Renegade Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 5 | Spring 2016

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Syracuse University

Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5 Black General Interest Magazine

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DJ Hits Campus M.E.N. ; YLD Outlaws; Art & Activism Mental Health

FAREWELL TO OBAMA Stacey Dash

CON-

Donald Trump’s Xenophobia

Olympic Dreams Savage Apparel

TENTS

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Wet Dreams of Amin; The First Lady

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In Memory of PRINCE FORMATION On The Fly - FASHION

Frank Ocean Eulogy Underground Artists; Sweet Kisses Forever Mamba Final Four Renegade’s Choice

STAFF LIST Executive Editor Natasha Amadi Creative Director Felicia Vasquez, Noahamin Taye Editor in Chief Elen Pease, Earica Parrish Fashion Director Brittany Belo Photo Editor Aaliyah Lambert Front Cover Illustration Taylor Hicks Fiscal Agent Jean Degraphe Photographers GianCarlos Kundhart, Kadijah Watkins Elena Whittle, Brittany Belo, Lena Allen

Everything changed this year. Chipotle went bad, Kim and Amber Rose sipped tea together while Kanye became a twitter dude (48). Things that were once solid started changing too: we lost some of our classmates; soon, Obama will no longer be our president (14) and most jarring of all, I'm graduating college.

This sense of change that lingered in the background was punctuated by an anxiety. A certain restlessness I could feel both in myself and in my classmates. Our anxiety could be traced back to the every senior’s least favorite question – what are you doing after graduation?

Ironically, the same question brings about the sense of excitement that translates to restlessness – we can't wait to find out. I thought about a senior quote. A word or sentiment to summarize the last, and certainly the best, four years of my life and could only come up with one word: Relax.

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Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

Natasha Amadi

If you dont know now you know

Brothas and 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 headline makers, and the stories from a culture that is strong, creative, and daring. You may not have heard...but if you don’t know, now you know

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The number of people who silence their thoughts or minimize what they have to say because they feel their raw opinion may be too bold or incomprehensible steadily increases day by day. Conflicted by this societal issue, Amin Lawal and Luis Gonzales co-founded “The Voice of the Student Network,” a radio podcast show, to offer students a medium to get raw with reasoning.

What has been the response to your show?

Been mixed as it should be. People been pretty easy on my fellow panelists as they are more liberal in their viewpoints. For myself, I get a bunch of hate which don’t bother me as I grew up with people talking reckless about me. I’m like Robintussin.

You may not like the taste of it, as it is bitter but the substance is effective and it cures you from your illness. I say things that people want to say but don’t have the balls to say it, as they are scared of the backlash.

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What are your thoughts on Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian?

I don’t give a fuck about that type of shit. One is a known smut while the other comes from a family full of smuts so what’s the big deal? I think as black people, we care too much about the fuckery. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the fuckery as times but in little doses. If we put the same amount of time and effort in things that actually matters like education or creating our own businesses, us as a race would be unstoppable but we are too consumed with the bullshit.

Do you see yourself as the voice of SU students?

Hell Fuckin No! Yes, I maybe the most recognizable person on the show but this is a collective effort.

There is no universal perspectives that every student shares. We all have different opinions and ideas and we just want people to listen to us. I want to add more people to the show but a lot of students still don’t have the balls to express their opinions as they’ve been told to STFU and do as told. by: Nardos Zecarias

Although there are many promising DJ’s rising on campus, one in particular sticks out.

Gloria “First Lady” Gyakari, got her name because since her youngin’ days she would hang around all her brothers and male cousins. Being the only girl in the mix, the name First Lady was born.

Down in the Bronx, Gloria’s love for music began right in her home, where there was always tunes bumpin’ from her family’s stereo. Soon it led her to mixing the latest songs for family weddings and friends. As people noticed her ear for music, she became a hit!

So you might be wondering what’s so different about her. Well, she’s that “gyal from Ghana” (cues R2Bees’s song, Slow Down) who makes it her job to introduce the Syracuse campus to the underrated music genre of Afro-Beats. Tune into some of her favorite Afro-Beats artists like Flavour, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, and Davido to experience it for yourself!

As one of the only female DJ’s on campus doing her thing, First Lady appreciates all the support she can get. Particularly, she shouts out DJ Strikah, who focuses on bringing the Caribbean musical genres of Dancehall, Reggae and Soca to the turn tables.

He has given her special DJ tips, showing her how much he wants to see her succeed. Gloria also looks

by: Amariah DeJesus photographed by: Lena A.

up to one of her friends, DJ Rozay, in the DMV area because it boosts her confidence to see another woman in the game perfecting her craft and doing big things.

One of the biggest obstacles that she has had to overcome are the “assumptions people have that girls couldn’t possibly know anything about DJing”. Regardless, this doesn’t stop her. In fact, it motivates her to dominate the field and surprise the people who doubt her skills.

Moving forward, First Lady plans to build her brand and continue on to become a producer.

She wants to find a unique way to incorporate music and her major of Information Management and Technology together. Keep an ear out for Gloria because she might be at your next event, bringing the Afro-beat vibes to your feet!

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The Multicultural Empowerment that there are ways, other than Network anger, to express yourself and your by: Marjhani Simpson

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he Multicultural Empowerment Network’s mission is to bring attention to the issues and injustices African American, Latino, Asian Pacific American and Native men face, creating a safe space in which college-age men of color can express and better themselves academically, personally, and culturally.

President Javier Cabral and Vice President Bruce Miles, pride themselves on the diversity within the group. Each member brings a different element that helps them come together to solve issues such as racism, gender inequality, and violence. M.E.N. works to break down stereotypes and gender norms by hosting a series of conferences, professional development workshops, and discussions.

M.E.N. also serves to create a brotherhood amongst men of color at SU, ensuring that these men are supported in face of adversity. Not only do they work with other SU students, they have begun a mentorship program that reaches out to the youth in the city of Syracuse to help young men from falling within the cracks of the system. One of their most recent mentoring events involved expression of feelings through art. It allowed the participants to realize

feelings.

This year, the organization lost one of their own in back March.

Justin Robinson, who presided over the organization before his unexpected passing, was known by his brothers to be one of the most talented, confident, and dedicated members of M.E.N. “Justin was a man that definitely knew himself,” says Cabral. He understood what he was capable of and what he wanted to see from the world.”

Robinson spent a lot of his time being active and interacting with other students on campus.

