Campus, News, Opinion, Uncategorized

Who Was Here First?

By Kyla-Journey Womack

UMass Amherst’s Office of Equity and Inclusion home page states this:

” In a year-long consultative and deeply collaborative process with respected advisors from local Tribal Nations, the UMass Native Advisory Council co-developed this campus Land Acknowledgement. This Land Acknowledgement affirms our campus connection and relationship to the land the campus is built upon and our continued connection to the Nations who were the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land. The Land Acknowledgement also affirms our connection and responsibility to the 82 Native Nations west of the Mississippi whose homelands were sold through the Morrill Act of 1862. The money from these sales were used to establish this campus as a land-grant institution. The Land Acknowledgement is part of a broader effort of building and sustaining relationships and partnerships with the Native Nations to whom we, as a university community, are connected. “

As a Massachusetts native, I was taught a fraction of Native American history in the state of Massachusetts. I only knew of the Massachusett tribe around modern day Boston and the Wampanoag tribe around modern day Plymouth. The story around the Massachusett people was that they were the closest to Boston and that the Wampanoag tribe welcomed English settlers that later colonized the area. In my Social Diversity and Education course that I’m taking, we talked about the boarding schools that Native American children were forced to go to. They were taken from reservations and put in English-speaking schools, with white curriculum and kept there during the day, away from members of their tribe and their culture. My professor asked a general question of how many people knew about these schools and only a few hands in the lecture of 120 people went up. This caused me to think about the way history has been taught in the United States.

Everyone knows how the first colony in the United States was established (the English were fleeing religious persecution), the Revolutionary War, slavery, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and Barack Obama being the first African-American president. Not many know that Claudette Colvin refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman before Rosa Parks did, at just 15 and pregnant, or that the richest man in history was an African man named Mansa Musa, or even about the culture and life that existed among Native Americans in the United States before colonization. Native Americans had a way of life that was fully self-sustainable and high functioning before the colonists crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Native ways of life were interrupted by forced assimilation practices and displacement, along with disease, loss of land and introduced diseases.

The University of Massachusetts resides on the land of Native people that were forced to adjust to people they could not have predicted would have come to their land. Their culture and livelihood existed long before settlers from England were thinking about coming to colonial America. Since Native people followed a mostly oral tradition of passing knowledge on to following generations, their history isn’t really recorded. Through archaeologists and folklorists, it’s been concluded that Native people lived a Nomadic lifestyle that was mostly hunter-gathering with some agriculture. Their culture was also believed to have been developed regionally which led to a diversity of languages among tribes. Senator Justin Morrill from Vermont was the sponsor of the Morrill Act of 1862 which took stolen land equaling over 10 million acres and dispersed it amongst the states to establish public colleges. This grant was one of the most outright ways that the government and states pushed Native people out of their land.


Outside of the Integrated Learning Center, there is a statue of a Native American man, in stereotypical Native fashion of a garment around his waist and feathers in his hair, foot up on a rock and the other holding a musket up. The engraving on the base of the statue says ‘Metawampe: Legendary Spirit of the Redmen’. This statue has been dragged around campus by students, vandalized with racially charged language, and even represents a time at UMass when the ‘Redmen’ was our mascot. There is no historical record of a ‘Chief Metawampe’ in any Massachusetts tribe and there wasn’t even a Native chief that ‘gave land’ to what would become UMass. The land that the University is built on was taken from tribes with the federal act that made way for poor farmers to receive an education while displacing the tribes of Native people who were here first.


Established in 2023, the U.S. National Science Foundation created a Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science Research Hub on the UMass campus. Their efforts focus on how to combine Western and Indigenous science research in relation to preserving cultural heritage. There is also a Native Advisory council made up of 10 individuals, some of who work at UMass and others from the surrounding area of Amherst. These are some of the efforts that the University is making to attempt to remedy the damage caused to the community that was here before its establishment.


I’ll close with this message I received in my inbox from the Office of Equity and Inclusion as I finished writing this article:
“UMass Amherst is committed to promoting the exercise of free speech and nurturing discussions that foster empathy, broaden perspectives, and diminish polarization.”


My question is when can we start the public conversation that will shed light on the genocidal history that UMass is tied to?

Campus, Opinion

Zoomass, but for who?

By Juliannie Ayala

The University of Massachusetts Amherst–renowned for its top-ranked dining halls, rigorous academics, and legendary party scene–carries a reputation that precedes itself. The name alone sparks instant recognition. Whenever I mention that I attend the UMass Amherst, the response is almost always the same: “Yo, how are the parties out there? UMass was lit back in my day! Do they still call it Zoomass?” 

Yes, they do. Zoomass is still Zoomass–but for who? Because for students of color, that reputation feels increasingly like a myth. 

It wasn’t until my junior year, 2023-2024, that I began to notice a troubling shift: a growing disconnect within the Black community on campus. Something felt off. Engagement was dwindling. Events that once brought us together were no longer drawing the same energy–or worse, they weren’t happening at all. 

The wake-up call? The Black Student Union (BSU) had to cancel its annual Black History Month Showcase–for the second year in a row. And BSU isn’t alone. The Haitian American Student Association canceled their annual Peach Pageant this month– this was a shock to all given that last year’s event was a well-turned-out event. The Black Mass Communication Project had to cancel their annual homecoming party in 2023. Last but not least, the Insanely Prestigious Step Team was forced to call off its iconic Hit the Floor Step Competition in 2024. 

Hidaya Bukenya is a sophomore geography major who was excited to perform for her dance team, Afrodites, at BSU’s Showcase. Bukenya wishes for more events on campus for Black students, “I hope that there will be more events on campus for Black students because these are the events that bring the community together.”

One by one, what used to be vibrant and interactive celebrations of Black culture and community, are now fading away. What I used to look forward to, and what used to be the highlight of my college career, quickly became a casualty of depleting engagement and disappointment. UMass does not feel like what it used to be. 

On February 18th, BSU posted a letter on their Instagram dedicated to the Black UMass community, posting a stark message on Instagram, starting with: “We need to talk.” 

In their statement, BSU addressed a troubling reality–Black and a handful of other POC student organizations are struggling. Engagement has plummeted, and the reasons are clear: limited funding, fierce competition for event spaces, and, most importantly, the lack of collective support. “We aren’t showing up for them,” the post read, “and that means we aren’t showing up for each other.” 

Last year, cultural student organizations at UMass took a major financial hit. Budget cuts slashed funding across the board, leaving many groups scrambling to stay afloat. Many had to revert to fundraising because their budget couldn’t cover the expenses of their events, but for many, that wasn’t enough. Canceled events and empty spaces became the norm for them, increasing the disconnect among students. 

Black student organizations are not the only ones facing similar challenges. Jesus Castillo, the president of Contagio Latino, expresses a similar concern about the future of cultural student organizations as a whole: “The consistently low engagement levels could lead to fewer resources available for hosting events and investing in creating an inclusive university environment.”

Additionally, the relocation of the Malcolm X Cultural Center (MXCC) and the Latinx American Cultural Center (LACC) from the basement of Berkshire Dining Hall and Hampden Dining Commons to Goodell Hall has sparked some debates among students. 

