Intellectual Framework for the FreethinkerA SpelmAn Spotlight publicAtionTHE BLUEPRINT:

February 2015Vol. 2, No. 3

A Look at What’s Inside: C-SPAN HBCU Tour

p.2

New Sex Trafficking Legislation p.3

VH1 Save The Music p.4

Reflection Turns Experience Into Insight

p.5

Black and Blue p.5

Stocks p.5

Venmo p.5

Why Deep Condition?p.6

[Her]story on Black Sportsp.6

Several faculty members and students at Spelman College erroneously believe that “A Choice To Change The World” has controversially replaced “Our Whole School for Christ.” What many students and faculty members do not know is that “A Choice To Change The World” is Spelman’s tagline and “Our Whole School for Christ” is Spelman’s motto. The tagline accompanies Spelman’s logo while the motto is a part of Spelman’s seal. Both coexist with different purposes and functions.

The seal is used for formal college events and official college documents such as transcripts, Presidential Inaugurations, commencement programs, Founders’ Day, diplomas,

Trustee citations, and honorary degrees among other things. Faculty who facilitated the branding process of the tagline emphasize that the motto and the seal are sacred and will not be replaced with the tagline.

Tomika DePriest, Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, served as Executive Director of the Office of Communications during the branding process of the tagline “A Choice To Change The World.” The logo and tagline are used in conjunction as the “chief identifying mark for all of the College’s communication and marketing materials to the public,”DePriest said. “The logo appears on all institutional publications,

Question 1: Is President Obama doing enough for the Black Community? Why or why not?

“Often times, I think that we forget President Obama is a bureaucrat. While he happens to be Black he is still an elected official subject to participate in white electoral politics. While I am disappointed, I do understand he is more of a symbol rather than radical leader.” – Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

“I can’t give an assertive ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Frankly, I’m not sure. There are certainly times when I wished he would have been more assertive and courageous with issues regarding race, but I also understand that he walks a fine line. Everything he does is under scrutiny,

and he has to consider the implications of each decision.

“I think it’s important that we also consider what it actually means for Obama to ‘do something for the Black community.’ Everything that may positively affect our community isn’t going to explicitly be a Black initiative. Issues that he has prioritized, like healthcare and education, are extremely important to us, just as they are for other communities.” – Danielle N. Moody C’2015

“To start, President Obama is the leader of the free world. He has an official and initial obligation to the American people as a whole. That is who he pledged to serve when he took the Oath of Office.

Before the show Sorority Sisters aired this past winter, the Greek community vocalized its outrage through social media. This was mostly due to the fact that the show was to be aired on VH1 and was produced by Mona Scott-Young who almost always has an overarching theme of drama and fighting. Almost no organization wants these character traits associated with their members. Despite the disapproval from the Black Greek community, the show still aired on Dec. 15, 2014.

The Black Greek community was outraged. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Council of Presidents issued a letter regarding the show:

“As leaders of the four historically African-American sororities, we are

united in our belief that Sorority Sisters, which aired Monday, December 15, 2014 on VH1, poses a shameful affront to our proud legacies of service, scholarship and sisterhood.”

The letter goes on to say that “…we are saddened by the producers’ desire to elevate harmful, negative, and stereotypical imagery of African-American women in their quest for ratings.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Council of Presidents condemned the cast and show for being antithetical to the values of African-American/Black women, sorority sisters and friends. The group encouraged members, friends and families to continue to raise their voice via social media, email

Our Whole School for Christ vs.

A Choice to Change the World

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE

Sorority Sisters – CANCELLED

By: Ayanna Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-In-Chief

By: Jasmine M. Ellis C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief and Ayanna Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief

By: Ashanna Morris C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff

Our Whole School For Christ

V.S.

A Choice To Change The World

By: Ayanna Runcie C’2015

Co- Editor in Chief

The Spelman College Seal

Several faculty members and students at Spelman College erroneously believe that “A Choice To Change The World” has controversially replaced “Our Whole School for Christ.” What many students and faculty members do not know is that “A Choice To Change The World” is Spelman’s tagline and “Our Whole School for Christ” is Spelman’s motto. The tagline accompanies Spelman’s logo while the motto is a part of Spelman’s seal. Both coexist with different purposes and functions.

The seal is used for formal college events and official college documents such as transcripts, Presidential Inaugurations, commencement programs, Founders’ Day, diplomas, Trustee citations, and honorary degrees among other things. Faculty who facilitated the branding process of the tagline emphasize that the motto and the seal are sacred and will not be replaced with the tagline.