“His commitment to the community, his humble personality and love for life cannot be replaced,” says Cabral. “He inspired me more than most because he was always himself regardless of what anyone had to say. [Justin] was a true mentor and leader.”

His colleagues hope to uphold his memory and continue in the path that Justin set forth, using his memory to inspire and motivate them to achieve greatness.

Within the next year look forward to seeing more of M.E.N. on campus. They expect to have more workshops and conferences to further work towards their goal of educating and empowering men of color, as well as expand the organization as a whole.

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by: Kad

ijah W.

Young Leaders of Distinction by: Fanta Cherif

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n the Fall of 2014, Praycious Wilson-Gay and Kameelah Pointer wanted to create an organization that would bridge the gap between Syracuse University students and the students of the Syracuse city school district.

Thus, the idea of Young Leaders of Distinction was born, where “enriching today’s youth for tomorrow’s security” soon became their motto. By the fall of 2015, YLD became a recognized student organization here at SU. Young Leaders of Distinction is selfexploration program that focuses on college planning, career building, and community service for students in grades 7 through 12. According to Wilson-Gay, YLD works to provide students with the guidance and tools needed to build on their personal trajectory.

The objective is to not persuade the students towards a specific field, but to help them realize their own potential.

“If you want to “grow up” to be a hairdresser then so be it,” says Wilson-Gay. “Let us connect you with the best hairdresser in this area so that you can receive an accurate depiction of what life would be under that profession.”

YLD has diligently worked with the Science and Technology Entry Program as well. Every Saturday, the advisors meet at Huntington

Hall where both YLD and STEP work with their advisees on things such as College Board, creating professional email addresses, The Common Application, and much more.

“As students we should want to reach into the communities that surround us and aid them,” says Wilson-Gay. “I wanted to provide the Syracuse community with a space that allows their youth to explore their interests and careers but also to give them direct resources so they can fully experience what their desired career path offers.”

Since the fall 2015, YLD also started the social media campaign #Tailored Tuesday, where general body and executive board members dress in business casual clothing and encourage others to post their pictures as well. The goal of this campaign is to inspire their followers by showing that the earlier you show professionalism, the easier it is. They also held their first outreach initiative event, Cutz for Kids in mid April, where people come in and donate money in exchange for a haircut from local barbers. They successfully reached their goal of $100, and all proceeds go towards future programming and to eventually create a scholarship fund in their name.

YLD plans to expand their mission to other colleges so that they can assist the youth in their area as well. Eventually, they want YLD to become a nationally recognized organization.

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“We’re An Army Now” by: Antoinette Zeina

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here are a few things you should know when walking into an Outlaws rehearsal: Come to dance, and come to sweat.

25 bodies packed into the fencing room in Archbold Gymnasium on a Monday night to begin what will be a grueling 3-hour rehearsal of non-stop choreography and drilling. Stretching begins and side conversation quickly dies as an announcement is made through the room: “Yo guys, we are on a schedule!” In fact a schedule that will keep them booked with performances every weekend in April. Back to business as usual.

It has only been a year since Outlaws was founded in the hopes to create a centralized hip-hop team at Syracuse University. What started as a group of 12 pop-lockers and gliders, Outlaws has quickly evolved into an astounding 25 member group since their last audition in beginning of the semester.

“I kinda almost don’t believe it,” says Luis Moctezuma, sophomore and head coordinator of Outlaws. “The number of people on this team presents a challenge but also presents so many opportunities.

It creates a whole new dynamic compared to our old team. We are an

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army now. We are not a team anymore, we are a troupe.”

With a renovated team and hard hitting choreography, it is no surprise that this group of dancers have become one of the most popular dance organizations on campus. The performance that put them on the map was their stellar set at the Hope Benefit Concert headlined by Bryson Tiller back in December which cemented their team within the SU dance community.

“I will never forget that performance” says Moctezuma “It went from us being given a one minute set to another 15 minutes of freestyling on stage, like that was insane. I was proud of us and that gave us so much motivation like ‘wow we just did that in front of 1,500 people like what else are we capable of doing.’

I thought wow we are great but we can be so much greater.”

While in the process of solidifying a presence on campus, an important goal remains for this group: to welcome all people to the world of dance, no matter how much dance experience or background of life.

“This team has proven that there is so much more talent in the multicultural community,” says Stripling. “We have people have people from all different backgrounds coming together to dance and that is something that makes us special.”

With incredible passion and dedication, there is no stopping the success streak that Outlaws have created. The sweat will continue, tired bodies will charge through choreography and the the passion of these dancers will only grow. “When you work out and you get sore, it only makes you stronger.”

Artists use the work of their hands to raise awareness by: Alanne Story and Renegade Staff

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rt is more than a pretty picture or a canvas on a wall. It’s the expression or application of human creative skills usually in a visual form and can essentially be a form of liberation, freedom, struggle and most importantly activism. Art can be used a platform for activism because it allows people to express their opinions in different mediums and explore the creative mind.

Activism is the action of using different methods and campaigns to bring about political or social change.

Gerald Brown, a sophomore sculpture major, uses her art as a platform to discuss the social issues happening on and off campus.

“As a self-identified Black artist, I use my art to examine what Black liberation and racial uplift look like in a world deemed as “postracial,” Brown said. “I will always be a Black Artist and my choice to making art dedicated to Black people is exclusive to that thought.

My art will always be influenced by my rich Black experiences. So everything I do will be from that perspective.”

Brown attributes her use of art as a tool of activism to W.E.B DuBois and Langston Hughes. Both were very vocal in their opinions on how Black art should be used and is it the duty of the Black artist to make Black art.

She also draws inspiration from iconic Black stars in various genres who use their art to construct these pro Black themes, like James Brown who sang the ever-ringing lyric “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud.” And also from movies where protest and art is physically tied together, like Selma where

Martin Luther King Jr. calls Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson to sing to him.

“Art has always been an integral part of Black activism and are literally impossible to separate,” Brown said.

Kerby Jean- Raymond, designer of Pyer Moss, regularly uses the runway as a platform to speak on issues being addressed on and off social media. The fall 2015 Pyer Moss New York Fashion Week show and collection boldly addressed police brutality.

The show started off with a short film about recent cases of police brutality on men and women that have been in news headlines.

Moss then revealed a sleek and edgy collection with the names of Black women that were killed by the police printed on the back of the garments. He also painted the white boots red to represent the splattered blood of the victims.

For his spring 2016 collection, Kerby Jean-Raymond teamed up with Erykah Badu for a runway show to raise awareness about mental health. Models walked down the runway with different billboards that had sayings such as “My demons won today I’m sorry.”

