volume 4 Issue 2 Events “From Prisons to Plantations” – Wednesday, Feb. 9, UU 204 (Left Wing Chumash), 7 to 9 p.m. The latest study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that one-third of all inmates under state or federal jurisdiction have two things in common; inmates are under 30 years old and are African-American. According to the report, 10.4 percent of the country’s entire black male population, between the ages of 25 and 29, are in prison. Christopher Bickel discussed whether our prison system is a new form of slavery. “Sellouts: Myths and Facts about Black/ White Interracial Dating” – Wednesday, Feb. 16, UU 220, 7 to 9 p.m. Interracial dating continues to be a controversial discussion. Some individuals say they don’t have a problem with it however, one’s actions may not reflect what they say. We will discuss the history of Black/White dating, facts and myths on Black/White dating and engage in a discussion on whether or not one dates outside of his/her race they considered a sellout to their race. “What is Black?” – Wednesday, Feb. 23, UU 204 (Left Wing Chumash), 7 to 9 p.m. The term “black” usually refers to a racial group of humans with skin colors that range from light brown to nearly black. It is also used to categorize a number of diverse populations together based on historical and pre-historical ancestral relationships. Unfortunately, some people wrongly infer that word means poverty, dead-beat dads, promiscuous teens and gang members. Numerous students joined the MCC staff as they talk about what it means to be “black” in 2011. Another type of groovE “Another Type of Groove” celebrates Black History Month with featured poet Brutha Gimel. performed his poetry on campus in the Chumash Auditorium on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Another Type of Groove is a spoken word and poetry event held on the first Wednesday of every month. In 1997 Brutha Gimel was introduced to to the world of Spoken Word poetry along with Dante’ Basco, Shihan and Poetri when they started Da Poetry Lounge. Shortly after, he became one of Roni Walters’ “Backstreet” poets where he began to take the art of performance poetry seriously. In 2000 Brutha Gimel was a member of the 2nd Place National Slam Team in Seattle and for the following three years he would compete for the national title on various slam teams. In 2005 the journey continued when he was asked to perform for The Honda All-Star Challenge in Orlando and he also appeared on BET’s “Lyrical Cafe.” Brutha Gimel Brutha Gimel has appeared on radio shows and various colleges throughout California. The world of spoken word is not limited to performance for Gimel. He also shares the knowledge of the art form with others by conducting workshops for schools and various non-profit programs. In 2004 he was a co-producer on “The Poetry Lounge” DVD which was followed by vol. 2 in 2006. Both videos can be found in public and school libraries today. Thanks to his poetry experience, Brutha Gimel has been asked to host countless shows in and around the greater Los Angeles area including The West Hollywood Book Fair where he has served on the planning committee since 2005. In 2010 Brutha was asked to write and perform a tribute piece for KCET’S Black History Honors Program, an epic event. “Stay active and your efforts will be appreciated” is what Brutha Gimel’s father used to preach, a message which continues to resonate for the poet today. Society of Black Engineers and Scientists The Society of Black Engineers and Scientists (SBES) is a collection of around 30 students whose mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. A chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), SBES is involved with the national organization’s Fall Regional Conference and also participates in its National Convention. At both conferences SBES members are given the opportunity to network with professionals and build their professional skills. These conferences, with hundreds of company representatives, provide members the chance to find internships, co-ops and full time jobs, during and after college. The conferences also allow members to attended various workshops that provide valuable information for students to succeed in the business world. SBES also participates in the NSBE’s Regional Leadership Conference, which provides SBES executive board members with information on team building, club finance and marketing. It also allows the Cal Poly chapter of SBES to coordinate activities with other chapters around the state. With several committees, from Professional Development Committee to Open House Committee, SBES has several leadership opportunities for Cal Poly students and is consistently working to further the development of its members and the Cal Poly community in various facets. SBES stays in communication with Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Society of Women Engineers to plan joint events and professional programs. SBES and SHPE have in the past planned resume building and mock interview workshops with company representatives for Cal Poly Students. SBES also organizes events for its members including various tours of professional offices, and inviting company representatives to come speak with club members about job opportunities and professional skill development. From bowling nights to camping, SBES not only organizes professional events, but also finds time to plan social events for its members. Society of Black Engineers and Scientists is a group of determined students who strive to develop themselves academically and professionally but also serve the Cal Poly campus with professional opportunities. I asked their president Brittany Cheaney what is something people don’t know about SBES but should. “We are not solely an engineering club, we accept all majors because in the business world all majors are needed to make a complete company. Engineer and Science is in our name however we cater to everyone.”