harambee: pulling together
DESCRIPTION
Harambee is a semesterly student run magazine located at Otterbein University serving a diverse group of students, staff, alumni, and citizens of the Westerville Community. Harambee has a mission to bring back the voice of our past to unify our campus community for the future. As a magazine that focuses on ethnic diversity we hope to encourage students of color and enlighten as well as educate those who are not students of color, about the different cultures. After its previous release during the 1990’s, we have been able to successfully continue the tradition of Harambee magazine.TRANSCRIPT
Issue 1 Volume 1
2
African American Student
Union’s mission is uniting
our community through di-
versity to achieve greatness.
While creating support,
friendships, and bonds that
will last a lifetime.
AASU was formed in 1987, it was created to bring
unity among the African American community. AASU
wants to promote cooperation among African Ameri-
cans and all students. Any person can be a part of
AASU regardless of race or ethnic background. As
long as there is a sense of respect towards the
heritage and cultures of African American people.
Heritage of Latino Ameri-
cans (HOLA) promotes a
sense of community and
pride among Latino Ameri-
can students at Otterbein.
The organization promotes
friendship and cooperation
among all students and fosters encouraging, aca-
demic excellence and cultural appreciation of Latino
American students.
The group sponsors a variety of events throughout
the year. Notable past events include the Latin Fies-
ta Mixer and growing the salsa garden during the
summer. Group outings have also been popular in
the past.
Men of Vision (MOV) is an
organization of Otterbein
male student leaders. Men
of Vision promotes male
leadership within the Otter-
bein community and recog-
nizing the importance of
developing and exchanging views and ideas among
college men on campus. The goals are to encourage
Otterbein males to become active in leadership
roles and service on and off campus, in addition to
enhancing and further developing the skills and
talents of male student leaders. Men of Vision
works collaboratively with other student organiza-
tions.
Tribute To The Past
Why Harambee? Why Now?.................................3-4
Young Alumni Update: Karen Castro……………….4-5
Habari Gani
Progress? ……………………………………………………...6
International Students’ Break/Ms. LaJoyce……...7
Past To Present…………………………………... ………..8
Opinion
Slaves Once More ………………………………………....9
Featured Poet: Matthew Quinn……………………….10
I am NOT my Hair…………………………………………..11
Mark Your Calendar………………………………………………………………....12
Art and Entertainment
Featured Artist: Benjamin Willis……………………..13
Helpful Hints………………………………………………………………………………..14
Otterbrown……………………………………………………………..15-16
Behind The Words…………………………………………………….17
Want To Be Featured in Harambee…………………………….18
Contents
Editor N Chief: Natasha Shorts
Staff Advisors: James Prysock
Dr. Phyllis Burns
Contributing Writers
Nana Agyepong
Abi Agyepong
Abdinajib Liban
Cameron Change
Lydie Dorelien
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just to have success. This is why we
need this magazine!
This magazine is here to highlight the
achievements of the African American
community as well as to embrace who
we are as people. While in every other
part of our media we may be highlight-
ed as ghetto, loud, criminals, or just
overly sensitive, we will show our true
colors. We will discuss issues that apply
to our community openly and honestly.
This magazine sheds the harsh truth
about the problems that our communi-
ties have to face on a daily basis and
also give ideas for solutions on how we
as a community on this campus can
actively make changes for the better-
ment of ourselves and our society. This
magazine also hopes to highlight many
of the people who are defying the odds
and making changes in their communi-
ty, their families, and just living up to
the “Dream” Martin Luther King Jr. once
talked about.
Who is Harambee For?
Harambee is the Swahili word that
means pulling together and that is ex-
actly what we hope to do with this mag-
azine. We hope to bring together the
different ethnic communities on cam-
pus through informing them on what is
happening on campus, giving them a
place to print their opinion, and encour-
aging them to freely live out their cul-
ture with a sense of pride and dignity.
While at the same time having a place
to discuss issues that target our com-
munities from a political, social, and
When I began to let others know about the
idea of Harambee coming back into publi-
cation I received many questions about the
purpose of a magazine dedicated to show-
casing the African American culture and
other minority cultures on campus. It is the
same question that comes up when people
wonder why there are such orginzations as
African American Student Union, H.O.LA,
and the like. Why Harambee? Why now?
There was a time in our history that by law,
African Americans were considered less
than animals. We were stolen from our
homeland of Africa, bought and sold like
pieces of objects, raped and beaten into
working for those that we were trained to
believe we were inferior to. As a nation,
have we grown from our times of slavery
and even segregation? Of course we have,
but just because we have grown in some
ways, it does not mean we have completely
solved the problem of race relations in our
country.
The repercussions of that time period have
left impending damage on not only the way
the African American views themselves but
it has also taken a major toll on the way
society views us. Our culture has become a
joke and a stereotype instead of a natural
way of life. Our music and our media glorify
the thug lifestyle so much that not only do
those outside our community automatically
believe we act, talk, and think this way but
we have come to see this lifestyle as being
truly “black”. No matter how far we go in
life, in this country, we will always have
something to prove.
