The Maroon Tiger 89.8

VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC PAGE 4

NCNW SPELMAN PAGE 6

28 BlaCK MOVIES PAGE 10

SUPERBOWL PAGE 16

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CAMPUS NEWS

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

STAFF SENIOR MANAGEMENT Darren Martin Editor-in-Chief Darrenmartin884@gmail.com Jared Loggins Managing Editor Jared.loggins@yahoo.com Michael Martin Editor-at-Large michael.martin@morehouse.edu Matthew Guthrie Business Manager Mguthrie93@gmail.com Bryan Burke Executive Producer bryan_a_burke@yahoo.com Kristen Harris Internal Relations Director kharri35@scmail.spelman.edu MT EDITORIAL TEAM James Parker Campus News Editor Jamesjr.parker@gmail.com Jayson Overby Fashion Editor bradleycestchic@gmail.com Jebar King Arts and Entertainment Editor JVincenzoKing@gmail.com Jerrel Floyd Features Editor Jfloyd134@gmail.com Kristopher Colley Sports Editor Kcolley5293@gmail.com Tiffany Pennamon Opinions Editor tpennamon@scmail.spelman.edu SEnior STAFF WRITERS Christine Slaughter Opinions Senior Staff Writer Cslaughter93@gmail.com Jonathan Thibeaux Columnist jjthibeaux@gmail.com Annick Laurent Campus News Senior Staff Writer alaurent@scmail.spelman.edu D’Shonda Brown A&E Senior Staff Writer Dbrown86@scmail.spelman.edu STAFF WRITERS Aiyana Parks aiyanap@bellsouth.net Brianna Gaulding Arts and Entertainment bngauld@gmail.com Darion McCuller Fashion mccullerdarion@gmail.com Lonnell Mackey Fashion lonnellmackey@gmail.com Teddy Holliday Sports hollidaytheodore1@gmail.com Ugochukwu Unigwe World and Local aunigwe@gmail.com Copy Edit Associate Copy Editors Isaiah Avent ikeavent@gmail.com Stephen Fisher Stephen8fisher@yahoo.com Ralph Jean ralphjean1212@gmail.com BUSINEss TEAM Amber Johnson Public Relations Director ajohn175@scmail.spelman.edu Brianna Gaulding PR & Marketing Associate bngauld@gmail.com

Annick Laurent Staff Writer alaurent@scmail.spelman.edu Following the non-indictments of Darren Wilson and Daniel Pantaleo - the police officers respectively responsible for Mike Brown and Eric Garner’s deaths - there has been an overwhelming international response opposing police brutality against black and brown Americans. The Black Lives Matter movement, has manifested a cross-generational effort formed by a diverse protester base.

Unrelenting and impassioned, countless people and organizations including the Shut It Down Atlanta coalition proceeded to “Reclaim MLK” by leading demonstrations from coast to coast.

and passive aggressive acknowledgement because citizens’ rights are not being met.

“We’ll just shut it down because this country is fueled on almost the blood and the tears and the sweat and the labor of black and brown people in this country and then have the audacity to eradicate their voice and their needs and the necessities they have that are not recognized by policy and regulation and even in the way we apply those policies and that legislation,” Marie continued.“ After we heard word that the verdict was going to drop soon it was a call heard around the country for different organizers like, ‘This is the movement - we’ll become more radicalized in our direct action organizing.’”

The hashtag #ReclaimMLK was developed by the organized social movement Ferguson Action. The purpose was to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream outlined in his “Three Evils of Society”. Initially delivered on August 31, 1967, King’s address states racism, militarism and economic exploitation are culpable regarding inequality and injustice throughout America.

Marie explained the movement has been quite successful in its beginning stages and attempting to “[transform] a system, an entire pattern that has been formed in America since slavery” has been a transformative experience. In addition to police brutality and violence, Shut It Down Atlanta organizers are also focused on changing the school system they say leads to people of color’s institutionalization as well as increasing communities’ economic power.

Protesters across the nation expressed their solidarity, some by marching the streets of Selma arm-in-arm just as King and his supporters did 50 years ago, while others joined a second Millions March in Harlem.

Internationally, leaders are working together to be on one accord with those in Ferguson as well.

Comprised of Southerners Against Foreign Ground, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, the Gen Y Project and #ItsBiggerThanYou (IBTY), and Shut It Down Atlanta (SIDATL) demonstrated during the MLK March held in the downtown portion of the city. Members chanted and had die-ins as they marched.

SIDATL, which has garnered support from several residents and AUC students, is one of many “Shut It Down” collectives in different cities, states and colleges. There’s even an AUC chapter that works alongside SIDATL and maintain communication through meetings and liaison Avery Jackson.

Aurielle Marie, #IBTY founder, says the concept originated from a chant made by youth protesting in Ferguson: “If we don’t get it, shut it down.”

“If we don’t get justice, if we don’t get recognition and acknowledgment, if we don’t get advocacy, if we don’t get policy change, if we don’t get the things that we need to survive and thrive and be successful in this country then we will shut it down,” Marie said referring to Ferguson and overall protesters’ appeals.

She said the movements’ proponents will target the normalcy, businesses,

“The lines of similarity are being drawn and people are trying to reassess where they stand along those lines and that’s all that one could ask for – the continuance of a cultural shift,” Marie said.

With strong organizing, advocacy and policy change, she believes the movement will continue to prosper. Despite current success, Marie asserts “there are definitely the low spots and low points that can’t be ignored.”

At Shut It Down Atlanta’s die-in November 29, 2014, officers of the Atlanta Police Department walked past the group of 50 participants to reach Marie. Though unafraid of the arrest itself, she was worried because it appeared to be a targeted effort. She was arrested at 6:02 pm and was not booked or processed until the following morning at approximately 3:00 am.

“Doing that, they scared me because I knew that the police...knew what I stood for, what arresting me meant to me and my organization,” said Marie.

Protesters have been forced to consider the amount of risks they are willing to take. Marie has received numerous death threats but she said that she and many others are willing to risk their lives and freedom for the movement’s success.

CAMPUS NEWS

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

Chick-Fil-A Will Get Even Better James Parker Campus News Editor Jamesjr.parker@gmail.com

According to Associate Vice President of Procurement and Contracts and Chief Procurement Officer Ralph Johnson, the newly opened Chick-Fil-A on campus will begin serving breakfast and milkshakes.

Due to company policy, the restaurant will offer additional items once the team has mastered the limited menu. Typical projections for the rollout of full menu options range from three to four months after opening.

All of the dining renovations totaled nearly a $3.2 million investment and months of negotiating, planning, and construction. In addition to the Chick-Fil-A which opened three weeks ago, Starbucks welcomed their first customers on Monday, the cafeteria was unveiled last Friday, and Which Wich is expected to open this month.

capable of cooking up to 50 chickens at a time.

“After a long wait, the aesthetics in the newly renovated cafeteria do not disappoint,” freshman Keith Matier said. “It is definitely pleasing to the eye, but more importantly, the food quality is better.”

Morehouse Vendor Specialist Clayton Monroe said he anticipates that the renovations will have a huge impact for recruiting and retaining students.

“Tour groups will be able to view our new facilities and more current students will opt to eat and live on campus,” Monroe said.

Johnson said the college had been developing concepts for renovations for years, but having a new president, Dr. John Wilson; Chief Financial Officer, Alan Robertson; and food service provider, Aramark, allowed the plans to move forward this year.

