By Marlo Allison Del Toro spaghetti straps, silver strappy high-heels. white woman mentioned) were honored, none
Ms. Black Womyn's Weekend, Tamika of the Press' three executive board mem-
An hour late, the lights lowered and McIntosh (also a member of Caribbean bers/women-including the managing editor-
music played as three dark and muscular men, Students Organization)-baby blue jacket, were mentioned. And neither was I, the
dressed in white sheets and white masks, thrown over shoulders and taken off during Hispanic woman president of the Stony Brook
walked on stage and posed: One on a pedestal, walk, halter top and long skirt with high slit up chapter of the Society of Professional
the others on marble-looking benches. A bare- the back, barefoot. Journalists.
foot woman in a long brown dress crossed the Their answers tried to make them After the dedication there was a return
stage, grabbing flower petals from the basket sound good, but some of them failed, includ- to creative expression.
she carried and tossing them onto the floor. ing: The one who wants to get a Ph.D and a Ms. Hendrix-(they called her three
Beforehand, a crude video entitled, Bachelor's degree, presumably in that order; times before she came on stage) black, long
"What is Beauty?" played. Its equally crude, the one who "sussessfully" taught a 6-year-old flowing dress with spaghetti straps and a white
poorly done sequels played later on. Someone with learning disabilities to read Dr. Seuss waistband, barefoot. Vocal and physical inter-
didn't tell the actors that sounds are magnified books; and the one who plans to become a uni- pretation of Maya Angelou's poem,
on video, that you need to speak clearly to be versity professor with a Master's degree, who "Phenomenal Woman." Raised her voice when
understood, and that editing is your friend. apparently didn't know that you need a Ph.D to she recited, "don't have to talk real loud."
The one clear statement, said during become and be called a professor. Ms. Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority,
"
I"?ITATI - •s V) A 11
two of the What is beauty?" Inc.-wore something black, but,
videos, was that a beautiful girl even though extension cords are
needs to be "light-skinned." cheap and easy to obtain, she was
Welcome the first annual shoved into the corner to play "My
Ms. Stony Brook pageant. Way" on a keyboard. She was dis-
The music played on, and tracted by technical difficulties
the men stood firm, as the seven with the audio equipment.
contestants, barefoot and dressed Ms. Commuter Student
in white sheets, danced onto the Association-black, long dress with
stage. The men ran off the stage, see-through long-sleeves, black
and hosts Maha Osman and Wayne high-heels. Played an oboe with the
White joined into the fray. accompiament of a cassette tape,
"What is RBpnlal? Part 11"
played, and one of the all-black and.Hispanic Creative Expression part one: "Singing,
danu fins11iicu
d."A nic b1ueoreit
r-n i he
h cassette,
a - 4-,
although the cassette continued to play. People
!N
group of guys said something to the effect of, dancing or whatever," according to Wayne could be heard talking on the tape.
Would you be with some ugly chick if she White. Ms. Black Womyn's Weekend-(was the
catered to you? Ms. Minorities in Medicine-black only participant called a "special treat" by
Ugly chicks can be 'beautiful' in their short skirt and jacket set, black closed-toe high- Maha, and was not ready on time) white, short-
own way, if they're slaves to men. heels. Violin played with a tinge of nervous- sleeved shirt, black, patterned skirt tied at and
Then Derrin Maxwell came on stage, ness, to the rude heckling of the audience. open to waist. Cell phone and other, non-
beginning his act with a monologue entitled, Ms. Langmuir-dark-brown long dress descript props. Got on her knees to sing Lauryn
"Can You Hear Me." He continued by saying, with a slit up the back, barefoot. Strong voice, Hill's Tell Him.
"Can I borrow your silence?" and went on to vocal and physical interpretation of Maya Maha and Wayne discussed up-coming
recite two of his poems. The first mentioned a Angelou's poem, "Grandmothers." Rubbed her SAB events, while waiting for the women to
"beautiful woman of color." neck sensually while reciting "to God." ready themselves for the next event. Maha
He spoke well, with strong pauses and Ms. Caribbean Students mentioned that the next Battle of the DJ.s would
intonations, about love and loneliness. Organization-shiny brown, long-sleeve, knee- be dedicated to slain SAB member Damien
Personal Style Segment: Well rehearsed length dance dress, barefoot in stockings. Chair Corrente, however, she mispronounced his
answers to, What do you plan to do after and teddy bear as props. Dance interpretation name the first and second times she said it so
J _ • t_. . ..- 1 -
:1 1"_;_
toaay? In scnool, in lire. that it sounded like she said Cortez.
Ms. Minorities in Medicine, Sofia Then Michael Pinnock came on-stage to
DeLaCruz-navy blue, knee-length long-, play one "Musical selections." It then
sleeved dress from her native Peru, with a became evident that all of the performers at
hat and patterned shawl, and carrying what the Ms. Stony Brook pageant were men.
seemed to be a stuffed llama. Wants to be a When he left the stage, the lights
cardiologist. dimmed and still photos, video-taped on a
Ms. Langmuir, Catherine Reid (also non-still camera, came on screen. Baby and
a member of Black Womyn's Weekend)-- little girl pictures of the contestants.
off-white jacket and pants, black tank-top With the first one up, one of a white
and shoes. Wants to end all suffering of the child, Maha said to the audience, "Do you
people around her. know who this is?" Of course they did;
Ms. Caribbean Students there was only one white contestant, even
Organization, Persephone Da Costa (also a though about half of the u niversitv is
member of the Commuter Student of an unnamed Mariah Carry song. Did a split, white.
Association)-maroon pant-jumpsuit, black like the women in the dance-athletics competi- There were also more technical difficul-
strappy high-heels. Plans to double major for tions on TV. Sat, spread-legged on chair, show- ties: The film was turned off before the last pic-
her Master's degree in history and political sci- ing the audience her underpants, to the line ture had a name put to it, and it was the blurri-
ence. "can't you see?" At some point, a male audience est of the pictures.
