the hilltop, october 15, 2015, volume 100, issue 11
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
OCTOBER 15, 2015 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 11
“Justice Or Else!” was the theme of the highly-anticipated 20th Anniversary of the 1995 Million Man March on Oct. 10 in the nation’s capital. Throughout the District, melanin waves of Black men, women and children marched to the National Mall in solidarity against police brutality, mass incarceration and other issues that ail the Black community.
A large portion of the marchers were Howard University students; students, who woke up bright and early to attend the march, who were overwhelmed by the experience regarding it a momentous historical moment.
“It’s an honor…it’s truly an honor,” said Brandon Watts, a freshman political science major. “I can’t even express my emotions because it’s too much to take in. Being a freshman and experiencing something like this…it’s exciting.”
Similar to the Million Man March in 1995, the event included a variety of speakers who addressed the crowd with diverse calls for justice. Speakers included the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) D.C. Branch President Akosua Ali, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, doctoral candidate for African-American Studies at Howard University Anton House, and keynote speaker the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam.
“I’m honored to be here in front of this great, great house [Capitol Hill] that was built by Black slaves,” said Farrakhan. “So I don’t think I’m encroaching on any American by standing on the ground that was paved for with the sweat and the blood of our ancestors.”
During his address, Farrakhan covered critical focuses that surrounded the theme of “Justice Or Else!” including affirming faith in God, acknowledging the strong support of women in the movement and supporting the youth leadership, particularly in
the #BlackLivesMatter movement. He also challenged the notion of white supremacy, addressed the issue of police brutality and criticized the federal government.
“There is no government on this earth, not one, that can give the people what the people desire of freedom, of justice and equity. America is under defined judgment as we speak,” Farrakhan said.
Onlookers discussed the importance of the Million Man March during Farrakhan’s almost two-hour address resonated throughout the National Mall.
“I think that this meeting is vitally important for all people, especially for Black, Latino and poor Whites,” said Amin Ali Muhammed, a member of the Nation of Islam from Los Angeles. “The economic condition, especially for us as African-Americans, is a paramount that we begin to take up this message of ‘Justice Or Else.’
Nation of Islam spokesman Farrakhan and proud father of four Howard University graduates
Jamil Muhammad was in attendance at the march. The ’81 Howard alumnus weighed in on the theme of “Justice or Else” and Howard University’s role in it.
“Howard University is the capstone and it is the Mecca,” he said. “We need farmers, we need engineers, we need mathematicians, we need physicists, we need doctors, we need lawyers,” Muhammad said. “That’s why my children, four that are already Howard alumnus and the three remaining, will come through [Howard] soon. It is a family tradition…and I call on Howard University to prepare the leadership for America and the global community.”
Family members of Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner and Mike Brown were also in attendance. Many prominent Black celebrities were also in attendance in support of the march, including J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Common, Chuck D, Diddy, Young Jeezy, Jay Electronica and Dave Chappelle. Donnie Simpson, a longtime radio personality and host of the new Donnie Simpson Show on the D.C. based radio
station Majic 102.3FM, said that he was also in attendance at the Million Man March in ’95.
“I was here 20 years ago, and there was no way I would miss this today, just like I wouldn’t miss it 20 years ago,” Simpson said. “It’s about standing up for us…a lot of the issues we talked about 20 years ago are still here. My hope is that 20 years from now, we won’t be talking about the same issues today.”
With the clear, blue skies and the shining, bright sun beaming down the Mall, Farrakhan concluded the day-long event with some final words for the enormous crowd to take with them back home.
“You got to make the colleges teach the things that will make young people builders instead of beggars,” Farrakhan said. “From this day forward, a demand for justice will never end until justice is ours. So this day is the beginning of that movement that will never end. It’s not over, it’s just begun. As-Salaam-Alaikum [Peace be unto you.]”
“JUSTICE OR ELSE!” MARCH COMMEMORATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF MILLION MAN MARCH
CRYSTAL SMITH & PAUL HOLSTON
Paul HolstonNews Editor
POWERBLACK
2 OCTOBER 15, 2015 THE HILLTOP
C AMPUSThe Hilltop Editorial Office2251 Sherman Ave. NW
(202) 806-4749
STAFFTAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRIS
NILE KENDALLBUSINESS MANAGER
PRECIOUS OSAGIE-ERESEDEPUTY EDITOR
DELORES TERRYASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
LEANNA COMMINSSENIOR COPY CHIEF
SYLVESTER JOHNSON IIIASSISTANT COPY CHIEF
DEVIN BARNWELLCAMPUS EDITOR
PAUL HOLSTONNEWS EDITOR
DIANDRA BOLTONVARIETY EDITOR
NKECHI NNOROMSPORTS EDITOR
RISHARA JOHNSONGRAPHICS DIRECTOR
CRYSTAL SMITHPHOTO EDITOR
WILLIAM FOSTERMARKETING DIRECTOR
JAILYN ANDERSONDIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
PUBLIC [email protected]
Devin BarnwellCampus Editor
Before they led the way in the Justice or Else March, students
gathered in The Louis Converse Cramton Auditorium Friday, October 9, for a ‘Justice or Else’ town hall in conjunction with the Million Man March. The next day, a group of over 500 met at 8am in the courtyard of The Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library to march to the National Mall.
