Photo by: M. Nguyen Art & Photograph

On April 4, the Asian Pacific American Student Organization held the kickoff for Asian American History Month in Erickson Kiva. Although it’s not actually until next month, APASO always celebrates in April, as everyone is out of school by the time May rolls around.

This celebration is sponsored by the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions and hosted by Meaghan Kozar. Attendees were treated to a spread of Asian cuisine, including spring rolls, crab rangoons and steamed dumplings. Kozar opened the programs with words of encouragement and the theme of the program: “I am, we are, history starts now.”

After her introduction, a slideshow of Asian American history with a spoken word poem began playing in the background.

APASO then screened a documentary about Vincent Chin. Chin was an Asian American from Michigan who was murdered in 1982 by two disgruntled auto workers, Ebens and Nitz, whom had just lost their jobs. Drunk and blaming Chin for the Asian takeover of the auto industry, they beat him to death in a back alley with a baseball bat. They were sentenced to three years probation and a $3,000 fine. They never served a day in prison for their crimes.

The murder of Chin led to a huge mobilization and unity within the Asian American community and even reached out to other ethnic minorities. When two boys, one black and the other from the Philippines, were murdered, the Korean American community reached out for justice. When the US government was trying to place Arab Americans in internment camps, the Japanese Americans protested with them.

“If we don’t stand together, we will always be divided,” said one of the testimonials.

One of the biggest issues with the Vincent Chin story is most Asian Americans don’t know about it. In the documentary, the cameraman walks around asking Asian Americans if they know who Chin is and most replied with, no. The APASO Executive Board did a similar experience and got the same results.

Curtis Chin, the brain behind the documentary and a member of Asian Pacific Americans for Progress, believes

there is still hope for the community. When he decided to make the film, he said he received an overwhelming amount of help and support from the outside. Someone even raised and donated all the money for the film.

The Asian culture is becoming more prevalent in American society and popular culture. Even President Barack Obama held an Asian Leadership Conference to commemorate and uplift. Together, we can honor the memory of Vincent Chin and maybe end all forms of racism.

By Devyne Lloyd

Ariana Pierce owns her own unique nail polish line called SUPERSTAR NAIL LACQUER. Her idea started three years ago, when she was a freshman here at Michigan State. She was always intrigued by couture fashions and originally decided to start a clothing line, but then discovered that there was a void in fashion for nail polish. Ariana wanted to create an affordable, couture polish that emulated celebrities’ lifestyles and fashions.

Teaming up with her parents, who are also entrepreneurs, she began to formulate a plan. Ari had to create her nail polish from scratch. Her line was released in May 2008 and she received her first mention in Glamour Magazine, the rest is history.

SUPERSTAR NAIL LACQUER is now in stores across East Lansing.She has been in numerous magazine, has her own blog, has been amongst elite celebrities such as Amber Rose, Diddy, Soulja Boy, Selena Gomez, Vanessa and Angelia Simmons and many more.Ariana recently created a collegiate line called SuperstarU, which features colors from universities such as Howard, Spellman, U of M, and of course MSU.

Along with SuperstarU, this year Ari and her mother have a campaign called “Big in 2012” as well as a business conference being held in Orlando in July, which teaches the core steps to starting a business.

“Big in 2012 means just doing things that are outrageous. If you have B’s, aim for A’s. Aim high even if it is impossible, because even if you do not accomplish everything, you still obtained more than you wanted in the first place,” said Pierce.

Pierce’s advice to readers: “Read books outside of classes. I have learned so much about business and branding from reading and learning from others.

Kierra Emerson found her idea for a business by just trying to solve an everyday problem.

“Everyone around me has or had an iPhone and my chargers kept getting stolen. So I thought ‘why don’t they just make them in different colors, so I know which one is mine’. Then I decided, why don’t I just make them myself?” said Emerson.
Emerson began researching manufacturers. After that she had to choose her color schemes and decide which brand of chargers she wanted to sell. She decided on iPhone and Android chargers because they are most common among her peers. After developing her product she received an investment from her father and developed a logo, trademark, and website. She began advertising on Google ads and used social media sites as a way to spread the word. She also hosted events, parties, and sold products at step shows.

