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The Spelman Spotlight
The Presence of the Ku Klux Klan Remains
BSmstuii E.vaa»
Assistant News Editor
About 40 Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members
gathered in the back parking lot of the Gilmer
County Courthouse in north Georgia for
a demonstration. After the success of 2010
PRIDE weekend in Atlanta, KKK members
gathered to protest illegal immigration,
homosexuality and Barack Obama, in order
to display their opinion on these issues in
American society. Although police did not
report any major incidents during or after the
demonstration, its occurrence leaves citizens
wondering if America is more understanding
of different lifestyles, or is racism and
discrimination still a large threat to American
society.
PRIDE weekend in Atlanta kicked off in
early September in celebration of gay citizens
around the nation. Many gathered to embrace
their lifestyles and to surround themselves
with accepting individuals. The celebration
took place at well known spots in Downtown
Atlanta such as Piedmont Park and the
famous Georgia Aquarium. Festivals were
held and parties were thrown in celebration
of a lifestyle that many people are beginning
to openly express and accept. A Spelman
student, said that “Gay PRIDE in Atlanta was
a cultural experience witnessed and embraced
by not only homosexuals but straight allies
as well.” Although, there are efforts made to
acknowledge homosexuality, there are groups
such as the Ku Klux Klan that still insist on
protesting against it.
Many have forgotten about the existence
of the Ku Klux Klan. Their group is known
for blatant acts of racism and discrimination
towards others. During the Civil Rights era,
the Ku Klux Klan committed acts of violence
such as lynchings and bombings in order to
send a message pertaining to their need for
white supremacy. In todays society, racism
still exists, but its effects are more secretive.
The recent gathering of KKK members was a
shock to hundreds of individuals who gathered
across the street to watch the demonstration.
At least one hundred law enforcement officers
were instructed to limit the interaction
between the two groups in an effort to avoid
confrontation. Many of the onlookers of the
demonstration carried signs protesting the
KKK demonstration.
As Spelman College continues to educate
women, does awareness such as KKK
demonstrations hinder our progress? Does the
existence of radical groups present a threat to
African-American citizens around the nation?
AFREKETE, a campus organization,
promotes social, political and sexual justice
for women of color. Instead of being blind to
the presence of discrimination in America,
Spelman students continue to uplift
themselves in ways that overcome racism.
As acts of discrimination such as the recent
KKK demonstration continue to occur,
African Americans and other minority groups
participate in events that unify their beliefs.
Some believe that attending schools within
the Atlanta University Center blinds students
from the racism that occurs outside of this
community. Spelman College equips its
students with knowledge of pertinent racial
issues by offering numerous opportunities
such as AFREKETE.
Rebuilding A Haitian Government
Natasha AbdUaard'
Copy Editor
Eight months after the devastating 7.0
magnitude earthquake in Haiti, the small,
impoverished nation is still struggling on
a political scale. With an earthquake that
killed approximately 300,000 people and left
another 1.5 million homeless, natives of Haiti
are now seeking a new start. Nov. 28, is the
official date of one of the most important
events that will take place in Haiti, courtesy
of the international community that donated
$29 million to fund the elections. As of now,
details about a recent meeting between current
Haitian President, Rene Preval, and members
of Haiti’s election commission, have stirred up
new governmental corruption accusations.
The “secret” meeting was held a few days
prior to the disqualification of 14 potential
candidates. Confirmation from several alleged
sources have suggested that the election has
been under manipulation on what is supposed
to be an independent body election (which
ensures that the elections are neither tampered
nor swayed). According to a few credible
sources, the decisions on who could remain
on the presidential list were made during this
meeting. Many feel as if this is just a further
attempt to continue controlling the elections.
“Logically, a president must be independent.
Rene Preval said he would support Jude
Celestin. The presidential campaign hasn’t
even started, yet he has declared a candidate,”
states, Jean Norgaisse a Haitian professor, at
Spelman College.
Recently, Preval has also kept in contact
with the remaining candidates allowed to run
in the election. Among the 14 candidates who
were rejected was the well-known hip hop star,
Wyclef Jean. In order to become president of
Haiti, a candidate must have been a resident
for at least five consecutive years. They must
also meet certain tax compliances. Lawyers for
Jean argue that he has had consistent presence
in Haiti since the year 2005. Furthermore,
he was appointed as Haiti’s “ambassador at
large” in 2007. In this responsibility, Jean was
assigned to represent Haiti in numerous affairs.
His lawyers made a point to also clarify that
the job of an ambassador requires inevitable
absence.
Professor Norgaisse displayed no signs
of being fickle in his opinion on the matter.
“Everyone has the right to be a candidate if
he fulfills the requirement. Unfortunately,
Wyclef doesn’t fulfill the requirements to
become president. He doesn’t even have basic
education. If he is not educated, how can he
manage a country?” questions Norgaisse.
The controversy over Preval’s rumored
efforts to seize the elections behind closed
doors, are also the commentary concerning
United States efforts and presence in Haiti.
Following the earthquake disaster, there
was a huge fear that this tragedy could be
used to exploit the impoverished island.
While U.S. officials deny the accusations,
speculation still occurs. Professor Norgaisse
states that “In the past, as well as today, U.S.
presence has and will remain permanent.