Tomika DePriest, Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, served as Executive Director of the Office of Communications during the branding process of the

continued on page 3... continued on page 4...

continued on page 2...The Spelman College Seal

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATECompiled By: Jasmine M. Ellis C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief and Ayanna

Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief

Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

Danielle N. Moody C’2015

Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATECompiled By: Jasmine M. Ellis C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief and Ayanna

Runcie C’2015, Co Editor-in-Chief

Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

Danielle N. Moody C’2015

Danielle N. Moody C’2015

Rabiah Elisa C’2015

Rabiah Elisa C’2015

Sorority Sisters – CANCELLEDBy: Ashanna Morris C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff   

 

Sorority Sisters – CANCELLEDBy: Ashanna Morris C’2018 and The BluePrint Staff   

 

2 February 2015 SpelmanPaper@gmail.com The BluePrint

promotional merchandise and apparel, advertising, signs, web and other electronic communication.”

“We have always had a logo and we have always had a seal, as is the case with many institutions,” said Renita Mathis, Director of Interactive Communications, who served as the Director of Marketing during the time the tagline was branded. “The tagline that accompanies the logo wasn’t to replace the motto on the seal.”

In 2007 Spelman hired a branding firm to help develop the tagline as a part of its marketing trademark.

“The tagline should not be mistaken for the seal,” said Jo Moore Stewart, Director of Spelman College Publications, who was also an integral part of the branding and marketing of the tagline. Stewart was so impressed with Sarah Stephens,’ C’2007, composition

of We Are Christmas that she asked Stephens to write the lyrics for the song A Choice to Change the World.

Kevin Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of music and director of the Spelman College Glee Club, wrote the music. The song debuted during the 2008 Founders’ Day ceremony. This song alongside the Spelman logo and tagline helps market the college while the Spelman Hymn alongside the Spelman seal and motto remain as sacred articles of the Spelman community.

Coverage on a national scale is always a big deal for any private college. This past week C-SPAN Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour Bus came to Spelman College to showcase the great leadership and students that walk our campus.

C-SPAN’s 45-foot customized Bus visited Spelman College Feb. 12 as a part of C-SPAN’s HBCU Tour. Students, professors, and area residents stepped aboard the Bus to learn about the public affairs network’s programs and resources, including its in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress and the American political process. Through exhibits, students and educators learned how to utilize C-SPAN’s comprehensive online educational resources and services, including C-SPAN.org.

“I’m always looking to see Spelman being put in a positive light, especially on a national scale,”Faith Janae Lyons said.

Spelman College President Beverly Daniel Tatum was interviewed in the mobile studio on the bus as a participant in C-SPAN’s Washington Journal flagship

morning program. During the segment Tatum discussed the criminal justice system, female leadership in the civil rights movement, and the opportunities a women’s college provides.

The Bus, now in its 22nd year on the road, partners with local cable providers to visit schools and community events across the country. During the tour, the Bus visited Howard University on Feb. 4th, Hampton University on Feb. 5th, Fisk University on Feb. 10th, Morehouse College on Feb. 11th, Spelman College on Feb. 12th, Florida A&M University on Feb.

Chief Editors Ayanna Runcie, Co Editor-In-Chief Jasmine Ellis, Co Editor-In-ChiefErin Gloster, Copy Editor

Business TeamCorinne Walker, Public Relations Director Eboni Ellis & Achaia Moore, Social MediaMarli Crowe, Advertisment & Distribution Manager

AdvisorKeena M. McClendon, Journalism Advisor Kimberly M. Ferguson, Dean of Students

Section EditorsLaDarien Gillette, Current EventsMia Anderson, Health & WellnessJordan Watters, SportsChonise Bass, Religious & Spiritual LifeClarissa Brooks, Arts & EntertainmentSofia Walton, Fashion & BeautyAnsley Carlisle, OnlineKalin Tate, OnlineTyra A. Seals, Campus LifeTyler A. Lee, Business & FinanceAdrian (AJ) Thomas, Opinions

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Mission StatmentTHE BLUEPRINT:It is the mission of The BluePrint to serve as a profound forum that fortifies understanding, unity, and advocacy throughout the Spelman and greater AUC community. The BluePrint strives to produce innovative, fair, and creative journalism that helps its readers understand the nation and world through the lens of African-American and Black Women.

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CAMPUS LIFE & Current Eventstagline “A Choice To Change The World.” The logo and tagline are used in conjunction as the “chief identifying mark for all of the College's communication and marketing materials to the public,”DePriest said. “The logo appears on all institutional publications, promotional merchandise and apparel, advertising, signs, web and other electronic communication.”

The Spelman College logo courtesy of Spelman.edu

“We have always had a logo and we have always had a seal, as is the case with many institutions,” said Renita Mathis, Director of Interactive Communications, who served as the Director of Marketing during the time the tagline was branded. “The tagline that accompanies the logo wasn’t to replace the motto on the seal.”

In 2007 Spelman hired a branding firm to help develop the tagline as a part of its marketing trademark.

