Black Ink Pre-O 2012

Pre-o 2012 sPeCiAL

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Letters from the Editors

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Dear Readers, First, I’d like to welcome new students, returning students, parents, friends, faculty and staff back to Carolina for the 2012-2013 academic year.

My return to campus this August is bittersweet – it will be my last as an undergraduate. As happy as I am to experience my senior year, I can’t help but wonder what I’ll be doing this time next year.

I’m sure that feeling is creeping up on many of the members of the Class of 2013.

In 2009, I remember peering through the very pages of Black Ink Magazine for advice to start my college career. It doesn’t seem like too distant a memory, yet three long years have passed.

For the Class of 2016, we have tons of advice to help you navigate the red-bricked walkways of our beloved university. Be sure to check out a special letter from Black Student Movement President Alexis Davis, a listing of all the subgroups and committees of BSM, and the lowdown on how to survive your first year.

My hope for you all is that you start this academic year in the spirit of community. I hope you take advantage of the many opportunities you will have at the beginning of this school year to become involved and contribute to the pulse of Chapel Hill.

Black Ink Magazine would love to hear from you! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @uncblackink, like our Facebook page and email us uncblackink@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Best, Averi Harper Editor-in-Chief, Black Ink Magazine

Welcome Tar Heels (old & new)!

My name is Briana Harper and I am the Managing Editor of Black Ink Magazine. I am excited to enjoy my senior year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but more importantly, I look forward to sharing with you all the fun and knowledge I have gained during my time here at UNC. Let us rewind back to three years ago when I first arrived on campus. I would have described myself as a curious Tar Heel. I was eager to emerge myself in all the interesting things this fabulous university has to offer, but the single question that continued to hold me back was, “How?” Fortunately, I had Black Ink Magazine’s Pre-Orientation issue. This issue will serve as a go-to guide to help you navigate campus life as a Tar Heel and hopefully answer any unresolved questions or concerns about the Black Student Movement.

This issue includes vital advice passed along from upperclassmen to first-year students and a brief recap of the different ways students chose to spend their summer vacation.

Not only does the Black Ink serve as the voice of UNC Chapel Hill’s Black Student Movement, but it also serves as the voice of students of color at UNC which is not covered often in other publications.

The purpose of this publication is to provide readers with intriguing content to shed light on various issues from a more different perspective. With your support, Black Ink Magazine hopes to leave a significant Heel Print by opening the minds of its readers and encouraging everyone to explore and succeed.

So my final words are to seize every opportunity and prepare for the best years of your life.

Again, thanks for reading the Pre-O issue of Black Ink Magazine and welcome to the Carolina family!

Briana Harper Managing Editor, Black Ink Magazine

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BSM History & a message from your BSM President

Black Student Movement Preamble “We, the members of the Black Student Movement, embrace a culture distinct from the dominant culture found at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In view of this fact, it is the goal of this organization to strive for the continued existence of the unity among all its members, to voice the concerns and grievances of its members to the University, to offer outlets for expressing Black ideals and culture, and finally, to ensure that the Black Student Movement members never lose contact with the Black community.”

OUR LEGACY, OUR PURPOSE

The Black Student Movement was established in November of 1967 as a result of the slow growth of the Black population on campus and because of Black students’ dissatisfaction with the campus’ NAACP chapter. It was from this beginning that the Black Student Movement began to take its position as the leading voice for Black students on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus.

The ensuing year became yet another momentous one for Black students on the campus because it was within this time frame that the Dixon Resolution and the Phillips Committee were established.

The Dixon Resolution written by Professor John Dixon on May 3, 1968, requested the Chancellor appoint a five-person committee to generate recommendations for the faculty to help improve the academic climate for Black students. It was the Phillips Committee lead by Professor Dickson Phillips, that recommended an eight-step plan to improve the intellectual climate and remove educational disabilities on the basis of race.

On December 11, 1968, BSM presented a list of 22 demands to Chancellor Sitterson for improvements that they wished to see implemented. It was because of this list that many of the programs and curricula in place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were established.

BSM continues to hold its strong legacy of advocating and embracing the Black presence on UNC’s campus.

It is hard to believe another academic year is upon us. Carolina is once again full of fresh faces, experienced students and ongoing opportunities to thrive and give back to our community.

