The Renegade | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Spring 2018

the

The Men’s Issue Syracuse University Spring 2018 Volume 2 Issue 1 Black General Interest Magazine

Editors-In-Chief Cameron Jenkins and Noahamin Taye

Fiscal Agent Marcus Lane

Managing Editors Diasia J Kittrell-Robinson, Nia Gibson

Front of Book Editor Elena Whittle

Sports Editor Ciara Keitt

Culture Editor Melissa Marks

Back of Book Editor Nadia Suleman

Features Editors Patricia Baptiste, Coreen Mason

Fashion Director Brittany Belo

Creative Director Felicia Vasquez

Designers

Felicia Vasquez, Brittany Belo

Illustrators

Blake Duncanson, Noahamin Taye

Photo Editor

Ericka Jones-Craven

Photographers Ericka Jones-Craven, Erica Jules

Models

Austin Adams, Lanzel Smith Jr., Brandon Munford, Dylan Lowther, Justin Boone, Boys II Men Cast

Renegade magazine has traditionally been run by women and even taken on many issues specifically related to women in the past years. And while its nice for us to get the shine and recognition we deserve, this issue is for the guys.

This issue of Renegade is dedicated to all the men. Not just straight men and not just college men but all of the fathers, brothers, and sons. The issues you face and the way society treats you is not to be over looked. To be a black man in America and specifically this American can be traumatizing. We wanted this issue to celebrate you to discuss you issues and to give you a laugh or two. We see you. We love you.

We did it for the men this time cause we hoped they notice… in

all four years of the Renegade magazine (yeaaaa b!!! We made it to 4 years now), black women have been the driving force of this publication. Hell, black women have always been the driving force from minority publications on this campus (Mixtape, Femme Noir) to social movements in America (Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Say Her Name). But when women are driving these issues, where are the men? This issue we’re taking a step back and evaluating the issues that black men go through (Fatherhood p.23, Being A Sell Out pg.34, Colorism p.15).

Besides finals creeping in again, this semester has been a simultaneously crazy and distracting one… from Theta Tau finally being exposed, Kanye’s twitter fingers, to Cosby being convicted. I don’t know about you but dealing/thinking about the racist climate we live in America is exhausting.

But come on people, if we’re ever gonna progress as a body, we gotta keep everybody accountable (including women) even if it’s the little things.

From brainstorming print content to topics for our Boys II Men web series, it’s kind of hard to believe that this last time I’m gonna be doing this shit. Renegade has always been my safe space on this campus and it feels like our magazine is about to start a new chapter. To underclassmen who are reading this, I hope you see yourselves in this magazine. We do this for you and keep this legacy alive.

Renegade Forever.

Black Forever.

Love Forever.

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BROTHAS & SISTAHS are making their dreams into realities, and don’t think we haven’t noticed!

Let’s shed some light on the movers and shakers who may not always be the headline makers, and stories from the culture that is strong, creative, and daring, you may not have heard.... if you don’t know, now you know.

the Renegade 8

Guy code What He Says vs What He Means By: Desjah Altvater

WHEN HE SAYS:

WHEN HE SAYS:

I miss you

HE REALLY MEANS: If he is an ex who you left on bad terms, he ain’t serious. This is just a plea of desperation cause the girl he was talking to isn’t around anymore. Now, it’s possible that he actually misses you, but look back to see if there are any hints that he has been missing you for a while. Otherwise, he is just telling you what you want to hear so he can get that bawdy.

WHEN HE SAYS: HE REALLY MEANS: No, don’t do it girl!

This could only mean two things, either he wants to have sex, or he needs your help with something, and rarely is it ever the latter.

WHEN HE SAYS: a bunch of lovey dovey shit

HE REALLY MEANS: He really mean: Okay, Okay, this could mean two things. He may feel guilty about something, that you know about or not, and wants to suck up.Or, he genuinely likes you and thinks you are worth the time, but he usually won’t do this too often.

LETS BE FRIENDS

HE REALLY MEANS: If he is an ex who you left on bad terms, he ain’t serious. This is just a plea of desperation cause the girl he was talking to isn’t around anymore. Now, it’s possible that he actually misses you, but look back to see if there are any hints that he has been missing you for a while. Otherwise, he is just telling you what you want to hear so he can get that bawdy.

WE SHOULD CHILL

HE REALLY MEANS: Now, I’m tryna be optimistic here, it’s very possible that he is attracted to you and wants to get to know you better, but just make sure that’s the vibe when you two are together in public. Otherwise, by chill, he means with the accompaniment of Netflix.

WHEN HE SAYS: I like you but Im not

looking for a relationship right now

HE REALLY MEANS: LIES HUNTY. He is not ready for the commitment cause he got hoes in different area codes who he wants to explore.

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Student Spotlight - Q&A

By: Elena Whittle

At first glance, Kalvin Peary ap-

pears to be your regular freckled-faced black kid from LA. If you ever get a chance to stop this busy man on his rush to Whitman, or wait out one of his endless business calls long enough to chat with him, you’ll soon realize that this Inglewood native is far from ordinary. At only 21 years of age, Peary has traveled to numerous countries, danced on concert stages in front of thousands, and worked with some of the biggest names in music—all thanks to his self-made business, Peary Entertainment. I sat down with Kalvin to learn more about what he does and how he it all started.

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Photograhy: Blake Duncanson

What are some industry names you’ve worked with thus far.

Thus far in my career I’ve worked with quite a few artists: Nipsey Hussle, YG, Dom Kennedy, those are LA rappers. I’ve also worked with Schoolboy Q, Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, Jhene Aiko, Mindless Behavior, Eric Bellinger, The Game, Childish Gambino, Big Sean. The list goes on.

