Islam Awareness Month Dispels Stereotypes
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
Sounds of Muslim religious music combined with the aroma of samosas, falafel and Middle Eastern-style chicken, drew a crowd of at least 100 students to Hutch Commons this past Tuesday, April 22, for the Muslim Students Association (MSA) study break. MSA’s study break kicked off its second annual Islam Awareness Month (IAM), which will be held from fourth to seventh weeks [of the quarter.] Weekly lectures, informational booths, student panel discussions and other events will be held throughout IAM.
“The purpose of IAM is to increase awareness to all people [in the U of C community.] MSA wanted people to get their source of information about Islam and Muslims from the believers themselves,” said first-year student in the College Tareq Mahmud, vice president of MSA. Mahmud feels that non-Muslims often get a distorted or narrow view of Islam from the media and other second-hand sources.
Many of MSA’s events aim to explore issues of gender, race, nationalism and Islamic beliefs and practices.
“One of our lectures is by Aminah Assilmi, a Native American Muslim convert, who does a lot of lecturing on women and Islam,” said Tammie Isamil, a third-year student in the College, and MSA president. Ismail expected the lecture to be both interesting and provocative.
One MSA member explained that Muslim women are often expected to explain their religious practices, because some non-Muslims feel that Muslim women are “subjugating” themselves by the practice of hijab, the tradition of a woman’s covering her hair and wearing modest dress. She said that she does not feel that Islam and its traditions are oppressive to her.
Ismail went on to explain that Assilmi also does a regular Muslim TV show which explores issues of gender in relation to Islam. “We would like everyone to come out for alone one or two events. IAM is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Ismail.
MSA feels it is especially important that IAM exists because, according to Mahmud, Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and England. Orthodox Islam, as opposed to the separate Nation of Islam, is growing especially quickly among the black community in larger cities.
All lectures and panel discussions will provide free food and refreshments courtesy of MSA and Student Government.
Originally published April 25, 1997
Friday, April 25, 1997
Tuesday, April 22, 1997
First Annual OBS Cultural Show Celebrates Black Heritage
First Annual OBS Cultural Show Celebrates Black Heritage
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The Organization of Black Students (OBS) hosted its first annual cultural show entitled “Visions of Heritage” Saturday, April 19, at the University of Chicago’s International House. Two hundred students and community residents attended the event.
“I think the evening was a success, and [part of that success] was the fact that we had a racially and culturally diverse crowd,” said Jimmie Wells, president of OBS and a fourth-year student at the College. “[The show] was a huge collaborative effort. I thought it was a beautiful night.”
Many cultural show attendees had a positive reaction to the show.
“The OBS cultural show was an exciting excursion through African music, song, dance, poetry and fashion,” said Vincent Howard, a second-year student at the Graduate School of Business.
“This [show] is a must see for the entire University. I hope to see the show continue every year on a larger scale,” Howard added.
The student Government (SG)-sponsored event cost around $2, 500. Tickets cost around five dollars, but young children were allowed in free. According to Wells, the two restaurants that catered the event gave OBS a special discount.
“[OBS] took a loss financially,” said Sherman Galbreath, treasurer of OBS and a third-year student in the College. “However the excitement and approval of the crowd made it worthwhile.”
The nearly three-hour show started out with the New Composers Ensemble. Using a combination of a vibraphone, drums, piano, bass, guitar, percussion and vocals, this group attempted to fuse modern jazz-inspired music with that of traditional African music in pieces titled “Psalm 37” and “Night Flight.”
Afterwards an African drumming and dancing troupe called Yahkowb and Company showcased a variety of different ancient musical traditions such as those from Yoruba and Ashanti (Asante) cultures. The troupe leader explained that in the African tradition, there is a close relation between music, dance and vocals.
“[The show] was really successful. My favorite part [of the show[ was the drumming and the dancing,” said Teyona James, a second-year student at Aurora University.
Traditionally, African music is polyphonic with sophisticated rhythm structures. Drums often “talk” or communicate to dancers, other drummers, and spectators.
“The drummer tells you how to do it, when to do it. You [must] listen to the story of the drum,” said the troupe leader of Yahkowb and Company.
Western African tension drums are used often in musical repertories because of their variable-pitch capabilities, which can be used to imitate language tones. A West African storyteller and oral historian, called a griot, uses the improvisational technique in performance.
Following the griot tradition, younger members of the troupe told tales through music and spoken stories.
“[The show] was unique and different. I liked every act,” said Lafayette Galbreath, a senior at the Milwaukee Trade and Technical high school.
The musical selection segued into poetry recitation. Kalisha Buckhanon, a second-year student in the College, and Marvin Chambers, a fourth-year student, separately recited their own poems.
Buckhanon’s poems reflected on the black family unit and issues concerning black females. Chambers’s poem/soliloquy, performed over 25 minutes, aimed to explore issues of inner turmoil, religion, self-alienation and insanity.
Chambers has written over 500 poems and has performed in several local poetry events and coffee shops. He altered his voice to represent changes in time, space, and character throughout the reading.
Galbreath explained that longer poetry readings can have the tendency to be boring or uninspiring. This time, however, he did not feel this way.
“[Chambers’s poem] was one of them things that usually makes me fall asleep, but [because] he is talented and the acting [during his soliloquy] was excellent, I had no problem [paying attention],” he said.
A fashion show consisting of four segments came afterwards. Traditional clothing, formal wear, dressy summer clothes and casual wear were all featured.
“The fashion show was really well organized,” said Myesha Banks, SistaFriends public relations chair , OBS cultural show backstage coordinator, and a second-year student in the College.
Aicha Balla, a second-year student, and Angela Carr, a fourth-year student, choreographed the forty-minute fashion show. Gingiss Formal Wear, Therapy Boutique, and Windows to Africa donated clothing for the event. The eleven fashion models moved to music by James Brown and Toni Braxton.
Six U of C women performed an “African dance interpretation” in the African and African-American artistic tradition.
Soul Umoja, the U of C gospel choir, wrapped up the OBS show with three songs. Gmerice Hammond, a first-year student in the College, and Rashad Burgess, a fourth-year student, each sang solos.
Soul Umoja has performed for many churches, a South Side event called “Vigil for Violence,” and the U of C’s SistaFriends March event, “A Gathering of the Sisterhood.” According to Jonathan Shepherd, co-founder and director for Soul Umoja and a third-year student in the College, a large Soul Umoja concert is planned for May 31.