The idea of a place for a student to pick up
a magazine and feel like those who write it
are writing it while they go through
same struggles and hopes as them, is
something that is rarely found on any
campus. It is easy for those who have
never been classified as a minority to
not understand the purpose of a mag-
azine such as this. When you are the
majority, what the minority does can
not only be looked at as different and
weird but the hardships that they go
through can be overlooked and seen
as a nation of sensitive people. There-
fore, we need this magazine to show
our struggles. But we also need this
magazine to show our triumphs!
We Have Not Reached The Promise
Land Just Yet
Though we were freed by the 13th
amendment in 1865 from slavery and
freed from segregation laws, we have
now imprisoned ourselves. We have
bought into the lie that we are truly
nothing more than second class citi-
zens. We hold ourselves back and try
to hide our culture because it is not
accepted in the professional realm.
We have refused to claim the lighter
skin brother because his features and
skin tone are too “white” to be black.
We have demeaned the darker
skinned kinky haired sister as holding
less beauty, making her feel like she is
a God given mistake. To make matters
worse, not only have we held ourselves
back but we did it while the world was
watching. The repercussions of slavery
have left the African American commu-
nity wanting to leave their entire cul-
ture behind and embrace what the
society around them says is the norm,
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Why Harambee? Why Now?
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Why Harambee? CONT. economic view.
Showing how these different views can
play a role on our campus as college
minority students. We will provide a
home for minorities to freely express
their frustrations and openly share their
victories.
This is a place where those who have
never had the opportunity to learn much
about minorities, can learn about the
issues and causes that we deal with,
can send in questions and get honest
answers, as well as learn of different
events that will help them get more
plugged into ethnic life here on campus.
This is an open platform for all those
who are searching for a place to express
their needs and desires as a student of
color on a predominantly white campus.
Harambee is here to act as a safe haven
for students of color who are looking for
a place that encourages their culture.
Harambee is not here as a place to com-
pete with any other magazine nor to
demean other ethnicities or promote
black supremacy. That is not our goal.
We are here to enlighten, uplift, edu-
cate, and encourage.
As you begin to dive into Harambee, our
hope is that in the midst of these pages
you find a place to be yourself!
Natasha Shorts
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Young Alumni Update: Karen Castro
Karen Castro is
an Otterbein
alumnus of the
class of 2012.
Finishing school
early in December
of 2011, Karen
walked as well as
spoke at the class
of 2012 com-
mencement cere-
mony. When asked what made her want to
attend Otterbein, Castro explained she was
the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s
degree so she had no idea where to begin
when looking at colleges. Fortunately, she
had supportive high school mentors who
encouraged her to look at smaller private
colleges where she could grow and develop
as a person. One of Castro’s guidance coun-
selors attended Otterbein and urged her to
visit the campus; so that’s exactly what she
did!
Castro states, “When I drove to Westerville,
I immediately fell in love with the small
town atmosphere. When I arrived on cam-
pus I loved the brick roads and the academ-
ic buildings. Aside from the superficial as-
pects, I enjoyed talking to everyone on my
campus visit, the fact that people waved
“hello” to each other walking to class was
pretty cool. It made me enjoy the warm and
caring environment Otterbein has”. Castro
found that the staff and faculty of the Uni-
versity truly cared about her well-being.
Student Involvement
Castro speaks of her time at Otterbein in a
very positive light. She was actively involved
in campus life as founder of HOLA, and in
Shades Of Success, Tau Epsilon Mu Sorority
and many other activities. Not only was she
impacted by the campus, but she also left
her own mark on Otterbein University.
Castro explains that being involved at Otter-
bein allowed her to gain valuable leader-
ship and time management skills. In her
free time she also held a position at the
Office of Diversity as a Student Assistant to
Dr. Lisa Phillips where she was instrumental
in helping out with projects that needed to
be completed.
Academic Triumphs and Challenges
Karen Castro started at Otterbein University
as a Business Administration major with a
focus in International Business and a minor
in Spanish. She had the exciting opportunity
of studying abroad in Cordoba, Argentina,
where she took a business class, which
demonstrated another side of international
business that she rarely heard about. One
of the most valua-
ble lessons she
learned was that
some of the most
successful U.S.
companies will go
into foreign coun-
tries to use their
resources, exploit
their employees,
and pay corrupt
politicians to relax
labor laws. She
was determined that she would not willingly
participate in such malpractice. However,
when Castro returned to Otterbein, she was
thoroughly confused because she didn’t
want to major in International Business any
longer. After consulting with her mentors
and her Otterbein support system, she real-
ized that she wanted to do something that
would allow her to help people but still had
Karen with Congresswoman Joyce
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Young Alumni Update: Karen Castro
international focus. Half-way through
Castro’s junior year she switched her ma-
jor to International Studies. It seemed like
the perfect choice for her because she
learned about politics, business, sociolo-
gy, and international relations; all of the
things that interested her.
Experiences After Graduation
Since graduating, Castro has been mak-
ing her mark on the community. She was
selected out of hundreds of applicants to
be an intern in Senator Sherrod Brown’s
office. She describes applying as the best
decision of her life, though she was very
doubtful of herself as she didn’t believe
she knew enough about the government.
