Spring 2014 Special Edition Magazine

M A S T H E A D

EDITOR IN CHIEF SAMANTHA SCOTT MANAGING EDITOR JAYE GEORGE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JANESSA ANEKE CONTRIBUTORS CARLTON MACKEY MELANIE SMITH BREONCA TROFORT EDITORIAL STAFF JORDIE DAVIES STELLA FAGBEMI GRACE GARDNER KIMBERLY HERARD SHANICE KELLMAN KEVIN SATTERFIELD BUSINESS MANAGER BRIANA KEITH BLACK STAR DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR -- MALAIKA NICHOLAS SOCIAL MEDIA -- MARILYN LEHNA ASONGWE + JOSEPH WELCOME CONTACT BLACKSTAR.EMORY@GMAIL.COM

FROM THE EDITOR What is it like being black at Emory University? let’s explore.

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6 Catch 22: The USE OF “NIgga” in the huddle

8 put your money where your mouth is

9 Beyoncé & feminism?

14 from capetown to atlanta: Post-Racial problems we can’t ignore

15 the revolution will be digitized

17 Black Emory: exisiting as an inclusive exclusion

F E AT U R E S 11 SENior spotlight

18 emory is beautiful in every shade

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catch 22: the use of jaye george n the aftermath of the hazing/bullying scandal involving former Miami Dolphins offensive linemen Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, CNN held a debate about the extensive use of the “N word,” a euphemism for the colloquial term “nigga,” among professional football players, coaches, and executives in the National Football League (NFL). While the word has been used as a pejorative word in the past, black people have “reclaimed” the word in recent years, most commonly referring to it as a “term of endearment.” Detractors of the use of nigga, both black and non-black, contend that n-i-g-g-A is equally as bad as the “racially insensitive” n-i-g-g-E-R form.

America has already witnessed public slipups by Paula Deen and Riley

I

Cooper in recent news. Of course both Deen and Cooper later apologized, but does that necessarily excuse non-black people, whether they are celebrities or not, to use the “less offensive” form of the word nigger? Is it socially acceptable for a race that cannot exercise the ideological concept of reverse racism to continue to use the word nigga?

Conversely, should we ask ourselves if we are perpetuating a double standard by allowing black people to use the word nigga with each other? To further explore these questions, let’s look at the Incognito-Martin case in detail.

Meet Jonathan Martin, a 24-yearold, 6’5, 312 pound offensive tackle and graduate of Stanford University.

Martin also comes from an Ivy League

pedigree -- both of his parents along with nine other relatives, including his maternal great-grandfather, graduated from Harvard. In the opposite corner, we have Richard Incognito, Jr., a 30-year-old, 6’3, 319 pound Pro Bowl offensive guard and former All-American from the University of Nebraska, which has a storied football program that holds 5 NCAA Division-I National Championships. Beyond the game of football, though, Incognito had a track record of disciplinary problems, including three assault charges at a party, during his college career that undoubtedly polarized him as an outstanding player with a short temper. These two gentlemen met as professional football players during the summer of 2012 after Martin was drafted in the 2nd

jonathan martin richie incognito

"nigga" in the huddle “No matter how you may try to rationalize it (arguments of “football culture” especially), Incognito was fully culpable for successfully humiliating and demeaning his teammate as he had every intention to do so.” round of the 2012 NFL Draft in New York City.

as the “main instigator” in a series of hazing and bullying practices both on and off the field. Among Incognito’s In order to become well conditioned many offenses, his most notable were and ready for the start of the NFL indecent braggadocio about wanting season at the beginning of September, to have group sex with Martin’s sister, NFL teams hold training camp and insensitivity towards Martin’s affect in organized team activities (OTAs). Both response to hazing practices, as well of these separate events also allow as slurs that may implicate Incognito players to become more acquainted as a homophobe. The most relevant with each other as they are lodged in to our discussion was a voicemail left a team facility or local university with by Incognito, in which he had called each other just as college football team Martin “a half-Nigger piece of shit.” would do the summer before the start Martin, who later admitted that Incogof the new semester. nito had not called him a nigger before, Unfortunately for Martin in 2012, wrote a letter to his mother explaining like so many other rookies across the that he was essentially a pushover, was league that year and in years past, he compromised in the Miami Dolphins’ was subjected to the rite of passage locker room, and thus felt obliged to known as hazing. As avid football fans, take a leave of absence from the team. players, or members of the media may note, hazing in football is a subjective In March 2014, Martin reportedly experience of public or private humili- inked a deal with the San Francisco ation and discomfort. These practices 49ers where he will be reunited with have previously included carrying the guy who coached him at Stanford veterans’ equipment, getting a weird University, Jim Harbaugh. What was haircut (cue Tim Tebow’s Paul Bunyan most unfortunate about Martin’s situhaircut), or simply submitting yourself ation was Martin was the victim of fully to the mercy of veterans on the slander (and libel via Twitter) yet he team. was stigmatized in the Dolphins’ locker room and elsewhere in the NFL as beHowever, Richie Incognito took this ing “soft” or “weak.” For a sport that generally innocuous ritual over the is so predicated on aggression, these top. Incognito has been condemned negative labels make it very difficult