Ms. Hendrix, Kamilah Francis-pink member yelled to her, "I love you." Formal Question: Formal wear. With, as
short-sleeved shirt, long gray skirt with high Then came the dedication ceremony, Maha kept saying, randomly chosen questions.
slits on the sides, shiny gray strappy high- where the pageant coordinators, Joyal McNeil Ms. Commuter Student Association-
heels. and Sonjie DeCaires, paid "homage"-with a sparkling white, somewhat see-through long
Ms. Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, pronounced H-to women leaders on campus dress with spaghetti straps and panty lines,
Inc., Anabelle Mejia-light-brown belly shirt by giving some of them award certificates; they white high heels. What role have you taken in
and miniskirt with tassels, with a feather in a admittedly didn't list all women leaders. your sponsoring organization?
headband, and barefoot, in what Wayne called It was still odd that none of the officers Ms. Langmuir-red, sleeveless long
a pre-Columbian (pre-Columbus) outfit from from the Center for Womyn's Concerns were dress with panty lines gold high heels. If you
her native Columbia. mentioned, and that although the editor-in- could choose any woman, living or dead, to be
Ms. Commuter Students Association, chief of Blackworld and the managing editor of woman of the year, who would you choose and
Claudine Stuart-clingy red long dress with the Statesman (who was the only recognized why? "None other than my mother."
--------- -------------------------------- --
---------------------------------
THE GREAT LEMMING HAZE
There are a lot of excuses people give for 6) If there is one thing we at the Press can't stand,
doing the wrong thing. it's when the "Zebes" take over the study halls at
the library and study for hours on end, preventing
1) "There's nothing else to do." everyone else from excelling academically.
2) "They have free alcohol, so why not?" 7) Yes, so we've heard. They also don't objectify
3) "If you want to have a good time on Thursday women and encourage ape-like behavior. Keep those
nights, you have to join one." thumbs clean for the elephant game.
4) "They also do charity work." 8) We at the Press will be your friends for half of
5) "All my suitemates joined, and I don't want to get whatever the Psi Gammas are charging.
left out." 9) This is college. If you aren't getting laid, you're
6) "It helps you with your academics, because in either not trying, you have unreasonable standards,
order to stay in it, you need to maintain a good or you need to get thee to a nunnery.
G.P.A." 10) See #4. While blood drives are a good enough
7) "They don't really haze anymore." cause, and Long Island is chronically short of blood
8) "It's not like you're really paying for people to be supplies, it seems to us that fraternities and sorori-
your friends, the dues go toward fraternity/sorority ties are picking up the slack that Suffolk's VFW
functions." halls are leaving, and it's the GMHCs of the world
9) "They get laid all the time." that suffer as a result.
10) "They do blood drives." 11) See #4. Besides, fuck Christmas.
11) "They fundraise for 'Tis the Season." 12) So do the Crips, prison rape gangs and NAM-
12) "It gives you a sense of belonging." BLA.
13) "All the cool kids on campus belong to one." 13) [Fits of laughter, tee-heeing, uncontrollable gig-
14) "It teaches you leadership skills." gling and chortling.]
15) "You learn how to run an organization." 14) In the land of the swollen cocks, the one-eyed,
16) "I heard they hang out with [insert name of 265 lb., football-lovin', date-rapin', Hooty-listenin',
sorority with sluts here], and those girls suck dick cock is king.
for BEER!" 15) True 'dat, but the market for accountants able to
17) "It teaches you about culture." keep tally of the number of Buds poured down the
18) "It makes you well-rounded." funnel is fast dwindling.
19) "It helps you to get a job after you graduate." 16) Yeah, this part is true. Don't you love it when
20) "It teaches you how to be a strong individual." someone shoots him or herself in the rhetorical foot
during a debate?
But they don't consider the facts when 17) So do McDonald's Black History Month cups.
choosing to join a fraternity or sorority. 18) If by well-rounded you mean able to pretend
you like someone just because they are a "brother,"
1) There are a myriad of clubs, groups and organi- while at the same time playing quarters, getting
zations on campus that can fill a student's time, your ass paddled, and gaining an appreciation for
without having to play whatever version of "Ookie fine fashion emblazoned with neon Greek letters.
or the Cookie" is hot with the Animal House crowd 19) "Well, Johnny Tapakegga, it says here on your
this year. resume that you've never worked with dense met-
2) Supermarket beer is cheap. And it comes without als, that you have no experience using a CX-R13
the big-haired bitches. chromatograph and that you type 5 words a minute.
3) See #1. Also, for anyone other than a Melrose But, wait I see here that you successfully joined the
Place devotee, The Bench on Thursday is like being Stony Brook chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu-the same
anally raped by a midget with chronic halitosis. fraternity I belonged to at Duke in '73! I think we've *FIRST PLACE IN
4) For the most part, the charities that Greek organi- found our new vice president!"
zations raise money for are innocuous and non-con- 20) ... REPORTING
troversial. When is the last time you saw the TKEs * FIRST PLACE IN
raise money for Millions for Mumia? So there you have it kids. The Stony Brook Press says,
5) It's good to see that Stony Brook is producing "Don't be a dick." HELLRAISING
( TIED WITH THE HUNTER COLLEGE ENVOY )
free-thinkers.
-- -- __~ -___ ~---~~~___, -- --
THE STONY BROOK
mmcPPRES
k§ AG.PAGE
E 4
ISSUES
An Open Letter to the Campus Community and A If you're interested in volunteering to par- are far too dangerous.
Call for Involvement ticipate in one of the focus groups, please contact "Means testing" [is] a very dangerous route to
Carmen Vazquez, committee member, at 632-7320, go. In Europe everyone is IN, that means everyone has a
or email at cvazquez@notes.cc.sunysb.edu It will stake in the outcome. Dividing the workforce up between
Last October, a diverse group of students, help if you identify yourself as a student, faculty the haves and have nots appears to be fair, but it will cause
faculty and staff participated in a Summit on Race member, or member of the staff. the same societal hatred of social security that we now
in New York City entitled "Why can't we talk about At a later point, we may need more help have with Medicaid. This would be a major mistake.
race?" It's part of a national project initiated by the with other aspects of the project. Lastly, upping the payroll cap would not go far
Association of American Colleges and Universities We aim to keep what we are doing results- enough. Let's "scrap the cap" completely. That makes the
.called "Racial Legacies and Learning," and Stony oriented. Thanks in advance for your help. most sense. If people think that the rich should not get soc.
Brook was one of the four institutions that co-spon- sec.... [which I reject and it will be rejected] then let them
sored the New York City Summit at City College Sincerely, pay their fair share....No cutoffs at any salary or wage.
through a grant from AAC&U. George Meyer That will solve the problem.