There, she learned a great deal of life
lessons and was instrumental in improv-
ing communication between the Hispanic
community and Senator Sherrod Brown’s
office.
Through the internship Castro began to
learn more about government, how it
works, and the key factors for legislation
to become law. She also served as a
constituent response intern, which re-
quired her to keep track of the calls of
constituents to ensure they received a
proper response.
Connecting With The Community
Since Castro was interning in the Colum-
bus office, one of her jobs was to do out-
reach to constituency groups. At the time,
the Columbus office was lacking outreach
to the Hispanic community so Castro took
the initiative to work alongside one of the
Constituent Liaisons to contact and con-
nect with Hispanic leaders in Central
Ohio. She had the opportunity to make a
significant contribution through her in-
ternship, which paved the way for future
communication between the Hispanic
community and Senator Sherrod Brown’s
office.
Though Castro was busy learning about
government, her passion to directly im-
pact her community never went away. To
that end, she volunteered with the Center
for Latin Hope, a non-profit organization
that provides services such as free Eng-
lish classes to the Hispanic community.
Castro states, “Volunteering at the center
helped me understand further the prob-
lems of underprivileged families. I learned
that there is a lack of opportunity and a
lack of quality education in poor commu-
nities. This is something I want to change.
These experiences validated that chang-
ing my major was crucial”.
Words of Advice
Castro is continuing to make her mark in
the community and the workplace. She is
currently working with Congresswoman
Joyce Beatty as a District Aide. She be-
lieves that this position will create a
strong foundation for her future, where
one day she will be one of the few women
supporting and representing her commu-
nity.
Castro’s tip for minorities is to get in-
volved, find a mentor, educate others
about your culture, and don’t be afraid to
speak up when someone is politically
incorrect in the classroom. Karen Castro
leaves us with this thought to ponder,
“We may be minorities but our voices and
actions are very powerful.”
Abi Agyepong
“We may be
minorities but
our voices and
actions are
very
powerful.”
Karen Castron speaking at the 2012
Commencement Ceremony
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Valentino Dixon, Attica Maximum Security
Prison inmate, sits in his cell and
masterfully concocts detailed pictures of
golf courses. According to a documentary
on the Golf Channel in July 2012, Dixon
has always had an artistic eye and
started creating his portraits early in
elementary school. He did not begin
drawing golf courses, however, until his
Time in Attica Penitentiary. It came about
when the Warden took notice of Dixon’s
ability and asked him to create an image
of the 12th hole of the famous Augusta
National Golf Course. Impressed with
Dixon’s portrayal of the course, the
warden decided to give Dixon the
materials and inspirational images to
continue drawing his masterpieces.
The Fight That Started It All
The year is 1991 and Valentino Dixon is a
young man out passing the time with a
few other friends on the streets of
Buffalo, New York. After some time
passes, a few other characters approach
Valentino and his crew. Unfortunately,
some unfriendly words are exchanged
between the two groups. Tensions flare
and before long an altercation occurs;
escalating into fists and guns. A shot
rings out and a young man by the name
of Toriano Jackson loses his life and all
fingers point to Valentino Dixon; who is
arrested and convicted (Golf Channel
2012).
Evidence
Some might consider this a pretty open
and shut case; a fight breaks out and a
young man ends up dead. Dixon was
opposite Jackson during the fight,
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it’s very possible that Dixon could have
slain Jackson. But let’s check the facts:
According to the case’s details, Dixon’s
fingerprints were not on the gun
determined to be the weapon used to
kill Jackson and there was no gun
powder residue on Dixon to indicate that
he was holder of the gun when it was
fired (Televised documentary on Dixon’s
trial). Of the three witnesses introduced
by the prosecution in Dixon’s trial, none
of them could conclusively identify Dixon
as the shooter. Not long after the trial
had concluded, the man responsible for
Jackson’s death publicly confesses to a
local news station. Even with all of this
evidence indicating Dixon’s innocence,
he is not released from prison where is
just finished serving year 21 of a 39
year to life sentence.
Clearing His Name
Several years and three appeals later,
Valentino Dixon is still incarcerated
despite the appearance of several more
witnesses willing to give a testament to
his innocence. In spite of his bleak
situation, there are still those willing to
fight for Dixon’s freedom. Dixon’s family
has fought for 21 years to clear his
name. Especially his daughter,
Valentina Dixon, a Senior Early-
childhood Education right here at
Otterbein. Even with all of this in his
favor, there are still many obstacles
that stand in the way of Dixon and his
freedom. Obstacles like the apathetic
New York legal system and the
financial disparities that keep him from
affording adequate legal
representation. So for now Valentino
sits in his cell and continues to create
portraits of beautiful golf courses,
hoping only for absolution and to one
day be free to continue his life with his
friends and loved ones.
Cam Change
PROGRESS?
“Not long
after the trial
had
concluded, the
man
responsible for
Jackson’s
death publicly
confesses...”