to successfully become integrated into a professional football team’s locker room. More importantly, Incognito, a white man, was able to enforce his authority at the expense of Martin, a black man. No matter how you may try to rationalize it (arguments of “football culture” especially), Incognito was fully culpable for successfully humiliating and demeaning his teammate as he had every intention to do so.

If I may now bring it back to the CNN special on the use of the N word in NFL huddles, locker rooms, meetings, etc., I don’t see its use in those spaces as an issue, because it could serve as a way to gain a competitive advantage over your opponent. Yet, like when we use any other word in the English language, how we decide to articulate our words or the specific intention behind our words becomes a far more important discussion to be had. So I leave you with this: should we seek to completely eradicate the word nigga from our vocabulary in an effort to avoid ambiguity given its historical context or will the word’s social acceptance, surely perpetuated by the continual use of its alternative form nigga by both blacks and non-blacks, allow the word to never leave our social conscience?

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PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS healthier food options...at a price stella fagbemi

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ecently, there has been a movement to eat healthier in order to increase overall health. Emory has boarded this band wagon by providing better food options--but at a price. For example, a previous initiative offered by the University existed through Dobbs Market (the DUC). During the 2012-2013 academic year, the DUC introduced a program where every Wednesday luxury item entrees were available for diners. Through this program, what was typically the most economical food spot on campus became more costly. Salmon served with flamboyant presentation was offered for a meal swipe PLUS five dollars cash or Dooley Dollars as a opposed to the normal one swipe, buffet-style dining.

ray of fresh fruits, veggies and other products the chain has to offer. The catch? In addition to Whole Foods’ already increased prices, residents must purchase a minimum of $100-worth of merchandise in order to avoid a $20 delivery fee. This is a hefty price to pay, though the program does not require weekly purchases. When the mandatory $2,500 freshman meal plan is considered alongside this, it becomes quite apparent how costly it can be to benefit from these programs.

The extra fees associated with these programs make it so that only certain students are able to take advantage of their benefits. Students of lower socio-economic standing are generally less able to pay these fees and thus do not have the same access to these A new initiative that was introduced higher quality or healthier foods. Just this semester partners the freshmen by labeling the Whole Foods Program residence halls, Few and Evans, with as a way to get healthier food on Whole Foods. This program allows campus implies that the options curFevans residents to have Whole rently available, via the DUC, WreFoods products delivered every week. cRoom, etc. is less healthy. Aside Residents can pick from a wide arfrom the clear discrepancy in nutri-

tion and value, these bigger, better food efforts create a sense of classism within the Emory community.

We see the difference every day.

Some people can afford Hunter rainboots, MacBook Pros and Burberry jackets--that’s capitalism. However, when the classist divide is implemented by the University, there is a problem. All students ought to have the same opportunity to have the healthiest food regardless of which residence hall they reside in or how much they can afford to spend in addition to the required meal plan.

Though the DUC no longer offers their Swipe + $5 plan, the Fevans Whole Foods program is hoping to expand and bring this divide to all residence halls. Perhaps the money and planning put into creating an elite consumer circle ought to be used to find a way for the DUC and other on campus dining hotspots to have healthier options included in the cost of a meal plan.