“As a college of young Black students it’s our responsibility to lead folks, and show them a little knowledge on campus,” said Dr. Carr.
The 6-8:30pm town hall meeting, organized by HUSA Pres., Brendien Mitchell, and Vice Pres., Lindsey Foster, and Gianna Judkins, Political Affairs Director for HUSA55.The town hall featured a panel of activist guest speakers who analyzed topics and audience questions related to the national Black agenda, the march, and their stances on various current political and social events.
The panel included Dr. Gregory Carr Ph.D., Associate Professor & Chair of Hu’s Africana
Studies Dept., Jamira Burley of Amnesty International, Jessica Pierce of Black Youth Project, Melech Thomas, another HU Alumni and Organizational Consultant With the Heart for Creative Ministry, Shae Harris, Deputy Director of the Mayor’s office of Attorney Citizen Affairs, Anthony Driver, the former HUSA Political Affairs Director, Salih Muhammad, a Minister in the Nation of Islam and Executive Director of the Afrikan Black Coalition, and Jamiliah Lemieux, Senior Editor at Ebony magazine and HU alumni--who also moderated questions for the night.
“It’s disappointing sometimes, I’ve seen Minister Farrakhan offer folks an opportunity to speak and be heard, and in the same breath we condemn [him] for trying to give all Black folks the opportunity,” said Muhammad.
There is a consensus that the issues are to be handled in an unconditionally Pro-Black sentiment, however. Exclusionary practices seen in movements honoring dated politics of respectability like that of the first half of the 20th century privileging the idea of a “talented tenth” over that of poorer, less educated Black
people that was the majority at the time.
The celebration of the Million Man March even included the modification, ‘Justice Or Else’, included justice across all ethnic minority groups in America, including Native Americans, Mexicans, and Middle Easterners.
The HU march itself had a very diverse crowd; various student organizations and D9’s, religious leaders, parents, professors, Shaw area neighbors, and alumni of all ages came to the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library courtyard at 8am from the corner 7th and W St.
The presence of police grew as the march approached the National Mall. DC Police held traffic while students walked through Chinatown’s typically busy street in the morning. One of the chants the marchers favored was a modification on a slogan of the Million Man March, ‘No Justice, No Peace’: “No Justice, No Peace! No Racist-ass Police!” rang clear down 7th St. /Georgia Ave.
Upon arriving at the Mall, the marchers were confronted with set-up for A Taste of DC, which
coincided with the weekend of the commemoration. The sheer number of people at the event totaled over hundreds of thousands, calling for a heightened amount of Mall police security,
According to an article in the Washington Post, though hundreds of thousands were expected, Nation of Islam leaders set an agreement with US Capitol Police in support of a peaceable event reminiscent of the ‘95 demonstration. The Nation of Islam had their own security and staff, most of whom were women in brown uniforms with matching Hijabi headscarves.
“We really want a peaceful event as we have had in the past and based on our discussions that we had with the chief of the Capitol Police this will happen once again,” said Leonard Muhammad, chief of staff for the Nation of Islam.
After the HU marchers arrived at the Capitol, the group split up, and found places to watch the speakers at the event. The march of Howard students and community for equality remained a time honored tradition to celebrate the Million Man March.
HU STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY IN MILLION MAN MARCHCRYSTAL SMITH PHOTO EDITOR
THE HILLTOP OCTOBER 15, 2015 3CAMPUS
20 YEARS LATER...1995 2015
PAUL HOLSTON & CRYSTAL SMITH PHOTO EDITOR
4 OCTOBER 15, 2015 THE HILLTOP
NEWS
Paul HolstonNews Editor
On Oct. 9, the 2015 National Week of Non-Violence was officially announced on the steps of the
historic John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C. by the organization Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC), in collaboration with national steering committees and national leaders across the country. Black Women For Positive Change, a national multicultural, inter-faith, volunteer network based in D.C. dedicates itself to promoting violence prevention and awareness.
“We believe that it is time for parents, elected officials, civic leaders, artists, musicians, actors, athletes and the youth to really decide that we can change this country,” said Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, Black Women for Positive Change National Co-Chair.
According to the organization, the purpose of the 2015 National Week of Non-Violence, confirmed to occur from Oct.
17-25, is to raise domestic violence and gun violence awareness, and as well as prevent bullying.
This is in lieu of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month. Press conference attendees included over 20 representatives from local, regional and national elected officials. Attorney Benjamin L. Crump, President of the National Bar Association and Honorable National Co-Chair of the 2015 Week of Non-Violence was also in attendance.
“I am so honored to come and partner with the Black Women of Positive Change,” said Crump. “I am representing 66,000 Black lawyers, judges and legal professionals in America beyond the largest association of lawyers of color in the world.”
