The Drum Volume II

DRUM THE

Volume II

Table of Contents Kodak Black’s Continous Disrepect to Black Women

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Silent State

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Conversations about US

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Who Are They? Psu Moves

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Black Caucus Communications Committee: Omou Barry Jaida Lively Daniel Gizaza Mariama Massaquoi Malik Ward Aisha Mahrani Mamadou Barry Eddie Richardson II

James Henderson Akeesha Williams Nichol Chery Oyin Adetola

Letter from the President:

Dear Black Caucus Constituency,

It has been an honor serving you all for the past three years of my college career. Know that though I am stepping down from my position, I’m not stepping away from the organization. The organization will always remain in my heart. As the youngest president in it’s history, it’s safe to say this org has helped to develop me in so many ways. I have learned so much from each and every person I have interacted with in this role, especially within the Black community. As Black people here at this Predominantly White Institution, we are constantly having to justify our lives as valuable in spaces. In spite of that, together we have conquered every obstacle placed it in our way, whether it has been excessive force from police officers or racism and isolation in our residence halls. We have created a space where we can be a minority and still find our safe space. Yet, this isn’t all! We must continue to combat the White Supremacy we face here at Penn State and identifying the ways Whiteness is valued within our institution. Our student community is strong and we must advocate and demand for more Black students to enhance our experience. There has been four percent Black students for about 20 years, every new face is a blessing. Black students are accepted here and must independently find the resources to continue. We are in a space that does not have the food, stores, or culture that aids in our wellness. We must advocate for cultural competency of our academic advisors, we can no longer have students be told we “possibly need a break because college can often be too much for us”!,and No longer have students not told about financial services and spaces of support on campus because they’re expected to fail! We have been our own support system and with more students, our support system can only be stronger!!

Know that outside of peers, we have support from our Black faculty and staff, therefore we must support them as well.There has been three percent Black faculty for the past 30 years, this strategic lack of representation evades the rich experiences, knowledge, and research of Black educators. The Black educators that are here, often are discredited by their fellow faculty members and their White students. To make it even worse, the teachers aren’t Black and neither are the authors. In an institution dedicated to learning from others and celebrating diversity, why are majority of classes not taught by professors of color? All authors and readings are from White authors. Our voices are often silenced in this school within educational spaces, while the the privileged experiences of our fellow White educators and authors are perpetuated. Last but not least, I urge that we continue to demand justice for Osaze Osagie. Justice for his senseless death due to negligent and excessive force used by State College Police. The systematic oppression we face is only an extension of the larger American society. Let my words today galvanize us to know that like those that came before us and those that will come after us, WE HAVE POWER!! We have strength! Most of all, we have love! Let’s use these skills to support each other and demand that the university make changes. If not us, then who? This college experience, is our life, we must dictate the space to ensure everywhere we go on this campus our culture and experiences are valued, appreciated, and incorporated in the university! Black Caucus will continue to ensure the social and political wellbeing of each of you. Black Caucus will continue to advocate for the protection and inclusion of our constituency. Just know, even as I, Danieltta, step down from this position, I am still and will always be dedicated to dismantling White Supremacy within this institution. I am still and will always be a source of support and open arms for any of you as you excel in your educational career. You are all amazing, brilliant, educated individuals, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Congratulations on finishing the end of the 2018-2019 year, you have worked so hard and deserve to be where you are today and there’s nothing but greatness in your future!

It’s been a good run, I appreciate you all!

With love,

Danieltta Pantoe Black Caucus President 2017-2019

Heart Lens

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KODAK BLACK’S CONTINOUS DISRESPECT TO BLACK WOMEN

By Akeesha Williams

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want to start this with positive reinforcement of Black women. Black women are beautiful in every which way and deserve respect from everyone especially from the men who look like us. Unfortunately, in media, there is always continuous disrespect towards women who look like me and from people’s favorite but controversial rappers. With that being said, I would like to focus on a rapper who has a long history of disrespecting black women: Kodak Black or what I like to say, Kodak Wack.

