Senior Staff Writer
February exemplifies the celebration and reflection of those who made their mark in black history, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Madam CJ Walker. To celebrate this year, CSUB organizations, clubs, fraternities and sororities are facilitating events and forums.
Monday, Feb. 4, ASI hosted a discussion with CSUB senior psychology major, poet and author Shamir Kali Griffin, who published “Whispers of the Moon” and “Memories in the Rain.” Griffin gave students tips on the importance of copyrighting their work and the different types of publishing.
“Publishers specialize in certain fields and I didn’t know that. Many publishers that I was waiting for letters from wouldn’t hit me back up because my type of work wasn’t what they were looking for. A lot of them don’t want younger writers because they don’t believe we’re worthy enough or that what we’ve written is accurate or well written enough,” said Griffin.
He also discussed the value of revisions “Constantly revising it and having several people look over your work can only help you,” said Griffin. Griffin is currently working on his third book, “Identity and Shades.” Following the discussion, Griffin shared several of his poems with the audience, including “Modern Day Warrior: Gangs,” inspired by friends who fell victim to the gang life.
The Oakland native has also written a poem about his perception of Bakersfield. His book “Memories in the Rain” is available in the bookstore on campus and he may be participating in the poetry slam on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at The Roost. For more information about Griffin, visit his website shamirkali.com.
Wednesday evening, women and men gathered for the battle of the sexes event hosted by Black Women on Campus and Omega Psi Phi fraternity. The topic of discussion was relationships and relations. Men and women were able to anonymously submit questions to be discussed my both parties. Questions ranged from “Is marriage worth it?” to “Does friends with benefits work?” The evening consisted of constant dialogue on the different aspects of relationships.
When the subtopic of issues with cheating arose, students analyzed the difference between relationships in society now and in the past.
“I think technology has a lot to do with it,” said business administration graduate student, Stella Warren. “With so many advances in technology, people know too much about each other’s business, it creates too much drama. But back in the day you had to write your friend a letter or drive to their house.”
The discussion ended with the topic of “team light skin v.s. team dark skin,” a topic that has caused segregation within the black community, and where it originated. “If we honestly think about it, the reason why there’s a team light skin, a team dark skin, team whatever color you are is because of slavery. Light skin was in the house, dark skin was in the fields and we’ve taken that on and it’s 2013 and we’re still doing it,” said CSUB alumna NaTasha Weatherspoon.