Currently, the same group that attended
the Summit has been meeting to develop new ini- - -I- The article on Cuba has many good points, but,
I guess being a "travel" article it was not meant to be a seri-
tiatives to address this important issue on the cam- ous discussion of Cuba and the U.S. embargo. That is a
pus. As the group's chair and on behalf of the com- shame. Such a discussion would be quite valuable.
mittee, I want to invite students, faculty and staff to To the Editor. I would suggest to the "traveller" to consider the
become involved in the follow up project that we reasons why the Cuban government remains able to pro-
are designing, which has several goals: to assess the vide the health, education, housing-and jobs for its titizens
state of racial/ethnic relations on campus; to report I always enjoying reading your paper, when it given a 38 year long economic boycott of the Island. The
the findings to the university community; to devel- surfaces over here on our side of the street. This month's statement, " The embargo doesn't affect Cuba," couldn't
op an action campus; to report the findings to the issues carries some very important issues. Let me make a be further from the truth. It has and still has a devastating
university community; to develop an action plan couple of comments. impact on the country. The social problems targeted by
and implement strategies, with the support and The social security piece is very thorough. It will the writer are a direct outcome of that economic boycott.
backing of President Kenny, designed to bring be useful in my class in health policy and management. Focusing the article on Fidel Castro does a dis-
about positive changes in the campus climate and Let me tell the author that for a more complete discussion service to the full leadership of the country and more
culture. Though the committee feels that Stony he may want to include some policies issues attached to importantly the people in the country. There seems to be
Brook has made some significant strides over the some of the suggested "remedies." For example, Upping an obsession with Castro by the writer. It seems like a
past few years in a positive direction, we believe the retirement age will cause great problems in employ- Barbara Walters type thing. Some of the sex related issues
there is much more to be done. This is an opportu- ment of younger people. It has already been moved from seems more like a Ken Starr expose' than an academic
nity to become involved and to be instrumental in 65 to 67 for people younger them me. In Europe, the lower report. But, since this is a travel document, maybe the trav-
making changes happen. retirement age [this is now changing due to IMF pressure] eller was looking for the same things as the people he
We need your help with the first phase of was to make sure there is a smooth flow of workers into ended up interviewing.
the project, assessing the campus racial/ethnic cli- the workforce. Another problem is that it assumed that On the whole the report does have value and
mate . We will ask groups of students, faculty, and older workers will find work or comparable work that it I am glad the paper chose to print it. Good luck with
staff to come together in small focus groups and assumed that older workers will find work or comparable your publication.
answer a few questions about their perceptions of work to what they were doing prior to their reaching 65,
race and campus climate. It's really important to get 66, and on to 70. Age discrimination is a major problem
as broad a cross-section of our campus community which should have been discussed in regard to this alter- Frank Goldsmith
as possible, and as much honest input as we can, native. Also, most times older workers, laid off from pro-
since these issues affect everyone on campus. fessional "white collar jobs" are forced to take on jobs that
.
.......
plea for a resurgence of community in this country,
......... ....
.. ..
....
.... .
..
..
......
....
.........
....
..
...
....
..
...
..
....
...
...
...
....
...
....
.......
.....
..............
................
An enthusiastic and considerable crowd gath-
ered at the StudentActivities Center to hear the talk, enti-
thecountry,accordingtoSatcher.::
Defeating the health care p.tc-
........
......... ....
....
. ..
ati
........
fled "Eliminating Racial Disparities in Health It's Not a lems that plague minority com-
Zero Sum Game"
Sacher opened his speech with a story about a
rookie basketball player The young man hadn't gotten
upset when he only scored 1 point during his first NBA
game, wNfue Michael Jordan had scored 60-he was
munities would not be possible
without the help of thenewpart-
ners, which indude churches,|.........l
schools, and Native American
groups. These organizations
.......... ................
........
Arm.
...
..
..
..
. ..
...
...
.
.
...
.
..
......
. ....
....
......
...
.....
...
................
......
....
.......
- .....
.........
...
.........
....
.. ....
...
..
....
M e..-.
ri
..
..........
......
...................
........
........
vAr
41
delighted that he and Jordan had combined for 61 points provide access to these previously hard-to-reach popula- emphasizing its crucial role in improving health care. His
thatnight. The anecdote illustrated the importance of corn- tions and allow the public health care system to provide speech did not fall on deaf ears at Stony Brook Hopefully
bining with outstanding people to achieve important children with immunizations and give expectant mothers the rest of the nation will also absorb his message and help
goals. prenatal care. With the help of these new partners, breast do something about this pressing problemr
Recognizing that diversity is our nation's great- and cervical screenings are also being given to more
W. tion it deserves.
...... i Cuts in higher education funding and
itself destructive. There are many rea- ..........
sons why a person would prefer to :..i
ear*. I ... am
am,-,.fis.
..........
..............
..... .........
.............
............... .......
.....
...........
...
...........
...........
............
.....
.......
...........
......
......
. .........
....
.16
the minds of the minority community.
aw ILIS Collectively,
.............. ..........
o
I
hide among his/her racial and/or ........
as if we don't care
and our broth-
.
e.:..........
t 0..........
.. ............
..............
........
------ ---
..... ......
........
I.........
.........
....
.......... 407: er's children will be educated. Maybe
x...........................................
. .......................
those weird-looking folks with the pale skin and cule at a time and students in my "Antiracist
I'd like to begin with an apology on behalf of pointy noses?" No. It was quite the opposite, as the Empowerment" class will discuss methods for com-
European-Americans to our African-American European empires saw Africa as a source of natural batting racism in everyday interactions, which, unless
brethren whom we've subjected to more than 350 resources and cheap labor, and invented a justifica- I lead some sort of charmed life, are depressingly fre-
years of combined slavery, genocide, lynchings, and tion of racial superiority so they could go in and quent. Like when some cementhead occupying the
economic and political disenfranchisement. The icing exploit them. next bar stool '1arts to go off about how Group X, Y or
on the dog biscuit is that the great minds who decide It is also essential to emphasize the concept Z is destroying civilization as we know it by failing to
such things have decided to make things better by that "black" and "white" are fluid and arbitrary cate- conform to some vaguely defined standard of propri-
tossing you February-the shortest month with the gories. Many students of Euro backgrounds may ety, or maybe even by merely presuming to breathe
foulest weather-to commemorate black history. experience a moment of epiphany when they realize the same air.