“Bow Wow’s mom even bought one of my cords once she seen one on Twitter,” said Emerson.

She has sold cords worldwide and has even been able to employ others. Currently, she is working on combining Wacky Cords with her new project Genius Phone Toys. Emerson’s target market for Genius is the professional world.

“Genius Phone Toys are cool, sleek, professional computer and phone accessories, created for the business world,” said Emerson.

Kierra’s Advice to Readers: “Find a mentor; get someone who has done it already. There’s nothing like a person who knows answers and can help you. Do your own research because no one is going to do anything for you.”

Briana Moore, owner of Styles by BeBe, began her business by simply nurturing her natural talent; hairstyling. Briana had been making a profit from hairstyling ever since she started college. Briana saw the money her mother was making from her clients and was inspired.

“I needed money and my mother does nails and seeing how easy and quick the money was made me decide to do hair,” said Moore.

Styles by BeBe generates around ten clients weekly, not including her regulars who come monthly for sew-ins. Briana gathered her clientele by using her closest friends as models and gaining recognition from her work.

“I would not encourage anyone to drop out of school. Use your small business as an advantage while finishing school,” said Moore. Although she has a talent and passion for styling Briana’s future is in sociology. She plans on finishing her degree and opening a salon in the future.

Briana’s Advice to Readers: “Remain confident in what you do.”

Tracy Garley, co-owner of Zarkpa, teamed up with her mother and created a business that commemorates her grandmother’s legacy and their family’s unity. “We started Zarkpa’s Purses/Accessories in 2009 and named it after my grandmother who passed away. We wanted to keep her legacy strong, starting with this store,” said Garley.
Zarkpa is a African name meaning “debt-free”; it is also Tracy’s African name. The store specializes in women’s accessories and purses and started to take off in October 2010. Since its opening, Zarkpa averages 14-20 customers a week and 25-30 people during the weekend.

“My schedule is very hectic, but if you want to succeed you must put in the work,” said Garley.

Growing up, Tracy always wanted to have her own business. Motivated by her family’s success and her leadership positions in high school, Garley knew that becoming a CEO was nothing she couldn’t accomplish.

“Working and going to school full time is a job within itself, not to mention balancing my social life. I have found that you need determination, focus, and great planning skills,” said Garley.

Tracy credits most of her success from the networking skills she has developed.

“I make it my goal to tell at least one person per day about my business. Each day should be about building your brand,” said Garley.

“Sometimes people will look at you as inexperienced because you are a young entrepreneur but that is why you should focus on your overall appearance, professionalism, and punctuality.”

Tracy’s Advice to Readers: “Never let anyone tell you you cannot do something. Negativity is useless. Surround yourself with like individuals, who also want to succeed. Stay humble as well because what you are doing today can be something someone else can do better tomorrow.”

BY Shanacee Shreve

VM Entertainment

TaJanae Ford, co-chair for SPOM, 21, and son Noah Tyri, 1, enjoy the SPOM Valentine’s Day Dance. (Photo by SPOM)

College is filled with many experiences. You gain memories that last forever and develop lifetime friendships. As a student-parent, you gain additional responsibilities that are just as important as school; and that is raising a child. As a student-parent at Michigan State University, there are many resources that are very helpful and will assist you in your journey to successfully completing your degree, as well as maintaining your household.A popular student-parent organization on campus is Spartan Parents On a Mission, or SPOM. SPOM was officially created August, 1994 by two student parents, LaRonda Brown-Chastang and Sharon Preston. SPOM gives student parents an opportunity to network with each other  and find out about many resources available on campus and in surrounding communities. SPOM holds monthly workshops to teach parenting skills and self-health, as well as monthly family activities. SPOM also makes child care affordable with the Spartan Kids and MSU Child Care Grants. There are also opportunities to earn scholarships.

The website www.msu.edu/user/studentp/  links to information on how to become a part of SPOM, scholarship and grant opportunities, a schedule of events, and much more. For more information, contact Lori Strom, coordinator of the Family Resources Center at frc@hr.msu.edu or call (517) 432-3745. Below, you will find additional resources to assist you on your path to success. As a parent and student, you have resources to help you succeed. Never give up because you think it’s too hard.