Due to a later decision to install a pizza oven which would quadruple production, the pizzeria is the only remaining section of the cafeteria still being renovated.

Renovations are usually completed during the summer, however, the switch from Sodexo to Aramark shifted the schedule. Even though health inspections occurred without any issues, city building inspections delayed the projects and required the assistance of Mayor Kasim Reed to expedite the process.

Students who entered the cafeteria on Friday were surprised to see a Mongolian grill, all new appliances, serving areas, a rotisserie oven

Matier said that correcting a few minor issues like with the drink machines would “make the improving cafeteria excellent.”

UPS Scholars Program, Saving Grace for Future Educators James Parker Campus News Editor Jamesjr.parker@gmail.com With the recent dismantling of the Morehouse Center for Teacher Preparation, the UPS Scholars Program serves as the only lasting opportunity for students interested in education policy and practice.

The community service program allows 10 Morehouse students to complete 300 hours of community service each year for a $5,000 stipend ($2,500 per semester). The students, referred to as scholars, are teacher assistants at Fickett Elementary School in Atlanta.

“The UPS Scholars Program helps prepare young black men to push for real change in urban public schools,” Program Advisor and Morehouse English Professor Jamila Lyn said. “Men of Morehouse have transformed the lives of Fickett students through sheer presence alone, [and] I’m honored to work with such a brilliant and passionate group.”

Ten scholars are also selected from both Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. The applications for next school year are due on February 27 for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applications are available online on the organizations’ Twitter account, @AUC_ UPSscholars.

Morehouse lead scholar and senior Deshawn Adams said the program was founded out of the idea that students who need additional funding shouldn’t have to work part-time or full-time jobs while students. In 1996, this led former Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anne Watts to work with the UPS Foundation to create the initiative.

Adams said that Lyn has continuously made programmatic and curriculum changes, including the application process. Previously, students could not seek to be in the program because they had to be referred by the dean of their major department before applying.

“It was always a community service program but it has transformed into a much more meaningful and impactful service to Fickett and the community,” Adams said.

For 10 hours each week, scholars work with small groups of students, assist with creation or execution of lesson plans, and attend special events such as field trips and school dances. Scholars who have become especially engrained in the culture of the school have also become

advisors for the robotics club and spelling competitions.

“All of the scholars have different majors but what binds and connects each of us is our passion not only for education but for social justice,” Adams said. He went on to explain that although education inequity is less blatant than Jim Crow injustices, it is just as deeply embedded in the current political and social structure.

He said that in addition to the mentorship that the scholars provide for the Fickett students, Lyn and the teachers become mentors to the scholars as well.

“Success exists within our communities and in order to get others to believe that with some conviction, we must shift the narrative,” Lyn said.

“Not only are we teaching academics, we are laying the foundation for students to develop a healthy sense of self -- modeling a winning attitude, deep pride in community and respect for all people.”

The program allows minority college students to become mentors and tutors as well as crucial members of the school culture. Adams said this inclusion is particularly important considering the dynamics and demographics of the school system.

According to its website, Atlanta Public Schools currently enrolls approximately 49,000 students of which, 77 percent are AfricanAmerican. Out of the total number of students, 75 percent are eligible for free and reduced meals based on their family incomes.

Each school in the AUC, as well as Fickett, hosts a dinner for all of the scholars to meet together. Additionally, scholars host “Fickett Day” once a year, allowing their mentees to visit the AUC to learn about the institutions within it and experience college life.

If selected, scholars also have the opportunity to intern at UPS headquarters in any division. After interning for two summers, Adams considered pursuing a career with the company. However, in May, Adams will be returning to his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina to accept an offer as an educator for Teach for America.

Adams reminds each of the scholars and applicants that someone is waiting on the person they will one day become regardless of their field.

“Whether you are going to be a lawyer, doctor, teacher, or preacher, someone is waiting on you to fulfill your life mission so that you might be an avenue for them to actualize their mission,”

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STAFF Chelsea GPR Associate chelseagibson28@gmail.com Corey Smith PR & Marketing Associate corey.smith@morehouse.edu Danyelle Carter PR Associate dcarterj@scmail.spelman.edu Kailyn Brooks PR & Marketing Associate kbrook10@scmail.spelman.edu Naya Coard PR & Marketing Associate ncoard@scmail.spelman.edu Ramon Johnson PR & Marketing Associate ramonjohnson2017@yahoo.com K’Mani Dowe PR & Marketing Associate kmani_dowe@yahoo.com

Photography/NEW MEDIA Kenneth Greenwood Lead Photographer/Editor kggwood@gmail.com Deshon Leek l Photography eek.deshon2013@gmail.com Deverick MorganPhotography, Graphic Design deverick.morgan@gmail.com Isaac Monk Photography monk_isaac@yahoo.com Lizette Terry Photography lterry2@scmail.spelman.edu Tramaine Monet Lockhart Photography tlockhar@scmail.spelman.edu Tyler Lacey Photography tyler.lacey2@gmail.com Winston Cash Photography winstonewcash@gmail.com TIGER TV Jason Perry Assciate Producer jason.perry@morehouse.edu Keon McKay Associate Producer smckayk743@me.com Darius Johnson Assistant Producer/Reporter dariusjohnson7894@yahoo.com De’Quandre Manley Reporter dequandem@gmail.com Deshon Leek Assistant Producer, Videographer leek.deshon2013@gmail.com Eboni Ellis Editor eellis7@scmail.spelman.edu Grant Nelson Reporter g.grant.nelson@gmail.com Jonathan Thibeaux Assistant Producer jjthibeaux@gmail.com Winston Cash Videogrpaher winstonewcash@gmail.com Zoe Wade Assistant Producer, Editor zoewade1@aol.com All Creatives By: Ahmad Barber Ron Thomas Advisor Ron.thomas@morehouse.edu

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CAMPUS NEWS

D’Shonda Brown SENioR Staff Writer Dbrown86@scmail.spelman.edu On Jan. 30 VH1 and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation – along with the help of the Atlanta University Center – brought a sensational music festival to Atlanta to raise money for music education programs in public schools. The Save the Music Foundation funds programs without arts programs and helps to instill musical value within the children of the future.

As pointed out by singer-songwriter Dondria during her performance, “music is a universal language.” The VH1 Save The Music benefit concert sought to bring together individuals from all over to remember how to speak the language.

The remarkable benefit concert took place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center with a host committee including The Sanger’s Room Mitch Mafia and Yana Dixon, who give local artists exposure and help them achieve their goals of national and international fame. The audience was heavily engaged and joined in on their improvisational singing about the out-of-the-ordinary subject of fried chicken.

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

Miss Sophomore 2013-2014 Hali Larkins partnered with AUC artist Oliver Twist to present to the audience an Ariana Grande inspired performance including popular songs such as “Love Me Harder,” “The Way,” and “Problem.” While the background dancers featured some of Mahogany N’ Motions own, Oliver Twist put his own spin on the lyrics featured by The Weeknd, Mac Miller and Iggy Azalea.

Miss Maroon and White 2014-2015 Brittany “Reeci” Botts delivered a heart wrenching and powerful spoken word piece entitled “I Can’t Breathe” surrounded by the significant topic of #BlackLivesMatter while addressing Ferguson, Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner.

Spelman College’s liturgical dance team Movements of Praise performed a piece called “Glory,” featuring a solo by Jasmine Payne.