Since race is the great untalked-about American that their respective groups were once consigned to Or when you're the guest of family or fami-
obsession, and since this country is very much built the '"black" or "non-privileged" sector of the social uni- ly of friends, lovers, etc., and they proceed to entertain
on racism, this issue must concern us all on a regular verse here in the US, and were only later, and out of you with ethnic slurs and nasty and unfunny racial
basis. political expediency, allowed to join the "white" or "humor." (Especially after they've treated you to a
Like crabgrass, racism persists, despite all "privileged" enclave. Noel Ignataiev's How the Irish soul food restaurant/blues club, and embarrassed
kinds of efforts to eradicate it. On the educational Became White could serve as a useful text in dispelling you by patronizingly squawking, "That's my man!" at
front, the past thirty years have i.. .. ..... the waiter-I shudder to think
seen a proliferation of courses fihil " VarIe O what he must have done to the
focusing on the history and cul- ........ ii . ....
il.i. collard greens back in the
ture of Africa and its diaspora. j j.
These efforts have had a great I.I.IIII...........ll : ever read Animal House?)
Ipl.llif. . .
an d p ositiv e effect on th e ................................................... :i:lil liij I ~il~ Or explaining to your
African-American community I o t ei
by shattering pernicious myths .... |...|..:j|l||. |||||j
r
Wi siv ov
^frown
^S^M•iiii•;i•i!
mother that it's not valid to
upon interracial mar-
and "uplifting the race." ..... pinll t11(1 anIllll
111 riage because she "feels sorry-
But this is only half | ||l | 1111111 •I I..C....]|
.. d for the children," because the
.l.l.l.ll
fault lies not with the parents,
the battle. There's another race lN arst
that is in desperate need of subtly hidIdeninmuc
j|l I',1 but with the bigots who would
I
uplift, and few of its members l........O....i..
Ii re ,11111 make those kids' lives difficult.
even suspect it. I'd therefore Or getting through to
like to propose the institution of courses in 'White the myth that entire groups can "work their way out your white-and-uptight coworkers that because cer-
Studies." of the ghetto" without permission from the ruling tain shades of people aren't offered jobs in your de
Now, before anyone gets upset, I'm NOT elite. facto segregated workplace is not proof that they're
suggesting a sort of white, Aryan power hogwash; I can hear the weary protestations now: "But lazy.
plenty of that stuff goes on subtly hidden in much that was a hundred years ago!" But the course will Or clueing in foreign visitors, and recent
mainstream academia and the media. Nor am I advo- mainly focus on "Racism in Everyday Life." So there immigrants (even some from black countries!), that
cating some White=Evil guilt trip. This approach won't be a lot of time spent on the Ku Klux Klan, or dumping on African-Americans is not the best way to
seems mainly to breed defensiveness and denial. All the neo-Nazi skinheads, or even police departments. "act American."
effective race studies courses should be empowering Not that these entities aren't important, but when peo- You get the idea. Ideally, upon course com-
in a genuine way, unlike the fool's gold promises of ple think they can slough racism onto specific, highly pletion, students will have taken the first steps in
"white power." visible groups, they tend to forget that they, too, have becoming healing antibodies fighting the virus of
The first order of business will be to point a hand in perpetuating racism and can even indulge racism in the diseased body politic of white America.
out that while people of all ethnicities are capable of in some moral superiority, since they're obviously so I can hear some of the more Afrocentric readership
some pretty cold thoughts, words and deeds toward much more enlightened than these inarticulate clods. fuming, "Why does everything wind up being about
those they perceive as "other," it's undeniably And of course it's extremely important to white people?" But that's precisely the point: White
Europeans who've taken racial prejudice and made it
develop an understanding of the institutional nature people, no matter how well-intentioned, are the ones
into an art form, by weaving it into the economic and of racism, but this is already being done and again, who both benefit from and perpetuate most of the
ideological fabric of Western culture.
people abdicate responsibility when they think some- racism in this society and it's white people who have
After all, the Africans didn't just wake up thing is so big and superstructural that they can't even to do most of the hard work of changing it.
one fine morning, breakfast on groundnut stew and begin to have an effect on it.
689 5.500
aon ne nt ion: s.
Long Island High Technology Incubator
25 East Loop Road - Stony Brook, NY 11790
(Next to the Health Science Center/UniversityHospital)
arpose of Collaborative Connections, Inc. is to provide manufacturers with qualified panelists that can par-
mnpersonal care products such as body lotions and creams, cosmetics, perfumes and colognes, hair care,
re, etc. Each panelist simply comes into the office by appointment, picks up the product, takes it home, and
the panelist brings the product back to the office, fills out a questionnaire, and receives their evaluation pay-
eading, prestigious manufacturers are evaluated. All of the ingredients have been FDA approved. Payment
duct, how often it is applied, and the length of the study.
March 3 at 9 p.m. in
- I - --`-~- I--- 9 ==1 ~-
~---- --- -VXIIII--PIIY-·~·~-P--~-~~-
rEBRUARY L7. 1777 rAUEt I
RACE
REFLECTIONS ON THE HISTORY OF
By William McAdoo the Opportunity Program succeed. (Statesman, 15 "4. That this Institute enjoy maximum amount of
October 1968). The promised funding for recruited stu- autonomy in the University system. (i.e., Governing
While we in AFS have been ready for elevation dents did not materialize. In other words this early effort body having power in the hiring of faculty, control of
to departmental status for years, it took an enlightened was programmed to fail However, this group of black finances, etc., subject to the normal good governance of
administration under the leadership of President Shirley students had brought with them a tradition of struggle such matters.)"
