October 2013

October 2013

Meet Crystal King What does the new union director have in store for you? pg.7

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Letter from the EDITORS

Happy Reading!

First, thank you for taking time to read this labor of love I call Black Ink Magazine. Written by you for you I hope you enjoy every single word, picture, and page.

We the Black Ink Staff thank you for your support!

By now we’ve all settled in are getting thoroughly stressed out from all the papers, exams and extracurricular but not to worry this issue will take you away from all that if only for a second.

In this issue we have everything from a piece to keep you informed on the issues going on Syria to what is happening right outside your door at Upendo. We have reviews on the music you love and opinions on the people we love to hate (Shout out to Miley Cyrus and her “twerking.”)

With this issue we want to reaffirm you that we are here and we make it our duty to make sure you are informed! So please be sure to check our AMAZING cover girl Crystal King on page 8. As the not only the first female but first African American Director of the Student Union she is legend in our midst and a need to know person on this campus.

Again thanks for reading and please let me know what you think by emailing uncblackink@gmail.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@ uncblackink) and like us on Facebook (UNC Black Ink) Until our next release on BSM’s birthday November 7th, the DHOE issue, stay safe and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Uhuru Ni Upinduzi, Chantrel D. Reynolds Editor-In-Chief @lertnahC

Black Ink

“we want to reaffirm you that we are here...”

Greetings Readers, With midterm season in the rearview mirror and the crisp, cool weather beginning to engulf Chapel Hill, the best is still to come. The BSM Ball is right around the corner and it doesn’t get much better than Halloween on Franklin Street.

Even with the cooler weather and guaranteed fun on the way, this country’s tensions both at home and abroad only seem to be heating up. Even our own campus community has had tough times of its own.

On the national level this issue examines the turmoil in Syria and the U.S.’s possible involvement in the months to come and continue the discussion of cultural appropriation as it applies to twerking.

Within the state of North Carolina there are growing concerns over attempts to suppress voters and right here on our very own campus the push for gender neutral housing has run into complications.

Even though it seems our country and our campus is heading into a downward spiral, there are still some bright spots to be noted. One of which is the ushering in of a new era with the new Student Union Director Crystal King.

As always, we aim to bring our readers well balanced coverage from a wide range of topics and this issue does just that.

“Go ahead and dive into the stories...”

Go ahead and dive into the stories that are bursting at the seams, or borders in this case, with great content designed to keep you informed. You won’t be disappointed. Be sure to send us some feedback by following us on Twitter at @uncblackink.

Until next time, Dillon O. Robinson Managing Editor @drobinson_xx

3

Campus

Why is Gender-Neutral Housing Taken as a Non-Issue?

by Tyler Rouse

Senior, Kevin Claybern participates in a rally on student power In late 2011, Kevin Claybren, a senior majoring in women’s and genders studies, began a social movement at UNC-Chapel Hill advocating for the addition of gender non-specific housing to prevent further harassment and bullying of members of the LGBTQ community.

Gender non-specific housing is an option that would have allowed a student to live in a suite or apartment— but not the same room—with students of any gender.

Only through an application process would a student at UNC-CH be considered for this opt-in housing.

Black Ink

UNC-CH LGBTQ center director Terri Phoenix published a campus climate survey which stated that residence halls were among the top four locations of harassment on campus for the LGBTQ community. Franklin Street, the Pit, offices and departments on campus and the Student Recreation Center also made the top five.

After this survey, a petition and campaign series to advocate for the opt-in housing option were both started.

Many students partook in the 1000 Postcard Campaign and a Campus Y sleep-in. Claybren partnered with many UNC-CH organizations such as the Campus Y, Black Student Movement, CHispA, Student Power and the Residence Hall Association to spread the word around campus regarding the seriousness of the issue.

He broke the silence regarding harassment and bullying of the LGBTQ community at UNC-CH. Prior to the Board of Governors decision to ban nonspecific gender housing in the UNC school system on Aug. 9, Claybern and Phoenix wanted to meet with them to discuss the logistics of gender non-specific housing and answer any questions of concern they may have had. But they were denied that opportunity.

Many students on campus agree that adding this gender non-specific housing option is necessary for student safety, even if it doesn’t pose a problem for them.

Briona Jackson, a junior majoring in elementary education, said: “I feel that this option is necessary in certain circumstances: homosexual males living with homophobic males, or vise versa; anyone who is (ultimately) uncomfortable.”

Seven of UNC-CH’s peer institutions have gender nonspecific housing as an option, including Duke University.