Some of the many portraits Dixon completed while
in prison
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Guangzhou, China is in many ways different
than Westerville but Yongjun Zhi does not
mind. Yongjun Zhi who goes by “Jackson” is
an international student at Otterbein
University. Born in China, Jackson studied in
the University of Shanghai for Science and
Technology (USST), before attending
Otterbein as part of his junior year study
abroad experience.
Since most international students stay in the
United States all year long some students
use Winter and Spring break as an
opportunity to explore the United States.
Jackson spent the Spring break of the 2012-
2013 school year in San Francisco. After his
American Airlines flight landed, like most
tourists, he was impressed by the city’s
iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate
Bridge. Besides sightseeing, Jackson also
reunited with friends that are currently
studying in different campuses including San
Francisco State University and UC Berkeley.
Fellow Juniors Luyi “Gloria” Gao and Yifan
“Kiki” Wu, both international students from
the University of Shanghai for Science and
Technology (USST), also enhanced their
study abroad experience by travelling during
spring break.
Like Jackson, Yifan Wu also spent time on
the West Coast. His journey included stops in
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas in
addition to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite
National Park. Gloria, however, spent her
spring break on the East Coast. After
previously visiting Chicago in the Fall of
2012, she was eager to now see New York
City and Washington, DC. Gloria described
New York as a modern city with a plethora of
museums. Nevertheless she states, “I prefer
Washington, DC”. She noted that the
District of Columbia appeared less
crowded and cleaner. At the U.S. Capitol
she was elated to see the White House
and the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol
Hill.
According to the Institute of International
Education (IIE), a non-profit organization
which tracks study abroad statistics,
there were over 764,000 international
students that enrolled in U.S. colleges
and universities last year. On the other
hand, only a little over 270,000
American students studied abroad. IIE
President Allan Goodman argues that
American students should study abroad
because it will better prepare them for
the global workforce. Since the majority
of U.S. students do not pursue a study
abroad, he argues that the increasing
amount of international students on U.S.
campuses is a positive trend because it
gives American students a chance to
interact with someone from another
country.
Studying abroad can have its own set of
Pros and Cons. For Gloria, one of the
challenges of studying abroad has been
that it can lead to homesickness.
Gloria's favorite aspect of her study
abroad has been that she has
encountered and learned from a diverse
array of people and cultures. Jackson
enjoys his coursework and the ample
opportunity he has to practice speaking
English.
Abdinajib Liban
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Mrs. LaJoyce Daniel-
Cain has been the
choir director of
Otterbein Gospel
Choir for 23 years.
She has played the
piano since she was
a child. Mrs. LaJoyce
is also a music
teacher at A-Plus
Art Academy, as well as the director for all the
theater productions. She is also a vocal and
piano instructor where she works with people
of all diversity from children who have
disabilities to adults who want to fulfill a
childhood dream.
Otterbein University Gospel Choir is a non
denominational Christian based choir on
campus. The Gospel Choir performs for many
Otterbein occasions such as Homecoming
weekend, the Martin Luther King Convocation,
Ash Wednesday, and also Advent
services. The choir has been filled with
students from all backgrounds.
The song selections are pieces from Mrs.
LaJoyce's childhood and also songs suggested
by students. “The biggest difference I’ve
noticed are the ratio of students but, the faith-
based and enlightenment of the student has
remained consistent.” Mrs. LaJoyce said.
Lydie Dorelien
International Perspective: What to do
when stuck in the US?
Who is Mrs. LaJoyce?
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Standing with their ears glued to each word
every speaker began to say, eyes fogged by
imagining the images that the speakers
discussed, they watched captivated. Some
only coming to the event for a class
assignment, others just to support their
theater peer as he spoke, they began to see
the true reason of why they had to be at
that
program.
It was the
50th
Anniversary
of The
March On
Washington and the nation took notice.
Thousands of people leaving their homes
and going to the steps of the Washington
Court House to hear various speakers
discuss the progress and the continued
battle since Martin Luther King Jr. gave his
infamous “I Have A Dream” Speech.
Dr. Lisa Phillips, Director of the Office of
Diversity, and James Prysock, Programming
Coordinator in the Office of Diversity wanted
to make sure that the Otterbein community
had the same chance to reflect right here
on campus as the rest of the nation.
So right on the steps of the Campus Center
it happen. Students and staff, in the
program, and spontaneously began to take
the stage and speak about what the “I Have
A Dream Speech” and the March On
Washington meant to them personally.
Jordan Donica, a sophomore Musical
Theater major, had the privilege to do a
rendition of the I Have a Dream Speech.
Used to the bright lights and large audience,
Donica enjoyed a different way to preform.
“This was actually a little more casual for
me than being on stage in front of people.
The atmosphere was different, because
people were there to celebrate a great man
and a moment in history that changed the
nation. The experience was very similar to
theater for me in the aspect that I was not
giving the speech for my benefit, but in
honor and celebration. We were all there for
a common cause, both audience and
speakers, so it made for a very unique,
almost rally-like, atmosphere. ” Donica
remarked.
Wanting to make sure that he delivered the
speech with respect and dignity, Donica
took the time to find his own way to present
it. “I knew that there was no way to try to
copy his dialect or how he sounded, so I
instead examined his speech pattern and
the tambour of his voice, and tried to create
my own interpretation through the many
antithesis in the speech.”
