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Spelman Spotlight
The Voice of African-American Womanhood
Volume One
October 3,1990
Guide To The Black Woman???
by Riche’ Richardson
Shahrazad Ali’s book, The Blackman’s Guide to
Understanding the Blackwoman. has received
much attention from critics. Essentially, the
book discusses alleged shortcomings of black
women; moreover, it suggests methods to
improve relations between black women and
black men. According to Ali, the black woman
who is "out of control" can only be encouraged
into submission by the black man. Furthermore,
Ali abets black women to acquiesce to this
submission. However, her suggestions have
inspired unmitigated controversy. For instance,
some critics argue that Ali generalizes
excessively in assessing the nature of black
women; they claim that she conducted no
concrete studies or surveys to gather evidence.
Others contend that Ali only points an
accusatory finger at black women. In other
words, the author is accused of virtually ignoring
the shortcomings of black men.
Some students in the Atlanta University Center
have expressed an interest in Ali’s book by
reading and discussing it with friends, by
watching talk shows that feature Ali, and by
attending the recent forums on the book at
Spelman and Morehouse. Spelman’s forum was
sponsored by the Living-Learning Program and
the Women’s Center. The panelists included
Dr. Gloria Wade-Gayles, Dr. Steve Carey, Dr.
Beverly Guy-Shefthall, and Haki Madhubuti.
The forum at Morehouse college was sponsored
by Remit Fraternity. Among the panelists were
Jafari Remit, Anu, Jason Gray, and Shaka Rmt.
Students have expressed various sentiments
about Ali’s book. Some people have entirely
refuted the author’s claims. Others agree with
Ali’s arguments to a certain extent. On the
other hand, some individuals have embraced the
concepts in the book.
(Continued on page 12)
Right: Haki R. Madhubuti, Editor, Confusion By Any Other
Name: Essays Exploring the Negative Impact of The Blackman's
Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman. Beiow, standing
room only at forum on Spelman’s campus.
Be Sick, Only If You Want
by Stephanie Solomon
The 1990-1991 school year marks a new era
in many areas here at Spelman College. One
of the biggest changes is the consolidation of
the three departments of Health Services into
one extensive program now called Spelman
College Health Services (SCHS).
"The focus of the new SCHS will be to
empower the student with a knowledge of her
body and how to prevent things from going
wrong" stated Dean Freddye Hill. In this
program the mental well being of the student
will to be stressed just as much as the
physical.
The three areas encompassed by the project
are: Health Services (formally the infirmary)
for general health issues; the Women’s Health
Clinic (formally Family Planning) which
concerns itself with gynecology, information
about and the distribution of birth control,
abortions, Sexually Transmitted Diseases; and
the counseling services for the areas of
mental health.
After conducting a national search, Clinical
Psychologist Dr. Rhea Gordon was chosen to
head the new program.
(Continued on page 8)
TACOS, ANYONE?
by Sabrina Bradford
It all began when I was about ten years old.
My father would make delicious tacos for our
family and I personally could eat about five or
six. My love for tacos continued to flourish
over the next eight years to the point where I
taught myself the great art of preparing
delicious tacos.
When I became a freshman at Spelman, I knew
there was something about its location I really
liked. Finally, I realized that it was the
conveniently located Taco Bell on Lee Street
that I began to visit quite often. I became so
accustomed to its convenience that I started to
take it for granted. I became one of those
Americans who forgot the value of a $.49 taco
until it was too late.
On February 10, 1990, I learned my lesson. My
good thing came to a disastrous end. Taco Bell
was destroyed by high winds in a terrible storm.
My devastation was shared by the operators of
Taco Bell.
While awaiting permits for total reconstruction,
the Taco Bell District Office decided to build a
temporary restaurant that offered walk-up and
drive-thru services only.
Since there was no dine-in service, Taco Bell
lost about 20% of its customers according to
Gary Feathers, an employee of the district
office. Mr. Feathers also said that 60-70% of
the business at that particular Taco Bell was
generated by AUC students.
Over the summer Taco Bell was once again
demolished, but this time purposely so that it
could be rebuilt properly. I waited patiently for
the arrival of "my Taco Bell." The grand re
opening was held on Friday, September 21 and
hundreds of people "made a run for the border."
The success of the grand re-opening of Taco
Bell was phenomenal and "it [business]
overexceeded my expectations," according to
Lavanda Hearst, an employee at Taco Bell.
The new building looks very authentic and the
atmosphere is pleasant. When asked to
compare the previous business of Taco Bell to
its present business Lashon Williams, an
employee who was there before the storm, said
"business is better already."
Read and Enjoy
The members of the Spotlight Staff hope you enjoy this edition.
Look for the next one around October 17. The deadline for articles,
ads, and creative items is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER M. Bring
items to for the paper to the Spotlight Office. This is your paper!!
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