So will UNC-CH ever obtain this living option?

Phoenix said she will continue to work diligently until the students’ voices are heard and gender nonspecific housing is added to UNC-CH’s housing plan.

“I’m not gonna stop. I’ve been doing this for six years.

It’s just too important of an issue,” Phoenix said.

Claybren is not giving up either. “We (UNC-CH students) need to be the leaders we claim to be, even though the Board of Governors is holding us back.”

Despite having this dedicated space, BSM has always had to go through the Student Union to make room reservations, Debra Watkins, the associate director for the Conference Center, said.

“While in Chase Hall, the Union managed, staffed and maintained the Upendo Lounge,” Watkins said in an email. “BSM was given first choice when booking the space and when Chase Hall was demolished, BSM was given priority booking and storage space at the Union.”

Chase hall where the original upendo lounge was housed

UPENDo Uprising

by Janell Smith

Since its opening in 1972, the Upendo Lounge of the Student and Academic Services Building North has been a crucial space for the members of the Black Student Movement. Today, the lounge is just as important as it was 40 years ago, yet concerns are mounting as certain members of BSM have faced increasing difficulties reserving the space.

Some subgroups of BSM have also had difficulties reserving the space for semester activities, Latham added.

Darius Latham, president of BSM, said the student organization has encountered problems over the years when trying to reserve Upendo.

Five years after BSM was founded, the student group was designated space in Chase Dining Hall, where the lounge served as a gathering place for the group itself and its subgroups as well. Since 1972, the lounge has been relocated three times, most recently to SASB North since the demolition of Chase Hall in 2003.

“Events Management (of the Student Union) requires you to reserve the spaces you will need on a regular basis an entire semester before,” Latham said .

According to the general policies of the Carolina Union, reservation requests for the spring and fall semesters are accepted on a firstcome, first-serve basis during the preceding spring semester. Latham said this policy has caused confusion for the organization, especially when the organization’s leadership is experiencing a time of transition.

“In general, BSM would like to think that (Upendo is) our room and we have preferential reserving privileges and organizations should come through BSM to use the space, but that clearly hasn’t been the case,” Latham said.

Following the creation of Upendo Lounge, other spaces on the UNCChapel Hill campus have been dedicated to the Black student population. Many events moved to the Black Cultural Center in the Student Union when it opened in 1988 and again, in 2004, when the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History was opened.

Vice Chancellor Winston Crisp said although he did not take part in the decisions made regarding the Upendo Lounge, the same reservation arrangements were upheld after it relocated to SASB North.

Latham said that he thinks the location of the Upendo lessens the cultural and campus significance the space holds.

“Most of the other services and spaces provided in SASB are related to student academic success — whether it’s tutoring or study space,” Latham said. “Upendo holds the greatest cultural significance than any of its neighboring spaces.

However, because of its location, more students and faculty are aware of its existence, even if they do not know the history behind it, therefore creating a dialogue not only about its name but the historical documents that decorate the wall spaces.

“The more organizations that decide to use Upendo, the more students that are aware of the space and the history on the wall that relates to BSM and other diversity resources and positions on campus.”

Latham said that subgroups, although frustrated, have grown familiar with the reservation process.

Nevertheless, Upendo, which means love in Swahili, will continue to be the space at the heart of BSM. Its walls will continue to expose the history of the Black culture and the Black Student Movement will always harambee, or pull together.

5

Cameron Robert

Gambling with D.I.C.E. Chelsea Reaves

DICE, short for Diversity and Inclusiveness in Collegiate Environments, is a relatively new organization on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus. Co-chair Rhea Wyse and Secretary Merrick Osbourne told Black Ink about the gamble they plan to take with the re-launch of the organization.

The mission for the group is to create innovative ways to expose UNC students to new ways of thinking in regards to diversity. When asked how DICE could cater to the Black community, Osbourne stated: “BSM isn’t able to cover everything, not that we pick up the slack in what they cover, but we offer a new range of topics for the Black community to consider.”

Despite their brief establishment, Osbourne expressed that he was most proud of their popular t-shirts he’s seen students wearing around campus. To further their impact, DICE plans to establish the organization through general body meetings, student panels and other activities. Find out more about DICE by visiting www.diceunc.org.