Crump, a noted civil rights attorney from Tallahassee, Fla., known to have represented the family of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old who was fatally shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla., expressed the need for the youth to study history and see the actions that past
activists have done.
Crump used Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis as prime examples of young people being activists at a young age.
“I don’t see that as very different from the young people today, whether it is the Dream Defenders or #BlackLivesMatter,” Crump said. “They have been tremendously effective in Ferguson, Baltimore, Staten Island, Los Angeles and places all around America saying that we refuse to be silent.
“What young people will hopefully do is use that emotion, energy, passion and try to institutionalize it where all these wonderful things that the BW4PC and [elected] officials are doing ….we want you all to continue to evolve,” said Crump.
The 2015 National Week of Non-Violence events will not only happen within the District of Columbia, but will also be happening across the nation, with events in Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago, Denver, Colorado, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Alexandria, Va., Hampton Roads, Va. and St. Louis, Mo.
“We are sick and tired of our young men being shot and stabbed in their neighborhoods and little girls sitting in the front yard being shot,” Myers said. “We’re sick and tired of people attacking our schools where we send our children to be safe and learn.
“We’re sick and tired of the brutality of our law enforcement official who take advantage of the fact that they have weapons and we don’t, and in some instances, overuse and over step their authority. So we’re calling for a national week of non-violence and we are here on the steps of the Wilson Building at the District of Columbia, which is our city hall.”
Other local officials such as Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who is also a co-chair for the DMV Week of Non-Violence in the District, expressed similar sentiments to the violence that has been recently rampant.
“According to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], the leading cause of death for Black males between the ages of 15-34 is homicide,” said McDuffie“I don’t know about you, but in my mind, that is a crisis.”
Chairman Mel Franklin, co-chair, DMV Week of Non-Violence in Prince George County, Md., said that there was an opportunity for all to join throughout the region on calling the end of the culture of violence in communities.
“Let us recommit ourselves to these important causes not only for ourselves, but for future generations to come,” said Franklin.
Concluding the press conference, the BW4PC passed out a peace pledge that reads “I pledge to uphold peace in the name of non-violence and to work to keep my brothers and sisters safe. I promise to seek the path of peace and to treat others with fairness and respect. I pledge to do this for the sake of humanity, so we can all live together in peace and harmony.”
BW4PC will be holding a summit on non-violence at Metropolitan AME Church on Sat., Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. in Metropolitan AME Church on 1519 M. Street, NW. For more information on the 2015 National Week of Non-Violence and BW4PC, please visit www.blackwomenforpositive.change.org.
ourhouse
10.17.15 1 PM. Burr pool. Home meet.
HU
Swim
Tea
m's
BLACK WOMEN FOR POSITIVE CHANGE ANNOUNCES 2015 NATIONAL WEEK OF NON-VIOLENCE
PAUL HOLSTON
THE HILLTOP OCTOBER 15, 2015 5NEWS
CREATED TO SERVE.
BUILT TO PERFORM.
1The Lipper Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Returnfor eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12, 11/30/13, and 11/30/14 respectively. TIAA-CREF was ranked among 36 fund companies in 2012 and 48 fund companies in 2013 and 2014 with at least fi ve equity, fi ve bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For current performance and rankings, please visit the Research and Performance section on tiaa-cref.org. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2015 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America–College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. C24849C
Consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Go to tiaa-cref.org for product and fund prospectuses that contain this and other information. Read carefully before investing. TIAA-CREF funds are subject to market and other risk factors.
While performance can fl uctuate, our disciplined, long-term approach to investing rests on values that are immune to market fl uctuations. We’re here to benefi t others. And to improve the fi nancial well-being of millions. Just what you’d expect from a company that’s created to serve and built to perform.
Learn more about ways we can improve your fi nancial health at TIAA.org/Integrity
WE’VE FOUND THAT INTEGRITY IS NOT SUBJECT TO BULL AND BEAR MARKETS.
5021A0058 C24849C Fall B2C Print INTEGRITY_10x6_nwsprnt_1.inddCyan Magenta Yellow Black
75004
PAUL HOLSTON
FINDING HOPE: A DAY WITH TA-NEHISI COATES
Maya KingStaff Writer
On the evening of Oct. 7, Ta-Nehisi Coates was greeted on the stage
at Cramton Auditorium with a standing ovation. The students, faculty and friends of Howard University present were on their feet for good reason: they were celebrating. One of their own had returned to the Mecca victoriously.
There was no denying the energy in Cramton Auditorium that evening as members of the Howard community gathered to
hear Coates speak in a culminating “Evening with Ta-Nehisi Coates.” Dr. Greg Carr, associate professor and chair of the Department of African-American Studies, facilitated the evening conversation. Coates, a New York Times bestselling author, 2015 MacArthur fellow and a once-Howard student, was too happy to return to the university.“People often ask me why my book is so bleak,” he said. “I tell them ‘The hope is in Howard University.’”