BEYONCÉ & FEMINISM (?) shanice kellman black star magazine 9

There is no need to even bothBEYONCÉ. er with an introduction. Fan or not, you have probably been exposed to

terms, tells women that they are omnipotent expression and power becomes a source of inand run the world, but is very far from the feriority and something that should stay hidtruth: that many injustices and inequalities den. So when one becomes upset when they some form of media that features her art, of this patriarchal society oppress women. see Beyoncé, an individual, expressing her products, or some minute detail of her life. sexuality, they should reconsider why they The last has admittedly irritated many; the Many critics have attacked her because they are so upset. And for those who are upset beinsatiable hunger for the essence and rever- feel that Beyoncé claiming to be a feminist cause her images should represent all black ence of Beyoncé perplexes many, yet her is a paradox. And while everyone is entitled women-- they should realize how pathologipresence, image, and influence still stretches to his or her opinion, I just wish that before cal and backwards it is for one black woman across continents. I’m not here to discuss the critiquing, one would first define what femito represent a whole race; that once again relegitimacy of Beyoncé’s fame—that is an un- nism means and what a feminist looks like. affirms the lack of variety of representation disputed fact. I am here to critique the backof black women in media. That would be like lash of Beyoncé claiming the feminist title. When creating definitions, I hope that we saying the color yellow should represent all realize that while feminists may share the colors in the world-- that’s not possible.

Based on her last two albums alone, Beyoncé the common goal to uplift and empower has promoted a platform to empower both women to break a systematic institutionalThe complexity of womanhood stretches far girls and women. She explicitly promotes ized patriarchal oppression that can better outside the many definitions placed upon it feminist ideals when sampling feminist ac- our society as a whole, a feminist project historically . Part of its complexity is due to tivist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in Flaw- should provide discourse and reflection for the symbols and values that are prescribed to less. In her interview with Daily News, she our society to wrap its wounds of a hurtwomen that define their roles as a girls, mothclaimed that she is a “modern-day feminist” ful past and take the necessary steps to heal. ers or wives; to be outside of these definitions simply in the fact that she “believe[s] in would be perceived as “unnatural”. It beequality” for woman. But critics are unsettled Another problem that I feel should be adcomes difficult when society places a woman that Beyoncé would take such a stance and dressed is the way in which some critics crein one definition, when she could very well fit find the image and message that she pro- ate a relationship where Beyoncé becomes into many. That’s why I appreciate Beyoncé, motes contradictory to feminism. More spe- the mascot for black women. While large whether it be intentional or not, for expresscifically, Beyoncé is strongly critiqued for her numbers hold great reverence for her as an ing, through her art, the many identities she hyper-sexualized images, in her last album, icon and may even hold affinities to what has a woman. Instead of letting a society dethat some claim to negatively impact black they imagine her to be or the messages in her fine and place her into one category, she resists women as a whole. Through a colonial-capi- music, she is still an individual just as every and tells society who she really is: a mother, talist agenda, we have been socialized to view black woman is a separate individual. And a wife, and most importantly, a woman. She black bodies, especially women’s, through as an individual, she has every right to emshould have the freedom to embrace and exa sexualized lens and some may claim that brace and express her sexuality. From Audre press her sexuality and feel no shame in doing Beyoncé’s imagery appeals to the male gaze Lorde’s Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches, so because she is a mother. And she should and affirms such objectification. Some crit- she explains that “the erotic is a resource... feel no shame in expressing her love for her ics even argue that her messages promote a firmly rooted in the power” and that we have husband. Part of feminism is the ability for fallacy for women, which, in the end, breaks “been taught to suspect this resource, vilified, a woman to express or find an inner self and down a feminist pedagogy. Some have argued abused, and devalued within the western soself-identity without the pressures of a society. that Who Run the World (Girls), in simple ciety”. What actually represents a freedom of

S E N I O R SPOTLIGHT CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2014

GRACE GARDNER & MARILYN LEHNA ASONGWE

Melanie Smith

Melanie Smith! You’ve probably seen her on campus situated behind her Canon Rebel XS. She’s known for her ability to capture amazing photos, and yes, you’ve probably come across a few of them on Facebook during one of your stalking series. However, Melanie is not just any college senior. She’s a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Psychology and Linguistics joint major and Sociology minor. After walking across stage this spring, Melanie will move back to her home state, Maryland, to work as a teacher for Teach for America (TFA). However, not so fast! Although Melanie is on her way out, she managed to leave a few words of wisdom.

When asked about how many Dooley Dollars she has left: “Zero. And it sucks. Stay on a meal plan if you can”.

Her favorite Instagram filter: “It might be Hefe cause I’m a boss. *searches through phone* Yeah it’s Hefe!”

