. Love can breed greater love. With its ability to simultaneously possess such a wide array of contradictory forms, it is easy to see why the divine beast of love has been subject of interest for human kind since the oldest recorded narratives. Over time, the natures of these narratives may have evolved, but their universal guiding essence remains; every one of the actions in these stories can be attributed and traced back to love. Today, these love narratives take shape in the fictional stories of movies and television sitcoms; modern love stories are also found in the just-as-fictional lives and relationships of the celebrities that act in said movies and sitcoms. But how accurately has the complex contradictory nature of love been translated in a modern media setting, especially within the black media community?

If you were to turn on a TV today, you would get the impression that typical love consists of quirky skirmishes that arise and are resolved within thirty minutes; flighty, fleeting, and frequent marriages to your celebrity peers; and the collection (“adoption”) of third world children from varied countries as if they are Pokémon cards. But how does this compare to an actual loving family dynamic that you are familiar with? Chances are, no couple has an argument over something new every thirty minutes (not a couple still to-

photo via melanie smith

8

gether at least), and no one really has the resources (or attention span) to marry and remarry so many times or adopt so many children. But it is this image that is perpetuated, with the depiction of love being much more rigidly structured within black media.

“

...love that has had time to grow and mature, is harmonious, quietly passionate, and unquestionably eternal.

“

Mr. E Understood

What i

In other words, it’s boring.

The average black movie starts out with an educated career-focused woman (who don’t need no man!), who is guarded and cynical toward love because of the abusive relationship she had just gotten out of with an adulterous – but successful husband, usually played by Michael Jai White. The woman is soon approached and swept off her feet by a sensitive God-fearing man, who finds employment in a humble field, as postman or janitor. Despite possessing all of the innate traits that she would look for in a potential mate, the career-focused woman rejects the sensitive janitor because his job isn’t prestigious enough, and she goes back to her abusive husband, Michael Jai White. This

Mr. and Mrs. Understoo the m

shockingly doesn’t work out, as Michael Jai White proceeds to beat her up and cheat on her again, which fortifies her cynicism toward men and love. She is then given a great job offer in a far off place like Chicago. Ready to leave her old life behind, she is stopped by the sensitive janitor, who pleads with to her stay and believe in true love because Jesus. She obliges almost immediately, and they live happily ever after. Also, Tyler Perry dressed in women’s clothing shows up somewhere in between all of this.

Why is this caricature of love the image that dominates the mainstream media, especially black media? It may be because true love isn’t as conflicted as laid out by the opening lines of this article. Rather, true love, love that has had time to grow and mature, is harmonious, quietly passionate, and unquestionably eternal. In other words, it’s boring. No one would really be interested in following the day-to-day activities of a couple that has been genuinely in love for a while — you wouldn’t be able to detect the subtleties of their loving gestures — so it would be like watching two regular people. The infantile form of love that causes people to make rash decisions and over the top displays of affection—that is what entices and entertains. So don’t believe everything (or anything really) you see of love on TV, just take them for what they are; stories for entertainment.

is Love?

How does the media effect our perceptions of love and relationships? Is genuine love lost in translation? What can be applied to real life? And where is the line between entertainment and reality drawn to discern a deep craving for glamour versus a longing for sensible endurance?

When we watch Tyler Perry movies or read books such as “Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man,” we are presented with a satirical interpretation of love and relationships. We see couples that fight nonstop, even during sex. We see couples that seem to be on pause; men and women cannot attain commitment from their spouse. We find couples that are near the breaking point. Of course, a majority of movies tend to force such relationships down to the depths of “lost hope” and suddenly, the couple retrieves their lost love and the relationship is saved! But does that truly happen in real life? The narrative dictates that all disputes and issues that threaten a relationship, even large ones, can quickly and effortlessly vanish within a two-hour time frame.

Mrs. Understood

have the ability to provide such spectacular a Mercedes, offer up bags of money, and fly outings for their woman on a daily basis. their woman over to Paris one night, and then China the next. This version of lacks roThe media also leads individuals to believe mance, relying on the physical and material. that disputes can be managed in a couple of hours, or through sexual seduction. Re- It becomes difficult for women who do meet alistically speaking, men and women can- the standards set by video vixens to feel connot always agree upon life-changing deci- fident enough to approach a man without worrying about rejection or humiliation. A man may resist interacting with a female of his interest because he fears becoming the And where is the line be- punch line of a joke due to his short stature or low-paying job. It is difficult for those tween entertainment and real- “good guys” to feel worthy enough to comity drawn to discern a deep pete for a girl when their opponent is that 6’4” guy with a snapback and tattoos, styled craving for glamour with two chains and a Porsche too. What we versus a longing for sensible see in music videos is alluring but also temporary. After three minutes full of acting, endurace? dancing, and constant directing, the lights are turned off and the dancers and rappers return home to their real relationships.