Coates revisited his old stomping grounds to open his six-month book tour for his novel, Between the World and Me, hailed by
author Toni Morrison as “required reading.” The all-day visit to his alma mater consisted of question-and-answer sessions with students in the School of Fine Arts and the Blackburn University Center, a book signing in the Howard bookstore and a special afternoon reception hosted by the provost. As a result, many Howard students found their love for the university strengthened by his words.
“Today gave me a stronger sense of pride in my school,” said Maria Mendoza, a sophomore nursing major. “It was empowering to see firsthand what this university has the power to create.”
Coates took pride in knowing that his writing started dialogue and was reinforced by the fact that it was held in one of the most unique environments in the world—on Howard’s campus, with Howard students. Both Howard’s campus and its students are two major focal points of his novel.
“Only at Howard are these conversations possible,” he said.
Other students, more than anything else, were glad simply to be in the presence of a true master. During one session, a student, when called upon to ask a question, did not ask anything, but
rather, thanked Coates, explaining his novels’ relevance to his own life’s experiences-much to the dismay of a number of students who had questions of their own.
Amid Thursday evening’s questions, answers and social commentaries, Coates’s message was clear: Howard is continuing its legacy as the Mecca it was hailed as many years ago.
“I’m honored to be back to see the beauty of this campus and of its people,” he said.
6 OCTOBER 15, 2015 THE HILLTOP
VAR IET Y
Diandra BoltonVariety Editor
This past Saturday was one of the largest gatherings of the black community
in the District’s recent history, the Million Man March. While hundreds of Black people gathered to fight for “justice for all,” I found myself asking does that include justice for the black woman? What does it say about the Black community that the most unifying force can be equated to a radical organization who intentionally marginalizes women and LGBT community- two populations it can be argued need
attention the most?
Many believe the message of the “Justice or Else!” march transcended Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam’s offensive views on women, and I whole-heartedly agree. The march made a powerful political statement about police brutality, as well calling attention to the female victims of police brutality. But why can’t “Justice or Else!” not only support the Black community, but also Black women? Why does one of the most important and impactful protests also marginalize entire populations of the community they are seeking to uplift? It’s almost as if I am forced to marginalize my
gender to in order to support my
Despite the Nation of Islam’s alienating diatribe, black women clapped as Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan talked about our ultimate responsibility being nothing more than childbearing and supporting the Black man. While it is true that the black woman is often the backbone of the family, to limit our existence to that is irrational. In his anti-abortion rhetoric during “Justice or Else!” march, Farrakhan asked, “What if that child you are aborting is the next Malcom X?” So I ask him, “What if the woman you expect to remain merely a housewife is the next Assata
Shakur or Angela Davis?”
W.E.B. DuBois notion of double consciousness (in which there is the “negro” conscience and the “American” conscience in Black people) can be applied to this dilemma. We struggle to protect our identities as women, while remaining true to our Black roots and community. We juggle womenhood, fighting through the struggles and abuses we sustain as women, while also being punished for being Black along with the rest of our people.
The plight of a black women is lonesome, despite mainstream obsession with black womanhood.
Mocked, overly-sexualized, demonized, fetishized and diminished, we stand alone when we stand up for ourselves. We can’t even count on the solidarity of our own men; for they are often the prime perpetrators of our abuse.
Ntozake Shange wrote in her iconic chreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Not Enuf, “bein alive & bein a woman & bein colored is a metaphysical / dilemma / i haven’t conquered yet.” That was written 30 years ago and I’m still seeking the answer to that dilemma.
Editorial: What About the Black Woman?CRYSTAL SMITH PHOTO EDITOR
THE HILLTOP OCTOBER 15, 2015 7VARIETY
MUST BE 21+
Ava RobinsonStaff Writer
There is much more to the D.C. metropolitan area besides happy hours, brunch and the next political or social event. The area also offers many opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. The DMV area has some of the best parks with extensive trails for a phenomenal hiking experience- all accessible by public transportation!
For residents in the District, Rock Creek Park and Capital Crescent Trail are two of DC’s best Open during daylight hours, Rock Creek Park has 32 miles of trails that loop around it. The park also has a planetarium in its Nature Center that is open on the weekends with two shows a day. Capital Crescent Trail is one of the most popular trails in the United States. It’s a great place for people to walk, go biking, run and even rollerblade. The 11 mile trail starts in Georgetown, D.C. and ends in Bethesda, Maryland, and is always open to the public.
D.C.’s next door neighbor, Maryland, also has its fair share of parks, including Greenbelt Park and Sligo Creek Park.
Less than a mile away from the College Park metro stop, the beautiful Greenbelt Park surrounds the city’s scenic lake. With 1,100 acres and over eight miles of hiking trail, Greenbelt Park also allows hikers to camp there for $16 a night. Sligo Creek Park, a 10.2 mile hard surface trail, is one of the oldest in Montgomery County – the District’s neighboring country. 10.2 miles long, the trail takes you to various part of Maryland with scenic creeks and parks running through the trail.