A favorite class: “Race & Ethnic Relations taught by Adria Welcher. Being in a dual racial home it changed black star magazine 11

[my] outlook and sparked a dormant passion”. Additionally, Melanie recollects fond memories formed during late nights in Woodruff Library: “It started as academic then later just became social” While laughing, she mentioned her time studying abroad in Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece under the Jewish Studies Program. She was doing research

"...doing research for linguistics and was able to travel through all these countries and photograph symbols of language."

for linguistics and was able to travel through all these countries and photograph symbols of language. With all that she was involved in at Emory, Melanie is most proud of her time spent volunteering through Volunteer Emory: “When I see people with the Volunteer Emory t-shirts it’s almost like a sign of pride it makes me so happy!” Melanie mentioned that her passion for volunteering impacted her decision to join TFA. Because she was adopted at 11 months from Honduras, Melanie explained how fortunate she is and how much she values education: “Coming from a background where education is a privilege, I just took the passion [of volunteering] and ran with it and TFA had that.”

there are a series of things about him that are equally great.

He claims Chicago as his hometown but has also lived in Brooklyn and Atlanta. He is an English and Creative Writing double major, with a minor in African American Studies. If you had asked him what his major was two semesters ago, however, he would have told you that he was a Psychology and Political Science major. Aside from academics, Quincy is a graphic designer at heart and is the official graphic designer for BSA and ACES.

"...most proud of the fact that he helped four people decide to not commit suicide."

Quincy CHerry iii

When I think about Quincy, the first thing that comes to mind is Quincy the DJ. At the Beautiful in Every Shade photo shoot, Quincy’s playlist made me feel like I was at a family reunion back home. His ability maintain the same energy through music, speaks to his credibility as DJ. He has made a name for himself as a great DJ, but

He has also designed for ASA, the business school, and the service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, in which he is a brother. When I asked him what one thing he was proud of in regards to the four years he spent on Emory and Oxford’s campuses he said he was most proud of the fact that he helped four people decide to not commit suicide. Who is Quincy’s favorite professor? Dr. Nagueyalti Warren. What was his favorite class? Civil Rights Cold Cases by Professor Hank Klibanoff. Quincy is also a faithful viewer of Scandal and shows up to Harland Cinema every Thursday at 10pm to watch the show with other fans. After graduating, he plans to be an officer in the Marines. Quincy will be shipping off in October for two years and will attend law school on their dime after that. Becoming an attorney for the marines is his goal. When I asked why the marines he said, “It’s more challenging both physically and mentally and it relies less on a piece of paper telling you that you’re smart”.

Simisola ALALADE “Simi?! I love her! She’s the best”, was the reaction I got from Sammie, the Editor-in-Chief of Black Star, when I mentioned her name. Simi hails from Chicago, Illinois and is an Anthropology and Human Biology major on the pre-med track.

Like everyone else who is pre-med, Simi was forced to take Chemistry 141. She said that failing her first Chemistry test was something that she would never forget. While her grade on that first test made her feel that Emory might not be the right fit, she decided that she wasn’t going to let one grade discourage her.

Simi became active in the Emory community joining Volunteer Emory, working with autistic clients through E-Crew, and tutoring. She was the treasurer for Ngambika and was on RHA for Few and Evans her freshman year. When asking about her favorite professor the first name that came to mind was Dr. Karla

Passalacqua. She was the first professor that was “able to engage students in a unique way, while also serving as an inspiration for women who were pursuing careers in a field where there aren’t many.”

Simi’s favorite class was called, Woman’s Studies: Gender, Space

"...she would have a talk show and be the Black Ellen." and Architecture. A fun fact about her is that she hasn’t taken a class taught by a black professor. She took two African Studies classes, but white professors taught both classes. Since the EBSU wasn’t around until this year, Simi spent a lot of time in the BSA house and sat in the “black hole” in the DUC. When I asked her about the food in the DUC she said it was glorious at first, but she got sick of it quickly.

Since she doesn’t have any meal swipes, she cooks for herself a lot.

When I asked her what her plans were for after she graduated, she told me that she will begin working on medical school applications while simultaneously looking for a job.

She wants to get a clinical or labbased research position in Chicago or at the National Institute of Health.

Simi said if she could become a physician without the 11 years of school she would and if that wouldn’t work she would have a talk show and be the Black Ellen. When I asked her what she was most proud of she said that she’s proud of the fact that she stepped out of her comfort zone. Being an SA and an RA allowed her to interact with a diverse group of people, helping her to be open-minded.

