Professional Documents
Culture Documents
APRIL/MAY 2011
INSIDE:OUT
TRILOGY A UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLICATION
FOUNDERS DAY:
UDC’S SYSTEMATIC
Clarence
Thomas
DISMANTLING
making false
financial
statements.
Page 6 Is there a word for academic “dereliction of
duty?” Of course there is - banality. Page 5
ENTERTAINMENT
Talib Kweli
Concert Review
Live musicians makes a
better impression than
performing with a DJ
any day of the week.
Page 19
ing the city government Fenty loss in the primaries, Lopez travel cost controversy
lead a historic, Write-In Campaign of Dr. Sessoms, is on a
honest and account- that produced “nearly 30,000 write trip to Egypt.
able...” in votes” according to his official
website. The site goes on to say He was there on official univer-
Perhaps most notably “He will be a fresh voice that the sity business. He had a right to
known on campus for co-leading city needs, keeping the city gov- be there because the University
the protests of tuition increases “The movement was successful in ernment honest and accountable of DC has a satellite campus in
that erupted in a 2009 in response organizing thousands to protest to the people they represent. A vote Cairo.
to the administrative announce- and delay the proposed new poli- for Joshua is a vote for a new voice, Without judging the
ment of doubling tuition fees and cies. As a result of the protests, the with fresh ideas and a renewed merit of purchasing such an
ending open enrollment, Josh Lo- administration opened its deci- commitment to serve.” Visit www. expensive airline ticket, the
pez is making a name for himself sion-making process by adding joshlopez2011.com for more infor-
as a local political hopeful. more student voices.” mation. READ MORE ON PAGE 4
2 | TRILOGY | APRIL/MAY 2011
CARTOONIST
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APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 3
CAMPUS NEWS
Internal Audit
Clears Racquel
Layne
USGA President
THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Innocent of All
Allegations
Via UDC’s depart-
ment of Relations
& Public Affairs
Washington,
DC— On Friday,
March 4, 2011, the University’s In-
ternal Audit Department concluded
an investigation of the USGA Presi-
dent, Racquel Layne and the specific
allegations of the Code of Conduct
violations and misappropriation of
student fees. The Internal Auditor’s
investigation included interviews, in-
spection of documents, and review of
University practices and procedures.
The Internal Auditor con-
cluded that there was no evidence or Glass Cleaner, Roshan Ghimire
information to support the allega-
tions of wrongdoing. The suspen- UDC Student is a Finalist is from Roshan’s series titled We the Common
sion of USGA activities will be lifted Annual Nikon College People. He describes the series as:
effective Friday, March 4, 2011 and
all activities will resume on that date. Photography Contest
Journey of images of common people in
The matter will be forwarded to the Roshan Ghimire‘s photo, Glass Cleaner, has been America.
Division of Student Affairs judicial selected as a finalist for the 31st Annual College
hearing officer for consideration and Photography Contest, an annual contest co-spon- Journey to appreciate their works and
further handling consistent with the sored by Nikon. Nearly 14,000 photographs from dedications in America
Code of Conduct. all over the world were entered into the contest One morning my own journey starts… with
Editors Note – The Trilogy this year. The photo will also be published in the lens and a camera.
scheduled two interviews with Presi- hardcover book Best of College Photography 2011.
dent Layne but both were cancelled Glass Cleaner, a portrait of 22-year old Jairo Mena, Credit udcphotoclub.org
without notice.
CAMPUS NEWS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT Questions that come to people are demanding democrati-
mind include: 1) how many stu- zation of the political process and
dents are enrolled on the Cairo a redistribution of wealth. In the
campus? 2) what are the majors be- past, these kind of ideas resulted
ing offered?, 3) is there an exchange in torture, imprisonment or worse.
program in place between the two Today, brutal repression seems to
campuses?, 4) who is the Dean/ be a thing of the past. But, what
1.
President of the Cairo facility?, 5) of Egypt’s future? Who will lead? How many students
how is the program accredited?, What model will be used? What are enrolled on the
what is the name of the facility and structure will be employed?
finally, 6) what is the address/loca- It would appear that the University Cairo campus?
tion of the school? The answers to of DC is in an excellent position to
these and other routine questions
should be common knowledge
contribute to the reconfiguration
of the new Egyptian state. What
2. What are the majors
being offered?
within the UDC community - but will be the highest and best use of
it isn’t.
Here is what is known: the name of
UDC’s services and connections in
the context of reconstituting the 3. Is there an exchange
program in place
IMAGE: STCOK.xCHNG
the affiliate institution in Egypt is Egyptian nation? This question between the two
the “Modern Academy in MAADI cannot be answered with certain-
campuses?