The aim of the collection was to spark awareness for depression and bring mental health issues to the forefront of conversations.

He ended the show with a tribute to 23-year-old Black Lives Matter activist, MarShawn M. McCarrel II, who committed suicide earlier that week.

By bringing political and social issues onto the runway, JeanRaymond can inspire a generation of students to bring their causes to the workspace. In order for our voices to be heard, we must not stop at on classroom conversation.

We have to continue the conversation on different mediums.

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Not Just “White People Problems”: Mental Health in Black and Latino Communities

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he minority community’s general reaction to mental health is dismissal. Mental health issues are thought to be fictional, seen as a way to grab attention, or more commonly categorized as “white people problems.”

Amy Quichiz would disagree.

As a Latina and firstgeneration college student, there’s this constant pressure to fulfill the “American Dream,” both for herself and her parents. In the fall of 2014, Amy was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and sleep paralysis. She begged her parents to take her to therapy, but they never took her depression seriously.

“It’s just not something that you do,” says Quichiz regarding her request for therapy. “You talk with your family rather than talk with someone professionally.”

There is a stigma both culturally and generally, that mental illness isn’t real because it is not “visible.”

These types of conditions are more covert and not easily identified, compared to someone who’s in a wheelchair, has a body disfigurement, or even a speech impediment.

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Minority women are inclined to encounter more factors that influence their mental health.

Criminologist and sociologist Dr. Kimya N. Dennis states in a Huffington Post article that “minorities such as women and certain racial and ethnic minorities have life stressors that are often greater in prevalence or there are fewer resources to decrease the impact of stressors.”

Working hard to live up to one’s family expectations is not a stressor that is exclusive to minorities. However, in Quichiz’s case, she is expected to work extremely hard to reach a status that eludes people like herself – Latino women.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that Latina high school girls have the highest rate of suicide attempts. Additionally, the Health and Human Service Office of Minority Health states that African-Americans are “20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population.” While these issues are not distinct to minority communities, yet we are less likely to see professional help or talk about it with others.

Within the Black and Latino communities there is a

sense of inherent strength and perseverance, as if nothing can get to us; we are indomitable, having proved that time and time again. Being able to ignore the pain we suffer internally and suck it up, while taking care of our responsibilities is admired in our communities.

Nothing can hold us back. Yet, with this comes an additional pressure to continuously appear “strong”, ignoring the fact that we might actually need help, but are too afraid or shy to come forward.

Quichiz claims that her time in therapy helped her realize things she never thought about, while providing the tools for self-motivation to get up and go out everyday.

In terms of tools, Amy says, “Breathing three times and thinking of a happy place for three minutes” are techniques that she learned in therapy.

To help diminish the stigma around mental health issues, Quichiz recommends doing personal research and asking questions Two winters instead of While these issues are ago, Quichiz assuming. not distinct to minority was sexually We as a s s a u l t e d communities, yet we are less s t u d e n t s , w h i c h , e s p e c i a l ly likely to see professional she says, t h o s e help or talk about it with contributed who are to her others. minorities, depression. must be Following her attack, she allies to our friends and began attending protests family who suffer in silence. and rallies such as Take Back the Night – an annual event There is nothing wrong in which students, faculty with asking or needing and others march and share help; we have proven that personal accounts in order to we are strong enough. raise awareness and combat sexual assault on college If you or anyone you know campuses across the nation. is thinking about suicide However, the stress of taking or battling depression, or part in these protests were a anxiety the SU Counseling source of anxiety for her. It is Center offers help 24-hours, a heavy burden for one person year round. To call dial to carry, but she credits her 315-443-4715.

Emergency sorority and therapy sessions lines are available too. here at SU for helping her handle these strains. by: Ibi Lagundoye

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A FAREWELL by: Stacy Fernandez

On the night of November 4th 2008, families across the country sat on the edge of their sofas awaiting the results of what would questionably be the most prominent election in American history —the possible election of the first African American president.

Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the highest office in the nation, arguably the world, on February 10, 2007. A graduate of Harvard Law and a longtime community organizer and activist, the young senator had now set his sights on enacting change from the oval office.

“I was very surprised because in school I had never learned of any

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one holding the office of president that looked like me,” said Kylon Harris, a freshman policy studies and secondary education major and a candidate for president of the Syracuse University chapter of the NAACP. “It was something new, and eventually that surprise grew into hope, and I think that’s what that candidacy meant for many people. Hope.”

The son of an African man and white woman, both who died in the later half of his life, Obama was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents and spent most of his childhood in Honolulu, Hawaii.

For a career goals assignment in elementary school, Obama wrote that he wanted to one day be president.

For many millennials Obama’s presidency has spanned the majority of their lifetime making him the most visible commander in chief in their eyes.

Raj Patel, the president of Syracuse University’s chapter of college democrats, was in the eighth grade when Obama first came into office. He said that there was a feeling of excitement in his school after Obama was elected. On the day of his inauguration Patel’s teacher cancelled class for the day so that students could watch history in the making.

“It was a really great feeling, especially with his campaign of change. It was an amazing feeling to watch, it gives you hope that now that we have a black president one day we can have a Hispanic, Asian or president of any other race,” Patel said.

Patel, like many millennials, vaguely remembers the Bush era. He said that he became more politically conscious when Obama came into office, and has since come to trust him due to his moderate administration and investment in the interests of the youth of America.

According to Patel, Obama’s first term was more about domestic policy focusing on

artwork by: Taylor Hicks

TO OBAMA getting the country out of the “Obama is definitely leaving a recession, getting the economy legacy. In his second term as a moving and creating jobs. During whole, but also in the last year his first term, Obama received the he’s [been] making really bold Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to moves. The Cuba deal was a smart strengthen international diplomathing to do before he left as well cy and cooperation and to reduce as exercising his constitutional the use of nuclear weapons. He responsibility to nominate a new passed the Affordable Care Act to Supreme Court justice,” Harris said. make healthcare more accessible, From the time that he halted his while also cutting down on govmotorcade during the inaugural ernment spending In terms of interprocession from the Capitol to the national affairs under the Obama White House to greet the American administration, al-Quaeda leader people in person, President Obama Osama bin Laden was killed in a has since then displayed himself U.S. raid. Obama then withdrew as not only a relatable president all American troops from Iraq. but also as an American citizen.