What is your business and what do you do?

My company [Peary Entertainment] is an event management and production company. We organize concerts from the ground up, route tours for quite a few different artists, and we also work as event consultants. We do quite a bit of work abroad as well when it comes to talent buying.

How did you get started?

Actually, I had no intention of working in the music industry—I wanted to be a real estate agent. When my parents divorced when I was in the 6th grade, I was looking for a way to make a few extra dollars, so I started promoting these backyard parties.

Over time they grew. In the matter of a year I went from [having] 40 people to my backyard to 400 people in my backyard.

[Eventually] I got shut down by the city, and got this huge fine for disturbing the peace.

But my mom was extremely supportive.

She’s like, “never again are we doing this here, but you’re going to keep doing this.”

So I started renting these local auditoriums, hotel ballrooms and warehouses to throw parties…I would get local rappers and DJs to come out and perform, and it just grew from there.

What are you most proud of regarding the work you’ve done so far?

I don’t really see anything I’ve done yet as that incredible.

Elena: You’re still hungry?

Yes, super! I give myself a little bit of a pat on the back sometimes. I’ve only been promoting since I was in the 7th grade, in the grand scheme of things, that’s not really that long—I mean there’s so much more that needs to be done. I’m extremely happy, blessed and fortunate to be in the position that I’m in, but I’m constantly looking for the next project, or artist or show. I’m really optimistic about some of the projects that I have coming up in the future. Those are more exciting than some of the things I’ve already done.

What are some struggles that come with the job?

The music industry is an industry where people don’t like to give opportunities in…You really have to fight just to be heard…Especially being young and being black, it’s extremely difficult to be taken seriously sometimes. When I started out, people didn’t take me seriously.

They’d be like, “Who are you? What do you do? How old are you?”

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What sparked your passion for fashion and journalism?

The modern man can care about more than one thing. My dad is like the typical macho man and Works with his hands. The Devil Wears Prada and Ugly Betty. Fashion can sometimes gets caught up in the glam of it.

What about your passion for food?

Can be multi dimensional. The modern man can be interested in many things. I wanted to be that guy. Queer eye for the straight guy also influenced me. It was the first time I really saw LGBT celebrated mainstream.

How did you take on your position as EIC of Baked?

When I took on Baked magazine I wanted to advocate for off campus eating. There’s a lot of gems to find here in Syracuse.

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How has your upbringing influenced the way you interact with people?

You’re always the life of the party.

Its been interesting being a part of the lgbt community and being a black male. Growing up with that image it kind of made it hard for me. My brother was the epitome of that. That made me feel in a way inferior to my brother. It strainded our relationship with my brother and my dad. My parents are both from the Caribbean. When I came out to my mom cried for three days.Its kind of a form of dual consciousness. Understanding that every action I do will be a reflection of the black community. Growing up in Long Island there aren’t a lot a black people so people see you and base their whole ideas of what black people are. I think that’s kind of like a similar experience for people who grow up in predominantly white areas. Instead of white washing yourself just be yourself. .

Student Spotlight - Q&A By: Cameron Jenkins Photograhy: Blake Duncanson

What has contributed to your go getter personality?

I’ve always been the person that if I want something I make it happen. Like when I first applied to schools it was all really coming down to financial aid. BU, American University and Syracuse. American I really liked because it was in DC and I was going to be PR and I remember Syracuse.

For me going to Syracuse wasn’t only my dream it was my parents dream too.

Like if you want it make it happen. If you see it want it make it happen. Going into magazine you better work hard and make sure you achieve that lifestyle. Like going on vacation every year. I think that really enriched me and I want that for my kids.

There are a lot of people who feel like.

I think you should always speak positive things. Its and industry where you can’t just kind of want to be successful. l know I want to be successful. think that’s kind of like a similar experience for people who grow up in predominantly white areas. Instead of white washing yourself just be yourself. .

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How to shoot your shot before the very end of the semester By: Kemiyah Searles

Let’s be honest, cuffing season is almost over, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to try to secure the bag. Yes, I’m talking about shooting your shotI went around our very own campus to ask around how guys “shoot their shot” to construct some tips for the ones who--well to say the least, keep missing the basket...

Okay, I know this sounds a little odd. Pause and think about it, you can’t properly shoot your shot without a winning game plan. Trust me, you’ll see your crush more than once to start developing how to approach the right way.

Think about why you want to shoot this particular shot.

Don’t waste time shooting your shot, if it’s not benefiting you. Whatever the reasoning is behind your shot, make sure to mention it so that both parties know what they are in for.

Are you trying to get a three pointer, bank shot, or do you want a slam dunk?

Now, figure out what your are trying to shoot, then you can shoot your shot in many different ways. You can do it by engaging on various different social media platforms. If you have their number, text them. Even better, do it in person, it shows confidence, and everybody likes confidence. Just know, whatever strategy you choose plays a huge role in getting the ball in the basket.

Okay, I know this sounds a little odd. Pause and think about it, you can’t properly shoot your shot without a winning game plan. Trust me, you’ll see your crush more than once to start developing how to approach the right way.

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Okay, so now you can stop sitting on the bench and finally shoot that shot. Breathe and go for it!

You’ll never know if you can make it or not, if you don’t try it. If you miss, don’t stress it. Use these tools and move on to the next.

Now, “Shooting your shot” doesn’t necessarily have to always apply to speaking to your crush. It goes for networking, career changes, and the list goes on. Take matters into your own hands and don’t give fear the upper hand.