“The tagline should not be mistaken for the seal,” said Jo Moore Stewart, Director of Spelman College Publications, who was also an integral part of the branding and marketing of the tagline. Stewart was so impressed with Sarah Stephens,’ C’2007, composition of We Are Christmas that she asked Stephens to write the lyrics for the song A Choice to Change the World.

Sarah Stephens C’2007 courtesy of spelman.edu

The Spelman College logo courtesy of Spelman.edu

C-SPAN HBCU Tour

By: Clarissa Brooks C’2018, Arts and Entertainment Section Editor

Campus Life/ February 2015

Coverage on a national scale is always a big deal for any private college. This past week C-SPAN Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour Bus came to Spelman College to showcase the great leadership and students that walk our campus.

C-SPAN’s 45-foot customized Bus visited Spelman College Feb. 12 as a part of C-SPAN’s HBCU Tour. Students, professors, and area residents will step aboard the Bus to learn about the public affairs network’s programs and resources, including its in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress and the American political process. Through exhibits, students and educators learned how to utilize C-SPAN’s comprehensive online educational resources and services, including C-SPAN.org.

...continued from page 1 C-SPAN HBCU TourBy: Clarissa Brooks C’2018, Arts and Entertainment Section Editor

continued on page 3...

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com February 2015 3The BluePrint

President Jimmy Carter spoke at Clark Atlanta University on Feb. 13th about the issue of violence against women. He discussed rape and sexual assault against college students, female genital mutilation, child bribes, and child sex trafficking. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), the buying and selling of minors for sexual acts has recently received a lot of public attention throughout Georgia.

President Carter highlighted the fact that Atlanta is among the top 14 cities in the U.S. for domestic minor sex trafficking, partly as a result of the city’s international airport.

On Lobby Day, Thursday Feb. 12th, over 500 advocates for the abolishment of DMST gathered at the Capitol. They advocated for the passing of Senate Bill 8 and Senate Resolution 7 (SR 7). Senate Bill 8 included new laws that no longer prosecute “child prostitutes” but instead treat them like victims and give them the support and rehabilitation that they needed.

The bill will also extend the statute of limitations for victims to press charges against the trafficker from the age of 23

to their 25th birthday, require traffickers to register on the state’s sex offender registry and allow for the forfeiture of vehicles used to transport victims. In addition, the bill will fine traffickers an extra $2,500 and tax adult entertainment industries an additional $5,000.

The companion SR 7 will ask voters statewide for permission to create the new state fund and use it solely to help trafficking victims. Because SR 7 proposes amending the Georgia Constitution, it required a higher bar to pass the Legislature, including a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Both of these bills are strongly supported by anti-trafficking groups and passed the Senate by a 52 to 3 vote.

The next stop is the House of Representatives where it may be more difficult to pass with the increased opposition from adult entertainment industries. The bill is refers to as HB 244 or nicknamed as The Safe Harbor Law/Rachel’s Act, named after a survivor who had spoken to representatives on the behalf of all survivors and current victims. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution the bill only has a 34 percent chance of passing. “Slavery is more prevalent today than it ever was,” –President Jimmy Carter.

For more information on how you can get involved in the fight to help end domestic minor sex trafficking please contact LaDarrien Gillette at lgillet1@scmail.spelman.edu

17th, Tuskegee University on Feb. 18th, and Xavier University of Louisiana on Feb. 19th.

Similar to C-SPAN’s Big 10 and Big 12 Bus Tours in 2014, the C-SPAN HBCU Tour hopes to highlight the substantial role these institutions have had within America’s higher education system, and connect students and professors with C-SPAN’s educational resources.

“I’m always looking to see Spelman being put in a positive light, especially on a national scale,”Faith Janae Lyons said.

Spelman College President Beverly Daniel Tatum was interviewed in the mobile studio on the bus as a participant in C-SPAN’s Washington Journal flagship morning program. During the segment Tatum discussed the criminal justice system, female leadership in the civil rights movement, and the opportunities a women’s college provides.

The Bus, now in its 22nd year on the road, partners with local cable providers to visit schools and community events across the country. During the tour, the Bus visited Howard University on Feb. 4th, Hampton University on Feb. 5th, Fisk University on Feb. 10th, Morehouse College on Feb. 11th, Spelman College on Feb. 12th, Florida A&M University on Feb. 17th, Tuskegee University on Feb. 18th, and Xavier University of Louisiana on Feb. 19th.

Similar to C-SPAN's Big 10 and Big 12 Bus Tours in 2014, the C-SPAN HBCU Tour hopes to highlight the substantial role these institutions have had within America's higher education system, and connect students and professors with C-SPAN's educational resources.

New Sex Trafficking Legislation

By: LaDarrien Gillete C’2014, Current Events Section Editor

...continued from page 2

President Obama is a Black man, a fact that we can all see and has shaken the Grand Old Party to its core, but he is not just a Black man and we are not his only focus.”