She’s also extremely proud of herself for remaining pre-med when she didn’t think she would be able to. After briefly mentioning how stylish Simi is she laughed and said, “When I look good I feel good”. black star magazine 13

From

Cape

Town

to

Atlanta:

POST-RACIAL PROBLEMS WE CAN'T IGNORE jordie davies

When I got off the plane in the beautiful South African city of Cape Town, I was ecstatic. I felt the warm January breeze and happily placed my bags in our ride from the airport.We sped off onto the highway and I squinted outside the window into the night.

My first introduction to Cape Town was the shanty town that stretched for miles on the highway. Tiny tin shacks sufficed as homes for many black South Africans, and I was honestly shocked at the exposure and poverty. As we drove closer to the coast and into the city, we passed modest homes and “colored” townships, where lighter skinned people of Indian, Malay and mixed heritage lived. The houses eventually grew into skyscrapers and we found ourselves in the predominantly white city center of Cape Town. Ironically, many of the buildings in the bustling business district prominently displayed 30 foot photos of Nelson Mandela.

Over the next week, I realized that although apartheid was long gone in Cape Town, economic systems maintained racial separation and inequality. However, I could not blindly attribute this phenomenon to Cape Town; I knew very well that the same economic stratification exists in the United States, in Atlanta, and at Emory.

Segregation legally ended in the United States over fifty years ago, but much like Cape Town which is only twenty years free from apartheid, our economic systems and remaining prejudices continue to perpetuate economic inequality that deeply correlates with race. As I live and attend school in the Druid Hills and Emory areas, I know that just a few miles away African American children are going hungry in low income Atlanta neighborhoods. The difference between The Bluff and Buckhead neighborhoods echoes the stark contrast between the Khayelitsha township and the sparkling city of Cape Town.

My trip to Cape Town made me much more aware of the inequality in my backyard, and leaves me with questions about the future. How will we overcome the pervasive and persistent issues of poverty and racism? I believe the first step is acknowledgement. Although we live in an era that has been deemed “post-racial,” we cannot ignore the blatant economic disparity between whites and people of color. Economic inequality and the correspondent racism is a worldwide phenomenon that must be recognized and overcome.

DIGITIZED

HOW Black Youth Have Found A Reliable Platform In The Twittersphere

kevin satterfeld years ago, you probably wouldn’t have believed me if I told you that the term “Black Twitter” would be regarded as a form of legitimate influence in social justice dialogues in America. But as of 2014, this is the reality we face. Twitter is one of many social media platforms that black Americans use to voice their collective disdain or support of some of the biggest social justice dialogues of our time. But the term ‘Black Twitter’ is not simply a term of endearment; it has a deeper meaning behind the often-humorous interpretations of today’s biggest pop culture references. Can you recall the last time black Americans had the privilege of having one of the biggest and most influential businesses in the world denote a segment of their product as ‘Black’? The answer is never.

This is why the intersection of black identity/expression and the universality of social media are so important at this point in time.

The denotation of the term represents the first time that black influence has been accurately measured with respect to the entity’s clout on social change. This is not a small feat.

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Houston social media consultant, Crystal Washington, explained how “mainstream U.S. media first took serious notice of Black Twitter last year, when it abruptly rose up to scuttle a book deal for a juror in the trial of Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. That was the first time that blacks used Twitter “in a very powerful and political way. Most recently, Black Twitter reared its head through hashtags like #stopthefight, to protest a proposed celebrity boxing match supposedly between Zimmerman and rapper DMX. The promoter quickly canceled after a flood of Twitter complaints.

I bring up this example not to say that this is the first time black Americans have gotten troubled by a certain development in the news. However, this is one of the first times that black people have consciously made an effort to condense the assortment of opin-

ions into simple and quick phrases that have the ability to trend worldwide. Simplifying the message while also maintaining the power behind those words is what makes a trending topic by a group of people, such as Black Twitter, so powerful on Twitter.

Moreover, the term ‘death-by-Twitter activism’ is a term that is slowly becoming more popular among Americans. The term could very well be the “harbinger of a new civil rights strategy” says Washington. Considering how information is quickly distributed to millions of users on online, our new civil rights movement has positioned itself to fight for social justice causes on a technological battlefield. Historically, the civil rights battles of our time have always been led by young people. So it makes sense why there has been a desire by some of the most notable civil

“...Black Twitter is not simply a term of endearment” right organizations of today to create a substantial digital presence. If you search Twitter’s page today, you would find accounts by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), their statewide chapters, the Urban League, and other similar groups. Their pages allow users access to the developments that the groups are currently working on; but they also allow users who aren’t as knowledgeable of the organization to understand more of what the group rep-

resents by the easily transmittable nature of statements. The presence of these illustrious civil rights organizations on popular mediums such as Twitter adds to the influence of Black Twitter. When the NAACP and one million black Twitter users tweet on a subject with the same idea in mind, there is a certain level of legitimacy that is being displayed on the part of average Twitter users.

