HBCU.
Less students in a class
room attributes to their decision as
well. This concept coincides with
the nurturing theory. The students
are not just another identification
number, but a name and a face in
smaller classrooms. That amount
of academic and social support
may not be matched by predomi
nately white institutions according
to Susan Tifft of “Time” magazine.
If the class size is smaller, it is
believed that the student would be
more responsive in class and also
they will be more prone to attend
class as well. Sometimes at larger
universities, such as The University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it
is easier to get caught up in larger
classes.
Lastly, cost is another fac
tor for the choice. On average, pri
vate black schools’ tuition is only
half of that of white schools. With
student aid decreasing it is makes a
difference to Blacks, because the
majority of them receive some
form of federal assistance. Today,
people are finding avenues to cut
the cost of college expenses.
Even though historically black
institutions only constitute three
percent of the United States’ form
of higher education, they are
responsible for almost 33 percent
of African Americans with
Bachelor of Arts degrees and 43
percent of those who go on further
to earn Ph.D.s. Even though the
majority of Black colleges have
limited resources, in comparison to
predominately white institutions,
they continue to keep in focus with
their mission to educate Blacks in
their own heritage, and making
them capable to compete in the
workforce. It is no surprise that
colleges such as Xavier, Spelman,
Morehouse and Hampton comprise
the list of the top ten institutions
that send the majority of African
Americans to medical school and
to the graduate level to obtain their
doctorate.
Perhaps the nurturing environment
along with smaller classrooms and
the legacy of education keeps more
than 280,000 African Americans
enrolled in Black colleges and uni
versities across the country each
year.
Ebony Readers Qnvx Theatre
By Elandria Jackson
Ebony Readers Onyx Theatre (E.R.O.T) is a 32-member subgroup of
the Black Student Movement that delivers realistic, mtriguing and
thought-provoking performances.
The multi-talented organization specializes in two types of perfor
mances. Although most of E.R.O.T focuses on reading and poetry, there
will be more iraprov and skits, this year. There are a number of things
that distinguish E.R.O.T from other performance arts groups.
Kristie Booker, E.R.O.T. secretary said; “ E.R.O.T is a taste of African-
Amencan culture mrely seen on campus. It is an outlet for Black perfor-
man^ and fine arts.
‘"Duniog Project Uplift, E.R.O.T performed. They were so articulate,
^ powerful they personified phenomenal women. E.R.O.T was the
first thing I looked for when I got here.”
E.R.O.T IS known for addressing issues that affect not only the Black
immunity, but also the community in general. Because of this, the
Oi^Bimtion’s goal is to become better known around campus. “E.R.O.T
8sei to be reaUy big and our goal is to move towards that this year,”
iNdser said. “ We want to make sure to perform at everything we are
invited to and the increased membership allows us to do this,” she said.
Annual performances such as “Cat Mommas and Cat Daddies” and
“Love Potions” give audience members a chance to get involved. While
it may suit one to participate in an open mic, someone might like to use
E.R.O.T. to send a poem to a special someone.
Regardless, every individual is bound to appreciate the talent, insight,
and artistry of Ebony Readers Onyx Theater.
“ I have to remind people that I was acting and performing, but that’s not
me,” says Dustyn Baker president of E.R.O.T.
The 1999-2000 group will make its debut on Nov. 11, 1999, in the
Cabaret.
Black Ink
15