Anna Hammond, a Chicago resident, particularly enjoyed the African dance interpretation and the Soul Umoja gospel choir acts.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm of the students,” said Hammond. “By putting on this cultural show, these [young people] are celebrating their blackness, and they are very, very powerful by celebrating this blackness.”
“I liked the choir. It was [especially] fun when they [sang] the song “Melodies from Heaven,” said Joelle Oden, a second grader at Laura Ward Elementary School.
“My mama plays this song at home [a lot,] she said.
The extremely popular “Melodies from Heaven” was penned by Kirk Franklin, who has written countless gospel songs trumpeting the music significance of gospel, or African-American church music, in the United States.
“With African-American music, it is important to distinguish what is known as ‘blues’ or ‘jazz’ from what is ‘gospel.’ These kinds of music are not all the same,” emphasized a cultural show attendee. “White music within the United States is hardly monolithic, so it is an injustice to categorize black music as such.”
She went on to explain that all African-American art forms do have a spiritual aspect to them since “they speak [about] the African-American experience,” she said.
While many enjoyed the OBS cultural show, some felt that for next year, a lot of little improvement should be made.
There were some complaints that there should be a greater variety of quality food.
Vee-Vee’s and El Dinamico Dallas Restaurant catered the pre-show dinner. Fried plantains, spinach pie, marinated spicy chicken, brown rice and other dishes were served.
“The turkey patties [were terrible],” said Ben Talton, a first-year graduate student. He feels that next year OBS should strive for better food.
Several OBS members and cultural show attendees would like see the diversity within black culture celebrated by including the black culture, music and dance from the West Indies and South America.
“[Also] what could be improved was the timing and the time limit on some of the acts [in the show,” said James.
According to Lafayette Galbreath, the show definitely needs a larger hall since many people had to stand.
“We would like to thank the community for coming out and everyone in OBS for putting in the time, energy, and effort. Also, we would like to thank SistaFriends for showing their support,” said Sherman Galbreath.
Originally published April 22, 1997
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The Organization of Black Students (OBS) hosted its first annual cultural show entitled “Visions of Heritage” Saturday, April 19, at the University of Chicago’s International House. Two hundred students and community residents attended the event.
“I think the evening was a success, and [part of that success] was the fact that we had a racially and culturally diverse crowd,” said Jimmie Wells, president of OBS and a fourth-year student at the College. “[The show] was a huge collaborative effort. I thought it was a beautiful night.”
Many cultural show attendees had a positive reaction to the show.
“The OBS cultural show was an exciting excursion through African music, song, dance, poetry and fashion,” said Vincent Howard, a second-year student at the Graduate School of Business.
“This [show] is a must see for the entire University. I hope to see the show continue every year on a larger scale,” Howard added.
The student Government (SG)-sponsored event cost around $2, 500. Tickets cost around five dollars, but young children were allowed in free. According to Wells, the two restaurants that catered the event gave OBS a special discount.
“[OBS] took a loss financially,” said Sherman Galbreath, treasurer of OBS and a third-year student in the College. “However the excitement and approval of the crowd made it worthwhile.”
The nearly three-hour show started out with the New Composers Ensemble. Using a combination of a vibraphone, drums, piano, bass, guitar, percussion and vocals, this group attempted to fuse modern jazz-inspired music with that of traditional African music in pieces titled “Psalm 37” and “Night Flight.”
Afterwards an African drumming and dancing troupe called Yahkowb and Company showcased a variety of different ancient musical traditions such as those from Yoruba and Ashanti (Asante) cultures. The troupe leader explained that in the African tradition, there is a close relation between music, dance and vocals.
“[The show] was really successful. My favorite part [of the show[ was the drumming and the dancing,” said Teyona James, a second-year student at Aurora University.
Traditionally, African music is polyphonic with sophisticated rhythm structures. Drums often “talk” or communicate to dancers, other drummers, and spectators.
“The drummer tells you how to do it, when to do it. You [must] listen to the story of the drum,” said the troupe leader of Yahkowb and Company.
Western African tension drums are used often in musical repertories because of their variable-pitch capabilities, which can be used to imitate language tones. A West African storyteller and oral historian, called a griot, uses the improvisational technique in performance.
Following the griot tradition, younger members of the troupe told tales through music and spoken stories.
“[The show] was unique and different. I liked every act,” said Lafayette Galbreath, a senior at the Milwaukee Trade and Technical high school.
The musical selection segued into poetry recitation. Kalisha Buckhanon, a second-year student in the College, and Marvin Chambers, a fourth-year student, separately recited their own poems.
Buckhanon’s poems reflected on the black family unit and issues concerning black females. Chambers’s poem/soliloquy, performed over 25 minutes, aimed to explore issues of inner turmoil, religion, self-alienation and insanity.
Chambers has written over 500 poems and has performed in several local poetry events and coffee shops. He altered his voice to represent changes in time, space, and character throughout the reading.
Galbreath explained that longer poetry readings can have the tendency to be boring or uninspiring. This time, however, he did not feel this way.
“[Chambers’s poem] was one of them things that usually makes me fall asleep, but [because] he is talented and the acting [during his soliloquy] was excellent, I had no problem [paying attention],” he said.
A fashion show consisting of four segments came afterwards. Traditional clothing, formal wear, dressy summer clothes and casual wear were all featured.
“The fashion show was really well organized,” said Myesha Banks, SistaFriends public relations chair , OBS cultural show backstage coordinator, and a second-year student in the College.
Aicha Balla, a second-year student, and Angela Carr, a fourth-year student, choreographed the forty-minute fashion show. Gingiss Formal Wear, Therapy Boutique, and Windows to Africa donated clothing for the event. The eleven fashion models moved to music by James Brown and Toni Braxton.
Six U of C women performed an “African dance interpretation” in the African and African-American artistic tradition.
Soul Umoja, the U of C gospel choir, wrapped up the OBS show with three songs. Gmerice Hammond, a first-year student in the College, and Rashad Burgess, a fourth-year student, each sang solos.
Soul Umoja has performed for many churches, a South Side event called “Vigil for Violence,” and the U of C’s SistaFriends March event, “A Gathering of the Sisterhood.” According to Jonathan Shepherd, co-founder and director for Soul Umoja and a third-year student in the College, a large Soul Umoja concert is planned for May 31.
Anna Hammond, a Chicago resident, particularly enjoyed the African dance interpretation and the Soul Umoja gospel choir acts.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm of the students,” said Hammond. “By putting on this cultural show, these [young people] are celebrating their blackness, and they are very, very powerful by celebrating this blackness.”