The Black Student Movement is certainly no exception to this, as our executive board and central committee members have worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure an engaging and promising year of activities and events.

For the past 45 years, BSM has served the Carolina and Chapel Hill communities as the voice for students of color. Our presence was once pivotal for the growth of minority students on campus and is still a primary contact and resource for the opinions and culture of black students at the University. Our mission states that we will continue to “embrace a culture distinct from the dominant culture at UNC” but we still maintain deep relationships with other organizations to strengthen the Carolina family.

Over the last few years BSM has worked with many organizations on campus from Dance Marathon, Student Government, CHispA, CUAB, Interactive Theatre Carolina, UNC Campus Recreation and more to ensure our members are aware of the other opportunities this wonderful campus has to offer. The personal stories of growth through leadership in the BSM are enough to make anyone want to take charge immediately and continue holding positions through May of their senior year. I am proud of BSM’s continuance and ability to produce new campus leadership and role models for our younger students.

To the class of 2016, welcome to Carolina and the Black Student Movement.

Alexis M. Davis 2012-2013 BSM President

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BSM SUBGROUPS & COMMITTEES

Getting Involved?

Try BSM

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Looking for something to join your freshman year? The Black Student Movement is an organization comprised of several committees and subgroups dedicated to representing students from diverse backgrounds. BSM is one of the largest student organizations on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is open to membership throughout the year.

Listed below is a list of all of the committees and subgroups of BSM and a brief description of each.

(ASB) Alternative The BSM Alternative Spring Break Trip for the Sunflower County Freedom Project is a special Spring Break project whose mission is to foster self-confidence and self-understanding in K-12 youth living

in rural America. The week-long trip involves critical discussions regarding current social issues and physical and emotional health awareness. The project has successfully conducted two consecutive “Self and Health” camps for students living in the Sunflower Freedom Project Center.

Black History Month The Black History Month Committee is responsible for planning events and activities Committee during Black History Month in order to connect the BSM to the campus community during the month of February.

Black Ink Magazine As BSM’s premier magazine, Black Ink is responsible for publications addressing concerns, celebrating triumphs, and telling stories of the Black community. The magazine’s articles feature everything from campus discussions and debates to arts and entertainment as well.

(CBW) Celebration of Celebration of Black Womanhood was formed to honor the strength, diversity and essence Black Womanhood of Black women through an appreciation and celebration of their heritage and culture.

This is accomplished through participation in programs dealing with common aspects of womanhood such as self-esteem, healing the inner soul and climbing the corporate ladder.

Cultural Diversity Cultural Diversity is an educational and networking committee within the BSM. The committee functions in response to the challenges identified at UNC Chapel Hill. Cultural Diversity hosts various programs and initiatives as original ideas that have resulted from the enthusiastic participation of many BSM members and other students within the graduate and undergraduate communities. Their events and special projects include: Culture on the Lawn, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Race Relations Week and MASALA.

EmBrACE Emphasizing Brotherhood Across Campus Effectively works to improve and strengthen the image of Black males on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill and throughout the surrounding community.

By creating an outlet for EmBrACE, members express issues that are pertinent to themselves, while networking with others. The committee plans diversity and informative programs to spur awareness of issues relevant to Black Collegiate men. These programs include, but are not limited to: discussion forums, academic and real-life workshops and other social activities throughout the school year such as the celebration of Men’s Week.

(EROT) Ebony Readers Ebony Readers / Onyx Theatre, informally EROT, is a performance group of BSM that specializes in Onyx Theatre poetry, spoken word and theatrical drama. Annually, the group holds three major productions; two theatrical and one spoken word. EROT also performs at a wide range of campus events and organizations including (but not limited to): Pre-Orientation, The Triangle Dance Festival for AIDS, Dance Marathon,and the Durham County Youth Home

First-year First-Year Class Council is a committee exclusively targeted to First-Year Students. Monitored Class Council by the BSM Vice President, the council elects student chairs and allows freshman to get involved with BSM early and often. Through community service events and other annual plans, such as a UNC Talent Show, FCC orients the students to the campus, student life and the BSM.

