College Sophomore Aya Saed in Morocco

Interviewed by Bailey Brown

BAILEY BROWN: Where did you grow up?

AYA SAED: I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia but both my parents are Sudanese. My family currently lives in DC.

BAILEY: How do you identify with the black community?

AYA: I always assumed that I just did, and it never crossed my mind until one day my best friend in high school told me that I’m not black. At Penn, I’ve struggled with that a lot, but I think ultimately I find myself making my own identity. No, I’m not American. But at the end of the day, I am very passionate about issues involving people affected by race and specifically Africans or people of African descent. And the black community here is very diverse, so I definitely identify with the community. Especially as an UMOJA board member, I find that I not only identify, but have learned to represent the community to the greater Penn community.

BAILEY: Have your academic or career interests changed since coming to Penn?

AYA: At one point I was really business oriented, now I want to [do] something involved with social change, something more substantive for the larger community, maybe working for government agencies abroad NGO, and development stuff abroad focused on foreign service and humanitarian aid.

BAILEY: What are you involved in on campus? What drew you to these organizations?

AYA: I’m currently on the boards for Race Dialogue Project (RDP), Muslim Student Association (MSA), and UMOJA. All of these organizations define who I am and represent me. I feel I can help draw in people I want to add in my opinion to change how students are impacted by these cultural and racially centered organizations.

BAILEY: How have you spent your summers? Have you had any internship experiences?

AYA: This past summer I went abroad, I received a CURF grant to do research in Spain and Morocco to study Muslim economies. Although interviewing individuals was difficult I ended up adjusting, and I even had the chance to meet religious and economic leaders and even make contacts in Philadelphia.
I worked with an advisor and we’re working on a film, which will incorporate my interviews. Though I’m still in the process of working on the film, the project is on the Islamic currency. I interviewed people that have helped to make it happen, people who want to change the currency as part of [a] religious movement. Eventually I hope collaborate with the research advisor to write a part of his book, which will also be researching Islamic currency.

In addition to the CURF research project, I also did an Arabic program abroad. I received a government program to study abroad [at] AMIDEAST.

This semester, I obtained a Bread [and] Roses internship through the Civic House. Bread and Roses gives money to organizations in Philadelphia for social change. My job is to help these organizations around the city. I do workshops for these organizations, for instance, setting up Penn Pal accounts for online fundraising. I also conduct workshops and the people who attend are important leaders in their communities, advocating around issues like gun control and AIDS awareness organizations. I’m able meet a lot of important community leaders, and I have to be updated on local Philadelphia news.

BAILEY: How was your experience as a female living abroad?

AYA: It was a bit hard in Morocco because I was alone for most of it, and had to adjust to men talking to me in the street from the onset. It took me a while to realize that there was nothing I could do but ignore the unwanted attention. I eventually realized that I needed to be a bit more conscious of what I wore and how I carried myself. I eventually became really close friends with someone who began helping work on my research in Fez. Whenever I went out, I would go with her and her family, which made me more comfortable.

BAILEY: How was life in Morocco?

AYA: It was amazing! You can do anything from visit the beach, to taking trips to the dessert, to hiking, to jumping into falls. I had an amazing time. And the people there are so kind; they go out of their way to ensure that you’re having a fabulous time.

BAILEY: Were you challenged in any way by your experience abroad?

AYA: I had to rely on my judgment a lot since I was by myself and there was very little in terms of communication with my parents. So if I was lost or confused I couldn’t just call someone. I had to really be confident in what I was doing, to be outgoing and just introduce myself to people. I also got much closer to God and realized that I wasn’t alone after all.

BAILEY: How did you get your parents to agree to this program?

AYA: They were never comfortable with it, but since I got money to go and most of the trip was planned, they couldn’t really say no. They trusted me and the fact that I wanted to do this for a purpose, and was supported by the University and advisor. It was a very difficult decision and it most definitely was a leap of faith.

BAILEY: How did you find this opportunity through CURF?

AYA: Through the PURM program. I talked to some of the advisors there and they showed me all the various options to pick from. I applied to a few other ones also.

BAILEY: What is CURF?

AYA: CURF provides mentoring and research opportunities for students that want to do fellowships or research. Penn students have a lot of option to pick from, and CURF not only informs students of the resources but also guides them through the process. Definitely a place everyone should take advantage of!

BAILEY: What are your plans for this upcoming summer?

AYA: I’m travelling to the Middle East through the Ibrahim Dialogue Project. So I’ll visit Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Israel/Palestine with a group of kids from the U.S. I will also be working for Google in Mountain View.

