Assistant PRISM Editor Tykeem starts the issue off with coverage of Black Dance Repertoire’s outstanding Exposé it put on earlier this month, and we stay with the Binghamton-centered content with my article about local Black- and minority-owned businesses. I wish I could cover every restaurant — and maybe PRISM will do that sometime in the future — but we feature four local restaurants for now. I really wanted to write this piece because I firmly believe in the importance of supporting businesses for us, by us, and I hope some other students will get enjoyment out of having that information.

We move on to a larger spread than we’ve done all semester, featuring students of color who are musicians, artists and creatives at Binghamton University. With everything from paintings and poetry to rap music and a saxophonist, there should be something for everyone to enjoy. This spread is really dear to me since it essentially does exactly what PRISM was created for in that it showcases the talent, determination and beauty of the flourishing BU multicultural community.

Following that spread is a pair of articles centered around Asian women. One of our writers discusses a couple of up-and-coming female South Asian artists, specifically focused on Raveena, and explaining the significance of this trend to the South Asian community. Our other writer focuses on the burgeoning feminist movement in South Korea that has come as a result of a huge sex scandal in the Korean entertainment industry.

Next, we include excerpts from our contributor Kojo’s upcoming exhibition at the Bundy Museum of History and Art. The exhibition, “To Live For The Revolution,” features photographs that center around political organizing on and off campus.

Finally, we end the issue with two articles focused on dating. The first one discusses racist dating preferences and how dating apps like Tinder and Grindr may exacerbate the issue, but also emphasizes that we can change our problematic behaviors. Lastly, our final article just provides a couple of tips for navigating summer flings.

To anyone who’s stuck with PRISM this long, or even to anyone who picked up an issue of PRISM for the first time with this one, I need to say thank you. Throughout the semester, even when I was drowning in class readings I needed to catch up on, papers I needed to write or presentations I needed to memorize, no amount of work stopped me from wanting to create an issue (almost) every month. PRISM has been the greatest outlet for me and provided me with the opportunity to grow and learn far more than I ever expected. To Tykeem, Daquan, Cory and Joel, thank you for helping me put an issue together despite all of the things life has thrown in our way. I know you’ll kill it next year.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Going to this predominantly white institution was a serious struggle for me at times, but PRISM gave me the space to cope. To my readers, don’t let all of the terrible things that happen on and off campus discourage you. Know that you belong here just as much as everyone else, no matter how it may feel sometimes. When things get tough, know that there are people who support you. PRISM was that for me; I hope it can be that for you, too.

Starting off, we showcase some lovely photos from the African Student Organization’s (ASO) annual fashion show, Threads of the Motherland: Cirque D’Afrique. The event commemorated the organization’s 30th year on campus. We would like to congratulate ASO on all that it has done for the campus community and for all the hard work that went into creating such an unforgettable event.

We continue with on-campus group coverage with a preview of Latin Weekend, specifically focusing on Quimbamba Latin Dance Team’s event, El Polvorín Latin Festival. Personally, I can’t wait to celebrate my own culture by attending all the great festivities Latin Weekend has to offer. Next, we preview the Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program’s (JUMP Nation) main event of the school year, JUMP Weekend, in which middle school students from the Binghamton area and New York City visit the Binghamton University campus for a four-day weekend. JUMP Nation continually does important work for underserved students.

In keeping with tradition, we have our style spread — with a twist. We feature five BU students of color who have their own beauty-related businesses, from hair stylists to makeup artists to a business that creates custom-made clothing and jewelry. In keeping with PRISM’s mission to support people of color at BU, we felt it important to highlight POC-owned businesses and promote entrepreneurship within our communities. Everyone we feature is immensely talented and has so much to offer our campus and people of color in general.

Finally, we end the issue with a pair of opinions columns. First, our writer discusses consumer activism and how quickly people forget about controversies, such as the public’s response to Gucci’s blackface-imitating sweater. Following that, our writer condemns Joe Budden’s comments about Carnival outfits and explains their cultural significance. My column rounds out the issue with a discussion of mainstream media’s representation of the situation in Venezuela, and why I feel we shouldn’t take the information we’re presented at face value.