Despite his accomplishments, When a group of students were Obama is not asked what they without fault. considered to Patel said be Obama’s throughout “It was something new, most memorahis first term ble moments as and eventually that Obama made president many bipartisan efinstancsurprise grew into hope, recalled forts, however es in which he this course of showed not and I think that’s what action proved only his ability to be ineffec- that candidacy meant for to, but also his tive. At the willingness to time both the step out of his many people. Hope.” senate and the presidential role house were and engage in majority democratic, so he would common everyday activities like have more easily been able to push dancing like a dad (which he calls through his agenda, but his course his primary job) on The Ellen Show. of action allowed the Republicans “I think that often times people to take control of Congress. Patel are desensitized to the everyadded that how the Affordable day stresses of the office of the Care Act was rolled out could presidency and his personal dehave been handled in a way that mands,” Harris said. “And seeing was more accessible to the public.

President Obama in this light: Patel said that in Obama’s first singing, dancing, and making term he showed what a masjokes, is something that really setsive impact he could have. tles in the hearts of Americans.”

“The second term is the one that Part of his relatability comes I look at as the one that defines through the women that make the president,” Patel said. “Beup the first family, who refer to cause at that point he or she is him as either their husband or fano longer running for re-election, ther. Although she is a few years so you have your full agenda,” older than Obama’s daughters, In his second term, Obama notaSasha and Malia, Cherokee Hubbly took executive action on immibert, president of the National gration reform, facilitated a revoAssociation of Black Journalists, lutionary deal with Iran to limit their said that it feels like millennials nuclear weapons program, and have been growing up alongreestablished diplomatic relations side them, almost like having with Cuba. He has also addressed younger sisters grow up with her. civil rights issues and LGBT rights.

Then there’s First Lady Michelle,

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Obama, with her greatly toned arms and dance skills that arguably beat her husband’s. Michelle’s time as First Lady has contributed to helping shape the way that black women are viewed so that the only image America has of them is not simplified to a stereotype.

“I think that she has been able to show that we are not one dimensional, we are definitely multi-faceted. We can go to law school, turn up, [and] be mothers and wives,” Hubbert said.

Hubbert said that Obama’s presidency has encouraged her to get to know politics more than she used to — which is especially important with the upcoming elections.

Politics in the U.S. have become very glamorized, but it is such a crucial part of the country, Hubbert said. She added that when things like whose wife is prettier or funny memes take the forefront to the real issues including racial, rights and education issues, when those funny things take precedence over all the other things then it becomes scary and problematic.

“The one thing is that everyone votes, that everyone takes it seriously and everyone votes,” Patel said. “I have hope in the American people and that’s what Obama said too.”

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by: Cameron Jenkins

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nother celebrity has found a way to get on Black Twitter’s bad side.

If Raven Symoné’s ignorant and sadly misinformed comments didn’t cause enough of a stir in the black community, the comments of another clueless star definitely made waves.

Stacey Dash, an actress best known for her role in the 1995 film Clueless, shocked the black community and called for her black card to be revoked when she denounced BET, the NAACP, and black history month all in the same short segment on Fox & Friends.

When asked her opinion on the recent controversy surrounding the lack of diversity in Hollywood, Dash responded that there are few roles for people of color that would enable them achieve the level of esteem that is worthy of an Oscar.

It was all downhill from there. After sharing some common sense and empathy for the community that has shown her so much support in her career, Dash followed with a comment stating that in order for blacks to be properly assimilated in to society we should get rid of things like the BET awards, NAACP image awards, and black history month, which in her words “only honor you if you’re black.”

“You either want to be integrated or you don’t,” Dash commented.

Not only does this view invalidate

the work of organizations such as the NAACP and BET but it also portrays these organizations to a majority white society as agents of segregation. The BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards provided a space for people of color to finally be recognized for their accomplishments in a world that told them they weren’t good enough and didn’t matter. A world that relegated them to the back of the bus, refused them service in public places, and prohibited them from their right to vote.

The issue of ignorance coming from our own people in an increasingly polarized society should not to be taken lightly.

Renegade Magazine would be unable to exist if it weren’t for these organizations that paved the way and shed a light on such an underserved community.

Stacey Dash, your black card has been revoked.

Under a video of a white grandma doing the dougie, @_Teebabyyy tweeted: “The black community would like to trade Stacey Dash in exchange for this lady.”

At this rate it’s looking like anyone is a better option for the black community than Dash and her friends from Fox. Dash’s comments were not only highly problematic but also generally untrue and she was dragged on twitter for it:

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How Donald Trump’s xenophobic by: Oumou Sylla

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t’s scary to think that The Simpsons’ “Bart to the Future” episode which predicted Trump’s ludicrous presidency 16 years ago may be accurate. If you’ve been closely following the upcoming presidential race you may have noticed that no matter what Trump says, he just keeps winning.

This man has called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States and Muslim identification badges.

He has even gone as far as requesting surveillance of certain mosques. Attacks on Muslims have happened way before Trump decided to run for President. Now the only difference is that there’s a large possibility that the Republican nominee for the presidential candidacy may be a man that openly makes ignorant, bigoted comments and may actually have the ability, even if it’s the slightest, to get his horrible laws passed.

Trump’s presidency will definitely be the downfall of this country. As a Muslim-American woman, I am appalled at the fact that he has so supporters who agree with his

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racist, bigoted, and xenophobic comments.

I can’t think of any scenario in which a Trump Presidency would produce a good outcome. What I can do is talk about how his presidency will set back MuslimU.S. relations back and increase tensions between muslims and non-muslims on college campuses everywhere.

When asked about Donald Trump, Dagmo Yusuf, a senior education major, stated that “I think he’s unnecessary…there’s no benefit for him to be running for president, all he’ll do is make the world a worse place.” She goes on to say that even the fifth grade students that she teaches recognize how “bad his ideas are.”

In the United States, there are already a slew of individuals, including those we go to school with, that have hatred and misconceptions about Islam and it’s followers, notably calling it “a religion of hate.” Trump becoming president will contribute significantly to this climate.

As The Simpsons’ writer Dan Greaney so beautifully put, a

slander affects Muslims on campus Trump presidency “just seemed like the logical last stop before hitting bottom.” He goes on to say that “It was consistent with the vision that America was going insane,” and I honestly find no flaw in what he said.

His campaign basically consists of saying outlandish things that can get him press coverage.

Unfortunately, with this kind of coverage, it is bound to attract the kind of supporters that we may have to encounter on our very campus.