Therefore we need the U.S. but those who
are in charge of Haiti need to know how to
use (the U.S.). We need them, but they’re not
supposed to impose their own decisions upon
our country.”
Unfortunately, Haiti has not completed its
process of rebuilding. Transportation is very
limited due to machinery and debris remains
left in the streets, thus it is questionable as to
which method everyone will use to find their
way to the voting polls.
Oprah Winfrey s Leadership Academy: With Hope, Education and Action
SiPUnKuiy Fenusdl
Copy Editor
Sept. 16—Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership
Academy in South Africa visited Spelman
College. When the young ladies came into
the room, they were immediately greeted with
hugs from Spelman ambassadors and students.
The mission of the girls visiting Spelman
College was to give them a global perspective
on the United States.
“Spelman is the first campus tour for the
girls,” said Erica S. Johnson, the Associate
Director of Admissions. These young ladies
will be traveling to many schools around the
nation. Some include Harvard University and
Howard University. Out of all the schools the
academy will be visiting, Spelman was chosen
as one of the schools to be filmed.
These young ladies are the first graduating
class from their school. They will be in the
United States until October visiting at least 17
schools in the states.
This academy was established by Oprah
Winfrey on Dec. 6, 2002, two years after her
visit with Nelson Mandela. The academy was
officially opened on Jan. 2,2007 to 7th and 8th
graders, with a mission to uplift and motivate
these young ladies to achieve the unthinkable.
Ingrid Hayes, the Associate Vice President
for Enrollment Management and Director
of Admissions, presided over the event. Ms.
Hayes humbly presented President Tatum to
the young ladies for words of encouragement.
President Beverly Daniel Tatum greeted
the young ladies with open arms and kind
sentiments. “Spelman is a global leader
for women of African-American descent,”
said President Tatum. She emphasized that
Spelman College is making more of an
effort to give students a global perspective on
life, whether it be through studying abroad
opportunities, fellowships or programs.
President Tatum introduced the Gordon
Zeto- Endowment Fund for International
Initiatives, which will give Spelman students a
chance to think critically, while experiencing a
life changing global perspective. This initiative
the first time you are with your whole class,”
said McAIpin. She remembers this being an
empowering, yet nervous moment for her
because she was beginning a new journey in
her life.
Senior Christina Whatley, shares one of
her greatest experiences at Spelman has been
with the Bonner Scholars Program. “We get
the school’s support to do service and reach
The school will teach girls to be the best human beings
they can ever be; it will train them to become decision
makers and leaders; it will be a model school for the rest of
the world,
was named after Nora A. Gordon, C’1888,
who was the first Spelman woman to teach in
the Congo, and after Flora E. Zeto, C’1915
the first woman from the Congo to graduate
from Spelman.
These International Initiatives give Spelman
students the chance to be free-thinking women
beyond the domestic sphere.
Current Spelman students shared their
viewpoints on their unique experiences here at
Spelman College. The panel members, showed
authenticity and poise, as each Spelman
student shared with these young ladies and
Spelman students their experiences with this
excellent institution.
Senior Lauren McAIpin, recalls that one
of her fondest memories at Spelman thus
far was the parting ceremony. “Everyone gets
[all] emotional leaving their family, we walk
in Sisters Chapel and you get through it, its
out to those less fortunate communities,”
said Whatley. Spelman has given her the
opportunity to not only help those around her,
but to change the world through community
service.
Junior Charity Ndao, who is from Zambia,
was very interested in Spelman after meeting
a current student.
“The Spelman sisterhood is alive and well,”
said Ndao. She emphasized that the sisterhood
at this institution is still a thriving quality
which sets Spelman a part from other schools.
There were United Negro College Fund
Mellon Mays scholars at this event as well.
Their presence allowed for the students at the
Leadership Academy, to see Spelman students
who are interested in pursuing their doctorate
degree, in a specific discipline.
Many Spelman students who are a part of
the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
Program will go onto graduate school and
become professors through this program.
The Mellon Mays scholars were each
able to provide the young ladies with a brief
description of their future goals, ambitions
and dreams.
Mellon Mays scholar and senior Gabrielle
Hamilton emphasized her love for the art of
music. “I don’t want to be an opera diva,” said
Hamilton jokingly. She shared with the young
ladies that her field of concentration, includes
studying the craft of beat boxing as a form of
music. Hip-hop is often times featured in a
negative connotation, rather than a positive
connotation.
“Hip-hop needs to be legitimized because
the media has attached such a terrible stigma
on hip hop collectively. It’s difficult to actually
think of hip-hop, as a form of music let alone a
unique crafted style of music,” said Hamilton.
This visit gave these young ladies an
opportunity to see women of color, succeeding
in multiple fields.
“The school will teach girls to be the best
human beings they can ever be; it will train
them to become decision-makers and leaders;
it will be a model school for the rest of the
world,” says Ms. Winfrey.
Though these young ladies have come
from poverty stricken and disadvantaged
backgrounds; the academy is dedicated to
strengthening and encouraging the students
to prevail to greater heights.
Spelman students embodied pillars of
character and moral integrity for these young
ladies. The visit to Spelman College showed
the Leadership Academy girls that with hope
and education can prevail.
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