DJ Kool Herc performing at a block party (Photo credits: Icon Collective)
By Fiona Bautista
On Aug. 11, 1973, the world was changed forever.
In an era of political tension and economic troubles, residents of the Bronx were divided in more ways than one–the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway being the most significant contributor.
Despite these hardships, the youth of the displaced communities found joy through block parties. One party, in particular, resulted in the creation of the genre we know and love today.
DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, decided to host a back-to-school party with his sister at their apartment complex on 1520 Sedgwick Ave. There, he premiered the “break-beat” technique, which elongates the climax of a song by switching between two turntables to loop the break. This technique marks the birth of hip-hop.
Hip-hop was quick to catch on after that, developing its own culture and providing communities with a platform to express themselves.
Artists in the early stages of American hip-hop often called out corruption, violence, and the poor quality of life in their neighborhoods. Hip-hop gave individuals a voice.
DJing involves the beats and music; they are the foundation. Defined as “disc jockeys,” DJs work intimately with turntables to switch from one song to another and create new and exciting sounds that audiences can appreciate.
MCing, in simple terms, is rapping. Originating as somewhat of a sidekick to the DJ, MCs–also known as masters of ceremonies–were people that simply made announcements. Over time, they became more prominent figures, freestyling and commanding the room to keep people engaged and the energy up.
Breaking is the dance style that defines hip-hop. Because the genre is so heavily based on off-the-dome decisions, breaking takes inspiration from numerous dance styles and combines them to create something unique.
Lastly, writing is the graffiti art that is so often associated with the “look” of hip-hop. Consisting of bright colors, bubble and block lettering, and the challenging of boundaries of traditional art, it predates the other three defining elements of the genre.
IMPACT Founder, Maurice Powe at an event. (Photo contributed by the IMPACT movement)
By Diamond Smith
Maurice Powe felt it was his responsibility to take care of those who were vulnerable and those who were less fortunate. The greater his passion, the greater his purpose, giving him the drive to make an impact in his community. Maurice Powell, a junior studying Psychology and English, always felt there was an importance to empowerment and advocacy.
Before becoming president of the IMPACT Movement, Powe took a leap of faith and met with National IMPACT President Jimmy McGee on a flight to Indianapolis after emailing him. Before he knew it, he was off to an event with McGee. Powe felt called to become President of IMPACT as part of the desire to be a part of a change within UMASS Amherst. Since just last year, this organization has had a significant impact on its members.
Throughout his time at UMass Amherst, Powe has seen a pattern among Black and minority students. There are several other Christian organizations on campus that express their love for God and have fellowship within welcoming environments. When racially charged situations occur on campus, Powe expressed the importance for Black Christian students to want to feel safe within their own spaces. The IMPACT Movement was created to serve as an avenue for young Black Christian students to express themselves, build relationships, and be supported by other UMass Amherst community members. Creating these safe spaces is very beneficial regarding representation and solidarity. In many ways, Powe says “it can be a healing environment.”
“In addition to managing schoolwork and other responsibilities, it can be extremely stressful. Anyone who may feel like they are going through a tough season in classes, on campus, or in any situation, there will always be joy in it. You will make it through, said Powe.
A bible verse Powe shares that rests on his heart is James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, to endure trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” There is sometimes tension on campus due to discrimination against minority students. Powe emphasizes that, through his hardships, he is building faith which is very empowering because he is both a student and a leader.
“Sharing your story has a lot of importance when it comes to living a life that exemplifies God’s love toward us and encourages others to seek him. When you share your trials with someone and how you have overcome them, you can change someone’s life a lot.” said Powe.
Powe expands on how IMPACT works to help promote minority students and their stories. “As both a Black student and a Black Christian, you have power. No one shouldn’t feel minimalized for their experiences.” said Powe. IMPACT is dedicated to equipping Black students to “become disciples of Jesus Christ, and impact is implementing their faith into every aspect of their life.” In addition to helping students grow as servant-leaders, the movement offers opportunities for them to serve others by participating in projects outside of UMASS Amherst that have positive influences on their communities.
The Impact movement goes on trips to Ghana, other states, and cities like Milwaukee, which has been impacted by police brutality.The IMPACT Movement places a lot of emphasis on coming alongside locals and learning from them rather than forcing a particular framework or agenda that might disrupt or even damage those communities and their cultures.
“With this perspective, it allows students to understand that it is our privilege to take part in mission trips, instead of the narrative of foreign countries being privileged enough to receive us. At the end of the day, it’s all about them, and it shouldn’t be about us. We’re supporting and coming alongside rather than intruding and disrupting.” said Powe.
As a cultural identity student movement, representation, and community engagement matter. “The intersectionality Black Christian students may experience can be understood within spaces like IMPACT. It is an affinity space to decompress and discuss these issues we face.” When we are called to understand our biblical identity in God’s eyes, a big thing members should take away is grounding themselves in the gospel and knowing Jesus Christ died on the cross for us.” said Powe.