“Though his presidency exemplifies a profound historical context for African-Americans, he also stands as a change agent and answered prayer for all minorities and he has surely tackled some hot-button minority issues. President Obama championed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as his very first bill signed into law.”

“Then came the Affordable Care Act which has primarily and directly benefited African-American families and those of lower socioeconomic status disproportionately plighted by health risks. He did this despite a nation of criticism and utter disrespect. President Obama has increased open dialogue, funding and feeder programs for HBCUs.

“More than any other administration in history, President Obama has defended the rights of LGBT and Trans Americans. He repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, put an end to DOMA, and signed an executive order to protect LGBT workers.

“President Obama’s equality expansion across the spectrum of minority demographics has been nothing short of ‘enough.’ In terms of specific concerns of the Black community, more could and should be done. There’s no reason young Black men and women can be shot down dead and choked in the streets by the same people who wear a ‘badge of honor’ vowing to protect us, without facing legal consequences.

“ Not nearly “enough” has been done in this regard. Though President Obama has addressed this egregious abuse of power and put forth an attempt at curtailing rogue police behavior via camera surveillance, this, we know, is not enough. We are witnessing the rise of Fascism and far more urgency, concern and effective regulation needs to be implemented within our flawed law enforcement system.” – Rabiah Elisa C’2015

Question 2: Do you think that Dr. Tatum has done enough for the Spelman community? Why or why not?

“Dr. Tatum has fundraised for the college. Considering the state of other HBCUs that are not as fiscally responsible or financially stable - it’s important that Spelman can stay relevant when HBCUs are targeted through federal funding cuts

and disregard in the public eye. We so often compare Tatum to Cole and since Cole was exceptionally phenomenal and ‘Sister Prez’ her charisma is just a hard personality to upstage.” – Christine M. Slaughter C’2015

“Yes. Dr. Tatum has been at Spelman for a long time, and the school has improved tremendously during her tenure. From new buildings and renovations to raising a record-breaking $157.8 million, a lot of great things have happened for the college with her leading it. She’s created a great legacy, and I don’t think she gets enough credit and recognition for her accomplishments. The reality is, Spelman is stronger with her than it was without her, and she

has set a strong foundation for the next president.” – Danielle N. Moody C’2015

“Dr. Tatum came to Spelman the same year my sister started Spelman. She has since then championed fundraising and increased donations to the school. She has kept the school #1 in Us news, reports and reputation,

and has increased the digital and social presence of the college immensely.

“Dr. Tatum emphasized the importance of being ‘free-thinking’ and ‘global’ women in 2010. While continuing that empowerment, Dr. Tatum has also turned the campus communities attention to being healthy women, who are not only sustainable intellectually, but physically, spiritually and emotionally as well.

“Spelman’s overall attraction and presence has grown vastly under Dr. Tatum and the administration’s leadership with high profile actors, of both the alumnae and greater community, regularly visiting and speaking with current students. Additionally, Spelman’s museum is now a reputable attraction on campus for both students and visitors.

“In short, yes. Dr. Tatum has done ‘enough’ for the Spelman community. However, while there have been a great many gains, there have also been an oversight of past and current programs and departments from which the students of Spelman would truly benefit.

“These include but are not limited to: the lack of funding to International Studies; withdrawal of Spelman’s sports teams; a Communications major; and the reinstatement of on-campus teacher preparation programs for Education Studies majors; and accessibility into certain buildings for disabled persons. This being said, every school has room for improvement and growth irrespective of its prestige or how far it has come along.” – Rabiah Elisa C’2015

THE BLUEPRINT’S GREAT DEBATE

...continued from page 1 CAMPUS LIFE &

Current Events

4 February 2015 SpelmanPaper@gmail.com The BluePrint

ARTS & Entertainment

On Jan. 30th the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on Morehouse College was filled with a variety of people. From students, vocalists, and parents, the audience was ready for a great show.

The VH1 Save the Music Benefit Concert was hosted by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., Xi Eta Chapter. This is the 3rd annual concert spearheaded by the organization. A portion of the proceeds raised from the concert will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The Foundation organizes the teaching of jazz and classical music to children in underprivileged communities and underfunded schools across the country.

The Concert involved students from across the Atlanta University Center. The entire show was filled with performances by students and surprising featured artists, including singing, dancing and spoken word. “I’m excited to see the audience’s reaction because we’ve all worked so hard to make a great show.” said Keith Asberry, Morehouse sophomore

Some of the show’s most important

highlights included Michael J. Butler “James Bambu” performing a duet with Miss Spelman, Courtnie Mack. Mack and Bambu serenaded the crowd with an India Arie ballad. Miss Maroon & White, Brittany “Reeci” Botts did spoken word. Her performance addressed the trials, injustice and crime towards blacks. Denzel Fields’ did a rendition of the song ‘Glory’.