But it was more than just an ordinary
speech that Donica had to give, or just a
another performance. Donica was able to
really relate to the entire theme of the
speech. “I can identify with speech,
especially in today's society. Growing up in a
single parent, white household, I was
always taught never to see other people as
"colors", but as people. I truly believe that is
the main emphasis in this speech.”
Many students and staff that attended were
more than moved by the performance of the
speech that Donica presented and also the
other students and staff that spoke.
Sophomore Amber Horton and Senior Will
Burley were so moved by the event that
they each accepted the opportunity
presented to the crowd allowing anyone to
speak about what they just heard and their
feelings, each one left lasting moments.
They each took what could have felt like a
very long walk up the Campus Center steps,
stood behind the podium and each spoke
what was on their hearts.
“I think the two students that came up on
their own and spoke were pretty powerful.”
Dr. Phillips said discussing
Though the ceremony only drew about 100
students, the thoughts expressed, the
history discussed, and the issues
addressed left a lasting impression on
those who came.
Looking back on the program, Donica felt
that it not only touched his heart but others
around him.
“Many of my peers came in full support and
ended up staying through the entire
program because they felt it was moving.”
Donica said, “It spoke true to the character
of those that I choose to surround myself
with. It meant the world to not just me but
to everyone that was involved with the
program.”
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Past To Present: 50th Anniversary of The
March On Washington
“We were all there for
a common cause, both
audience and speakers,
so it made for a very
unique, almost rally-
like, atmosphere.
Dr Lisa Phillips introducing sophomore
Jordan Donica before his speech.
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Now these characters actually become
caricatures of what prejudice people
already think about us, while also influ-
encing individuals who are not to be-
come prejudice. In addition, these char-
acters feed the community with self-
consciousness, greed, hubris, material-
ism and false morality. For example,
Nicki Minaj did not always look like she
currently does. Thanks to plastic sur-
gery, she has
become the
“ideal” wom-
an with a pret-
ty face and an
almost impos-
sible to natu-
rally recreate
body. She also
did not always
rap the way
she does now. She started doing under-
ground real hip hop. However, when she
was discovered, she was influenced to
change her appearance and lyric con-
tent to appease the masses of main-
stream rap. Secondly, 2 Chainz pre-
sents himself as an ignorant, uneducat-
ed rapper who boasts on his ability to
be “different”. Ironically, his posses-
sions, appearance and music content
do not make him different. What makes
him different is that he has a college
degree from a HBCU. But education
doesn’t sell records so he chooses to
be another clone in the industry.
The Result
By building “successful” and commer-
cial characters, the impressionable
people in the community buy into the
A wise man once said “When you control a
man's thinking, you do not have to worry
about his actions” (Carter G. Woodson).
This holds painfully self-evident in the rap
industry. Let’s turn on our radios for a sec-
ond. What do we hear? First of all, tune out
the mesmerizing beat in the background.
That’s just inserted in the song so you
don’t fully pay attention to the words. Now
move on to the hook. The hook or chorus is
a catchy grouping of words that “hook” you
into the song. These hooks often become
anthems to those who hear it. How many
times have you heard someone say “I’m
different, I’m different”, “Started from the
bottom now we’re here” or “Gold all in my
chain, gold all in my ring. Gold all in my
watch, don't believe me, just watch”? You
may not remember other parts of the song,
but you remember the hook. However, if
it’s alluring enough, you will soon find your-
self memorizing other parts of the song
which are the details of their message.
Now at face value, these hooks don’t ap-
pear threatening or negative in any way.
But as one delves deeper into the lyrics,
you start to see more and more of what the
artist values.
The Truth Behind The Lyrics
On the outliers of a chorus lies a set of
beliefs. The chorus is just an anthem of
those beliefs. In Trinidad James’ song, All
Gold Everything we see how he values
money as his god as well as his lack of
respect for women. In 2 Chainz’s I’m Differ-
ent, we see the same values as he refer-
ences women in a derogatory manner, his
love for drugs and how he is better than his
competitors (his own people). This is just a
microcosm of the values within the
industry’s game.
How Slavery and Our Music Relate
In order to
understand
the present we
must compre-
hend the past.
Therefore,
here’s a little
history lesson.
In times of
slavery, slave masters would have
competitions with their strongest male
slaves. These competitions were called
Mandingo Fighting. They would travel
to different plantations and have their
slaves fight each other to death. The
slaves that succeeded were given spe-
cial privileges, fame and compliments.
For example, they may be given a spe-
cial nickname or invited to eat dinner
with the masters and gamesman.
Some fighters took pride in their new
identity and that they were the strong-
est and most skilled. Other slaves
envied the fighter’s position or desired
to be like him. Due to the perks, some
of them overlooked the fact that they
were being used as property and the
masters were making money off of
them. Does this sound familiar? Let’s
fast forward to the present. The majori-
ty of rap labels are owned by someone
other than an African American. The
owners build characters and allow
them to have nicknames like Trinidad
James, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Chief
Keef or Cash Out.