Beneatha (Kalyne Coleman) and Ruth (Chevon Boone)

By Elizabeth Mensah

For all those who did not find themselves navigating to Class of ’49 at some point on the weekend of February 18-19, let me be the first to inform you of the gravity of your mistake! Kicking off the celebration of their 20th Anniversary, The African American Arts Alliance presented “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, providing us with a dose of thoughtful entertainment and a glimpse into the lives and struggles of black Americans in the 1950’s. My fellow attendees can attest to the zestful flavor of the audience experience as it provoked our inclusion through active participation. Particularly solicitous of reaction was the well-rehearsed Nigerian accent of Keith Williams, a Wharton Senior who played the role of David Asagai, a West-African pan-Africanist who wooed the doctor-aspirant Beneatha (Kaylne Coleman) with his intellect and romanticism. Having donned his sweetheart with a Yoruba name he supposedly could not translate into English, Asagai’s first lines “Hello, Ilyo” had the crowd rolling.
As a strong supporter of 4A and admirer of artists in general, I cannot help but acknowledge both the new and familiar faces that appeared on the Raisin in the Sun program. I definitely want to lift up Chevon Boone (‘13) who delivered so believably in both the Fall and Spring show. It was clear that freshman Kalyne Coleman really jumped into character; Seniors Keith Williams and Joseph Wyatt took the stage in their first plays this semester, bringing their humor and personality to the stage. Adam Hamilton (Walter) displayed well the complexity of his character. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a remarkable production, and we hope to see more of 4A in the future!

Would you like to contribute to the legacy of black journalism on Penn’s campus?
The Vision wants you!
We are currently in the process of editing our magazine, which will release this spring! The theme of this issue is entitled “Let it Flow.”

What is “The Vision?”
The Vision is an independent, student-run African-American newsletter and blog that seeks to enrich and empower its readers by providing insight into the black diasporic experience at the University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1989, The Vision was the first multicultural student publication that addressed crucial issues within the black community and African Diaspora at Penn and beyond. It functions as the publication of UMOJA and will primarily be concerned with keeping its readers abreast of events within and affecting Penn’s black community, and encourage black student unity, leadership, and involvement.

How can you get involved?
To contribute to this spring’s publication, “Let it Flow” send your journalistic or creative peace to voiceyourvision@gmail.com.
If you have an insightful vision worth sharing, let it flow with the mighty power of your words! Submissions should be no more than 1,500 words in length and should be submitted no later than March 16th.
*If you are interested in contributing to The Vision as a staff writer and blogger or have any questions regarding submissions, please contact voiceyourvision@gmail.com for more information!

Sports are redemptive. Whether we like it or not, they have an uncanny ability to make things right, or at least better, when they go wrong. To provide an outlet or a place of refuge, where one can be sheltered from societal scrutiny. There is a certain irony to obtaining refuge through a medium that everyone has access to, but in sports, picturesque performances precede poor life predicaments, blinding society of what once was, and magnifying one’s ability to make jump-cuts and score touchdowns. Is this fair? The answer is up for debate, but there is no doubt that these powers of atonement are certainly unique.

Michael Vick is the quintessential embodiment of the redemptive nature of sports. Once affixed to the irises of sports fans everywhere, it all came crashing down for Vick after a felony conviction for dog fighting in 2007. But Vick, winner of The Associated Press 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, recently inked his first endorsement deal since returning to the NFL in 2009. The man who was once the highest paid player in the league and equally well endorsed is now officially back in the eye of mainstream America in a context outside of a football game. Though the deal is with a company that sells football equipment, this is a big first step for Vick, and will most likely lead to more endorsements in other industries. Irrespective of how you feel about his past actions, Vick has shown the redemptive power or sports and the indomitable will of the human spirit. Kudos to him for staying the course.

Q: Why Penn Med?
A: Penn was my first choice. I got to know a lot of mentors and saw how happy the students were. It seemed more relaxing in comparison to undergrad at Penn.

Q: How difficult was it to transition from college to medical school? Did your courses in undergrad prepare you well for your courses in medical school?
A: It was different being on the same campus but in an entirely new setting. I used to go to Makuu and sit on the couch or stop by NSP practices, so it was a bit weird balancing two different lives. At the same time, it was nice having the option to interact with my undergrad friends. Academically, it was a pretty seamless transition. Penn undergrad is so intense because everybody is usually worried about grades, curves, etc. In medical school, that goes out the door. There’s no curve, we have group evaluations, and all grades are pass/fail. Professors view students’ academic performance as a reflection of their teaching, so they do their best to make sure the students understand the concepts. In the end, medical school differs from undergrad because there’s a lot to learn and you’ll never learn it all, but you have to be okay with that. It’s completely different, but that makes things fun.