Spelman had a very real and special presence at the VH1 Save the Music Benefit Concert as many Spelman students were involved as backup dancers, poets and vocalists. In fact, some students performed with Oliver Twist, Morehouse student and rapper, as he showcased his latest singles.

The VH1 Save the Music Benefit Concert, hosted by Phi Mu Alpha, provided a stage for voices and acts that the AUC may have not otherwise have been exposed to. “The show really brought to light some great student artists I would have never interacted with before,” said Christine Singleton, first year student and Morehouse band member.

VH1 Save The MusicBy: Clarissa Brooks C’2018, Arts and Entertainment Section Editor

and snail mail regarding Sorority Sisters, VH1 and its advertisers.

Advertisers began to pull advertisements from VH1. In a radio appearance, K. Michelle stated, “I am a Delta. I have acted a fool on TV; but at the same time, I didn’t do it with Delta Sigma Theta tatted on my back in front of people. You don’t get on TV in the name of women that  came before us and do what you are doing. Especially at a time when our Black community is struggling so much with things, the sororities and fraternities are the one thing we look to in college that uplift the community.”

While some agree wholeheartedly with K. Michelle’s stance, some non-Greek members believed that the show was a decent representation of the women in their everyday lives, showing that they are not perfect.

After just four episodes, VH1 pulled the series and played the rest of the season on Friday, January 16th. The cast members, in a VH1 special, expressed that they would have shown the world the positive value of sororities and their ability to work together and support one another as Black women had the show continued to air.

So What Do You Think?

“Sorority sisters was terrible. It didn’t have a real storyline other than just creating drama. It was a bad idea.” – Alaya N. Martin, C’ 2017

“The brief part that I did see was not a reflection of sorority life and was degrading to Black women in general and our sisters in sororities. It showed how mainstream media continues to negatively portray Black women.” – Bria Brady King, C’2015, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Eta Kappa Chapter

“The show in itself had the potential to be something great for the Black Greek community. Because they entitled it Sorority Sisters, it made it all the more difficult to be representative of the community. The women on the show knew better than to represent themselves and their organizations in such an exploitive way. They engaged in something that was not positively reflective of Black women and Black sororities. They should have refrained from participating, especially once they got the general direction or focus of the show.” – Courtney Mack , C’2015, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Pi Chapter

“I think the show was ridiculous. It was a gross misrepresentation of the Black women and the community. Specifically, how women and sororities interact with each other, especially after graduation.” – Ce Ce Lee, C’2016

“It was amazing how the Greek community came together as a powerful network of concerned citizens to get the Sorority Sisters show cancelled. But why is it that the same power is not being coalesced to address similar shows that negatively depict Black women and the Black community like Love and Hip Hop and Atlanta Housewives?” – Aisha Hitson, SGA Advisor and Program Coordinator, Student Life & Engagement

After just four episodes, VH1 pulled the series and played the rest of the season on Friday, January 16th. The cast members, in a VH1 special, expressed that they would have shown the world the positive value of sororities and their ability to work together and support one another as Black women had the show continued to air.

So What Do You Think?

“Sorority sisters was terrible.  It didn’t have a real storyline other than just creating drama.  It was a bad idea.”  – Alaya N. Martin, C’ 2017

Alaya N. Martin

“It was amazing how the Greek community came together as a powerful network of concerned citizens to get the Sorority Sisters show cancelled.  But why is it that the same power is not being coalesced to address similar shows that negatively depict Black women and the Black community like Love and Hip Hop and Atlanta Housewives?”  - Aisha Hitson, SGA Advisor and Program Coordinator, Student Life & Engagement

Aisha Hitson

“The brief part that I did see was not a reflection of sorority life and was degrading to Black women in general and our sisters in sororities.  It showed how mainstream media continues to negatively portray Black women.”   –Bria Brady King, C’2015, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Eta Kappa Chapter

Bria Brady King

“The show in itself had the potential to be something great for the Black Greek community.  Because they entitled it Sorority Sisters, it made it all the more difficult to be representative of the community.  The women on the show knew better than to represent themselves and their organizations in such an exploitive way.  They engaged in something that was not positively reflective of Black women and Black sororities.  They should have refrained from participating, especially once they got the general direction or focus of the show.”-Courtney Mack , C’2015, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Pi Chapter

Courtney Mack

“I think the show was ridiculous.  It was a gross misrepresentation of the Black women and the community.  Specifically, how women and sororities interact with each other, especially after graduation.”  – Ce Ce Lee, C’2016

Ce Ce Lee

...continued from page 1

SpelmanPaper@gmail.com February 2015 5The BluePrint

The infamous Dow Jones Industrial Average is an index of 30 leading publicly traded American companies. The increases and decreases of the Dow average are indicators of the economic health of the United States economy. Below are companies that recruit on Spelman’s campus and their stock prices as of the Feb 20th day close.