Egypt;” there are presently 615 stu- ty but surely there is a role to be
dents enrolled; there are five (5) played. There is perhaps, in the af-
different majors: Computer Sci-
ence, Electrical Engineering, Me-
termath of the populist struggle of
the Egyptian people, a more defini-
4. Who is the Dean/
President of the Cairo
President of UDC has to appear chanical Engineering, Accounting tive, international, educational role facility?
periodically in Egypt to reinforce and Business Management. That’s for the University of DC in Egypt.
organizational ties, to perform about it. Maybe facilities on the MAADI
5.
How is the program
ceremonial duties and to rally the There obviously is not an campus will need to be expanded.
troops. It is a little known fact accredited?, what
attempt to maintain any sort of se- Perhaps, under a new, more mod-
however, that the University of the is the name of the
crecy surrounding the existence of erate government, enrollment on
District of Columbia actually has the Cairo campus; it’s just that the the Egyptian campus will increase. facility?
a degree-granting campus in Cai- discussion of it seldom comes up However the political changes in
ro, the capital of Egypt. Until the
disclosure of President Sessoms’
in the context of overall academic
programs sponsored by the Uni-
Egypt manifest themselves, UDC’s
Egyptian campus should be ready
6. What is the address/
location of the school?
visit to the Cairo campus during versity of DC. Whatever the case, to prepare the new leaders for tech-
testimony at a recent City Council not publicizing such a valuable nical and entrepreneurial tasks.
hearing, the student body as well as asset is a grievous oversight. That The university should never wait
the general public knew very little tactic must be changed immedi- until times of trouble to almost
of the Egyptian campus’ existence. ately. make a public apology for having
The UDC/Egypt affiliation is one INTERESTED IN THE
In the last few months, an international presence.
of long standing. University of DC Egyptian society has erupted into At a recent HBCU Conference, one CAIRO CAMPUS?
students were sent to Cairo for a fits of political outrage over rein- of the breakout workshops was on
summer of study in the 1990’s. The stating the rights of its people, re- international/globalization con- We all are. Don’t
lack of information about UDC’s lief from oppressive government nections with emerging markets
Cairo campus though, is disturb-
be fooled, this
and an end to crushing poverty. Its and the establishment of a presence
ing. sitting presi- in selected nations. After some
“campus” reeks
dent has been discussion of possibilities and in- of potential for
forced to tentions by the participants, the a beneficial
leave office UDC representative announced
by massive that their university had an active relationship
popular dem- campus in Egypt. At first there was with its parent
onst rat ions an astonished silence, and then a
institution UDC.
by the Egyp- barrage of questions. The Univer-
tian people sity of DC was the only HBCU in
and the sup- the room that had an international
port of the presence. There is a responsibility
Egyptian that comes with that distinction…
armed forces. it must be used wisely and produc-
The Egyptian tively.
APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 5
FEATURE
CAMPUS NEWS
Declaration of Bankruptcy,
States Shed their Debt healthcare obligations promised to vices, 2) an amplitude of layoffs, 3)
retired public workers and finding significant tax increases, 4) a fed-
By Bakara Yakub or not the Constitution allows a revenue to support critical public eral bailout, or 5) a federally sanc-
Staff Writer federal court to reorder a state’s fi- services. With the current budget tioned bankruptcy.
nances. shortfalls echoing previous years,
Circling the halls of Congress for Supporters of state bankruptcy
the past two years is talk about in- see it as the only way for states to
troducing legislation that would al- escape their massive debt ac ross
low states to seek bankruptcy pro- the board, with little impact on
tection in federal court. Currently, taxpayers; while some policymak-
laws allows for corporations, in- ers think that since state govern-
dividuals, cities and towns to file ments have the ability to balance
bankruptcy, but not states. States their budgets by cutting spending,
are sovereign—chief law mak- cutting services, raising taxes, etc...
ing authority in its jurisdiction— they should not expect Washing-
which would make it difficult, if ton to solve their fiscal problem.
not impossible for a bankruptcy
judge to impose terms upon it. As Public employee unions and finan-
a result, any new law will preclude: cial experts are both in fierce op-
1) any person or entity from forc- position to the idea of a sanctioned
ing a state into bankruptcy and 2) Working behind the scenes are states’ fiscal conditions remain in state bankruptcy. Union leaders
a judge from persuading a state policymakers desperate to develop a canted frame even in the face of presume that it would be used to
to change their spending habits a script which would help states an economy moving in the direc- strip members’ of their pension
or tax policy while in bankruptcy. get a grip on their fiscal challenges, tion of recovery. With few escape and healthcare, and to give states
The verdict is not in as to whether including shortfalls in pension and routes, states are forced to weigh CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
the options: 1) drastic cuts in ser-
APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 7
FEATURE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
leverage over unions. Financial
experts warn that it could wreak
15 Minutes with
havoc on the municipal bonds
market, which is viewed by the Jarret Carter Sr.