“

“

od address Black Love in media...

sions in one day or that couples can kiss and make up a few hours after a dispute.

Love is not all that easy. We set unattainable standards for our significant other, based on the simulated relationships on TV It is facile to view romantic scenes on tele- and on the lives of the rich and the famous. visions and in movies and make that an expectation for real relationships. Many Often, music depicts the illusion that love succumb to the idea that the best partner must be able to fulfill one’s sexual fantahas to be a romantic who has profound sies. Popular music and the accompanyreasons to take them to a certain venue for ing videos paint a picture of a woman with a date. Many women seem to forget that amazing hips, a flat belly, and beautiful, those romantic scenes on television do not long flowing hair that one can grab hold of. occur every evening. Some men do not Men are expected to be 6’4” or taller, drive

Now that we are aware that the media can and has placed this stigma on love, what should we do as a community? Do we continue to treat love without importance or should we remember to care for its fragility? At such dynamic points in our lives as we continue our journey in the real world, there are so many factors that can affect a relationship and the expression of love. The importance here is not the search for love, but the way in which it is identified, supported, and protected.

How

deep

can

love

really

be?

Black Star Magazine

9

ECONOMIC EVOLUTION AN INTROSPECTIVE LOOK AT CHANGING FINANCIAL PRIORITIES AT DIFFERENT FACETS OF LIFE MICHAEL JOHNSON

W

e live in a generation where the only thing that convolutes the airways more than misogyny is fiscal irresponsibility. This is (somewhat) understandable— there is just something that wouldn’t be as enticing if rap lyrics were more like “treat her right, and save money for those rough nights!” Sex sells, and what better way to buy sex than by having stuff.

Lots and lots of nice stuff. Spending so lavishly isn’t a lifestyle that can be maintained or is even desired for long, however. No longer influenced by the messages of mainstream media, people eventually (sometimes) begin prioritize financially, becoming more frugal with their choices. The transformation into a financial mature person is by no means instantaneous; rather, it occurs over several stages, broken down below.

Pre-fiscally Aware. Ranging from

ages 18 – 24, these are the people taking the first step into adulthood (and I do use this term as loosely as Kim Kardashian’s wedding vows). You will

10

PHOTO VIA ISTOCK PHOTO

find virtually every college student and people a couple of years after in this category. This category as the name implies consists of people unaware of the magnitude of truly supporting yourself financially. There is no reasoning with the pre-fiscally aware. That’s because there is no sense of urgency to change their ways. Living under a different roof than Mommy and Daddy for the first time, they are given the impression that they are financially independent, or as financially dependent as currently possible, so they won’t ever heed your warnings to save money for bad the times; understand spending habits and risks; stop being so frivolous;

hood, your first steps in providing and fending for yourself. You will become aware in what you swear are the new ways of the world, even though these are the rules that have been there all along; but you were painfully ignorant to these laws of life, just as the kid who neglects fruits and vegetables and good (or daily) dental hygiene, instead opting to stuff his face under chocolate waterfall a couple of times a day (this can’t possibly come back to bite you the ass, right?). Your new days will consist of frequent epiphanies such as “I have to find my own food? Like, everyday?” and “water costs money too?” This time in your life marks many decisions and

“...you’ll realize the mistakes of your youth, like maybe getting those solid gold rims for your platinum snow mobile parked in your Miami snow lodge wasn’t the best of your ideas.”

and business planning. Eventually, your financial priorities will be realized, marking your evolution into a human who is truly financially mature.

Financial Maturity. Roughly around

age 35 and onwards, this is the final stage of your financial development.

You are brought stability by your personal responsibility to provide for your family, and maintain your house. Maturity marks selflessness; Harold Lewis, Associate Dean at the Goizueta Businesses School’s MBA program office enforcing this, claiming that “99% of my income is spent on the family. 1% on me.” As someone who has matured financially, you’ll realize the mistakes of your youth, like maybe getting those solid gold rims for your platinum snow mobile parked in your Miami snow lodge wasn’t the best of your ideas. Notable life goals associated with this part of life include protection of lifestyle, healthcare investments, tax management, inheritance, retirement planning, and long-term care planning; essentially, when you get boring, you’re a full-fledged financially mature person.

Or you could just be rich, and avoid having to grow up at all.

realize that the responsibility of their financial future will ultimately fall on them (loans don’t stay loaned forever).

The more stubborn and worst offenders of the pre-fiscally aware group are the older members, for they honestly believe they are more mature and responsible than their younger counterparts.

You will find these members roughly ages 22 to 24, just out college landing the big job their expensive degrees promised them as their local mall’s kiosk attendees, with a smug sense of entitlement on their face thinking they’ve made it; even though they are still financially supported by their parents.

Eventually the bird will have to leave (read: get kicked out) the nest, and enlightenment (or death) will be achieved.

great sacrifices, as you revaluate how necessary it is to have a fully charged phone, or electricity in general. You will find yourself becoming more and more like Chris’ dad Julius on Everybody Hates Chris, quantifying monetarily every aspect of your life (this article was written on 5 cent worth of paper)!

