The Spokesman - Winter 1994.pdf

Abstract

Police Brutality at MSU A student was allegedly beaten by a campus officer at Morgan State University. Eyewitness accounts describe the officer as enraged and reacting violently, with the incident likened to the Rodney King beating. The university's police and public relations departments refused to comment on the incident. April Ryan at V-103 April Ryan, a Morgan State University graduate, is now the News Director and Public Affairs Assistant at Baltimore’s V-103. She started her career while still a student, gaining experience through internships and various roles. She is responsible for producing news and is highly committed to informing the public. Black Arts Festival Morgan State University celebrated its 21st Anniversary Black Arts Festival. The event, presented by the James E. Lewis Museum and BZB International, included performances, artist showcases, and various cultural activities despite funding challenges. Highlights included performances by jazz artist Jean Renauld and poet Kwame Alexander. Poetry Slam Morgan’s first Poetry Slam took place on November 5, 1994, featuring twenty poets and hosted by Kwame Alexander. The event was well-received, with poets Holly Bass and MAWK Walker winning the competition. The event concluded with performances by Hip Hopoet Tony Blackman and Qwest recording artist D’knowledge. Letter from the New Editor-in-Chief Fiona Williams introduces herself as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Spokesman. She acknowledges the challenges ahead, given limited resources, and calls for support and participation from the student body to produce a quality publication. In Memoriam The edition includes tributes to two Morgan State University community members who passed away: Jennifer Alaga, a sophomore who died in an automobile accident, and Susan Madison, a long-time employee who died of a severe asthma attack. Commentary: Financial Independence for Black Organizations Joyce A. Camper criticizes Black organizations for relying on financial support from major corporations, which she argues leads to loss of control and independence. She calls for the Black community to financially support their own organizations to maintain true control. Spotlight on Xavier Preston Xavier Preston, a senior at Morgan State University majoring in Physics and Engineering Physics, is highlighted. He maintains a 3.2 GPA and plans to pursue graduate studies in electro-optics or microwave engineering, followed by a degree in patent law.