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Author: Jasmin Sparkman

The Beat of the Drum

The Beat of the Drum

If you happened to hear the beating of drums last Saturday, we promise it’s not your heart beating loudly at the thought of finals week.  Reporter Jasmin Sparkman investigated the rhythmic beating and proved that your heart is just fine. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S4_DRUM[/bbrvideo] The sound of drums could be heard on campus well into Saturday evening as the annual native American Student Association Powwow brought in families from all over Northeast Ohio. A powwow is a cultural celebration where native families gather as…

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Turning Tassels at Karamu

Turning Tassels at Karamu

Warmer weather means it is almost time for graduation and many special ceremonies are taking place to honor the accomplishments of those getting ready to turn their tassels. Reporter Jasmin Sparkman has more on a special ceremony for students of color. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S7_KARAMU[/bbrvideo] Karamu Ya Wahitimu is more than just a new phrase for your vocabulary. Karamu is a special pre-commencement ceremony and celebration for students of color who fall into the AALANAS category, or the African American, Latin American and…

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Provost Walks out on Students

Provost Walks out on Students

As a follow up to the protests held at the April 13 Faculty-Senate meeting, students from a number of organizations organized a student forum to discuss their concerns of racism, acceptance, and a general feeling of being uncomfortable as Kent State students of color. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S8_VOICE[/bbrvideo] Kent State University Provost Todd Diacon was greeted by more than just cold weather last Wednesday. He was also greeted by a distraught outcry from the many students of color who showed up to the…

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Protesting the Provost

Protesting the Provost

A decision made by the provost has Kent State Students ready to protest. A group of upset students gathered at the April Faculty-Senate meeting to show the provost just how they felt. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S6_PROTEST[/bbrvideo] A decision made by the provost has Kent State Students ready to protest. A group of upset students gathered at the April Faculty-Senate meeting on Monday to show the Provost Todd Diacon just how they felt about his denial of tenure to a popular professor in the Art…

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Birth to Behind Bars

Birth to Behind Bars

49% of all fathers in American prisons are African American according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Kent State University’s Focus on the Future organization held a benefit showcase highlighting the disproportionate ratios of black fathers in prison to stress the need for understanding in the community. Reporter Jasmin Sparkman explored this phenomenon and caught up with the artists striving to help the world understand it. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S5_FOF[/bbrvideo] Focus on the Future held it’s 5th annual Benefit Showcase Tuesday night in…

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Carry On & Quilt

Carry On & Quilt

In today’s society it can be difficult to pass on a family’s history and traditions to its future generation. One woman is piecing together her family story bit by bit to make sure those traditions  stay alive. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S3_QUILT[/bbrvideo] Nat (Nell Orndorf): “My life entails carrying on the traditions my grandmother taught me. Anchor: Nell Orndorf is the keeper of a time-honored Native American tradition.” Nat (Nell Orndorf): “I love it when a plan comes together!” Anchor: She quilts. Quilting is a…

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Grandmother comes to town

Grandmother comes to town

Kent State University received a special visit from grandma last week. Reporter Jasmin Sparkman has more details on the special event. [bbrvideo]BBR_SPARKMAN_S2_GRANDMOTHER[/bbrvideo]  

Becoming An Ally

Becoming An Ally

Kent Sate University is committing itself to learning more about the LGBTQ community and Jasmin Sparkman has more on what it means to become an informed ally. [bbrvideo]BBR_P3_SPARKMAN_BECOMINGANALLY[/bbrvideo]  

University: Diversity and Unity

University: Diversity and Unity

The definition of a university can be simplified into unity through diversity, so I will be exploring Kent State University’s own diversity and multiculturalism on campus. This beat deals with people who have traditionally been marginalized by society. Student Multicultural Center Director Oscar Ramos has big plans for the upcoming semester. He said the center added new staff members to its team including Avery Danage and Ashley Williams, alumni with an insight into what students need most. The most prominent…

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