Ashley Tovar, a senior public health major and the president of BSU, shares that the relocation of MXCC “feels like the hardest loss.” A center that provided a home for Black students and a place to make lifelong connections is now gone. Students feel as though the unfamiliar and limited space will no longer capture the thriving energy of our community.

“The new restrictions have left us searching for alternative spaces, but finding one that meets our needs feels nearly impossible with other organizations fighting for the same thing,” Tovar says, “As the costs of services rise, our traditions are slowly being erased, and with them, a part of our identity.”

Students pour their hearts into organizing these events, dedicating months, and sometimes an entire year just to make them happen. Securing a venue requires booking months in advance or maybe even a year to ensure that there are no conflicts with another group trying to book for the same day. Funding is carefully budgeted, and promotion is a constant uphill battle. While events make it through the tedious planning process, groups find themselves in a cycle where students aren’t showing up. 

Castillo believes that revitalizing student engagement starts with collective action. He emphasizes the importance of students showing up for campus events and urges the administration to streamline the bureaucratic hurdles that make organizing them difficult. 

Esther Onyeka encourages students to take advantage of campus events for networking purposes. The sophomore political science and sociology major feels as though students only show up for parties, “No real connections are being made…this worries me for the future of POC students here on campus.”

As Black History Month unfolds against the endless executive orders and announcements from the Trump administration, how do we reclaim the liveliness and the school spirit of “Zoomass” for all students? 

We are living in a time where history is starting to rhyme–the aggressive rollback of DEI policies, mass deportation, fascism, and a list of other federal actions threaten our literal existence in this country. Before we may know it, there could be a reality where our campus no longer honors our Black History Month, so it is up to us to ensure that “Zoomass” embodies a culture of inclusivity and support for all of our students, especially in these trying times. 


“With so many outside factors threatening these spaces, such as national leadership viewing diversity as a problem and the overall lack of funding here at UMass, we need to be more engaged,” Onyeka adds.  

At the heart of it all, this is more than asking for at least 10 dollars to attend our events. It is more than our budget cuts or your absence to said events–it’s about something greater. Everything ties down to our solidarity and about reclaiming what makes our community strong in a space that was never designed for us to thrive.

We are one. Though Black and Latino students only make up a total of 15.3% at our Predominantly White Institution, we share a common community–one that must stand together to overcome the challenges we face. 

As BSU puts it best, “This isn’t about guilt– it’s about love. It’s about reminding each other that community is a verb. That when one of us succeeds, we all do. That when we support our organization, we’re keeping our culture alive in a place that wasn’t built for us.”  

So the real question is: Will we let our spaces disappear? Or will we redefine what it means to show up—not just for an event, but for each other, for our culture, for our future at this institution?

Because if “Zoomass” is truly what they say it is, then it’s time we make sure that energy belongs to all of us.

Music, Opinion

Meet the Artist: Lucky Daye

By Kyla-Journey Womack

Over. 

Love You Too Much.

Smoke (with Victoria Monet).

These are just a few of the popular hits that D. Brown, better known as Lucky Daye, has put out since his musical debut in 2018. 

He moved to Atlanta to pursue his musical career and auditioned to be on American Idol in 2005. He reached the top 20 but was unfortunately eliminated. Before debuting in 2018, he made a name for himself as a songwriter and background vocalist for popular music names such as Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Boyz II Men, and Trey Songz. 

Photo by Victoria Wan

In October of 2018, he released his debut single “Roll Some Mo”, which has now acquired over 63 million streams worldwide across all platforms. Later that year, he released his debut album Painted. Daye also toured with Ella Mai in February 2019 and opened for Khalid on his Free Spirit New Zealand tour later that year. 

Currently, Lucky Daye has 3 albums with his most recent album, Algorithm, dropping in June of this year.

I went to Lucky’s concert at the Boston House of Blues on August 6 with my dad and it was amazing. The first song that I was introduced to by Lucky was through my dad and it was “Over”, which samples Musiq Soulchild’s “Halfcrazy”. It only felt appropriate to take my dad to one of mutual favorite artists’ shows. 

I listen to Daye pretty heavily but these are the top 10 songs that I recommend if you don’t know where to start.

  1. HERicane – Lucky Daye 
  2. Lemonade – Lucky Daye
  3. F****n’ Sound – Lucky Daye 
  4. Blame – Lucky Daye ft. Teddy Swims 
  5. Can You Blame Me? – Kehlani ft. Lucky Daye 
  6. Ego – Lucky Daye
  7. Careful (From The Original Motion Picture “Magic Mike’s Last Dance”) – Lucky Daye
  8. Paralyzed – Victoria Monét ft. RAYE 
  9. Shoulda – Lucky Daye ft. Babyface
  10. Dream – Lucky Daye ft. Queen Naija
Campus

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Underrepresented Students through Student Bridges
Photo by Joy Kunda
Mahoro Shimoro pauses in front of a banner that reads “Equal rights for others does not mean less rights for you” inside the Student Bridges office located in the Student Union.

By Joy Kunda 

AMHERST – On April 25, 2024, Student Bridges (SB) hosted its bi-annual event “I’m So College.” According to Campus Pulse, on this occasion SB aims to host a “day of workshops, music, performances, food, and more. It provides students an interactive experience as they can engage with various student organizations on campus.” providing a lively introduction to life at UMass for prospective students.

What is Student Bridges?

When Mahoro Shimoro of Springfield enrolled as a freshman at the University of Massachusetts, she quickly became aware of the significant cultural differences that existed. Shimoro grew up in a city with a majority Black and Hispanic population, which is much more diverse compared to many of the surrounding towns. Soon, Student Bridges became a safe haven for her. 

“I come from a city, where a majority of the population are low-income and first-generation people. Going to UMass in Amherst, which is predominantly white and very different from Springfield, was a culture shock for me,” Shimoro said. “I didn’t see many people who looked like me, and there weren’t many resources specifically for Black students, which made me feel like the way I spoke or expressed myself wasn’t represented.” 

Shimoro became involved with Student Bridges during her sophomore year when she enrolled in a four-credit civic engagement course offered by the agency. As part of the course, she participated in various discussions on equity issues on campus. 

Photo by Joy Kunda
Mahoro Shimoro working at her computer desk in the Student Bridges Office.

“In the course, I was really able to engage with other college students about different topics surrounding access to higher education, connect with high school students in Springfield, and just gain a really strong interest in things like equity and access to resources,” said Shimoro. 

Student Bridges is among the 12 student-run agencies at UMass with a primary goal of providing access and ensuring academic success for students from underrepresented cultural and social groups. Unlike other registered student organizations (RSO), Student Bridges employs paid staff on a yearly basis to uphold its mission and sustain the program’s operations. 

Members of the underrepresented community served by Student Bridges include but are not limited to, first-generation students, Black and Indigenous People of Color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Student Bridges was established at UMass to address the unique challenges underrepresented students face at UMass and increase their access to resources and success at the university. After proposing the “Low Income Access Outreach” Program, the organization received funding from the Student Government Association and was fully operational by September 2006. Since then, Student Bridges has worked to create bridges between UMass students and neighboring school communities by providing support to its students. According to its website, SB uses a four-method compone to achieve its goal which includes preparatory mentorship, college outreach, awareness, advocacy, and retention. 