The IMPACT Movement is ongoing during the school year and meets Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. Each session will have different activities that can be attended by all members of IMPACT Club regardless of where you live on campus or what level of involvement someone may have with the organization. IMPACT is more than just fun activities; it’s a way of life. We are left to question how we live out our faith in a way that exemplifies God’s love toward us and encourages others to experience God’s love and grace.
Impact’s Instagram: @Impactumass
Email: impactumassma@gmail.com
Members of IMPACT (Photo contributed by the IMPACT Movement)
People’s Beauty Supply shelf opened on March 24 in People’s Market (Photo by Christmaelle Vernet)
By Christmaelle Vernet
When passing through the Student Union, you may notice a new student business has opened within People’s Market. On March 24, 2023, a sophomore computer science major, Zih Nche, founded the first Black hair supply on campus. People Beauty Supply is a small business shelf with braiding hair, gel, crochet hooks, rubber bands, and other haircare needs. Nche shared that she began planning to open a Beauty supply by getting involved with the center for Student Businesses.
“I originally wanted a vending machine. I began discussing my ideas with Mary Morf, but she said to get a vending machine would be a long process. She could have been like no, it’s not possible, but she recommended People’s Market. Student Vendors can sell their own products, like tote bags and crafts that they knit through People’s Market,” said Nche.
PBS is open during regular People’s Market hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday. Nche, a Malden native, searched locally for a supplier earlier in the process of beginning her business. “There is a store called Parisian beauty supply store on Eastern Ave. It’s a five-minute walk away from me. I went to see the owner and ask if there was a way for her to be my supplier, got her connected to Mary, and now she has an agreement with the school,” said Nche.
Nche cited having good time management as an essential skill when balancing managing a business and being a full-time college student. “When we first opened, I actually had two exams due. The bulk of this was done from June to now. There was a lot of back and forth and actually setting up. Coming off spring break, I did study. I used a calendar dry-erase board, and that’s how I scheduled everything,”
She expressed the importance of accessibility to hair products for Black women on campus. “I feel like with this being a PWI (predominantly white institution), our presence being known is important. There used to be a beauty supply in Amherst, but not anymore, and I would have to go to Springfield to do my hair or get products. It’s so far, and some students don’t have access to a car. You can also order things on Amazon, but even that takes a minute,” said Nche.
As for the best part of running her own business on campus, Nche described being thanked by her peers as well as seeing her idea come to life. “I’ve had the flyer and logo in Canva since June,” said Nche. The impact the supply has is evident with the store’s Instagram page already amassing over 100 followers. “A Lot of people told me they needed this. Alumni commented that this was long needed, and a girl from UMass Dartmouth DMed me saying they faced the same problem and asked us to expand,” said Nche.
As for the future of People’s beauty supply, Nche hopes to add another shelf stocked with more color variations, weaves, and bundles by the Fall 2023 semester, wanting to make the business “as big as it can get.” She also plans to expand to other schools. Upon graduating, Nche hopes to pass the business down to a freshman.
For all students interested in starting a business of their own Nche advises to have a plan. “Do intensive research make sure it is something that you’re passionate about and don’t get discouraged. Keep bouncing ideas back and forth with somebody who has an equal interest. You need a cosign from an established business and have patience,” said Nche.
You can support Zih and her business on Instagram @PBSUMass and @26Zih, and People’s Market @Peoplesmarket73.
Zih Nche’s mission statement in People’s Market. Photo by Christmaelle Vernet
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has signed the Okanagan Charter, committing itself to a transformative vision when it comes to health, well-being, and campus culture. A number of different universities across the country, such as the University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan, have joined the Okanagan Charter. The Charter has two calls of action; embedding health into administration, operations, and academic mandates and ensuring health promotion action and collaboration are being led locally and globally.
Specifically, UMass has committed to focusing on health and well-being for students, faculty, and staff; sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the built and natural environment. The signing of the Charter symbolizes UMass’s effort to lead the university and the country as a model of a more holistic view of health as a university.
Present at the Charter signing were the following:
Ann Becker, Director of Public Health
Betsy Cracco, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Life and Wellbeing
Anna Maria Siega-Riz, Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences
Tilman Wolf, Associate Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost
Alaina Macaulay, Senior Director for Inclusion and Strategic Engagement
Richard Yeager, Director of Campus Planning
Shayan Raza, President of the Student Government Association
In a speech given by Raza, he commented on how important it is for students to participate in focus groups that give the university feedback on topics such as the environment, mental health, and physical health. Each university that joins the Charter determines how it will implement the values and principles of the Charter into its campus.