You can no longer afford friends. Morgan Moorehead, age twenty-five, administrative assistant at the Goizueta Business School MBA Program Office agrees with this, remarking how whimsically she used to plan and take trips with her friends, but after turning “21 life changes. You soon realize you can’t go to Vegas with your friends.” As you approach the later years in this age range, life doesn’t necessarily get easier to manage financially, you just get Fiscal Enlightenment. Ranging from better at it. This period is marked with ages 24 – 35, this age range marks your feats such as getting married, owning first steps into true financial adult- your first home, having children (on purpose!), greater debt management,

Black Star Magazine

11

G e ne r at i o n s “Who

you are is about where you’ve come from and where you are going” —Johnnetta B. Cole In 1971 Emory College established the first Black Studies program in the South.

The program, titled African and African American Studies, was the result of student protest and activism. Students demanded courses that were relevant to their lived experiences and they wanted black professors to teach them. They wanted a space for themselves where they could be open and honest about their feelings without the fear that they would be misunderstood or that their cultural mannerisms would be misinterpreted. That wish manifest as the BSA (Black Student Alliance) House.

When people, including the students’ parents, questioned how they would get a job with a degree in African and African American Studies, they were wise enough to say that they had come to college not just to get a job but to get an education. The first step in education is self-knowledge.

terms of student rights. They fought for the right to choose their own educational paths.

They refused to serve in a war they thought was unjust. Many of these students were veterans of the Civil Rights Movement who registered voters in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. They sat in, prayed in, marched in and took over Cox Hall when the administration sought to ignore their demands.

Thus the generation of old left a lasting legacy. Now, what of the generation of today, the twenty-first century students in Emory College of Arts and Sciences?

What legacy will you leave? Clearly, the need for an exclusive space no longer exists as the BSA House has been lost. The turn of the century has seen an all time low enrollment in African American Studies classes, and the number of majors does not reflect the number of black students enrolled in the college--not that all should be majors, but all should at least recognize the significance of the department.

When I came to Emory in 1988 as the first African American dean in the College administration, African and African American Studies was not a department but a program. Student enrollment was robust, the BSA was thriving, the BSA House was a focal point of activities, students marched for the end of Apartheid in South Africa and they pushed for political and socially engaged speakers to come to campus. The end of the century produced change. In 2003 the African American Studies program became a department, a cause for celebration.

In those early years students understood that this knowledge was important not only for their self-awareness, but that others would and should benefit from studying the history and culture of African Americans because the essence of what is African American is American. This generation of students There are a number of twenty-first cenpaved the way for all that we enjoy today in

tury questions that your generation must face. If this indeed is a post-racial society, how relevant is black culture, black history, black departments in historically white institutions? W.E.B. Du Bois once stated: “As long as the Negro student wishes to graduate from Columbia, not because Columbia is an institution of learning but because it is attended by white students, as long as a Negro student is ashamed to attend Fisk or Howard because these institutions are largely run by black folk, just so long the main problem of Negro education will not be segregation but self-knowledge and self-respect (“A Negro Nation Within A Nation” 1935).”

How pertinent is Du Bois’ statement today? He also declared that the problem of the twentieth century was the problem of the color line. What is the problem of the twenty-first century? How will you solve it? Only you can answer these questions.

I simply wish to leave you with this one thought: Without the knowledge of your past it is impossible to fully know yourself.

Therefore, Black Star should be commended for focusing this issue on generations—a way of connecting past, present and future.

Nagueyalti Warren, Ph.D. Professor of Pedagogy Director of Undergraduate Studies Department of African American Studies

The evolution 12

FEATURING Dr. Nagueyalti Warren & Niketu Patel

Embracing A New Hall Entering Hamilton Holmes hall for the first time after its completion is an experience that I could never forget. From the floor to the ceiling, everything was shiny and spotless, but the atmosphere on that day was a rare occurrence. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Mrs. Hamilton Holmes, who had a glow to her presence, as well as speaking at the dedication ceremony for the hall in her husband’s honor.

