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Spelm The Voice of African-American Womanhood Volume XXXIV iVo.2 November 1. 1990 Ashby Street No Thru-Way; by Angela D. Gravely Special to the Spotlight The closing of James P. Brawley Drive marked the beginning of several proposed campus changes, according to an Atlanta University Center (AUC) administrator. Mr. Charles R. Stephens, executive director of the University Community Development Corporation (UCDC), said the Brawley Drive closing is part of a comprehensive plan to connect four AUC schools - Clark Atlanta University (CAU), Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), and Spelman College. Additional street conversions include Greensferry Avenue. Westview Drive, and Welboum Street. Stephens explained CAU’s move to close James P. Brawley Drive, between Greensferry Avenue and Fair Street, prompted the other three institutions to examine the effects that the proposed plan may have on their institutions. Lawshe Street AUC Blocks It Off The plan creates one large academic community, with vehicular access only for emergency and service vehicles. "The presidents of the other schools wanted to ensure their campus would be accessible," said Stephens. The proposed plan consists of two phases, the construction of three pedestrian malls and the installation of two parking decks. Phase one, the three pedestrian malls, are estimated to: * Cost approximately Si.2 million. * Include wire and lighting installation; brick work; landscaping; and security guard booths at the entrances of CAU, Morehouse and Spelman. * Include signs for the AUC schools to welcome visitors and create visibility. * Be completed within three years. Phase two, the construction of two parking decks are estimated to: * Hold 700 cars. * Create a parking problem for students during the construction. "Yes, it is another issue...the parking deck at Sears in West End Plaza is a thought, but talks have not begun between us and Sears," Stephens said. * Be completed within two years following phase one. A cost fbr phase two has not been estimated out institutional funding and governmental assistance will be needed, Stephens added. He also noted, however, that the entire UCDC has not consented to the construction of the two parking decks. Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) and Morris Brown College hold equal shares in the land along with the other four institutions and may not see any benefit for their particular schools. As a result, the land may not be released. At this time, the presidents of ITC and Morris Brown have not responded to the UCDC proposal, said Stephens. Students expressed mixed reactions to the proposed campus renovations. Tandra Simpkins, a Spelman sophomore explained, "I think we need more parking space; it’s a must, but it’s an inconvenience for students who don’t go to Spelman and Morehouse." A CAU student can park in the decks, but wouldn’t be able to park closer to a CAU academic building, she continued. "They should improve student parking at the individual schools - build decks for each school." Chris Schwartz, a Morehouse freshman said, "It would be good to help unify the campuses, but it leaves out the other schools - Morris Brown and ITC." "It’s a catch-22," said Gary Smith, a Morehouse junior. "It’s designed to alleviate problems, but it is creating more." He continued, "Traffic is backed up on Fair and Ashby streets because we have to go around. There has got to be a better way." What You Don’t Know Could Kill You by Nissa Walton AIDS, the dreaded four letter acronym which, for many people, is synonymous with death, has rapidly become a formidable enemy of the world’s population. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) knows no barriers. The disease can touch any person regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic level. This characteristic has proven to be devastating to many people especially African-Americans. The AIDS epidemic has hit African-Americans hard and seemingly without mercy. According to the Center for Disease Control, as of March 1989, 90,990 cases of AIDS were reported in the United States. Of those reported cases, 51,987 were white, 24,328 were African-American and 13,811 were Hispanic. Although whites still constitute the majority of AIDS cases, the numbers of African- Americans and Hispanics contracting the disease are far greater than their relative percentage in the population. African-Americans constitute 12 percent of the population, yet we represent 27 percent of the AIDS cases. Hispanics constitute 7 percent of the population and 15 percent of the AIDS cases. In addition to those discouraging statistics, it has been found that 56 percent of all children under the age of 13 at the time of diagnosis are African-American and among the cases in women, 53 percent of the cases are African-American women. As we try to fight the crippling effect of this disease, it is important to focus on prevention and recognize the behaviors which put people in the high- risk groups. IV drug use along with homosexual and bisexual activity are classified as high-risk behaviors. In the realm of the African-American community, 41 percent of all African- American men who contract AIDS fall into the category of IV drug users or sexual partners of an IV drug user. African- American women make up 72 percent of this category while our white counterparts constitute 50 percent. Although IV drug use is an almost sure-fire way of contracting AIDS, the subject of sexuality also comes into play. Homosexual and bisexual practices are posing serious threats to the African-American community. Unlike the white gay community, the African-American gay community is not as organized nationally which makes it difficult for experts to identify and target homosexuals and bisexuals for education and prevention programs. Since there is no cure for AIDS, education is the only key to controlling the deadly disease. With emphasis on prevention, it is important for African- Americans to leam the facts and take (continued on page 9) Man Enters Dorm At Dawn; See Page 3