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Side Nigga Guidelines of Getting Back in the Game By: Larry Mikanga

When it comes to being a side nigga, we’ve all been there before… or maybe we haven’t.

If you haven’t then, you might as well jump on the wave, the market for side niggas is at an all time high. As a side nigga veteran, am here to help.

Honestly, this is where you have you throw your morals away. You are about to ruin the sanctity of a relationship, but if you got this far into this piece, you more than likely don’t care. You have to approach the situation as innocent as possible and let things take its course. Don’t push the issue straight out the gate or else you may alienate yourself.

You gotta drop small hints and move from there.

When it comes to appropriate communication, you both have to be on the same page on what you can say or can’t say. It’s helpful if it’s already established to her main nigga that y’all are friends.

BE. HER. FRIEND. This is the ideal situation to be in because no one expects the friend unless you cross a public boundary.

Be discreet, refrain from snaps of being in the same place as them all the time.

Remember this analogy: if the mac n cheese on your plate is BUSSIN, you definitely gonna forget that the baked chicken was the entree. Avoid the attention.

DO NOT CATCH FEELINGS! WE DON’T HAVE THESE AT ALL. IF YOU, or they, DO, ABORT MISSION. Or else you’re gonna finish a bottle of Carlo Rossi while writi… lemme stop. Just don’t do it.

What happens when the boyfriend finds out?

…Well, can you fight?

Tired of being the side nigga?

Ending the relationship should be the easiest thing. You basically have to friendzone them until they see what’s actually happening. Bring up her nigga in casual conversation, and just try and remind her that there’s a relationship she’s still sailing.

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NIGGAS AINT SHIT? Unpacking the phrase from a female and male perspective

By: Jewel Jackson

Let’s not act surprised now, but we all know the phrase “Niggas Ain’t Shit”. It’s a phrase that rolls off the tongues of girls daily and was probably directed towards you at a point in time.

But the thing about us girls is that sometimes we don’t explain what it means, because in our heads the phrase encompasses every issue that we have with young men. But while we understand what we mean, y’all are left utterly confused. In simple terms, we mean that you boys play too many games. You all preach about wanting a girl that can hold you down, but fail to recognize when a girl is willing to provide that for you. You all preach that you want a girl, but always want to compare girls to your past experiences and then categorize us to all be the same. You all get mad when we catch you in the act lying and playing games, as if we were supposed to be okay with it. Then some of y’all lack consistency - one minute you want us, and then the next minute you’re nowhere to be found. But one of my biggest pet peeves is that a lot of y’all just don’t know what you want. You want a girl, but not a relationship. You want to be exclusive, but no title, causing us to end up in a “situationship”.

And for the record, “situationships” are honestly some of the most confusing things ever.

You all expect a girl to be down for you and only you, and then expect her to be okay with the idea of you running game with other girls.

Double standards much? Y’all will claim a girl in your head as “your girl”, but will never tell her, then expect her to magically know somehow . I’m sorry, but we really can’t read your minds, which leads me to yet another problem- you all don’t want to talk out your emotions. Y’all want to be tough and not express yourselves, but fail to realize that it only pushes us further away.

So when us girls say “Niggas Ain’t Shit”, we’re recognizing all those things and placing it within one phrase. This one phrase encompasses all our shared experiences into 3 words without having to spill a whole story. We say it because we have all experienced similar situations and can immediately relate. Just as it serves as our unifying phrase, it also serves as our justification as to why you all act the way you do. Just like you all are confused about us, we’re equally confused about y’all. Sometimes we all ain’t shit because we’re not perfect, but it’s important that we recognize the reasons why.

But don’t worry, no matter how often we say “Niggas Ain’t Shit”, we still love y’all niggas, y’all just really get on our nerves sometimes.

“Then some of y’all lack consistency - one minute you want us, and then the next minute you’re nowhere to be found”

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Transcribed from Boys to Men Web Series By: Renegade Staff

What do you think of the phrase “Niggas Aint Shit”?

Ant: Women ain’t shit!

Kayin: Nah, that’s true. Both sides aint shit.

Ant: Exactly Josiah: It depends on the person.

Ant: Niggas aint shit, women ain’t shit.

DeVaughn: It’s just what you see, you know? We’re in college, all we see is kinda filthy stuff. Like it’s greasy out here.. It’s just bad out here-Ant: Especially in Syracuse.

Devaughn: Women say niggas aint shit so, no one else can Ron: I hear the phrase and it doesn’t bother me, I don’t care. You tell me I aint shit I’mma go to bed, sleep like a baby, with the fan on medium. When I hear the phrase, I understand where women come from because niggas be doing dirty shit…

Kenny: Women will say a nigga aint shit but will continue to fuck with him, so it’ll continue. Niggas ain’t shit but you still fucking with the same niggas that “ain’t shit” You giving me the power to be ain’t shit to you.

DeVaughn: To be honest, niggas ain’t shit is the Black “boys will be boys” if we’re really being real.

Josiah: I feel like the term as a whole, it comes from the idea that men will be the one to mess up in a relationship. In a way, women aren’t being held accountable for the things that they also do in a relationship.

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Do you feel like the phrase is problematic? Overused?

Josiah: Yeah, absolutely.

All: Yes. Ant: It’s more used than women [ain’t shit]. I haven’t heard anybody else say women ain’t shit. But I’ve heard niggas ain’t shit all the time. I just say women ain’t shit - that was my counter argument.

Josiah: it’s used for every little thing, any little slip up and it’s “oh, you ain’t shit.