average American, as one of the
safest investments, in that a state Eric M. Price II sors who are often experts
government is never expected to Staff Writer in their field. Not only that,
default on its obligations. but they also care culturally or
and individually about the you
Is bankruptcy an easy solution In December
success of the student(s.) had
to a difficult problem? The risks of 2010, I
are high but the consequences Because the Culture of an cultural
are great. spoke with HBCU demands that, you disagreements that the
and interviewed Jarret push your students to be more professor did not like or feelings
In theory, a federal bankruptcy than excellent to prepare for a
judge could force lenders,
Carter Sr. Mr. Carter is a isolated from a group based on
global competitive market. your race or ethnicity. HBCUs
municipal bondholders, annual graduate of Morgan State
payout lottery winners, and Culturally, I think it is im- provide that, you do not have to
University in Baltimore
retired public workers (unions) portant, even in 2010, that minor- worry about those things when
to settle for less than they are and the founding editor ity students have the opportunity you are on campus and in the
owed and current union con- of HBCUDigest.com, a to go and pursue a degree without classroom.
tracts could be renegotiated for the burden of diversity. What I
fair and honest source Tril: I guess that falls in line with
cheaper ones.
for all news regarding mean by that is since integration,
As state revenues continue to the current mission of HBCUs.
be projected as shortfalls, pen- it is not as if white students have
Historically Black Colleges Overall, they are still offering
sion accounts sit almost empty; had to go on to HBCUs; it has
and Universities. I asked world-class education. What are
there is no money for states to been the other way around. Stu-
your feelings about HBCUs clos-
cover pension deposits due in him about his feelings dents of color have had to go on to
the coming decades. Cleary, ing and whether or not HBCUs
about the relevancy campuses with white classmates,
something will have to give but should merge?
the idea of lumping municipal of HBCUS and other white teachers, white adminis-
Jarret Carter Sr.: No, I do not
bond obligations, annual lot- trators, white faculty, and often
presently pertinent think HBCUs should merge at all.
tery payouts, annual pension times you deal with the burden
shortfalls, which shrink or grow questions. I feel very strongly about that. I
of cultural disconnects, even in
over time, in with state annual feel every college or University,
an academic setting. You have to
deficits, which require an imme- Tril: What is your position at HB- whether it is an HBCU or not,
consider, with unique situations
diate solution, is not a significant CUDigest.com? deserves its own autonomy. They
reason for a sanctioned state that come up, “Does race have
Jarret Carter Sr.: I am the serve different geographic popula-
bankruptcy. to do with anything.” You have
Founding Editor tions. They opened up for a rea-
to assimilate a little into another
Tril: The questions constantly of- son; so why now close because of
culture so-to-speak. You have to
fered by fellow classmates of mine economic/hard times? This is not
think a little differently when talk-
was the relevancy of HBCUs the first time we have seen rough
STUDENT QUICK TIPS ing to your classmates and other
economic times and this will not
Jarret Carter Sr.: There is folks on a predominately-white
be the last. But it seems that it’s
Financial Aid a multitude of reasons HBCUs campus. Not speak differently,
propitious for people to say, “To
always have been and likely will be but be conscience of what you
paperwork needs to save money let’s merge HBCU’s”
always will be relevant to African are saying, how you are saying it
be in by August. By why not merge Predominately
American students and to the and how it comes across to other
the way, have you White Institutions? What are they
entire American Education land- people. At an HBCU that may be
serving academically, culturally,
heard of DCONE APP? scape… a smaller concern maybe because
socially, economically to the cities
Google it! Academically, you have of geographic and different divi-
that they are in that HBCU’s do
a chance to receive a world-class sions like that but the black expe-
not?
education at a relatively inexpen- rience tends to be the same across
For example, it would
sive price, which is very important the board. When you attend an
not make sense for a UDC in the
in economic times like these. It is HBCU, you know your grade is
Northwest corridor of the district
not as if you going to UDC, you based upon your performance
and all the business it brings into
receive any less training than you and not because you did not have
that area of the city from students
will at Georgetown. The material an opportunity to speak to your
eating lunch, to the basketball
is taught by world-class profes- professor if you needed extra help
8 | TRILOGY | APRIL/MAY 2011
The world is officially plugged in. We use between people on a twitter timeline; couples
the internet to shop, to work, to go places, who place their argument directly on the
to look up information, and more so than internet for all to see in effort to seem “supe-
rior” to the person they are dating; or , the
in reality to interact with other people.