Q: With health disparities increasing in the United States, medical schools are receiving pressure to recruit more minority students. What is Penn Med doing to increase the number of minority physicians that graduate from Penn.

A: The minority population at Penn Med used to be very low. I was the only minority from Penn in my class. We had thirteen black students in my incoming class. The minority population amounted to twenty out of 164 students, which was even more disappointing. Because of this, the minority students decided to set up a committee with the dean of admissions, faculty, and professors to push for more minority recruitment. The latest medical school class now has forty-two minorities, three of which are Penn students.

Q: Everyone knows that medical school is intense, so what are you doing for fun?
A: I sing with the university choir. The first year and a half I directed a co-ed acapella group, Ultrasound. I also serve on the recruitment chair of SNMA (Student National Medical Association) and as a MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-health Students) liaison, which is a great way to bond with the undergrads. I am happy to see that MAPS is doing well, especially because it is the first premed group for minority students at Penn. I also do hypertension screening in barbershops, community service, and upward bound, which is an enrichment program for high school students

Q: Do you know what area of medicine you want to pursue?
A: I feel like God has called me to do inpatient medicine. I am interested in pediatrics, and know that I don’t want to do surgery. My first rotation has been in inpatient medicine, and it’s been great taking care of patients. It’s a lot of work but it is cool acting it out. I get to decide how to treat a patient. In the end, I’m leaning towards kids but I also like adults.

Q: Do you have any advice for minority premed students at Penn?
A: Take advantage of all the resources at Penn. As minorities, sometimes we are hesitant to make the most of the resources available to us. Some of us may think it’s only the students with the poor grades who use the tutor center. In actuality, the people at the tutoring center are those who are getting a B+ plus, but want that A. Join MAPS and come talk to us at the med school. At the end of the day, you want to be able to say that I did everything I could to get what I did.

Q: Lastly, tell us a fun fact about yourself.
A: I performed “Love in These Scrubs” to the tune of “Love in This Club” at Penn Med’s 2010 Spoof, a yearly variety show put on by the med students.

Image via Indyposted.com

by: Lexi White

Don’t chew with your mouth open. Don’t leave the restroom without washing your hands. Don’t wear swim trunks in the snow. Oh yea, and don’t mess with Mark Twain- laws of the land I thought we all followed. Publishers have announced that recent editions of a Mark Twain classic will censor the word “nigger” and replace it with the word “slave,” so as to make the novel more usable as a classroom tool. Surely Twain is turning in his grave.

When you think back to the classic American literature you read as an adolescent, it is likely that Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” sticks out in your mind. Whether you remember Huck’s long-winded conclusions, Tom Sawyer’s grandiose dreams, or Jim’s relentless, benevolent companionship amidst the social injustices of slavery, my guess is that Twain’s classic novel has a special place in your memory, perhaps even in your heart. I remember Huck Finn for all of these things, but brighter in my memory than any quote, character, or chapter is the first glimpse at classroom controversy that Huck Finn seemed to foster. I remember reading “nigger” on paper as much as I remember reading discomfort on my classmates’ faces when they stumbled upon the word- discomfort that my teacher could not help but address. For the first and only time in my coming of age years, I remember hearing the N-word tackled by someone outside of my race, a teacher who aimed to explain the derogatory term and Twain’s purposeful use in its historical context. Huck Finn gave many of my classmates an enlightening encounter with a complex word they had never discussed at home, a word they would never know what it feels like to be called. This, I think, was a feat in every respect.

Supporters of the senseless censorship that may become of Huck Finn, argue that changing Twain’s text will expand the readership of the novel in classrooms across the nation. According to Mark Twain scholar, Alan Gribben, “The book is so much more than that word.” And I agree. Race relations is only one of many poignant themes that Twain touches upon in his timeless tale. That being said, I think to deface classic literature is to deface and ignore history, and when it comes to properly educating the youth about the racism rooted in America’s past, addressing the N-word comes with the job. I would hope that one needn’t be a PhD English scholar to understand that Twain was a progressive mind of his time. In writing The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain intended to impart an important social message that censorship would undoubtedly erase. If parents and teachers are too uncomfortable to address Huckleberry Finn as Twain wrote it, then perhaps they should find a book that better suits their capacity to educate and the maturity of their students. But to attempt to capture the essence of Huckleberry Finn without the “n-word” is to spoil the progressive intensions of a great American mind, and to subsequently ignore a vital reality of our nation’s wrinkled past.