Harmonyx Harmonyx was established by Raegan McDonald in 1995. The group represents historical and contemporary vocal in Rhythm & Blues (R&B), Soul, Hip Hop and Gospel genre’s in the A Capella community on campus. The group holds auditions at the beginning of each semester, and performs at several engagements in addition to their semester performance toward the conclusion of each semester. For more information please visit: http://www.harmonyx.moonfruit.com

Compiled by Lauren Houston

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BSM Subgroups & Committees

The Membership and The Membership and Elections Committee organizes and plans membership drives for BSM. Elections Committee This committee supports the Network by surveying the membership to determine their

activities, needs and opinions. This information is communicated to the Executive Committee.

This committee maintains the roster of members, assures renewal of the members annually and serves as overseer of annual nominations and elections of officers. This committee also is responsible for amending the bylaws of the BSM Constitution. This committee encourages persons with skills in designing membership surveys to join.

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Movement Movement of Youth, Inc. is a comprehensive educational and mentoring program built to expand of Youth, Inc. educational opportunities for diverse high school students in the Durham Public Schools System.

The Movement of Youth team is working diligently to provide more workshops and activities in hopes of producing better and brighter young leaders.

Movement of Youth has mentors from UNC Chapel Hill, Duke and North Carolina Central University. The college students are paired with at least one high school mentee and participate in numerous programs throughout the school year. UNC Movement of Youth mentors are also members of the Black Student Movement and must pay dues.

Please visit www.movementofyouth.org for more information.

Opeyo! Opeyo! Dance Company is a subgroup of the Black Student Movement made up of two groups, Dance Company Opeyo! Modern and Opeyo! Hip Hop, which are both open to men and women. Opeyo! is Swahili for “beyond the horizon” and provides an outlet for artistic expression and community outreach.

The dance groups perform at numerous events on and off campus throughout the year and host an annual spring show during second semester of the academic year.

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(PAC) The Political PAC serves BSM by conducting investigations of racial incidents affecting minority students Action Committee particularly on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. PAC promotes awareness of the political climate by organizing voter education and registration events throughout the duration of local and national elections.

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Publicity The Publicity Chair for BSM is considered to be the resource of dispersing information

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to the general population of UNC Chapel Hill. He or she provides the necessary avenues needed to make events by BSM public, in addition to supporting all Central Committees and Subgroups of BSM and assisting them in any way possible.

Service & education The Service & Education Committee is set to evaluate its educational, planning and outreach needs Committee relative to the statutory mandates, mission and strategic plans of the Black Student Movement.

The committee works to develop and submit reports, draft policies and recommendations regarding those needs, as necessary, to the full Executive Board for its consideration.

The committee regularly organizes a bi-weekly reading group, facilitates study groups and leads discussion of an Education Forum once per month.

(SPPAR) Special Projects and Parent Alumni Relations

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(TAC) The Triple TAC serves in fund-raising and community outreach efforts of BSM. This committee coordinates Alliance Committee at least four distinct community service activities each year, including the Habitat for Humanity house of BSM. In addition, TAC maintains proper records which include attendance rosters, interest and idea lists and hourly logs for community service records. Also, the committee maintains relations with faculty, staff and administrators to promote the mobility and betterment of minority students on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gospel Choir on

SPPAR plan and organize special activities and functions for BSM, such as the Coronation of Mr. & Miss BSM, the Underclassmen Court, the Black Student Movement Ball and the Umoja Awards Celebration. In addition, the committee serves in collaboration with Black Parents Association and Black Alumni Reunion Committee to coordinate luncheons, functions and other informative programs.

The UNC Chapel Hill Gospel Choir is one of the largest subgroups of BSM. The choir meets twice a week for rehearsals on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7-9pm. The choir travels to various cities within surrounding communities in order to present, promote and praise the Kingdom of God through singing a diverse repertoire of songs. Members of the choir representing diverse backgrounds and distinctive cultures that unite together to fulfill one purpose, which is to display God’s love on campus and to transmit an encouraging word to community members.

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Advice from An Upperclassman

How to Survive Your Freshman Year:

Find Yourself Without Flunking or Gaining the Freshman 15

By Mballa Mendouga

I came to Carolina, a campus with about 17,000 undergraduate students, from a small high school with only 250 students. Born to two parents that did everything for me, the chances of campus life swallowing me whole was overwhelming.

Luckily, I received a piece of advice from an orientation leader that, so far, has successfully guided me through my college experience.

“You may have come here alone, but you aren’t alone,” he said. In other words, don’t be shy. Everyone on campus is kind and helpful.