Men ain’t shit.” I’ve been called ain’t shit just because I’m a Black man..

Kayin: and he lightskin.

Josiah: Exactly, I’m a “fuckboy” because I’m lightskin. That kind of stuff is upsetting because you’re generalizing me without even getting to know me. It’s a stupid term, I don’t like it.

Kayin: Both sides ain’t shit. It’s just okay to say guys aint… it’s not okay, but it’s accepted and normalized.

Ant: Yeah, like we’ve heard it so many times that we just brush it off, you know?

Ron: I think it’s overused and tired at this point.

DeVaughn: It’s a trendy term, that’s all.

What makes a person not shit?

Devaughn: You know when you’re doing wrong. It doesn’t even have to be relationship stuff. You can just be a not shit nigga, it happens.

Ant: A girl and a guy may be talking for a couple days, they hooked up a couple parties, and he might not talk to her for like two days, or something like that.. And she’ll be like “oh, he ain’t shit!” But you don’t know what he has going on in his life, he could be studying, dealing with family stuff, or something you know..

Kenny: He also doesn’t owe you his time.

Ant & Ron: Exactly!

For more Boy II Men Commentary, Check out our Web Series at Renegademagsu.co

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Colorism Affecting Men/Beauty Standards/bleaching in African/Caribbean communities By: Cobia Powell

I’m going to take yall on a journey.

Long before the Pro-Black Cobia, before the awaken of consciousness or as the young people like to say becoming “woke” (I really dislike that word), before college, before high school, before underarm hair, I hated being called Black. Yeah for those of you that can’t believe what you just read, I HATED BEING CALLED BLACK. But it had nothing to do with race, it was because I was ashamed of my skin complexion. At school, I would hear “You’re mad Black!”; some of my relatives would say “Why is he so black?”; on the block when we were “cutting ass” or roasting, the Black jokes would be rampant. And even though I was swift enough to throw jokes back, these judgements are stored. So them quiet moments in the bathroom mirror you think about it, them moments when you meet new people (who aren’t old ladies because they seem to think you’re cute) you think about it, them moments on the 3 train when you see the bleaching skin ads and they start to look like a future solution for your present problem.

You can’t talk to no one about this because a part of you believes you are too Black, a part of you believes dark skin means ugly, a part of your self esteem is continually eroded, so you start to mention how Black you are before others get the chance.

Even though I carried this hyper visible attribute physically as an invisible backpack emotionally, my saving grace was that I always had strong belief in myself. Whether it was playing Yu-Gi-Oh, playing football or in the classroom, I knew I had strengths I could lean on. It wasn’t until late middle school, early high school where I began to slowly accept my skin complexion. No, it was not because it was trendy to be dark skin. No, the jokes did not stop but by this time I had heard every black, dark, and burnt joke in life. The shining moment in high school was when one of my

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friends said a Black joke and I didn’t give him an emotional reaction. He literally said “These jokes don’t bother you as much as they used to.” And I simply said “Nah.” That moment taught me that once you become rooted in yourself, for me, it was the skin that

I’m in (shout out to Sharon G. Flake), people realize that can longer get that emotional rise out of you and it lessens. That was the latter part of 10th grade. The name Black Ice came about in the 11th grade but I didn’t accept it as my nickname until senior year (I can tell the

full story in person if anyone wants to hear).

Besides the name being catchy and Ice is very smooth (or corny as many say), Black is the integral part of the nickname. It resonates with me because it vocalizes my personal triumph with colorism. I really hated being called Black until I was 14 years old, I did not become fully solid with my skin complexion until I was 16, almost 17 so this was a long war. When people call me Black Ice it shows how far I have come and the irony of it still astounds me to this day.

I told you all this because Colorism in Men is a battle fought in silence. We internalize these emotions because our pride will not let us talk about it. Globally, skin bleaching is a billion-dollar business and it is widely known in the Caribbean and Africa however, it is kept on the hush in the United States, and even more with men of color. It would be ignorant of us to think that Black men in America don’t use or ponder about skin bleaching because of Eurocentric beauty standards and self-hate. And colorism also has different avenues in which many light skin Black men feel they have to “prove” their Blackness because of their fairer skin tone. By no means is my story typical. Many Black men don’t have this acceptance of self at 18; they carry this invisible backpack of self-hate with them every day, all day into their 20s, 30s, and some for their whole lives. Therefore, my story is to relate to brothers who are dealing with colorism, or any type of insecurities that is buried under all the social masculinity we are conditioned to portray and say that I have been there. My message to anyone reading this is that once you love your inner self, the outside world will have to adjust to your energies.

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The Positive Black Father-Son Stories They Don’t Want You To Hear By: Coreen Mason

Think of a healthy father and son relationship. And I can bet the image of a black man and his son isn’t what you’re picturing. It is a common thought that black men and their fathers have little to no relationship at all. This lack of the black father in the Black community has created a lot of unhealthy dynamics with black men - like not wanting to be in committed relationships; not being in tune with their emotions; and not appreciating women, continuing the tired cycle of the black father not being present and the black family being broken. However, this is not always the case. There are black fathers who are present and who do make an effort to be the best father possible and raise the best son possible.

Meet Jymeek Jenkins. A senior studying Chemical Engineering, on track to graduate with a full-time offer already secured postgrad; while also managing to be the 2nd Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Jymeek can attribute how he learned to

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behave like a man to the amazing relationship he has with his amazing black father, Keith Jenkins.

Keith had Jymeek at the young age of 20, and says that his life has changed completely for the better after that day.