Check out the MSU Resource Guide for MSU Students with Children for a complete list of resources available to you as student-parents.

www.studentlife.msu.edu

Transportation

CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority)

www.cata.org

• Discounted student fare $0.60 with student ID; free transfers
• 31-day passes for $18.00/ Semester passes for $50.00
  • Available at most residence hall managers’ office, MSU Police Station, University Apartments Office, and MSU Union
  • Campus Curb-Side Services (517) 432-8888
    • Night Owl
    • Lot Link
    • CATA’s Spec-Tran

MSU Office of Financial Aid

252 Student Services Building, East Lansing, Michigan 48824

www.finaid.msu.edu

• Pell Grants
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
• MSU Childcare Grant
• MSU Spartan Advantage Grant
• Loans (Federally Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
• College Work-Study

Employment

• MSU Student Employment
  • 1407 S. Harrison110 (Nisbet Building), East Lansing, Michigan 48823
  • 113 Student Services Building, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
  • www.careernetwork.msu.edu
  • www.hr.msu.edu

Public Assistance

• Department of Human Services
  • www.michigan.gov/dhs
  • Provides public assistance to families that includes, but is not limited to, food assistance, health insurance, cash benefits, and much more.

MSU Counseling Center

• 207 Student Services Building, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
• www.counseling.msu.edu
• Provides free counseling to MSU students, standardized testing services to the MSU community and the general public, subsidized services, and much more.

By Brittany Powell

VM Lifestyle Writer

On my latest journey to find new foods in the East Lansing area, I noticed a relatively new restaurant. The name of it is No Thai!

Now some may be wondering, what is No Thai!? So they don’t sell Thai!? I was curious as well, so I decided to head there to try it. No Thai! is a restaurant conveniently located on Grand River near Abbot Road.  Walking inside, you can already smell the food they’re cooking. The atmosphere is very cozy and people were inside laughing and talking with friends. Upon sitting at one of their nice black tables, I noticed there was a huge menu by the register. While glancing over the menu, I saw the story of how “No Thai!” got started.

In summary, four friends decided that they would open a modern Thai restaurant in their community. The head chef’s name is Noerung “No” Hang, and this is why the restaurant is named No Thai! The friends thought the name would bring about a little confusion and also intrigue people; it definitely did. They have a pretty simple menu. There are pasta, rice, and vegetable dishes to choose from and you choose which protein you would like added: chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp. I ordered the Sweet and Spicy Chicken. The prices are somewhat high compared to other places, but it is worth it. The dishes range between $7 and $11. My food was very good and there was a good amount of food served. The chicken was lightly fried and covered with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Not only was the food great, but the customer service was as well. They are willing to answer your questions and make sure your food is correct and cooked in a good amount of time. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that loves stir fry or just wants to try a new restaurant that offers a modern twist on Thai food.

Is activism possible in today’s society? Student activism is standing up for what you believe in, taking action to ensure your rights are given—and doing so respectfully. MSU’s 2011 fall semester has already shown that there are hundreds of issues we as students can take a stand for, even in today’s society. While there’s always room for improvement, the trick is simply finding the passion for it. Activism: it’s how your voice gets heard. Good activism involves patience, a strong will, and a bit of creativity. The kick off to the 2011-2012 school year has opened the gates for several events. While it’s true that we, as a school and part of our nation, have come so far, there’s always room for improvement and groups such as the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and Beyond Coal, have paved the way this past semester. The Black Student Alliance, better known as BSA, has employed all of these traits during their struggle to end discrimination on campus.

Students raised their fist after the campus wide unity march at Hubbard Hall Courtyard

Students raised their fist after the campus wide unity march at Hubbard Hall Courtyard

Shortly before the fall semester began, the MSU Black Unity Movement was created by BSA, the Caribbean Student Association, and the African Student Union to unify students of color because “Aren’t We All Black?”