Donald Trump is a rampant xenophobic, racist, misogynistic man who is not fit to run our country. Maybe we should all take a look at Trump’s idea of “Making America Great Again,” and take The Simpson’s warning to America a little more seriously.

“It’s scary to think that the country I was born in, that I grew up in has become one that is okay with openly hating my people simply becomes of our religion,” a Muslim student who wishes not to be identified stated. “A religion that they insist spews nothing but

hatred. I am just as American as them. I love this country just as much as they do. If I don’t belong in this country, where do I belong?”

Numerous other students share the same sentiment. Some went as far as to add how important it is to follow politics and to vote because abstaining from voting is allowing those who are not fit to run our country.

Yusuf spoke about how she feels during this turbulent time on campus. She states that she’s “uncomfortable” and that “It’s an annoying situation especially when you are Muslim and you’re living here [in the U.S.] and you’re going back and forth between the Middle East and here…it’s so much more uncomfortable when you’re traveling at the airport with my last name,” she explains. “When you’re at school, you don’t notice it as much unless you run into people that say ‘[Muslims] are terrorists.’

Donald Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous and we must take heed.

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#OSCARSST T Hollywood’s diversity problem must be tackled from behind the scenes by: Asia Lance

his year’s Oscar nominees caused an uproar in the African American community due to the lack of minority representation in the films and the actors nominated.

The few films that featured a diverse cast earned spots on the prestigious list not as a result of the black actors involved, but rather their white counterparts.

The screenwriters of Straight Outta Compton received a nomination while the actors were snubbed.

Similarly, Michael B. Jordan was not acknowledged for his role in Creed while Sylvester Stallone received a “Best Supporting Actor” nomination.

Black representation in the film and media industry is still a recurring problem. For a little over a century, black characters have been whitewashed, portrayed via blackface, stereotyped, or exploited in the film industry.

The root of the problem is how Black characters are portrayed in cinema. Since the early 1900s, people of color have been misrepresented, exploited, and criticized in the world of cinema. Hollywood has a history of taking stories that occur in Africa, especially Egypt, and instead of using actors and actress who are African American or African they use White actors and actresses. Casting crews even miscast in biographical films about famous Black people, as we see with the Nina Simone and Michael Jackson

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biopics coming soon. A White actor for Michael Jackson? Zoe Saldana was really the best choice for Nina Simone? But when boundaries are broken, like last years live national broadcast of The Wiz Live! on NBC, which featured an all Black cast, there’s extreme backlash from the White community crying “reverse racism” – whatever that is.

Recent studies show that roughly 80 percent of the main characters in the top grossing films in Hollywood are White and only fourteen percent of main characters are African American. Ironically, statistics also show that people of color, while comprising only a fraction of the population, put a pretty large dent in box office ticket sales.

Because the production crew behind most of the top grossing films are White males they gravitate to White actors. The first step to implement diversity into cinema is to start behind the scenes. Author of Multicultural Psychology, Jeffrey Mio, suggests “part of it [lack of diversity in film] is that people cast people that they feel comfortable with and so if someone has a familiar background you feel more comfortable with them.” Shonda Rhimes’ Grey’s Anatomy is proof that diversity and balance can be achieved. She has a diverse main cast along with a diverse team working behind the scenes.

Moreover, there is a stigma that Black actors, characters, and films don’t sell well. However upon

TILLWHITE considering the top grossing films and TV shows from the past three years, there’s no doubt that Black cinema and actors are on the rise.

The Butler, Selma, Creed, Concussion, and Straight Outta Compton are all movies that did exceptionally well in the box office during their respective years. Actors and actresses like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson have proven to do well in the world of TV and film. This year, Taraji P. Henson won her first Golden Globe for her role as Cookie Lyon in Empire. While this was such a key moment for Black actresses, highlighted by Viola Davis embracing her after her win, it’s important to realize that she won an award for a character that is considered to reinforce certain stereotypes within the Black community.

Behind the camera, there’s even more African American talent: like Shonda Rhimes (Scandal), Ryan Coogler (Creed/Fruitvale Station), and Ava DuVernay (Selma). Shonda Rhimes owns her production company and owns all the primetime slots on ABC every Thursday.

Diversity and the acceptance of it should no longer be a problem.

An event, like the Oscars, holds so much importance and value in Hollywood that the lack of diverse casts, crews and winners seems like a step backward.

“There’s steps forward, there’s steps back, but we’re evolving,” said

Kyle Bass, a professor in the drama department.

There are successes and steps being made on behalf of the African American community to promote and stimulate this need for diversity and accurate representation in film. American Black Film Festival and BET teamed up in February to celebrate Black film and recognize those who were snubbed in the Oscars.

“Twenty years ago, I created the American Black Film Festival to spotlight the rich diversity of talent and achievement,” Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF said. “It was born out of my love for film and desire to ensure that Black people gained opportunity and equity in every arena of Hollywood. I am truly honored to partner with BET to showcase the work of our most talented artists.”

These are steps and efforts that are created to uplift and propel the Black cinematic community forward, despite certain setbacks.

Black Hollywood is thriving, with consistent pushing and persistence, the rest of Hollywood will recognize the true talent of the Black cinematic community.

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photographed by: Brandon Delgado Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5 22

by: Rasheeda Davis

“On your mark, get set...” yells the meet starter. A blank shot fires from the starting pistol. Seven runners vault from their starting blocks and blaze past the sea of roaring spectators towards their first hurdle. They start out collectively as a group, hurdling over a series of 42-inch hurdles.

Within a split second, a leader swiftly emerges towards the finish line.

Freddie Crittenden III is currently one of the nation’s top hurdlers, currently ranking 2nd in the nation. He currently holds the Indoor ACC Championship title and recently placed 2nd in the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championship.

One of the greatest and influential figures in track and field is Olympic Champion Jesse Owens. His legacy has paved the way for great athletes like Freddie. “We all have dreams.

But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, selfdiscipline, and effort,” stated Owens.

Owens’s commitment to open the door for people of color in sports is depicted in the film Race. Despite the deliberate discrimination and racism he experienced in the 1930s, he kept the end goal in mind, which was winning.

Just like Owens, Crittenden aspires to be a part of history. He’s striving to trump the current records of some of the greatest hurdlers before him, establish own world records, and inspire others through his journey.

“The main thing that inspires me to be better every day is God because he has shown me my true potential and what I can do,” explains Crittenden.