Jesse Holland of The Huffington Post spoke to Meredith Clark, a doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who is writing her dissertation on Black Twitter. She likened it to “Freedom’s Journal,” the first African-American newspaper in the United States. On that publication’s first front page in 1827, it declared: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” Clark goes on to say that “if you are from a particularly marginalized community or one where others have spoken for you, but you have not had the agency to really speak for yourself or make your truth known, then it is absolutely necessary that in any instance you can take on that agency that you do so--And so that is what you see happening in Black Twitter.”

To that point made by Clark, the power of social media is not only that it cultivates unity among African-Americans online; it can also be used as the source of social justice activism on the ground. After the online groundswell of frustration with the jury deliberation in the Trayvon Martin case, a group of young Floridians known as the Dream Defenders appeared in the Florida capitol in Tallahassee.

The Dream Defenders according to their national website work to “fight criminalization of our generation by directly confronting the sources, sponsors, and supporters of it.” And on that national website, the group lists Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube among the ways in which young people all across the country can stay involved with their efforts without physically being in Florida. It’s usually customary for organization to

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list a multitude of ways in which interested people can join a cause, but the Dream Defenders are different. The physical presence of the Dream Defenders was the direct result of large scale organizing online, and the organization is staying true to its roots by continuing to maintain that connection. College students all across Florida have worked with the Dream Defenders to protest legislation in the Florida state house, and as a result there are now chapters from Gainesville to

media. Lorraine Miller, Interim President of NAACP, stated in a recent appearance on C-SPAN’s “Newsmaker” Program “We realized more than anyone that we had to go in that direction and we’ve done it.” It is constantly proving to be the first and most prominent sign of significant activism in social media, and it is not the last. Its influence is On a final note, Black Twitter is power- only growing, and has the potential to initiful. It has taught organizations such as the ate social media’s betrothal to activism, enNAACP that they need to expand into social suring that the revolution will be digitized.

Miami. And to say that the Dream Defenders could’ve have expanded their message without the presence of social media platforms would be inaccurate. All of this is to say that social media is not a static medium. It can transform and add value to activism that is not occurring behind a computer screen.

BLACK AT EMORY UNIVERSITY #BEU

what began as a tool to help foster community & collectivitly among black students at Emory has transformed into a larger movement.

For more: blackatemoryuniversity.tumblr.com

Casidy campbell, jovonna jones, candace pressley, and sammie scott have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. The four have used a variety of platforms, including tiwtter to further make visible the black communities at emory. as stated on the tumblr page, "Black students at various universities have been using social media as a medium to reflect on their racialized experiences. We here at Emory have our own frustrations that are often expressed privately, among friends but we would like to create a space in which to share with the world who we are and where we stand. We hope to come together as a community to unite and affirm ourselves through this collective experience. We are Black Emory. #BEU"

EXISTING AS AN INCLUSIVE EXCLUSION GRACE GARDNER On March 1st, the day that marked the end of Black History Month, black students came together to celebrate black excellence at the Black History Month Gala.

The night was filled with students who were dressed to impress, performances by saxophonist Terrance Greer and soloists Jovonna Jones and Olivia Payton, and spoken word delivered by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services’ (OMPS) own Jermaine Pearson. Overall, there was a great showing of dancing Emory students due to the talented, musical guests Josh Bias and the 630 Band. The Gala was an event that was successful in bringing Black Emory together, as most Black Student Alliance events strive to do. But as expected (or maybe not so much expected), there was not very much representation from other racial or ethnic groups on campus.

known as “The Black Hole” by upperclassmen, or walking into the EBSU to find the same Black students that were there the day before. This has led others who identify with non-black racial groups to believe that Black Emory is self-perpetuating segregation or at least some semblance of it.

ment amongst black students resulting in a demand for change on campus. The EBSU is one physical example of that change.