Soon after, students began experiencing unusually vicious racial attacks all over campus. A student in Akers Hall found the words

“No N***** Please” written on the whiteboard outside her door. A black doll was found hanging from the ceiling of a classroom in the chemistry building. A white student was overheard, in Snyder-Phillips cafeteria saying that part of campus was becoming “too black”. He then went on to say that it made him uncomfortable and black students didn’t belong there.

Outraged by these incidents, the administration’s lack of action, and a questionably insensitive letter sent to the student body by President Lou Anna K. Simon, BSA spearheaded a movement to end discrimination on campus for everyone. An emergency town hall meeting was called on October 4th, and students, staff and faculty crammed inside Conrad Hall to express their concerns.

“The life of a colored student on this campus is not that different from an Indian living in Dubai,” said former mentor Ashiq Rahiman about the similar issues he and other black students have faced. Those in attendance made it clear they would not stand for the lack of action and collectively decided something had to be done.

Silent, peaceful protests were arranged, and the movement grew. One of the peaceful demonstrations included having students hand out fliers and stand together in silence all over campus, in places such as the CATA station, East Complex, and the library. There was a silent march starting at Brody and ending at East Complex, symbolized solidarity and the students’ resilience. Some bystanders were so moved, they fell in-step with the marchers and the movement garnered even more support.

The 39th Annual Black Power Rally was held on November 2nd in the Auditorium, where a phenomenal group of poets, singers, dancers and speakers, including guest speaker M.K. Asante Jr., encouraged students to continue fighting the good fight and keep hope alive.

“I’m happy to be here in support of the black students on campus. I think you should all be commended for standing up to power and giving truth to power because you know, at the end of the day, you control this institution,” Asante said during his speech.

The BSA Executive board also gave the audience a recap of their meeting with President Simon, where they presented her with their list of demands. The State News published an editorial about the meeting soon after, blasting BSA for their alleged rude, disrespectful behavior and outrageous demands. When asked to clarify their stance on the issue, the State News declined a comment.

The BSA met with administration again on November 18 in the Brody Neighborhood to further discuss their list of demands. Both the administration and the BSA agreed on changes to the discrimination policy.

Although things are coming together in terms of policy, the administration reminded BSA that they could only do so much. The administration has the power to punish for acts of discrimination, but they can only do so if the incident is reported to the proper authorities. Negotiations and policy changes are continuing.

So what do you do now? Should students sit back, twiddle their thumbs and wait for negotiations to end? Absolutely not. Students must continue the fight, not just in the street, but also in the classroom.

“

Don’t be extracurricular junkies and academic flunkies,” warned MSU alum and Professor Dr. Temple during the Emergency Town Hall meeting. So turn acts of discrimination into teaching moments. Be calm and be patient; but don’t just sit in the background and wait for others to do the dirty work. You’re the only one who can make your voice heard. From protests to programs, student activism groups on campus made sure the university has heard their demands; and called other students to join ranks.

Students raised their fist after the campus wide unity march at Hubbard Hall Courtyard/Photo by MSU Beyond Coal

MSU Beyond Coal is one campaign that has truly been at the forefront of this push for social change on campus. The Sierra

Student Coalition and the Sierra Club sponsor the campaign, which involves students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and local residents. The org has been working to end the university’s dependency on coal and hopes they develop more energy efficient programs to buildings on campus. The T.B. Simon power plant is one of the largest in the country and provides power to the entire university. It is also the largest on-campus coal-burning plant, burning 250 thousand tons of coal a year, according to watchsource.org.

Students raised their fist after the campus wide unity march at Hubbard Hall Courtyard/Photo by MSU Beyond Coal

Beyond Coal began organizing in 2010 and has held a number of programs to preach the importance of environmental sustainability. In 2011, they held a Clean Energy Forum where speakers included a coal analyst from Greenpeace and even president of Greennation Pastor D. Alexander Bullock. They’ve also hosted a movie screening featuring “On Coal River” in collaboration with Greenpeace and the Multi-State Salinity Coalition, or MSSC.