Ollie Barnes, sophomore at Morehouse College and aspiring artist conducted a call-andrespond with his original piece, “Zim Crow,” centered around racial profiling, police brutality, George Zimmerman, racial threat theory and much more.

Barnes’ powerful lyrics touched the heart of the audience as he posed the question, “Black child, what are you worth now? You are worth dirt.”

Other hosts included Gold Shades, a well-known tuneful trio in the AUC who entered the stage in matching grey blazers, dark jeans, and oxford shoes with a Bruno Mars like swagger.

The audience gave vocalist and rapper Is a “homecoming welcome” as he performed his music, which incorporated blends of EDM and R&B with a Rae Sremmurd musical interlude that definitely caught the audience off-guard.

The opening number was performed by House Arrest II, a dance troupe in the AUC, with choreography incorporating the most popular dance moves of our generation including the Shmoney dance and classic stepping moves inspired by notable fraternities. The music selection for their outstanding choreography included popular songs such as Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda,” Big Sean’s “IDFWU,” and YG and Drake’s “Who Do You Love?”

Singer Mishon lended his soothing voice to the audience with a stunning rendition of Ray Charles’ “You Are So Beautiful to Me” featuring So So Def recording artist Dondria.

Their abrupt finale truly supported their opening remarks, “who’s the best?…House Arrest!”.

Upcoming artist Felixx demonstrated his voice that made the ladies swoon, as well as dance moves that would make any choreographer proud. In addition to his latest single, “Applause,” Felixx also performed well-known singles such as Trey Songz’s “NaNa,” Miguel’s “Quickie,” and August Alsina’s “I Love This.”

Miss Nicki Holman is small but a powerhouse of a voice to be reckoned with. The audience sat in the palms of her tiny hands as she captivated each and every member with her smooth-transitioning octaves and ability to hit notes only accomplished by the greats.

Other astonishing performances from the Atlanta University Center included Victor Perry, who performed a touching cover of Sia’s “Chandelier,” and Jerrell Melton, who performed Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me off My Feet” including a trumpet solo and followed by a standing ovation.

Nicki had the audience shackled in her embrace as she sang a soothing solo cover of Disclosure and Sam Smith’s “Latch,” then later transitioning to Jhene Aiko’s “The Worst.”

Accapella group 201, who has been travelling up and down the east coast, received an encore after their incredible mix of Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper,” Usher’s “Without You,” and “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj.

The royal court made their appearance to the event not only as fellow audience members, but also as talent. The AUC’s own Miss Spelman 2014-2015 Courtney Mack and Mr. Blue and White 2014-2015 Michael Butler, whose artist name is James Bambu, joined in on a heartfelt duo accompanied by an acoustic guitar. The dimmed lighting and silenced audience perfectly set the mood for this soulful collaboration.

One of 201’s members, Rajanae Brown, closed the benefit concert with a rendition of Anita Baker’s “Caught up in the Rapture” while putting her own spin on the classic with doowops and scatting.

Nothing else could compare to the magic of this young lady’s voice.

Photography By: Monet Lockhart, MT PhotographY

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WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

FEatures

NCNW Spelman: Visionaries In the Making

Danyelle Carter Features Columnist danyellecarterpr@gmail.com

Tyra A. Seals Feature Writer tyra1108@gmail.com

Do you consider yourself a problem solver? Do you love the feeling of saving the day? Do you overanalyze everything? Do you like being ‘in the know’ first? Do you love media—newspapers, radio and television? If so, you may be interested in a mass communication or mass media career.

While these gradually shaped my aspirations, my communications journey began in fifth grade when I was elected Class Representative of Room 17 at North Miami Elementary. I remember handing out Oreos and makeshift “vote for me” posters made from the pages of my composition notebook. I wanted to represent others since I was nine years old. Back then I did not realize that I could aspire to be public relations professional; however, I have always possessed an innate passion for all facets of communications.

Since its founding in 1935, the National Council of Negro Women has long been on a quest to rally Black women of all ages, backgrounds, and economic statuses for causes that affect every aspect of our lives. Mary McLeod Bethune, who started the organization, understood that by strengthening and empowering the Black woman, the entire community would be changed for the better.

Mass communication is the exchanging of information on a large scale to a wide range of people.

The mass media are diversified media technologies that are intended to reach a large audience by mass communication. For example, broadcast media such as radio, recorded music, film and television transmit their information electronically.

People always ask me, why didn’t you attend a school that has public relations and I always say that because Spelman is my dream institution and I knew if I could make it to Spelman, to borrow from Clark Atlanta University’s motto—I’ll find a way or make one—when it came to enriching my public relations skills. And I did.

Spelman doesn’t offer public relations, communications or journalism degrees, but have no fear—the Black Public Relations Student Society – Spelman College chapter is here!

The Spelman Chapter of the Black Public Relations Student Society is one of six student chapters in Georgia; we are a motivated group of individuals that have chosen to join other students and advisors across the nation in developing our professional communications skills and advancing the public relations field. The organization was founded in 2008, but became inactive in 2010, and when I arrived at Spelman I re-vamped and re-birthed an organization that I knew would not only benefit Spelman students, but all AUC students. Today, BPRSS-Spelman has 25 paid members and coordinates speakers, programs, and events that spark all members’ interests.

We make it a point to focus on building relationships in the industry by merging theoretical knowledge with practical experience to achieve success. Theoretically students learn how to create press releases, pitches and other public relations documents and receive practical experience. Most recently, we assisted ColorComm: Women of Color in Communications launch their Atlanta chapter and volunteered at their first national conference.

Our goal is to provide professional development, industry insight and networking opportunities to bridge the gap between classes Spelman do offer, such as new media, and principles of management.

Aspiring mass communications professionals like cultivating new relationships and we appreciate having a career that never has a dull moment. To quote Joyce E. Davis, “If I’m not communicating, I am not awake.”

The mission of the National Black Public Relations Society is to nurture, enlighten and inform its membership about traditional and modern public relations. BPRSS-Spelman advances the public relations profession by producing better-educated professionals, and we strive to uphold those values and that mission.

There are many more benefits to being a part of the organization; we provide value to BPRSS members by bringing human resource representatives from highly regarded public relations firms like Porter Novelli and Edelman. Not only do members have the chance to learn from the best in the industry, but they also benefit from broadening their network at chapter programs and mixers with the local BPRSS chapter. Our members have had internships and volunteering opportunities with companies like Edelman, Ketchum, Burson-Marsteller, PR Consulting, ColorComm: Women of Color in Communications, PepsiCo, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, General Motors, Goldman Sachs, CNN, Conde Nast, Glamour, NBCUniversal, Disney-ABC Television, Warner Bros. and more. In Fall 2015, BPRSS will launch The Mass Academy in partnership with global public relations leader Porter Novelli who will offer a seven-week leadership series with Spelman’s LEADS and offer wide range of programming.

If you are interested in joining the BPRSS, we have meetings every Friday at 1pm in Cosby 224. If you have questions email Danyelle Carter at dcarterj@scmail.spelman.edu or BPRSS@Spelman.edu.

Educator and social activist Dorothy I. Height, was president of the NCNW for 40 years and brought the organization to greater recognition; including the establishment of the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the strengths and traditional values of the Black family.

With 25,000 national members and contributors and 4 million partner members at the local and state levels, NCNW spreads its great influence into 39 advocacy groups in communities across the nation, all of which strive to address the educational, physical, and economic needs of women of African descent.

