Cheerio-sized waists, washboard stomachs and hourglass curves are all senior Didi Otigbuo sees as she glances up from her homework to catch the newest music videos. Comparing her own 5'5”, 170-pound figure to that of the video girls, she turns off the television while she thinks one thought: "I'm beautiful.”
Until two years ago, senior Briand Djenodjilem had never heard of the track team at Blair. And until five years ago, Djenodjilem had never seen an American track: He could be found playing soccer and running with his friends in the local fields of his native African country, Chad.
Over winter break I visited Senegal, West Africa, and the trip opened my eyes to many aspects of African American culture. Prior to that experience, I can't recall ever intently exploring my ancestry. I knew about slavery, its impact on society and African Americans' contributions to America. But looking back, I realize I knew about my past in a purely intellectual sense. I lacked emotional or spiritual connection to my very personal history.
Clubs and non-athletic organizations, including the DIVA Dancers, are no longer permitted to perform in pep rallies because of complaints that the pep rallies did not spotlight athletes, according to Athletic Director Dale Miller. Plans are in progress for alternative programs in which clubs can perform.
For centuries of being held captive and beaten with whips and chains, African Americans want payback. We want payback for being legally denied education, money, family and happiness.