“I liked the choir. It was [especially] fun when they [sang] the song “Melodies from Heaven,” said Joelle Oden, a second grader at Laura Ward Elementary School.
“My mama plays this song at home [a lot,] she said.
The extremely popular “Melodies from Heaven” was penned by Kirk Franklin, who has written countless gospel songs trumpeting the music significance of gospel, or African-American church music, in the United States.
“With African-American music, it is important to distinguish what is known as ‘blues’ or ‘jazz’ from what is ‘gospel.’ These kinds of music are not all the same,” emphasized a cultural show attendee. “White music within the United States is hardly monolithic, so it is an injustice to categorize black music as such.”
She went on to explain that all African-American art forms do have a spiritual aspect to them since “they speak [about] the African-American experience,” she said.
While many enjoyed the OBS cultural show, some felt that for next year, a lot of little improvement should be made.
There were some complaints that there should be a greater variety of quality food.
Vee-Vee’s and El Dinamico Dallas Restaurant catered the pre-show dinner. Fried plantains, spinach pie, marinated spicy chicken, brown rice and other dishes were served.
“The turkey patties [were terrible],” said Ben Talton, a first-year graduate student. He feels that next year OBS should strive for better food.
Several OBS members and cultural show attendees would like see the diversity within black culture celebrated by including the black culture, music and dance from the West Indies and South America.
“[Also] what could be improved was the timing and the time limit on some of the acts [in the show,” said James.
According to Lafayette Galbreath, the show definitely needs a larger hall since many people had to stand.
“We would like to thank the community for coming out and everyone in OBS for putting in the time, energy, and effort. Also, we would like to thank SistaFriends for showing their support,” said Sherman Galbreath.
Originally published April 22, 1997
Friday, April 18, 1997
Surrounded in Scholasticism
Surrounded in Scholasticism
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The Hispanic Association for Cultural Expression and Recognition (HACER) held its sixth annual Educational Conference, Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in Ida Noyes Hall. The event entitled, “Degrees of Freedom: Encompassing the World of Education” drew more than sixty-five college-bound students.
This year, as in the past, HACER’s Educational conference chairs aimed to provide college-bound students with comprehensive information on college admissions, financial aid, work-study jobs, and academic success. Throughout the day, speakers addressed the issue of making college a priority.
“Due to the incredible diversity of its members—differing nationalities, ethnicities, religions, economic status, personalities, etc.—HACER’s members and HACER’s issues encompass and represent the complete Diaspora of human relationships,” claimed a HACER “vision statement” on the conference.
The event showcased several speakers including Jose E. Lopez, a Puerto Rican community activist; Rabbi Funye, an African-American spiritual leader of Beth Shalon B’Nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation; and Juan Andrade, a Mexican-American political leader and analyst.
“[All of the conference] speakers are top-notch,” said Baudelio Herrada, president of HACER.
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye started off with the keynote speech at Max Palevsky Theater at 10 a.m. Funnye is a former consultant for the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and currently works as an instructor at Bronzeville High School and in the Blue Gargoyle’s G.E.D. Education program.
Funnye’s brief speech focused on completing school. “Education is something that no one can take away from you,” he said. He also supported the idea of goal-setting, which, when combined with determination, can help students to achieve great things.
After the speech, Gillian Young-Miller, administrative coordinator of Youthplace, an advocate group which provides resources for young people, and Kathy Stell of the Coordinating Council for Minority Issues (CCMI) at the U of C, hosted a workshop entitled “Health, Wealth and Knowledge of the Self.”
Stell encouraged perseverance among minority and low-income students. Among other things, Stell said she believed that students should “expect, but [not] accept racism, ask for help and keep on asking until [they] get help,” and “find” a mentor.
Ofentimes, minority students are discouraged from applying or entering institutions of higher learning because of the exorbitant cost, Stell said. Stell and other speakers encouraged more high school students to learn about financial aid, educational loans and scholarships, which are either merit or need-based. For example, the U of C (including room and board) will cost more than $30,000 for the 1997-1998 school year, and even state colleges can be above the reach of the low-income family.
“The five points [that Stell made] about racism [and our society] helped people to understand the obstacles that [people of color] face,” said Shawn Page, a college-bound student attending the conference.
The program continued with a panel discussion entitled “Avenues of Achievement” which informed students on the logistics of college admissions and financial aid. According to Raybblin Vargas, coordinating chair of the conference, the panel discussion was also meant to explore the “diversity of higher learning institutions.”
A variety of educational administrators spoke in the panel session: Ted O’Neil, deal of Admissions in the College at the U of C; Romelia Mercado, community relations manager at DeVry Institute of Technology; Gabriel Hernandez, director of LULAC (a national educational service center); and Alicia Reyes, director of Financial Aid at the U of C.
“I know what it’s like to limit your options,” said O’Neil, who explained that he did not apply to “prestigious” universities for his undergraduate studies for fear that he would not be able to get in or succeed. O’Neil later went on to complete graduate coursework at the U of C English Department.
“We [at the U of C admissions office] see people who have dreams, and we try to help [the student] achieve,” stated O’Neil.
O’Neil explained that the city of Chicago, as well as the state of Illinois, are home to many colleges, and there are many opportunities for students at the U of C, as well as the University of Illinois, DePaul and Loyola University.
During the HACER conference luncheon, entertainment for the event was provided by Kuumba Lynx, Cosmic Water, Prodigy and the Brickheads. These entertainment groups sang, danced, rapped, recited poetry and breakdanced, displaying an impressive collection of talented youth.
After the luncheon, several other workshops took place. Following them was a final lecture session in which noted speakers Jose Lopez and Juan Andrade spoke.
Lopez explained that success should not be an issue of making a lot of money and having unlimited power. Ultimately, he claimed, this route will only produce an alienating [e]ffect for minority people or low-income people. Instead, Lopez asserted that “success must be premised tenfold on what you give back to your community,” he said, emphasizing education’s role in that success.
HACER President Baudelio Herrada explained that Andrade is a highly sought-after Latino speaker due to his active encouragement of voter registration in the Latino community. In addition to this, he has promoted the democratization of Latin America through numerous meetings with political parties, community organizations, and labor costs throughout the countries in Central America.
He has won the “100 most influential Hispanics in America Award” three times and has also been note by the Chicago Sun Times as “Chicagoan of the Year.”
Andrade reiterated the importance of education. He related his personal experience as a grammar school student.
“I remember how one teacher told me, ‘Young man, you won’t ever amount to anything,’” he recounted.
He stressed that students should believe in themselves and to “fight for your rights.”