Growing up they would have these outings every week for about 10 years, called “FatherSon Fridays”, where they would go out to eat, go to the movies, or just hang out together. Bonding moments that helped to instill in Jymeek the values of not only being present, but active in the lives of his future children. He feels like because of how his father raised him, there is no question that he will be a great father and husband because he has had and amazing example to follow.

Jymeek describes his relationship with his father as being “the reason he knows he will be a great father one day”, saying they have been close his whole life. Keith and Jymeek speak to each other every single day, discussing life goals, what Keith wanted from Jymeek when he was born, relationships, and anything else that has happened to each other that day. Jymeeks says, “he calls me every day… about 2 times really, usually when he’s on his way home from work”. When he comes home after long breaks, Jymeek and Keith openly show each other affection through hugging and play fighting. Breaking the stigma that black men can’t be affectionate with their fathers, without it being considered “gay”.

“The best part about me and my pops is that I know I can go to him for anything… and I know he won’t get mad.” Even the times when Keith has gotten “mad” at Jymeek (which he says he never has gotten really mad), he will still call him and make an effort to speak to his son.

Now, no relationship is perfect but Keith and Jymeek come pretty close to being an ideal relationship that all black fathers and sons should have. Being able to show affection to your son, to say you’re proud of your son, speaking with him on a daily basis, and just being there for him, are all behaviors that black father’s should aim to do. Keith and Jymeek, while amazing, should not be a unicorn in the black community, instead their relationship should become the norm that every black father and son has one day.

“There are black fathers who are present and who do make an effort to be the best father possible and raise the best son possible”

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BLACK MENTAL What’s Behind the Stigma of Why Black Men don’t Discuss Mental Health By: Torian J. Love

In several aspects, I think my family’s dysfunctional nature stems from the silenced issue of mental health amongst black men. I can still vividly remember growing up in a predominately female household and experiencing the rage of male family member (a father, a grandfather, an uncle, etc) and not being able to understand why we were all subjected to the cycle of behavioral abnormalities, a small reaction, and then resuming everyday life as if nothing happened. Initially, this caused me to feel slight resentment towards my male family members and eventually black men altogether. Why was I, a young black women, expected to internalize the behaviors of a grown man?

As I matured, somewhere around my mid teens, I realized the true extent of the methods in which black men are expected to suppress and repress their emotions, fears and doubts. The complex of masculinity, and black masculinity, is one that was established

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as early as America was. Yes, I’m referring to the long history of American slavery and how behavioral norms and traumas set in place back then are sustained in present day. As society constantly reinforces the narrative that black men are only powerful and “strong” when they are aggressive and angry, in return we get repressed emotions and the fear of reaching out to get help for said issues. Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary suggests in her theory “Post Traumatic Slave Disorder” that we, as black people, experience a type of collective consciousness. Within this consciousness there are countless traumatic experiences and toxic behaviors that were embedded during the days of slavery— which no one obviously received any type of therapy or medical treatment for. DeGruy Leary explains that the magnitude of this events aren’t isolated, but take place over the course of generations, which brings us back to present day.

So following DeGruy Leary’s thought process, why is that we still presently

HEALTH MATTERS are easier said than done. My personal stigmatize things like seeking medical help experiences with black men who have from professionals to deal with our emotional battled with mental health issues have often issues, specifically for men? And why are ended violently and tragically. When we we surprised when these traumas resurface don’t address these issues directly, we only negatively? I think part of the issue is that continue this cycle of trauma and pass it on we should all redefine what being “strong” towards younger and younger means to us. Strong does “I think part of the generations. I think the first step not means static, or cold, or to be unaffected. Instead, issue is that we should is realization and awareness-- let’s strong should entail taking all redefine what being start putting ourselves in check when we reinforce constrictive care of ourselves despite “strong” means to us. stereotypes onto black men. To the social implications, and Strong does not means acknowledge the importance unapologetically expressing static, or cold, or to be of mental health in all context is the plethora of emotions unaffected” essential in being able to realize a black soul is capable of true health and liberation. conveying. Myself, Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary and countless others will agree that the black spirit is a resilient one. We have overcome millions of obstacles put in front of us and always will. We must begin finding and using resources to unlearn the concepts of toxic masculinity and censoring our emotions within our own communities.

I understand most of these things

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THE SELL OUT What Happens When You Leave the Homies Behind By: Kemet High

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“I swear, you don’t know this city anymore… They might’ve loved you before, but you’re out here doing your thing.

They don’t even know you…”

In high school, we didn’t give a fuck about school. The only thing that made us care was the fact that we knew school would get us richer, faster. We all went, but no one lasted.

College deadass isn’t for everybody. For months I heard, “I did bad my first couple of semesters”, “It wasn’t fun/ I wasn’t feeling it”, and my favorite, as mentioned earlier, “It just wasn’t for me”. Before I knew it, out of 7 best friends I graduated with, I was the only one still enrolled in college. I trust my friends. I came up with them so I knew that no matter what, they would be good. But once our experiences were no longer relatable, I started to notice the change in dialogue.

Yeah, they would get it their own way but the fact that I got mine differently, made me seem like I didn’t belong to them any longer.

There’s a hierarchy that comes with attending Syracuse University. We think we’re the shit and they can tell. It got to the point where I couldn’t even tell them the shit I was going through because the only response I would get was, “Yeah, I don’t got it like that/ y’all”. They never let me live down the fact that I was really “higher” than them. Even my family looks at me like I’m the savior, just because I’m going to college. No A Boogie but I’m a regular ass person. For the longest, I couldn’t understand why I was being placed on this pedestal and looked at like I was better than the very people I came from. They praised me like I didn’t bleed the same or breathe the same air and I could not figure out why. Since when did I become the “sell out”?