Kenny,to bring this to fruition. It also required the deter- which grew out of the black liberation and social justice The BSU document goes on to their second
mination of students and our colleagues throughout the movements of that day. So, in 1968 a new organization, demand regarding the transformation of the Special
campus to facilitate this transition The role of the Black which ultimately gave birth to both AIM and the black Opportunity Program:n
Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), in the present con- studies program at Stony Brook, was formed due to the "Black Students United is aware that the
text and over the last 25 years, has been critical to this his- struggles of its members. "Special Opportunities Program" (S.O.P.) serves no pur-
toric transformation. But there has been both continuity In October of 1968, in what the Statesman pose as it is set up presently, and therefore demand that
and change. Troubled days and years, and high points described as "an extremely tense atmosphere," BSU met to make it meaningful, the "Program" satisfy the fol-
of struggle. And, in the words of one of our gospel with university president John S. Toll, representatives of lowing needs:
songs, "I'm so glad, that trouble don't last always!" student government, and involved faculty members, to "1. Tuition
All who enter the facilities of the AFS address "the funding foul-up in the Special "2 Room &Board
Department today are greeted by a prominent sign des- Opportunities Program" and to demand that the "3. Insurance - health &Medical
ignating the "Department of Africana Studies," fol- promised scholarships be provided to the recruited stu- "4. Fees - (a)preliminary
lowed by the words of that great champion of black lib- dents. (Statesman, 25 October 1968). BSU not only made (b)college
eration, Frederick Douglass: "Without struggle there is constructive proposals to fix the problems with AIM,but (c) books and materials
no progress." So, it is only fitting on this memorable also demanded the establishment of a black studies pro- "In addition to this, BSU also demands the
occasion that we take a few moments to review some gram at Stony Brook final approval in the hiring of the Director(s), and all per-
important aspects of the history of the Department of By February 1969, with their ranks reinforced sons responsible in the governing of this program. BSU
Africana Studies-in order to reflect upon the struggles by additional recruits, and no longer willing to tolerate will also have representatives on the Board of the S.O.P
which have brought us to this place today, and which foot dragging on the part of the Toll administration, BSU in all matters pertaining to administration, governance,
serve as the foundation for future progress. For we owe issued a series of five demands which not only laid the etc.'
a tremendous debt to those who came before us-to the foundations for our present AIM program and Africana The text of the BSU demands, next addresses
sacrifices of tens and hundreds of individuals whose studies department, but which reverberate even today Stony Brook's admissions policies:
names and roles are unknown to many of us - and we in 1999. Given the historic significance of these demands "The members of the Black Students United is
should know and remember the core values which it seems fitting to take a few moments to revisit at least intensely aware of the unjustifiably small percentage of
motivated their quest to build a black studies depart- the most important of them. Noting the failure of the Toll Afro-Americans and Puerto Ricans included in the stu-
ment at Stony Brook For we stand upon their shoul- administration to act in good faith regarding their griev- dent, faculty, and administrative bodies of State
ders. ances and "constructive proposals," BSU announced University at Stony Brook Any people, any institution,
We were born in struggle. The Civil Rights that "after months of patience and good faith we the which professes to be just, recognizes this deficiency,
Movement was in full force during the 1960's, as was the Black Students United at Stony Brook do make the fol- unintentional or otherwise, to be intolerable, and its con-
nationwide anti-war movement. against the War in lowing demands"(Statesman,11 February 1969): tinuation to be reprehensible.
Vietnam-the nation was shaken to its very founda- "A BLACK INSTITUTE "Black Students United is intensely aware of
we olm
tions. Social justice was on the immediate agenda of We, the Black Students United at Stony Brook, the unjustifiably small percentage of Afro-Americans
T1 :
many ot this nation's
young people. Campuses
nationwide were aflame
..
.
..
.
...........
I
......
.I
..
...............
.. ................
.
6
.and
•and Puerto Ricans indclud-
ed in the student, faculty,
administrative bodies
with activism, with intellec-
tual ferment, with organi-
zation and struggle to cor- .
..
.
.
.
..
.
..
.
.
..
.
I
....
..
I.
.
.................
................
.
.........................................
. .
..
.
.................
..
...
..................
.
.................
..
. .
..............
i .
of the State University at
Stony Brook Any people,
any institution which pro-
rect the inequities of this
society and to bring the
.........................................
.
.
.................
.
.
.
.
..
.
t
.I
.
..
.
e,
......
..
.
.........................................
....................................
...........
.I
.................
..
. uthis
Sfesses to be
iust recognizes
deficienc-y uninten-
.....
..
fruits of democracy to all
people regardless of race,
sex, religion or sodcial class.
A reading of the
back issues of the Statesman
Tnr fh4l-
i trrinri ,-1,mnn-
..................
..
.
.
...
..I
.
.....
I
.
.x
.
..
.................
. - ..............
.........................................
..................
.................
.................
.. .....
I i
M•l^^S
....
l intolerable, and its continu-
ation to be reprehensible.
United addresses itself to
....................
....
i .
the immediate rectification
IV./ UL.Lfi rLI
l, ,.I..CIIV"
. ..l . I LVIL7
.
strates that the campus at Stony Brook was no exception demand a signed agreement by the Administration to of the under-enrollment of African-Americans and
- in fact, like college campuses nationwide, it was a provide the necessary resources to establish a Black Puerto Rican students on the following basis:
hotbed of social activism. In 1966 there were just two Institute," a reference to the Black Studies Program. "1. The society of which [the] State University at Stony
black students (Mel Brown and Karen Nimmons) on "The aims, definitions, courses, policies, orga- Brook is a part has systematically denied to Black peo-
this campus, no black faculty, and only one black admin- nization and development shall be decided by a ples the education which has been their right and due.
istrator. Stony Brook was a "lily-white" campus. Committee set up by the BSU composed of chosen fac- "2. Black students [who are] qualified and motivated
However, by 1968 a change had begun to take place in ulty and outside advisors. That upon receipt of our pro- to attend Stony Brook University do exist in greater
academia. Under pressure from student activists, and posal and signed agreementby the University...,machin- numbers than present enrollment figures presume to
recognizing that the systematic exclusion of people of ery shall immediately be set in motion so that the Black indicate.