“The agency has grown significantly over the past 15 years, from humble beginnings to now having 13 paid staff positions as well as offering a paid graduate student staff position,” said Shimoro. “We also prioritize creating a sense of community and ensuring that students feel heard and that their needs are being respected and advocated for.” 

Shimoro also developed a deep appreciation for community-building initiatives for students of color and local communities in college towns, which are often overlooked in institutional goals. 

Shimoro, now a UMass alum with a degree in Sustainable Community Development, served as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the agency where she was in charge of developing and implementing the programs and initiatives designed to support the community they serve.

“In my role as a senior staff member, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, organizational skills, and time management skills. Additionally, I have cultivated a strong interest in mentorship, guiding students, and helping others,” Shimoro explained. 

This semester, Student Bridges has worked on multiple projects, such as offering UMass campus tours tailored to BIPOC students and hosting career readiness workshops for underrepresented students on campus. 

Bryanna Meija, a Kinesiology graduate, believes that growing up in predominantly diverse communities shaped the person she has become. Through Student Bridges, she has found a sense of belonging. Being surrounded by individuals who look like them provides a sense of comfort and familiarity that they find important. Meija aims to create a workplace that promotes inclusivity, where individuals of color can express their authentic selves without compromising the standard of professionalism. 

“In order to set an example for the staff, I make sure that my actions in the workplace are appropriate and something that I would be comfortable with the staff doing as well,” said Meija. “It is important to create a work environment where everyone is respectful and cordial towards each other, as it is important to maintain a professional environment rather than a casual one like hanging out with friends.” 

Priscillia Meta, a second-year Public Health Sciences major, was pleased to discover the SB office, introduced to by friends, was a welcoming and safe environment for her. The SB office which is located in the Student Union soon became her go-to spot to study. After her classes, she would visit the office to complete her work. 

“I think that simply having a lot of people of color has been helpful in adjusting to college life as a freshman,” Meta said. “I feel comfortable around them and can be myself, which is an encouraging environment for me. Being around people who look like me has made it easier to adjust to the new surroundings.” 

In April 2023, SB hosted an alumni night where past alumni were invited to share their experiences post-graduation and how the organization has impacted their lives and careers. Meta who attended the events emphasized its significance in highlighting how the experiences gained through the program continue to shape their lives beyond college. 

“At the core of SB’s mission is the focus on access and retention beyond admission and enrollment. It’s about making sure that there are resources in place and support in order for high school students to thrive at the colleges they are admitted to.” said previous Student Bridges Director Olga Correa. 

Correa stressed the importance of establishing connections between both the undergraduate students at UMass and students in nearby middle schools and high schools. Their efforts encompass recruitment beyond the local communities, with specific attention given to Holyoke and Springfield, as demonstrated by initiatives like peer mentorship groups. 

Correa’s involvement with Student Bridges began in 2019 when she assumed the role of graduate program coordinator. In the subsequent year, she transitioned to the position of interim director and also took on the responsibilities of a course instructor for Student Bridges. 

Reflecting on the agency’s advocacy for institutional and public policies, Correa emphasized the role of the policy advocacy coordinator—a position within Student Bridges that specializes in developing and leading campaigns aligned with the agency’s mission. This individual works collaboratively with other organization members to ensure that community members remain informed about state and federal developments concerning access to education.

The agency prioritizes addressing barriers faced by underrepresented students, such as retention challenges among marginalized groups, through programming efforts that include cultural events and providing information on campus resources, scholarships, and emergency funding, serving as a trusted source for students seeking reliable information. 

“In our community engagement courses, we address the numerous barriers, notably the high cost of tuition and financial constraints faced by students,” said Correa. “ We understand the challenges faced in K-12 education, such as the lack of accessible counselors or teachers failing to provide information about scholarships and SAT preparation.” 

Through its collaborations with middle and high schools, SB aims to ensure that students receive the necessary support and guidance they need to succeed. 

Joy Kunda can be reached at jkunda@umass.edu

Music, Opinion

Not a Country Album, But a Beyoncé Album: A Review of ‘Cowboy Carter’
Beyonce released her highly anticipated album ‘Cowboy Carter’ late last Month.

By Christmaelle Vernet

On March 29, 2024, the multigenerational talent Beyoncé released Cowboy Carter, a 27-track album with country influences. During the Super Bowl, Beyoncé released two singles from the album: “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em”, which have already broken records on numerous streaming platforms. The album was five years in the making, with Beyoncé citing her experience following her performance at the 2016 Country Music Awards as inspiration for taking a deeper dive into the world of country music. Beyoncé is no stranger to the genre, having shown interest in the music style by composing her hit “Daddy’s Lessons”, featured on her critically acclaimed album Lemonade. Later that year, she performed the song with the country music band, The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks), and expressed feeling unwelcome in the category. “This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” said Beyoncé in an Instagram post celebrating the ten-day countdown to the album’s release.

The album begins with a beautiful ballad composed of layering harmonious vocals entitled “AMERICAN REQUIEM”. In the song, Beyoncé directly addresses the criticism she received from those who believed that she did not belong in the genre and emphasizes how there is no right way to produce country music. The proceeding track “BLACKBIIRD” features several Black female country artists: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. Black country artists are often overlooked in country music spaces, furthering Beyoncé’s mission to promote inclusivity, as today, the genre’s most prominent artists remain predominantly white. The album includes star-studded features with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Post Malone, and Miley Cyrus all being included in various tracks. The interludes throughout the album replicate the sounds of a listener flipping through radio stations, and through this body of work, Beyoncé demonstrates a unique blend of various genres such as house with tracks like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN”, “RIIVERDANCE”, and rap with “SPAGHETTI”. Beyoncé’s experimentation with a variety of genres proves her statement that this album isn’t a country music album but a Beyoncé album.

The album pays tribute to the pop legend’s younger children. Her daughter Rumi’s voice opens the song “PROTECTOR”, and “MY ROSE”, which she dedicates to her son Sir. Beyoncé’s interpretation of the iconic country classic “Jolene” adds new freshness and liveliness to the track, with Beyoncé’s rendition being established as a warning rather than a plea to the infamous Jolene. Beyoncé frequently references Black rights movements throughout the piece, with “BLACKBIIRD” being a cover of the Beatles song Paul McCartney wrote after being inspired by the Little Rock Nine.

This album has definitely brought out a side of Beyoncé I was very excited to see. As a long-time fan, I have noticed her interest in country for a few years, and I was heavily anticipating a full body of work. It was definitely well-executed, paying a beautiful homage to country, Blackness, and artistry in music, as well as honoring some of the biggest names in the genre. I also loved her use of sampling “These Boots are Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra in “YA YA”. While mostly featuring songs that would be easily categorized as country music, Beyoncé’s personalizations make the project personable and unique to Beyoncé’s discography, and I admire her courage to dabble in other genres, with her three-album run leaving me wanting more. I am curious, as always, about what she will be able to accomplish next with ACT iii.

My picks for notable tracks: “BLACKBIIRD”, “LEVII’S JEANS”, “PROTECTOR”, and “TYRANT”.