“The future lies in our students. I know y’all hear that a lot, but it really is important,” said Andrade.
Saturday’s event, which cost HACER $2,500 dollars, was funded in part by the Coordinating Council for Minority Issues (CCMI).
Last year, Student Government (SG) refused to help fund the HACER educational conference because “they said it would not be specifically for the community,” said an anonymous HACER member. HACER wanted the Educational Conference to include the community and all University of Chicago members,” they said.
“We aim to keep this aspect of education alike for all ourselves, and for all of our guests—students, counselors, administrators, and teachers—alike,” said a representative for the 1997 HACER Educational Conference.
For the most part, the students who participated in the conference enjoyed the whole experience and the speakers who provided inspiration to them.
“This is my second year organizing the event along with my peers, and it has been a truly rewarding experience of self-discovery. Next year, we hope that this [conference] will be a collaborative effort between organizations like OBS [Organization of Black Students] and other RSOs at the University,” said Natalie Belisle, vice president of HACER and a fourth-year student in the College.
Some conference participants were unhappy with the fact that so few people participated in the HACER educational conference.
“This program has a lot of potential but deserves more administrative support. Hugo Sonnenschein should be here,” said Troy Washington, a third-year student in the College.
“I can tell that people at HACER are very disappointed because the event was so poorly attended,” said an anonymous student, who speculated that the logistics of busing in the high school and G.E.D. students may not have been as efficient as possible.
“I am a little disappointed in the turnout,” said Sherlina Nageer, a Washington Park Youth Program volunteer and a third-year student in the College. “[However], I think that [this event] is a really good idea.”
“They are involving the whole community. It’s not just a U of C thing,” she said.
Originally published April 18, 1997
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The Hispanic Association for Cultural Expression and Recognition (HACER) held its sixth annual Educational Conference, Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in Ida Noyes Hall. The event entitled, “Degrees of Freedom: Encompassing the World of Education” drew more than sixty-five college-bound students.
This year, as in the past, HACER’s Educational conference chairs aimed to provide college-bound students with comprehensive information on college admissions, financial aid, work-study jobs, and academic success. Throughout the day, speakers addressed the issue of making college a priority.
“Due to the incredible diversity of its members—differing nationalities, ethnicities, religions, economic status, personalities, etc.—HACER’s members and HACER’s issues encompass and represent the complete Diaspora of human relationships,” claimed a HACER “vision statement” on the conference.
The event showcased several speakers including Jose E. Lopez, a Puerto Rican community activist; Rabbi Funye, an African-American spiritual leader of Beth Shalon B’Nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation; and Juan Andrade, a Mexican-American political leader and analyst.
“[All of the conference] speakers are top-notch,” said Baudelio Herrada, president of HACER.
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye started off with the keynote speech at Max Palevsky Theater at 10 a.m. Funnye is a former consultant for the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and currently works as an instructor at Bronzeville High School and in the Blue Gargoyle’s G.E.D. Education program.
Funnye’s brief speech focused on completing school. “Education is something that no one can take away from you,” he said. He also supported the idea of goal-setting, which, when combined with determination, can help students to achieve great things.
After the speech, Gillian Young-Miller, administrative coordinator of Youthplace, an advocate group which provides resources for young people, and Kathy Stell of the Coordinating Council for Minority Issues (CCMI) at the U of C, hosted a workshop entitled “Health, Wealth and Knowledge of the Self.”
Stell encouraged perseverance among minority and low-income students. Among other things, Stell said she believed that students should “expect, but [not] accept racism, ask for help and keep on asking until [they] get help,” and “find” a mentor.
Ofentimes, minority students are discouraged from applying or entering institutions of higher learning because of the exorbitant cost, Stell said. Stell and other speakers encouraged more high school students to learn about financial aid, educational loans and scholarships, which are either merit or need-based. For example, the U of C (including room and board) will cost more than $30,000 for the 1997-1998 school year, and even state colleges can be above the reach of the low-income family.
“The five points [that Stell made] about racism [and our society] helped people to understand the obstacles that [people of color] face,” said Shawn Page, a college-bound student attending the conference.
The program continued with a panel discussion entitled “Avenues of Achievement” which informed students on the logistics of college admissions and financial aid. According to Raybblin Vargas, coordinating chair of the conference, the panel discussion was also meant to explore the “diversity of higher learning institutions.”
A variety of educational administrators spoke in the panel session: Ted O’Neil, deal of Admissions in the College at the U of C; Romelia Mercado, community relations manager at DeVry Institute of Technology; Gabriel Hernandez, director of LULAC (a national educational service center); and Alicia Reyes, director of Financial Aid at the U of C.
“I know what it’s like to limit your options,” said O’Neil, who explained that he did not apply to “prestigious” universities for his undergraduate studies for fear that he would not be able to get in or succeed. O’Neil later went on to complete graduate coursework at the U of C English Department.
“We [at the U of C admissions office] see people who have dreams, and we try to help [the student] achieve,” stated O’Neil.
O’Neil explained that the city of Chicago, as well as the state of Illinois, are home to many colleges, and there are many opportunities for students at the U of C, as well as the University of Illinois, DePaul and Loyola University.
During the HACER conference luncheon, entertainment for the event was provided by Kuumba Lynx, Cosmic Water, Prodigy and the Brickheads. These entertainment groups sang, danced, rapped, recited poetry and breakdanced, displaying an impressive collection of talented youth.
After the luncheon, several other workshops took place. Following them was a final lecture session in which noted speakers Jose Lopez and Juan Andrade spoke.
Lopez explained that success should not be an issue of making a lot of money and having unlimited power. Ultimately, he claimed, this route will only produce an alienating [e]ffect for minority people or low-income people. Instead, Lopez asserted that “success must be premised tenfold on what you give back to your community,” he said, emphasizing education’s role in that success.
HACER President Baudelio Herrada explained that Andrade is a highly sought-after Latino speaker due to his active encouragement of voter registration in the Latino community. In addition to this, he has promoted the democratization of Latin America through numerous meetings with political parties, community organizations, and labor costs throughout the countries in Central America.
He has won the “100 most influential Hispanics in America Award” three times and has also been note by the Chicago Sun Times as “Chicagoan of the Year.”
Andrade reiterated the importance of education. He related his personal experience as a grammar school student.
“I remember how one teacher told me, ‘Young man, you won’t ever amount to anything,’” he recounted.
He stressed that students should believe in themselves and to “fight for your rights.”
“The future lies in our students. I know y’all hear that a lot, but it really is important,” said Andrade.