On February 4th, Sisters Chapel hosted the last of four events in the Faith, Leadership, and the Formation of Intellectual Activism series. This program in particular was a panel that featured Dr. Jeanne Meadows, Dr. Donna Harper, and Dr. Cynthia Spence, three of Spelman’s finest faculty members.

The amount of wisdom shared with the audience was invaluable. Dr. Harper spoke first, and she covered about six themes. From Divine Guidance to Weariness at Work, she used her life as a testimony to her faith. At one point during the speech she instructed the 22 members of the audience to “Thank God in advance for the things you so desire.”

These words can be touching

to students because despite all of the midterm preparations, random projects or assignments that professors like to throw, they know that their path is already laid out for them. If students want something, like that stellar GPA or active social life, or even free Chick-fil-A every once in a while, and work really hard at it, their destination is reached before they even begin their journey.

Dr. Meadows and Dr. Spence also gave powerful lessons through their life experiences. Dr. Meadows spoke on her childhood illness and triumph while Dr. Spence used her Catholic Background as a framework and explanation for the way she approaches life and what she has gained.

“Love ain’t pain / Love ain’t fear / Love ain’t bruises / Love ain’t tears / Love ain’t a two in the morning phone call / Phone call to 911 / Love ain’t fear for your life day and night /Isolated from your loved ones /And I know it ain’t makeup to cover your scars /Compromising who you are.” -Raheem DeVaughn

When I first heard these lyrics by DeVaughn, I could not help but smile. I was filled with a sense of pride. I imagined some woman hearing these lyrics for the first time, and in that moment, finding the strength to remove herself from an abusive situation.

Everything about this song, appropriately entitled Black and Blue, made me feel good as a woman, not

simply because a Black man sang it, although that was icing on the cake; it was the fact that this Black man made a choice to change the narrative. Surely you know the narrative to which I am referring, the one that has become commonplace in throughout media and that would have the world believe that all Black men are violent and abusive animals who, with one strike of a fist, render their girlfriends, fiancés, and wives unconscious in elevators.

Allow me to be clear. I am not downplaying nor dismissing the reality that the immense evil domestic violence exists within the Black community. I also understand that the topic is taboo. Most of us do not like to talk about it, either out of fear, embarrassment, or some combination of both.

However, truth be told, abuse is not a “Black” issue. Transcendent of race, it is a human issue, one that affects women of every nationality and socioeconomic background. What affects one, affects us all.

For many, it is hard to fathom: “I love you, yet I hit you.” It almost seems like an oxymoron. However, as I type these words, I wonder if any of my Spelman sisters have been, or are currently being,

Stocks

Venmo: The App That Solves Everything?

Reflection Turns Experience Into Insight

Black and Blue

By: Tyler A. Lee C’2015, Business and Finance Section Editor

By: Tyler A. Lee C’2015, Business and Finance Section Editor

By: Chonise Bass C’2018, Religious and Spiritual Life Editor

By: Karimah Noble C’2015, Ped Scholar

“Black and Blue”

By: Karimah Noble C’2015, Ped Scholar

via flickr creative commons

“Love ain't pain / Love ain't fear / Love ain't bruises / Love ain't tears / Love ain't a two in the morning phone call / Phone call to 911 / Love ain't fear for your life day and night / Isolated from your loved ones / And I know it ain't makeup to cover your scars / Compromising who you are.” -Raheem DeVaughn

When I first heard these lyrics by DeVaughn, I could not help but smile. I was filled with a sense of pride. I imagined some woman hearing these lyrics for the first time, and in that moment, finding the strength to remove herself from an abusive situation.

Everything about this song, appropriately entitled Black and Blue, made me feel good as a woman, not simply because a Black man sang it, although that was icing on the cake; it was the fact that this Black man made a choice to change the narrative. Surely you know the narrative to which I am referring, the one that has become commonplace in throughout media and that would have the world believe that all Black men are violent and abusive animals who, with one strike of a fist, render their girlfriends, fiancés, and wives unconscious in elevators.

BUSINESS & Finance

BAC Procter & Gamble Co. 84.87GS The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 191.51JPM JP Morgan Chase & Co 59.80IBM Int’l Business Machines 163.65NKE Nike 94.93GE General Electric 25.21MSFT Microsoft Corp 43.86CSCO Cisco System Inc 29.61

OPINIONS

RELIGION & Spiritual Life

affected by domestic violence. I can just hear you all now, “Oh no!

