UT students speak out

On April 22, several student organizations worked together to host the awareness forum titled, "Whose Banana Is it Anyways." This host of panelists included JaNay' Bryant of Minority Enhancement for The University of Tennessee; Shawn Turner of the National Pan-Hellenic Council ; Tommy Jervis, president-elect of the Student Government Association; Emily Curtis Wrinn of Central Program Council; Andrew Garber of LGBT Community; and Raphael Onwuzuruigbo of Black Cultural Programming Committee.

The forum was organized to inform the student body of recent incidents that concerned their safety on campus. The forum was set up in a question-and-answer format. One of several questions asked was, how did you hear about the most recent bias-based incidents? While for the most part, most said they were informed via Facebook or student gossip, Chancellor Cheek's e-mail remained dominate. Panelist Tommy Jervis said, "I heard about it through gossip, I didn't know the real, true story until that morning. I actually got a phone call from WBIR, the Knoxville news station, and I hadn't even read the e-mail yet. So it kind of got me off guard."

Another question posed was, what was your initial reaction to the incidents? Panelist JaNay' Bryant said :"My initial reaction was, why? Anybody who knows me knows that's my favorite question. I'm a thinker. People cannot like somebody else over something they cannot control. I was sad I was angry I was confused. All those emotions mixed up in one."

Other questions were mentioned, such as, what are your thoughts on Chancellor Cheeks e-mail about civilities? Panelist Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said, "Me personally, I was proud of the university. They decided to send out a public statement. However, I feel that there have been several other incidents that were on a top scale that were not spoken about It kind of makes me wonder, why? Was it because somebody not in our group of students here saw something?"

Another question that was raised, was, what factors or conditions give rise to biased based events in your mind? Panelist Shawn Turner said, " ...If I had to label one ,I would think, it would be the upbringing, the morals and principles you developed or lack thereof in your upbringing as a child play a major role ... ."

Panelist Raquel Onwuzuruigbo responded to this question by stating, "...I feel like the university has given us a wrong definition of diversity. I feel like this country's definition of diversity is what's causing this problem of constant racial incidents on campus"

JaNay Bryant concluded this question by saying, "It's not up to the university, the school books, the teachers, it's not up to them to teach people about who you are; it's about to you to teach people about who you are. I think we're the factors."

Maxine Davis, Dean of Students, responded to the students concluding statement by stating, "I'm hearing you loud and clear." Dean Davis goes on to explain that the incidents have been responded to. The way the incidents are communicated seems to be the problem. Dean Davis also details a draft including student's suggestion. The university is creating protocol that will be clear to the campus.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosts 6th annual Mr. Debonair pageant

The Mu Zeta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated put on their sixth Mr. Debonair pageant on April 8th at 7:13 pm in the UC auditorium. Six distinguished gentlemen competed for the title, but only one could walk away with the crown.
All of the contestants had similar backgrounds. Four out the six were from Memphis, TN while the other two were raised in Nashville. The same ratio was evident as most of the contestants revealed their sophomore classification, leaving the two juniors as the minority.
The pageant competition consisted of many segments, the first being personality. Each contestant had to put together an outfit that best represented their own style and most importantly their unique characteristics.
The next portion of the show was talent. Some of the acts included singing, dancing and poem reciting. Contestant number four, Eric Willingham drew a picture of the Michael Jackson right before the audience’s eyes. The detailed drawing was completed before the late artist’s hit song “Billy Jean” was finished playing in the background.
Akoma Onwuzuruigbo was the winner of the talent segment. Onwuzuruigbo started off with a poem that turned into a song before it ended. While singing the remaining lyrics he played the guitar and even had a trombone solo during his performance.
The sleepwear portion was the next segment to follow. Most contestants sported tanks or basketball shorts as their night clothes. Contestant number one, Dorian Hudson, went against the common trend by wearing a red one piece pajama set similar to a baby sleeper. Hudson’s attire amused the crowd and he received major applause as he revealed his oily chest underneath. Contestant number six, Jonathan Kinnard, got the same amount of attention in his black silk robe set, teasing the audience as if he was going to show some skin as well.
The business professional segment had the contestants suited in their Sunday’s best. Each one glided across the stage as if they were a millionaire or CEO of a company. Suits ranged from the original colors of black and grey to the bright colors of ivory and green.
The last segment of the night was the question-and-answer portion. Each contestant wore the same attire, an all black tuxedo with a red vest and bowtie. Contestant number two, Matthew Best, was asked, ‘Other than yourself, who do you think is most worthy of the title Mr. Debonair?’ “Other than myself, I think the most worthy would be Anderson Olds. He has a great spirit. He always showed up to practice on time, ready to work, and overall I think he’s just a really great person,” said Best.
Ironically the judges of the pageant thought the same because minutes later Olds was wearing the crown. Tears shed down his face as he looked up to the sky in remembrance of his late grandmother, dedicating his first royal walk to her.
When asked how was his first day on campus with the 2010-2011 Mr. Debonair title Olds said, “I feel like a star on campus. Faces I’ve never seen before have acknowledged me in person, on Facebook and Twitter and it feels great. This is definitely a new experience for me. I’ve had spotlights before but nothing like this because now I represent not only myself but the Delta’s as well, so I have more responsibilities.”
Kinnard, who won 1st runner-up, felt the pageant was well planned and very organized. “Best pageant of the year. It was a great experience. I got to step out of my comfort zone and meet new friends.”
Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said that his brother, contestant number three, did awesome. “He represented our family well, our mother would’ve been proud.” When asked about the other contestants performances he said, “It impressed me to see African American men portrayed in a positive image.”
The members of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated had nothing but wonderful words to say about the contestants and the pageant overall. “The pageant went really well. You could tell they put hard work and dedication into it. I’m proud of them all,” said Asia Waller. Nadya Landfair said, “The guys did a great job. They surprised everyone with their talents.”