worst example, internet bullying and embar-
The interactions people have in virtual rassing. People have gotten to the point that
reality have somewhat replaced aspects instead of keeping things personal and talk-
of normal human interaction. ing them out in person, they display all their
feelings and emotions in a public sphere for
In some situations, this can be looked all to see; for what reason I cannot say. The
at in a good way. Video chatting with question is this: “When did people decide
far away friends and relatives, protest that confronting another person they have
that are organized faster through issues with mean a virtual confrontation as
masses who just have to log on to opposed to meeting face to face?”
Facebook or twitter, or people The internet has become a place
planning to meet up and be so- for countless number of people to vent and
cial with new people they may complain, and judge other people, whether
have not met otherwise are they know that person or not, and express
some of the positive things their opinion to all they choose to. However,
that Social Networking the ability to do so has destroyed our (as I am
included in this) ability to talk about issues
Hiding
have enabled people across
the world to do. How- and come to conclusions with people face to
ever, there is also a side of face. People have so much to say behind their
Social Networking that phones, computers, and internet tablets yet
has had a negative effect when it comes to being face-to-face with an-
Behind the on people, and it always other person, the conversation ceases. Maybe
relates to online issues it is because arguing, bullying, and embar-
with others. rassment are easier to do behind a form of
Social Networking has “protection” that the internet gives people
Monitor
enabled the world to who anger others. Nevertheless, it is discour-
become “punks” for aging to see how easily people can network
a lack of better word. socially via the internet yet have issues
People now fight and communicating with others about problems
Eric M. Price II argue more on the face-to-face. Unplugging ourselves every now
Staff Writer internet than we do with and then is important, and that means in
people that we actually ways of just going out and catching fresh air,
come in to physical in- as well as discussing problems face-to-face
teraction with. We have all with people, we have a problem with. Yes, it
seen this happen before: is possible to live out your entire life over the
back and forth arguments internet, but why would you want to?
10 | TRILOGY | APRIL/MAY 2011
est artists ever included in the sales of his works grossing mil- THE MAN
prestigious international survey lions of dollars. During his career Andy Worhol especially
of contemporary art, “Docu- he threw lavish parties, suited
menta,” Kassel, Germany, 1982. himself in clothing by Italian thought so. Down with
His exhibits and paintings were fashion designers, and would treat dope, up with hope.
also shown in 37 galleries (group crowds of people to expensive
SPECIAL FEATURE : APRIL 2011
SPECIAL FEATURE
WILLIAM, CONTINUED place and date vary in different and help the family with income and a similar type of African
biographical sources. It is certain from a job. It was a real struggle. American. The result was a black
FROM PAGE 16
though that he was West Indian He went from café to café in San character that was humble, shift-
face to entertain white audiences. in origin. His family immigrated Francisco singing minstrel ditties less, slouching, who could neither
He is considered by many as the first to New York City and then and passing the hat. read nor write, but who had a
greatest vaudeville performer to San Francisco. Bert was on the He had a natural sense of humor certain hard, not altogether inac-
in the history of that genre. His West Coast at the age of 12. The and was at his best as a panto- curate, philosophy of life. From
work electrified audiences and fortunes of Bert’s father soon took mime artist, though he was fully this blend of behaviors emerged a
established the American come- a turn for the worse; his dad soon capable of singing and dancing character now world recognized,
dic stage with the ingenious use of lost his job and his cash reserves. very well. Slowly, Bert refined his “Mr. Nobody”; his signature work.
the stand-up comic format. At the time, Bert was in college act, using the mannerisms of a
Bert was born in Anti- studying to become an engineer. certain type of Antiguan peasant
CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
gua, Nassau in 1875 though the He had to abandon that pursuit from his childhood memories
APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 15
William Edward
Burghardt DuBois:
Cultural Icon, Scholar, Civil Rights
Pioneer and Intellectual 1868-1963
Bauval held a book signing after the lecture and answered the questions of many
who had either travelled to Egypt or who were interested in the subject of Egyptian
antiquity. Purnell Pinkney ’66 and Charles Butler ’81 and ’90 arranged the Student A sculpture of the ancient Egyptian God
Affair’s Division evening of discovery. These two alumni plan to build on the Anubis. His original name is Anpu, god of
embalming and safe passage into the afterlife.
program’s success and bring to UDC other personalities who represent a wide range
of scientific, social, business, historical, and religious thought so that the University WILLIAM, CONTINUED FROM
Community can continue to be exposed to cutting edge intellectual inquiry. Below
PAGE 18
are some of the comments that Pinkney and Butler received following the program:
His career however, continued to struggle.