by: Lexi White

Some say oil and water don’t mix. Students proved otherwise last Tuesday evening in Huntsman 255, as the Penn brothers of Omega Psi Phi and the Drexel ladies of Lambda Tau Omega led a diverse group of students in a focused discussion about the intricacies of identity and interracial relationships. Mark Smith, senior Basileus of Penn’s Omega Psi Phi chapter, described the purpose of the forum as

“An opportunity to bring together cultures and to help others better understand their differences and self-identities and how these things influence our decisions when it comes to choosing relationships.” Pleased with the turnout of the event, Mark noted, “We had students [in attendance] from UPenn, Lasalle, Temple, Drexel, and Rowan, and a decent mix of men and women of different races.”

The evening began with an “ice-breaker” as participants were asked to share what characteristics they look for in short-term and long-term relationships. From “hips” to “ambitious” and “professional,” words expressing fundamental attractions covered the chalkboard, setting a safe and productive environment for the rest of the forum. One of the most surprising moments of the evening came early on when students realized that words describing physical attractions were more frequent on the women’s side of the chalkboard then the mens’. The evening’s capacity to break down stereotypes was evident.

Next, students were asked to interpret and answer a series of questions such as “What is your own kind?” and “How do you feel about interracial dating versus your sphere of influence?” While some students expressed a desire for a same-race partner who best understands their culture and history, other students exuded a sense of tolerance in regards to dating preferences. Nevertheless, students admitted that internalized stereotypes and familial intolerance can, indeed, play a role in the pursuit of relationships. Discussion leaders synthesized this conversation by pointing out that family, religion, socioeconomic status, geography, ethnicity and sex can all create barriers for relationships.

Perhaps the most controversial point of the evening was when students were asked to point out specific racial and sexual stereotypes. A light-bulb moment came when a discussion leader noted the lack of “positive stereotypes” on the chalkboard. Furthermore, one female in attendance wisely noted, “We get stuck in our own types…sometimes we can be our own oppressors.” To close, discussion leaders presented a series of historical facts and statistics reflecting the widespread intolerance of interracial relationships.

In fostering conversation about the social and cultural barriers that continue to affect young adults, “Like Oil and Water” was a productive discussion to say the least. Senior, Mark Smith thanks all who attended for their support.

“We are always open for in-put from the community in terms of future events.” Mark also encourages students to stay-tuned for an event-filled Omega week, which will take place during the week of November 14^th.

Perhaps you received one of his mass emails. Perhaps you witnessed his passionate defense address at the Nominations and Elections Committee hearing. Perhaps you tuned into his radio show debut last Saturday night entitled “Ernestly Speaking.” Or maybe, just maybe, you were a “victim” to his controversial campaigning tactics in the competitive race for freshman class president. Regardless of how you first encountered freshman, Ernest Owens, one thing is likely true- the self-proclaimed “Penn Celebrity” said something that caught your attention. At the very least, you remembered his name.

Although the NEC disqualified Owens from the freshmen presidential election for having wrongfully submitted student votes against their knowledge, Ernest Owens was still named Class Representative of the Undergraduate Assembly, a title that now sits proudly atop his Facebook page and on the walls of several of his friends and followers. To say that Ernest Owens has acquired an audience in his short time at Penn would be an understatement, but even amidst his followers are students who question Ernest’s potential to properly “represent” both the freshman class as a whole and the black student community in particular. In light of the controversy surrounding Owens’ campaign, such concerns carry legitimacy.

In response to the NEC’s verdict two weeks ago, Owens allegedly pulled the “race card,” accusing the NEC of treating his case with racial discrimination and injustice. When questioned about the “race card” factor that the Daily Pennsylvanian published after the trial, Owens denied having initiated the claim. He emphasized that he only sated, “race may have been a factor in their decision.” Owens in part, attributed this suspicion to the lack of representation of students of color in the NEC’s judicial body. “ When it comes down to student government and representation, you can’t ignore the lack of diversity,” Owens remarked.

But while we’re questioning representation, it is important to note that many students of color here on campus were perturbed by Owens’ use of the “race card” among other things. In addition to having been convicted of violating campaigning policies, Ernest also sent several mass emails, many of which included slang and offensive remarks that poorly represented the black community. Furthermore, considering the evidence supporting the NEC’s verdict and the success of students of color in this year’s election and elections of the past, it is unlikely that the NEC’s verdict can be attributed to racial discrimination.