It’s the Carolina Way. Here are a few tips to get you through your freshman year.

First, Never lose sight of the reason you’re enrolled in college in the first place: to educate yourself. Ignore anyone who tells you otherwise, your grades matter. You do not want to spend your junior and senior years catching up and fixing the damage you did as a First Year because “#oomf ” said, “No one cares about freshman year anyway.”

It’s also important to go easy on yourself.

Getting adjusted to your classes and new environment is difficult. Just remember to be responsible. No one will remind you to study for tests, go to classes and do your homework on time – you have to put in the effort. Mastery of independence and selfdiscipline are vital factors to a smooth college transition. Those characteristics will help you create good relationships with your teachers and your peers. Both will be beneficial when you start looking for work opportunities on campus or even internships. Freshman year is one of the few times when you will have the freedom to work hard and play harder.

Second, Staying on top of school is essential but staying on top of your nutrition and health is right there next to it. Though the daily task of trekking across our enormous campus has saved many upperclassmen from the dreaded freshman

5 15, you will find that without Mom and Dad cooking every night, you are forced to become a little more conscious when it comes to your food choices.

Having an unlimited meal plan isn’t always a good idea. The monotony of dining hall food may make you treat yourself to some take-out every so often. You can save money by switching from unlimited meal plan to a smaller one.

Also, don’t get “flex-happy”. Flex dollars are dining dollars allotted on your UNC One Card to buy food anywhere on campus or through Tarheel Take-out, a delivery service, and pay for it later through your tuition. This is very convenient but can get expensive.

Tread cautiously.

Third, exploration is a great way to find your niche in your social life and extra-curricular activities. Don’t just stick to the people you meet on your dorm floor or the activities your high school friends are pursuing. Spend the first couple of months exploring all your options, as it comes to social circles and activities. There is plenty to do on campus! You may not have time to do everything but it’s important to develop relationships that you truly enjoy.

Also, University Career Services is your friend – even as a First Year. You can find their office in Hanes Hall. If you have not yet picked your major, the people at UCS can get you on the right track to being efficient and planning ahead even if you are not exactly sure the direction you are headed. Always remember there is a provision on campus for anything you might need.

Finally, if you don’t remember anything I’ve said, remember this: do not “reply all” to e-mail mailing lists, called listervs. It’ll save you from a world of embarrassment and please upperclassmen who don’t appreciate clogged inboxes.

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What did you do this summer?

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Julian Caldwell, 2013 “Spending the summer interning with Wired Magazine in Times Square in NYC. Mostly do reporting and its cool to work for such a big company as Wired and Conde Nast publications. I’m spending time writing music and networking at shows as an emcee too.”

Jassmine Smith, 2015 “For some people, summer brings vacation, relaxation, and much needed sleep! For me, it’s more like dance dance dance and more dance! Between running my own dance camp, choreographing a musical, and volunteering as a dance instructor for a summer camp, Summer 2012 will be one to remember!”

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Cameron Horne, 2013 “I have been spending my summer completing a paid internship performing demographic research at the University of Texas, while exploring and enjoying the capital city, Austin, TX.”

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Joey Blake, 2015 “Sometimes it’s necessary for us to look outside of our normal surroundings to remind us of what is really important in life. That has been the biggest upside to my 2 month stay in Ethiopia. These people have taught me how to live and love, and I couldn’t be more appreciative to them for that.”

Chavez Adams, 2013 “This summer I conducted research for the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, where I traveled to Berkeley, Calif., and Buffalo, N.Y., to present my findings. The experience allowed me to grow as a scholar and as a researcher. Thanks McNair!”

Executive Board Averi Harper

— Editor-in-Chief

Briana Harper

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Managing Editor

Mballa Mendouga

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Associate Editor

Samantha Wilson

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Copy Editor

Lauren Houston

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PR Director

Kiana Glover

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PR Assistant

Tyler Rouse

contributors Alexis Davis

— Writer

Jeffrey Sullivan

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Graphic Designer

Interested in joining Black Ink? Contact us at uncblackink@gmail.com for more information Our mission remains: “If Blackness can be transformed into pictures and words, we intend to do so, by any means necessary.” *The Black Ink is a recognized publication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This issue was paid for, in part, by student activity fees. **If you have questions or concerns about the Black Ink please email uncblackink@gmail.com