He eventually met and befriended
“Thank you for stepping outside the box and “All I can say is Kudos to you, Pur- a young African American entertainer
producing such a wonderful presentation as nell, to you, Charles, and to UDC!!! . . . It named George Walker. These two joined
Mr. Bauval’s lecture . . . I traveled to Egypt in may have been a long road to get the needed forces as a comedic duo with Walker as
2007 and was witness to Dr. Hilliard’s lecture permission to begin planning and pulling the comedic foil in the act. They became a
on Mr. Bauval’s findings . .. At the insistence everything together, but you succeeded in highly successful vaudeville team and en-
of a friend, I had purchased Mr. Bauval’s pulling off a coup Tuesday night!!! . . . You joyed widespread acclaim for their hilari-
book before I left for Egypt. It was thrilling guys are to be commended for having the ous routines. George later became ill later
to hear how he arrived at his discovery.” open-mindedness to listen to your students and had to leave the act. Bert continued
requests . . . And Mr. Bauval must have working and faithfully shared his earnings
Alverda Ann Muhammad, RN ’91 a pure heart of gold to consider travelling with George until Walker’s death in 1911.
that distance for one day just to speak to us After Walker was no longer a part of his
“I just wanted to send a note of congratula- assembled in the auditorium . . . To impart act, Bert joined the world famous Ziegfeld
tions and thank you for the wonderful pro- that information to us . . . as well as implor- Follies and starred in their productions
gram last night . . . As a graduate of the Uni- ing some of the youth to pursue archeology/ from 1910 to 1919. He created a character
versity, I was thrilled to see UDC sponsoring anthropology, etc. I’m really glad there was a he named “Jonah Man”, the unluckiest man
such an event; truly elevating the image and good showing for him.” in the world, resigned to his fate with a
perception of the institution. More programs rueful self-pity that transcended his color.
of this type in the future, please.” Brenda Featherstone ’78 and ’91 William’s trademark character was actually
his embellished interpretation of the tradi-
Deborah Collins ’07 tional and simplistic darky role of the ante-
bellum American Negro male: but Bert
“OMG! outstanding program! bauval is used this stereotypical plantation character
quite the character, his work speaks volumes to create a fully fleshed-out, multifaceted,
. . . ground breaking with far reaching impli- loveable personality. Bert introduced a
cations.” new persona to the classic dimwit, adding
a dimension that audiences applauded not
Rodrick Darby only for its humor but also for its illustra-
tion of his talents as an actor.
As a single act, Bert Williams was
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
18 | TRILOGY | APRIL/MAY 2011
CONCERT REVIEW
“YOUR
Talib Kweli, LIVE EVERYTHING
MAN”
at Black Cat Two weeks after releasing
his new independent album
Eric M. Price II Rainbows” debuted at 29 on the “Gutter Rainbows” on Janu-
Staff Writer Billboard 200 charts, outstand- ary 25, the Brooklyn native
Dear Editor: uct. Isn’t that what why the fans I am writing you this letter to
The issue of the impend- come to the stadium and pay all First, all the major decisions about explain to you why I think UDC
ing NFL lockout should be null that money to see? Please excuse budgets have been decided by students should get discounts
and void. The National Football me for being repetitive, but with- Congress and the locally elected for riding metro transporta-
League and the NFL Players As- out the player there is no product. officials. The reasons for the major tion. High school students and
sociation have agreed to an exten- The resolution is would be pretty shortfalls have to fall at the feet of senior citizens get discounts, why
sion of their collective bargaining clear cut to me if I was mediat- those making the decisions. And shouldn’t college students get a
agreement that was due to expire ing. I would be first focus on the yet, no one in the decision mak- discount?
on March 4, 20011 at midnight. needs, concerns, and desires of the ing positions has stepped up to Over the last couple of years metro
These negotiations are now being players and then work toward the take the blame. Instead, everyone has made a lot of changes. They
handled by a federal mediator be- middle. Whatever happened to seems to be blaming someone else. went from using paper transfers
cause the two sides are unwilling the business model of investing in In the Congress, either our cur- to only using SmarTrips as your
or unable to find common ground. people first? Too many compa- rent situation is because of Demo- transfer, and if you do not own a
I’m really perplexed about the dif- nies have gotten away from that. cratic decisions or Republican SmarTrip then you pay extra for
ficulty in resolving the matter. Maybe this is the reason that I’m decisions. Both parties are culprits using paper fare cards on the train.