Aside from the national level and its consistent presence in local neighborhoods, sections of NCNW exist at colleges and universities and serve women ages 18-25. Among these is the Spelman section of NCNW, of which junior Ariana Brazier is president for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Last semester, NCNW: Spelman College Section partnered with 17 other organizations on campus while maintaining a significant presence during National Hunger and Homeless Week. With the help of volunteers and members of the section, over 100 MARTA Breeze cards were collected and 82 t-shirt bags were created for the homeless people of Atlanta.

At the official Meet & Greet on January 20th, as part of the section’s membership intake for the year, the Executive board (composed of Ariana Brazier ’16, Marcea Lewis ’15, Andrea Kinzer ’15 and others) had several interactive activities to help prospective members further understand the mission of NCNW which is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities, as well as the environment that the Spelman College Section creates.

From the fun and enthusiastic spirit radiating from the event, it was clear that along with the crucial initiatives of NCNW, the members of the Spelman College section make every activity and meeting as interactive as possible.

After an icebreaker that prompted prospective members to take off one shoe, pick up another that belonged to someone else, and learn five facts about the shoe’s owner after finding them, the executive board continued to share facts about NCNW and its history.

Overall, the event was a success and prospective members said to have left with a sense of excitement about what was to come in the future for the organization and their participation in it. The Spelman College Section of the NCNW is one of the most active collegiate sections, that attracts members by implementing the core NCNW values of uplifting women of African descent so that they are able to strengthen their families and communities. For more information, the group can be followed on Instagram at @ncnw_spelman or emailed at ncnw.spelman@gmail.com.

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

OPINIONS

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Courtnee Brinker Contributing Writer cbrinker@scmail.spelman.edu

available business and math-related from the Career Planning Center. Meanwhile, students in the humanities received just six emails, and two of those six emails were for students interested in law.

As Spelman College humanities and social science majors, we are the sisters in the shadow of a more popular, prettier, bubblier sister named STEM.

I’m just showing off now. Of the total 24 emails that were sent to students this week, 75 percent were aimed at STEM and business majors, which means the other 25 percent targeted humanities and social science majors. Remember, only 25 percent of Spelman graduates receive a degree in STEM. All of this adds up to one big problem.

According to the STEM Overview, which can be found at www.spelman.edu, “On average, during the past five years, 34 percent of the college’s student body pursued majors in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Environmental Science or Engineering (dual degree program), and 25 percent of graduates received degrees in STEM disciplines.”

I have not taken a math class since my freshman year (to God be the glory) so forgive me as I attempt to do a little bit of math. Twenty-five percent is only one-fourth of the student body, which means 75 percent of Spelman students are receiving a degree in the humanities and social sciences and not in one of the STEM majors.

As an English major, neither my social justice or marketing internship had much to do with my major; however, we humanities majors are some of the best when it comes to transferable skills. We make it work because we have to.

We can quote Toni Morrison and Shakespeare, and tell you exactly why your marketing strategy is slightly off, or predict who will get a deal on Shark Tank, and whose company is not worth 1 million dollars at a 10 percent stake in the company.

To really quantify things for the STEM majors reading this, I decided to count the number of STEM and business opportunities Spelman students receive from Career Planning versus the number of humanities opportunities.

Adversity makes us stronger. We work hard to secure summer internships, since often, we don’t get very many emails about humanities opportunities.

From Tuesday, Jan. 20 to Friday Jan. 23, STEM and economic majors received a combined total of 18 opportunities via email. They ranged from G-STEM Awareness Week, an opportunity to receive up to $11,000 in research funding while abroad, to a sample of

You saw how Cinderella was treated. She was the sister in the shadows, but soon she got the fairy godmother, the prince, and a life she could once only dream about. That’s all I’m saying.

Brianna Gaulding Contributing Writer BNGauld@gmail.com

more sexual assault and abuse than their darker peers. That suggests that sexual assault occurs based on perceived sexual desirability of the target, which is a major misconception.

Light Girls: Where it Flew, Where it Failed “Light Girls,” a documentary complement to 2011’s “Dark Girls,” premiered on Oprah Winfrey Network on Jan. 19, 2015. It used lighter skinned women’s perspective on colorism as a focal point and touched on some psychological damages light women feel despite their systematic privilege.

In the opening of “Light Girls” television personality and life coach Iyanla Vanzant mentions the concept of our cellular memory as a race. She suggests that the plight that descendants of the African diaspora endured is carried down and across generations and engrained into our psychologies. One of these experiences deals with colorism – the systematic favoring of those within a people of color with lighter skin complexions.

The documentary is incredibly dense and did a lot of things well. It featured sociologists, historians, psychologists, and social justice figures to punctuate stories of lived experiences shared by celebrities like Cynthia McWilliams, Essence Atkins, KeKe Wyatt, Michaela Angela Davis, and many more.

Experts discussed the globalization of colorism that stems from European colonizers implementing white supremacy into the nations they infiltrated. That resulted in those who appeared closest to white being favored across ethnicities and cultures internationally.

There was discussion about how lighter skinned celebrities’ families treated their darker skinned spouses and in-laws, which served to display how darker skinned people receive the shortest end of the stick while showing how lighter skinned people who don’t necessarily ascribe to the belief that light is better can be hurt by the discrimination.

Amber Rose’s wedding along with Angela Yee’s parents’ wedding was boycotted by their families because of their distaste of mixing with dark-skinned African Americans. In terms of those experiences and examinations, the documentary got it right.

In other realms of how color and the isms around it manifest themselves, a lot of misinformation went unchecked.

Onyxx Monopoly spoke of her experiences of being one of the lightest girls in her family and how that contributed to her being a victim/survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of her male relatives. Monopoly went on to claim that she felt that lighter Black women suffer

Allowing those kinds of claims to be unquestioned or coupled with tangible statistics erases experiences of darker women who have and do experience assault and abuse.

Additionally, a lot of the lighter skinned women discussed their experiences of having their hair cut off, being bullied, and being violently attacked. They seemed to leave the beginning and end of the source of that hatred with the darker girls who attacked them without acknowledging that those girls were and still are systematically told and shown that their complexions are synonymous with criminality, stupidity, ugliness, and worthlessness.

While it’s natural for people to lay their traumas at the feet of the individuals who caused them, it would behoove us to examine what structures and systems encourage that traumatic behavior on a larger scale. It was fascinatingly ironic that, in the same piece, comedian Hope Flood described herself as “beautiful with light skin and long sandy hair” as compared to the “Black girl with short hair” who beat her up in grade school.

Also, male media figures described light-skinned girls as the red Ferraris in the parking lot of black and grey cars while other women featured questioned why darker women could hold such disdain for themselves and their light peers.

There seems to be a great deal of misplaced blame. Lighter women are bullied by darker women while those same darker women are bullied by men, other women, hurt by near total absence of media representation, and regularly and systematically told that they are the most inferior of an already insidiously marginalized race.

None of this is to say that light-skinned women should have no space to share their experiences or a right to feel pain. It’s simply to determine the spectrum upon which colorism is suffered.

Toward the end of the film, there were calls to action for the Black community to stop blaming the system and work on our inferiority complexes within our own spaces.

However, the very nature of systematic oppression is that it cannot be ignored. It must be faced, whether it’s the manifestation of colorism, homophobia, classism, sexism, and all other hierarchical institutions that divide communities. We have to acknowledge the system, and if we can’t seem to topple it, we can build a new one.