When it comes to the four public schools in Syracuse, NY, the graduation rates sit at 58% for Corcoran, 62% for Henniger, 50% for Fowler, and 64% for Nottingham. Those who do care to attempt college, don’t last because it’s the same systematic forcing of those to abide by rules and academic pressure that is personally irrelevant. When it comes to Atlanta, either you ball, trap, or make music.

They look at me differently not because I’m better, but because I’m different. At times I felt like a stranger in the very same places I came from. Difference creates separation.

In this instance, I came to realize that I have become the “sell out”… I never thought the day would come where I wasn’t seen as one of “them.” I wish they knew I was still the same nigga.

“Tell me, who did I leave behind? You think you got to me, I can just read your mind...

You think I’m so caught up in where I am right now... But believe I remember it all.” Drake

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Challenging Problematic Friends When Addressing Sexual Harassment

By: Isaiah Nins

Plain and simple: sexual harassment continues to plague college campuses across the nation. With numerous foundations created to prevent harassment, increased police awareness on the subject, and even U.S. legislation to help deter sexual harassment, it actively disturbs millions of students from what many consider a “safe space.�

Via the U.S. Department of State, the behavior is recognized as verbal abuse in a sexual fashion, touching someone in a sexual nature, sexual teasing or innuendo, or even posting sexually-charged images

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or videos of/to someone are all examples of sexual harassment. This stuff is obvious, son. How y’all still not getting it is OD. Per the NSVRC, 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police, and 1 of every 5 women will be sexually assaulted while in college.

These numbers suggest that you might see something like this as a student; you gonna man (or woman) up and Do The Right Thingike Spike, or be Foolish like Ashanti?

The Trouble of an Ally Challenging your friends on sexual harassment is tough, especially in the heat of the moment. When challenging someone on being too “friendly” you usually hear that women like men who are rough.

PROBLEMATIC. Today’s social media glorifies and fetishizes “Fifty Shades” relationships, however, this can be misleading. 43% of dating college women report experiencing abusive dating behaviors including physical, sexual, technology-facilitated, and verbal abuse (KnowYourIX).

Another obstacle to prevention is hearing “I’m not a punk” or “stop cockblocking”.

PROBLEMATIC. As men, at times we show off some wild hyper-masculinity to women to prove we’re the alpha male (i.e “n****s get around females and be like ‘remember the time I shot that n****??’”). This takes a turn from hilarious and extra, to uncomfortably explicit; any further attempt at diverting the attention away from the Casanova himself is perceived as “cockblocking,” with the only solution being a quick exit by you.

Because we let dangerous/predatory behavior go untouched, escalations to physically threatening situations are able to occur. Harassment can also lead to mental, emotional, and spiritually damaging results; this can create detrimental effects on a person’s psyche. Its by-products include stress, physical trauma, and even symptoms of depression. These effects are more than just skin deep.

Proper Solutions Speaking with Kemet High, ‘18, on the subject, he stated, “Sometimes a guys approach is literally insane. I feel like they don’t even recognize when they’re doing the harassing.” Believing in vocalization, he goes on, “From a females’ sense, she’s gotta be able to call it out. From a males’ sense, we also have to acknowledge it, whether it’s our friend or a stranger.”

A more subtle option proposed by John Clarke, Duke University ‘18 is to increase information on the topic. “I think it starts with sexual assault prevention education; [a big issue] right now isn’t just the scumbags who perpetuate sexual assault, but the bystander mentality of people who see someone who might be too inebriated and just let it go.”

I think both an audacious, conspicuous response, and an academic, intimate one are needed. While an in-your-face answer to harassment will extinguish the problem as it happens, it may only impede the action for the time being. To truly curb the frequency of sexual harassment, we must take the time to enlighten those who are oblivious or truly uncultured about their actions. In the words of Nancy Thayer, “It’s never too late...in life to revise.”

Conclusion and Further Assistance As this issue continues to prevail both on an off campus, it is evident that we are all not doing what we must to eradicate the problem. We have falsely confirmed, “I understand” and “I agree” as we hurriedly click through the required sexual harassment readings and activities, as well as student codes of conduct. We’re either part of the solution, or part of the problem. How much longer will we stand by, and not act? Not a minute longer.

For those looking for more established outlets of authority on the matter, I encourage you to contact Syracuse’s own Sexual and Relationship Violence Team Response team, or campus DPS. Besides these, RAINN, the NSVRC, or EROC are there to help as well.

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Sexual Trauma in the Black Male Community By: Sonia Goswami

We need to start the talk. Every year, 1 in 33 men experience, attempted or completed sexual assault, concluding to a total population of 3% in America.

Surprisingly, sexual assault rates against white males are higher than men of color, specifically black men. However, men of color continue to prove that they do not receive as many resources and justice from society as their counterparts.

An anonymous source from SU campus states, “After the sexual assault I tried to get help from multiple resources- college counselors, therapists, police officers- they all say the same thing. ‘You’re a person of color, you just will not receive the same justice as the white victims…

You can continue to fight, but you will be fighting until you have no more fight within you.’” It is no surprise that men of color never receive the same justice or resources as white people, however sexual assault is one circumstance that should never go unjustified. College counselors, police officers, and other resources that deal with traumatic incidents such as sexual assault need to create a safe environment where people of all skin colors, ethnicities, and gender can go to in a time of need.