Art, Culture, Lifestyle & Culture, Poems & Creative Writing

From Maya Angelou to Ta-Nehisi Coates: Celebrating Black History and Literary Excellence

By The Rebirth Project

Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash

Happy Black History Month! This year we’ve got an extra day to celebrate due to the leap year, and we from the Rebirth Project want to share a list of UMass, and our own members’, favorite Black authors for your year-round reading lists. Ranging from classics to contemporary literature, our list is full of novels, poems, and essays from centuries of incredible authors. 

Taking a moment to recognize historically significant writers, here is a compilation of some older books you should add to your bookshelves!

Maya Angelou 

Popular works: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Still I Rise

What we recommend: Phenomenal Woman 

James Baldwin

Popular works: A Raisin in the Sun, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Sonny Blues

What we recommend: If Beale Street Could Talk, Giovanni’s Room, Nobody Knows My Name, Stranger in the Village

Countee Cullen 

Popular works: Heritage, A Brown Girl Dead, Incident

What we recommend: For Amy Lowell, Fruit of the Flower, Any Human to Another

bell hooks

Popular works: All About Love: New Visions, The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love, Teaching to Transgress

What we recommend: Communion: The Female Search of Love, Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism, A Woman’s Mourning Song, Appalachian Elegy 

Langston Hughes

Popular works: The Weary Woes, The Ways of White Folks, Simple (a series of books)

What we recommend: Mother to Son, The Big Sea, Dream Variations

Toni Morrison 

Popular works: The Bluest Eye, Beloved, Jazz, A Mercy

What we recommend: The Nobel Lecture in Literature, Five poems (a collection)

Interested in Black history and theory? Check out these essays:

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin 

On Being Young– a Woman– and Colored by Marita Bonner

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom 

The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain by Langston Hughes

Who Will Pay Reparations for My Soul? by Jesse McCarthy

For our poets and poetry lovers, below are collections and individuals we from Rebirth love! 

Collections from Elizabeth Acevedo

Clap When You Land 

The Poet X

Dispatch by Cameron Awkward-Rich

Lucille Clifton

Golden Apple of the Sun by Teju Cole

Golden Ax by Rio Cortez

Collections from Vievee Francis 

The Shared World

Another Antipastoral 

Forest Priveal 

When Angels Speak of Love by bell hooks

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam

March being Women’s History Month, this section includes some of our favorite Black feminists.

The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou

Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxanne Gay

Georgia Douglas Johnson

Ripe: Essays by Negesti Kaudo 

Zami: the New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde

Sula by Toni Morrison 

Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be by Nichole Perkins

In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose by Alice Walker

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Last but not least, here are just good books to read.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander 

Many Thousands Gone by Ira Berlin

Books by Octavia Butler

Kindred

Conversations with Octavia Butler

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Drinking from Graveyard Wells by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu 

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Books by Ibi Zoboi 

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America 

American Street

And don’t forget, it’s important to read about Black history or history that might not be yours, year-round. Support BIPOC authors anytime you can. We wish you all happy reading! 🙂

Culture, Lifestyle & Culture, Music

Red Hair, Country Music, and Soul: The Reyna Roberts Effect 
Photo by Oath Management

By Diamond Smith

Nashville, TN — In the heart of country music’s capital, where the soulful twang of guitars resonates through the air, a rising star has emerged, breaking through the stereotypical image of country music. Reyna Roberts, a 26-year-old African-American country singer with a shock of signature red hair, has made waves in the industry with her debut double album, “Bad Girl Bible,” released on Sept. 8, 2023.

Roberts, a native of Alaska, is turning heads and challenging perceptions about what country music should sound like. Much like her predecessors: Lil Nas X with his release of “Old Town Road”, Blanco Brown, Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, and one of the greats: Jimmie Rodgers (Who is called the Father of Country Music).  According to Time Magazine, the blues with its chords of drums and stringed instruments deprived of, “slave spirituals, field songs, religious hymnals, or the works of professional black songwriters.”

Within the modern-day music landscape, we have seen a reclamation as well as a fusion of country music with acoustic rhythms, R&B influences, and a unique blend of acoustic rhythms, R&B influences, and a voice that speaks to the heart. Roberts has carved out a niche for herself in an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of diversity.

From her visual albums Stompin Grounds in 2020 and Pretty Little Devils, to her most recent, “Bad Girl Bible” is a game-changer. The double album features a rich tapestry of storytelling, blending traditional country themes with modern narratives. Each track is a testament to Roberts’ versatility as an artist, seamlessly fusing the raw emotion of country music with the sultry vibes of R&B. With her influences ranging from Beyonce to Carrie Underwood.

Photo by Reyna Roberts

Roberts’ music is her soulful voice as well as her authenticity which effortlessly traverses the highs and lows of love, loss, and self-discovery. The song’s lyrics delve into the complexities of embracing one’s authentic self, challenging societal norms, and celebrating individuality.

On Taste of Country, a mobile app that provides news, interviews, country music songs, and videos about country music, Roberts expressed in an interview, “Definitely getting acceptance and help from other artists gives me more confidence in myself,” she continues, “but then also realizing, like, ‘Hey, you’re a pretty bada– girl!’ Just having to remind myself [to not] feel too shy all the time, not going back to my introverted self, saying, ‘Girl, you got this! Remember who you are!’ That’s been essential for my mental state.”

Photo by Reyna Roberts

The album has garnered widespread acclaim not only for its groundbreaking sound but also for Roberts’ identity as a black woman who proudly shares her passion for country music and music in general. Reyna Roberts represents a new era in country music, conversations can be had about diversity and the true history and origins of country music in the black community. She encourages black women to be themselves midst a society that may try and put them in a box and other artists to explore and experiment with their unique styles.

In an industry where representation has been a long-standing issue, Roberts is breaking barriers and providing a fresh perspective. She is not only making a name for herself but also opening doors– as many have before her –for other artists who may not fit the traditional mold of a country star.

To Read More: Reyna Roberts Says It Took Time to Find Musical Self-Confidence | https://tasteofcountry.com/reyna-roberts-pretty-little-devils-new-music-2023/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Photo by Reyna Roberts
Culture, Lifestyle & Culture, Music

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop

DJ Kool Herc performing at a block party (Photo credits: Icon Collective)

By Fiona Bautista

On Aug. 11, 1973, the world was changed forever.

In an era of political tension and economic troubles, residents of the Bronx were divided in more ways than one–the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway being the most significant contributor.

Prior to the building of this freeway, the neighborhoods that would be most impacted by its creation were considered “among the most racially integrated in the country.” However, many white residents fled to other neighborhoods as challenges arose, leaving Black and Brown communities in the wake of the destruction. The conditions of these neighborhoods deteriorated, resulting in the rise of crime and poverty.

Despite these hardships, the youth of the displaced communities found joy through block parties. One party, in particular, resulted in the creation of the genre we know and love today.

DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, decided to host a back-to-school party with his sister at their apartment complex on 1520 Sedgwick Ave. There, he premiered the “break-beat” technique, which elongates the climax of a song by switching between two turntables to loop the break. This technique marks the birth of hip-hop.

Hip-hop was quick to catch on after that, developing its own culture and providing communities with a platform to express themselves.

Artists in the early stages of American hip-hop often called out corruption, violence, and the poor quality of life in their neighborhoods. Hip-hop gave individuals a voice.

Hip-hop is more than just music, though. Four core elements now define the genre–DJing, MCing, breaking, and writing.

