Alice Vol. 2 No. 2

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Black History Month, or National African-American History Month, annually celebrates the excellence and achievements by black Americans in U.S. history. The celebration’s inception began in 1969 when leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University proposed the celebration of black history transcend from Negro History Week into a full month’s celebration. After President Gerald Ford advocated that the American people “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans,” Black History Month became an officially recognized celebration in 1976. Today, in 2017, I join the nation in proudly celebrating the 41st Black [50] Alice Spring 2017 History Month, welcomed with great respect and gratitude for every endeavor and grand accomplishment achieved by an African-American. Now, it would be unfair to mention the cheerful enjoyment of Black History Month and completely ignore the recent frustrations myself and many African-Americans feel due to numerous tragic and unjust occurrences upsetting the black community. When I turn on the television and scroll through Facebook, I see the present neglect and worry people of color feel in today’s society. Yet, by talking with an African-American friend or even wisely immersing one’s self into the black community today, you would find that, despite the discouragement projected through media, there exists a wave of hope and peace; remembrance and celebration; courage and resilience; love and unity. Black History Month is a special time to reflect and remember those in our country who’ve overcome adversity and remained steadfast to achieve what was once withheld from them and often challenged today: freedom to be who they were created to be. Hear these voices from people alike in humanity but diverse in skin color as they reflect on their thoughts about Black History Month. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY? “I think to celebrate black history is to acknowledge, especially in America, the inequality and how so many people have done so many great things to overcome that inequality,” said Garrison Pugh, 21. “Even though today [racial equality] is not where it needs to be, there’s still great people who are working to overcome that.” “Celebrating black history is something that I do every day. It is not something that I only recognize in the month of February,” said Imani Manley, 21. “I think it is important to cel-
ebrate my history and my culture in a world that does not always value it. It is something that has been instilled in me since birth, something that I believe will always be worth fighting for. If we don’t celebrate ourselves, who will?” Terrence Curry, 22, said, “[To me it] means celebrating my heritage, celebrating growth as an African American, remembering those that have paved a way for me to be where I am.” As a woman of mixed race, both Caucasian and African-American, it’s important for me to remember where a part of me comes from. To me, black history is a beautiful story of courage, integrity, faith and triumph. There is so much that is unwritten, and I can’t wait to see what is further accomplished in my lifetime. NOTABLE AFRICAN- AMERICAN FIGURES Black History Month is a time to reflect on those who have bravely challenged the wrongful perspective and unfair treatment of African-Americans in the U.S. For each individual there’s a notable African-American figure: Martin Luther King, Barack and Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman. Each broke barriers, created opportunities and ultimately inspired millions of people from how they’ve made a difference for African-Americans. From basketball stars to fashion designers, there is a figure who inspires everyone. “For me, it’s currently LeBron James,” said Patrick Stanford, 21. “Mostly because of what his message is. He’s a kid that grew up in the projects and he understands the system and how the system doesn’t promote success for those kids. Yet, he broke that mold. He sets a precedent and a standard that other African-American males can look up to.” “Overall I would definitely have to say Michelle Obama,” Manley said. “Growing up, and playing with all my dolls I never would have thought that my First Lady would look like me. She has so much wisdom, education and class. She is a woman that will always be respected in my book. “Professionally, Tracy Reese is an African-American figure that I admire. I plan to enter the fashion industry one day, and it warms my heart to know that there is a designer out there To me, black history is a beautiful story of courage, integrity, faith and triumph. with the same motive that I have: to make women feel beautiful. The fashion industry can be so white- washed and it’s nice to know that a woman like that has opened so many doors for me.” Curry said Martin Luther King inspired him, “because of his ability to assist a major involvement in the Civil Rights movement. This is a major piece of history that connects to many events that allows for me to attend the University, to be able to sit in classes with a diverse set of folks, for everyone to have equal opportunities and to learn at the same capacity.” HEAR US: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW “I don’t want people to over-analyze having a black friend and having conversation about topics concerning the black community,” said Kennedy Studdard, 22. “And I don’t want people to always assume I’m bitter and angry. Not everyone is comfortable with having those raw conversations, but you need to be comfortable with meeting [and talking with] other people who look like you and don’t look like you.” “As an African-American woman, I would love for people to realize how unappreciated and driven we are,” said Manley. “It is hard to be a black person, but it can be argued that it is even harder to be a black woman.” In the history of black women within the U.S., we’ve seen this issue occur quite often — especially in areas of politics, entertainment and positions of authority. “We are constantly cast aside and prejudged by everyone, including black men from time to time,” Manley continued. “From our great-grandmothers to us, we constantly have the weight of the world on our backs, alongside this natural drive to succeed. We do all we can as students, daughters, mothers and professionals, and sometimes it seems that only a few of us are recognized. With all that is going on in this country, it is important for our voices to be heard as well.” “As an African-American man, I want everyone to know that people of color are more than just their skin tone — they are human, they are educated and are well deserving of opportunities,” said Curry. “We just want to grow and develop like the next person. Impressions of African-Americans that are portrayed in the media and public eye are simply not true on the entire race.” This Black History Month, take the time to research the powerful and inspiring movement that has compelled our nation to set a full month aside to celebrate. Hear the voices of the proud and spirited, remember our past and the triumphs that have occurred for the African-American community, and strive to continue and advance the celebration of our likeness and difference as Americans of the United States. * Alice Spring 2017 [51]
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Page 3 and 4: Letter from the Editor On the web:
Page 5 and 6: Table of Contents Beauty 5 LEARNING
Page 7 and 8: BEAUTY Learning from the French By
Page 9 and 10: BEAUTY CRITTER CONSCIOUS By Lawson
Page 11 and 12: BEAUTY By Nicole Jeffery If you are
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Page 17 and 18: Photos by Emily Heath LEFT Dress: L
Page 19 and 20: Alice Spring 2017 [17]
Page 21 and 22: LIFESTYLE Let’s Talk About Sex By
Page 23 and 24: LIFESTYLE 48 hours in Atlanta By Al
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Page 35 and 36: Black choker: Lulu’s Photo by Emi
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Page 39 and 40: Spotted dress: Twice as Nice Black
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Page 51: CELE- BRAT- ING COLOR Recognizing t
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Page 57 and 58: Growing up, I always admired Oprah
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Page 61 and 62: BEYOND THE BARRIER Pushing against
Page 63 and 64: Depending on where a transgender pe
Page 65 and 66: PROBIOTIC Brand: Nutrition Now Name
Page 67 and 68: Backflips for Bama By Claire Turner
Page 69 and 70: HEALTH & FOOD By Lauren Lane Once G
Page 71 and 72: HEALTH & FOOD SNACK HACKS By Analie
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Page 77 and 78: The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whit
Page 79 and 80: ENTERTAINMENT SECRETS OF SPOTIFY By
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Page 85 and 86: as Time: The Cast Emma Watson Widel
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Alice Vol. 2 No. 2

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