Saturday’s event, which cost HACER $2,500 dollars, was funded in part by the Coordinating Council for Minority Issues (CCMI).
Last year, Student Government (SG) refused to help fund the HACER educational conference because “they said it would not be specifically for the community,” said an anonymous HACER member. HACER wanted the Educational Conference to include the community and all University of Chicago members,” they said.
“We aim to keep this aspect of education alike for all ourselves, and for all of our guests—students, counselors, administrators, and teachers—alike,” said a representative for the 1997 HACER Educational Conference.
For the most part, the students who participated in the conference enjoyed the whole experience and the speakers who provided inspiration to them.
“This is my second year organizing the event along with my peers, and it has been a truly rewarding experience of self-discovery. Next year, we hope that this [conference] will be a collaborative effort between organizations like OBS [Organization of Black Students] and other RSOs at the University,” said Natalie Belisle, vice president of HACER and a fourth-year student in the College.
Some conference participants were unhappy with the fact that so few people participated in the HACER educational conference.
“This program has a lot of potential but deserves more administrative support. Hugo Sonnenschein should be here,” said Troy Washington, a third-year student in the College.
“I can tell that people at HACER are very disappointed because the event was so poorly attended,” said an anonymous student, who speculated that the logistics of busing in the high school and G.E.D. students may not have been as efficient as possible.
“I am a little disappointed in the turnout,” said Sherlina Nageer, a Washington Park Youth Program volunteer and a third-year student in the College. “[However], I think that [this event] is a really good idea.”
“They are involving the whole community. It’s not just a U of C thing,” she said.
Originally published April 18, 1997
Hyde Park Bank expansion on 57th Street called a success
Hyde Park Bank expansion on 57th Street called a success
Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
This past January, Hyde Park Bank opened a new branch at 1511 East 57th Street. The Hyde Park Bank staff of ten employees consists of five University of Chicago students who work part-time and five full-time employees.
The modernist architectural structure, designed by the planning architect Paul Florian, and the minimalist furniture in the new branch add something different and interesting for Hyde Park, said Paula Jones, assistant vice-president of the Bank. According to her, planning for the new building took between one and two years.
The special design complements the “upbeat, open environment,” which is unique to Hyde Park Bank” said Jones.
“We are serious about being here; this state-of-the-art bank is proof of our commitment to the community and the University,” said Jones.
In the past, Hyde Park Bank has given loans to several businesses in the community, including the Seminary Co-Op Bookstores and Amoco Gas Service Station. Hyde Park Bank also has a history of funding housing projects and neighborhood rehabilitation projects in the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, Oakland and Washington Park neighborhoods.
“At Hyde Park Bank, we like to think of serving the needs of our community not as an obligation required by law, but as a fundamental philosophy,” said Timothy Goodsell, president of Hyde Park Bank.
Hyde Park Bank aims to serve both community residents and University members. Checking accounts for U of C students offer such benefits as no annual fee, no fees for checks, a VISA debit card, a free 24-hour ATM service, and a 24-hour banking line called Moneyline. Soon the bank will offer free PC banking which will be named “Hyde Park Bank Online.”
“I’m really happy that Hyde Park Bank has expanded. I always had to wait a long time at the 53rd Street bank, but now I get immediate service at the new bank,” said Christopher Browning, a Ph.D. candidate at the U of C.
Hyde Park Bank serves community members with options like Economy Checking and Economy Savings Accounts for those on limited or moderate incomes. A 60-PLUS Senior Club offers financial planning and advice to the elderly, and, in some cases, bank-at-home services. Hyde Park Bank also offers consumer loans, mortgage loans, and home equity services.
Only two months after its opening, however, the bank was robbed, heightening concerns about security issues. The suspect was apprehended soon after the incident with the help of both U of C and Chicago police. According to Jones, merchants on 57th Street have, in response, banded together to create a “phone tree,” in case of other emergencies like this. A security guard is always present during regular banking hours at the 57th Street branch.
Hyde Park Bank, with its central branch at 1525 East 53rd Street, has been operating in the community for seventy two years.
Originally published April 18, 1997
Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
This past January, Hyde Park Bank opened a new branch at 1511 East 57th Street. The Hyde Park Bank staff of ten employees consists of five University of Chicago students who work part-time and five full-time employees.
The modernist architectural structure, designed by the planning architect Paul Florian, and the minimalist furniture in the new branch add something different and interesting for Hyde Park, said Paula Jones, assistant vice-president of the Bank. According to her, planning for the new building took between one and two years.
The special design complements the “upbeat, open environment,” which is unique to Hyde Park Bank” said Jones.
“We are serious about being here; this state-of-the-art bank is proof of our commitment to the community and the University,” said Jones.
In the past, Hyde Park Bank has given loans to several businesses in the community, including the Seminary Co-Op Bookstores and Amoco Gas Service Station. Hyde Park Bank also has a history of funding housing projects and neighborhood rehabilitation projects in the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, Oakland and Washington Park neighborhoods.
“At Hyde Park Bank, we like to think of serving the needs of our community not as an obligation required by law, but as a fundamental philosophy,” said Timothy Goodsell, president of Hyde Park Bank.
Hyde Park Bank aims to serve both community residents and University members. Checking accounts for U of C students offer such benefits as no annual fee, no fees for checks, a VISA debit card, a free 24-hour ATM service, and a 24-hour banking line called Moneyline. Soon the bank will offer free PC banking which will be named “Hyde Park Bank Online.”
“I’m really happy that Hyde Park Bank has expanded. I always had to wait a long time at the 53rd Street bank, but now I get immediate service at the new bank,” said Christopher Browning, a Ph.D. candidate at the U of C.
Hyde Park Bank serves community members with options like Economy Checking and Economy Savings Accounts for those on limited or moderate incomes. A 60-PLUS Senior Club offers financial planning and advice to the elderly, and, in some cases, bank-at-home services. Hyde Park Bank also offers consumer loans, mortgage loans, and home equity services.
Only two months after its opening, however, the bank was robbed, heightening concerns about security issues. The suspect was apprehended soon after the incident with the help of both U of C and Chicago police. According to Jones, merchants on 57th Street have, in response, banded together to create a “phone tree,” in case of other emergencies like this. A security guard is always present during regular banking hours at the 57th Street branch.
Hyde Park Bank, with its central branch at 1525 East 53rd Street, has been operating in the community for seventy two years.