DJing involves the beats and music; they are the foundation. Defined as “disc jockeys,” DJs work intimately with turntables to switch from one song to another and create new and exciting sounds that audiences can appreciate.

MCing, in simple terms, is rapping. Originating as somewhat of a sidekick to the DJ, MCs–also known as masters of ceremonies–were people that simply made announcements. Over time, they became more prominent figures, freestyling and commanding the room to keep people engaged and the energy up.

Breaking is the dance style that defines hip-hop. Because the genre is so heavily based on off-the-dome decisions, breaking takes inspiration from numerous dance styles and combines them to create something unique.

Lastly, writing is the graffiti art that is so often associated with the “look” of hip-hop. Consisting of bright colors, bubble and block lettering, and the challenging of boundaries of traditional art, it predates the other three defining elements of the genre.

With the speedy development of hip-hop, it comes as no surprise that it became a global sensation. By the 1980s, the music genre’s influence expanded to international territories.

Aug. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. However, this is a year-long celebration. There will be numerous events around the world intended to highlight hip-hop culture. This includes concerts, battles, exhibitions, and several iconic hip-hop figures coming together to honor the golden anniversary.

One way the music industry has already celebrated the anniversary was at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where artists shared music’s biggest stage to perform a tribute to hip-hop’s rich history. This showcased legendary figures such as Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, LL COOL J, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.

You can celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with The Rebirth Project now on Spotify!

Invitation for DJ Kool Herc’s party that marked the birth of hip-hop (Photo credits: Icon Collective)
Campus

Interview with People’s Beauty Supply Founder, Zih Nche

People’s Beauty Supply shelf opened on March 24 in People’s Market (Photo by Christmaelle Vernet)

By Christmaelle Vernet

When passing through the Student Union, you may notice a new student business has opened within People’s Market. On March 24, 2023, a sophomore computer science major, Zih Nche, founded the first Black hair supply on campus. People Beauty Supply is a small business shelf with braiding hair, gel, crochet hooks, rubber bands, and other haircare needs. Nche shared that she began planning to open a Beauty supply by getting involved with the center for Student Businesses.

“I originally wanted a vending machine. I began discussing my ideas with Mary Morf, but she said to get a vending machine would be a long process. She could have been like no, it’s not possible, but she recommended People’s Market. Student Vendors can sell their own products, like tote bags and crafts that they knit through People’s Market,” said Nche.

PBS is open during regular People’s Market hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday. Nche, a Malden native, searched locally for a supplier earlier in the process of beginning her business. “There is a store called Parisian beauty supply store on Eastern Ave. It’s a five-minute walk away from me. I went to see the owner and ask if there was a way for her to be my supplier, got her connected to Mary, and now she has an agreement with the school,” said Nche.

Nche cited having good time management as an essential skill when balancing managing a business and being a full-time college student. “When we first opened, I actually had two exams due. The bulk of this was done from June to now. There was a lot of back and forth and actually setting up. Coming off spring break, I did study. I used a calendar dry-erase board, and that’s how I scheduled everything.”

She expressed the importance of accessibility to hair products for Black women on campus. “I feel like with this being a PWI (predominantly white institution), our presence being known is important. There used to be a beauty supply in Amherst, but not anymore, and I would have to go to Springfield to do my hair or get products. It’s so far, and some students don’t have access to a car. You can also order things on Amazon, but even that takes a minute,” said Nche.

As for the best part of running her own business on campus, Nche described being thanked by her peers as well as seeing her idea come to life. “I’ve had the flyer and logo in Canva since June,” said Nche. The impact the supply has is evident with the store’s Instagram page already amassing over 100 followers. “A Lot of people told me they needed this. Alumni commented that this was long needed, and a girl from UMass Dartmouth DMed me saying they faced the same problem and asked us to expand,” said Nche.

As for the future of People’s beauty supply, Nche hopes to add another shelf stocked with more color variations, weaves, and bundles by the Fall 2023 semester, wanting to make the business “as big as it can get.” She also plans to expand to other schools. Upon graduating, Nche hopes to pass the business down to a freshman.

For all students interested in starting a business of their own Nche advises to have a plan. “Do intensive research make sure it is something that you’re passionate about and don’t get discouraged. Keep bouncing ideas back and forth with somebody who has an equal interest. You need a cosign from an established business and have patience,” said Nche.

You can support Zih and her business on Instagram @PBSUMass and @26Zih, and People’s Market @Peoplesmarket73.

Zih Nche’s mission statement in People’s Market.
Photo by Christmaelle Vernet
Campus

UMass joins other universities in signing Okanagan Charter
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

By Tess Weisman

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has signed the Okanagan Charter, committing itself to a transformative vision when it comes to health, well-being, and campus culture. A number of different universities across the country, such as the University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan, have joined the Okanagan Charter. The Charter has two calls of action; embedding health into administration, operations, and academic mandates and ensuring health promotion action and collaboration are being led locally and globally. 

Specifically, UMass has committed to focusing on health and well-being for students, faculty, and staff; sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the built and natural environment. The signing of the Charter symbolizes UMass’s effort to lead the university and the country as a model of a more holistic view of health as a university. 

Present at the Charter signing were the following: 

  • Ann Becker, Director of Public Health
  • Betsy Cracco, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Life and Wellbeing
  • Anna Maria Siega-Riz, Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences
  • Tilman Wolf, Associate Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost
  • Alaina Macaulay, Senior Director for Inclusion and Strategic Engagement
  • Richard Yeager, Director of Campus Planning
  • Shayan Raza, President of the Student Government Association

In a speech given by Raza, he commented on how important it is for students to participate in focus groups that give the university feedback on topics such as the environment, mental health, and physical health. Each university that joins the Charter determines how it will implement the values and principles of the Charter into its campus.

UMass appears to be taking a student-centered approach. In a presentation to the Student Government Association, Betsy Cracco outlined the university’s approach as not to fire more faculty but to have students be a leading force to bring attention to the mental health climate on campus. Worries were raised about whether too much responsibility is placed on students rather than the university to allow the Charter to succeed in its mission. 

Opinion

Next time someone says, “What will you do with your English degree?” say this…

(Photo Credits: Pexels)

By Diamond Smith

“What will you do with your English degree?” I hear this all the time when asked about my degree. The question is always asked in a tone of genuine curiosity, but it feels like it is also steeped in the sense of inadequacy. The phrase leaves me unsteady because I’ve been met with: “What do you even do with that degree anyways?” “Are you sure that’s what you want?” It’s almost as if English major students are some elite white-collar priesthood of bespectacled nerds whose only purpose in life is to go to college to be a teacher (which is great, but not every English major is going to college for educational teaching purposes) and eavesdrop on other people through their literary works.

Trying to describe all the benefits I will receive from my English degree will be impossible. But I can say it’s given me a great way to learn about myself and the world around me, and it’s given me an incredible opportunity to read some incredible writers. So if anyone ever says, “What will you do with your English degree?” just say this:


“Literature is the art of discovering something extraordinary
about ordinary people and saying with ordinary words something
extraordinary.” Boris Pasternak


Academia, like a kind and gentle parent (and often a strict, exhausting parent), is always looking to reveal our innermost passions if we allow it through our choice of degrees. So when someone asks you, “What will you do with your English degree?” don’t just say something mundane. Don’t answer like everyone else. Because if you do, I think it’s impossible that you’ll have them understand your path. As with any degree, the English Major combines your skills, passions, life direction, and aspirations.