OP
INIO
N
SLAVES ONCE MORE
Hip Hop Artist 2 Chainz
Female Hip Hop Artist Nicki Minaj
10
Slaves Once More CONT. char-
acters and follow suit. They are
also awarded outrageously with
money, cars, executive dinners
and fame. And who gets paid on
top of all of this? That’s right,
the label owners and executives.
Not only are they making money
but they are capitalizing on a
social dichotomy which causes
consumers to hate and compete
with each other. How better to
destroy people than by orches-
trating a system of division with-
in the underrepresented com-
munities. By doing so, people
who want to kill us won’t have to
because we are killing our-
selves. We see seeds of this
system in the simplest of situa-
tions. This mindset influences a
woman to clutch her purse fast-
er while at the same time dance
provocatively in the club. This
causes a man to carry a gun
while simultaneously calling a
woman out of her name.
The message of the mainstream
industry is to “tell everyone your
rags to riches story so they can
relate to your past. Once they
relate to you, they will look up to
you. But the catch is that you
have to keep your past rele-
vant”. If rappers keep their nega-
tive past relevant then people
will continue following, hence
some people in the African
American community think that
drugs, degrading women and
living a gangsta life is validated.
That’s why there is virtually no
progression in a rapper’s mes-
sage. An artist may come out
with one “non-commercial” al-
bum such as Theater of the
Mind by Ludacris or Paper Trail
by T.I. Unfortunately, their full
body of work speaks louder than
the one album where they actu-
ally put more of themselves into.
Especially since the albums that
followed reverted back to their
past commercial messages.
Shared Blame
However,
the in-
dustry
only de-
serves a
portion of
the
blame. Who deserves the rest?
Let’s look in the mirror for that
answer. We drive the industry.
We decide what is popular and
what is not. If we stop support-
ing, they will stop producing. We
have a choice of rather to follow
or to lead. Let’s lead. In times of
slavery, we were more forced to
act according to someone else’s
plan. So the biggest question is
how much have we truly pro-
gressed in society? The worst
part about this is that now our
people actually choose to build
our own self-destruction.
Anonymous
OP
INIO
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Featured Poet: Matthew Quinn
Dead Conscious
Dead conscious;
As blood drips from her thighs
to the floor
I ask God “Why”
Why does emptying her soul,
replenish mine?
She divides and I conquer
It’s a matter of time,
Or more like 5-12 minutes
But a week is all I need to for-
get who she is;
Time flies
God, who taught us this?
I wonder, who taught us these
lessons,
I know my Father didn’t
But could it be?
Nine months in the womb just
so she can push us away,
13 years of providing just so
she can push us away,
“You’re a man now,
take care of yourself.
I can’t do everything for you
anymore”
This rings around our thoughts,
as we cry “but I love you”
“Silence”
Then our resentment starts.
And as she moans “I love you”
Our response is silence
But for 5-12 minutes you feel
like she can,
You feel like she does,
You feel like the sun’s rays
decayed all the darkness in
your world
And you feel like Heaven,
But in a week, you’ll forget
who she is,
Time flies
I wonder, who taught us
these lessons,
I know my Father didn’t…
Matthew Quinn
11
OP
INIO
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I could not take it anymore!
I was tired of looking in the
mirror and only thinking
that I looked beautiful or in
style, or put together, if my
hair was straight. I was tired
of having unhealthy strands
surrounding my face and
receiving compliments for it
just because my hair
resembled every other race
of people but my own. I wanted to look in the
mirror and see the beauty that God saw in
me when He first created me. He did not
make my hair fall
to the floor in
curls or hang low
near my waist in
the straightest
most elegant
way.
He gave my hair rhythm, making it dance up
into the sky with the curly beats it dropped.
He provided tension between my tightly
wound curls to symbolize the struggle that I
would have to endure in my life. But just like
my life, I can patiently detangle the
frustrations and struggles out of my hair.
Combing away the self hate, moisturizing the
roots of my inner
soul, leaving a soft
puffy afro. Filled with
the love of my
culture, the love of
who I was created to
be, and the love of an
amazing God who
wanted to display His
creativity on my head
by using something as simple as my hair. In
fact, my hair was made to
praise Him! Lifting its curly
hands to the sky, it is in
constant worship of His glory.
He made my hair grow out
and up, purposely defying
gravity so that people would
know this was God given. Too
bad the rest of the world can’t
see my hair like this.
They pet it, they poke it, and most of all, they
stare at it.
It is a joke tossed around by the ignorant,
assuming that
since my hair is
proudly standing
out, I must be a
stereotyped hip
shaking-finger-
wagging-attitude
having black
girl. Giggling as I
walk into the room,
wondering why I
just will not straighten my hair. Clearly I
must be a hippie if I rock my afro and hoop
earrings. Or better yet I am “sassy”!! (Man
how I HATE that word! But that is an article
for another day.) I cannot even braid or
twist my hair straight back without their
eyes immediately filling with fear, thinking
that I must be a part of some gang. Truth is
I braid my hair to wear while I sleep
and sometimes I decide to rock it the next
day. Days like this one just make me want
to ask God “WHY ARE YOUR OTHER
CHILDREN SO IGNORANT!”