Additionally, action needs to be taken forth to create justice for those who have been neglected by the judicial system and the police department. Victims of sexual assault should never have to fear of not receiving

proper help or justice from resources whose primary goal is to help victims.

There are countless reasons as to why male sexual assault victims do not come forward and report the assault. A main reason is the fear of losing your masculinity due to the feeling of shame. Sexual assault is a shameful act, yet ironically brings more shame onto the victim than the perpetrator.

Society continues to teach us how men and women should act, and the first thing we think of, when discussing men, is their masculinity. Are they strong enough? Are they assertive and dominant? Are they able to keep us protected and secure? Secondly, men are less likely to report these incidents as they fear they will not be believed. Rape is stigmatized in a way that only focuses on women, as they are primarily the victims of sexual assault.

We often forget that men are victims as well, especially before the age of 16. Due to the stigma that men are often the perpetrator, could you blame them for not wanting to report the assault?

So let’s ask the question that has been circling around society for decades now. How do we stop this? We need to continue to have these discussions surrounding sexual assault against both men and women, no matter how uncomfortable the conversations get. Uncomfortability bring upon change, and as a society, we create change.

“Society continues to teach us how men and women should act, and the first thing we think of, when discussing men, is their masculinity.”

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Minority Men Being Penalized for Weed Sales By: Nuhami Mandefro

For generations, society saw marijuana as a private leisure for adults. As the drug received national rejection and stigmas, our society today has looked past the propaganda against marijuana and the discussion around it became more and more open. Presently, weed is legal in 8 states and in the nation’s capital of D.C; this is not including states that allow medicinal usage and CBD. Marijuana legalization has done several positive things such as raising funds for state education; but one thing it hasn’t stopped is racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

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The pro-legalization group, Drug Policy Alliance, has reported that marijuana arrests have dropped dramatically in legal pot states, such as Colorado and Washington State.

Sadly, within these legalized proveniences, arrests still occur for drug possession by people who are under the legal age of 21, unlicensed sales and public consumption.

When you really break the data down by race, the reasons under arrests become more present than the ones officially documented.

Overall, both black and white people are much less likely to be arrested over marijuana, but black people are still much more likely to be arrested for pot in comparison to white people. In Washington, D.C., the city decriminalized marijuana in 2014 then legalized possession and growing (under government registered facilities) later that same year. Since then, arrest rates for possession between 2010 and 2016 dropped by over 99% for black people and nearly 99% for white people. But, again, racial discrimination remained: black people were arrested for possession at a rate of 8 per 100,000 people in 2016, while white people were arrested at a rate of 2 per 100,000.

We see similar traits in Colorado, one of the first two states to legalize recreational pot in 2012. A 2016 report from the Colorado Department of Public Safety found that arrests against white people were much greater than Hispanic (-33%) and African-American arrests (-25%).

The marijuana arrest rate against AfricanAmericans is nearly three times more than white people even after the passed bills.

These racial disparities are not necessarily explained by different usage bring violence and other things to lower rates, since black and white Americans income neighborhoods.” use cannabis at similar levels. So what Ultimately, the prejudices of weed could this all come from? Instead, there come from sources of police discrimination seems to be some level of and the socioeconomic bias built into the criminal difference of African-Americans black people were justice system. Students at arrested for possession compared to other groups.

Syracuse are well aware of Though white and black usage the conditions behind the at a rate of 8 per 100,000 are similar and all arrests have legalization and the people in 2016, while white decreased, the large amount injustices lingering behind people were arrested at a of police/government actions marijuana. against drugs stir back to the rate of 2 per 100,000 I spoke with a junior Reagan era. For decades, black male at Syracuse white people have penalised University from New York City, where black people for using the same and/or weed is still not legalized, who has been similar drug to maintain jobs and other smoking marijuana since he was 12; he social factors. Placing black people in believes the country as a whole should jail (specifically ones that are privately legalize marijuana and some other drugs. ran) for drugs increases put money into This student has been smoking marijuana the government and leaves more jobs since he was 12 and believes the country opportunities for citizens who are and/ as a whole should legalize marijuana and or were incarcerated. Ultimately, this is some other drugs. He also discusses his just another way for America to deflate a thoughts on disparities against minorities. minority’s chance to succeed.

“I believe that a lot of the drugs that are currently illegal should be legalised and regulated by the government rather than continuing this war on drugs. The reason I say this is because I believe that making them illegal creates an illegal market that

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A LITTE MORE RESPECT Supporting LGBTQ in Black Pop Culture By: Nadia Suleman

LGBTQIA+ community has While there seems to be more space faced many hurdles under the current for LGBTQIA+ characters in television than administration—being black in addition in movies, television is also problematic. to that just adds another layer of Some television shows have a history marginalization. These individuals may of killing off characters that are apart of find it hard to find community because these communities. This shows that queer black spaces can be homophobic and characters are expendable ploys that can transphobic, creating a strain for those be killed off despite building the plot or who hold both identities. This issue has intensifying the storyline of another—likely only been exacerbated in pop culture. No straight—character. TheWrap.com reports matter what form of media, whether it be that in 2016, 27 LGBTQIA+ television film, television, or music, characters were killed off—a the identities of black significant statistic considering “While there seems the lack of queer characters on people on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum have been to be more space for the small screen. silenced or don’t even the music industry, LGBTQIA+ characters manyInqueer exist to begin with. artists of color like in television than in Kehlani and Frank Ocean don’t LGBTQIA+ stories are continually non-existent in movies, television is necessarily discuss their identities film, with black identities explicitly in their music, favoring also problematic” even more so. In GLAAD’s more neutral language to annual Studio Report describe their love interest. This Index (SRI) they found that only 23 of 125 is likely for fear of not reaching as broad of films released by major studios in 2016 an audience. However, newer artists tend had queer characters, with almost half of to be more open about discussing their them only being on screen for 1 minute or LGBTQIA+ identities, like Princess Nokia less. If that is not shocking enough, only and Kodie Shane, bringing that out in their 20 percent of those LGBTQIA+ characters music. were people of color. While the GLAAD index is great tool of the quantifiable number of LGBTQIA+ characters, it doesn’t mean that they were portrayed in a positive way, or that they had a significant role in the film.

