Black Ink February 25, 1991
Seek Knowledge, Not Ignorance
I know that Doug and the rest of the editorial page crew at The
Daily Tar Heel must love the BSM for generating at least one “Black
people are whining letter” a day. If nothing else, they at least fill
space, right? We are also glad that the BSM President, Sabrina
Evans, has not dignified these letters with a response. However, due
to the fact that we have little to talk about and find some of these
articles slightly amusing, we decided to comment on a few of the
letters.
First of all, what’s with the “Black people are so oversensitive”
kick? And why blame the DTH for giving African Americans “racist
fervor.” We will grant that reading “SiUy child rips up black person
poster” or some variation on this theme gets really old. However,
there is enough racism, both blatant and subtle, directly confronting
black students on this campus that we do not need to read the DTH
to become upset Besides, the idea that some students on campus
have nothing better to do than deface publicity that promotes Afri
can-American speakers is sickening in and of itself.
In addition to being called oversensitive for being upset that our
posters and other publicity are being defaced, black students have
now been deemed silly for boycotting Rite Aid. Sure, Rite Aid has the
right to put their fHtxlucts where they want They can even tell people
that the reason why they place black hair care products on the isle in
front of the door and die cash register is because the people who buy
these products pose a security threat This is America. As Humpty
says, “Do what you like.” But don’t expect Afncan-Americans to
support a store where we are considered security threats based on our
cokv. We can understand that some white students do not know how
it feels to be treated as such, but befwe you begin your desperate
tirade in the DTH, why not stop and ask black students why they are
boycotting. Or come to a BSM meeting and ask what's going on?
Neither our meetings nor our membership is cbsed to nonblack
students.
Maybe if students would attend BSM meetings they would
understand that the BS M is not a group of students that ask for money
and whine about racism. Actually, very btde of our time is spent
concerning ourselves with the racism that exists on this campus.
Really, we’d much rather promote African-American culture and
understanding, than concern ourselves with the negatives of campus
life.
We at the Black Ink, and the BSM in general, really do try to
understand why all students feel the way they do. We know it does
very little good to argue back and forth, and realize that it is only
ignorance that creates bitter bickering in the pages of the DTH. It
would be so nice if every student who sat down to write a letter
berating the BSM, would just take ten minutes and talk to someone
and ask them why we do the things we do. And if you can't find
anyone, you can always drop by Suite 108-D. —Erika F. Campbell
and Akinvrole N’Gai Wright
Black Ink
The essencc of freedom is understanding''
Editors-bi -Chief
Erika F. Camp>bell, Akinwole N'Gai Wright
Assistant Editors: Debbie Baker, James Benton
BusiiKSS Manager: Andre Tippens
Staff:James Benton, Chris Brown, Corey Brown, Lem Butler, Teresa
Jefferson, Tim Little, Roger Madison, Chandra McLean, Anthony
Peay, Daniel Peddle, Myron B. Pitts, Tonika Tillman
Cahmdar Coordinator: Raquel Bushnell
Contribidors.'Miea AiexarKler, Michael Caldwell, Amie Epps, Hardy
Floyd, Slormie Forte, Vangie King, Christa Ray, Grant Vinik, Abbott
Whitney, Delta Sigma Theu Sorority/Kappa Omicron chapter
Inside Black Ink
Monday, February 25,1991
—Cover Story
BSM Elections 1991 are here again. This week Black Ink presents the platforms and
pictures of the present candidates for BSM vice-president, secretary and tresurer.
—Black Student Movement Elections 1991 «... Pages 6-7
Current Events
The Black Cultural Center (BCC) at UNC has contributed to setting the tone for the
University to embrace diversity in campus culture and the curriculum. The BCC
recognizes African-American culture as part of intellectual, artistic, and creative devel
opment.
^BC^^Jeeded^T^^hiev^Cultura^Democrac^^^^^^
Forum
Democracy is breaking out all over and the Republic of South Africa is no exception.
—On The Current Situation In South Africa Page 4
—Reflections—
Over the years, hundreds of artists have em^ged who carry on the tradition of gospel
music. On Saturday, February 9,1991, the gospel world mourned the death of the Rev.
James Cleveland.
—My Soul Is Rested page 5
People, Arts and Entertainment
—Who*s The Top Among Female Vocalists
—Point After Touchdown Pages 8-9
Commentary
Discover your strengths and use them to combat the attitudes that may have negative
effects upon your life ahead.
—Combatting Subtle Racism Page 10
Endsights
-Having Black History Month All Year
-A Tribute To Little Known African-Americans Page 11
About the Cover
BSM EtectliMs 1991
Biack Ink, ibundcd in 1969, a ihe weekiy new^nper of (he Bbck Student Movement u the Univen^ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
U is published Mondays during the academic year and does not dscriminaxe on the baais of sex, sexual oriemation, relt^on, race, ethinc
origin or handicap. All manuschpta, betters, photos> ilhistrauons and other nuuerials submitied are welcome and must be signed. The BUxck
ink office is kxaied in Suite 106-D of the Soideni Union. Mailing address, CB# 3210 Student Union, University of Noith Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC 27514. Phorw. 933-4336. OrwyearsubsdptjoninU^ arxl possessions $20.CX). Single copy, $1.00 (Make checks payable to Btack
hdO. Any annoucemerK or advertisement to be printed must be submitted the Wednesday before viy put>)k:aiion date. Black M is
published completely by univenity students on the SCAPEGOAT desktop publishing system arxi printed by ViQage Printing Company.