When all was said and done, Ernest, after all, was allowed to maintain his candidacy for UA.

No matter what stance you take on the NEC’s verdict or on Owens’ controversial behavior, let us agree, as a minority student community on one thing: students of color who statistically lack representation at Penn and on college campuses across the nation, must be particularly conscious of how they represent themselves and their peers. Senior African-American Wharton student, D’Andre Carr commented, “Regardless of what we, minority and white students alike, think of him, now that he is on the UA, he is a voice for the student body and for African-American students. He needs to conduct himself in a manner that is indicative of the intellect he represents.”

At the very least, let us view the allegations surrounding Ernest Owens as a reminder that proper representation requires dignity, class, integrity, and respect both for University policy, and for the image of the student body. Representative Owens, we hope you will represent us well.

by: Elizabeth Mensah

From declaring majors to securing career-forming internships, the sophomore year of college undoubtedly marks a crucial moment in the journey of a university student. Amongst the top contenders on the long list of opportunities to be considered, enrollment in a study abroad program requires significant prior planning but offers a unique, promising package of both academic and personal enrichment and diversion. As junior year seems the most practical year to venture overseas, many members of the class of 2013 have begun to research and rank the various available options. According to the information packets dispersed at the regularly-held Penn Abroad 101 sessions, this university offers over 150 approved sites in approximately 45 countries, and more than half of the 600 undergrads who study abroad each year for credit do so in a foreign language.

A recently published study revealed a concern for study abroad programs nationwide: “As of the 2007-08 academic year, when federal data showed that about 65 percent of full-time college student were white, data collected by the International Institute of International education indicated that white student accounted for 82 percent of all participants in foreign-study programs. Moreover the gap between white and minority students has widened over the past decade, as the share of minority student studying abroad has grown at a much slower pace than minority students’ share of overall college enrollment.¹” Seeking a legitimate explanation for this growing gap, the study concludes that the most compelling reasons to participate in such programs, namely that they foster cross-cultural skill development and improve post-graduation prospects, appear to have no effect on increasing study abroad intent among most minority students.²

Simply stating the total number of students that ventured abroad during the 2007-08 school year as 1,922, The Penn website does not provide statistics that would make for a meaningful comparison. Although Penn ranks first amongst the Ivy League schools in the number of students studying abroad according to the most recent data, this fact indicates nothing about whether this university contradicts or exemplifies the national trends concerning minority participation in such programs³. (This ranking is rendered even less meaningful when we consider that Penn enrolls more undergrads than every other Ivy League school except Cornell). Left to my own non-scientific and incomprehensive approach, I found myself hard-pressed to find a Black sophomore on this campus who is averse to the idea of a semester or two immersed in a non-American culture. The statements of those with whom I conversed echoed the assertion of sophomore Erica Shockley: “For me, this might be the only chance I have to travel outside of the U.S. for a long time, so I want to take full advantage.”  While the possibility that Penn minority students diverge from the nationally-exhibited pattern remains, it would be quite rash to conclude that such is the case based on a relatively small, externally invalid sample. At the same time, lack of information makes it difficult to pinpoint a Penn-specific void in the marketing, delivery, and/or presentation of these opportunities to minorities that would serve as the basis for the argument that Penn is in accordance with the country-wide trend.

Regardless of whether this institution deviates or coincides with the national-scale statistics, perhaps this new information can catalyze a series of decisions amongst leaders and members of the Black Penn community in order to achieve needed or continued edification. Those who have experienced the wonders of studying abroad should be willing to reach out to not only their friends and associates but also the community as a whole, and furthermore, should be provided a platform to do so. One upcoming event that seeks to fulfill this need will take place on November 3^rd. Titled “Study Abroad and You: Opportunities for students of color,” this forum will include a panel of past study abroad beneficiaries sharing their experiences and revealing opportunities to architect your own education in these programs. This Makuu-hosted discussion promises to be both informative and interactive, hopefully drawing a sizable crowd to the Fireside Room of the ARCH Building on Wednesday at 6pm!

by: Mimi Owusu

Whenever I tell people that I attend the University of Pennsylvania, they often respond in one of two ways. Some comment on Big 10 football and afterwards, wish me luck at Penn State. But there’s always a handful of people that say, “You go to Penn?!” I nod my head uncomfortably, watching them size me up while they assure me that a brilliant future remains ahead. The second reaction demonstrates that many of us prescribe to these ideals that get advertised throughout mainstream ranking systems such as U.S News and World Report, which places the highest value on factors such as reputation, selectivity, and research funding. Do these factors ultimately produce the most successful professionals? In regards to medical schools, Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan and his colleagues at George Washington University seem to think otherwise. This is apparent in their recent study, “The Social Mission of Medical Education: Ranking the Schools.”