Trails that are accessible in Virginia include the Shenandoah National Park and the Mount Vernon Trail. The Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of trails and is always open to the public. In this park, the most popular and challenging trail is called Old Rag, which takes you to the top of the mountain after a long stretch filled with plenty of rocks and steep hills on the path. But the tiring hike will prove worth it; the views from the mountaintop are worth it in the end. The Mount Vernon Trail starts at Mount Vernon, Virginia and follows the Potomac River, allowing visitors to stare at the D.C. skyline. This trail is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and allows visitors access to a lot of other regional trails.
AN ALTERNATIVE TO CHINATOWN
Happy Trails: A Washingtonian’s Guide to Hiking Diandra Bolton
Variety Editor
It’s easy to walk past the Landmark Theatre on V Street and not
even realize it is a theatre. For one, the first thing one is likely to notice when entering the new theatre is its large bar and cocktail lounge- but that’s how the theatre’s designers wanted it.
The latest in boutique movie houses, Landmark Theatre is located in the new Atlantic Plumbing building. The theatre’s built-in bar to be an attraction itself. The six-screen theatre will be opening today and playing
“Steve Jobs,” a biopic that came out on Oct. 9 surrounding the life of the iconic creator of Apple Inc., on all of its screens.
The Landmark Theatre also boasts many high tech features including a countdown clock at the bar and flat screen monitors outside each theatre announcing what’s playing inside. The theatre’s technology isn’t just confined to the outside of the theatre; inside each theatre is a digital projector that drops down from a recess in the ceiling. Each of the screening rooms will be especially intimate thanks to the 44-to-mid-50s range of all-reserved seating with
plus cushioning and extra wide chairs.
But perhaps the absolute highlight of the new theatre house might be the bar’s service. Serving movie-themed drinks in real glassware, including a kettle corn-flavored cocktail in addition to other drinks inspired by feature films. Guests can also order from the bar menu and eat in the expansive lounge area.
The Landmark Theatre is only the first of many new attractions coming to the upscale Atlantic Plumbing and its neighboring building, The Shay.
L I G H T SC A M E R A
A C T I O N !THE DISTRICT’S NEWEST THEATRE
WE LIT!
WRITE FOR US [email protected]
8 OCTOBER 15, 2015 THE HILLTOP VARIETY
THIS SUNDAY AT CHAPEL
Ambassador Ebrahim RasoolFormer Ambassador of
South Africa to the United States
Student Leader Commissioning Service Sunday, October 18th
This service aims to unite the entire Howard University community for a time of prayer and encouragement for students in
leadership across the university as they accept the responsibility and enter the legacy of
Howard University student leaders. Register now by emailing: [email protected]
“Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community”
International Sunday Sunday, October 18th
Join us for a celebration of cultural diversity and worship through various faith traditions.
You are encouraged to wear clothing from your cultural experiences.
Now that the Natural Hair Movement has taken over the Black hair community, new naturals are looking for experts that offer insight into transitioning, the dreaded big chop and, of course, how to get to know and love
their natural curls!
Here are a few Naturalistas to check out on YouTube if you’re on the look out for Natural Hair Bloggers.
Kyana HarrisStaff Writer
Naptural 85Whitney, Known on YouTube as Naptural85, is a 4A Naturalista
that offers tons of quick & easy hair tutorials for curly girls with medium length to long hair. From blow-outs to a faux tapered updo, Whitney can do it all. Along with style suggestions, she also has DIY hair product tutorials for those who prefer natural homemade
products. Embracing the versatility of her natural hair,
she teaches her viewers to do the same.
Mahogany CurlsMahogany Curls, or Jennifer,
begin her YouTube channel with her big chop. Her journey from what she calls her “TWA” or a “Teeny Weenie Afro,” to long,
luscious curls gives hope to a lot of women who are afraid of going natural. Being able to actually see someone else make it through the
awkward “TWA” phase makes the transition a bit more bearable. Jennifer is a big advocator for the famous Curly Girl Method, which
promotes co-washing to give more moisture to curls instead
of shampooing. Along with hair vlogs and updates, her channel features a wash & go series that helps naturalistas crack the code to achieving the perfect wash and
go. Mahogany Curls is a must follow for curly girls who are looking to grow long, healthy
hair and retain their length.
LiveNaturallyLoveLiveNaturallyLove, or Liv,a 4B/4C
natural stands out in the online natural hair community because
often times, 4C girls go unnoticed, while the wash-and-go hair types
get a lot of the limelight.. Liv helps the ladies with more kinky than curly hair navigate through their
natural hair journey. While her fan base isn’t as large as the others
listed, she shows a lot of promise in redefining societal standards of what it means to be a naturalista. Her channel includes creative and unexpected videos for the kinky hair type, including graduation
cap hairstyles, heatless blowouts, natural top bun, etc. Along with hair videos, Liv makes fashion
and health videos, such as “How to make an Eco Aloe Vera Mix,” “Summer Haul book 2015” and
“Healthy Salad in a Jar Recipes.”