Freddie was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri but moved to Detroit, Michigan during his sophomore year of high school. His mother first introduced him to track and field in the 3rd grade. His coach at the time quickly noticed that he had great potential. Once he arrived in the 6th grade, he explored other sports but shortly returned to track and field during his freshmen year of high school.

The path to success is not easy and is often filled with obstacles. Adversity is needed, because through the difficult moments we learn our strengths. Despite the injuries he

experienced during his freshman and sophomore years of college, like all greats, Crittenden overcame those difficult moments. Freddie uses the previous records of Syracuse hurdler Jarett Eaton as motivation to improve his records. The success of 2012 Olympic champion Aries Merritt motivates him as well.

“Honestly, Freddie is a special kind of person,” states Crittenden’s best friend, Ryan Perry. “He is the kind of kid who can light up a room just by being there. He has a huge smile and it fits his personality.”

During his spare time outside of track, Freddie enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and traveling. He also enjoys listening, playing, and making music. His favorite genre of music is Hip Hop. Freddie’s commitment and discipline is definitely preparing him for his Olympic dreams. “When it comes to track and field, I would say Freddie is overly passionate about this sport which is probably why he’s as good as he is,” says Crittenden’s teammate, Jabari Butler. “Not only that, he’s probably one of the fiercest competitors I’ve met.

Freddie ultimately aspires to run professionally and/or represent the United States in the Olympics. This summer he will participate in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Like the greats before him, anything is possible if the effort is put in.

“Track has taught me how to be consistent and be better than I was the day before. It has taught me dedication and commitment,” says Crittenden.

Through his experience, Freddie highlights how his drive to be excellent in every single factor within Track and Field has seeped into other aspects of his life. He states, “It has shown me you can come back from being the lowest and that there is still stuff to learn when you’re at your highest. There is always something to learn”. Freddie’s journey to the top is far from over but is very inspirational and shows that anything is possible if you are committed. His commitment to his passion is reflected in his superb athletic ability.

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Greg Tobias

SU ‘14 Alumn & Football running back, Mechanical Engineer, Savage Apparel Founder

How Greg Tobias takes small opportunities and creates great enterprises.

Greg Tobias is described as a chameleon. His resilience and ability to excel in multiple skills has allowed him to sustain success at Syracuse University and even now as an alumni.

He founded Savage Apparel, his clothing brand, during his time at SU. Greg was also an engineer, running back for the SU football team, Alpha Kappa Psi member and entrepreneur. Greg currently works for an engineering consulting and software development company and continues to explore his passion of designing in multiple realms.

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What was your experience like when you were at Syracause?

I had a great experience at SU, I had highs and lows like most students, where you think you won’t make it but you end up making it. It took me a little longer than I thought it would, it took me 5 years, but I made it.

I got to live two different lives, being a regular student when I first came here and then live the athletic life beginning in my spring semester of freshman year Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

How did you manage to juggle everything?

I definitely didn’t use a planner or write anything down, but football definitely helped because it was already a schedule set for me. Classes, meetings, and meals were consistent, so I would mentally break down my free time so I knew exactly what I was going to do ahead of time.

Prior to graduation, where did you see yourself after college?

I really wanted to go pro in football, but trying to come back from an injury was extremely difficult, so my backup and my dream job was really designing cars, and establishing my own exotic car line.

What’s your passion?

My true passion is designing. I wanted and still want to design cars, but now I’m designing clothes. Another thing I enjoy doing in my free time is working on a comic book series my cousin and I started. The concept is more multicultural, diverse, and realistic rather than seeing the same white characters. We incorporate Asians, Blacks, Latinos, and mixed characters.

The first one we’re doing, the lead character is half-Black, halfChinese and he has magnetic superpowers. We have a total

of seven different characters and we intertwine the lives of the characters so they all connect at some point to make the entire series. It’s been proven if you have a diverse cast, you can still be successful, and we want to change the common narrative around comic books.

I want people to feel different when they wear savage. There are plenty of clothes with animal designs on them and I don’t want to be another black guy starting a clothing line. I try to imagine the animals in a different way and mix it up, and when you do that people appreciate it more.

How did Savage start and what inspired you?

I heard the story of Daymon John.

He saved up all this money and traveled across town to buy this hat and when he got it his Mom asked him why he went through all that trouble to buy someone else’s hat when he could make his own. So after hearing that story I thought about how much I enjoyed wearing hats, so I said maybe I should try it out.

I started Savage Apparel my junior year, it began creating hats which was a lot harder than the YouTube videos made it seem.

3 things every guy should have · A Business Suit · A support system · A watch

by: Tatiana Cadet photographed by: Brittrany Belo

How would you define Savage?

Savage isn’t as easy to define because it’s not as simplistic as the dictionary makes it seem nor is the slang term adequate to encompass it. On one end, it is mostly animal designs and relates to everything being savage by nature, and on another end it’s like the slag term that makes us think about Tupac or Meek Mills before the Drake incident, but its combination.

How do you want people to feel when they wear Savage?

5 things you can’t leave the house without · My laptop · A positive mindset · A cup of coffee · A conversation with Mom · Checking my news apps

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In memory of prince artwork by: Brittany Belo

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ALRIGHT, LET’S GET IN

FORM AT ION by: Courtney Jiggetts

I

t is our duty, not only as Americans, but as people who inhabit/coexist on the same planet, to recognize and be sensitive to the cultural differences or injustices faced within the realms of each culture/race/ ethnicity.

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It is ignorant to completely ignore the fact that there are race issues in America. And with this said, recently, some very prominent, mainstream artists have used both Black History Month and their individual platforms to shed light on these political and

cultural injustices. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar were called to perform at some of the most widely anticipated events of 2016: Super Bowl 50 and the 58th Annual Grammy Awards and their performances have left a lasting impression on America’s cultural arrangement.

The celebration of what it means to be Black in America and the unwillingness to compromise blackness to meet the standards of a white-privilegedominated society are undoubtedly explicit in the imagery and symbolism depicted in their recent releases “Formation,” Beyoncé’s widely controversial release and performance has struck many nerves. The references to the hardships endured

by the Black community are not to be downplayed in any shape or fashion.

Spoken to, for, and about the Black community and the experiences that have united us, the song/video was simply a cultivation of a very complex assemblage of Black HISTORY and CULTURE. While “Formation” does make these two explicit references to both White privilege and the inadequacies of law enforcement, it also hones in on the experience of being Black. Black features, Black stereotypes, and Black engagements, are all embraced as Beyoncé references her upbringing and the naturally Black features that she admires.

artwork by: Noahamin Taye

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Danielle Delgado

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Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

Rich Floyd

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As the year closes, and our focus

fluctuates

between

our academics, social lives, and everything in between, the idea of finishing strong echoes throughout campus.