That is when I remember Titus 2:7 : “Show
yourself in all respects to be a model of
good works, and in your teaching show
integrity, dignity.”
So that is what I do. While they may laugh or
look confused, just like how I detangle my
kinks, curls and knots, I patiently detangle
their ignorant minds with words sprayed with
the hope of educating just one person on
black hair.
Natasha Shorts
I AM NOT MY HAIR
1. How do you make it “frizzy” like
that?
2. What is a “weave”?
3. Are you wearing a “weave” now?
4. Do you wash your hair?/How often
do you wash your hair?/How do you
wash your hair?
5. If you are both black why is her
hair not like your hair?
6. How did you do that with your hair?
7. Can you straighten your hair?
8. Are those dreads?
9. Can I touch it?
10. Why do you pat your hair?
*Answers in the next issue
Top 10 Annoying
Questions About Black
Hair
Confessions of a Black Woman Gone Natural
Senior Makeda Schulark
Junior Michelle Baffi
Junior Lydie Dorelien
Junior Natasha Shorts
12
Mark Your Calendars!!!
September 4 @ 7pm: Mix & Meet (with CAB & CSA) - This program
provides students an opportunity to engage with other students
through a quick and personable process that resembles "speed da-
ting". Through guided conversation, students will be able to make
connections on areas that bring out their similarities and differences.
September 8 @ 1pm: Office of Diversity Cookout (Alum Creek Park) -
Come meet the staff of the Office of Diversity and learn about the
diversity-based student organizations on campus. There will be
games, food, and music.
September 21 @ 5:30pm: Harambee Magazine Launch Event
(Roush Hall: Fisher Gallery)
September 24 @ 7pm: Crossing Boarders: Latino Culture (Towers
112) As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that
what we call the Hispanic Culture, is really a combination of many
intersecting cultures. Through an exploration of history, food, music,
and dance this program will explore the influences of Hispanic cul-
tures on our society.
October 7 @ 8pm: Allow Me to Introduce Myself (Roush 114) -
White or Caucasian, Black or African American, he, she or ey! There
are numerous ways that we identify ourselves. In this program Otter-
bein students will speak on how they choose to be identified and
explore the language that accompanies their identity.
October 23 @ 6:30pm: The “In” Crowd: Widening the Circle (Towers
112) - This interactive program is designed to engage first year stu-
dents in meaningful and genuine conversations about the elements
of identity, privilege and difference. Participants will have the oppor-
tunity to develop a better understanding of their own identity, hear
about the experiences of others and discuss the influence of media,
community and institutional perspectives on issues related to inclu-
sion.
Monday, October 28: The Dream Continued
During this program, students will have the opportunity to explore
the dream within. We each have our own goals and ambitions that
drive our daily journey. However, there are social and institutional
systems that we encounter which can prevent us from fulfilling our
dream. This program takes an in depth look at the relationship be-
tween our dreams and the systems that have been put into place.
November 7@ (4:00 -7:00 PM) – November 8 (1:00 – 4:00 PM) –
Tunnel of Oppression The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive
event that highlights contemporary issues of oppression. It is de-
signed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privi-
lege, and power. While the Tunnel of Oppression may be disturb-
ing, it is an effective tool used to teach people about how it really
feels to be in the various situations. Participants are guided through
a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge them to think
more deeply about issues of oppression. At the end of the tour, par-
ticipants are provided with the opportunity to discuss their experi-
ences with each other. Facilitators help participants reflect on their
experiences and put their new found knowledge to use in their
everyday lives. Before leaving, participants will receive information
about opportunities for involvement in addressing some of the issues
presented at the Tunnel of Oppression.
November 13 @ 6:30pm- Native American Heritage Month Pro-
gram: Apache 8 (Towers 112)
APACHE 8 tells the story of an all-women wildland firefighter crew
from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, who have been fighting
fires in Arizona and throughout the U.S., for over 30 years. The film
delves into the challenging lives of these Native firefighters. Four
extraordinary women from different generations of the Apache 8
crew share their personal narratives with humor and tenderness.
They speak of hardship and loss, family and community, and pride in
being a firefighter from Fort Apache (Retrieved from)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326191/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1). This docu-
mentary will be followed by a discussion.
Thursday, November 21: Activism & Social Justice
Activism has played a key role in the development of each country.
When we look at freedom and justice overall, we often see both
rapid and slow progression of human rights. This event highlights
some of the many activists who have strived for human equality and
both the successes and challenges of the rights they fought to im-
plement. In addition, we discuss our role in activism and the oppor-
tunities we have to further the progression.
December 5 @ 12pm- Winter Celebrations
Campus Center
There are many unique traditions, celebrations, and holidays that
occur during November, December and January. This educational
fair is Otterbein’s own celebration of winter holidays from around
the world! This fair will introduce you to different cultures, as well as
providing insight on the origins of the traditions we are most familiar
with!