Mullan and his team evaluated 141 medical schools according to their “social mission score-” a number that reflected their ability to: graduate primary care practitioners, attract physicians to serve in shortage areas such as inner cities and rural towns, and recruit underrepresented minorities. They received their data from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Association of American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, examining nearly 60, 000 physicians who received their degrees from the years 1999 to 2001. These years may seem a bit outdated, but at the time they performed this study, this was the most recent group of physicians that had completed their residencies and actually chosen a specialty. After they calculated each school’s composite score, they published a list that ranked the Historically Black Medical Schools, Morehouse, Howard, and Meharry in the top three (respectively) while many prestigious institutions such as Columbia, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins fell in the bottom tier (Penn ranked 127th overall).

Surprisingly, many critics received the study well, acknowledging these criteria as necessary components of medical education. However, some thought it was a flawed study. John Prescott, Chief Academic Officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges, reported, “Social mission ought to be looked at more broadly…medical schools meet society’s needs in many ways through their integrated missions in medical education, research, and patient care.” His comment holds merit, but does not consider how Mullan’s criteria align directly with modern society’s health concerns. Due to health care reform, approximately 32 million previously uninsured patients will have coverage, despite the shortage of physicians. Therefore, it is especially important that more physicians practice primary care, a comprehensive field that has been associated with improving health outcomes. As more physicians specialize and practice in metropolitan settings, the patients in the inner cities and the small towns are left ignored, when they are often the ones that require the most attention. Finally, the minority population continues to increase but still experiences substantially worse health care outcomes in comparison to white people. With minority physicians contributing only 6 percent to the health care workforce, medical schools need to focus more on diversity recruitment in order to improve health disparities.

Although they might not admit it, some people have read this study, but rejected it because it ranked HBCUs so highly. These schools did not succeed simply because they have a disproportionate amount of minority students. Meharry graduates 18 percent of the United States’s African American physicians, while Morehouse sends 70 percent of its student body into primary care, both demonstrating their dedication to promote community medicine and uphold a social mission in their curricula. In the end, Mullan’s study was not designed to tarnish the reputation of Ivy Leagues. Instead, it was an effort to encourage people to reconsider the role that medical schools play in creating medical professionals. Criteria such as selectivity, research, and reputation matter, but they don’t assure a medical school’s ability to meet its community’s health needs. In fact, Mullan and his team observed that the schools with the highest research grants from the NIH obtained the lowest social mission scores. Simply put, this is unacceptable. Mullan and his team have presented the data, now it is time for medical schools to decide the role that they want to play in improving our nation’s health.

Related articles

• You: More minorities enrolling in medical school, study shows (washingtonpost.com)

As fall break came and went, so did many of the hairstyles donned by Black women on campus. The four day weekend was a period in which many students used to rest, catch up on some work, visit family, and get their hair done. The tresses of many were braided, relaxed, blown out, twisted, undone, etc. I was not taken by surprise on Wednesday when many of my friends were rocking a new do, myself included. But why do Black women change their hairstyles so often? Granted, like the clip celebrates through song, Black hair is alterable and basic styles like braids and twists are timeless. So much so that Sesame Street felt it necessary to share these styles with viewers in a song that lists a few of them using girl puppets of color. Cute.

Though I think the clip was very charming and very much needed in our society, I cannot stop thinking why it should be a topic of discussion or in this case song. After all, hair is just hair; it sheds only to be replaced by more hair. In that case, any neat hairstyle should be acceptable in any setting. I should stop worrying about straightening my natural hair when preparing for a job interview, disregard the coils that tend to pop out of my combed afro, or even get over my fear of commitment and get dreadlocks. In other words, my hair should not be so political, right? Wrong.

Whether we like it or not, everything we wear on our body as well as our on our head is a statement. When I decided to transition into my natural hair, I was not concerned with getting a clenched fist afro pick or BPP pin. I had just become fed up with travelling to the salon and paying a sum too great for a wash and set, only to return in two weeks. During those 14 days, I would spend the fresh wash and set dodging the rain, gym, and any material besides my satin scarf. Sometimes, I would throw in a little braid action which usually involved me venturing up to 125^th St in Harlem, NY and being accosted by women who claimed to “braid good hair”. Seven hours and $120 later, I kind of liked my hair, I was hungry, and my head ached for hours. Ouch!