MsFabulousTeeksMsFabulousTeeks, or Takara
“Teeks” is a younger member of the natural hair community on
YouTube. Her videos are geared toward teens and young adult naturals. Because of this, she
offers tutorials for cute styles like a summer sidebraid and life hacks to make living the natural hair life
even easier. Takara shows that having fun with your hair is still
possible once you go natural.
SmartistaBeautyThe beloved SmartistaBeauty,
Bri, has enviously long curls. Her bubbly, fun personality, along with her fun and interested videos have garnered a fan and subscriber base
she’s dubbed “Subtistas.” With videos like 90’s-inspired curly hair tutorial, a how-to on DIY avocado protein deep treatment conditioner, Bantu Knots tutorial, and a “wash n’ go” how-to, her fans enjoy how versatile she’s manage to make her
natural hair journey. Along with hair videos, Bri does fan-favorite
“Get Ready With Me” videos, makeup tutorials, every-day vlogs, skin care routine videos and more!
Naturalistas: The Best of Natural Hair Bloggers
THE HILLTOP OCTOBER 15, 2015 9
SPO R T S
Q: Looking forward, who would you say are the players to watch out for? Have you named captains? What are your goals for this season?
A: We have our returning fifth year seniors Darieal Wimbley and Taylor Gainey who were captains last year. We haven’t decided our captains for this season yet because I wanted the girls to come in and get a feel for each other because we had so many new players. [Wimbley and Gainey] came back to Howard for a fifth season for a reason and I really think they want to go out with a bang. Jasmine Wilson was also a captain last year and she was the starting goalie and she brings a lot of experience, but also a lot of that leadership aspect as well. I think leadership is going to be key for us this year. We have a lot of good players and we have a lot of very young players so it’s going to be important that we’re making good decisions on and off the field and I think having those upperclassmen and those leaders will absolutely help us with that.
Q: Can you elaborate on the team morale? Were there any initial setbacks with the team? If so, have they been rectified?
A: We had a large amount of walk-ons [in addition to two recruited freshmen] this yearand they actually turned out to be talented lacrosse players. I think just building the numbers in this program is going to be huge for us this season. I know last season they finished out with not a lot of subs and when we’re playing against teams in our conference that do have a lot of substitutions, it’s definitely important that we get our roster numbers up so that we’re able to hang with them. So I think that was huge, getting the walk-ons out. People are seeing that they’re working hard and they want to be apart of it so to me that meant a lot.
Q: The last winning season for the Howard
University women’s lacrosse team wasback in 2012-2013, how do you plan to make an impact and turn this program around?
A: I think the girls that we have they are very talented, they are very athletic but I thinksome of their lacrosse skillset has not been tapped into yet. There’s a lot of room athletically and lacrosse ability there but now it’s just getting everyone to work together and be on the same page to achieve the goals that we have this year. We absolutely want to win games, we want to go to playoffs and be in the conference tournament. I know it can be done. Recruiting is going to be huge this year. We had two freshmen come in this year and next year I hope our class is triple that. So hitting the road and getting out there
on the recruiting trail so going to be very important to building a better program.
Q: Having experience being a student-athlete, can you discuss the toll of being a student and a coach? Do you think it helps you relate to your players more?
A: Being recently graduated, I can absolutely relate to what my student athletes are going through, while taking classes at the same time they were taking classes. I understand all the rigors of academics. I also think being a student athlete taught me time management because the first thing they’re doing when they wake up in the morning is going to practice, then they go to class, then they go to lifting, so you really have to designate that time throughout your day to get your work done and study.years.It is the nation’s capital.
Don’t forget to give us your opinion!Have you taken our survey yet!? October 5th -21st. We want to hear from you. Use the qr code or take the survey here:
http://vcil.cc/0f5a437
Complete a survey and be automatically registered to win an Apple iPad.
Q&A WITH WOMEN’S LACROSSE COACHKARLI BRENTLINGER
Jacob BennettStaff Writer
After a dismal two seasons in which the Howard University women’s lacrosse team won only one game, Coach Karli Brentlinger was hired in early August of this year by former Howard interim Director of Athletics, Shelley Davis, to spark some change and build a winning team for the Lady Bison.
Prior to joining the Bison family, Brentlinger was a standout lacrosse student-athlete at Longwood University in Virginia, a Division I university. After graduating, Brentlinger served as the Head Coach at Division II West Virginia Wesleyan from 2013-2015. While there, she led the Lady Bobcats to a school best 13-5 record. The Lady Bobcats reached the Mountain East Conference (MEC) championship game as a #3 seed and earned 10 All-MEC honors in the process.