Not Spelman women! Maybe those other women, but not Speeelman women!” Who exactly those “other women” are, I have no clue, but I am willing to bet that at least one person reading these words can relate, or knows someone that can. If you happen to be someone who allows these lyrics by DeVaughn to penetrate the depths of your soul. Allow them to resonate so deeply that you not only believe them, but also live them: “Love is courage / Love is hope / Love is facing all your fears / Love is strength in seeking help / Love is the joy inside your tears / Love is help to lend a hand / Being loved by a real man / Love is this, from me to you / ‘Cause I would never put my hands on you.”

Irrespective of race, this is the

mantra that a real man lives by. And if you are involved with anyone that believes and/or behaves contrary to it, just know (and be clear) that you are not dealing with a real man. Understand that a healthy relationship does not require you to compromise your dignity, self-respect, or honor. If it asks you to, it is not (nor was it ever) a real relationship to begin with.

If I can offer my fellow Spelmanites any advice to take along with you on your journey at Spelman and throughout life, it would be this: Become acquainted with your worth. As a matter of fact, become intimately acquainted; bosom buddies. Once you do, not only will you live by DeVaughn’s lyrics- never allowing yourself to be abused, misused, or devalued- but you will also accept nothing less than to be treated like the queen that you are.

Stress management, different ways of thinking, and the inevitable rule that every penny counts are all taught throughout the four years of undergraduate college. The costs of tuition, books, room and board, and food is quite expensive and sometimes the only way to get by is with a little help from friends, family and Spelman sisters.

The Venmo app is a revolutionary application for microloans and allows the user access to grant or receive payment free of charge. Venmo has created a mechanism for convenient, virtual, monetary exchange that can be utilized nationally.

By a tap of a screen, the $14.50 you owe your friend for lunch will be transferred directly into their account and virtually erases the ever-daunting trip to the store to purchase overpriced gum to receive change after withdrawing from an ATM.

Created by the owners of PayPal, Venmo creates a money trail between users, provides an insight on friends’

transactions, and helps the user keep track of their transactions.

Virtual banking and transactions have provided efficiency and convenience to a process that was once tedious, but provided a feeling of security.

Fortunately, Venmo accounted for security skepticism and created the cash out method. To hold an account the user inputs their account information by linking the app to their pre-existing online banking ID, and when transactions occur they do so between users and not to direct accounts. When the user is ready to retrieve their funds they do so independently.

Furthermore, the financial stresses of college will always be there but at least there is an app to make financial transactions a little easier.

Raheem DeVaughn

6 February 2015 SpelmanPaper@gmail.com The BluePrint

FASHION & Beauty

Deep conditioning is important—it is the process of fortifying hair with protein and nutrients. When hair feels dry or brittle, it is usually a sign that deep conditioning is needed.

It is important to apply conditioner to the hair but to avoid the scalp. Applying conditioner into the scalp creates clogged pores, prevents scalp circulation and cause limp hair. Moreover, conditioners come in many formulas for different hair types: thick, thin, oily, color-treated, dry, frizzy, etc. So, picking the correct formula is a necessity for a “good hair day.”

Specialty conditioners range from reconstructors that volumize hair to color treated conditioners that deep condition.  Heated Treatments!Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

($16.95)Heat treatments are the apex of deep conditioning processes. They deeply penetrate the hair to really moisturize and strengthen the hair, and they are pretty fun to do! This treatment

works best with a plastic cap and left on for 20 minutes. Great for all hair types!

Curly Beauties Read on!Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner ($20.00)This deep conditioner has banana extract

that helps soften hair and rich oils that help smooth and protect the hair shaft. This hibiscus extract has moisturizing

properties, and this creamy conditioner smells delicious!

For the girls with dryer hair!EDEN Body Works JojOba Deep Conditioner ($9.99)This deep conditioner is made with coconut, jojoba and mono to

replenish hair strength and restore dry, damaged hair, resulting in healthier hair.

For the low maintenance chicks!DevaCare One Condition ($17.95)

This conditioner is the one-stop-shop for who are more relaxed about their hair. DevaCare One Condition is a leave-in deep conditioner that provides maximum moisture for healthy hair.

For quick results!Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep ($7.00) For over worked, chemically processed hair! For only a three minute routine, this Aussie product deeply penetrates damaged hair with natural Australian aloe for the best results.

For over worked, chemically processed hair!

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner ($4.96)This conditioner is a quick one minute rinse that is proven to hydrate and moisturize even the most over-processed and severely dry hair.

By: Sofia Walton C’2018 , Fashion and Beauty Section Editor

Why Deep Condition?

Curly Beauties Read on!

For the low maintenance chicks! For over worked, chemically processed hair!

For the girls with dryer hair!

For quick results!

A ball of fire on the court, Lynette Woodard left an imprint in basketball history by becoming the first female member of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in 1985.

A Wichita, Kansas native born August 12, 1959, Woodard began playing basketball as a pre-teen with lessons from her older brother. She was a standout high school athlete receiving national attention as an All-American.