In addition to these efforts, last fall Beyond Coal organized a flash mob and protest in front of the Hannah Administration Building, attended the Midwest Powershift conference in Cleveland, and even set up at the Rock and the International Center to make phone calls to President Lou Anna K. Simon demanding that the university stop using coal.

And the progress they’ve made so far? Early spring of last year, the university formed a “steering committee” that includes faculty, staff and students (including students apart of Beyond Coal and Greenpeace), so they could work together to address these concerns and find solutions. Since then, Beyond Coal members have been working on a master plan of their own, one that outlines the ways in which the university can potentially transition to using 100% renewable energy. The MSU Board of Trustees

will vote on a plan in April.

In the meantime, Beyond Coal plans to continue holding programs and events. There are also opportunities to become a part of the movement by interning and volunteering with the organization. Beyond Coal holds informational sessions in the MSU Union every weekday at 2 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

For more information, follow them on Twitter @MSUBeyondCoal or visit their website at msubeyondcoal.wordpress.com.

For more information about the MSU Black Unity Movement, search #MSUBlackUnityMovement on Facebook.

Beyonce holding newborn Blue Ivy
Courtesy of helloblueivycarter.tumbrlr.com

The Huffington Post article goes on to say that a medical marijuana dispensary in Rosamond, CA promoted a new strain called “Ivy Blue OG” via Twitter just days after the birth of Jay and Bey’s firstborn. Obviously, the celebrity couple did not sign off on the use of “Blue Ivy” for the weed strain but they have not taken any legal action against the dispensary and only recently moved to trademark the name.
In further Beyonce’ news, Mrs. Carter came out in support of Mr. Carter’s charity concert held at Carnegie Hall to benefit the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Rocking a flaming red Alice Temperly dress – which was snug enough to show off her post-baby curves – Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Alexander McQueen clutch and glimmering Louboutin heels. Quite simply, Bey blew my mind.
I absolutely loved her outfit and Bey’s current figure (she’s thicker than the proverbial Snicker)– could turn a gay boy straight. However, keep my “stan” status in mind – I wonder what her stage presence will be like when she takes to the stage again. Of course Beyonce´ will get back in shape, she’s never been one to let her body go but will she be able to perform with the same fervor she always has now that she has given birth? I pray for a positive comeback but only time will tell.

Now to wrap this article up, on Friday, February 10th, I received a text message from a fellow Beyonce´ “Stan” as I pumped across campus to an appointment and nearly walked into oncoming traffic when I read it. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had released photos of Blue Ivy! After keeping mum about her pregnancy until her 4th month, covering up her belly throughout gestation and being a rather private person in general, it was rather surprising to discover.
Reportedly, the couple was offered $14 million dollars for the first photos of their little girl (which isn’t unheard of for celebrity baby pictures) but turned the money down, opting instead to release intimate pictures via a Tumblr page created just for baby Blue. Entitled “helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com,” the website has just five photos of the baby and it’s reported that the family will be regularly updating the website with new pictures. In my opinion, Blue Ivy is super-cute (it seems as though Beyonce´ got pregnant by Beyonce´ and birthed a clone) and I cannot wait for future photos! As for all the whispered controversy involving the pregnancy and birth, I’m just going to ignore it. The public will never know anything about it except what we’re told anyway so why trip? Besides it’s Beyonce´, you all will still love her at the end of the day.

By Aidan Clark

VM Gossip

Not again. These were the two words running through my head as the MSU football team took to the field with under two minutes left, down by a touchdown and staring at 85 yards of hope. But then hope revealed destiny.

Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins moved the Spartans down the field in effortless fashion. Without the help of any timeouts, Cousins showed the world in 10 plays why the Spartans deserve to be among the elite, capping the drive off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to MSU receiver Keith Nichol.

The battle would go to three overtimes, ending on a 28-yard Dan Conroy field goal to give MSU the victory. This gave MSU their first bowl victory since 2001, when they beat Fresno State in the Silicon Valley Bowl. But in many ways, this win wasn’t just about a bowl victory for MSU. It was about so much more.