Politics & World

Syria in Turmoil marissa Rose

Whether you are tuned into MSNBC or Fox News there is one story that has been taking the world by storm; the Civil War occurring in Syria. Ever since Syria gained political independence from France well over 60 years ago, the country has been faced with political instability, and an infiltration of military coups. About two years ago, activists in nearby Tunisia and Egypt convinced Syrians to take to the streets in protest over the dictatorial regimes of the Syrian government. The Syrian government posed great opposition to the protests and went to extremes to prevent more protests. This includes, but is not limited to, kidnapping, torturing, and killing. Civilian rebel

Black Ink

forces began forming to retaliate against these forces, which led to a bigger attack from the government.

As the violence worsens in Syria, the rest of the world has begun to look at the United States for leadership in this grave ordeal. With the United States having the title of the world’s greatest power, intervention in Syria can be either the solution or the cause of strife. If the United States does not intervene, the Syrian government can continue it’s abuse of power and drive more Syrians into other countries as refugees. If it does not intervene, Syria may attack Israel, The United States’ closest ally.

Because of these implications the biggest question remains: should the United States intervene or leave Syria to solve their own problems? Students at Carolina have been weighing in on this issue extensively. Junior Ivy Hardy says, “I don’t think we should get involved in Syria. We lack enough information and motivation to get involved in other country’s affairs”.

The United States does indeed have a significant stake on foreign policy but does this mean we should intervene heavily in worldly ordeals? The question is still up for discussion.

supressing our vote trey mangum

Since new legislators took office in January, many distinct changes have taken place. One of these changes is a new voter ID law that affects minorities and college students.

day registration works better with our hectic schedules.”

Disguised as an attempt to prevent voter fraud, the recent law passed by the North Carolina Legislature requires residents to have a photo ID, and no longer accepts college IDs or out-ofstate driver’s licenses.

It is estimated that over 300,000 registered voters in North Carolina do not have a photo ID or driver’s license.

According to a study by Democracy North Carolina, the majority of these voters are Black.

It goes a step further by shortening early voting by a week and completely banning same-day voter registration.

Among these 300,000 include hundreds of men and women who fought for the right to vote during a time when voting was a privilege for Blacks.

Many college students who go to UNCChapel Hill usually take advantage of same-day voter registration and early voting because it makes the process easier and more accessible. Now, many will not have that option or will be forced to go to their hometown to vote.

“I think it will majorly affect college students, especially at Carolina,” Rachel Tates, a sophomore journalism major, said. “We don’t all have time to go vote on one specific day or stand in a huge line. Early voting and same

Aside from college communities, this new ID law affects many Black voters.

In addition, 70 percent of Black voters who took part in the 2012 election did so by taking advantage of the early option.

As the Republican Party continues to change the way things are structured in the state, we as minority college students must continue to pose questions and work to combat this injustice. Voting is a right, not a privilege.

A Historic meeting danielle joe

A recent meeting between the leaders of the Casper, Wyo., chapter of the NAACP and a Ku Klux Klan member from Great Falls, Mont., has made national history for being the very first of its kind.

Despite opposition from higher-ups in the Wyoming NAACP, Casper Branch president Jimmy Simmons and KKK organizer John Abarr met in a heavily secured Casper hotel conference room, to discuss KKK literature that was distributed in Gillette, Wyo., (a town outside Casper) and alleged hate crimes that were carried out on local black men seen hanging out with white women.

According to the Associated Press, Abarr claimed no knowledge of the attacks or literature, but was still willing to hear Simmons’ concerns. In fact, in a surprising move toward racial “understanding,” Abarr paid $50 -- a $30 membership fee and $20 donation to become a member of the NAACP and receive the group’s literature and learn more about its views.

7

chantrel reynolds

UNC’s new union director crystal king takes time to talk to black ink about her story

welcome to king’s house

by Mballa mendouga

A vivid light shines through the windows of the union — right from the inside of room 3103 b. Crystal King, the Student Union’s newest director is the source. Born to middle class parents, her father a truck driver and her mother a teacher, she dreamed of a future almost as bright as her smile.

Her life-long goal was to become a Supreme Court justice — a path she followed intently until her senior year in college at The University of Memphis, “My father always told me to shoot for the moon and that even if I missed I’d be among the stars.” And that she is.

Though she lived comfortably in her hometown of Bartlett, Tennessee,

Black Ink

King knew she was different. And although her family was always welcome, she could recognize physical dissimilarities between she, her siblings and their peers.

Very simply put, there weren’t many people of color. Although convention and stereotypes would like to suggest this as some sort of barrier, King blasted her way to the aforementioned moon.