COURTESY PHOTOS
10 OCTOBER 15, 2015 THE HILLTOP SPORTS
Jourdan HenryStaff Writer
As Boston College trounced the Howard University football team 76-0 about six weeks ago, black
college football was represented in a negative light on social media. Howard’s football program garnered its most publicity in recent memory because of the lopsided loss it was handed on the road against a more equipped team. This included mentions from ESPN, along with other media outlets, as Boston College scored the most points (62) in a half by any Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), school in the past 10 years.
However, what that game may have illustrated most is how the widespread integration of predominately white institutions significantly strengthened the FBS, while stripping Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) of talent. Black college football has now been left to stand on its tradition and legacy instead of the ability of its players.
Although black colleges have very little chance to compete against FBS schools because of exponentially smaller budgets and a diluted talent pool to recruit from, they play games against superior opponents for monetary gain.
“You could call it a necessary evil, or just the way that things are today, it has just changed tremendously,” Lut Williams, publisher of the Black College Sports Page, said of the “money games” that HBCU’s currently play to help fund their entire athletic departments.
“40 years ago-50 years ago to be more accurate- Florida A&M could beat Florida State, they could beat [the University of Miami] and they could beat the University of Florida in the same year because [Coach] Jake Gaither at Florida A&M had the best black players in the state of Florida,” Williams said. “And for years, that could happen because the teams in the South didn’t want to recruit and didn’t recruit black players.”
The University of Miami did not sign its first black football player until 1966, while Florida State signed their first black players in 1968. Many other universities in the south also did not integrate their teams until the late 1960s and early 1970s. Therefore, if a black southerner wanted to play college football close to home his choices were primarily limited to HBCUs. This led to the
golden era of black college football, with some of the best African-American players competing in front of sold-out stadiums.
On Sept. 28, 1968, 60,000 fans piled into Yankee Stadium to watch Morgan State take on Grambling State. In William C. Rhoden’s book, “Forty Million Dollar Slaves,” he described the game as the “perfect illustration of the power of the African-American college, the power of the African-American consumer, and the power of the African-American athlete at the historically black institution.”
Before the widespread integration of college football in the South, the best black college football programs were churning out more professional players than the top predominately white colleges. In 1968, other than Notre Dame, no college football program had more players on National Football League rosters than Grambling. Although Grambling still attracts big crowds – including over 51,000 to watch the Tigers take on Prairie View A&M at the Cotton Bowl earlier this season – the school does not produce nearly as many professional players as it once did.
The lack of talent at black colleges is evident in the amount of players from HBCU’s that have been drafted over the years. In the 1970 NFL Draft, 135 players from 31 Historically Black Colleges and Universities were drafted. The 2015 Draft was a stark contrast, featuring only four drafted players from black colleges.
“We had a monopoly on the African-American talent,” said Dr. Dennis Thomas, commissioner of the MEAC and former Alcorn State football player (1970-1974). “The MEAC had a monopoly, the SWAC had a monopoly, and so that has changed now. The top African-American talent nowadays goes to the power five conferences”
As predominately white institutions have wooed players with increased exposure and better facilities, there has been a major transition within where the top southern black high school players choose to play collegiately. As black players have raised the profile and increased the revenue of many top institutions through their exploits on the field, to no fault of their own, they have left HBCU’s with little talent to choose from.
Although at times it may seem like HBCU’s get the leftovers after FBS school’s hand-pick the top black players in the country,
Williams does not see it that way.
“I wouldn’t say [HBCU’s are] getting hand-me-downs, I think it’s just reflective of the environment we’re in today,” Williams said. “The only reason they were going to those schools to begin with, and the only reason those schools exist is because of the history and legacy of racism in this country.”
In recent years, the power of the African-American college has gradually declined, struggling to stay afloat amidst state and federal budget cuts and small endowments. In addition, the power of the African-American athletes at historically black institutions has diminished. However, HBCU’s continue to serve their purpose, remaining cultural centers of higher education that are available and accessible to those who otherwise may not have been afforded the chance to earn a college degree.
“It’s always been a home or haven for folks who were denied opportunities at other places,” Williams said. “In one sense it’s continuing the role that it’s played
historically. Thank God that they have a place to come, that they have a place where they will be not just a piece of meat. The school’s don’t make millions of million of dollars on their back, so to speak.”
Black college football has its own unique niche, far away from the mainstream media attention and the booming business that is the FBS. The old bitter rivalries still exist, the marching bands still groove to familiar funky tunes, and the players still bring passion and flare to the game. Although the talent that once existed in black college football has diminished, the legacy and tradition remains.
From the desk of Jourdan HenryBLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL, SAME TRADITION, WEAKER TALENT
WWW.CALABASHDC.COM
Choose any two of the following items to make a combo:Cup of miso sexy soupCup of Jamaican jerk chili2 veggie samosas1/2 veggie BLT
Come Study With Us! ! Free Wifi ! !
HOURS8am-9pm Monday -Thursday8am-10pm Friday & Saturday 8am-7pm Sunday
1847 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001
202-525-5386
Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets local program and is funded in part by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E . Bowser,
Mayor.
Teas, Kombucha, Vegetarian Treats,
and Much More!