I have to confess. I was a huge fan of Kodak. Everyday blasting in my headphones was either No Flockin or Skrilla. As fans, we want to separate the art from the artist, but supporting them enables them to do the damage. I can no longer do that. Kodak’s been canceled for a long while for me. His comments towards black women, especially dark skin women, only reinforced negative stereotypes that stigmatize us. Nevertheless, there’s a series of disrespectful moments that I’m going to talk about.

He says, “I don’t really like black girls like that.” I let that comment rock because honestly, Kodak Black isn’t a man I would want to be with anyways. However, during an interview, he said that he didn’t like women his color [dark skinned] because they were ‘too tough’ and ‘too gutter.’ As if that statement wasn’t already bad enough he says that light-skinned women were ‘sensitive’ and ‘easy to break down.’

People, particularly black men, flocked to defend him saying that it was just preference. Colorism within relationships isn’t a preference, it’s clear that it’s self-hating and extreme prejudice. Kodak’s preference stems from negative ideas placed on black women already. Skin color doesn’t determine personality or qualities a person may have. Skin color isn’t meaningful AT ALL in a relationship. Therefore, Kodak thinking that dating a light-skinned woman automatically means that she is weak is prejudice, not preference. Preference is supposed to add meaningfulness to a relationship such as preferring a woman who is funny or headstrong. Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on actual facts. Let me educate you.

M.A. took to Instagram to express that she felt uncomfortable about the lyrics and that Kodak was weird for it. Instead of apologizing to her, he continuously begins to persist her. People thought that was funny as well. However, all of it turned into sexual harassment. If someone who isn’t interested in men, despite being a woman, tells you that what you said made them uncomfortable and that you should stop. You should stop. It sickens me to see people say that this was okay because she was a woman at the end of the day. That’s a great observation, but to ignore the fact that she is blatantly not interested in men and say that you’ll sexually engage with her knowing that its unwanted is what makes Kodak weird.

However, I’m not even surprised at this. Kodak’s in a whole lot of legal trouble and those troubles include sexual assault. It's quite obvious that he doesn’t have any boundaries and doesn’t know when to stop. I don’t think it was a month until he was back on the headlines trending. Not for music, but because he joked about getting with Lauren London a year later after her boyfriend, Nipsey Hussle, passed away.

Many rappers and friends of Lauren London and the late Nipsey Hussle we’re outraged. These include rappers Lil Wayne, who isn’t too fond of Kodak after he beefed with his daughter Reginae and called her bald-headed, T.I. ,and The Game. Instead of apologizing once again, Kodak decided to stand in his wrong and strong glory. It’s not like he can get with Lauren anyways, but her partner just recently passed. Even if you didn’t know him as well as everyone, hav some boundaries.

Nevertheless, people canceled him after this. Even though I felt like he should’ve been canceled as soon as he was prejudice against black women. If you dont think that colorism isn’t that serious, remember that enabling an artist who spreads things like that is damaging to our community. It only reinforces stereotypes that actually affect black women on a day to day basis. He should’ve been canceled when he sexually harassed Young M.A. I guess the only way for someone as shitty as Kodak to be canceled is when his actions are towards a woman associated with a man [Nipsey Hussle].

I’m happy that he’s finally canceled and people are now realizing that some of his antics aren’t funny, but all I’m asking of our people, especially our men, is to protect black women at all cost. It doesn’t matter the shade or sexual orientation. Don’t let anything rock when it comes to the disrespect of black women.

After this whole incident, I expected people to cancel Kodak immediately but obviously, that is not the case. Colorism in the black community is almost as thick as the homophobia in the black community. This leads me to my next point.

Recently, Kodak Black’s newest victim was Young M.A., a known lesbian, in the hip-hop community. In one of his songs he raps, “I don’t even see the confusion, I’m fucking Young MA as long as she got a coochie.”

Many people thought his lyrics was funny due to the fact that Young M.A. is a masculine-dressing woman. Of course, she has female body parts. Young

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SILENT STATE

By Jaida Lively

crowds and I would always be in her studio.”