In order to finish strong we outfit ourselves in pieces that bring out our inner confidence and free us to do anything. On The Fly combines athletic and sporty attire with chic everyday pieces to inspire a clean and polished crossing of the finish line.

Stay fly SU, you got this.

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photographer: Giancarlos kundhart fashion director: brittany belo 37

frank OCEAN eulogy by: Larry Mikanga

D

eath. It’s something we are all afraid of, but never actually experienced it.

We cry whenever a loved one has died, and we comfort their families. When someone passes, they seem to come into our memory a lot more often than when they were first alive.

Sometimes we even try and repress the thought of someone dying but we have to let go at

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some point. Lonny Breaux, or better known as, Frank Ocean, was a very talented and caring person. It’s too bad that he was taken away from us at such a young age. Frank had so much more to offer, and this is further proven by how he announced an album in July, and yet we are still here waiting on him.

It’s time to come to the conclusion we were all afraid of; Frank is dead.

His small body of work was well received and is the main reason this is an even worse time for our lives. He was so good to us when he released Channel ORANGE. He brought so much raw emotion and true feelings in that single CD that it brought many people to look to him as the future of R&B. He killed every feature, though limited they were, he was on and left us wondering each month, “man, when is he coming out with something new?” Then one fateful day, Mr. Breaux decided to post a picture with him holding, not one, but two covers for an album. I think it’s fair to say everyone was excited and anxious. July was the promised month, and everyone marked their calendars accordingly. Everything was looking pretty good…. Until July ended. Everyone freaked out for a short period, and then the excuses came. For such a great person, it was the only logical thing to do. We reached, clawed, and grabbed for any shred of evidence that Frank left for us to use as an excuse for his album’s absence.

Ironically, the album’s announced name was Boys Don’t Cry, and yet he had most of his fanbase crying when August passed…. And September…. And October… and basically you get the idea. He did drop a verse from a song we can only assume will be on the new album named “Memrise” and he

did a cover of “At Your Best” to try and ease our troubled souls, but alas, it was for naught. We still wanted more, and yet we didn’t know he was actually gone.

Frank was a dream made into a reality which slowly turned into a nightmare over his overall silent 3, going on 4, years. His life will be well remembered and so will his music.

I still go back and put Channel ORANGE on my phone whenever I want to hear his silky smooth voice again. Once I remember that there isn’t any new music though, I take it off with the swiftness because I don’t try to dwell on him too much. He’s a memory at this point. Nothing to look forward to, only to look back on. It’s as if Lonny felt it was appropriate to tease us and test our patience.

W.B. Prescott once said, “In any contest between power and patience, bet on patience”, and this is exactly what he did. He made an announcement and made us choose a side, either push him for the album, or be patient with him. Ultimately, we don’t know if the people who were patient with him got their reward yet, but we all know that pushing Frank did absolutely nothing. If anything, he pushed back by making appearances places instead of fulfilling his promise of a sophomore album.

We can only sit here and join a side. We can join those who still believe and are being patient and hoping his career hasn’t died, or we can join the people who came to terms with the idea that he may not be making any new music and his career may be dead. So to all the male readers out there, don’t shed a tear, because Frank wouldn’t want that. Remember?

Boys don’t cry.

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Artist Under Wraps

Some underground artists to fill the gaps in your Soundcloud playlist by: Kemet High

Stream Charts

Coming out of Portland, yeah, Portland, TYuS has the most potential of every artists I’m listening to right now. To be honest, I didn’t even know Oregon had talent but this kid right here, showed me how ignorant that thought really was.

His music unexplainably takes you to mental peace and serenity. He makes music that appears in your dreams and serves as an auditory journal to your most sensitive thoughts. He has yet to be signed and frankly that’s a good thing because his musical freedom is at its highest; this man is cold.

I don’t even have to voice the fact that as far as new artists go, Canada has the crown.

Not only are their rappers emerging behind hip-hop’s Lebron James, Drake, but their singers have been more prominent than any other music coming out of the region.

At this point we are all fans of either The Weeknd or PARTYNEXTDOOR but a while ago I found Canada’s next biggest name to follow, DVSN. Composed of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, DVSN caught the eyes of the entire industry due to four tracks they released at the of 2015 via soundcloud. After signing to OVO just a couple of months ago, they released their debut album Sept.5th in March of 2016. The crazy thing is they don’t even have 6 months in the industry yet, they’re still very new so please listen up.

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Short for “Made in Tokyo,” Madeintyo was somehow able to stand out in Atlanta’s booming hip-hop scene. Spending multiple years in Japan his sound not only identifies the trap of Atlanta but also the sonic instrumentation sampled from overseas. His style is more expansive than anyone else on the rise from Atlanta.

Generally speaking it’s hard to describe his sound but at the same time you’ve probably heard Uber Everywhere so you must know that he is musically captivating.

A lot of people know Madeintyo but don’t really realize the credits he should be due.

Said to be the originator of the tag “skrr skrr”, Madeintyo is just lifting his head above water so if you aren’t on the wave yet, I suggest you get on board.

Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

SWEET KISSES Sweet kisses... fall on my cocoa

cleanse it.

butter arms

Bleaching my charcoal, smudged

licked By the Son’s shinning rays.

smile to be nice and bright once

His tays TOO HOLY to touch...

again.

Only feel...

He separated the loads of whites

Feeling that each individual pore

from the colors.

laughed because He knew I was so

Colors so bright my eyes got

ticklish.

corrected like laser vision.

So personable, He knew what I

20/20 my sight could no longer be

wished for and I welled up inside

blurred by sin.

when the blessings began to

No Claritin clear was needed for me

overflow.

to see the truth.

Hidden deep within the Son,

So I let it.

A sight so beautiful but too powerful

He encouraged me to let His water

to stare into for too long.

splash my senses because he sensed my spirit ran dry and my eyes were

Oh, How I can’t wait!

all poor-ed out from this recession

To seek your face without the fear

of love.

of pain, Knowing there’s no punishment in

Love that committed suicide.

love.

Suicide because His baby came

Oh, How I will look deeply into your

down die.

eyes of mercy,

Planned all along to dye my sheets

Filled with grace,

red.

