Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Nov. 17, 1987, edition 1 / Page 3
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November 17, 1987 Page 3 Editorials To be heard by DIANA LOWERY Associate Editor Now that we know the importance of being black, I want to offer some advice to the freshmen and sophomores who have not been practicing this method I'm about to speak of — of how to get ahead at UNC or at least stay above water. As you all know, in high school, no matter how great the school was, we have not had to work as hard as we’re having to do at Carolina. That dream of not studying and still busting an "A” can be thrown out of the window. Because it’s just that — a dream — unless you’re a genius with a photographic memory. One of the two most important things to consider at Carolina is being black and being heard. Since by God's right, the first cannot be changed (who would even consider it), but the latter can be improved. To find yourself the only black in a class is not unusual at Carolina when you think of the numbers as they exist. Many students will just sit in the classroom and let voices override their own opinion that they're too afraid or overwhelmed to voice. That is not the answer. We need to speak up and be heard, not over looked. Everyone has some opinion to voice. Make yourself known. Speak up in class — if not to answer the question ask ed, then to voice your opinion. It becomes a great help in a class ot 40 or more it the professor knows you. Ask questions, visit him or her during their office hours (that’s what they're there for, not to only cater to white students). It's most helpful when the professor knows your name when it comes to grading time and you're a halt point or a point away from a passing or desirable grade. Participation is the key here. In a lot of classes, especially political science, history, foreign languages, etc., participa tion is considered in the grade. It is my belief that we have potential leaders in black voices that have not spoken up. If we want to obtain, we have to strive hard; and if it means working twice as hard as our fellow white students, then it's what we must do. I know in my life 1 want to achieve, not only because I'm a woman or because I’m black, but because I want to achieve to the highest of my ability to be all that I can be. If this means putting myself forward to ask ques tions, to get to know my professor and vice versa, and especially to get myselt heard — if not with others then above others, then that’s what I’ll do. I think it's important for black people to be heard. Put tradition in its place by GARRAUD ETIENNE Staff Writer When the Confederate flag flew one hundred and twenty-five years ago, it symbolized to the north and other an tagonists to the “southern way of life" the fierce pride and independence of white southerners. The south grew tired of defending the “Peculiar Institution" and other cultural phenomena unique to their lifestyle and therefore developed a flag and heritage they could proudly attribute to the south. While the Confederacy and rebellion were subsequently extinguished after five years of civil war, southern reverence for “tradition" dies hard. This flag, under the pretext of historical tradition, hangs from govern ment institutions in Georgia where it is the state flag, in office buildings, rallies and sporting events across the south. There is no denying the historical What Do You Think? by KIMBERLI JOHNSON Special Projects Editor It is quite obvious that UNC has a large number of white students relative to the number of blacks. Many black students often find themselves in classes where they are the only black person. This situation can sometimes be uncomfort able, but for others it may not be a pro blem. Below are some responses to the question; “What do you think about be ing the only black in your class?" “It doesn't bother me. Sometimes I forget about it. So few blacks have been in my classes before that I’ve gotten used significance of the Confederate tlag and its position in American history. There is also no denying that this flag is a despicable insult to all black Americans. This “tradition" upheld by the flag con fers memories of the old south, the darkest era in the Afro-American experience. This flag tlew across the south that offered the black man at best second-class citizen ship, at worst bondage, lynchings and brutal decades of Jim Crow rule. Mainstream southern ideology sup ports the flag as a historical and cultural good. Agreed, we can t run away from history or tradition, but we can put them in their place. The flag belongs in museums and history books. If anything, the flag and this dubious “southern tradi tion" should be taught in the classroom as the era when America abandoned its Constitution in favor of racism. This issue does not contain itself to black southerners but to all blacks living in the United States. If an issue is of concern to blacks in one region of the country, it is of con cern to all. Level-headed white southerners should leave the Confederate flag waving to white supremists. rednecks and other semi-literates. to it." Yolanda Morgan, Junior, Chemistry “It doesn't really bother me. It doesn't affect me in terms of the class. 1 went through it in high school. I’ve got ten used to it by now." Alecia Brower, Sophomore, Pre-Med Continued on page 8 ] Sherry Whitesides Editor Timika Shafeek Managing Editor Kenneth Pugh Advertising Manager Kimberli lohnson Special Projects Editor Diana Lowery Associate Editor Richard White News Editor Tanya Person Features Editor Sheila Williams Business Manager Gerraud Etienne Gerda Gallop Fred Gorham Charles Mills Sports Editor Staff Writers Keith Belton Joyce Rogers Staff Photographers Sherry Whitesides Distribution Fred Gorham Birshari Greene Kimberly Maxwell Sonja McCarter III f /)5 / ntefow To antrifi Kenneth Pugh Photographer Assistant and Production Jocelyn Washington ' The Black Ink is a bi-weekly publication by the students of the University of North | Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Black Ink is the official newspaper of the Black Stu dent Movement. Its purpose is to link and unify the black student community | through awareness and information. Comments and editorials written in The Black Ink reflect the views of the writers] and are not necessarily shared by The Black Ink staff. The Black Ink office is located in 108D of the Carolina Union. The mailing ad dress is Box 42, Carolina Union, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. The telephone number is (919) 962-4336. Office hours: 12-1 Mon., Wed., Fri., and j 11-12 Tues., Thurs. d^fiecidU^mg^ CBRIITniLEATBUI TKBOmCACAlUBAT CALL FOR APPT. 688-3652 SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS m CORRECTIVE WORK PERMS, HAIR RELAXERS HAIR COLORING FOR MEN & WOMEN 804-A S. ALSTON AV. DURHAM NC 27707
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Nov. 17, 1987, edition 1
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