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WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

OPINIONS

Tiffany Pennamon Opinions Editor tpennamo@scmail.spelman.edu

introducing the character Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and his gay son Jamal. Scenes depicting their strained father-son relationship illustrate the hardships that many young Black men face when their sexuality does not fall under the heteronormative category.

If you have taken any gender or identity class in the Atlanta University Center, you know that identity and gender construction is constantly changing. The notion of manhood or womanhood for one person may be completely different for others. Femininity and masculinity are society-constructed gender concepts that shape how we play out what we identify as and what characteristics we exhibit.

The pressure from other Black men, hip-hop and rap artists, and peers seems oppressive, but it is important for these Black gay men to be represented and have an open space to live their lives. Music is a large part of the Black community and the hip-hop/rap music industry is mostly dominated by overly masculine artists rapping about sex with women, money, power, and fame. One artist, Frank Ocean, became the exception as he is still masculine, yet gay. This is where the lines are blurred and the discussion remains open for elaboration for Black men.

When you think of male or men, characteristics such as muscular, strong, well spoken, handsome, or even the ability to attract women may come to mind. This is because the media and society as a whole has perpetuated these characteristics and attributed them to the male sex.

Within the Black community, the issue of Black male homosexuality is slowly becoming a topic open for discussion. Society has constructed of male homosexuality an identity that is sometimes stereotypically flamboyant and effeminate. Our new reality is far from that.

Now, one’s sexuality – male or female – does not demean their gender characteristics.

There are men who choose to exhibit “manly” characteristics that identify as gay; you may even find yourself puzzled upon finding out the person is attracted to members of the same sex. The new show “Empire” blows the once closed lid off Black male homosexuality by

In an interview with “The Wrap,” co-creator Lee Daniels stated, “Homophobia is rampant in the African American community, and men are on the DL. They don’t come out, because your priest says, your pastor says, mama says, your next-door neighbor says, your homie says, your brother says, your boss says [that homosexuality is wrong],” Daniels said. “And they are killing African American women. They are killing our women. So I wanted to blow the lid off more on homophobia in my community.”

As the show “Empire” progresses, we will see where the dialogue continues and if it negatively or positively shapes the way we see gay men in the Black community. In all aspects, their families, the rap and hip-hop music industry, and their peers have an influence over how Black gay men live and share their lives. However, it is not our right to decide the way a person lives; it is theirs.

National Debt: Calm or Crisis Brian Camp Contributing Writer dexter.camp94@gmail.com

How does the debt affect you?

Debt…Crisis!

Without a doubt the National Debt is a national crisis and must be treated as such before it becomes a national catastrophe. The debt is so large and is rising so fast that the interest on the debt alone is consuming a larger and larger portion of federal spending.

This could have a devastating effect on the funds the United States has to spend on programs that deal with the health and education of our youth. To put it simply, the United States government is living beyond its means and we as citizens and tax payers will pay a heavy price for it.

The United States has accumulated a frightening amount debt and it cannot default on its loan. It must pay it back and that means drastically defunding essential programs. We as citizens of this country need to wake up and put pressure on our policy makers to pass legislation that deals with this major problem. It is much easier for us to tighten our belts now than it will be in 45 years when we do not have the luxury of choice as to which programs we keep and lose.

The New America Foundation reports that the federal government spent approximately $141 billion on education in fiscal year 2014 accounting for about 4 percent of the entire federal budget.

These drastic changes in funding also impacts college students. Student Aid Alliance states, “Student financial aid programs account for about 1 percent of the federal budget.

The federal appropriation for Pell and campus-based student aid programs in 2009-10 was $30.9 billion, which helped almost 8 million students continue their education…”

There won’t be much money to support Pell grants or student loans and both help aspiring students attain a quality higher education especially students at HBCUs. Because so much of our money is tied up in treasury bonds there won’t be much left in the markets forcing interest rates to rise. Interest rates on your student loans are tied to the market and will rise with it if we don’t address our national fiscal responsibilities and reduce the debt. Student loans are high enough as it is. We do not need high interest rates to make them even worst.

I know you may not be thinking about retirement now, but soon after you graduate from college you will have a nice high paying job and Uncle Sam is going to take a nice chunk of your check to pay for some 65-year-old’s Social Security check. As the baby boomers (a large population born from the 60s to 80s) reach 65, they will all be receiving these Social Security checks and that may mean more of your check going to Uncle Sam. The way the system works now, the Social Security trust will run out by the time you retire.

By placing pressure on policy makers to address the way it spends its funds on Social Security and other entitlement programs we can make progress with decreasing the national debt.

The US National Debt is not just a topic once talked about by boring pundits on multiple news shows. Now is the time to stand up and put pressure on policy makers to make tough common sense decisions about how to not just decrease the deficit but also the National Debt.

is coming to

Morehouse University!

The C-SPAN Bus is on the road visiting historically black colleges and universities, spreading the word about C-SPAN’s educational and political resources along the way.

Wednesday, February 11 C-SPAN Bus Location: Welbourn Street 9:15 – 10:00 am ET: Watch University President, Dr. John Silvanus Wilson Jr., on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, LIVE from the C-SPAN Bus. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm ET: Step aboard the C-SPAN Bus to learn more about C-SPAN programming and resources on an interactive tour.

c-span.org

ANDREW YOUNG SCHOOL OF POLICY STUDIES

1/28/15 A Top 25 School of Public Affairs that is “Changing the world – one student at a time, one idea at a time.”

S004 Morehouse ad.indd 1

Learn.

Live.

Become…

3:26 PM

~ AMBASSADOR A N D R E W YO U N G

the Legacy.

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta where the history of social justice inspires the advancement of economic opportunity.

ANDREW

G R A D U AT E P R O G R A M S

Image Courtesy of the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center

• • • • •

M.S. or Ph.D. in Criminal Justice & Criminology M.A. or Ph.D. in Economics Master of Public Administration M.A. or Ph.D. in Public Policy Master of Social Work

aysps.gsu.edu/admissions Priority Application Deadline – February 15th

10

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

Jebar King / Anthony Bond Arts & Entertainment Editor / Contributing Writer JVincenzoKing@gmail.com / Anthony.Bond@morehouse.edu As we begin to celebrate Black History Month, MT has comprised a daily guide to some films that are essential to black Millennials. Some of these movies you have already seen, some you may have never heard of, and others you can probably recite word for word. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and others will make you want to lead a Black revolution. Nonetheless, these are films that we recommend for the month of February!

Training Day

Lean on Me

Boyz N Da Hood

Harlem Nights

School Daze

Selma

Dreamgirls

(Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke)

(Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume)

(Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Larry Fishburne)

(Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Larry Fishburne)

(Larry Fishburme, Giancarlo Esposito, Spike Lee)

(David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo)

(Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx)

For Colored Girls

Do The Right Thing

Set it Off

X

The Best Man

Brown Sugar

Love Jones

(Janet Jackon, Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg)

(Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee)

(Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett)

(Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall)

(Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut)

(Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Mos Def)

(Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Bill Bellamy)

Love & Basketball

A Low Down Dirty Shame

Don’t Be A Menace…

House Party

Life

Friday

(Kid N Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell)

(Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence)

(Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long)

The Nutty Professor

(Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett)

Coming to America

The Wood

Next Friday

The Wiz

(Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones, Taye Diggs)

(Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Justin Pierce)

(Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne)

(Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Dennis Haysbert)

(Keenon Ivory Wayans, Jada Pinkett, Charles S. Dutton)

(Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Lahmard Tate)

The Help

Eve’s Bayou

Baby Boy

(Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer)

(Jurnee Smollett, Debbi Morgan, Samuel L. Jackson)

(Tyrese Gibson, Omar Gooding, Taraji P. Henson)

(Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones)

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

11

Jebar King Arts & Entertainment Editor JVincenzoKing@gmail.com As we prepare for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, MT took to campus to get predictions for the award show that highlights musical excellence across a variety of genres.