There is something people outside of the English degree don’t understand about literature: The English major is a kind of trap. It seems accessible, but it’s not.You have to be driven to want to learn about literature. As I see it, if you’re a creative person who loves words, your passion for learning about them will be difficult to ignore because language awakens the desire for understanding. As English majors, we are often grappling with our limited world perspectives and not being afraid of them. In class, we try to learn how little we truly know (if you’re wondering what this means truly means: it means we strip ourselves bare and say: here’s me, here are all my mistakes, as I write, as my peers read my drafts, and here is where I lack ability about said person or societies, but watch me learn about it anyways).

Alternatively: I am a writer, and I am only now discovering what that means.


● You are a writer.
● You are not a person who writes, but one who writes well.
● Writing is not a job, but a way of life.
● Writing is not a career, but an obsession (and you know what I mean by that).

Reading deceased writers like Virginia Woolf or Bell Hooks
honors the brilliance of their lives and the strangeness of their
times.


There is value in learning about the lives and times of deceased writers. It’s important to understand the context of their history and how they were shaped by it. If you want to read something that will give you an idea of what it was like in 1930s London, try reading a book by someone who lived through that time: Jane Austen would be an excellent choice.

“Literature is the best thing humanity has. Poetry is the heart of
literature, the highest concentration of everything that is best in
the world and (humanity). It is the only true food for your soul.”
Lyudmila Ulitskaya


When someone says they don’t like poetry or books, you can always remind them that if you don’t read it, then you are missing out on some of life’s most beautiful experiences. If someone asks what kind of writer you want to be when you grow up, tell them to read any one of these books:


● Toni Morrison – Beloved
● William Faulkner – As I Lay Dying
● Ernest Hemingway – The Sun Also Rises

Meanwhile, the coursework is reading and interpreting; we are –essentially–holding the weight of histories, souls, and truths in our hands.


As part of our coursework, we study literary criticism, historical and cultural pieces, as well as Early American Literature (among other topics); we work to analyze and read critically from various texts. Literature is about the human experience and our history as a people. It gives us an opportunity to explore how others have felt before us; what they endured; what they dreamt of achieving but couldn’t because of circumstances or circumstances imposed by others. Literature gives us an understanding of ourselves – who we are as individuals and where we fit within society at large – which is something that cannot be achieved anywhere else except through literature itself!


The truth is: Sometimes, as English majors, some of us don’t know what our English degree will actually do for us, as do many other majors. In the personal sense (talk about being meta), you’re probably asking yourself this question; maybe it’s because you’re looking for direction in your life. Maybe you’re considering transferring to grad school or regretting your English degree path. Or maybe one day, years from now, you’ll look back on it and realize that — despite the difficulties of classwork — it was an incredibly meaningful experience that had a lot of impact on who you are today and helped shape who you have become.

The only person who knows what you would do with your life is you. So, next time someone scuffles at your degree title or picks at you for it, I would advise you to take writer Cheryl Strayed’s advice, I hope when people ask what you’re going to do with your English and/or creative writing degree, you’ll say:

“Continue my bookish examination of the contradictions and complexities of human motivation and desire; or maybe just: Carry it with me, as I do everything that matters.”

As a fellow English Major and a student, I can confidently say only you will discover what that means on your journey.

Opinion

Breaking the Color Barrier: The Struggle for Black Players and Quarterbacks in the NFL
Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplas

By: Nicolás Javaloyes

The National Football League (NFL) has seen a disproportionate number of Black players for decades. However, in the league’s early years, Black players faced significant barriers to entry. From 1933 to 1946, a gentleman’s agreement between all NFL franchises made it nearly impossible for Black players to be accepted into the league, no matter how talented and deserving. Despite their exceptional skills, the NFL ignored players such as Kenny Washington, Jerome “Brud” Holland, and Wilmeth Sidat-Singh.

The situation began to change after the Cleveland Rams relocated to Southern California in 1946, where both Black and White taxpayers paid to support the team. This integration and the “democratic idealism” of World War II helped break down the NFL’s gentleman’s agreement. However, even after the agreement was lifted, Black quarterbacks continued to face barriers due to being thought of as lacking the cognitive capacity to fulfill the role properly. Marlin Briscoe became the first Black quarterback after the agreement was lifted and paved the way for other Black quarterbacks, such as Doug Williams, who won and played a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins in 1988. Over time, Black quarterbacks have become commonplace in the league, with the most recent season seeing a record-breaking 11 across the league, including the Super Bowl, which featured two Black quarterbacks.

Today, Black players represent a majority of NFL players. According to Statista, in 2021, 58 percent of NFL players were people of color, a sharp contrast with the predominance of white players during the early years of the NFL. A gentlemen’s agreement with all the NFL franchises ensured that even the most talented and deserving players wouldn’t be accepted if they were Black. This gentleman’s agreement was enforced from 1933 to 1946. 

  • Case 1: Kenny Washington, a 195-pound halfback, was an exceptional college football player during the late 1930s. “Kenny Washington is the best football player I’ve ever seen,” said Jacky Robinson. With his size, speed, and remarkable strength, Washington had all the potential in the world, which led him to become an All-American. Those who had seen him play claimed that he was not just the best football player on the Pacific Coast that season, but the best in the last ten years, even in the entire history of the region’s football. Despite setting records for career rushing and passing at UCLA, Washington was surprisingly ignored in the 1940 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Chicago Bears in the second-rate AAFC.
  • Case 2: New Yorker Jerome “Brud” Holland was the first black player to play for Cornell University, where he’d played varsity all four years. He was well known for his end-around play and excelled in offensive and defensive positions. He was named for five-different All-American teams, becoming the first person of color to do so since Paul Robeson in 1918. In 1938, he received honors again, making him the first Black athlete to be recognized in consecutive years since Robeson. Once again, despite clearly deserving to be in the NFL, he was also snubbed, failing to receive an offer. 
  • Case 3: Sidat-Singh was an adopted son of a Hindu physician and attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York.  He joined the Syracuse varsity team as a junior after being convinced by a coach who noticed him playing intramural football. He became one of the best passers in the nation and helped Syracuse beat rivals such as Penn State and Cornell. However, when playing against colleges in the south, such as the University of Maryland, he was relegated to the bench since those institutions segregated Black players. He, too, did not receive any -offer from the NFL. 

Though Washington was initially barred from joining the NFL, he did eventually join, thus breaking the color barrier, when the Cleveland Rams relocated to the publicly owned Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, funded by black and white taxpayers. Because of this multiracial taxpayer population, there was immediate pressure on the relocated franchise to integrate black players. This and in conjunction with the “democratic idealism” started by the Second World War, helped break down the NFL’s “gentleman’s agreement.”

The quarterback position is often seen as one of the most difficult positions of all American football. It requires a deeper understanding of the game than most positions, as they’re responsible for reading the defense, making decisions on the fly, etc. In other words, it’s the thinking man’s position in football. In 1923, Fritz Pollard was the first Black quarterback to play for Hammond Pros. Still, the subsequent ban on black quarterbacks blocked the position for any future black players in that vital position for 13 years due to being thought of as a “thinking man’s” position. It was thought that black players wouldn’t have the cognitive capacity to fulfill that role properly.