THE HILLTOP OCTOBER 15, 2015 11
!!!
!Alumni!of!the!Freshman!Leadership!Academy!!
Andrew!Rankin!Memorial!Chapel!Choir!!Angel!Tree!Project!
ARMC!Beacon!Liturgical!Dancers!!D.I.V.A.,!Inc.!
District!of!Columbia!Tobacco!Free!Coalition!!Friends!of!the!Andrew!Rankin!Memorial!Chapel!!
Howard!University!College!Democrats!!Howard!University!Community!Choir!!
Howard!University!Gates!Millennium!Scholars!!!!!!!
Members'of'the'Royal'Court'with''Dean'Richardson'&'Rev.'Al'Sharpton.''
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!
!Howard!University!Homecoming!Steering!Committee!
Howard!University!Middle!School!Howard!University!Royal!Court!
International!Fraternity!of!Delta!Sigma!Pi,!Iota!Rho!Chapter!!Iota!Phi!Theta!Fraternity,!Inc.,!Alpha!Tau!Chapter!!
Kappa!Alpha!Psi!Fraternity,!Inc.,!Xi!Chapter!Men!of!George!Washington!Carver!!Mr.!and!Miss!Howard!University!!
Wednesday!Night!Live!!!!!!!'
'
Members'of'the'Howard'University''''''''''''''''''Homecoming'Steering'Committee.'''
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All colleges, schools, organizations, alumni, and community groups are welcome to have a “Call to Chapel.” All “Calls to Chapel” must be submitted no later than 10:00 A.M. Tuesday morning to be included in the Chapel service. For information, please visit http://chapel.howard.edu or call the
Chapel Office at (202) 806-7280.
The Office of the Dean of the Chapel would like to thank the following organizations for their “Call to Chapel” during the
month of September. We pray you have a successful year.
SPORTS
Joel RhoneStaff Writer
Richard Sherman talks too much. Marshawn Lynch says fairly little. Somehow,
the Seattle Seahawks’ stars seem to have broken an unwritten code of press-interview conduct and, resultantly, have conjured up a slew of bigoted resentment from many of their fellow Americans.
For these two teammates, good-natured sportsmanship and patience for pestering reporters seem to have gone out the window. Instead of questioning what limits should be placed on the sports reporters’ intrusiveness, or why professional athletes are obligated to suffer at the hands of crass news writers in the first place, many claim that Lynch, Sherman and their teammates are just “cocky, classless, uneducated, thugs.” Both Lynch and Sherman also happen to be black males who sport dreadlocks.
It’s mind boggling to countenance how attendees of Stanford (Sherman) and University of California, Berkeley (Lynch), could be condemned to such demeaning epithets. In fact, Sherman, who was born and raised in Compton, defied the odds. He holds a Master’s Degree from Stanford after circumventing gang violence.
Even still, college degrees, the freedom documents rumored to exempt people of color from injustices that otherwise seem to spring at every corner, are, in Lynch and Sherman’s case, moot and ineffective. Despite their educational backgrounds and achievements, all things being equal would epitomize model citizenship, the two NFL players have yet to escape racially charged labeling that so many young black males face. But maybe that’s the problem: even in the world of sports, refereed by
“objective” officials and narrated by “unbiased” reporters, all things just aren’t equal.
Lynch and Sherman have brought to light the deep racial prejudices that is a destructive force in our societal culture. Just in their demeanors in the way they choose to communicate to the press, they invoke condemnatory bigotry
from a white viewership, who demand that they behave or conform to a tacit and ambiguous mode of behavior that white corporate power seeks to impose on them.
According to Fox Sports, Lynch has been fined more than $150,000 for not talking to the media. Countless sports writers, such as Skip Bayless, a commentator on ESPN’s First Take, have dragged Sherman’s name through the mud and have accused him of setting a “bad example” for young athletes across the country.
In contrast, the NFL accused Tom Brady, the star quarterback for the New England Patriots, of allegedly deflating footballs. Brady remained Sports Center’s golden boy; and instead of reprimanding a blatant disrespect for the game of football, many sports analysts and Twitter zealots condemn the NFL for punishing
Brady at all. It seems these issues extend past football, and the NFL arena is yet another one in which African Americans must bow to white prerogatives as if Jim Crow is still the law of the land.
It’s been said that the NFL resembles slavery because players are literally bought and sold, their bodies taxed and beaten in order to sustain one of the most lucrative businesses world. Lynch and Sherman have uncovered a different dynamic that expands this analogy, illuminating that NFL isn’t just physical slavery that black athletes endure but, in many ways, slavery of the mind. In their resistance, a concerted unwillingness to affirm oppressive authority, Lynch and Sherman inspire us to shrug off the debilitating performance of respectability and to resist oppressive structures powerfully- all without remorse.
EDITORIAL: A COLORBLIND LEAGUE?BIGOTRY AND RACISM IN THE NFL
COURTESY PHOTO
OCTOBER 15, 2015 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 11