Interview with DJ Rictor and Mike Bundlez

Sanchez claims gospel played an integral part in building his enthusiasm for the sound of music, “Just how different instruments sound and how you can hear a song and break it down in levels, like I can hear a snare or I can hear the bass pattern…”

From there, the then 13-year-old Sanchez began his music career. With the name Jeremy Sanchez, one might wonder how his stage name DJ Rictor came about. “Rictor came from being in the studio and I was a kid that was always really loud and full of energy, so Rictor and you’re thinking of earthquakes and Richter scales and things that measure big, powerful occurrences…

Just full of energy and shaking up everything you doin’, the energy can be measured on a richter scale.” … and just like that, DJ Rictor was born. For the member of the infamous BEDZ Entertainment, a knack for music came a bit sooner.

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ne does not have to look far to find talent at Penn State. With so many amazing artists to brag about, Penn Staters broadcast each other’s talent in any medium possible. Musical talent featured at various events are often our very own creators, and among these creators are DJs. Entertainment businesses on campus go above and beyond when hosting parties and creating atmospheres in which music can thrive.

Creativity shines through events like Silent State and many others, where the beauty of art is displayed and the community of creators here at Penn State are showcased.

Behind every great event is a collective of great minds, who together birthed a masterpiece that would be one for the books. Of the many talented people at Penn State, DJ Rictor and Mike Bundlez are two well known entertainers who have shaken up the game.

Jeremy Sanchez, a.k.a Dj Rictor is a Bronx, New York native who later moved to Pennsylvania. As a young boy, his mother sang in the gospel choir, which Sanchez claims is where his love of music began. He recalls hearing the harmonies of the choir, listening to his mother sing with the instruments and falling in love with the sound of music, “I would just see how she interacted with

Michael Ukaegbu, a.k.a. Mike Bundlez, began his music career at the age of 12. Originally from Nigeria, Ukaegbu moved around, London and then Belgium, before settling in Philadelphia. Being young and always loving to make beats to rap to, the young Mike pressed pause on his DJ business after a few years and built his skills in rapping.

After pursuing his own career in rapping, Ukaegbu continues his love for rap and being a DJ here at Penn State as a member of BEDZ Entertainment. Both Sanchez and

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Ukaegbu have had much success in their time here at Penn State, and as that success grows staying true to oneself and one’s craft can become difficult.

With success comes reflection and often we wonder how two people with great influence view themselves and how far they’ve come in their career thus far. Sanchez credits the support and loyalty of the Penn State community in helping him build his brand, “Penn State is dear to my heart.” The community has played an essential role in allowing the two to reach the success they’ve achieved, and as we graduate and leave Penn State, DJ Rictor and Mike Bundlez will travel with us, “People leave Penn State and they go on to their own little territories and they take a piece of me with them.” And with this, Penn State students become promoters of their business and help to spread their name beyond State College.

But, as the two remarked, this isn’t the end.

Both entertainers view their success as unfinished; Sanchez admitted, “I don’t wanna just be hot for a semester, I want it to be a long lasting, continuous longevity… so it’s what I can do for my up and coming DJs so they can carry on what I do and the hard work I put in.” Both feel there is more to work towards, but attempting to move their careers forward while also juggling being a student can be a challenge at times. As Ukaegbu claims, “Penn State it’s been a journey, juggling different lives but you get used to it. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but you just have to strive and get through it, stay 10 toes down.” With this mentality Sanchez and Ukaegbu have managed to persevere. Similar attitudes regarding the separation of social life and business, “I’m the same person. My name is Jeremy, I handle myself exactly how I handle myself when Im Djing or if I’m handling business/contracts or just being with the family, just a genuine spirit. Not trying to be different in different atmospheres, just being yourself.”

The two lament on how “authenticity,” as Mike phrased it, is the key to remaining true to themselves and managing the different lives.

But one still wonders what will become of the DJ superstars once they leave the pressures of college life and the community they’ve become well known in.

To all who wish to see more of DJ Rictor and Mike Bundlez, you’re in luck as both have big plans for continuing their success and not just with themselves but building a community of artists. “Trying to create leaders and give them the resources and tools to help them achieve their goals. Helping others and giving back to the community. Always asking, ‘What are we able to do now that other people can carry on the impact?’”