Originally published April 18, 1997
Tuesday, April 08, 1997
Rhythm of diversity
Rhythm of diversity
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
Crushed rose petals welcomed students, faculty, parents, and community residents as they flooded into Mandel Hall for the tenth annual South Asian Students Association (SASA) cultural program this past Saturday evening, April 5th. The three-and-a-half hour event drew approximately one thousand people.
“SASA keeps on outdoing themselves each year,” said Sina Soneji, A.B. ’96 and a current MBA/MPH student at the University of Illinois.
“This is the first time that I’ve sat on this end [as an audience member] and the acts in the show look amazing,” said Soneji, who performed in previous SASA cultural shows during her undergraduate years.
“This is one of the best student productions that I’ve seen. The skits were funny. The music [both vocal and instrumental] was great; everyone is really talented,” said Joseph Ravenell, a first-year U of C medical student.
The cultural show included over 150 student in a variety of mediums. Students participated in roles that involved everything from lighting to playing in the pit orchestra to acting in “Devon Love Story,” a comic skit. A post-show was also sponsored by SASA.
The total cost incurred for the SASA cultural show was $16,500. According to third-year student and SASA Vice President Vasant Narasimhan, a combination of corporate and business funds, Student Government financing and ticket sales made the show possible.
Tickets for the SASA cultural show, which included a pre-show dinner, were fifteen dollars for non-students and ten dollars for students. Many felt that the cultural show was well worth their while and money.
“The show is most definitely a group effort,” said Sakina Shikari, show director and entertainment chair.
According to Shikari, a SASA show committee is organized at the end of Autumn Quarter to make decisions about the program and dinner.
“Of course juggling over twenty acts, a combination of dance, vocals, instrumentals, and acting that spans through a millennium of talent—from the days of the Mahabaratha [an ancient Hindu epic] to modern day “Bollywood” films [movies made in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, which are famous for their love stories]—has its stressful moments,” Shikari said, “but over the years SASA has developed a system of department chairs which makes the entire process run much more smoothly.”
By including an array of South Asian cultural acts in the show, the members of SASA hoped to represent the diversity of the Indian subcontinent.
“This year’s SASA show was fun, exhilarating, and educational for the crowd as well as the participants,” said Neil Gupta, president of SASA. Gupta sang Qawwali music in the show and also played the drunken uncle in “Devon Love Story.”
The event was emceed by Aparna Mani, a third-year student in the College and Torun Mathias, a second-year student in the college.
A song named “Chota Khayal” which is a Raga Bhairav, or a traditional melody in Hindustani classical music, started off the program. Sunit Singla, a third-year student in the College sang this song, and Shishir Maithel accompanied him on the tabla or India drums.
“The genre in which this [particular] raga is expressed is Khayal, which means ‘thought’ or ‘impression.’ Khayal texts are rooted in both Hindu and Muslim poetic traditions and usually address romantic or devotional themes,” said a SASA spokesperson.
Panch Bhutam, a classical Hindu dance, followed the raga. It was “meant to evoke the five essential elements of nature” water, wind, fire, sky and earth,” explained Mathias.
“O My Native land,” a piece of modern Urdu poetry, from the tradition of Northern India and Pakistan, was sung by Saira Malik, SASA secretary and a third-year student.
“This year, 1997, marks both the independence of India and Pakistan, and this makes this Urdu poetry especially relevant,” said Mani.
Another act later in the program consisted of traditional South Asian music which is known as Qawwali music, a traditional Sufi music. This kind of Sufi music originates from Northern India and Pakistan and follows the tradition of the renowned Warsi brothers, who, over the centuries, have kept the tradition of this sacred music alive.
“It was so intense, my eyes were closed and it was almost as if you forgot you were on-stage,” said second-year student Saurabh Tandon, who was one of three singers of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” a popular Qawwali song sang in a folk Sindhi style.
Other dances in the cultural show included a two-part fashion segment, an enthusiastic piece “I a m a Disco Dancer” from the 1970s Bollywood film Disco Dancer, a colorful Guajarati Garba Ras dance and Bhangra, a Punjabi dance style traditionally performed to celebrate harvests and weddings.
“The [cultural show] reflected the diversity of South Asia,” said Professor Arar Malik of the School of Medicine at the University of Illinois. Malik added, “South Asia is not monolithic.”
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. During the fashion show, many individuals showcased the traditional costumes from these different, diverse South Asian cultures.
The music in the comic skits, fashion shows, and the interludes of the pit orchestra showcased modern South Asian music, which often reflected a blend of Western influence. The Western influence was exhibited by an upbeat tempo, and the clothes were a little less traditional although still displaying South Asian characteristics, according to third-year student Gautham Nagabhushana.
“All in all, this night has been great. I feel strongly that SASA as an organization will grow and that the [cultural] show itself will continue to get better and better in the years to come,” said /Gupta.
SASA held a pre-show buffet style dinner at Ida Noyes from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The South Asian cuisine, catered by the Tiffin Room Restaurant on Devon Street included samosas, tandoori chicken, basmati rice and rogan josh.
Originally published April 8, 1997
Originally published April 8, 1997
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
Crushed rose petals welcomed students, faculty, parents, and community residents as they flooded into Mandel Hall for the tenth annual South Asian Students Association (SASA) cultural program this past Saturday evening, April 5th. The three-and-a-half hour event drew approximately one thousand people.
“SASA keeps on outdoing themselves each year,” said Sina Soneji, A.B. ’96 and a current MBA/MPH student at the University of Illinois.
“This is the first time that I’ve sat on this end [as an audience member] and the acts in the show look amazing,” said Soneji, who performed in previous SASA cultural shows during her undergraduate years.
“This is one of the best student productions that I’ve seen. The skits were funny. The music [both vocal and instrumental] was great; everyone is really talented,” said Joseph Ravenell, a first-year U of C medical student.
The cultural show included over 150 student in a variety of mediums. Students participated in roles that involved everything from lighting to playing in the pit orchestra to acting in “Devon Love Story,” a comic skit. A post-show was also sponsored by SASA.
The total cost incurred for the SASA cultural show was $16,500. According to third-year student and SASA Vice President Vasant Narasimhan, a combination of corporate and business funds, Student Government financing and ticket sales made the show possible.
Tickets for the SASA cultural show, which included a pre-show dinner, were fifteen dollars for non-students and ten dollars for students. Many felt that the cultural show was well worth their while and money.
“The show is most definitely a group effort,” said Sakina Shikari, show director and entertainment chair.
According to Shikari, a SASA show committee is organized at the end of Autumn Quarter to make decisions about the program and dinner.