The nominations this year are quite interesting and some very competitive, with controversial newcomer Iggy Azalea racking up three nominations, the soulful Sam Smith being nominated for six, and songstresses Jhene Aiko and Ariana Grande receiving their first nominations.

Beyoncé’s self-titled album, which gave us hits like “Drunk in Love,” “Partition,” and “Flawless” is up for the coveted Album of the Year award, alongside Sam Smith, Pharrell, Ed Sheeran, and Beck.

100 AUC students gave their predictions for the winners and many offered their often humorous commentary as they completed the survey.

Students were shocked at some of the nominations, and an overwhelming amount of those surveyed expressed their discontent with Iggy Azalea, but admitted that because of Grammy politics, she would probably still win anyway.

Some were surprised “Anaconda” was nominated for best rap song, while others were surprised that “Drunk in Love” is considered an R&B song.

One of the most debated questions was whether or not Beyonce would win Album of the Year.

Some said she will because everyone loves Bey, while others believe she won’t win, again because of Grammy politics.

The Grammy’s will air on Sunday Feb. 8th at 8 p.m. on CBS.xv

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

some rationalization and help once she is aware of the situation.

Ramal Larohn Contributing Writer r.larohn@ymail.com

The two women work together to undo the sinister doings of Noah in his attempts to blackmail Claire while she scrambles to put up a front of normalcy in front of her family, students, and co-workers. After a number of close calls, the film’s climax occurs in a burning barn as Claire literally fights Noah in order to rescue her husband and son.

Editors Note: Spoiler Alert!

“The Boy Next Door” tells the story of Claire Peterson (Jennifer Lopez), a young, attractive high school literature teacher who gives into sexual temptation with Noah Sandborn (Ryan Guzman), a young man who moves in next door to help take care of his elderly uncle.

What happens next is the classic tale of Claire trying to keep their escapade a secret while simultaneously working on her failing marriage as Noah becomes intrusive, demanding, and obsessive after she rejects the idea that they ought to further their “relationship.”

There is nothing truly innovative about the film—it relies on classic thriller tropes such as the ever-popular scenes that has the protagonist attempting to flee from a location as the antagonist draws nearer and nearer, or a harmless animal popping out of the shadows at the end of a dramatic build up, but for what it is worth, the film is not bad.

Audience members should not expect complex characters, remarkable dialogue, or unprecedented plot twists with The Boy Next Door. It is average in terms of structure, but there are several memorable moments from the comic relief, Vicky Lansing (Kristin Chenoweth), who is not only the vice-principal, but also Claire’s friend who tries to bring

K’mani Dowe Contributing Writer kmani_dowe@yahoo.com

Jennifer Lopez starring in the type of film that normally would only attract B-List actors and some up-and-comers may raise some eyebrows, but her performance is spot on.

On the other hand, Ryan Guzman just does not quite deliver “psychotic.” This may arouse a few laughs because his performance comes off as cheesy. His portrayal of an unstable individual is nowhere close to the performances of Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” or Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight,” but it is at least tolerable—as is the entire film.

Nonetheless, there are some points that are never resolved, such as when Noah scrawls a large profane message on the bathroom wall at school about Claire that nobody ever speaks of, which is odd, since Principal Warren (Hill Harper) reprimands her about her recent irregular behavior shortly beforehand.

Overall, “The Boy Next Door” is generally acceptable as long as the audience does not desire a captivating plot or inspirational performances.

However, after a close listen it is apparent that the lyrics don’t reflect the nature of the song.

#TheNavy has been waiting a hot minute for Rihanna to drop some music.

“I’m ‘bout four, five seconds from wilding, and we got three more days till Friday. I’m just tryna make it back home by Monday morning, I swear I wish somebody would dare me, ooh that’s all I want…”

Just a few days ago, she served a treat wrapped in Paul McCartney’s guitar strings, sprinkled with Kanye West’s amazing lyrics, and smothered in soothing vocals.

Rihanna discusses her kindness that is taken for weakness as she tries to manage her temper. Kanye expresses similar sentiments with his rap lyrics.

A far cry from her usual style, Rihanna surprised us with a mellow song that wasn’t appealing to many at first.

“Woke up an optimist, sun was shining I’m positive…Then I heard you was talkin’ trash…Hold me back I’m bout’ to spaz.”

“FourFiveSeconds” is a low tempo, acoustic guitar driven piece that one would normally kick back and chill to.

“FourFiveSeconds” is similar in sound to Kanye’s new

song “Only One” which was also influenced and mastered

by McCartney. The track, dedicated to daughter North, is subtle and driven by emotion – something new for Kanye.

Usually, his lyrics and style tend to be more edgy and reckless.

It almost seems as if The Beatles legend has calmed these two very lively artists down a bit and opened up a whole new world of creativity for Ye and Rihanna.

The new music from both artists creates anxiety for what is in store for Rihanna and West.

It was also announced that the two will tour together in 2015.

We are definitely in for some treats this year.

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

FASHION

13

A Place Of Boundary Crossing entering art with an eye open to deconstructing the context of art rather than focusing on the positives and negatives. Blacks collectively respond to art through the recognition of the familiar and the resemblance of something we know. It is integral that we look at art with the received notion that art is a standing ground of defamiliarization.

Jayson Overby Fashion Editor Jayson.overby@theposhandpoise.com

The main goal of an art museum is to make an influential and positive effect in the lives of their audiences and artists. Museums have always been focused on adapting, changing and growing with the general community. Creating a space between the art, artist, and public. Considering museums have strived to maintain the balance of audience and artist, an audience that is less represented in museums and institutions have overlooked museums due to lack of representation.

The sociohistorical traditions of the Black community, and other factors, have shaped the way blacks as a collective view and understand art. Viewers have placed meaning— depending on their gender, class, and socio-historic background—into works of art.

Representation has served as a crucial part of the struggle of the way blacks comprehend and translate the meaning of works of art. Our interpretations of art are conditioned by whom we are. Who we are depends partly on the cultures that have shaped us.

“Art isn’t something I’ve really made time for, other things spark my interest,” Shaq Lewis said, a sophomore business major. “It doesn’t cross my mind as something I plan on doing in leisure time.”

In understanding and interpreting art, once must decolonize the mind if one seeks to explore beyond the subject matter of an artwork. Formally understanding art means

Jayson Overby Fashion Editor Jayson.overby@theposhandpoise.com The du-rag is synonymous with black and Latin culture. The idea of the du-rag is to primarily cultivate and lay down the waves beneath the du-rag. A hairstyle generally worn by men—black and Latin. In order to attain “360 waves” it requires a technique of brushing in a specific pattern to curate the Waves. There is an art to waves; I’m talking about a brushing non-stop all day kind of art.

Wake up, brush. Preparing breakfast, brush. Getting dressed, brush.

Brushing your hair becomes ritualistic and a part of your daily schedule. Similar to Muslim praying five times a day, but just imagine doing that plus five. It’s either you want Waves or you want waves, the streets isn’t for everybody and neither are waves.

