Actress Laverne Cox visits N.C. State

BLACK NAMES MATTER, pg. 6

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 2

THIS ISSUE

2 West Coast Party foul Diversity Program

Highlights Intersectionality

4 Million Man March

6 Black Names Matter

7 No ones a Monkey

The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.

Editor-in-ChiefChris Hart-Williams

Managing EditorNia Doaks

Creative DirectorLica Mishelle

Only with the permissiOn Of Our elders dO we prOudly prOduce each editiOn Of the nubian message.

dr. yOsef ben-yOchannan: dr. JOhn henrik clark: dr. leOnard Jeffries: the black panther party: mumia a. Jamal: gerOnimO

pratt: tOny williamsOn: dr. lawrence clark: dr. augustus mciver witherspOOn: dr. wandra p. hill: mr. kyran andersOn: dr.

lathan turner: dr. m. iyailu mOses: dOkta tOni thOrpe and all thOse whO accOmpany us as we are still On the JOurney tO true

cOnsciOusness.

NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 3

Jillian Smith | Staff Writer

A Kanye Western themed party that took place at the Uni-versity of California, Los Angeles earlier this month is still sending waves of anger and frustration across the United States. Put simply, just because you

can do something, does not mean you should, UCLA said in a public statement. The party, which took place on

Oct. 6 at the Sigma Pi Epsilon fraternity house and partnered with the Alpha Pi sorority, sparked protests on UCLAs campus, one of which extended to the office of Chancellor Gene Block. Students chanted and carried

signs with messages such as Black Bruins Matter, Black culture is not a theme, and cul-ture is not a costume. The party goers were seen

wearing baggy clothes, padded butts and some smeared charcoal or paint on their faces. Wheth-er their darkened faces were meant to complement a gold digger costume as the fraternity claims or something much more

serious, the party showed how cultural sensitivity is a poorly neglected area of education in our society. Its one thing to suggest you are

actually focusing on one celebrity who is African American, its an-other thing to take it as a license to perform every attribute, every stereotype, every grotesque min-strelsy that you see, said Jerry Kang, vice chancellor for UCLAs Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. UCLA says that they are inves-

tigating the event and for the time being, the UCLA chapter of SigEp is suspending all activities. Alpha Phis social activities also have been temporarily suspend-ed.While we do not yet have all

the facts, the alleged behavior is inconsistent with good judgment as well as our principles of com-munity, UCLA said in a state-ment. We remind students that while they are free to celebrate in ways that draw on popular culture, their specific choices can cause harm and pain to fellow members of their community. Continued on page 4

Halloween season starts with a west coast PARTY foul

QuiAnne Holmes | Staff Writer

Last week, NC State hosted its annual Diversity Education Week. The week serves to promote awareness and understanding diverse cultures of the nation and worlds and to foster intercultural understanding through a collection of engaging programs.The Black Students Board, BSB of the

Union Activities Board hosted an event called More Than Melanin on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at in the Witherspoon Student Cinema.More than Melanin was intended to teach

people about how their identities play into the way that they are treated in society and work together to form a complex human being with complex experiences, said BSB Chairperson Tsharre Sanders, a senior ma-joring in psychology with minors in Afri-cana Studies and Spanish. Each attendee received a playing card

with different numbers during an activity called Face Value. They were instructed to walk around with a playing card on their forehead and treat one another according to the value of the other students card. The cards said to avoid eye contact with those who had two to five, smile at those who had seven to 10, and acknowledge with smiles and conversation to those of a suit higher than 10. We aimed to make sure that it was inter-

active, enjoyable and informational at the same time, Sanders said.Some volunteered their answers about what

they experienced and the common reali-zation was that often times we treat people that we think are of higher value with more respect than those who we rank lower.

The event created an environment where students could think about identity in depth and openly. Students conversed with one another about what they noticed, how they felt and how that translates into real life. Dr. C. Ellen Washington, assistant director

of the Womens Center, described the world by painting a picture of hope and possibil-ity, she used examples such as having the first African-American President to serve in office along with having women running in both parties of the upcoming election. However, she said just because there has been progress, problems still exist. Washington presented the acronym,

A.D.D.R.E.S.S.I.N.G (age, disabilities, de-sirability, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, intimate relation-ship, nationality, and gender) Intersection-ality. Each word is one particular identity in which she gave specific examples to illus-trate what it may look like in everyday life.You do not have to change your beliefs but

you need to treat each person as a human. Dont let your perceptions let someone else suffer, said Washington.She even used herself as an example to show how people assume that just because she is a tall athletic looking African-American female that she has to play a sport. Washington said everyday misconceptions

can be attributed to the term intersectional-ity and said that it allows people to under-stand how the perception of belonging to a group can lead to unfair treatment. She challenged the audience by asking, Why is this inappropriate? Biases formed against a person based off of assumptions can be linked to identities that we may or may not identify with.