In 1968, Marlin Briscoe, the first black quarterback after the gentlemen’s agreement, led his college team to victory with a 27-11 record and three conference titles. Despite breaking school records, he was asked to switch to defensive back when drafted by Denver. He refused to sign unless he got a quarterback tryout at training camp, and although he performed well, he was given few reps and not chosen. After an injury to the starting quarterback, Briscoe was given his chance to shine during the home opener against the Boston Patriots, where he completed his first pass for 22 yards and led the team on an 80-yard drive, ending with a 12-yard touchdown run.

He soon became a regular starter for the Broncos and had one of the best rookie seasons. Briscoe would then move to a new team, where he was switched to the wide receiver position, despite showing success as a quarterback. After retiring from sports, he became a successful financial broker. Briscoe later worked as a director for the Boys and Girls Club and founded a football camp for kids.

Briscoe, in many ways, paved a path for many black quarterbacks despite his short-lived stint in the position. One of the most influential black quarterbacks to follow up Briscoe is Doug Williams, who was the first black quarterback to win and play a Superbowl with the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, in San Diego, California against the Denver Broncos ushering in a new era. Ever since Super Bowl XXII, there has been a slow uptick in black quarterback starters. 

Since the 1980s and 1990s, black quarterbacks started becoming more commonplace, with notable names such as Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Warren Moon. The most recent season had a record-breaking 11 black quarterbacks starting in the NFL, including a first-time-ever duel of Black quarterbacks in a Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. The idea that Black players are less intelligent and make up for that deficit with their “natural” athleticism has been rechallenged time and time by their demonstrated excellence in the “thinking man’s” position.

It is thanks to the brave and talented Black athletes of the NFL of the past and present that we can see the flaws in such stereotypes and prejudices. Their hard work and dedication have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes to thrive in all aspects of the game.

However, while progress has been made, there is still work to be done in terms of equality and representation in sports. It is important for the media, fans, and the industry as a whole to recognize and appreciate the talent and contributions of Black athletes and to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse sports culture.

The NFL’s history of excluding black players is a dark stain on its legacy.

Despite the immense talent and skill possessed by many black athletes, they were denied the opportunity to play in the league for over a decade due to a league-wide “gentleman’s agreement.” However, through the persistence and determination of players like Kenny Washington, Jerome Holland, and Sidat-Singh, the color barrier was eventually broken, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes to make their mark in the league.

Today, the NFL boasts a record-breaking number of Black quarterbacks, and the recent Super Bowl featuring two black quarterbacks facing off against each other is a testament to the progress that has been made. The stories of Fritz Pollard, Marlin Briscoe, and Doug Williams remind us of the challenges Black quarterbacks face and the incredible talent and resilience that has led to their success. It is important to continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black athletes in the NFL and to work towards a future where all players, regardless of race or background, are given an equal opportunity to succeed.

Campus

A Night to Remember: UMass’ Black Student Union hosts annual Black History Month Showcase

UMass’ Afrodites, an on-campus African dance group, prepare to begin their preformance. (Photo by Christmaelle Vernet)

By: Christmaelle Vernet

AMHERST- As Black History Month rolls to an end, UMass’ Black Student Union organized its annual Black History Month Showcase on Feb 26. BSU released a statement earlier this month describing the event as “a night to celebrate our Black community and all the talent within it. It’s not one you can’t afford to miss.” The showcase took place in the Student Union ballroom, beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m. 

 It is a semiformal event accompanied with a color palette guests are encouraged to wear , with this year’s theme being modeled after a sunset. The showcase’s main focus is being a platform for various talents from Black UMass students and celebrating the Black Diaspora. The menu reflected these aspirations, serving dishes from African, Afro-Caribbean and African American cultures. Guests enjoyed plates of Jollof rice, macaroni and cheese, sweet plantains, fried and jerk chicken, etc. Performances ranged from singing acts to spoken word submissions as well as dynamic dance performances that left the audience on their feet. 

The show was opened by upcoming rap artist Kid Fob. Performances by the UMass Gospel Choir, the award-winning Insanely Prestigious Step Team, SOCA (Students of Caribbean Ancestry and the UMass Brotherly Union were also included.

In between acts, the audience engaged in multiple crowd games such as a fashion show showing off some of UMass’ best dressed, as well as a dance contest where guests got to show off some of their best dance moves. Together with a DJ, who played music from a variety of different decades such as the 90s and 2000s. 

The evening concluded with a dance party, where participants were able to dance to some of their favorite Black classic line dancing songs such as the “Cupid Shuffle” and “Jersulama”. Closing out the event with fun, community and culture. 

Campus

Black Women in Medicine: New Student Organization Aims in Bringing Future Black Medical Professionals Together at UMass

By: Elienishka Ramos Torres

AMHERST – Many new student groups are forming at the University of Massachusetts, and among them is Black Women in Medicine. The group, which began its formation in early Spring 2020, has a mission in fostering community among pre-medical Black female students at UMass. 

Black Women in Medicine President Attiya Nurse, a junior majoring in biology and nutrition, said that the group started as a cool idea between friends, “I talked to [the other e-board members] after one class we all had together and we agreed that this would be something great to bring to the UMass community.” 

Nurse’s original inspiration came from her time at another school. “I had previously attended University of South Florida where this organization had started. When I transferred to UMass, I really thought it was something that was missing here.”

According to statistics gathered from University Analytics and Institutional Research conducted on the UMass population, only 6 six percent of the fall 2020 undergraduate student population were Black/African American. This means that the number of pre-medical Black students at UMass is also small. Navigating life as a pre-medical student at UMass, Nurse “couldn’t connect” with peers and questioned her sense of belonging in the spaces that she was in. 

Junior microbiology and anthropology double major Norsha Hydol, vice president of Black Women in Medicine, said that’s an issue the group plans on tackling: “We want to create a welcoming community for everyone on campus that would like to go into the medical field outside of just classes and really create a family.”

While creating a community at UMass is one goal, a main part of the group’s mission is addressing health discrepancies of Black people in the United States, which is caused by the lack of proper health services. While the COVID-19  pandemic has disproportionately affected low income racial minorities the most, the United States has a long history of racist and negligent health practices against Black people. 

Nurse believes that a rise in Black medical professionals would lead to less health issues that “disproportionately affect Black people.” 

One of the most striking examples of this is white medical professionals underestimating the pain that Black patients are in, which comes from a centuries old racist belief that different races have different pain tolerances. Both publicized experiences and studies have shown that doctors underestimate the pain their Black patients are in, in contrast to their non-Black patients. The findings in one specific study showed that physicians underestimated the pain of 47 percent of their Black patients in comparison to only underestimating the pain of 33 percent of non-Black patients. 

Structural racism has also unequally affected Black people in the U.S. in other areas of healthcare, as well. 

Research gathered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that Black women were more likely to die at birth than Hispanic and white women. And, according to research from the National Center for Health Statistics, although heart disease has been a downward trend across different ethnic groups, Black people in 2016 were most likely to experience hypertension, and Black and non-Black-Hispanics were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.