Growing up, I was one of the little guys who would frequent the barbershop and just sit and watch as the guys got their haircut. I watched as every guy entered the chair, but one guy stood out in particular. The haircut he sported resembled a truncated afro, it was levels to his hair. As each clump of hair fail to the ground, the man in the chair went from drug user to drug dealer. Every guy sported a different style: temp fade, taper fade, bald fade, and high fade.

As the hair fell, the waves appeared and were prevalent in form.

After a formal analysis, one could infer that he’d spent a lot of time brushing and applying pomade.

A haircut requires a specific amount of time in which the barber choses to manicure the head in which he’s cutting. Dedicating every minute and second to redefining the cut and the man. Waves require a specific amount of time, dedicating every minute to making the blades flow with the pattern of the waves. Carefully making sure not to interrupt the oceanic floor in which the waves sit on—his head.

There’s a coffee table book that has brought everything into fruition on the importance of waves, Waves by Twin BroBro . Basically if you don’t have waves, you’re kind of loosing—well not really. Well actually, you are. Even the songstress Nicki Minaj mentions the hairstyle in the hit single Your Love. “And he keep a du rag, keep the wave on swim.Wa-wa-waves on swim so they hate on him”

In 1994, an exhibition curated by Thelma Golden, Black Male: Representations of Masculinity in Contemporary American, served as one of the prime reasons to deconstruct what black masculinity meant during that time. The exhibition represented a group of stellar contemporary artists, aimed at investigating the aesthetics and politics at work in representations of African-American men following the Civil Rights era. Although some viewers received it as disturbing or a misrepresentation, it is one of the groundbreaking exhibitions of the Whitney Museum of American Art that shifted the boundary of black masculinity. “I have studied art history and I aim to be apart of an administration and team that aids in producing groundbreaking and thought provoking exhibitions for the masses,” Javier Hernandez said, a student currently attending Columbia College Chicago. “One of my primary goals is to make art relevant and understandable to those who don’t identify with art due to lack of representation.”

Blacks have to become dedicated to help others understand that art is important for survival. Be eager to take initiative, but at the same time accept guidance. The role of a curator is to manage the display of artwork, which generally affects the way the public interprets and appreciates art. Although as onlookers Blacks must seek to gain valuable information, knowledge, and shift the way culture influences the way art is viewed.

Lonnell D. Mackey II Staff Writer lonnellmackey@gmail.com Kendall Jenner’s exposed breasts on the runway, so last season! Male genitalia are now all the rage on the in Paris.

Paris fashion week has ended, but there is still one show that everyone cannot stop talking about. Rick Owens opened eyes and averted gazes below the belt all across the fashion industry with his 2015 Autumn/Winter Menswear (peep) show. Shocking antics and unconventional catwalks are no strangers to fashion, nor Owens, but this time was somewhat different.

The designer’s collection was a departure from past seasons. The collection took normality and developed upon it. The pieces seemed to defy futurism and instead fell more toward the classic end of the spectrum. Dull blacks, browns and tans enveloped the clothing. Tunics, cable knit sweaters, and pea coats were key pieces within the show. In true Owens’ fashion, some of these pieces were worn upside down and rapped around, not on a whim, but as if the designer was trying to show that even the most classic pieces of clothing have greater potential than we often estimate.

Classic, but not boring! Owens unveiled to the fashion world a collection seemingly more luxurious than a handful of his past collections. The luxury and visual literature that embodied the clothing seemed to be overshadowed by the some of the models exposed penises. Luckily, the underage socialite, North West, was not front-row for this show. As reported first by E! News, a user took to twitter tweet “I can’t believe Rick Owens sent dudes in pee-hole ponchos down the runway. That’s either lunacy or genius, but I don’t know which.”

“Nudity is the most simple and primal gesture,” described Rick Owens backstage. The designer makes a great point, but it seems that not the entire world is in agreement. His show led to a handful of penis jokes and sexual innuendos by reporters and everyday people worldwide. Owens even received some backlash for what some considered objectifying the male genitalia.

The controversy over Rick Owens’ most recent show brings up another issue. Nudity is much less prevalent in men’s runway than women’s runway, but men’s nudity causes greater controversy. If exposing male genitalia on the runway is considered objectification then why is there less commotion over the frequent display of female genitalia? Perhaps, due to the patriarchal society that we exist in, the objectification of women has become normalized.

“The body is nothing to be ashamed of, and if it takes a nipple to sell a garment then cool with me.” Kyere Wright said, a junior at Morehouse College.

Rick Owens has always been with and often ahead of many other big name icons that take stances on relevant social issues. The designer previously made headlines with his Spring 2014 collection for using a predominately African-American step team for his models, leaving a few individuals in the audience with tears.

So now you’re wondering will penis peepholes be on trend this season? Fortunately for you, full frontals will, for sure, not be in style any time soon. Runway looks are not to be taken literally according to Owens.

The penis jokes can be funny and who doesn’t appreciate a good laugh, but let’s not miss the point.

Owens is making a statement and that statement is promoting the celebration, not degradation of the naked human form and sexuality.

14

VARIOUS

Jayson Overby Fashion Editor Jayson.overby@theposhandpoise. com An essential part of menswear and the history of fashion is the Ralph Lauren Oxford. Originally named after the 19th century Scottish fabric, which was named after Oxford University, the oxford shirt has become a staple in menswear.

Often characterized by its buttoned-down collar, the Oxford remains present and retains elegance.

Although it may be a fashionable “thing” to purchase bespoke dress shirts, the Ralph Lauren Oxford is the prefect laid-back piece and fits true to size. Ralph Lauren offers luxury men’s and women’s clothing; however, the classic oxford is not as pricey as it’s counterpart—Ralph Lauren Black Label—sold in department stores across the world: Bloomingdales, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus Inc. Luckily, the classic-fit oxford shirt is available for the price of $89.50. However, if you’re financially aware of your spending, the Marshall’s department store sales the oxford for a reduced price I’ve had my prized possession, the blue oxford, since I was in the eight grade and it still retains a clean look. Although, accompanied with a few paint marks, ink stains, and one small tear--it adds character. I’m now okay with saying; “It’s time I invest in an updated Ralph Oxford.”

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

SPORTS

15

Malcolm Banks Staff Writer Banks812@gmail.com Every kid absorbed in sports growing up had dreams, obtainable or not, of becoming a star athlete one day. But not just any kind of athlete, everyone wishes to be gifted enough to become the next big time point guard, power forward, quarterback or wide receiver. Which brings up Morehouse football’s own Temitayo Agoro.

Agoro is an immensely talented athlete who could certainly play many glamour positions but has found his lane as a punter.

Malcolm Banks Staff Writer Banks812@gmail.com There are many great sports journalists who stamp their mark on the field forever. One journalist in particular who has stood the test of time and continues to impress is current ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard, who I got a chance to speak in depth with.

In the hour-long phone conversation, we were able to touch on many different topics within journalism as I learned more about his journey and how he has found success over the years covering the NBA. One thing noticeable when reading a Broussard article is his strong writing style. Brossard, who began his career in 1990 working for The Plain Dealer stressed the importance of being a good writer.

“You have to keep reading and practicing,” he said when asked how he developed his strong skills. “I read my peers’ articles and take bits and pieces from all their styles.”

As I picked his brain delving more into the conversation, he continued emphasizing the importance of writing.