The Emory Black Student Union, known by most as the EBSU, opened to students in the fall of 2013. Its opening is extremely significant because it is one of the first physical safe spaces that black students have had on campus. Walk into the EBSU and you are almost always guaranteed to find black students. It has become a place where students feel free to have intellectual discussions, hold meetings, do homework, dance and act silly, and even sleep. The existence of the EBSU has made it easier for Black Emory to come together as a community because it is a space where Blacks actually feel comfortable being themselves. It is a physical reminder that, yes we do belong.

According to wordpress.com, self-segregation is defined as “the separation of a religious or ethnic group from the rest of society in a state by the group itself … through self-segregation, the members of the separate group can establish their own services and maintain their own traditions and customs.” In trying to determine whether or not Black Emory does segregate itself, it is important to ask if Black Emory fits this definition. Are we “maintaining our own traditions and customs” or are we being exclusive and uninviting As a freshman, I have had the privilege of to other members of Emory’s community? In regards to the question of do we as a attending several events put on by the colcommunity self-segregate, I think the anlective group of black students at Emory Last February, President James Wagner swer is yes. Black Emory is committed to that we refer to as “Black Emory”, includ- wrote and released an article titled, “As strengthening its community, and we have ing BSA’s Function Friday, the Bambika American as … Compromise”. The ar- been able to realize that doing so may reBeats annual step show, the Zeta Phi Beta ticle, written about the recent cuts to the quire us to remove ourselves from the largprobate, Step It Up, and many others. One University, detailed the need for compro- er Emory community until we have grown thing that I have noticed after attending mise in order for progress to be made. It together. That “exclusivity” might make these events is that the turnout is com- was problematic because President Wag- non-blacks feel uncomfortable and unwelprised of the same people: Black Emory. ner used the 3/5ths Compromise as an ex- come, but those feelings have to be placed This reality is realized through ritualized ample of how compromise can benefit the on the back burner until we feel like we are practices within the black community such University. His use of a compromise that indeed, members of Emory’s community. as students consistently sitting together at dehumanized blacks led to a common feelthe long table in the DUC, affectionately ing of confusion, anger, and disappoint-

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emory is beautiful

in every shade black star magazine 19

“I am a black Latina.

Coming to the United States I had to learn to see myself in a different way. Different than how I saw myself in Puerto Rico. I had never been asked how I racially and ethnically identified. To my surprise, it is still the question I am asked the most often. “What are you? I thought I heard an accent”. For some people, answering ‘Puerto Rican’ was not enough of an answer. I realized I was in a racialized society, and I had to learn who I was in this society. Emory definitely played a significant role in helping me find myself and shape who I am in this country. I feel the Black community, both faculty and staff, embraced me from the start. This community has helped me in my personal journey with their stories and experiences. If it weren’t for Black Emory, I would have truly felt like an outcast, and would have missed out on the loveliest of people and encounters.”

Abigail Lopez Rivera

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“Racially, I identify as Black. Ethnically, East African.

Emory is a cool place and if you’re able to find your niche ethnically, you’ll be very comfortable. That niche can be hanging out with a ma jority of one race or having your friend group be racially diverse. Despite this, a racial divide exists that many find difficult to get past.

This is exacerbated by ignorance and a lack of acknowledgement of other cultures which just furthers the divide. If you can navigate your way through it all, you’ll be secure in your racial identity.

No single story relates to my racialized experience here.

It’s just the usual comments that a lot of people will hear such as “Do you go here?” or “If you’re from Africa, why do you dress normal?” Being involved in the Black community at Emory has had an extremely positive influence on my experience here. I’ve found a community I feel comfortable in and can identify with. I’ve found people who are more likeminded and have helped me to progress and mature.”

Manzi Ngaiza

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“I am Black. I also am a Jamaican-American.

My experience at Emory has pretty much has been a black one. I have a lot of friends who relate to me ethnically, and we both can reminisce about home and food. Also, I have a lot of black friends, which fits with my broader identity, and who I am as an American. I sometimes interact with the larger community, and people who are not black. I also have friends in the Latino community as well.

However, the times that I’ve interacted with Whites, it has been either extremely positive or extremely negative.