Ben Johnson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mrs. Hamilton Holmes both gave accounts of Dr. Holmes. Mrs. Holmes gave a true insight on how the Emory community was accepting of him. It was a different campus (than UGA), as Mrs. Hamilton described it. Upon coming to Emory’s campus, Dr. Holmes was able to make immediate friends with his fellow medical students and professors. Unlike his previous experience at UGA, Dr. Holmes was There was an auspicious aura; it was not ignored or looked down upon while at similar to the feeling I felt when my famEmory. The students at Emory were acceptily renovated our family business. I had a ing of Dr. Holmes regardless of the social sense of ownership when Hamilton Holmes stigma during the time he attended school. was complete. It made me feel proud to be The experience that Dr. Holmes received part of something new, and being one of was uncommon at the time in the south. the first classes of students to experience the building is invaluable. Even though I Mrs. Holmes’s account of Dr. Holmes’s am not a resident in Hamilton Holmes, I medical school experience shows us how experienced a sense of belonging to this Emory students were different than other new hall and treated it as a new addition institutions, in that we saw beyond the to my family, the Emory Community. racial disputes during that time. Emory students made ethically engaged decisions At the dedication, I don’t think many about how to react to racial issues. They people knew the significance of Hamilton chose to take the higher road and took the Holmes, or his triumph until President time to decide for themselves how to adWagner mentioned it. When President dress the situation at hand. It also reminds Wagner explained that Hamilton Holmes us that our school motto, cor prudentis is the first residence hall named after an possidebit scientiam (the wise heart seeks African American student, the true sigknowledge), is omnipresent in everything nificance of the dedication struck home we do. for everyone. Hamilton Holmes represents more than a new building; it has a cultural The experiences and problem solving that significance to the Emory community. The alumni faced during Hamilton Holmes’s atnaming in honor of Dr. Hamilton Holmes tendance is directly reflected in the theme represents the openness and experiences of Hamilton Holmes Hall, Creativity and Holmes had when he attended Emory Uni- Innovation. Through the generations, we versity Medical School. have all learned how to problem solve and

compromise. Hamilton Holmes’s theme will look to create solutions by using an imaginative and innovative approach. This will help engage residents in discussions that will challenge them in finding their voice and solutions for their problems.

We should not forget all the work and effort that went into making this building operational. I was here during the summer and therefore able to watch all the different operational aspects of making Hamilton Holmes functional. From seeing the building plans to taking a tour before the building was complete, an abundance of man power was utilized to make sure Hamilton Holmes Hall was flawless. However, there were unforeseen problems that arose when residents started occupying Hamilton Holmes. Utilizing the resources of Residence Life and Housing, and using Twitter to their advantage, helped engage the community in finding an effective solution to the problems that arose. By embodying the theme of Hamilton Holmes Hall and creating discussion within the first month, the future looks bright for the H3 residents and Dr. Holmes would be proud of what has come from his experiences and contributions.

Niketu Patel (14’C) Residence Hall Association President

of emory Black Star Magazine

13

Health at EMORY Why are there so few black women in the gym?

Yvonne Eseonu investigates When you walk into the fourth floor WoodPEC gym, you can’t help but notice the wide range of diversity: from staff to students, men to women, and young to old. The racial makeup consists of a variety of groups; however, it is hard to miss the absence of black females. While it is not unusual to see a group of black men playing basketball or lifting weights, the presence of black females is lacking for multiple reasons.

After interviewing several black women

14

the fourth floor of the woodruff

on Emory’s campus, they cite hair as the number one reason why they do not work out. Dola Delano, a junior in the college, says, “The whole reason why I don’t work out is because of hair.” Regardless of whether hair is relaxed or natural, the process of washing and re-styling that many black women have to undertake after they work out serves as a major hindrance.

Delano went on to admit, “When I have a weave in, I work out, but when I don’t, I stay

PE Center (Photo via emory.edu)

away from the gym.” There are some, like Amanda Codling, who believe even weave hairstyles present an obstacle. Codling adamantly states, “I am not going to the gym with this weave in. I can’t sweat it out.”

While hair is an issue, Hassan Wicker, a personal trainer for Emory students and staff, believes that there are ways around this obstacle such as using a hair wrap if you have a perm and choosing specific hairstyles if you’re natural. Wicker often asks many of his clients, “If you have great hair in a coffin, what is the point?” emphasizing the importance of health over aesthetics.

Malcolm Jones, a sophomore at in the College, is a personal trainer at LA Fitness and regularly provides workout sessions for his friends. Jones has his own philosophy about why black women don’t work out on a regular basis. He believes that the three most common reasons are all rooted in misconceptions. Women often tell him “I don’t need to work out because I am on a diet.” Jones considers this thinking to be problematic because many women think dieting is about eating less. However, eating significantly smaller portions ultimately slows down a person’s metabolism and limits their ability to burn calories, which defeats the purpose of dieting.

The second misconception that black women hold is that working out consistently will make them too muscular or bulky. However Jones claims that it requires a concentrated

effort for women to gain “bulky” muscle because of high estrogen levels.

He suggests that “a woman would have to be in the gym seven days a week, lifting weights” for her to begin to look extremely muscular, whereas for men it is easier to gain muscle due to higher testosterone levels.

The third misconception is based on black women’s fear of losing their curves, specifically their buttocks/butt/“booty” if they work out. Delano attests to this concern and argues that there are societal pressures that black women carry to maintain their thickness and “phat booty.”

Jones, who is also known as the fitness mastermind by his friends claims that there are multiple exercises that actually serve not only to improve the look but also tone and strengthen the butt and thighs such as Pilates and squat routines.