UMass appears to be taking a student-centered approach. In a presentation to the Student Government Association, Betsy Cracco outlined the university’s approach as not to fire more faculty but to have students be a leading force to bring attention to the mental health climate on campus. Worries were raised about whether too much responsibility is placed on students rather than the university to allow the Charter to succeed in its mission.
The National Football League (NFL) has seen a disproportionate number of Black players for decades. However, in the league’s early years, Black players faced significant barriers to entry. From 1933 to 1946, a gentleman’s agreement between all NFL franchises made it nearly impossible for Black players to be accepted into the league, no matter how talented and deserving. Despite their exceptional skills, the NFL ignored players such as Kenny Washington, Jerome “Brud” Holland, and Wilmeth Sidat-Singh.
Case 1: Kenny Washington, a 195-pound halfback, was an exceptional college football player during the late 1930s. “Kenny Washington is the best football player I’ve ever seen,” said Jacky Robinson. With his size, speed, and remarkable strength, Washington had all the potential in the world, which led him to become an All-American. Those who had seen him play claimed that he was not just the best football player on the Pacific Coast that season, but the best in the last ten years, even in the entire history of the region’s football. Despite setting records for career rushing and passing at UCLA, Washington was surprisingly ignored in the 1940 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Chicago Bears in the second-rate AAFC.
Case 2: New Yorker Jerome “Brud” Holland was the first black player to play for Cornell University, where he’d played varsity all four years. He was well known for his end-around play and excelled in offensive and defensive positions. He was named for five-different All-American teams, becoming the first person of color to do so since Paul Robeson in 1918. In 1938, he received honors again, making him the first Black athlete to be recognized in consecutive years since Robeson. Once again, despite clearly deserving to be in the NFL, he was also snubbed, failing to receive an offer.
Case 3: Sidat-Singh was an adopted son of a Hindu physician and attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York. He joined the Syracuse varsity team as a junior after being convinced by a coach who noticed him playing intramural football. He became one of the best passers in the nation and helped Syracuse beat rivals such as Penn State and Cornell. However, when playing against colleges in the south, such as the University of Maryland, he was relegated to the bench since those institutions segregated Black players. He, too, did not receive any -offer from the NFL.
Though Washington was initially barred from joining the NFL, he did eventually join, thus breaking the color barrier, when the Cleveland Rams relocated to the publicly owned Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, funded by black and white taxpayers. Because of this multiracial taxpayer population, there was immediate pressure on the relocated franchise to integrate black players. This and in conjunction with the “democratic idealism” started by the Second World War, helped break down the NFL’s “gentleman’s agreement.”
He soon became a regular starter for the Broncos and had one of the best rookie seasons. Briscoe would then move to a new team, where he was switched to the wide receiver position, despite showing success as a quarterback. After retiring from sports, he became a successful financial broker. Briscoe later worked as a director for the Boys and Girls Club and founded a football camp for kids.
Briscoe, in many ways, paved a path for many black quarterbacks despite his short-lived stint in the position. One of the most influential black quarterbacks to follow up Briscoe is Doug Williams, who was the first black quarterback to win and play a Superbowl with the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, in San Diego, California against the Denver Broncos ushering in a new era. Ever since Super Bowl XXII, there has been a slow uptick in black quarterback starters.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, black quarterbacks started becoming more commonplace, with notable names such as Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Warren Moon. The most recent season had a record-breaking 11 black quarterbacks starting in the NFL, including a first-time-ever duel of Black quarterbacks in a Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. The idea that Black players are less intelligent and make up for that deficit with their “natural” athleticism has been rechallenged time and time by their demonstrated excellence in the “thinking man’s” position.
It is thanks to the brave and talented Black athletes of the NFL of the past and present that we can see the flaws in such stereotypes and prejudices. Their hard work and dedication have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes to thrive in all aspects of the game.
However, while progress has been made, there is still work to be done in terms of equality and representation in sports. It is important for the media, fans, and the industry as a whole to recognize and appreciate the talent and contributions of Black athletes and to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse sports culture.
The NFL’s history of excluding black players is a dark stain on its legacy.
Despite the immense talent and skill possessed by many black athletes, they were denied the opportunity to play in the league for over a decade due to a league-wide “gentleman’s agreement.” However, through the persistence and determination of players like Kenny Washington, Jerome Holland, and Sidat-Singh, the color barrier was eventually broken, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes to make their mark in the league.
Today, the NFL boasts a record-breaking number of Black quarterbacks, and the recent Super Bowl featuring two black quarterbacks facing off against each other is a testament to the progress that has been made. The stories of Fritz Pollard, Marlin Briscoe, and Doug Williams remind us of the challenges Black quarterbacks face and the incredible talent and resilience that has led to their success. It is important to continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black athletes in the NFL and to work towards a future where all players, regardless of race or background, are given an equal opportunity to succeed.
The Rebirth Project 