“Of course juggling over twenty acts, a combination of dance, vocals, instrumentals, and acting that spans through a millennium of talent—from the days of the Mahabaratha [an ancient Hindu epic] to modern day “Bollywood” films [movies made in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, which are famous for their love stories]—has its stressful moments,” Shikari said, “but over the years SASA has developed a system of department chairs which makes the entire process run much more smoothly.”
By including an array of South Asian cultural acts in the show, the members of SASA hoped to represent the diversity of the Indian subcontinent.
“This year’s SASA show was fun, exhilarating, and educational for the crowd as well as the participants,” said Neil Gupta, president of SASA. Gupta sang Qawwali music in the show and also played the drunken uncle in “Devon Love Story.”
The event was emceed by Aparna Mani, a third-year student in the College and Torun Mathias, a second-year student in the college.
A song named “Chota Khayal” which is a Raga Bhairav, or a traditional melody in Hindustani classical music, started off the program. Sunit Singla, a third-year student in the College sang this song, and Shishir Maithel accompanied him on the tabla or India drums.
“The genre in which this [particular] raga is expressed is Khayal, which means ‘thought’ or ‘impression.’ Khayal texts are rooted in both Hindu and Muslim poetic traditions and usually address romantic or devotional themes,” said a SASA spokesperson.
Panch Bhutam, a classical Hindu dance, followed the raga. It was “meant to evoke the five essential elements of nature” water, wind, fire, sky and earth,” explained Mathias.
“O My Native land,” a piece of modern Urdu poetry, from the tradition of Northern India and Pakistan, was sung by Saira Malik, SASA secretary and a third-year student.
“This year, 1997, marks both the independence of India and Pakistan, and this makes this Urdu poetry especially relevant,” said Mani.
Another act later in the program consisted of traditional South Asian music which is known as Qawwali music, a traditional Sufi music. This kind of Sufi music originates from Northern India and Pakistan and follows the tradition of the renowned Warsi brothers, who, over the centuries, have kept the tradition of this sacred music alive.
“It was so intense, my eyes were closed and it was almost as if you forgot you were on-stage,” said second-year student Saurabh Tandon, who was one of three singers of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” a popular Qawwali song sang in a folk Sindhi style.
Other dances in the cultural show included a two-part fashion segment, an enthusiastic piece “I a m a Disco Dancer” from the 1970s Bollywood film Disco Dancer, a colorful Guajarati Garba Ras dance and Bhangra, a Punjabi dance style traditionally performed to celebrate harvests and weddings.
“The [cultural show] reflected the diversity of South Asia,” said Professor Arar Malik of the School of Medicine at the University of Illinois. Malik added, “South Asia is not monolithic.”
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. During the fashion show, many individuals showcased the traditional costumes from these different, diverse South Asian cultures.
The music in the comic skits, fashion shows, and the interludes of the pit orchestra showcased modern South Asian music, which often reflected a blend of Western influence. The Western influence was exhibited by an upbeat tempo, and the clothes were a little less traditional although still displaying South Asian characteristics, according to third-year student Gautham Nagabhushana.
“All in all, this night has been great. I feel strongly that SASA as an organization will grow and that the [cultural] show itself will continue to get better and better in the years to come,” said /Gupta.
SASA held a pre-show buffet style dinner at Ida Noyes from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The South Asian cuisine, catered by the Tiffin Room Restaurant on Devon Street included samosas, tandoori chicken, basmati rice and rogan josh.
Originally published April 8, 1997
Originally published April 8, 1997
Women’s tent protests inaction
Women’s tent protests inaction
The Chicago Maroon
By Shannon Brown and Pamela Appea
In an attempt to heighten public awareness for the need of women’s center on campus, the University’s Coalition Against Sexual Violence assembled a tent as a temporary Women’s Center at 10 a.m. on the Quads.
Frustrated with the absence of an official Women’s Center on campus, students in the Coalition have set up the tent as “a symbol of the urgent need for a University-sponsored Women’s Center,” according to an April 3 press release.
The tent will house literature and referral information on sexual violence, gender inequality issues, HIV/AIDS, and other health issues. It will be staffed by volunteers and assembled on the quads every weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of Spring Quarter.
The Coalition Against Sexual Violence, comprised of 100 students representing a myriad of campus organizations including the Womyn’s Union, Alpha Omega Pi sorority, and the Muslim Students Association, was formed in response to two recent rapes in the Hyde Park area.
“A Women’s Center, meaning a centralized location where women can find all the resources they urgently need i.e. counseling, sexual assault advice, and reproductive health information, in one easy-to-understand system, is necessary,” said Olivia Given, third-year student in the College and undergraduate coordinator for the Sexual Violence Prevent and Resource Center.
According to Katie Romich of the Womyn’s Union, “a Women’s Center would be a way for the University community to recognize and attempt to create a solution for the sexism and misogyny which women face.” Romich went to say that “we do not enter this University as gender-less, race-less, background-less individuals.”
The resources and services the Coalition hopes a Women’s Center would provide include educational materials on gender, sexuality, and sexual violence, an accessible phone line, a “safe space” for women in cases of emergency, available counselors trained in dealing with issues of sexual assault, and information referrals to link visitors with other resources.
Deputy dean of students Kathy Stell said she said “the primary justification” of the Coalition’s demand for a Women’s Center as a place to “house anti-sexual violence measures.” Stell says she is “open to the idea that there might be a need for a [a Women’s Center], but only if it is for reasons other than a place to house sexual violence efforts.”
Stell spent four years as a Sexual Harassment Complain Counselor and has been Sexual Assault Dean On-Call for the past year. Stell said that, “like anything else, [sexual violence resources] could be improved,” but she still doesn’t “see the establishment of a Women’s Center as a way to improve them.”
The Coalition press release points to the Women’s Centers at Emory, Northwestern, Stanford, and Duke as examples of instances where goals such as their own have been achieved. Emory’s center is praised by the Coalition for its accessibility, Northwestern’s center for its excellent counseling staff, and Duke’s center for its emergency-relief space.
Sponsoring organizations for The Women’s Center Tent are Womyn’s Union, Queers and Associates, Feminist Majority, Center for Gender Studies, Student Caucus, Comadres, Muslim Students Association, Women’s Guide to the U of C, Women’s Lacrosse Team, and Alpha Omega Pi Sorority.
There will be a press conference this Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the main campus quadrangle in which Rebecca Gordon, director of women’s affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Leora Auslander, associate professor in the department of History, will speak.