color could no longer be justified or tolerated, many Institute will be established as a functioning unit by "The conrrection of this deficiency is required,
campuses around the nation began to establish mecha- September 1969." and guarantees beneficial results for Stony Brook
nisms to recruit what were called "historically disad- The aims of this new Black Studies Program University, the Black community, and the society as a
vantaged" students-blacks, Latinos, and native were eloquently stated by BSU: whole. The Black Students United hold that the princi-
Americans. New programs called "Opportunity "1. That at this point of History, we feel that the Black ples of justice and equality warrant and demand that by
Programs" emerged nationwide in order to facilitate experience should become part of the mainstream of September 1969 African-Americans and Puerto Ricans
recruitment efforts. Black studies programs and depart- [the] American Educational system for Black and White constitute no less than 25% of the total admissions at
ments where instituted. to promote better understanding between both peoples. State University at Stony Brook"
Stony Brook's "Special Opportunity Program" "2. To provide Black Students with [the] background Clearly, there has been continuity and change
was established in 1968. Fifty black students were and educational standing necessary for them to assume over the years at Stony Brook. For we are still wrestling
brought to our campus through recruitment efforts at the role of leadership in their community, thus eliminat- with problems related to the recruitment and retention
that time. But, although many Stony Brook administra- ing the Social, Economic, and Political problems in Black of "historically disadvantaged" students. Stony Brook's
tors had bowed down to the trend of recruiting, "his- America. record on the hiring of faculty, staff, and administrators
torically disadvantaged" students, they apparently did "3. That this be a Degre-granting Institute in the areas of color has been dismal at best But there is absolutely
so under silent
- protest
I and without a sincere intent to see of Black Studies. 'I~L~-~-r~C~TT~I~I-T~-~
II~C;
~i~
~C~i*1· no doubt or confusion-nothing nebulous--about
iry~mCICle~iSI~ ~-·--
THE SroY BROOK PRESS" AGE 12
RACE
THE DEPARTMENT OF
what was meant by the terms "historically disadvan-
AFRICANA
using every [and] all bureaucratic bags to hang us up,
STUDIES
agogical needs in this and any university with daims to
taged" thirty years ago-both in the mind of President and divert our attention from our legitimate demands." national status. We feel that the members of the Africana
Toll and in the minds of the members of BSU. Why He finally admonished his brothers and sisters to "show Studies program have correctly identified these needs
should there be any confusion about this today? The tar- courage in the face of violence, [and the] lack of under- and are pursuing them with dedication and effective-
get groups were African-Americans and Puerto Ricans. standing, and oppression, but never to surrender"(Stony ness" (OurReview ofthe AfricanaShtudies Program,a memo
And it was these groups which joined together to fight Brook Black Voice, 15 April 1969). to Vice Provost Graham B.Spanier, 3 April 1984).
for the recruitment of the "historically disadvantaged." The reference to violence pointed to the racist The reviewers went on to say: "We are partic-
BSU ended its list of demands with what hostility heaped upon black students at Stony Brook ularly impressed with the strong response Africana
might have been considered by the Toll administration Organizations like the Aryan Students United (ASU), a Studies has evoked among its students. From all indica-
as an ultimatum: Fascist organization, harassed and threatened black stu- tions, faculty in this program devote more time and
"We expect to receive notice of the approval or dents with impunity (Statesman, 7 March 1969). One energy to undergraduate teaching than the norm
rejection of the TOTAL of our demands by the President
of the University, and other members of the
..
.
...
.... lit
. .
......
..
.....
..............
.
. ..
. . .e.s
.............
.... . .
.. .
t
.`
.................
.
....
....
. b W
..
........
...
.
..
....
I ..
..-
C
.
.
...
...
:me
.........
f .
..
.. .,
...
.. .1.
........
. ....
..
.... X-X
BSU member editorialized: "There is one obvious fact to
........ a
..e
. ... .. .......
.. .. .
all black students on this campus. That fact is that some
:
I...".......
...... .
...9
..T
...
............ r
.l
. .......
M . .
.....
.......................................................................
... . .
......
::0
throughout the University."
......
.....
The reviewers were impressed with the multi-
I........
.......................
...
.
. .................
. ...... .
I
...........
...... I .
*..
.
racial character of students
Administration by February 17,1969. This reply will be
presented in the [Women's] gymnasium where reserva-
tions have been made to serve this is purpose [sic]. The
.. . .. .
.............. . .
. .
0.
..
...
g a.. ..
...............
.....
.
.
-.............
.......
........
.......
... .
.........
.... ...
........
.
. ....
.............
..............
. .
.
.......
....
.... .......
..
.........................
who enrolled in our courses,
fully 60% being white and
date of the public presentation will be February 17,1969,
at 8:00 pmn., before the members of BSU and other
Concerned Students."
President Toll met with three representatives of
BSU (Ms. Hope Notice, Mr. Donald Davis, and Mr.
..
...
. ....
.. .
.. .
................
. ..
...........
..
..
....
..
..
...... ...
.
.
... .... .
..
. T
...............-
................
....
. ..
.
..
......
.
.... ..
....................
. .
.
.
.
..
..
...
..
...:n
.
.
.
......
..
.
I'e
..
..str
....
.
...
.
............-*
..........
.........
.. . ' .'
*
..
..
..
...........
..
....
. ..
...... ..............
the remainder students of
color. This accords with the
principle set forth a decade
..............
.............
and a half earlier by BSU,
which held that both black &
Robert Calendar) on February 10,1969 - a week before white students could and
the announced deadline- and submitted a written of the student body would rather not have us around." should benefit by exposure to black studies.
response to the BSU demands, which was printed in the He goes on to tell of phoned death threats and other In response to the external reviewers report,
February 14,1%9 issue of the Statesman. His response overt acts of racism (Stony Brook Black Voice, 15 April Vice Provost, Graham Spanier (who is now president of
was conciliatory in tone, and he agreed to attend the 1969). Conditions in the surrounding Long Island com- a major university), in his April 9, 1984 report to
February 17 public meeting arranged by BSU. Clearly, munity were equally inhospitable. President Marburger and the Provostial Council, noted
among his concerns was to prevent the possibility of By March 1969, the AIM (Advanced on that "The [external review] Committee recommended
what he called "contention and disunity within the Individual Merit) Program had replaced the Special that the designation of Africana studies as a department
University" (Statesman, 14 February 1969, p. 3; 18 Opportunity Program, but the old problems of funding was warranted... I support this recommendation and
February 1969, p. 9). At the same time, the Council for incoming students remained (Statesman,14 March 1969). will urge the Provost to change the status from program
Student Affairs (CSA) strongly endorsed the establish- It was not until September 1969 that AIM came under to department (Spanier to President Marburger,9 April
ment of both the black studies program and the AIM the supervision of a full time staff, headed by its new 1984).