Needless to say, my hair care regimen was a side gig costing me too much money and time that did not show any returns (don’t get me wrong, straight hair was cool, but not at the expense of harmful chemicals in contact with my scalp). After long and honest pondering, I had to face the fact that all these efforts were made to conceal my natural hair. Why did I go to such extents to obtain this “normal” but unnatural look? The same reason we don’t talk about race as much as we should. Often times we are afraid to face the greater issue at hand. Hair, like skin color, is just that, but the two usually indicate a difference that, instead of being celebrated, is disparaged more often than not. Bummer.

So the little girls over at Sesame Street may have a point that beckons the attention of grown women. I guess in less corny terms, hair keeps growing no matter if and how we alter it, so it serves us better to use various styles to embrace it, not to disguise it.

Now if it stopped growing that would be the real issue. Not cute.

Related articles

• Sesame Street Song: “I Love My Hair” (chicagonow.com)
• “Sesame Street” Schools Black Girls On The Beauty Of Their Hair (thefrisky.com)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

In pursuit of fresh talent, the student groups under the Performing Arts Council go beyond distributing fliers to passersby on Locust walk. Zellerbach theatre at Annenberg was the prime location for entertainment on Saturday night as PAC hosted an evening of theater, dance, a cappella, singers, musicians, and comedians. Provided by the nearly 45 groups that comprise PAC, Freshman Performing Arts Night occurs every September on campus and is strategically scheduled to closely precede and strongly encourage the freshmen to come out for auditions for all groups represented at the show. Paying $5 each for their tickets, the class of 2014 poured into the theater with an eye open for prospective extracurricular groups and eager to behold their new alma mater’s diverse expressions of culture and creativity.

One of the first performances came from UMOJA’s own African Rhythms, a drum and dance troupe that aims to perform dances from Africa and the African Diaspora (http://www.dolphin.upenn.edu/afrhythm/about.html). The entire vicinity roared with applause as the dancers proudly emerged from behind the back curtain and strutted into the limelight, moving to the intricate drum patterns emanating from the talented instrumentalists seated upstage. Twelve acts later, the dignified members of the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir sang His praises with no reservations, electrifying the crowd with impressive vocals, Talisa Carter’s enthusiastic conducting, a soul clap, and the inspiring gospel classic “Rock of Ages.”

Shortly following a brief intermission, The Excelano Project’s Justin Ching took the stage and delivered a truly genuine performance, informing those who never knew and reminding those who may have forgotten why Penn’s Premier spoken word collective is highly regarded and globally recognized. The Inspiration a cappella group later charmed the audience with their soulful rendition of Erykah Badu’s “On &On”, followed soon afterward by a comedy and personality-rich monologue delivered eloquently by the African American Arts Alliance’s Jolecia Flournory. Near the tail end of the evening, DH2 entertained the crowd with their contemporary hip hop music and choreography.

The aura of the theater was characterized by pleasure and intrigue as most attendees participated in the interactive portions of the night and stayed until the program had completely come to an end. After the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Ernest Owens, a freshman audience member who had enjoyed the show in general but had one qualm.

“I would like to see more of us,” he commented.

Owens went on to express what he meant by his statement, explaining that there were entire categories of performing arts, such as skit comedy, which failed to feature a single Black group at the event.

His comment perhaps represents a miscommunication on the part of this event’s organizers. What needs to be made clearer to the attendees of FPAN is that not all performing arts groups to which Penn students have access have an opportunity to perform at this event or are even recognized by our office of student affairs. It is likely that many new students left Zellerbach theater with the impression that they had seen all there is to see in terms of the art scene here at Penn. While those who are sure of their extracurricular interests will surely tailor their search for an artistic outlet accordingly, the vast majority of the young adults who have just joined the Penn community and do not have prior knowledge of this campus may remain in the dark about the range of opportunities here until they stumble upon them by pure coincidence.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Black community welcomed its most recent additions at the annual BSL Meet the Freshmen event on Friday. The Black Students League’s first social event of the school year, this gathering creates a platform for the upperclassmen of the African Diaspora to reach out and offer everything from friendship to academic advice to their counterparts in the incoming class. In order to facilitate the formation of these bonds, the Black Students League also provides a mentoring program in which the newcomers are paired with the more experienced students, fostering closer relationships and adding a personal touch to the freshman acclimation process. For many, Friday’s affair was the beginning of that unique relationship, as several mentors and mentees met each other for the first time.