The National Football not a billionaire. in the situation and until the pub- That was not the only change
league is the dominant sport of lic recognizes the blame game is that they made, they have also
our society and generates ap- Perplexed and disgusted, just a farce used by those in power increased the bus and train fare.
proximately $7.8 billion annu- Sherwyn Benjamin as a distraction tactic, and hold There was an increase of ten cents
ally. Each team in the league has those in decision making posi- to metro fare in February 2010,
shown annual revenue earnings of tions accountable, we will always this meant that the train regular
above $200 million, with the top Dear Editor: be paying for their decisions. fare went to $1.75 and the maxi-
three most lucrative teams earning It seems every day we are reading mum fare would be $4.60. And
between $270 and $330 million. When will the American public about excessive spending or perks the student monthly passes were
A NFL player’s annual salary is stop paying for the decisions that are afforded to our elected of- now thirty dollars, day passes were
about $1.8 million. The average made by our elected officials? ficials. It seems common practice now twelve dollars and a ten pack
career length of an NFL player The current federal budget crisis is to eat in expensive restaurants, of tokens for students went up to
is five to seven years and many a prime example of a few citizens drive luxury vehicles or be driv- $6.25. After this increase there was
of them retire with some sort of making decisions that the rest of en, extensive travel, and excellent another increase that happened in
minor permanent injury. Al- the public pays for. In states across benefits packages (salary and the month of August. I am sure
though a great deal, these players the country, citizens are faced with insurance). None of the decision this will not be the last increase in
are living a childhood dream and furloughs, job loss, home loss, making officials have cut their metro rates.
are being compensated lucratively debt, and limited or no healthcare. salaries and benefits. Of course, I understand that metro has to
for it, they subject themselves to Decreases in income and increases when one of them is exposed for increase its rates because of the
an enormous amount of stress in the costs of food, gas, and their excess it is addressed, but economy, but in my opinion I
and physical abuse for the love other commodities are hurting the only then and with limited results. think that metro should give UDC
this game called football. Without middle class. Locally, there have It is imperative at this time that students a discounts since over
them there is no football. been threatened furloughs, freezes we all cut back for the good of the 95% of the students attending the
Why are we wasting this on salaries, and a proposed shut- country. However, the cut backs university are commuting students
kind of energy and news coverage down of the federal government. should start in Congress and with and college students are unable to
on this non-issue? I can under- Most citizens are willing to work our elected officials. It is time for gain access to a monthly student
stand the owners’ concern for together for the good of the coun- the officials to take a stand and set pass. It’s hard enough to pay for
keeping their operating cost down try. However, when the leaders in an example. The cuts should be tuition, but on top of that we have
so that they could invest that Congress and the locally elected as deep as possible, starting with to pay high transportation fees
money to produce a high quality officials do not submit to the same eliminating excessive staff, and all every month to get an education.
product. I’m a little confused but concessions as the public, there is perks. Salaries should be frozen It’s even harder on the students
I thought the player is the prod- something inherently wrong. and no increase until the budget who are not currently employed.
APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 21
TEAM
POSITIONS OPEN FOR THE
CAMPUS NEWSPAPER
WEB MANAGER STAFF WRITERS
COPY EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
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APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 23
3 4 1. Graduate Choir
2. Honorable
Soup Line
3. Chest to chest
4. Officer
Friendlies
5. Kareem the
Giant.
6. Ummm.
7. Uhhhh.
8. The gang’s all
5 7
9 10 11
12
13 14
15 17
16
LOVE POEM
No Goddess
You Know
Ayesha N. Johnson
1
i am not Venus.
although men throw their hearts at
my feet like roses
my kiss petrifies
men; leaving them as he left
me. heartless. empty. hardened.
my body is a
monument representing
the destroyed temple.
Beauty is my bait
used to lure illusionists
who tempt me with joy.
disenthralled i charm,
until frauds reveal themselves,
& turn to stone too.
are just too numerous to list here. fined sugar (in any form) from our diet, and
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
In an America where soft drinks and pro- to provide our body with everything it needs
kidneys, and liver; it causes diabetes, immune cessed (junk) foods are the dietary staples, in for optimal health, thereby reducing our desire
system break down, low blood sugar, hyperten- lieu of fresh fruit, vegetables, fiber rich grains, for sugary sweets. In this way, we can create
sion and learning disorders in children. There legumes and pure water, it is imperative that the healthy habits that will ensure a long and
is evidence that sugar even causes depression, we re-train our taste buds to once again ap- happy life.
