Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Feb. 9, 1989, edition 1 / Page 3
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February 9, 1989 ■ Page 3 The Dream Lives On BSM Meeting Victor E. Blue At its meeting Wednesday, Jan 25, the BSM discussed a proposal that would require all candidates seeking the office of president or vice-president to have a 2.5 grade point average. BSM President Kenny Perry said he felt that it was important for the next BSM president to have at least a 2.5 gpa, because the job has proven to be very strenuous. BSM Parliamentarian Sabrina Evans said the candidate should have a ‘2.5 or reasonably approaching a 2.5’. The general body will vote on the proposal at the next BSM meeting Feb. 8. BSM Special Projects Co-Chair Warren Robinson also discussed Discovery ’89, the BSM’s Black History Month Celebration to be held on Feb. 17-18. This year’s theme is “Black Leadership: The Next Generation.” Robinson said the guest speakers will be Conrad X. Tillard, of the National Black Unity Congress and Jesse Jackson Jr. Perry said the board of trustees voted 11-0 in its meeting on Dec. 9 to sup port the Black Cultural Center, but failed to appropriate any specific funding to the building of a BCC. Perry said the BCC Facilities Committee should develop a proposal and go back to the next BOT meeting to get an allocation of funds. Trustee John Pope left before the vote was taken because he said he had another meeting in Raleigh to attend. Perry said. Pope publicly questioned the importance of having a BCC in a Chajjel Hill Herald article last fall. Perry, approaching the end of his second term, discussed the upcoming BSM election March 8. Perry said that since new leadership is about to come in, “I’m, doing administrative duties only.” Petitions for those persons interested in running for BSM president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or parliamentarian are available now and are due back in the BSM office by Feb. 15. A candidates forum will be held on Feb. 22. Anyone having questions concerning the election or the forum should contact BSM Vice President Tonya Blanks. Student/Faculty Parling Problems at UNC By Felts Lewis The student/faculty parking woes at UNC are in drastic need for an immed iate, effective solution. This massive problem not only hinders transporta tion on campus but also causes driving difficulty in the greater Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area as well. The parking troubles are two-fold. First, the number of UNC commuters overwhelms the number of parking spaces available within the university community. Because of this parking de ficiency, drivers are forced to vacate their cars at great distances from their destinations. This is why some students and professors are late to class (Am I right?). Also, the lack of parking spaces on-campus makes students park off- campus—at surrounding apartments and businesses (I’m sure many can re late to this). An interesting question a person, upset about this matter, could ask is, “Why the hell did I wait in line for five hours for a parking pass, and I can’t even find a damn place to park?” Second, the administration needs to incorporate plans for more (at least one) parking complexes at UNC into its agenda. The university hierarchy fails to realize the urgency of this disturbing conflict. How can thev expect this com munity to run smoothly (i.e. student/ faculty class attendance, automobile traffic and other aspects) if one has added pressure to find a spot to leave their cars. Having to finish homework assignments and write papers is quite enough. After making some strong, straight forward reasons for parking difficulty at Carolina, I must support my argu ment with a few possible answers. First of all, a significant percentage of money from parking fees should be endowed to projects raising money for adequate parking complexes for north and south campus. Next, the administration should improve their priorities. Instead of constructing new buildings (besides the overdue Black Cultural Center), they need to use the funds and free land to have more parking lots on campus. Finally, if a portion of money from the several thousand parking tickets that are given out each week (I’m exaggerat ing, 1 guess?) is funnelled to more park ing spaces, not only will the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area benefit from this cause but the whole state of North Carolina will have parking facilities. Therefore, this terrible situation at our beloved school must be dealt with NOW! By Tammy Newton On January 19, students continued the week-long celebration commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we all know. Dr. King was an exceptional man, a great minister, and an extraordinary leader. Dr. King was a symbol of hope for many Blacks. Not only did King stand for equality for all mankind, but he represented the “new Black man” one who would speak out against racial inequality and injustice; one who would fight for his rights, a Black man who would no longer settle for less. Because of his outspokeness. Dr. King was a threat to many in the white society. He became “a thorn in their sides.” By ending Dr. King’s life, it was assumed that the main source of discomfort had been eliminated. But, all hope did not follow King to his grave. With much sadness in their hearts and anger in their veins. Blacks remained hopeful. Dr. King’s work was carried on, and the struggle for equality and justice con tinued. On January 19, members of the The- ta Pi Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Al pha Sorority, Inc. commemorated King by conducting their annual candlelight vigil. The program consisted of songs, prayer, and enlightening words from Dr. Sonya Stone. Although the pro gram was well-organized, it only set the mood for what was to follow. Shortly after the vigil, many would listen in awe to the words of Ms. Ber nice King, the youngest of Dr. King’s children. It had been rumored that Ms. King had an “Incredible oratorical gift.” After listening to her for a few seconds, anyone could see that the re ports were true. Her words flowed smoothly, like a still river on a calm day. Ms. King was extraordinary. Her topic of discussion was “Choices.” Calling upon analogies of the past, she recreated the images of to getherness. “MLK made love more than just a four-letter word.” Our an cestors marched together, picketted and boycotted together, and some even died together. How can YOU help better so ciety? Ms. King says, “What we need today are young men and women who are not afraid to make choices. As young adults, you must take responsi bility for your own lives.” She con tinued to captivate members of her aud ience. She wanted to drive her ideas into their heads. “Dr. King not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk!” He chose his way of life, and in so doing, he chose to help others. “MLK was more than a dreamer, he was a dream maker. He made other people’s dreams come true.” His death had caused quite a stir in the Black community. Many wanted to turn to violence. However, King would not have approved. Ac cording to Ms. King, “He was a non violent revolutionist.” She also says that Dr. King was “a decision-maker, mind-regulator, and soul-agitator.” However, Ms. King does say that we no longer have to choose between violence and non-violence, but we have to choose between violence and non-exist- ence. “Taking drugs is a violent act against your body. Therefore, it is your choice; non-violence or non-existence?” Her words are well taken because you can choose to do or you can choose not to do, but you should at least make a choice. Ms. King’s message is “Don’t quit!” She sees three types of people occupying this world: “the few who make things happen, the many who watch things happen, and the over whelming majority who don’t know what happened.” Don’t you be last! Up and Coming! During the Civil Rights Movement, there were many different philosophies regarding the best strategies for Black people to achieve their civil rights. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that with a strong spiritual commitment and non-violent resistance. Black would attain their freedom. On the other hand, Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam believed that with a strong spiritual commitment and self-defense (physical if necessary). Blacks would attain their freedom. Though their leadership philosophies differed, Dr. King and Malcolm X both wanted the same thing for their brothers and sisters: freedom, justice, and equality. Those were the leaders of yester day, but who will lead us tomorrow? While it is true that the Black community no longer has to struggle against the legal segregration of the 1960s and no longer has to worry about the wide-scale lynchings of Black men, it is also true that many Blacks are still being denied equal opportunities in employment, housing and every other aspect of the “good life.” No, brothers and sisters, the struggle is not over. Where do we go from here? On February 17, 1989, we will be presented with two different alternatives. Conrad X. Tillard (Nation of Islam) will present his views, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. will present his views. The decision will be yours.
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Feb. 9, 1989, edition 1
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