Refusing whole-heartedly to rob herself of any potential experiences, she traveled through the space of her ultimate destiny, taking both pit stops and extended stays at different stellar positions. An early experience was

that of The University of Memphis where King earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. Star one.

Later, she was recruited by St Edward’s College in Austin Texas where she served as the advisor for its equivalent of the Carolina Union Activity Board, as well as the cheerleading squad, the dance team and the mascot program. Star two.

Although having performed quite well in this position, she soon opted for the “whale in the ocean” approach and made what she refers to as a lateral move to the University of Texas - Austin. Third star.

“Sometimes I feel like young professionals are so focused on getting to the top, they are reluctant to have significant experiences along the way because they’re only focused on that singular goal,” she explained.

“And sometimes we lose sight of the fact that people ‘s terms of ‘making it,’ happens in a variety of different pathways. You have to just be open to allow those things to occur.”

During her 10 years at The University of Texas – Austin, King was promoted every single year except the two she spent working to earn her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration. She wouldn’t leave without leaving a mark — a lavish new student center she helped build for two years, then helped direct for three,” ultimately, begging the question, “Why leave?!”

“You’ve got to always leave when you’re on top,” she says. People are afraid to do that sometimes because they get comfortable...I need to practice what I preach.” This yearning for challenge is what prompted King’s move to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Here,

she plans to make sure the facility remains functional and cutting edge for all students — present and to come — thus accommodating students’ changing needs.

Today, she remains thoughtful of her leadership due to the humbling honor of having been selected by people of all backgrounds, to support the needs of people of all backgrounds, not just as an African American, but specifically as an African American woman.

and invested in her influence, the inspiration she provides in the gems she speaks is the perfect tune-up. In the very words she used to describe her Carolina experience thus far, King’s office — King’s energy, “just feels a lot like home. It’s always good to be home.”

Although King denounces comfort and the principle of “arriving,” she’s temporarily landed among stars here at Carolina, but certainly not without having birthed two stars of her own along the way. Her husband, Corey, and she, have two children , one boy and one girl, who are both a priority and a favorite pastime. King and her husband value diversion and education, therefore enjoy acting out their own homegrown “King’s Cooking Show,” a testament to her creativity and devotion to her family life.

King’s office in the Union is a place to go if ever your own inner light is dimmed. Non-ornamental in her role

chantrel reynolds

9

culture

to Twerk or Not to Twerk

by Cain Twyman

The latest trend seen in young adults is the dance phenomenon called twerking. No matter what social media you are on, there are always videos, pictures, comments and judgments about the dance. From the opinions of your friends to the national media, everyone is talking about twerking.

A more recent conversation on the subject was sparked by none other than Miley Cyrus. Her performance at the Video Music Awards caused quite a stir with the media. Because of the performance, many groups, including the Parents Television Council, wish to enforce stricter ratings on provocative television broadcasts. However, Cyrus’ VMA performance sparked a discussion on the cultural appropriation twerking has in Black culture.

Black Ink

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “twerk” as: “a dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner, involving: thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance,” while in a recent New York Times’ article, Teddy Wayne defined twerking as, “a dance move typically associated with lowerincome African-American women.”

This sparked outrage on Black Twitter.

Although there has been a rise of white people who post videos on YouTube, Vine and Instagram of themselves twerking, the dance is still dominated by the Black community, which is why there is such outrage about Miley Cyrus using the predominantly Black dance as an act to gain more attention.

The use of Black women in Miley Cyrus’ VMA performance as props for her to dance on and touch their

butts as they twerked was seen as an appropriation to Black culture by a wealthy white woman trying to seek attention-- to show the world that she was no longer Hannah Montana. Much of the media and social medias found it extremely racist that she felt it was all right for her to steal, in a sense, Black culture to make an image statement.

Black culture should not be used as an image statement for white women who want to be Black. It is something to be cherished. The fact that Miley Cyrus, and other less famous white people feel they can use Black culture as entertainment is proof that there is still a racism issue today.

the Ghetto Tracker by andre rowe

Trying to avoid the “ghetto” neighborhoods?

Yeah, there’s an app for that.

The latest uproar in technology has been caused by a new application called the “Ghetto Tracker.” The app assists its users in finding safe areas in an unfamiliar environment. The app works by allowing individuals to rate different areas based on their experiences.

After its release in early September, the app made headlines across the nation and even a spot on morning television shows. Many blogs and news reports labeled this site as being racist, biased and another way to increase separation between the rich and the poor.

Because of its original controversial name and display of a token white family, the site’s display image was changed to a racially diverse family and all use of the word “ghetto” was removed.