It was about MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, who came to MSU in 2006 with a mission to change the culture at the university. Before Dantonio, coach John L. Smith was in the commanding seat. Smith finished at MSU with a dismal 12-20 record in the Big Ten Conference, and 22-26 overall.     Dantonio started revamping the way MSU’s offense and defense operated, approaching the game with a new mindset. Immediately you started to see change.

Since taking over, Dantonio has won a Big Ten Title, a Big Ten Legends Division title, Big Ten Coach of the Year, and now a bowl victory, putting the Spartan football team among the best in the country.

It then was also about the players, specifically the tremendous senior class who played their hearts out for Dantonio each and every season. Players like wide receiver BJ Cunningham, who became MSU’s leading

Coach “D” and our Outback trophy.

yardage receiver in the history of the school. Then to safety Trenton Robinson, who became a two time All-Big Ten player this year. Then quarterback Kirk Cousins, who became MSU’s career leader in passing and total offense.  We all saw this senior class do some magical things throughout their time at MSU, buying into the leadership of Coach Dantonio.

Finally, it was about a group of people without whom the football team could never have been successful; the fans. They were the ones who stayed faithful after every loss and celebrated after every win. It was the fans that cheered “GO GREEN, GO WHITE” when the Spartans needed a boost of energy or confidence. It was the fans that, on the last drive of regulation in the Outback Bowl, believed they still had a chance.

These are the ingredients fueling the Spartans’ success and what got them to that sunny day in Tampa Bay, Florida. During that moment when they took the field with under two minutes left, odds stacked against them, those ingredients believed.

“Not again.” Two words that, after the game had ended and green and white rushed the field in jubilation, quickly left my mind. I then found myself saying nothing at all, just a smile on my face, in awe of that moment of destiny.

By Allen Martin

VM Sports Opinion Writer

The 48-year-old music icon, was found dead Saturday in California. It is awesome to remember of all the wonderful songs and films Houston performed in. She was just in Michigan as a star and executive producer of Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 movie about a singing sister act confronting the triumphs and perils of show business.

Whitney Houston was one of the greatest artists of all time reigning as the “Queen of Pop.” She will forever be remembered.

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

Taken by Jackie Pennington
The Dragon is out and ready to prowl!

What exactly is the Chinese New Year? Why are the years named after animals? The answer lies in more than thousands of years ago. While the Western calendar (called the Gregorian calendar) only goes back about 430 years, the Chinese calendar goes back more than 4,000 years. Why? 4,709 years ago, the Yellow King, the first king of China (not emperor), was inaugurated eight days before our January 1st new year tradition. The Yellow King marks the beginning of time for the Chinese. The Chinese New Year isn’t counted the same way the Gregorian calendar is. Rather than by day, the Chinese use the lunar calendar. The New Year begins on the day of the first new moon, rather than on January 1st like on the Gregorian calendar.
In addition, China’s lunar calendar is named after an element and an animal each year . The Chinese use the Stem-Branch system to count. There are ten stems and twelve branches in the system. Every year is named after a stem and a branch. The stems are named by Yin-Yang and the five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. The stem would then proceed as Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire and through the elements in order of Earth, Metal, and Water, respectively. The branches are named after the animals of the zodiac —rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram (or sheep or goat), monkey, rooster, dog or pig. With this system, a cycle of sixty counting systems are used, beginning with wooden Rat (Yang) and ending with water Pig (Yin). That means one complete cycle lasted from the years 1924 to 1983.
The Chinese New Year may begin on the day of the new moon, but it doesn’t end until 15 days later. During these days, the Chinese celebrate with family by reuniting, giving thanks, and honoring Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household, and their ancestors. The last day of the New Year, the fifteenth day, is the Lantern Festival, which occurs at night with lanterns and parading children.
January 23rd started the year of the Water Dragon or Black Dragon because it is a Yang year. So rather than bemoaning how over a month of your new year has already passed and how you’ve already broken your New Year’s Resolutions, check out the Chinese New Year and discover something wholly new. If you want to take a deeper look into the Chinese New Year, check out www.chinesefortunecalendar.com, www.chinapage.com, or education2.uvic.ca

By Rachael Prettenholfer

VM News

Come celebrate your Black History in February…and continue to celebrate throughout the year.