The leaders of the organization’s long term goals also align with the group’s mission. 

Nurse hopes to become a clinical researcher studying obesity and diabetes, and wants to specialize in internal medicine while in graduate school. She wants to “bring awareness to the need to change the U.S. food environment in urban areas and help advance nutrition knowledge and communications in underserved communities.” Hydol aims on becoming a family physician after attending medical school. 

Black Women in Medicine plans on addressing the pandemic, lack of minority health professionals and health issues affecting the Black community, but Nurse says the group’s “main focus right now is finalizing the RSO process” that will help them establish themselves more within the campus community. 

For additional information, updates, and ways to support:

Instagram: bwm_amherst 

Email: bwmumass@gmail.com

Opinion

A Letter from the Editor-In-Chief: Say their Names

By Brie Thompson-Bristol

I never forget that I’m a person of color, but I especially never forget that I am a black person. 

The police brutality against persons of color has never ceased. One of the police’s first purposes was to be a watchman for slaves. However, now they have evolved to the extreme. They have evolved to the point where it is “unnatural” for BiPOC people to drive or walk back alone from an event. 

Continue reading “A Letter from the Editor-In-Chief: Say their Names” →
Pigment, Poems & Creative Writing

Flaws N All

By: Léa G. Rohrbasser

This poem was inspired by my desire to emphasize the point that nobody is perfect; it is impossible to be, and in-fact inhuman, to be “perfect”. Society has so many standards and expectations made for us to follow, but the truth is that these “rules” are all literally made up. We are all imperfectly perfect. It was important for me to use the letter “N” in the title “Flaws N All”, because in this form of reading “N” can have several interpretations; one being “Flaws and All”, another being “Flaws in All”… again reiterating the point that each and every one of us is flawed.

Continue reading “Flaws N All” →
Lifestyle & Culture, Opinion

The Challenges of Being Biracial: A Column

By Jordyn Kamara

The most frequently asked question I get is, “so what are you?” 

But it’s much more than appearing half white, and half black. My identity traces back to where my family originates:  Portugal, Germany, Ireland, Africa, and Trinidad. Navigating this world as a person of “mixed-race” is fascinating to say the least. However, understanding where I belong in this world, continues to be difficult. Identity crises are very common among people of mixed race. Throughout my life I felt as though I never fit in fully with my white friends or black friends. 

Continue reading “The Challenges of Being Biracial: A Column” →
Campus

Bias-Incidents are on the rise (again) at UMass, and students aren’t satisfied with the university’s response.

By Tristan Smith

The shouts of derogatory names could be heard from the rooftops. Nazi Swastikas have been  drawn on the whiteboards. Racist and homophobic slurs have been engraved onto the communal bathroom walls. Signs that proclaimed: “Black Lives Matter,” were stripped down and torn to pieces. 

At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, many can attest that hate has been a trend on campus for years.

According to the UMass Amherst bias-incident report page, there have been approximately 42 reported hate-incited incidents on campus over the past two years. Recently, two have occurred since the start of the new academic year. 

Continue reading “Bias-Incidents are on the rise (again) at UMass, and students aren’t satisfied with the university’s response.” →
Campus, Opinion

A Job to Die For

By Nat Luftman, Alice Troop, and James Cordero

Being a Residential Assistant (RA) or a Peer Mentor (PM) at UMass Amherst is a true honor. In our roles as the Residential Life staff who support students living on campus, we have built meaningful relationships with dozens of residents and have fostered various living-learning communities. Thanks to our status as unionized workers, we are able to collectively bargain for dignified working conditions and wages. 

Continue reading “A Job to Die For” →
Campus, Opinion

Trustee Woolridge: It’s Time for UMass to Live Up to Its Promise

By: UMass Amherst Racial Justice Coalition

Recently, Victor Woolridge, a member and former Chair of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees, wrote an article calling upon America to acknowledge its history of anti-black racism and take concrete steps to achieve racial justice. We, a group of UMass students advocating for racial justice, wish to comment on Woolridge’s message. One of the few Black members of the Board of Trustees, Woolridge is, to our knowledge, the only member of the Board to publicly write about the need for systemic change following the death of George Floyd. Overall, we commend Trustee Woolridge for acknowledging the need for systemic change for racial justice–yet, that he is the only member of UMass’ Board of Trustees to publicly do so indicates that the UMass system itself has much work to do.

Continue reading “Trustee Woolridge: It’s Time for UMass to Live Up to Its Promise” →
Campus

UMass to ZoomMass: Students frustrated over administration’s management of COVID-19

By: Elienishka Ramos Torres

After a series of vague emails and unclear decisions from the UMass administration these past two weeks, thousands of students have voiced their anger for the university’s decisions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Continue reading “UMass to ZoomMass: Students frustrated over administration’s management of COVID-19” →
Audio, Campus, Culture, Multimedia

What Does Black Excellence Mean to You? (Vox-Pop)

By: Steven Turner-Parker

Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” As black history month comes to a close, Black student organizations had many events on this campus that embodied Ubuntu community elements and showcased what black excellence looks like. With that said, I decided to find some of these fantastic people on this campus to ask them an important question: What does black excellence mean to you?

Campus, Culture

New York City Rapper Pop Smoke Murdered During Home Invasion. How Will Rap Lovers React?

By: Brie Bristol & Elienishka Ramos Torres

On Feb. 19, rap fans worldwide were left in shock upon hearing the unexpected death of 20-year-old NYC rapper Pop Smoke. 

According to TMZ, an early morning emergency call was placed to Smoke’s Los Angeles rental home. Two gunmen broke into the house around 4:30 A.M PST firing multiple shots. 

Continue reading “New York City Rapper Pop Smoke Murdered During Home Invasion. How Will Rap Lovers React?” →
Culture, Lifestyle & Culture, Multimedia, Photos

Natural Hair Stories-Part Three

by Desire’ Jackson-Crosby and Cynthia Ntinunu

What is hair? Is it just a follicle on the top of one’s head? Or is it a piece of you that evokes certain feelings? The natural hair journey is a unique experience for anyone who goes through it. For some it’s a straightforward journey and for others there’s a lot to unpack.

This project allowed 11 people to relive and share their natural hair journeys-from their struggles to their triumphs. Below are the last three people for the natural hair stories series.

Lora-Kenie Deronville

In her own hands

One might suspect that the hair that grows from someone’s scalp is their responsibility. At a certain age, they’re the ones who are to care for it. For Umass student Lora-Kenie Deronville, her independence in this area was only recent. Until the age of 18, her mother was the one to care for and style Deronville’s hair.(Click the image above to read the full story)

Continue reading “Natural Hair Stories-Part Three” →
Culture, Music

GIRLS: Yung Baby Tate’s Anthem for Every Woman
Image result for yung baby tate girls

By Lucia Solorzano

Yung Baby Tate is an impressive rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Her newest album, GIRLS (released on Feb. 5), celebrates the different angles of her own womanhood and self in an empowering, fun, and expressive way. In her self-produced album, Yung Baby Tate’s sound is unique and bouncy, matching her vibrant and impeccable fashion style. The album features other talented rappers and singers including Bbymutha, Killumanti, Mulatto, Kari Faux, and Baby Rose.

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