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What can you do?

It is simple. We need to be supportive allies to our fellow people of color on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. By allies, we mean create an avenue for them to speak about their intersecting identities without fear of judgment. Here are a few ways you can support those in the queer community.

Advocate for change Change is needed on many levels and can come in a variety ways. This shift can start in the form of legislation, which means choosing representatives that are supportive of LGBTQIA+ issues like repealing anti-trans bathroom bills and allowing trans folk to serve in the military.

Words matter Don’t use or allow the usage of slurs in your presence. This is crucial because using harmful rhetoric towards those in the LGBTQIA community continues a stigma that follows those individuals.

Create safe spaces Having a space where queer students of color feel comfortable enough to openly discuss the issues they face, is vital. As people of color, many can understand what it feels like to feel unheard or like our experiences are invalidated by the majority.

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SO YOU WANT TO GO PRO? Things you Should Consider Before Leaving the Collegiate Level By: Ciara Keitt

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1. Your willingness to adapt to new areas constantly and most likely never have a stable life.

2. If the people you surround yourself around have your best interest.

3. What agents and financial teams can you trust and are the best in the sports industry?

4. A gameplan for life after sports which could occur after just one year going pro due to injury or 20 years.

5. Your ability to conduct yourself in public in order to avoid negative media attention.

6. If you do consider taking care of some family members will they be able to support the lifestyle you’ve given them or will you be able to afford supporting them for the rest of your career.

7. Are you leaving your eduation behind in college for a promising career, are you good enough to have longevity in the pros… right now?

8. Will your love relationship be healthy for you and your significant other to to continue on this new and very challenging journey?

9. Did you accomplish things that you wanted athletically at the collegiate level, and do you think you can if you stay more time?

10. What outweighs going to play professionally versus continuing to play in college for another year… outside of the money?

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Addressing the NCAA Allegations

By: Anthony Haynie III

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has been heavily criticized for many reasons; primarily for the fact that student athletes generate billions of dollars for sports programs, universities and other private companies while receiving nothing in return. While this issue is at the forefront of gripes with the NCAA, a more important and prevalent issue is being overlooked— sexual assault. Rather than spending time investigating fake classes and improper benefits that athletes receive, saving the lives of students should be of utmost importance. The apex of this plea came in the form of Larry Nassar’s sexual assault scandal at Michigan State. Nassar was deemed as a world-renowned doctor that treated many famous athletes—allegedly he could do no wrong—and many of his younger patients were told to just “trust him.”

Nassar treated many teenage athletes, several of whom cried out for help, but were repeatedly silenced. Nassar’s status allowed him to continue the things he was doing unbeknownst to any higher ups.

The fact that a scandal was overlooked for two decades speaks volumes to how some major sports colleges value their program’s success over the lives and well beings of individuals. Following the Nassar scandal, other victims felt entitled to share

their story as well. However, numerous times at Michigan State, students accused basketball and football players, but their cases were prolonged and dragged out; some of those cases were even dropped, allowing athletes to get away with assault.

One student was even discouraged from reporting to the police a time when she had been assaulted, in a sense, fostering a culture where athletes are being protected.

Not only are athletes being protected, but the school and its image, as well as their athletic program. There is no justice in that process and the NCAA should change how it operates and how it investigates these situations.

Sexual assault is not simply an NCAA problem though, rather it’s a societal issue that must be addressed and stressed more for the safety of victims who speak up.

“saving the lives of students should be of utmost importance”.

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“good guy” eljcvisuals.com @eljcvisuals

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RENEGADE’S CHOICE Who is your influential man of the semester?

Dr. Biko Gray because he ignites passion for change in his students across boundaries and backgrounds. He’s more than a professor but a worldly mentor who informs, expands and offers a platform for students so that we might initiate movements in our communities and at large.

-Ericka Jones-Craven My Dad: We haven’t always seen eye to eye but the past semester,actually school year, as I was working through my senior collection and trying to figure out life in general, my dad was really really awesome and gave beautiful advice. I feel like he embodies what it means to be strong black man in this day and age, I admire him a lot and I like to steal his clothes.

- Britt Belo

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Pastor Micheal Todd of Transformation Church. Just for his down to earth sermons and keeping me uplifted on the days I needed a word from my laptop screen. His #RelationshipGoals series actually changed my life.

- Cameron Jenkins

S

Common because he always tries to uplift and empower Black people and utilizes his platform to enact change.

- Asia Lance Diddy. Just for being himself and spreading love and positivity each and every day.

- Fanta Cherif Michael B Jordan for not only being a great spouse to me, but for bringing us Black Panther & just grinding to bring us his wonderful talent.

- Diasia Robinson My dad. A man that has definitely pulled through for me this semester from spring break travels to my portfolio and graduation costs.

Definitely makes me reevaluate that not all n***as ain’t shit lol - Noahamin Taye Drake…. God’s Plan.... Hello - Felicia vasquez 51

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