The reasons that often prevent black women from exercising on a regular basis are not just limited to this campus. Black women across the United States share many of the same sentiments about working out. According

to the National Health Interview Survey in 2006, few black women say they exercise regularly. As a result, the health effects are detrimental. According to the U.S. State Department of Health and Human Services in 2010, four out of five black women are overweight or obese. The long term effects of not exercising can increase black women’s chances of getting heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis, and many forms of cancer.

Therefore starting a workout regimen at a young age is one of the best preventative measures against these health risks. Wicker, the Emory trainer, encourages black women to start a workout routine now because “It is harder to start when you’re out of shape in your thirties.” His suggestion is that they simply “Find a way to make it fun.”

There are some black women at Emory who have already established a workout routine such Karyn Korsah, an avid gym goer who is already two steps ahead of the game. She goes to the gym about four times a week and attends intense kick boxing classes with her friends at the SAAC. Karyn says, “Sometimes you have to encourage

First Lady Michelle Obama at a “Let’s Move” event (photo via istock photos)

yourself and do it for the right reasons.”

Jones recommends coupling dieting with exercising. “Dieting is not about eating less… rather it about eating better.” He emphasizes the importance of women incorporating a cardio exercise for about 20 to 40 minutes.

That is in their target heart rate zone, which is calculated by subtracting your age and 50 from 220. Jones also advises that women include resistance training into their workout in order to build muscle and strength. He even kindly offered to hold free workout sessions for women who are interested in improving their health.

Black women at Emory perceive that they are alone in the struggle of adopting a healthy lifestyle. However, working out in groups can make it more enjoyable. Black women across America are raising health awareness by creating fitness initiatives such as Black Girls Run, Girltrek and A Black Girls Guide to Losing Weight; therefore, black women at Emory can do the same. In the words of Michelle Obama’s fitness campaign, “Let’s Move” together.

Black Star Magazine

15

From professional athlete to Celebrity brand Jaye George

basketball. They often played rap music in the locker room before and after games.

They were also known for their high black socks, skinned fades, black tennis shoes, and baggy basketball shorts. The media tagged them as “thugs.” On top of it all, Chris Webber was indicted by the NCAA for receiving improper funds from longtime Michigan booster Ed Martin. Regardless, their trash talk and novel habits are just another part of basketball culture today.

Every new era brings along a bigger, faster, and better athlete. This has been responsible for the evolution of sports from times of our parents or even our grandparents’ generation. Interestingly enough, there also is a sudden change in the development of a professional athlete off of the playing field. With social media and the advent of reality television, some athletes have made a name for themselves beyond Then there is the multisport athlete. There the stats and championships. Let’s look at are two different athletes that come to some the notorious athletes who were immind: Vincent “Bo” Jackson and Deion pressionable on their respective sports.

“Primetime” Sanders. Both were big time baseball and football players. Jackson, who Remember “The Fab 5”? The 1991 Univerplayed left fielder for the Kansas City Roysity of Michigan basketball recruiting class als and running back for the Los Angeles was by far one of the greatest of all time.

Raiders, was the first athlete to be named The five included Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, an All-Star in two sports. Although injuries Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackcut his football career short and an early son. Though they never won a national retirement from baseball in 1994, Bo rechampionship together, they championed mains one of the greatest multisport aththe bridge between hip hop culture and

The Fab 5

letes. As for Deion Sanders, we have seen him high stepping towards the end zone in football games one day and playing at the Braves game the next. The guy was a big time cornerback and he even created his own personality, sporting a bandana underneath his helmets. In the end, both Jackson and Sanders were the last remnants of the innovative multisport athlete.

Nothing breathes superstar more than the self-proclaimed “King James.” LeBron James, now in his third season with the Miami Heat, has developed a love-hate relationship with the general public, with most of the hate turning into admiration after last season’s epic year. LeBron captured his third NBA Most Valuable Player Award, the once elusive NBA Championship ring, Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medalist all in the same year. His shoes and clothing line helped further establish an international market for LeBron, which is something we have not quite seen since the days of Michael Jordan. Throughout the years, James’ repu

Bo Jackson

Deion Sanders

Chad Johnson & Evelyn Lozada

photos via istock photo

tation was both self-inflicting as well as the media’s massive coverage on him. Before he entered the NBA, he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as “The Chosen One,” which also tattooed on his back. Later came, “The Decision,” a 60 minute ESPN special featuring the 7 golden words “I’m taking my talents to South Beach.” And now, with the proverbial monkey off his back, a ring for LeBron means more promotion and endorsement deals from Nike, Sprite, State Farm, and Beats by Dre. The Lebron James brand reveals that he is the most celebrated athlete of all sports. With all of the endorsements, achievements, and now rings, “King James” sits atop the throne as one of the most celebrated athletes of our time.