Diversity program highlights Intersectionality

Wikimedia Commons

Features WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 4

Million man march graces new generation

Taari Coleman |Staff Writer

Nearly half a million demonstrators celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 10. Twenty years ago, the first march ended up being

the largest civil rights demonstration in American history, according to the Washington post, and it showed Black men different from common media portrayals. Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam led the

anniversary demonstration. Farrakhan spoke about justice and equality. He also invoked President Obama to speak out against police brutality and rebuked the use of the word illegal to refer to hu-man beings. Two decades ago the outspoken minis-ter called for Black men to improve themselves, be better husbands, neighbors, fathers and all around members of society.Well-known faces such as J. Cole and Sean P. Did-

dy Combs populated the crowd. Both entertain-ers wore hooded sweatshirts in tribute to Trayvon Martin, whose mother Sybrina Fulton was also in attendance. Social media outlets erupted with criticisms when

BET didnt provide live coverage of the march. Other media outlets such as, NBC, ABC, and CNN, all covered the March, which makes BETs lack of presence more upsetting, for some. Viacom Inc. bought BET back in November of

2000. The cable and broadcasting company also owns CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon. CBS didnt cov-er the march either.BET did not provide a response to social media us-

ers, but did claim to send a news crew to the event in a statement. However information on the March was not posted on the website at any point in time.

The Million Man March, Washington, D.C., October 1995. Wikimedia Commons.

Continued from page 2 This event and others like it have been encouraging con-

versations about what is considered a costume and what is considered cultural appropriation. With Halloween coming up, the issue of socially appropriate and politically correct costumes is becoming a prominent topic. The issue isnt simply about putting on blackface, it is also

about the entire mockery of black culture, said Tina Frison in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Frison is a stu-dent at UCLA and a member of the black student union. The problem with parties, themes and costumes such as

these is that they proliferate the stereotypes surrounding black popular culture. This idea that all young black men are gangsters and all young black women are gold diggers shows just how influential pop culture is and why it can, at times, be dangerous. Although the fraternity continuously denies any members

being at the party in blackface, the implications of all of the costumes were blatantly evident. This year when choosing a Halloween costume, it would be

best to steer clear of any racially charged costumes. Its time for young Americans to think before they act, or take pic-tures at a party.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 5

Features WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 6

Threa Almontaser | Correspondent

Actress and television personality Raven Symon, best known for her hit Disney televi-sion series Thats So Raven, comments drew criticism nation-wide last week when she discussed a study about how Americans make racist assumptions based on peoples names.On The View where Symon is currently

a co-host she said, I am very discriminato-ry...Im not about to hire you if your name is Watermelondrea, its just not going to happen, Im not going to hire you. Raven was in a position to advocate against

it, but she voiced her hypocritical opinion instead, said Aubrey Lewis, a junior studying French. I definitely think...that people are wrongly discriminated against by something as simple as their name.Lewiss step-mom is part Colombian. She

grew up with the last name Gutierrez before marrying her dad and gaining the last name Lewis. Aubreys mom faced a lot more harsh judgment against her working as a nurse with Gutierrez for a last name. Aubrey said her mother still remembers being in her early 20s and not having recognition in her career, only getting chosen for the smaller jobs, no matter how much skill she possessed. Economist Marianna Bertrand from the

University of Chicago conducted a study in 2003 where her team sent out thousands of resumes to employers, specifically choosing African-American based names like Jamal on some and common white names like Brendan on others. Results proved that, The same rsum was roughly 50 percent more likely to result in a callback for an inter-view if it had a white name. Even though the

rsums mailed out were basically identical, the conclusions were different because of the main manipulated factor of names. Its pretty obvious people are discriminated

against with their names, said Wyatt Bond, a senior studying MSL.Even the most common names face it. Longer names are just more obvious and exposed to the discrimination. Bond views Symons words as both econom-

ic and racial discrimination, like upper-class black people would say they wouldnt hire a Watermelondra either, so its a class and eco-nomic thing as well, he said.Nikita Chintalapudi, a junior studying

Biology and English said though she doesnt feel she faces as much negative stereotyping as people with African-American sounding names, but shes experienced discrimination because of her name. Shes heard wow that sucks, you should shorten it, or people trying to use some crude bastardization of her name as a joke. People tend to hear my name, especially my

last name, and make jokes about call centers or arranged marriages. While maybe not discriminatory, its degrading and annoying, said Chintalapudi. Plus, to me, whats really upsetting about the whole controversy is that Symon felt the need to play into the white bias against ethnic sounding names. Especial-ly when she herself has likely had to face that same discrimination. Its like, wheres your solidarity girl.To answer Shakespeares question, Whats

in a name? Theres a lot. Names can deter-mine more aspects in your life than just grade school nicknames or when youll be called during attendance.