program to replace the Special Opportunity Program director, Mr George Bunch. However, the Marburger administration
(Statesman, 14 February 1969, p. 1). By May 1%9, the Social & Behavioral Sciences ignored the recommendation to elevate AFS to depart-
This historic February 17,1969 meeting called Curriculum Committee (which induded a number of mental status without even a formal reply to the recom-
by BSU took place in the women's gym and attracted a BSU members) approved the establishment of the black mendations. President Marburger simply let the matter
crowd of 1500 students. The meeting was tense and rep- studies program, and instituted a search for a director die in infancy. But his overt hostility to Africana studies
resentatives form student organizations "said that if the (Statesman,2 May 1%9). In September of 1969, the black was dearly demonstrated in the infamous 1985-86 Dube
demands didn't come through the school would be studies program at Stony Brook was finally opened with affair, when Marburger denied tenure to a South African
dosed down." A Statesman reporter remarked in his col- Dr. Anny Mae Walker as Director (Statesman, 23 professor, who was a highly valued member of our fac-
umn the next day: "Surely Dr. Toll was just as much September 1969). ulty, based upon extemal pressure by bigoted interests
aware of what had happened at other universities, as the In October 1969, the BSU "Liberated" the outside the University. In the process, President
students in the audience" (Statesman, 18 February 1969). Study Lounge in O'Neal College in order to establish Marburger not only violated the tenets of academic free-
The Statesman reported that, in response to the BSU Stony Brook's first Black Cultural Center, the precursor dom, but he also helped to smear AFS, sacrificing our
demands, Dr. Toll outlined plans for the institution of a to the UNIT II Cultural Center (Statesman, 31 October unit on the alter ofpolitical expediency, while at the same
black studies program, and the reporter further noted 1969). During this period, BSU also asked the Student time ruining the career of Prof. Eamest Dube.
that the president explained that a black studies pro- Council to join in calling for a moratorium on construc- But again, I say: "I'm so glad that trouble don't
gram "involving courses and leading to a degree in tion on the Stony Brook campus, since minority groups last always." For a new administration, under President
Black Studies, could be established if approved by the had been illegally exduded from work crews in viola- Kenny, has brought forth a new day at Stony Brook On
appropriate University procedures." Toll gave general tion of state anti-discrimination laws (Statesman, 22 April November 2,1998, the University Senate voted unani-
support to BSU's demand for recruitment of Afro- 1969). They were active participants in the anti-war mous to support our proposal for elevation to depart-
American and Puerto Rican students without commit- movement BSU activism also extended to the sur- mental status, and departmental status was conferred
ting to the 25% figure. Concerning the financial aid rounding community where they participated in the on Africana Studies on November 16,1998.
demands for Special Opportunity Program students, fight for welfare rights and fair employment practices. Further, we have been authorized to develop a
Toll stated that "this is entirely consistent with eh uni- The two decades following the establishment Masters degree in Africana studies, and we are moving
versity's aims-aid based on financial needs" of the Africana Studies Program at Stony Brook were expeditiously to bring this graduate program to fruition
(Statesman, 18 February 1969). ones of intense struggle for resources, legitimacy, and So, we rejoice today in the knowledge that
Given their experiences with the University survival Resource starved and seemingly unappreciat- Africana studies has persevered through storms and
administration of that time, BSUmembers were not at all ed by successive administrations, AFS nevertheless per- dark days--yet, working, often without encourage-
fooled by promises to address their demands. One BSU5 severed and grew by means of extraordinary efforts by ment-except from our students, a few colleagues and
member noted, following the February 17th meeting, its dedicated faculty, and the enthusiastic support of its BFSA-working toward the day when we would take
that "After BSU applied a little pressure, the adminis- students. In 1984 AFS experienced its first five-year our well deserved and legitimate place among depart-
tration went on record to live up to these commitments. review. After a comprehensive on-site review, a team of ments at Stony Brook We have kept faith with those
However the administration has made similar commit- external reviewers chosen by administration, recom- who came before us, upon whose shoulders we stand-
ments in the past, so that, as of this date, the situation mended for the first time that AFSbe elevated to depart- our brothers and sisters of the Black Students United. We
remains ambiguous." (Stony Brook Black Voice, 15 April mental status. In their report to Vice Provost, Graham B. still embrace the core values which guided their worthy
1969) An editorial in the Stony Brook Black Voice, the Spanier, the external review team noted in part efforts. And we look forward to even greater achieve-
first black student newspaper on campus (and the pre- "Our over-all reaction is positive. We were ments in the future.
cursor to Black World) noted in April of 1969, that it was impressed by the quality of teaching and scholarship Yes! "I'm so glad that trouble don't last always!"
"obvious that the administration intends to procrasti- which the Africana Studies Program has developed---all
nate as long as possible, ultimately establishing a the more so in light of the special difficulties and con-
watered down, white washed, version of the original straints under which the Program has labored since its
meaningful concept of a black studies program." The inception at Stony Brook We feel there is no question
writer further noted that "The university is adept at that this Program fulfills important intellectual and ped-
Adds:
XTC "Apple Venus Vol. 1" (TVT)
Kid Silver "Dean City Sunbeams" (Jetset)
Prince Paul "Prince of Thieves" (Tommy Boy)
Paul Westerberg "Sucaine Gratification" (Capitol)
Hummer "Premium" (Accurate)
PGE1
19
2•
FURUR
L~Z-~ I-·311~C-'l
_ ~L-
IIC Ib -
- -1C
--
C-~LI PC·
Ilq
Ip~a
~ Ip~--~-s ~--~b~feCI- - Ib-L~CBC --C~h~l~bll
BALTTLE OF THE
C E NT TTRY []-- -- -- iaaa~~aa~~aa~~aa
f
iVS~mP~ •vs
4i21i
More than
THOSE
EVES, THAT likely, he's
--_i----
t'saWMTsom
MV#,t"A..:nM) b4
lf<»N^Tvic h»i» ufv0 _i
AWOS HO
k%- 1S6
tASr "/ /'A'I I (I
e
(H^ s7 7
-- 5/
7T. S.n6O l
,g AK
,/b
••ib
S4 4'
;s5
LI A
p SO
***.4
@lp
By D.J. O'Dell stickball and going to the movies and eating the gas chambers, while at the crematoriums, I
Mello-Rolls." While in America, Rose was given thought of my family, who were safe and sound
Family. It's a word we each approach in every chance possible to forget her mother and sis- back in the States. I wondered, What if my broth-
different ways. For some, it's a word that recalls ter, as no one would talk to her about them. In fact, er had been shot for trying to deliver a letter to a
fond memories of time spent with loved ones. For that is how her mother and sister were referred to loved one? What if my mother had to prostitute
others, it recalls painful memories and questions when in Rose's presence, as "them." herself so that she'd be able to feed her children
that seem to have no answers. "A Shayna Maidel," Both sisters have trouble establishing and that night? I had never experienced anything so
a dramatic piece written by Barbara Lebow, exam- maintaining a relationship with their father. Luisa intense in all my life, and I was just a visitor. It was
ines the effects of the Holocaust on a family torn directly admits that she wants to hurt her father an unreal experience. My feet carried me even
between the past and the present. Such issues as by telling him precisely how her mother died, though I was unaware of them, while silent tears
guilt, anger, regret, and loss are brought to the even though he claims to already know. Rose also coursed down my face. When I returned home I
forefront of a family that is trying to overcome the holds a deep resentment toward her father, one made sure I told my family how much I loved
problems Holocaust survivors face. that adds a whole new dimension to the play. The them. I couldn't talk to them about what hap-
At the beginning of the play, the audience father (like their deceased mother) is extremely pened; there was no way of describing how being
is introduced to two of the play's key figures, religious, believing that God does everything for a there effected me. I still haven't told them what I
Mordechai and Rayzel (or the more Americanized reason. This is a philosophy that his daughters thought and felt, and I probably never will.