Sanchez and Ukaegbu have already began efforts to build up their communities with their up and coming brand called ‘All Action DJs’.”

The business began in Philadelphia, “All Action Dj’s started with a friend of mine named Mont Brown out of Philadelphia. It came from a way of life; “It’s no words, it’s no hype, just all action. I don’t need to hype it up, I don’t need to give you words about it, I’m just gonna show and prove…” The business became official in the early 2018 and is shared with BEDZ Entertainment who Sanchez works closely with to build up communities and give a spotlight to up and coming artists; as Mike says “I definitely feel like we left a legacy here.

Right now our goals are to give back to the community, like more programs and getting the young guys and giving them game early on so they can grow.” The goal of highlighting other talents and building up the community shines in their work, especially the recent Silent State.

The atmosphere and vibe of Silent State was something completely new. The concept of having headphones play music, while everything was silent is something many of us have never heard of at a party. Not only this, but three DJ’s (Mad Russian, DJ HBK, and OZ Chris) playing three different vibes of music on their own channel which could be changed at any time throughout the night. This meant that at any given moment someone could be whining to Afro beats or slow dancing to throwbacks, and the only way to tell was by seeing which color their headphones were glowing. Although, the music was just one of many unique features that left the crowd amazed. Throughout the event, food was served in an outside area which was still apart of the venue and party atmosphere, a performance by Amitions, and a fashion show Mont Brown and Natoshia Marie. Now this

may seem over the top, but each flowed nicely into the event. And to think this all began with Sanchez asking himself, “ … what can I do that’s different something no one’s ever seen before something yall leave and say man I’ve never seen this... “ After that, as Sanchez recalls, “ (I) Called up Mike and said ‘hey, I think I wanna do a headphone party,’” and from there the magic began.

Sanchez and Ukaegbu recall staying on the phone for hours just coming up with the perfect name to patent, nowhere near as long as the 2 months they spent planning the event and working out all the small details that would make Silent State epic but creatively unique. The pair used local and big time artists like William Snyder and Michael Black, “This is not just an event. I see a lot of individuals, but we not working together…

Finding ways to bring the community together and build each other up… and deliver something that’s never been done before.” The group worked endlessly to create a memorable event that was all-inclusive and shed light on the talent that surrounds us.

In a few final comments, both Sanchez and Ukaegbu had this to say: “Being able to have our experiences to showcase something. Unified front, It’s not just us but we got a whole team. We’re just representing our brand, but its people behind us… trying to bring us all together and working with people who respect your craft how you respect it. Sanchez explained “ We all have something to do with success, we come together we leave together. It really takes that unified front and that communication and vision to make a big picture.”

“Growing up I was privileged to see two different sides of the world. I (am from) Nigeria. I was born in London, moved to Belgium, and moved to Philadelphia… I was able to see like a lot of stuff and I think that’s where a lot of my wisdom comes… and seeing that the community is really important. Ukaegbu explained “If I can do something, like bring together this community here at Penn State it could really help show some stuff that people don’t really see.”

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Us

Conversations about

By Mamadou Barry

I

Us.

Us felt unsatisfactory with the given context that the movie shows. It was not so much as expected as it was safe and at the time, I felt was unnecessary altogether. I lumped it together with other horror movies, filled with all the typical jump scares and hilarious death scenes. …but then I changed my mind.

f there is one thing that I really love about movies that have been released these past few years, it is the resurgence of black films being recognized for being genuinely great films instead of just black entertainment.

Seeing films directed by black people for black people become pigeon-holed into stereotypically “black” genres like comedy, crimes and dramas, devalues the potential quality of a well-directed, well-written movie.