The site’s creation team made the changes in hopes

to continue consumer usage. However, this did not eliminate the issues and tension that already surrounded the app’s existence. The new name, “The Good Part of Town”, still highlights the divide between our nation’s socioeconomic groups.

Despite the negative connotations associated with the site, a beta version of the tracker still exists and continues to be available to users around the nation.

The publicity the app has been given is now used as promotion for the site by having logos such as CNN and The Huffington Post displayed on the main page.

This proves that social inequality continues to be a part of our nation’s “unity.” There is still much work that needs to be done in our country. Until we, as a people, work to lessen the gaps of division, we will continue to live with these tensions in our society and everyday lives.

Now let’s see who has this new app on their iPhone!

11

entertainment

kiss land

by adreonna simmons The Weeknd has come a long way in terms of popularity compared to this time last year when he first debuted.

His first official album, “Trilogy” was a compilation of the songs from his previous mixtapes -- “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence.”

This time The Weeknd brings his listeners 11 brand new songs and his single, “You Belong To The World”, in his sophomore album, “Kiss Land”.

In his signature sultry voice, Tesfaye takes us on a journey through the amusement park of his mind.

From the expected love ballads to the mandatory pop songs, “Kiss Land” is a work that one can listen to repeatedly. There were only two features on the album, one being from Drake and the other from a French house artist named Kavinsky.

My all-time favorite song on this album that I can’t get enough of is “Professional.”

NWTS

by dillon robinson Drake might be in a different stage of his life mentally, emotionally and even financially, but his third album, “Nothing Was The Same,” revisits all the aspects of what makes him such a dynamic artist. He walks the tightrope between thoughtful introspection, slow jams and triumphant braggadocio like no other artist can.

With this album, Drake managed to demonstrate his maturity and growth both as an artist and as a person since his 2011 album, “Take Care,” without pushing the boundaries too far. He dives deep into his thoughts on cuts like the Jhene Aiko-assisted “From Time.” There’s celebration for beating the odds, as seen in “Worst Behavior” and gratefulness for the cards shifting in his favor, like “Started from the Bottom.”

Regardless of how the world has shifted since his last album, the one thing that hasn’t changed is Drake’s ability to create a full body of work which is full of life and emotion.

Black Ink

sports

Pjango unchained by eshany edwards

Perhaps one of the most notable players on the current roster of the UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Basketball team isn’t as invincible to mistakes as we are. The 6-foot-6 junior shooting guard PJ Hairston recently opened up about his off-the-court troubles.

This past summer, Hairston ran into multiple inconveniences with the law. According to ESPN Online, the Greensboro, N.C., native was arrested in early June for the possession of marijuana during a traffic stop. Also charged with driving a vehicle sans a license, the vehicle was reportedly rented under the name of a convicted felon.

Although these charges were dropped, Hairston ran into more trouble after receiving another citation for speeding.

Consequently, the UNC basketball team suspended Hairston indefinitely.

Coping with the media’s scrutiny for his actions, Hairston says, “At first I was concerned about my image, but the people who know me know who I really am. I am not a bad person. The best thing for me to do is to stay to myself. Plus, all of this motivates me to stay in the gym. It’ll keep me out of further trouble.”

Unfortunately, the grim correlation between petty crime and Black manhood is already high. Add the popularity of being an athlete, it brings

out even more misrepresentation.

Hairston still hopes to be a role model for those who want to follow in his athletic footsteps.

“Consider the fact that I was able to hold my head up after the situation. I won’t let one or two mistakes change the person that I am. I’m still the same person regardless,” Hairston said.

While Hairston is an unmistakably great asset to UNC-CH basketball, he believes the team will prevail without him on the court.

His only expectation for the upcoming season? It is simply to win.

“If they all just focus and play as a team, I think they will be fine.”

13

letters from...

Do YOu ever think this “Carolina thing” is hard? Guess what, so does everyone that ever went here! often we feel that we are going thourgh our struggles alone, but in reality there are so many others that are experinecing the same feelings, insecurities and tests you are. here are a few words from some fellow tar heels.

SENIOR

junior

As a senior, I am entitled to a lot of things. I get preference on parking, first dibs on classes and an entire year of activities to toast my accomplishments.

Just like your junior year in high school, the second-to-last year of college is very awkward. You aren’t just arriving at college. You aren’t preparing to graduate. You’re just there.