I think why my experience is reduced to the black community is because of all of the microaggressions that I’ve experienced with the white community, not just at Emory but even in high school. In high school, I had white friends who I was comfortable with. Even then, those friends who I thought were understanding of my experience were the first ones to use code words to express their sentiments about my college acceptances. One friend was rejected from a few of the colleges she applied to and she said that’s it not fair that she doesn’t have “a story” that would help her get into college. She said that she wasn’t referring to race. I began to realize that her statement was very much related to race because the assumption was that since I was black, I had went through some hardship that these private colleges were sensitive to and that’s why they accepted me. It’s not that I didn’t overcome hardships, but she reduced all my hard work to absolutely nothing in that statement. We were in the same honors classes, got basically the same grades, and she was aware of that. I think since then, I’ve become untrustworthy of whether people I call friends genuinely are my friends and make me comfortable about being black around them. The safe space that I thought I had with that individual was gone within the span of one second.

Yes, involvement with the Black community has had a tremendous positive influence on my Emory experience. There are some beautiful, intelligent people here.

The energy is always abundant. I found people who are just inspiring and share the same intellect that I’ve had for so long. I also found people who challenge me to think about and handle situations and ideas differently. The people in this community are supportive, and they believe in each other. Of course there’s going to be ups and downs in every community. Despite that, everyone has a chance to be great here. I have a family here, and I’m grateful for that. This community gives me the extra motivation to get up in the morning whether it’s for the daily playful shade or to get in a heated debate about a black woman’s representation in the community. I love it here.”

Casidy Campbell black star magazine 25

“I identify as bi-racial, black and white. My experience at Emory and in general, as related to my racial identity has had its ups and downs. I understand that I come off as “interesting looking”, at least, because of my hair texture and skin color.

Also, I’m used to people staring at my family when we’re all together. People seem to be curious about my background, and I hear a few ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ when they realize I have a white father and black mother who are still married to each other. Growing up black and white was strange, especially in the South, and I’ve always felt sort of in the middle of things.

Still, I’ve come to fully embrace my racial identity, ambiguity and all.

I’ve had an overall positive experience at Emory, but racial microagressions are real. Ignorant discussions about Atlanta, racial issues, and black people can be disheartening, especially when these comments are coming from friends. But being a part of the Black community at Emory is like having a safe haven. I can fully express my concerns, my frustrations, and my joys with the wonderful people who are also experiencing what it’s like to be Black at Emory.”

Jordie Davies

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“I identify as a black American. The more I learn, the more I experience it seems. Maybe that means that I’m learning more about my experiences as they relate to my blackness. Like growing up as a token black kid, then coming to Emory and being a part of a group of token black kids. It’s interesting, you know? Makes me realize that I love being black. This is just off record though because I don’t really know what I’m talking about...

There are a lot of stories to be told. The time that most recently comes to mind is having the head of a department approach the only black faculty member in the department to approach me and tell me to try harder as a student. Like isn’t that just a grand tale?

It’s had an amazing influence on my Emory experience. When I got to Emory, I wanted to escape my blackness so much. I literally fought against it. Throughout the years though, I think my blackness has been my saving grace. I’ve found the acceptance, the love, the family, the space that I’ve always searched for in this community.

I think what makes my identity experience so interesting is the juxtaposition of my blackness, queerness, and “maleness” (whatever that means). I think all three of those intersecting makes me who I am in a number of ways. I wouldn’t be such a character if all of those identities didn’t come together and layer themselves the way that they do.

It’s kind of like saying, ‘I wouldn’t be Troizel if I weren’t black, queer, and a male.’”

Troizel Carr black star magazine 29

I identify as African American. My experience at Emory is very reminiscent of many other experiences I’ve had. I’ve always been proud of and embraced my race, but I’ve noticed that no matter where I go I’m always surrounded mainly by people of my own race. For a long time I thought “maybe white people just don’t like me”. But as I’ve gotten older and let go of that crazy idea, I still can’t help but wonder what it is that has prevented me from having more diverse friend groups.

And as for my experiences with people of my own race, being here at Emory has exposed me to a different “caliber” of African American. It sounds sad, but where I’m from, there aren’t many goal-oriented people who look like me. I’m just grateful to see my people want and do better. I don’t have any Emory stories in particular, but I do remember in seventh grade when I transferred to private school, several students felt it was their obligation to let me know that I didn’t deserve to be at that school. And that I took the place of someone who could actually afford it, and that if they didn’t have a quota to meet then I’d still be in the ghetto where I belonged.

The black community has had nothing but a positive influence on my Emory experience, especially considering recent events. From the 50 Shades of Black photo shoot, to the #BEU movement, there just seems to be such a great sense of pride and community that I didn’t witness my freshman year.

Shayla James

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