muscle soreness (including lower back pain), preciate whole foods. We must learn, and teach
and interference with sweat glands. The effects our children to limit—if not eliminate—re-
APRIL/MAY 2011 | TRILOGY| 27
LOCAL FEATURE
The gentrification of
CHOCOLATE CITY among the black residents of
DC in the 1980’s? Well…the
ceived as impersonal, relentless
and pervasive; characterized by
has been reached and that plan actually does exist; it is an arrogance, condescension
Browsing through any of DC’s daily newspapers, it’s pretty the “Year 2000 Plan” produced and sense of entitlement seldom
much the usual suspects no matter the day of the week; by a regional group of urban seen in the modern era of D.C.
crime, war, politics and the economy. But wait a minute… “think tankers,” municipal types and at all costs real estate values
and consultants. That master cannot be allowed to fall or the
what’s this? There it is again, this time in the Style section…
plan is presently off schedule by whole thing collapses.
another maudlin, avuncular pronouncement of the demise about 10 years in its projection For sure, not all of the
of DC’s African American community. Newspapers in DC of the racial and class composi- new arrivals display these be-
relish the opportunity to forecast the implications of shifting tion of DC in the 21st century. haviors or attributes…but many
demographics. The only variable in the original do. It’s clear that Washington
plan that seems to have been D.C. is not the exclusive object
By Dr. I.B. Thinkin’ unaccounted for is the dramatic of the gentrification phenom-
The underlying idea of these preparation must be made for influx of Latinos. enon. This socio/demographic,
kinds of articles is a feigned a transition in DC that reflects The heady days of “Chocolate revitalizations fervor occurs
regret that the black population this “new” demographic. It’s all City” though, blinded many in other cities as well, and the
of the city seems to be statisti- about political power in our city black residents, not only to “The pattern is essentially the same;
cally declining while wistfully with the prospect of statehood’s Plan,” but also to the trends 1)usually the targeted area is a
acknowledging that an African benefits and all that it entails and transitions that were right poor black enclave 2) houses on
American footprint will likely as a backdrop. At present, the in front of their faces. With the the corners of the block are gen-
remain on the city for some assumption is that everything is assistance of an eager real estate trified first 3) subsequent arriv-
time. With fewer blacks, it is pretty much in the hands of the industry gentrification crept out als fill in the gaps 4) out of state
believed that the culture of the “new arrivals” except for local of Georgetown to Capitol Hill, tags are hurriedly replaced to
city is obligated to change. The governance. Mayor Fenty’s de- to Logan Circle, into LeDroit avoid attention and disclosure of
Census Bureau number crunch- feat was an unexpected setback Park, down Florida Avenue, place of origin 5)utilities are up-
ers, in their infallibility, have for the new agenda, but had across town to near Southeast, graded prior to gentrification, 6)
statistically sounded the death little or no effect, on the gentrifi- up Pennsylvania Avenue and curb and gutter work is done, 7)
knell of “Chocolate City.” So er’s relentless efforts to expunge across the bridge to Minnesota signage is historicized, 8) dogs
what’s new…lol! A few months black folks from the heartbeat Avenue, then to far Southeast proliferate and 9) black folks
ago, Chuck Brown as well as the of DC’s core. Sentiment, rumors and the Navy Yard complex… watch the entire thing from their
popular Go-Go genre he created and innuendo notwithstanding, renaming sections of the city front porches or windows and
in DC, were openly dissed and at the present rate of neighbor- and sweeping poor black peo- wonder what’s next 10) while
counted out in the Style section hood transition, the political ple and their businesses and city leaders laud the increased
of a prominent local newspaper. status quo in DC should see churches invariably into Prince tax base.