The high turnout for this event was evident as numerous students filed into the Hall of Flags, embracing old friends and extending a welcome to new ones before taking their seats in chairs arranged in a large circular formation. The music-colored atmosphere was one of genuine hospitality with smiles and laughter spicing and decorating the vicinity. After most attendees had settled, 10 students stood in the middle of the circle and asked for the attention of the crowd. Led by President Brittany Harris, the board of the Black Students League introduced themselves individually, officially commencing the agenda they had planned for the evening.

To break the ice, everyone joined in a massive game of “I Love Penn Students Who…,” an exciting activity that not only provides exercise, but also gives participants a chance to let their name and hometown be known to the whole group. This game revealed the diversity of Penn’s freshman class and the Black community in general, as students from all states and various continents rep’ed their cities. Next, smaller groups moved on to the infamous “Two truths and a Lie”, inviting all to further display their personalities. By the time refreshments arrived, the entire room was filled with vivacity, enjoyment, and good spirit.

As a past attendee of this yearly event and beneficiary of the mentoring program, I can personally testify to its effectiveness in unifying the classes and offering support to the newest members of the community. Being in contact with a confident and accomplished upperclassman who was willing to share her experiences and offer her counsel served to alleviate any initial concerns I had as a recent high school graduate at an Ivy League Institution. Through the bonds and connections it fosters, the Black Student league’s mentoring program in conjunction with their Freshman meet and greet event undoubtedly enrich the Penn experience for its participants.

This past summer, Lord & Taylor offered internships within their marketing, e-commerce,  planning and buying departments. I interned as a buyer in the Jewelry division. On a basic level, buyers within the retail industry do exactly what the name suggests. Buyers meet with possible vendors and select the product that is sold within the stores. However, the job requires the buyer to have keen business sense and the ability to create profitability. Buyers are the beginning source of retailers’ profitability. They decide which vendors to carry, the cost of the product and the items’ retail value. In the same vein, they must consider and account for the company’s overall positioning, the targeted financial goals, the manufacturing and shipping logistics, and of course, the behaviors and preferences of the core customer.

Within jewelry, I worked as an involved member of the merchant team. This included both buyers and planners – those whose focus is to allocate the selected product to all of the company’s stores. I specifically worked alongside an assistant buyer and a buyer who taught me how the profession was structured.  We frequently met with the planner and assistant planners to collaborate with each other and share our ideas and information that could improve our overall business. On the buying and planning sides, we worked with vendors such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole and Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Our efforts provided the Lord & Taylor customer with the highest quality of product and styles while proving profitable to the vendor and Lord & Taylor.

Each day at Lord & Taylor took on a new and unique identity. Typically, days would begin with routine work such as placing an order with a vendor, checking a shipment’s receipt at the distribution center, or creating a report for upper level management. But at any moment, plans could change. An emergency meeting might be called by upper level management, a vendor may want to schedule an appointment during the week, or a new project may find its way onto the to-do list. This ever-changing atmosphere forced me to become efficient, flexible and multifaceted in ways that I never knew were possible.  One particular week required me to pull several reports from the L&T archives, select vintage jewelry for a unique project, create images of sample products for a general managers conference, and merchandise one of the top-of-counter ring displays on the New York Store. This is all in addition to the normal assessment of the Lord & Taylor Jewelry business.

In addition to working at Lord & Taylor, I was also in the Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) Internship Program. This program allowed minorities from all over the country to access a wide network of buyers, planners, vice presidents and other senior level executives. The BRAG internship was comprised of 23 individuals from a variety of company’s such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach, Calvin Klein, and of course, Lord & Taylor.  We were given a group case study that addressed the changing multicultural demographics within the retail industry. This project called for us to meet in our groups outside of our daily “9 to 5” and research possible solutions. At the end of the internship, each group presented to senior vice presidents, CEOs and other distinguished, corporate executives within the retail industry.

Interning at Lord & Taylor in partnership with the Black Retail Action Group, was an experience that I will never forget. It was a challenging and fun program that encouraged us to network with executives throughout the industry, learn more about the retail business and enjoy the wonderful amenities of New York City. This summer was a great overall experience! Many of the relationships that I have built this summer will last for years to come.

If anyone is interested to know more about either Lord & Taylor or the Black Retail Action Group internship or work opportunities, please feel free to contact me at bryante@wharton.upenn.edu.