Chad Johnson, formerly known as Chad Ochocinco, was once characterized by his antics on the football field, but recently, his production on the field declined and people paid attention to his off-the-field issues as a source of ineffectiveness. Johnson was most recently involved with reality star Evelyn Lozada with whom he allegedly head butted and was charged with domestic violence. Their short marriage made everyone forget about Kim Kardashian and Nets forward Kris Humphries, which was a farce as well. With these examples, we realize that tabloids tales and scandals can truly tarnish an athlete’s reputation. Ask Tiger.

So what can we take from today’s history

2012 NBA Champions Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James (photo via istock photo)

lesson? The image of the American athlete has rapidly changed in recent years.

The pandemonium over star athletes was once based solely upon their phenomenal performances and the ability to win championships. However, as mass media and the Internet evolved, the lives of our athletes have become more transparent than ever before. In fact, our favorite athletes’ lives become embedded in our own.

We try to emulate everything from shoes, to hairstyle, and even clothes. As each generation presents a new mode of stardom, one thing that has kept consistent is a superstar’s ability to serve as the cultural catalyst to which their fans follow.

By Stella Fagbemi Swoop or Dooley? This may seem a Legend has it that Lord Dooley died of Eagles were finally chosen because “the question as complex as War Eagle or Tigers for an Auburn fan, but in a recent survey of Emory students, the overwhelming majority say Dooley (84 percent in fact). Perhaps this is due to the early inception of the mascot over a century ago in 1899. Emory’s literary journal of the day, The Phoenix, introduced the Lord of Misrule in an article entitled “Reflections of the Skeleton.” However, it wasn’t until Dooley’s return in 1909 that he was truly celebrated and accepted. In the October 1909 issue of The Phoenix, Dooley’s “Letter-By Way of Introduction” was printed.

In this, the previous Dooley that originated in New York was vetoed and the history of our current day Dooley was established.

Swoop, Emory’s Mascot (PHOTO VIA EMORY.EDU)

18

alcoholism and a doctor kept his skeleton for teaching purposes, allowing him to observe the science room and Emory while comfortably tucked away. This same article gave us Dooley’s most recognizable saying, “Presidents may come and presidents may go; professors may come and professors may go; students may come and students may go; but Dooley lives on forever.”

This line rings in the ears of students, faculty and staff more than Emory’s actual school motto, “Minds rule. Hearts matter.”

It wasn’t until 1941 that Lord Dooley began his appearances around campus. This was also the first year that the school’s trustees allowed dancing on campus. Coincidence?

The Lord of Misrule might claim otherwise.

Fast forward nineteen years to the creation of the Emory Eagles. Until 1960, our sports teams were referred to as the “Emory Nothings” as we were mascot–less (though we went through a brief stint as the “Emory Teasippers” though no one seems to know why, perhaps a nod to our Southern charm).

David Kross, a member of Emory’s first soccer team, had enough. He took to the students and tried to get everyone to have a say in choosing the mascot, but everyone was preoccupied with their medical studies.

Sound familiar? Kross’ frustration with the process and lack of student interest for his efforts led him to turn to the E-Team President. After tossing around the Emory Dooley’s and the Emory Medics, the Emory

name is simply applicable and has obvious decorative advantages.” Because of the lackluster reasoning behind the mascot’s choosing and absence of enthusiasm for the overall process, it’s no wonder that the Emory lack of spirit tradition carried on.

Enter NCAA athletics. For the 15.4% minority, here comes Swoop! In 1986 the bald eagle made its first appearance to cheer on the sports and athletes of Emory’s NCAA Division III. Swoop began to be easily recognizable by rolling through campus on skates, throwing freebies at games, and making special appearances. In 2005, the mascot got a revamp and became the Swoop we know today. Even with two mascots, Emory spirit is still at a minimum. Many

Emory Students at Songfest 2011 (PHOTO VIA EMORY RES LIFE)

students attribute the fact to our nonexistent (and undefeated) football team. This may never come to fruition since our founders thought the sport to be ungentlemanly, though soccer and rugby seem to find a way to thrive. Other students believe more free gear will cause them to feel more at one with the school. Perhaps this will deter Emory students from wearing spirit wear from other schools such as Duke and USC. Just a thought. Furthermore, many students believe having a “pep squad” will induce some school spirit, seemingly oblivious to the fact that we have a cheerleading team as well as the Emory E-Team, a spirit club.

An overwhelming majority of respondents complain of under promotion as the excuse for their lack of spirit, a valid justification in my book. But what more can be done to endorse unless we spam your email, Facebook and Twitter? Are signs and word of mouth not enough? Apparently.