Black Names

Top 5 BLAck & WHITE

MAtterSounding Names

White

GirlMolly

Amy

Claire

Emily

Katie

BoyJake

Connor

Tanner

Wyatt

Cody

Black

GirlImani

Ebony

Shanice

Aaliyah

Precious

Boy DeShawn

DeAndre

Marquis

Darnell

Terrell

The list of names Come from the book Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, showing the top 20 whitest- and blackest-sounding girl

and boy names.

Opinion WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 | 7

Stephanie Tate | Correspondent

Ever since I made the decision to come to NC State, Ive feared that this day would come. While many of my friends packed their suitcases and headed over to North Carolina A&T State University or Winston Salem State University, both historically black universities, I packed mine and drove to the school I called home. Upon arrival I was immersed in a sea of melanin at the Multicultural Student Affairs African American Sym-posium. Meeting so many students of color gave me a sense of security in a place where very few people looked like me. That sense of security and that homelike feeling was shattered on the day that you slammed the door of the atrium into my body and snickered while calling me a monkey. I must admit I went through a series of stages after your actions. I went through the initial shock.

Not including some disgustingly racist comments on Yik-Yak last year, and some small microaggressions like Youre very intelligent for a black girl, I had not personally experienced racism on campus, so of course your actions stunned me. I then went through a stage of confusion.

I thought to myself How could someone be at an institution of higher education, yet be so ignorant? How could someone attend a university that prides itself on diversity, yet still be so overtly prejudiced? Lastly, I found myself flooded with anger. Admittedly, for fear of perpetuating the angry black woman stereotype, I kept my anger inside and instead rushed to my meeting.

Who was I to be angry in the first place? Actually Im the dedicated honors and AP student, the too many extra-curricular activities student, the service oriented student that worked their butt off to get here.

You see this is what women like me have been doing for centuries, bending and shape-shifting for men like you. But this letter is my refusal to do so any longer, and my affirmation that my anger derived from being referred to as a monkey is justified. I do not want you to confuse this as a letter rooted in hatred but rather this letter is rooted in hope, newfound awareness, and appreciation.

First of all, I want to thank you for reminding me of what my being here stands for, what the mere presence of many African Americans on this campus stands for. It was only fifty-nine years ago that NC State had its very first African American undergraduate students enroll. So lets put this into perspective, a university that is 128 years old, just started had its first African American students enroll fifty nine years ago. Fifty nine years later, as an African American woman on this campus I have not only the

privilege but the honor to walk on the same campus as those students. Like many other African American students on this campus I have a duty to uphold the values of scholarship and excellence like those who came before me. So thank you, for reminding me that I am not here just for myself.

Im not sure if this is the Donald Trump effect of or what, but I had almost forgotten that overt racism was a thing. I had fallen into a daze and forgotten that people like you, people that harbor hate in their hearts and find comic relief in publically putting others down, exist. Your reminder was a rude but necessary awakening. A reminder that I have a duty as a human being to lift others up. To be a lighthouse of encouragement, smiles, and helpfulness in a world that can get dark.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for a reminder of the amazing resourc-es and people that inhabit this campus. When I left our awful, but thought provoking encounter I walked straight into Witherspoon Student Center, the only building on this campus named after an African American. That same building houses the African American Cultural Center on campus. The center, equipped with a library, a gallery, and some of the warmest and inspiring faculty on campus, might be a good place for you to check out. Im almost positive that Toni Thorpe, affectionately known as Mom-ma Thorpe, can give you a hug that will squeeze some of those ill thoughts out of you. The books in the library will tell you of a people that were royalty, helped build and shape the world, and have since continued to illustrate brilliance. Thanks for reminding me why outlets such as the Nu-bian Message, Multicultural Student Affairs, and various other offices and student groups exist. The sense of community I have felt both prior to and after our encounter is the exact reason I remain an advocate for programs like Symposium, Diversity Education Week, and more.

With that being said, I hope that at this wonderfully prestigious institu-tion you embark on a journey of discovery. I hope that you step outside of your comfort zone and get to know someone who looks like me or looks different from both you and I. I hope that your time here opens you up to new experiences and beliefs. I hope that one day you realize how powerful words can be. But until then, thank you for the reminder of where I came from, feel free to watch me as I keep going, as I continue to keep achiev-ing, all while being unapologetically black.

Sincerely,No Ones Monkey

An Open Letter to the Guy on Campus Who Called me a Monkey