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— — — ipf 7 4 Choice to Change' the IWM L_ M SPOTLIGHT PUBLICATION Vol. 1, No. 2 Intellectual Framework for the Freethinker October 2013 A Look at What's Inside: What to wear for Homecoming, and where to get it pg. 7 A look inside the courts of Miss Maroon & White and Miss Spelman PS-3 How to eat well during Homecoming pg- 5 Celebrating UK Black History Month and LGBT History Month pg- 4 Refund checks: Where do they go? pg- 5 Artists on the rise in the AUC pg- 8 What to think about “black” names pg. 8 Happy 92nd Birthday Dr. Joseph E. Lowery! By: Ko Bragg C’2015 Tyler Perry receives Inaugural Agent of Change Award On his 92nd birthday celebration Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery gave us all the gift of his presence. On Oct. 6, just four days after he attended a home-going service for his beloved wife and fellow activist Evelyn Lowery, at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College, he appeared before a star- studded crowd in that very same chapel with exemplary poise and grace, complemented by his witty charm. His wife had suffered a stroke, and died shortly after. “We carry on because that’s what mama raised us to do,” said Cheryl Lowery, Dr. Lowery’s daughter and executive director of the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights at Clark Atlanta University. The event, hosted by actor Chris Tucker featured readings and performances by many black celebrities such as Derek Watkins (Fonzworth Bentley), Malcom-Jamal Warner, and Teri Vaughn just to name a few. Jamie Foxx closed the night with his kind words to the civil rights legend. From a dance tribute to the Four Little Girls killed 50 years ago in the 16th street bombings in Birmingham, Ala., to a theatrical tribute to Dr. Lowery’s life as a civil rights activist and agitator for change, the program entitled I’ve Known Rivers: A Legendary Life celebrated not only Dr. Lowery’s birthday, but also how far we have come since the Civil Rights era. Dr. Lowery is known as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement.” As the co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Lowery rose to the public eye as a lead advocate for equality. In the 50s and 60s he negotiated better pay rates with many businesses that either paid African Americans lower wages, or refused to hire them at all. Dr. Lowery’s legacy also includes his leading role in protesting Dr. Lowery surrounded by friends and family during the singing of “We Shall Overcome” the apartheid in South Africa. Through his persistence he encouraged businesses to stop importing goods from South Africa until they ended the apartheid, which killed and destroyed so many black families. This entire edition of The BluePrint could be filled with lists of Dr. Lowery’s lifetime achievement awards, halls of fame to which he belongs, honorary doctorates, and major movements of which he was a part. He is so widely accomplished because Dr. Lowery genuinely looks for the good in others. Even on his 92nd birthday he chose to honor someone else who had been serving his community. Tyler Perry was given the Inaugural Joseph E. Lowery Agent of Change Award. Perry started his life from very humble beginnings as he fought poverty and homelessness. His successful films provide jobs for over 350 Atlanta-based employees. But even among all of his successes, he still donates generous amounts to the NAACP and the National Action Network, both historic civil rights groups. He also has initiatives for the homeless, and supports charities such as Hosea Feed the Hungry and Feeding America. “To have this around my neck makes me want to keep on running a little bit further,” said Perry after receiving the award. Many students here in the Atlanta University Center are probably familiar with Dr. Lowery because they probably pass by Joseph E. Lowery Blvd every single day. However, probably not enough of us really think about what that signifies. His road intersects with both Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Ralph David Abernathy Expressway, all people who fought tirelessly for people who look like us to be considered humane, equal people. The next time you’re hurrying off campus to get where you are going, and you find yourself on Dr. Lowery’s boulevard keep his words in mind: “If you don’t know where you come from, you won’t know when someone’s taking you back.” EDITORIAL Letter From an Editor By. Raquel Rainey C’2014 Raquel Rainey C’2014 ton bto 9 rtf imi low 306 1192 lOf 3 tO As you were welcomed in the first edition of The BluePrint, you were also charged to always progress towards greatness. I hope that with this second issue, we, the staff, have done the same. This edition is not only geared towards highlighting the festivities of this year’s Homecoming, but it also highlights the pressing issues of our society that will greatly impact us once the parties die down. Before I dive in too deeply, an introduction would be appropriate. My name is Raquel Rainey and I am the Copy Editor for The BluePrint. As a senior English major, I was given the opportunity to rebuild the student newspaper along with a team of amazing, creative and talented women. While growing up in Houston, Texas, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in writing. Having worked with a few magazine publications and an online human rights blog, I have been able to share my talents and expose my craft but nothing prepared me for the work of a newspaper editor. Countless hours of writing, interviewing, and editing can make one weary, however my passion for journalism forces me to persevere. The staff and I are proud of the work we have put forth these past two months and we hope to continue on this road to success. As you read this issue, be cognizant of current events and what changes you can make to create a better tomorrow for yourself, your peers, and the world. While the BluePrint will serve as the framework for exposing you to news inside and outside of the AUC, it is up to you to become critical thinkers and change agents for our community. SPELMAN Spotlight Kiesha Cooper, C’2009 By: Kabrillen Jones C’2015 The “Spelman Spotlight” is an initiative taken on by the Spelman College Student Government Association aimed to highlight Spelman students, faculty, and staff so that everyone can get their “shine.” SpelHouse Homecoming is very soon; Spelman and Morehouse alumni will be back to enjoy campus and reminisce on their glory days. But there are some alumnae who are still a part of the sisterhood everyday. This Spelman Spotlight highlights one of our very own alumna who never really left the gates. Kiesha Cooper Name: Kiesha Cooper C’2009 Major. Biology Original Hometown: Smyrna, GA Current place of residence: Atlanta, GA Current job: Bonner Scholars Program Assistant; Spelman College Bonner Office of Community Service and Student Development Favorite homecoming memory: Coming back my first year out of college to see how everyone looks so different and has grown up! Just being able to reconnect after not seeing everyone was really special! I am still friends with the ladies I hung out with while in college; we call each other every week. Best part of the “Spelhouse” relationship: When you need a male’s opinion; one is always there to lend it. I love how anywhere you go, if you say you graduated from Spelman and there is a Morehouse Man there, he will give you a hug like a sister (even if you have never met him). If you have a Spelman Sister you’d like to highlight, please submit her name to kjones66@ scmail.spelman.edu.