More than half of respondents said they had yet to attend a sporting event and only twenty percent had attended two or more. This could be attributed to the fact that 67.3 percent of respondents are part of student organizations compared to the 5.8 percent in sports and 15.4 percent that are part of both. This begs the question: why do we have more spirit for our residence halls than we do for our number one ranked Women’s soccer team? Songfest breeds an inter-dorm competition that carries on with Dooley’s Bowl. The dorm rivalries are intended to involve freshmen in school

activities and events however it seems to fail in building school spirit. In the 1950s and 1960s, fraternities competed in a skit competition on their lawns. Spectators would watch the different acts put on by the brothers and observe the decorations that adorned the row and enticed a little friendly competition, a precursor to Songfest. This was yet another tradition that fell off. Even Dooley had to succumb to a brief hiatus due to a lack of interest in the 1990s. His spirit and interest resumed in the 2000s as he made appearances via motorcycle and helicopter. Students were also lured into school activities with appearances by B.o.B. in 2010 and 5 for Fighting in 2011.

Yet in 2012, many students were let down by the Homecoming line up and hope for better with the Dooley’s Ball artist.

For now, students hope to remain optimistic about a surge in Emory Pride. Of the students surveyed, 71.2 percent said that Emory had less spirit than their high school, and only 53.8% of students said that their high school had a lot of school spirit. Notice a disjunction? Some of the students who said Emory had less spirit than their high school didn’t even think their high school had a lot of school spirit. Yet 57.7 percent said that they have a lot of Emory spirit. It makes sense to want to think that you’re not the cause of your complaints. Perhaps we should take a step back and realize if it is us who have let Dooley, Swoop and the Eagles down in our lack of spirit and not the other way around.

DOOLEY’s LOGO (photo via emory.edu)

James W. Dooley, Lord of Misrule, with his usual entourage (PHOTO VIA EMORY.EDU)

Black Star Magazine

19

photo via stella fagbemi

From My

by Stella Fagbemi

D

ear Momma,

Welcome to the sixties! Though you were just a little girl growing up nearly 6,000 miles away, somehow shift dresses, drain pipes (our modern day skinny jeans) and knee high boots found their way into your closet. Amongst your school uniforms and Barbie dolls were mod Twiggy-esque garments, and your bald head was well on its way to Donyale Luna fame. Needless to say, your bell bottoms never worked their way into my own closet but the high waist-line of your 1970s swagger often adorn my midriff like The Three Degrees. Against the inferred advice of Beverly Johnson via the cover of Vogue, you maintained your ‘fro.

Time rolled on to a place not so long ago: the 1980s. This is the decade where the most current fashions were drawn from. I could never imagine you in a tight spandex mini skirt, yet you see me prance around in my body cons on a daily basis. Your jelly shoes lay beside mine off in a dumpster somewhere giving homage to fashion’s cycle.

20

This was the period of “wear whatever you want, and get away with it.” Still, you kept it classy, only venturing out to wear your oversize Lennon’s which have made a comeback atop the eyes of icons such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Khloe Kardashian. By now, you were making your way to America to fully grasp your inner Tina Turner.

Continue onto the decade where I arrived, les 90s and enter the fashions of “A Different World.” Whitley Gilbert with her oversized, vivacious blazers, Dwayne Wayne with his flip down shades and Lena’s bare midriff and edgy style encompassed Black fashion of the late twentieth century. By this point you were a professional. The Jheri curls and shoulder pads were left in the 80s. Now, style went up and became your own. Ankle length skirts and bedazzled sweaters decorated your closet. I played in your kitten heels ten times too big for my five-year-old feet. Once the new Millennia hit I wasn’t so infatuated by your clothes but rather those that hung on Britney Spears and other bubble gum artists. That is until I came into my own.

The decade of 2010 gave way to a revolution that had already been resolved in the 80s: a revolution of wearing what you want. Past that, the 2010s are an era of wearing things with the intent of being different, thereby ruining originality. The neons of the 80s return on artists like Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry. A sleek pair of brightly colored Nikes reminiscent of “Physical” Olivia Newton-John brings this trend within reach. Rather than wearing a hot pink tutu, a fiercely colored bandeau underneath a black tank top helps channel the inner Cyndi Lauper. Rihanna and Jessica Simpson revamp Daisy Dukes made famous by their namesake in the early 80s. Thus, I embrace the retro pieces I have pilfered from your closet. Your emerald, sapphire and black leopard-print skirt rests in my closet to remind me of the day you dropped me off at preschool for the first time. I carry your Coach crossbody bag to school as you did. Your high-waisted eggshell linen pants hit a bit lower on me because of your petite five foot frame. I recall you wearing them in a photo nearly twenty years ago and I wear them today in the same fashion. By way of you, I learned me. So, thank you mom for leaving the trail of buttons, bows and glitter that led me to my own fashion fortress.

With love,

Stella

photo via stella fagbemi

Regardless of your mother’s sense of style (or lack thereof), retro can find its way into your closet just the same. With the revival of past styles, thrift shops have increased in popularity. Unlike with borrowing from your mother’s closet, these items are not free but if you take note of fifty percent off items, they can get pretty close! Some tips for thrifting: 1. Try it on! Even if the chances of it fitting are in the negatives, give it a shot because you never know. If the item catches your eye, then take a second to see how flattering may be.