In spite of the fun, fanfare and lack of 8 a.m.’s and Friday classes, I would trade it all in a heartbeat to go back to freshman year. If I could have the opportunity to explore different subjects instead of being trapped in the J-school, or the chance to frolic in the pit every day without judgment, I would be eternally grateful.

I would kill for the opportunity to meet my friends all over again, just to have another four years with them.

For me, it’s almost like I’m finally gelling into my own spot at Carolina. I’m no longer an underclassman.

However, I have to admit that I feel like this year is about to be more bittersweet than my senior year will be.

Every time a major event happens this year, I’ve been telling my friends that its our “second-to-last.”

In short, underclassmen, cherish the little things, explore everything and keep your friends close.

You don’t get another shot, and these four years go by faster than you can ever imagine. ~Nicole Wilkinson, c/o ‘14

Whether it’s the first Black Student Movement meeting, Fall Fest, or the first home football game, I can’t help but realize that I only have one more chance to experience the aforementioned events.

To underclassmen: don’t take your first two years for granted. They go by really quickly. In no time, you’ll find yourself as an awkward junior like me. ~Trey Mangum, c/o ‘15

Sophomore The “sophomore slump” has proven to be more fiction than reality.

Or at least, that’s the case for me. During my freshman year at UNC, everyone told me “this is the year.” This is the year you have the most freedom, this is the year everything is the easiest, and this is the year you have the most fun.

I beg to differ. Sophomore year has arrived giving me a renewed spirit and a renewed motivation about my career and future aspirations.

Black Ink

So for me, I guess sophomore year should be called “sophomore spirit.” For this year, I have become involved in numerous organizations - ones that last year I would never have had the courage to brace on my own.

I left my freshman year and stepped into my sophomore year with a renewed interest in making my Carolina experience my own. Whatever year you may be, own your future and time at UNC. ~Cierra-Brooke “CB” Cotton

first-year

graduate

It has been exactly one month since I began my collegiate journey here at UNC-Chapel Hill. Amongst the many panels, mixers, meet-and-greets and random conversations with those outside of Lenoir, I have met some pretty amazing people and learned a thing or two.

It hasn’t even been 200 whole days since graduation weekend, but yet the horror story that was undergrad miraculously transformed into those bittersweet moments that I secretly (or not so much) wish I could live in forever.

The synopsis of my discovery is that high school is nothing like college - at all. I want to give the side eye to anyone who ever said AP courses in high school compare to actual college classes. They lied.

The time commitment of classes is astounding and it is imperative to manage your time correctly. This also means making tough choices surrounding extracurricular activities. As the kind of guy who was a little bit involved with pretty much everything in high school, it’s been a struggle discovering my limits in college.

Another has been rejection. I’m sure we were all used to being the best back in high school. Unfortunately, now we are one of many. Although rejection is something that we are not used to, it has been a humbling experience (at least that’s what I tell myself). When making decisions, be sure to utilize the knowledge of upperclassmen.

Whether it is just figuring out which professor to choose, or how to get involved on campus, this knowledge is essential. Everything stated above is advice that I have taken from juniors and seniors kind enough to help me.

It seems like graduates everywhere has adopted the @PostGradProblems twitter account as the explanation of our entire lives in a sad nutshell.

Being Carolina Alum isn’t all sad, though. What set us apart from all other alum is the things we learn outside of the class that makes the Carolina experience. The degree that we balance our work and personal lives that we must achieve to successfully matriculate through Carolina is unparalleled.

It’s one thing to graduate college, but it’s another to graduate from Carolina.

Despite our respective times we had at UNC that we so gracefully tackled, we will go back any day of the week because no other love will trump the love we have for our hbcUNC. ~Demetrius Jenkins, c/o/ ‘13

Regardless of the highs and lows, I can honestly say that Carolina has already begun to feel like home.

With that said, Class of 2017, we are in this piece for the next four years. Let’s make the best of it. ~Jay Peterkin, c/o ‘17

15

editorial staff Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors Public Relations director photography director Copy Editors business manager

Chantrel Reynolds Dillon Robinson MBalla Mendoug a Nicole wilkinson la'mon johnson Tyler Rouse & Trey mangum cambria crisp

WRITERS Cierra-Brooke Cotton Eshany Edwards Demetrius jenkins Danielle Joe Trey Mangum

Mballa mendouga Jay Peterkin Chelsea Reaves Dillon Robinson Marisa Rose

Tyler Rouse Andre rowe Cain twyman Adreonna Simmons Nicole wilkinson

Photographers Cameron Robert

Chantrel Reynolds

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