Welcoming me with compassion and

When I was already stained by

fortitude.

darkness, He let His blood flood my sin to

GLORY

Poem by: Hope C. Wilcox 41

April 21st, 2016

: THE REAL FORECAST

Out of all of my journal entries I have done, I haven’t answered this straightforwardly yet. How being a “Campus Celebrity” has made me feel—specifically the attention.

I think that the first thing that I must say is that I have been able to feel a vast amount of gratitude for this gift that God has given me.

The gift of being able to positively affect people I will probably never know with 10 seconds of me talking about the weather every morning.

To be able to walk into a party and have (usually not black) people give all of this attention because I have positively affected them somehow, or they think I am a queen of some sort.

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To take 30 whole minutes to walk from one side of the room to the other because seeing people I have gotten to know, and meeting people that have always

Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

wanted to get to know me.

To lose friends [or buddies/ acquaintances disguised as friends. I don’t have many friends] because they couldn’t take one more person coming up to me in the middle of a conversation to ask to take a picture.

It has all been a gift, and I’ll let you know why real soon.

When I got bullied in middle school, it was the black kids that bullied me, and the white kids that thought I was pretty cool.

When all of this happened with Snapchat, it all sort of felt the same way to me.

Getting attention, the oohs and ahhs, from anybody other than black people. I still felt like black people didn’t know I existed, or that I even mattered. It was a total conflict in my mind, feeling like I was making a positive difference around campus, but then not getting any clap in

the Black community (as far as I could see).

seemed to be no one that really wanted to hang with me.

I remembered how there was this one leader on campus that could never remember my damn name.

I told myself I was fine with it, because there were already so many people that did—why would this one matter? But it did matter to me. Because out of all the people, this one black leader on campus couldn’t remember my name. It made me feel inferior in a sense, or like they felt as if there was no real reason to try to remember my name.

That really hurt me. He knows my name now though. I think.

I learned that I gotta be my own best friend. I have to be my own bae. That’s it. Just me. And that me has a job: to be the best me that I can be. I can only do that through me and my craft and maybe I can inspire someone along the way.

At this time of my life, it doesn’t matter if he does or he doesn’t because I know my name. And better yet—GOD knows my name. It’s LaNia. This experience has also shown me how many ‘surface only’ type of people that are out there.

People being more infatuated by the face than the deepness behind that—that I am a whole person, instead of a 10 second weather report on Snapchat.

I would find it so obscure that I was one of the most well-known people on campus, but there

I am not just the ‘Weather Woman’, although that part of me is a part in me. It could never die. But we must say goodbye to her for now. It’s time to move on to a bigger version of that

by LaNia—the woman behind the phone and smile. The artist.

The motivational speaker. The unapologetic, black woman who has goals and dreams that go beyond her imagination. The woman of her God, who is a servant to that Higher Power. The totally ordinary girl that strives to make extraordinary decisions every single day.

Through Snapchat, God has brought me closer to whom I am truly meant to be— unapologetically, LaNia. Now that’s a gift.

Love, LaNia Roberts

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FOREVER MAMBA A

by: David “DJ” Fitzpatrick-Woodson

s the final buzzer sounded, viewers around the world sat in sadness watching a legend walk off the court for the final time. Though he ended his career on a high note, Kobe Bryant’s impact means more than just being a good basketball player.

Bryant, for all of his flaws, has transcended so many boundaries in his 20 years of greatness.

From 81-point games, to making 12 three pointers in one game, five NBA championship rings and having MVP status, Bryant’s numerous accomplishments will be remember forever.

Bryant impacted an entire generation. The dunks,

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the shots, the occasional passes.

This man is unstoppable. Think about it, every time anyone shoots a paper ball into a trashcan they yell “Kobe” and always expect to make it. The simplest things that we took for granted shows the true impact that Kobe had on our culture. He will forever be synonymous with black culture. Kobe has impacted us musically, despite his personal awful self-titled track. Almighty Sosa (Chief Keef) and even Lil Wayne have gone as far to make songs for Bryant.

He even infiltrated the realm of fashion through his own basketball sneakers but also through the clothes

that came with the shoes and the many different ways his shoes have been able to be worn. He even got Spike Lee to direct his basketball documentary, showing us all how he goes to work.

The send-off for Bryant was well deserved.

I could go on a 10-page rant about the greatness of Kobe, but it would be unnecessary. Kobe Bryant proved his greatness to haters and fans alike. I sat in awe as my idol made his final free throw to give him 60-points. A massive 60-points that had the biggest Kobe haters I know being honest with themselves and admitting that the man is the ultimate

competitor and the best basketball player our generation got to witness.

Through the ups, the downs, the controversy with Shaquille O’Neal and even arguments with coaches, one thing remained the same about Kobe Bean Bryant: Bryant never let basketball down, and in turn he never let us, the fans, down. Thus being the last of a dying breed. We’ll miss the snarl, the cocky remarks and the unlimited shooting but it was time and Kobe rode out into the sunset as only he could. Thanks for the years of work and toughness, but...

“Mamba Out.”

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SYRACUSE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO FINAL FOUR

For the average basketball fan, the thrill of watching a game live in an arena/stadium begins with finding the right apparel to wear to the game, whether it’s a team jersey or the I-can-be-cuteand-sporty outfit. The next turning point in the journey is the music playlist you chose to get hype to while transporting to the game, and then the self-conscious security check you receive at the entrance. The experience I had at the Syracuse Women’s Final Four game played out differently for two reasons. One, I am not the average sports fan.

Two, this wasn’t just any game. I am a sports fan that prefers showing love for the game by being present; it’s the difference between “I saw that three-pointer” and “I felt that three-pointer.” There’s nothing like

being in a stadium full of athletes, married couples, children, racists, minorities, LGBTQ members, groupies, billionaires, low-budget college students, and knowing that we’re all there for one reason: we’re in love with watching people pursue what they love and sharing that love with the strangers around. This game was unique because it was the first time the Syracuse women’s team had ever entered the sweet sixteen, elite eight, final four, and the championship round. The average basketball fan watching the game from the TV would look at the final score and tell you that Syracuse lost in the final round of the Final Four tournament. I, Nardos Zecarias, the loyal basketball fan watching from the bleachers would tell you that game was a victory. by: Nardos Zecarias

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Choice Spring 2016 Volume 1 Issue 5

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Ubuntu: The Black Leadership Network & LA LUCHA

for presenting Renegade Magazine with it’s very first award at the Cafe con Soul Food banquet in February!

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@RenegademagSU

In Memory of Justin Robinson

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