This brings me to Jordan Peele, who takes the idea of unconventional black entertainment to a whole new level. His 2017 thriller, Get Out was able to transcend horror by using subtle and increasingly uncomfortable interactions as a catalyst for a terrifying reality of oppression. The film reintroduces the horrors that we could relive when black people were in slavery and details the imperfect social climate between the black and white populations. It works so well because the imagery is painted with the rhetoric that black people are usually so bothered by and at the same time, brings these same issues to the attention of a white audience. That is probably why I was so excited to see his most recent film Us – for all the messages hidden behind the horror… but upon watching it for the first time, I found myself confused.

Let me explain.

Jordan Peele’s most recent film Us is a whole different beast when it comes to subverting horror. Unlike Get Out, the messages behind Us is drowned in its conceptual design and subtle references to the 80s. Watching Get Out, even as a fairly uncultured viewer, a clear understanding of what is morally right and wrong will make the audience come to a similar conclusion. It is disturbing, yes, but it has one aim in its satire: to make you feel uncomfortable as humanly possible.

Us in comparison leans more into the horror and leaves its thematic elements hidden within its characters and quiet nods to deeper narrative that can only be caught by the attentive. My first viewing of Us prompted me with various unanswered questions at the end of its 2-hour run. Of course, I understood the themes of facing your persona and the references to Hands Across America; I understood the wordplay woven between us and the U.S. when Adelaide said “we’re Americans” and the several Michael Jackson’s Thriller references throughout. However, the twist thrown at the end of

The true nature of Us started to unfold after the credits rolled. I saw something happen with Us that did not really happen with Get Out. People started to talk about it in depth with varying perspectives and new information learned from person to person. With every conversation, a new plot point, a new character, a new context to put the movie under. I discussed my findings with friends and they were able to explain questions that I had while posing new questions such as implications of other characters swapping with their tethered half; the 80s references pointing to an even bigger idea of being left behind, as the 80s were known for being the forgotten generation.

Even minor scenes such as the “I Got 5 on It” song that Adelaide was nodding her head offbeat to, were seen in a whole new light. Jordan Peele said that everything that in this movie was intentional and this statement is not to be taken lightly. The subtlety of Us exceeds Get Out by a much larger margin and while it could have been another social commentary about racism, it chooses to talk about fearing something far worse: ourselves.

This movie is just as enjoyable watching as it is to theorize about and for that, I ended up loving the conversations that surrounded Us. For a movie about the threat us as Americans can be, it certainly accomplished making us talk about well… Us.

Cover Artist: Mamadou Barry

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Who Are They?

Psu_Moves

PSU MOVES started in 2013 as a social media hub meant to share events happening in our community from parties to org meeting and events. Now in its sixth year the new Movers Mariama Massaquoi and Richard Mitto have put their own spin to the popular page.

What are your names?

My name is Mariama Massaquoi I am a junior and I am a Labor and Employment, and African Studies double major.

My name is Richard Mitto I am a Senior and I am a Mechanical Engineer

How hard was it to keep your identity a secret this year?

R: “well my identity to keep a secret this year wasn’t too hard because I’m not one for the spotlight. I feel like I did a good job to an extent.

M: I think it was easy, I think I just told a couple of people that I knew, which I shouldn’t have other than that it was fine. I’m not messy.

Has there been a situation where someone has come close?

R: I’ve had numerous occasions that I’ve almost got caught, sometimes I post things on the story that I meant to post on my personal story. But Mariama has always helped me out by catching it before it’s too late.

M: I think the only time was when Fuzzy told somebody that the person who is PSU moves was on Black Caucus e-board. So just had to deny, I signed out of all my stuff, and I had to make sure Fuzzy told the person that it wasn’t me. If you can’t pin it on me and if you don’t have any evidence that it’s not me.

What is PSU moves?

M: PSU Moves is a page where students of color can find events/parties to go to that cater to them.

R: Definitely, I feel like its a page that caters to the black community. It’s a really good outlet to say that this is an outlet for the black community exclusively.

When it comes to followers, are you selective with who you allow?

M: I’ve been the one controlling the request, I mostly follow black people, Latinx, and Asians. I don’t follow white people because they have their own

moves. I feel like we’re the ones that have limited amounts of things we can go to. Also, we’re already in a PWI why do we want white people in our space all the time when it comes to parties. if we put the page on public we would have 9,000 followers

What has been a highlight for you as a Mover?