Originally published April 8, 1997
The Chicago Maroon
By Shannon Brown and Pamela Appea
In an attempt to heighten public awareness for the need of women’s center on campus, the University’s Coalition Against Sexual Violence assembled a tent as a temporary Women’s Center at 10 a.m. on the Quads.
Frustrated with the absence of an official Women’s Center on campus, students in the Coalition have set up the tent as “a symbol of the urgent need for a University-sponsored Women’s Center,” according to an April 3 press release.
The tent will house literature and referral information on sexual violence, gender inequality issues, HIV/AIDS, and other health issues. It will be staffed by volunteers and assembled on the quads every weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of Spring Quarter.
The Coalition Against Sexual Violence, comprised of 100 students representing a myriad of campus organizations including the Womyn’s Union, Alpha Omega Pi sorority, and the Muslim Students Association, was formed in response to two recent rapes in the Hyde Park area.
“A Women’s Center, meaning a centralized location where women can find all the resources they urgently need i.e. counseling, sexual assault advice, and reproductive health information, in one easy-to-understand system, is necessary,” said Olivia Given, third-year student in the College and undergraduate coordinator for the Sexual Violence Prevent and Resource Center.
According to Katie Romich of the Womyn’s Union, “a Women’s Center would be a way for the University community to recognize and attempt to create a solution for the sexism and misogyny which women face.” Romich went to say that “we do not enter this University as gender-less, race-less, background-less individuals.”
The resources and services the Coalition hopes a Women’s Center would provide include educational materials on gender, sexuality, and sexual violence, an accessible phone line, a “safe space” for women in cases of emergency, available counselors trained in dealing with issues of sexual assault, and information referrals to link visitors with other resources.
Deputy dean of students Kathy Stell said she said “the primary justification” of the Coalition’s demand for a Women’s Center as a place to “house anti-sexual violence measures.” Stell says she is “open to the idea that there might be a need for a [a Women’s Center], but only if it is for reasons other than a place to house sexual violence efforts.”
Stell spent four years as a Sexual Harassment Complain Counselor and has been Sexual Assault Dean On-Call for the past year. Stell said that, “like anything else, [sexual violence resources] could be improved,” but she still doesn’t “see the establishment of a Women’s Center as a way to improve them.”
The Coalition press release points to the Women’s Centers at Emory, Northwestern, Stanford, and Duke as examples of instances where goals such as their own have been achieved. Emory’s center is praised by the Coalition for its accessibility, Northwestern’s center for its excellent counseling staff, and Duke’s center for its emergency-relief space.
Sponsoring organizations for The Women’s Center Tent are Womyn’s Union, Queers and Associates, Feminist Majority, Center for Gender Studies, Student Caucus, Comadres, Muslim Students Association, Women’s Guide to the U of C, Women’s Lacrosse Team, and Alpha Omega Pi Sorority.
There will be a press conference this Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the main campus quadrangle in which Rebecca Gordon, director of women’s affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Leora Auslander, associate professor in the department of History, will speak.
Originally published April 8, 1997
Friday, April 04, 1997
Tenth annual SASA show planned for this weekend
Tenth annual SASA show planned for this weekend
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The South Asian Students Association (SASA) will be holding its tenth annual cultural show this Saturday, April 5. The show, to be held in Mandel Hall from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature South Asian classical and modern instrumental music, vocal performance, Indian dance, poetry, and a fashion show.
“I’ve gone to the show all four years, and its gotten better every year,” said fourth-year student Rob Abraham. “My first year, maybe a couple of hundred people came [to the show] and last year, maybe more than 1,000 people attended,” he said.
Neil Gupta, president of SASA and a fourth-year student in the College, said he hoped “people will come out to the cultural show and enjoy and learn about South Asian culture, and furthermore, the diversity within South Asian culture.”
“Our main goal is to promote diversity,” said Seema Dhar, a third-year student in the College and Director of Group Affairs for SASA. Dhar also emphasized that the cultural show has always attempted to include a variety of South Asian art forms in dance, music, and costume.
Last year, among other acts, the SASA show featured Hindi classical singing, humorous student skits, and the U of C East
For the second year in a row, tickets were sold out the day they went on sale. At the cost of ten dollars a ticket for students and $15 for community and faculty members, tickets also entitle the students to a catered multi-course feast of South Asian cuisine before the show.
“Planning for the [cultural] show has been going on since this summer,” said show director and SASA Entertainment Chair Sakina Shikari.
The show is made possible by a collaborative effort involving over 150 U of C students, parents, community residents, and Hyde Park businesses and corporations. Student Government funding and ticket sales also contribute to financing the cultural show.
“[The cultural show presents] a chance for people who normally don’t have a chance to perform,” said second-year student Sheetal Patel, a choreographer and music director for the show. It also provides them with the opportunity to “learn new South Asian art forms.”
Originally published April 4, 1997
The Chicago Maroon
By Pamela Appea
The South Asian Students Association (SASA) will be holding its tenth annual cultural show this Saturday, April 5. The show, to be held in Mandel Hall from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature South Asian classical and modern instrumental music, vocal performance, Indian dance, poetry, and a fashion show.
“I’ve gone to the show all four years, and its gotten better every year,” said fourth-year student Rob Abraham. “My first year, maybe a couple of hundred people came [to the show] and last year, maybe more than 1,000 people attended,” he said.
Neil Gupta, president of SASA and a fourth-year student in the College, said he hoped “people will come out to the cultural show and enjoy and learn about South Asian culture, and furthermore, the diversity within South Asian culture.”
“Our main goal is to promote diversity,” said Seema Dhar, a third-year student in the College and Director of Group Affairs for SASA. Dhar also emphasized that the cultural show has always attempted to include a variety of South Asian art forms in dance, music, and costume.
Last year, among other acts, the SASA show featured Hindi classical singing, humorous student skits, and the U of C East
For the second year in a row, tickets were sold out the day they went on sale. At the cost of ten dollars a ticket for students and $15 for community and faculty members, tickets also entitle the students to a catered multi-course feast of South Asian cuisine before the show.
“Planning for the [cultural] show has been going on since this summer,” said show director and SASA Entertainment Chair Sakina Shikari.
The show is made possible by a collaborative effort involving over 150 U of C students, parents, community residents, and Hyde Park businesses and corporations. Student Government funding and ticket sales also contribute to financing the cultural show.
“[The cultural show presents] a chance for people who normally don’t have a chance to perform,” said second-year student Sheetal Patel, a choreographer and music director for the show. It also provides them with the opportunity to “learn new South Asian art forms.”
Originally published April 4, 1997
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