2. Scissors are your friend. Buying a pair of 80s “mom” jeans for four dollars, hacking at them, and tossing a little bleach their way can yield a cool pair of grunge shorts.

3. Don’t be afraid of smaller, local shops. Often, they can be just as cheap, if not cheaper, than Good Will and Salvation Army. Shopping local is a great way to benefit both your community and your closet.

Black Star Magazine

21

From

Rick

James

to 2ChainZ photos via urban gospel mission/the re-up

Ibra Diallo

M

usic defines generations. It always finds a way to evolve and reflect society and major events within the time period that it is released. It is easy to find parallels between music released during a specific time period and the corresponding adolescent generation. Often, one can predict the decade, in which a person was a teenager or young adult based entirely on a list of artists or bands they listened to.

Your parents may have grown up on or listened to artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Isley Brothers, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, and Rick James, just to cover all the bases. Those artists helped to shape your parents’ culture, musical tastes, and maybe even their lives. It can be hard to imagine, but the artists that we listen to currently, will do the same, ultimately defining our generation. Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, Frank Ocean, Miguel, Future and yes,

22

Will music ever be the same? even 2 Chainz are several artists who future generations will look back on in order to describe our current culture. Trap music is a hip-hop subgenre that has recently gained a lot of attention and will surely be looked back on, once this generation has passed.

This category seems to have its roots in the sound of Southern rap legends such as UGK and Three 6 Mafia, groups who often rapped about the lifestyle of drug dealers.

Trap music is riddled with high-pitched synths and heavy 808-drum patterns; its gritty sound has infiltrated the radio and has had an influence on the way we dress, speak and dance. Think about it. It is almost impossible to turn on the radio in a major American city without hearing a 2 Chainz record. If you are a youth that listens to hip-hop regularly, then you probably know all of the lyrics to 2 Chainz’s verse on “Mercy.” Trap is being perpetuated by other artists including, Young Jeezy, Juicy J, Yo Gotti, Chief Keef and of course the infamous “Ice Cream Man,” Gucci Mane.

R&B has also transformed over the years.

Our parents had Marvin Gaye and Prince; we have Frank Ocean and Miguel. Though the artists that our parents listened to may have influenced these artists, they are sonically different. Rhythm and Blues today pulls influence not only from older R&B, but also Rock, Funk, and Electronica. Our generation has witnessed the dawn of the Progressive R&B Movement, which sprouted from the end of the neosoul movement of the late 90s and early 2000s. The music that encompasses this movement tackles subjects other than love including: drugs, religion, and identity. It has a darker sound compared to previous eras of R&B. Aside from Frank Ocean and Miguel; this movement’s artists include The Weeknd, Cocaine 80s and Jhene Aiko.

Music will always be a medium that helps mirror the generation that listens to it.

When the next generation listens to our “classics”, how will they perceive us? Remember that next time you listen to a song.

What Is Black?

a poem by Jovonna Jones What is black?

mountains...

them,

And...what does it feel like?

and we brought glinting trinkets of the

Black is beyond the realm of our under-

Black...maybe its constriction in dark,

earth back home to Mom anyway.

standing.

damp chambers,

Black is honor.

I’m human,

and gusts of fresh air once you’ve come Maybe black is as tough as the darkest

I’m black.

elephant in the room,

Black is human,

Or, could it be the thorns in your sides

always noticed

What does black feel like?

the eyes on your back,

always avoided

Like me.

the tears and sweat that melt you back

sitting stagnantly as is until someone

to face the sun.

to size just when you thought you could brings him in. escape...

Or, perhaps black is the force that pushes

and I am just one.

him to jump in, Perhaps its the heart to keep going.

soaring wide enough to bring others with him since...

Maybe black is

he just couldn’t wait any longer for some-

singing,

one to reach out.

congregating,

Black is confidence.

laughing,

Black is faith.

Your eyes, A mosaic of images, stories, I can see them in light And they’ll adjust in the dark, too.

Your skin glitters in shade.

eating, reading,

Mmm..That’ll be enough to get you killed,

learning,

boy.

creating,

So he was.

Your blood, warm with years bubbling with more.

thriving, all when you were told not to,

And we wept,

and when you thought you had no

And we’re confused,

choice but to listen.

And we’re angry, And something...needs...

So you chose not to.

Tell me, What is Black?

What does it feel like?

To change.

Defiant ones, aren’t we?

Like when Mom told me not to explore

Black is the breaking point,

the path beyond the house,

the creation out of distress,

So I found a friend and we explored

eliminating walls once you’ve reached

Black Star Magazine

23 23

ready to let your voice be heard? contribute to Black Star’s Website Visit www.blackstaremory.com

for more