name of Rose). The crucial theme of the play is cannot understand, though they refrain from Theatre has always served as a way of
introduced when Mordechai informs his daughter questioning it. Beliefs and customs are other presenting what it means to be human-the expe-
that her sister Luisa will be coming to stay with things which serve to separate the sisters from riences that go along with life and how they
her, and when Rose replies that, though she is their father; his ways are often referred to as old- change us forever. There are some people who
happy, her and her sister are little more than fashioned by Rose, in light of her American think we should forget the Holocaust, and there
strangers to one another. When Mordechai and upbringing. are even some who deny it ever happened.
Rayzel fled to America before the Holocaust, Luisa In a conversation with a childhood friend, Forgetting would be forgiving, and forgiving
and their mother were forced to remain behind Hannah, Luisa expresses the importance of the would be accepting this event as something that
because of Luisa's illness. After talking to Luisa on family unit during the Holocaust and, more should be expected in the face of history.
the phone, Rose expresses anger and frustration at importantly, hints at the importance of the family "A Shayna Maidel" will be playing at the
the position she is being forced into by the expec- for those who survived. The discussion is as fol- Staller Center Theatre I, February 25-28 and March
tations of her father. These feelings, however, lows: 4-7, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and
quickly change when she looks in the mirror and Luisa: If you had no one you were dead... Sundays at 2 p.m. Take a night out and support
says, "It could've been you, Rose." Hannah: ...much faster. If you had someone... the goals of theatre on campus as well as your
After Luisa's arrival, the tension Rose Luisa: ...you had to live so they would live. sense of humanity and human understanding. For
feels is heightened. Both of them are left in an Here, the family is offered as a reason to many the Holocaust was a reality, and the least we
uncomfortable position; they are sisters and yet survive. The passage suggests that if this family can do is show a willingness to try and under-
they know practically nothing about one another. wants to survive, they are going to have to find a stand, even if we'll never come close to knowing
Rose, who holds no memories of her sister, calls way to forgive each other so that they can work on what it was like to actually be there, or to be a sur-
attention to this by saying, "It's so strange that you re-establishing the ties broken by the Holocaust. vivor. As it's a story about the rigors of family life,
have memories of me, that I was a part of your Having visited a concentration camp in there will be a lot of issues explored that we all can
life." Rose expresses the vast distance that sepa- Germany, I can more vividly imagine what life relate to.
rates them by saying, in reference to the events must have been like for the imprisoned Jews.
that Luisa experienced as a child, "I was playing While walking through the barrack halls, when in
of wax parts. As a result, when the light is on, it realizes that these 'petals' are in fact the limbs of a melting, wipes away the trace of the artist's hand
heats up the wax, diffusing the cranberry scent doll. When the cranberry scent is first smelt, it is upon it. The smell that diffuses from the melting
from the wax as it melts slowly. The small gallery, sweet and pleasant. After immersion in the scent wax envelopes the room and then moves beyond
as well as parts of the library corridor, is filled with for more than a few minutes, the smell begins to the confines of the room, into the world. Perhaps
the sweet and sickly aroma of cranberry. overwhelm and nauseate. The initial sweetness this is a metaphor for the artist's decision to move
The usage of doll parts is not something seems to be replaced by an overpowering, almost beyond the confines of the comfort she had had in
new to Hughmanic's work. For the past three or sinister aroma. Yet nothing has changed; it is still the image of the doll.
choice for a cereal spokesperson, considering the fact that VAMPIRES ARE EVIL BLOOD SUCKING
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT! Any sane person discounts the existence of Vampires, but this whole
cereal reeks with cult innuendo. Glow in the dark Marshmallows? Sounds like radium to me.
- ~ ~, -- = ~
-- - -CT ---- P-·- ~
--- -;c~-- ;---- ~W~l~ _--h·-- -- ·-
ds~
~-~ --- -s~-, I - -- ~---~----~U1D- -~F--*-·-~L- ~- - ~v~ =s-~a. · b4 --- ~ ~L-~lt -PC~C-~C-- -- I ~1~L~s - ---- I
Satan. He tempts children to run off on fantastical pursuits of wealth and pleasure. Promising fortune
and fun, he leads Irish youth into a downward spiral of sin. And he's an avid Crystal Meth addict, too.
$ -- -- --- ---- --- --
k,
i: -. I _ _ -~- -- , I- - - - -- - ------- ------ --- - - - --· ---- ----- -------- ------------ ------------ -- ---- IN*
---------
:'~"~~Gi~.~E~Zi~Bi~-·EaSL~PB~~&Yl~l~b^~:
that Sam has exiled hmse f to a remote tropical island maybe a rational part of him reaiizes the danger $
Sis unbridled insanity p to the wAord. It sems that an iunscrupulous ceread magnate appropriated
KI
his antics to sell cerea Leave him aione or give hima token ob delivering papers or something.