“You have three types of journalist, the first being a great reporter, but a mediocre writer. The second is being a good writer, but a mediocre reporter. The last is being both a great writer and reporter. The best journalists are good at both, but do not sleep on the writing. The goal is to draw your readers in and be captivating.”

He offered that studying others within the field of writing is a way to improve your own writing.

“Read the work of good writers. Bill Simmons, Ian Connor, and Shaun Powell are a few that are good writers.”

In his 25-year career, Broussard wrote for the New York Times, one of the nation’s most coveted papers, as well as taking on a different style while working for ESPN The Magazine.

“Writing for a magazine is different than a paper,” he said. “For a magazine, you have to paint a picture of the surroundings and not only focus on the person you’re interviewing. You must detail the scene, but in between that, have substance as well.

“Magazine stories sometimes require spending days with the players. Newspapers dumb the writing down a little as they stray away from big words and long sentences. Magazines allow you to be very descriptive and take the reader where he can’t go.”

For newcomers and people who aspire to become sports journalist, Broussard instructed that you must “be comfortable in front of a camera, and dominate the beat you are on.”

Many have grown to admire Broussard because he refuses to conform and give “the proper answer” His 2013 article in which he was critical of Jason Collins’ sexual orientation rubbed many across the nation the wrong way. Broussard received much negativity from the article in which he called Collins a “sinner.” Though Broussard says he has moved on from that time, many respected his bravery and undying willingness for his opinion to be heard. It’s a great reminder for aspiring journalists that you must work hard everyday, refusing to let society silence your beliefs.

Agoro standing at 5-feet-11, 195 pounds and running a 4.44 40-yard dash time can easily be mistaken for a strong safety.

So how did Agoro exactly make it to the place he’s at now? He recalled a meeting his freshman year for students interested in playing for the football team.

“I had a conversation with a teammate and he told me it was hard to make the traveling team,” Agoro said. “But I was willing to play any position in order to travel. So when it came time to introduce ourselves to the coaches, I told them I was a safety, outside linebacker, punter and a kicker.

“Coach T (special teams coach Phillip Thomas) approached me after the meeting, and he asked me if I could punt. I told him yes even though I had zero experience in my life before. He took me to the field and handed me the ball. I then proceeded to launch it across the gate. Coach was impressed and that’s how I was able to travel with the team.”

Since that moment, there hasn’t been a second to look back. Agoro not only earned All-Conference awards for continually kicking teams deep into their own territory, but also has been a dangerous dual threat punter who can pick up first downs with his speed when opponents are unsuspecting. It’s fair to say, Agoro brings a new dimension to punting that’s never been seen.

“We incorporated rugby style punting, and it allows me to roll out to the left or right before actually kicking it, and if the field is clear, I can take off and gain first downs instead of punting the ball away.”

Although Agoro had natural ability in kicking, which he gives credit to his Nigerian roots, it the work he has put in to become exceptional shouldn’t be ignored.

“Over the summer I was working consistently on different methods and techniques, and none of it is perfect at all yet,” he said. “To further my chances of going to the league (NFL), I’m going to get myself a professional trainer who knows about punting and I’m going to make it.”

Confidence is something Agoro has never lacked and that stems from his motivation in life. “The will to have success is what motivates me, my parents always raise the standard for me.”

Agoro is a unique individual who truly follows the beat to his own drum.

With his great natural talents and hard work ethic, he can certainly find the name Agoro daunting across the back of a National Football League jersey one day.

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SPORTS

WEEK OF 2/6 - 2/13

Tumultuous NFL Season Ends With an Instant Classic

Austin Williams Contributing Writer awillams24@yahoo.com

running back Marshawn Lynch and unknown wide receiver Chris Matthews, who hadn’t recorded a single reception in his career, the Seahawks, took a 24-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In a season marred by crisis, the NFL could not have asked for a more perfect ending. For a couple of months during the league year, a dark cloud was over the NFL for its handling of domestic violence and erratic off-the-field behavior by its players. Couldn’t get any worse right? Wrong!

Things were looking bleak for the Patriots but the ever so calm Brady did what he has been known for his entire career – leading a Patriots comeback in crunch time. The Patriots cut into the Seahawks deficit 21-24 on a Brady-to-Danny Amendola TD pass. Then, Brady threw his record-setting touchdown to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining, completing the Patriots’ comeback.

Coming into the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots were accused of using deflated footballs in the first half of their AFC Championship victory over the Indianapolis Colts, which all of America now knows as “deflate-gate.” The accusation has questioned the legacies of their coach Bill Belichick and their quarterback Tom Brady.

However, what this Super Bowl will be remembered for is one of the craziest finishes in Super Bowl history. The Patriots survived a last-minute drive by the Seahawks who got to the 1-yard line, helped by an amazing juggling catch by Seattle’s Jermaine Kearse.

Super Bowl XLIX featured the two best teams in the NFL, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, and they treated football fans worldwide to one of the most memorable Super Bowls of all time. The Patriots won the instant classic, 28-24.

Tom Brady played threw for four touchdowns, breaking Joe Montana’s record for the most Super Bowl touchdowns thrown with 13. Brady faced a Seattle defense (The Legion of Boom) that came into the game with star players Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor banged up.

The Seahawks were in control for most of the game. Led by quarterback Russell Wilson,

Alton Pitre Contributing Writer alton.pitre@morehouse.edu Morehouse suffered a 60-58 loss on Monday night to the struggling Fort Valley State Wildcats in a close battle, which maintained the Tigers’ second-place position in the SIAC basketball standings. A win would have tied the Tigers in first place with Paine College, whom they recently beat in a classic last-second home win.

The Tigers are now 9-3 in conference and 11-8 overall, good standing with about one-third of the SIAC season left.

“We’re still inconsistent,” Morehouse basketball coach Grady Brewer said after Monday’s loss. “And tonight showed we still are not making our free throws. We’re inconsistent with free throws and closing out games.”

The Tigers only made 14 of 30 free throws against Fort Valley State. Three of the Tigers’ losses have all come in games decided by 10 points or fewer.

With Seattle choosing not to punch the ball in with Lynch, the Patriots’ Malcolm Butler stepped in front of a Russell Wilson pass for the game-ending interception.

“I’ve been at it for 15 years and we’ve had a couple of tough losses in this game,” Brady said in an ESPN article. “This one came down to the end, and this time, we made the plays.”

After a tumultuous NFL regular season, it ends in one of the most memorable games ever played. In the same stadium that the Patriots perfect season ended in defeat seven years ago, their 2014 season ended in redemption.

On the contrary, Brewer’s young team played better at home when they faced then undefeated Paine last week. A tip back by Javarius Gay following a blocked shot by Michael Hall on the other end, all in the final minute, carried Morehouse to a well-deserved victory. The two previous losses at home accounted for the Tiger’s only SIAC defeats of the season. Brewer credited those losses to his young players letting the home crowd get the best of them.

Junior Robert Askew and senior Austin Anderson, who is currently getting re-acclimated from injury, are the only two Tigers who have played more than 20 collegiate games. The other players are composed of mainly walk-ons, red-shirt returnees, and transfers who have played at prior schools but none for a lot of minutes.

With seven games left in the SIAC schedule, four at home and three on the road, the Tigers are looking forward to solidifying a top seed going into the tournament. “[Our goals going into the second half of the season], just to take one game at a time and be a better team that finishes in the end of the games,” Brewer said.