13
AR
TS
A
ND
E
NT
ER
TA
INM
EN
T
Featured Artist: Benjamin Willis
Goddard. Using mixed oil and spray paint, Wilson is in the process of cre-
ating this 4' by 7' mural. It is a painting inspired by a poem that is by Anis
Mojgani called These orchards are heavy and these branches are fool
Study of God. Created with graphite and charcoal,
this a study of a homeless man depicted into a
Godly manner.
Contrast of Africa. Is an abstract ex-
pressionist piece depicting Africa.
Am I Something. A self portrait that
shows the confusion of finding oneself
and the questioning that goes along
with the search,
Portrait Of a Black Man. "Gomo" is an
american bastardization of the black
man insomuch, that is what the image
symbolizes.
14
Time Management
Procrastination and misuse of time is probably the biggest enemy to academic success. While it is good to be in-
volved in campus and extracurricular activities, remember that your studies come first! Know when to say no to
things and budget your time in a way that will maximize your study time. Create a study schedule, but don’t forget
to leave room for chill time and sleep!
Get To Know Your Instructors
Make it a point to go to office hours, especially if you are struggling in the course. It lets your instructor see that
you are making a sincere effort to understand the material. It is also a chance to build relationships, because you
never know what connections or insight your professor may have in a particular area. Recommendation Letters!!!
Take Advantage of your Resources!
Otterbein offers a wealth of resources to help you achieve success. The Academic Support Center is one of such
resources; they offer math tutoring, writing help, and tutoring in various other subjects. If you ever need help with
anything, just ask! Someone will always direct you to the appropriate office.
OhioLink is another resource that allows you to reserve books instead of buying them at the bookstore.
Don’t lose sight of your goals
Remember who you are and why you are doing what you’re doing. It’s so easy to get caught up in school activi-
ties, work and your personal life, that sometimes we can forget why we are here in the first place.
Use your goals to motivate yourself to succeed academically!
Balance your life
Don’t neglect one part of your life for another. It’s important to maintain all areas of your life (academic, social,
personal) to ensure that you can be the best you!
Never give up!
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going!
You got this!
Nana Agyepong
Page 14
From Senior to Freshman:
Tips on How to Survive In College H
EL
PF
UL
H
INT
S
15
O T T E R B R O W N
Black History Trivia Game with Alliance Amber Horton at 50th Anniversary of the
March on Washington
Diversity Sponsored Mix and Meet Program
AASU Campus Carnival 2013 OSU Mime Team preforms at Gospel Fest
2013
Montana Jemmott and Khamali Bartlett at
Shades of Success 2013
Justin Jordan poses at Shades of Success
2013
Chris Butcher, Will Burley, and
Jarrod Howelton at Night of Entertainment
Aleth Pashi, Kayla Williams, and Sydney
Smith hangout at the HBC 2012
Guest Speakers at the Black Men Forum
2013
Leaders of Diversity programs at the
Alliance Dinner in 2012
Lydie Dorelien, Natasha Shorts, and Gloridely
Tavarez
16
O T T E R B R O W N
Humble Dance Ministry 2012-2013 AASU, ISA,and HOLA at the Global Dinner
Spring 2013
Cam Change at MLK Convocation Jan 2013
Gloridely Tavarez.,Kiersten Curtis, and Gloria
Ureña Sanchez with alum Sandra Urteaga
Kiersten Curtis at the Evening of
Entertainment 2012-2013
Diversity sponsored Game Night 2012-2013 AASU Board with Allan Williams Advisor 2012-
2013
Students from all Alliance Schools at the
Fall 2013 Alliance Dinner
Students enjoy bowling at with Shades of Suc-
cess in 2011-2012 Alumni Tanya Wilhite and Maurice Tilmon
singing at Gospel Fest 2013
John Kengla speaks to Shades of Sucess Stu-
dents Fall of 2013
Tahirah Murphy Lydie Dorelien, and Jarrod
Howelton winners of Evening of Entertainment
17
Name: Abena Agyepong
Major: BMB
Year: Junior
Hometown: Worthington,
Ohio
Fun Fact: I love to sing in
the shower!
Name: Nana Agyepong
Major: Biochemistry
Year: Senior
Hometown: Worthing-
ton, Ohio
Fun Fact: I was born and
raised in Germany.
Name: Cam Change
Major: General Biology
Year: Senior
Hometown: Dayton,
Ohio
Fun Fact: I have gone
bridge jumping during a
storm.
Name: Abdinajib Liban
Major: Economics and Political
Science
Year: Sophmore
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Fun Fact: My first name means
servant of God. My last name
means victory.
Name: Lydie Dorelien
Major:
Year: Junior
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Fun Fact: I never wear pants, I
always wear skirts or dresses.
Name: Natasha Shorts
Major: Journalism and
Media Communication
Hometown:
Cleveland, Ohio
Year: Junior
Fun Fact: Dancing is my
second love next to
Jesus!
Behind The Words
18
W A N T T O B E F E A T U R E D I N
H A R A M B E E ?
Be a part of the movement!
If you want to be featured in the next
issue, join Harambee staff, or submit a
topic idea
email [email protected] for
more information.
Let YOUR voice be HEARD!
19
20
Rising Moon Custom Apparel Company
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