But…the report of this music’s dramatic change within the next Georges County. Decades in the The term “Gentrification” is a
death was premature. Shortly decade. Anybody remember making, the process is patient, euphemism. There is nothing
after the news article was pub- the urban legends of “the Plan” in-your-face, self-righteous and chivalrous or virtuous about the
lished, Chuck Brown, promptly that circulated clothed in pastels. process. So, perhaps an opera-
released a hit Go-Go beat re- It’s com- tional definition is best suited
cording with the talented fe- monly to describe this phenomenon. Is
male balladeer, Jill Scott. So per- it possible that gentrification is
what’s going on here…? the “usurpation and appropria-
It looks like a tion of low-income
numbers game is being resi-
used to insinuate that
a racial thresh-
old
28 | TRILOGY | APRIL/MAY 2011
dential areas of a city for the forsaken reason. Occasionally, the of discretionary cash or high limit bubble has left them without
exclusive use and benefit of new new-comers seem to gather and credit cards, featuring, but is not potential buyers for their homes
arrivals who are supported and disperse as if on cue. Many stroll limited to, dog walking, masochis- and they could possibly be unable
encouraged by social, munici- through their new community tic all-weather biking, chatrooms, to afford the new and substantially
pal and financial institutions to with a contrived indifference to Pooper- Scoopers and the ano- higher monthly payments. Cash-
choose to be domiciled as home people and surroundings. Casual nymity of group-think cyberspace ing out of the housing market is
owners in the targeted area to observation of, and modest in- relationships. It’s a generational/ no longer an option. They either
ostensibly reversible urban blight.” teraction with the new neighbors vogue cycle though and if things pursue some kind of accommoda-
A description though, fails to invariably lends itself to unscien- hold true to form, in 15-20 years, tion with the lender or, as is hap-
address the affective side of the tific classification. There seems to city life will lose its appeal and an- pening with increased frequency,
process for the targeted inhabit- be about five or six types of this other trendier pattern will emerge they just walk away from the
ants; bewildering change, soar- urban pioneer: the missionary, and all the virtues of city life will property. So…gentrification, the
ing taxes and the uncertainty of the entitleist, the adventurer, the be cast as vices. That is the nature urban land-rush, may simply run
whether or not they will be able to politico, the opportunist and the of the free market; the artificial out of steam on its own accord
afford to continue to live in their genuine neighbor. In most cases, creation of housing demand, class and fizzle to an ignoble end under
own neighborhood. Gentrification the new comers self-select into imperatives and city-living. the combined weight of a weak
though, is not all negatives. Those these categories. Are these new Is there fairness in the displace- economy, avoidance of risk and a
long-time residents who are able arrivals sincere in their desire to ment of longtime residents for burgeoning cost of living. The new
to remain and keep their homes be Washingtonians or are they what may be a fad? That remains arrivals who really want to be part
point to improved city services, merely taking advantage of a to be determined. Is the potential of the community will probably
increased police presence/protec- situation that they view as ripe for statehood for a predominantly survive the economic turmoil.
tion and a proliferation of ameni- for exploitation? It’s very difficult African American city at the root The speculators and opportun-
ties they seldom use but which to determine the true intent of of this phenomenon? Maybe. Is ists will slink off to new digs in
provide a cosmopolitan ambiance the new arrivals based upon their there a plan at work behind the God-knows-where. And maybe
that was not there before. None- behaviors; the signals are ambigu- gentrification imperative? Only new and old residents can reach
theless, there is something about ous. Moreover, does it even matter the outcome will determine the an accord that allows a residential
the process of gentrification that to the gentrifiers what the long- motives. district to retain a neighborhood’s
grates upon the hearts and minds time residents think of them? The rancor over race and hous- air. Thank you Richard Pryor..
of those who do not view it as Remember that whites will- ing may ultimately be a waste of
progress, but rather as change. fully left D.C. in the late 1950s to energy. In the next year or so, the
The downside: a significant avoid school integration and in second wave of residential fore-
number of gentrifiers do not have the process of relocating, created closures is expected to kick in.
neighborly intentions; many just what is now called the suburbs. These are the loans with balloon
do seem neighborly. Some, not The urban pioneer venture is a payments attached, no-documen-
only don’t speak to or interact reversal of that exodus with poor tation or adjustable rates. Experts
with the established residents, and low-income blacks being are predicting a massive shake-out
in some cases, they do not even involuntarily removed from the of buyers who thought they could
make eye contact with African city to accommodate the process. get in and out of the housing
Americans as they stroll thru City life, no longer glamorized as market with a handsome profit in
the neighborhood. It’s as if the a ghetto experience, has a resur- hand. This unfortunate group, if
new-comers are gathering intel- rected cachet which incorporates they are gentrifiers, is caught in
ligence or engaged in residential a blend of up-scale living made a vicious financial circumstance.
reconnaissance for some god- possible by either large amounts The bursting of the real estate
JUST JOKING:
UDC STAFF SUPERLATIVES
Most Likely to Make You Hate Google - Sandra Jowers
Best Way to Say No “Absolutely, not!” - Ms. Pennamon
Most Likely to Find a Point in History that You Can Relate to for an Hour - Mr. Pinkney
Most Likely to Make You Feel Underdressed - Dr. Ledbetter and Dr. Musgrove
Most Likely to Have a Play on Words With His Name - Trustee Askew
Most Deserving of a Raise in Pay - Ms. Conquest
If These Walls Could Talk Award - The Racketball Courts
Loch Ness Award or Least Likely to Be Found by Phone - Financial Aid Department
Bermuda Triangle Award - Where papers go in but never comeout - Whoever’s in charge of Purchase Orders
Selective Hearing Award for only hearing what they want to hear - The UDC Facebook Wall