Woodard attended the University of Kansas (KU) where she was a stellar athlete for the women’s basketball team all four years. To this day, she is the leading scorer in women’s college basketball with 3,649 points.

Woodard earned a spot on the 1980 Olympic women’s basketball team. However, due to the U.S.-led 1980 Olympic boycott, she was unable to compete. Woodard returned to KU and graduated in 1981.

Three years after graduating, Woodard was selected for the 1984 Olympic women’s basketball team. She

helped her team win the gold medal—the first time for team USA women’s basketball.

Looking to expand their fan base and gain popularity, the Harlem Globetrotters sought the addition of a female player to their roster. Woodard made the team after a competitive tryout

process. She traveled with the club for two years and played an equal amount of time as her male teammates.

Woodard continued playing basketball overseas in Italy and Japan from the late-1980s to early-1990s. Before retiring, she joined the newly formed WNBA in 1997, playing with the

Cleveland Rockers and the Detroit Shock one season each.

Since leaving the court as a player, Woodard has been inducted into numerous hall of fames including: the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (1990), the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2002), and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2005). For Woodard’s untouchable basketball legacy, her story is iconic in Black sports history.

[Her]story on Black Sports: Lynette Woodard

By: Jordan Watters C’2015, Sports Section Editor

At the onset of the 21st century, a young and vibrant Vonetta Flowers slid into history by becoming the first person of African descent to win a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics. In the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Flowers and her teammate Jill Bakken finished first in the inaugural Women’s Olympic bobsled event, with 1 minute 48 seconds time.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Flowers was a tri-athlete in high school, playing volleyball, basketball, and running track. On the track, she shattered records and won numerous titles and awards, earning a scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Flowers won 35 Conference Championship awards at UAB, as well as conference titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and triple jump.

As a prolific runner and sprinter, Flowers qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1996 and 2000. However, she did not

make the team either year.Just when Flowers thought it was

over, her husband Johnny came across a flyer encouraging track and field athletes to tryout for the USA Bobsled team. The couple decided to accompany one another in the tryout, but Johnny—a former track and field

athlete, too—injured himself and was unable to finish the competition.

Flowers kept the faith and mastered the 6-event bobsled test, some of which included sprinting, jumping and throwing a shot. At 26 years old, Flowers soon found herself dominating a brand new sport.

February 19, 2002 will forever be a historic day in black sports history. Since becoming an Olympian, Flowers has been inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, as well as coached track and field at her alma mater UAB.

Her story is truly iconic.

[Her]story on Black Sports: Vonetta FlowersBy: Jordan Watters C’2015, Sports Section Editor

SPORTS

[Her]story on Black Sports: Lynette WoodardBy: Jordan Watters, C’2015, Sports Section Editor

Lynette Woodard via www.wnba.com

A ball of fire on the court, Lynette Woodard left an imprint in basketball history by becoming the first female member of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in 1985.

A Wichita, Kansas native born August 12, 1959, Woodard began playing basketball as a pre-teen with lessons from her older brother. She was a standout high school athlete receiving national attention as an All-American.

Woodard attended the University of Kansas (KU) where she was a stellar athlete for the women’s basketball team all four years. To this day, she is the leading scorer in women’s college basketball with 3,649 points.

Woodard earned a spot on the 1980 Olympic women’s basketball team. However, due to the U.S.-led 1980 Olympic boycott, she was unable to compete. Woodard returned to KU and graduated in 1981.

Three years after graduating, Woodard was selected for the 1984 Olympic women’s basketball team. She helped her team win the gold medal—the first time for team USA women’s basketball.

Looking to expand their fan base and gain popularity, the Harlem Globetrotters sought the addition of a female player to their roster. Woodard made the team after a competitive tryout process. She traveled with the club for two years and played an equal amount of time as her male teammates.

[Her]story on Black Sports: Vonetta Flowers

By: Jordan Watters, C’2015, Sports Section Editor

Vonetta Flowers via www.womenssportsfoundation.org

At the onset of the 21st century, a young and vibrant Vonetta Flowers slid into history by becoming the first person of African descent to win a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics. In the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Flowers and her teammate Jill Bakken finished first in the inaugural Women’s Olympic bobsled event, with 1 minute 48 seconds time.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Flowers was a tri-athlete in high school, playing volleyball, basketball, and running track. On the track, she shattered records and won numerous titles and awards, earning a scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Flowers won 35 Conference Championship awards at UAB, as well as conference titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and triple jump.

As a prolific runner and sprinter, Flowers qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1996 and 2000. However, she did not make the team either year.

Just when Flowers thought it was over, her husband Johnny came across a flyer encouraging track and field athletes to tryout for the USA Bobsled team. The couple decided to accompany one another in the tryout, but Johnny—a former track and field athlete, too—injured himself and was unable to finish the competition.

Lynette Woodard

Vonetta Flowers