R: I like going live on the page, I feel like having people come on the page during the live gives them a very unique sense closeness with the platform.

I feel like in the previous years people used it like “oh I’m PSU Moves- I’m exclusive” I felt like the year before Ron and Fuzzy like the PSU Movers were more on the end of gaining the perks. I feel like it should be more interactive with the community

Why have you kept your identity a secret so far?

R: I didn’t want that attention, I didn’t join moves for the attention. I didn’t want whatever quote unquote clout that came with it. The page is for the people M; originally I was going to keep it secret but use perks for getting into parties for free. I ended up not doing that because knowing the previous Movers, and their reasoning for leaving the page. I didn’t want the personal favors to start, for it to come to a point where you don’t have a say in what you can or cannot do because some you know personally is harassing you and is your friend so you don’t want to say no. You also have people that will pay you to post.

With this issue coming out how are you going to move with people knowing your identity?

R: I already know who I am as a person. I don’t feel pressure regardless, I’m not easily influenced. It doesn’t affect me cause I’m my own person and no one is going to tell me what I have to do.

M: I’m still going to move the same way, even the people who knew who I was I told them Dm the page. If I’m on the moves page your flyer will be posted, but if I’m not I’m a student I have things to do.

How have you changed PSU Moves?

M: with us, we changed it shout out to my partner Rich. Moves page used to be boring, the only reason people went on the page was to find something to go to. now people come on the page to laugh, it’s interactive. People feel comfortable enough to say stuff that they wouldn’t say normally. It gives peo-

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ple a space where they can be anonymous, but also say some outta pocket stuff. You come on the page to know where the moves are and apart of that is having a good time.

R: in a sense this year we made events a lot more interactive. Even after events people, comeback give their feedback that allows people to really see if the event was worthwhile. A Lot of people also come to the page to check out videos/photos of the event and see if they can have a chance to featured on the story. I feel like people enjoy that because I remember a lot of people were on Snapchat trying to make the Campus Story, and I feel like the PSU Moves page, allows people that chance of being featured.

M: I think we changed the game it’s more interactive I think even though a lot of people don’t like that it is, we have a lot of people that do like it. The compliments that we get outweighs the negative comments. When it comes to promoting events, who wants a boring page promoting events? People actually pay attention to the page, the story gets over 2,000 views.

How do you think PSU moves has brought the community together?

about it” people will write in we’re definitely going there, people are giving feedback which builds hype for the actual event M: we’re getting peoples feedback so we can help people as well, people go like oh yeah this was lit, but I didn’t like this. We do things for the community, people put on events for black people and as we give you feedback from anonymous people you can fix your event to make it better. I feel like people forget that aspect of it, and be like oh you’re just being messy. I don’t like when people call us messy because people are actually messy they bring the messiness to us-we just showcase it. The community is messy we use the term mixy a lot and this is why we use it because we are mixy. You wouldn’t be looking at the page if it wasn’t mixy.

What is something you feel you could’ve improved on?

R: I feel like one thing I wanted to improve on that I don’t think I have achieved was to grab more of the freshman classes attention. I feel like moves can expand in terms of getting more freshman that we have now.

M: as people that run the page, I wish we did our own party. We did this thing we helped DJ Rictor and said we hosted his party. But we will see Arts Fest...

R: I personally feel like each event has a larger turnout, for example I know for the location of ApeGate tailgate. A Lot of people couldn’t find the tailgate, I posted the location and I know that brought in a huge crowd. It a lot more convenient now, that the black community shows up in a larger body now.

M: they way we promote events helps with the number of people that go, as soon as you post a party people are going to it. Not to say parties didn’t get a lot of people, but I feel like the turnout has been larger this year. For example, we posted a BEDZ after-party it was only on the page for a few minutes and it blew up.

R: we’re taking it beyond posting it on the page, when we take it into the story we will put in a poll, music, we will have people give feedback. We’ll write a post writing” we heard such and such is turning up tonight how do you feel

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