Like I said before, I’m nearing the end of my tenure as your PRISM editor and I’m trying to come to terms with that. I know that working on PRISM has been an invaluable experience for me, not only because it has helped me develop my skills as an editor but also because I truly feel a sense of joy every time I see our beautiful community represented in a campus publication. The next PRISM will be my last, so I’ll save the real sappy stuff for my letter in that issue. For now, please enjoy our April issue in the (hopefully) warm weather that we’re finally (kind of) being graced with. Have a great month!

If you’ve paid any attention these last couple of weeks, a lot has gone on in the Binghamton community regarding people of color. Most notably, the East Middle School incident, in which four 12-year-old Black girls were allegedly strip-searched at school, was incredibly disturbing. Everyone at PRISM hopes that the girls and their families get the justice they deserve, and that school officials are held accountable. In the face of this heinous act, though, I saw the community truly band together. I witnessed hundreds of people stand in solidarity with the girls, while thousands of people across the country voiced their support.

This month’s content honors Black History Month with a couple of different pieces. We feature a list of 10 notable Black figures, a discussion on the under-reported plight of Black immigrants and a spotlight on the Black Student Union’s nonstop work this month. On the cover is Prince Wireko, a senior double-majoring in graphic design and Africana studies whose “Legacy” series is featured for Black History Month. And what’s Black history without Black music? Check out our dancehall playlist that’s sure to get you moving.

As usual, PRISM also includes its share of reviews for the month. We take a look at Boogie’s new album “Everything’s For Sale,” the new Netflix series “Siempre Bruja” and the experimental documentary film “El Mar La Mar.”

We preview the upcoming Mainstage production of “Baltimore,” which examines racism on college campuses. From what I gathered, it’s going to be extremely relatable and relevant to our own campus, and I personally can’t wait to see it.

This issue is also the PRISM debut for many writers! Among these pieces are a spotlight on new student group Decol A’s project “Through The Looking Glass: Remember At Least One Name,” a discussion on non-Spanish speaking Hispanic people and a piece drawing out the similarities between gentrification and imperialism. I’m so excited to be showcasing the voices of so many new contributors.

Our February issue has a little something for everyone, and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together! Stay warm, BU, and hopefully the sun will be out the next time you’re reading my letter.

Because this PRISM serves as both the November and December issue, we start off by commemorating Black Solidarity Day, which fell on Nov. 5 this year. PRISM Photo Co-Editor Romel Adams discusses the 1969 creation and history of Black Solidarity Day and its sustained importance today.

In case you’re looking for entertainment recommendations for the break, PRISM’s got you covered with a couple of reviews. First, we take a look at “Helium,” Rudy Francisco’s book of poetry. Francisco is already a successful spoken-work poet, and he effectively tackles a variety of subjects ranging from love and heartbreak to today’s political climate. There really is something for everyone. We then examine Mick Jenkins’ newest album, “Pieces of a Man.” Borrowing its name from a Gil Scott-Heron album, the rap record is surprisingly vulnerable. Like “Helium,” Jenkins’ album is exceedingly versatile, ensuring that listeners are bound to find a song that resonates.

Of course, it would not be PRISM if we didn’t have a fashion spread. You all know how unpredictable Binghamton weather is, and this issue’s spread reflects the struggle we all face when we’re stuck in that fall/winter purgatory.

Moving on, transport yourself back to the spring semester with writer Stella Huang’s recollection of her spring semester abroad in Suzhou, China. Huang details the life-changing experience and urges other students to study abroad if given the opportunity.

We also shine a light on the Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program’s (JUMP Nation) recent Leadership Conference, in which high school students came to Binghamton University and were exposed to the benefits of pursuing higher education. Members of JUMP Nation aim to inspire the younger generation by creating a support network of mentors and peers.

Wrapping up the issue are a series of columns from your editor and assistant editor, respectively. I discuss my opposition to Amazon’s decision to open its second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, specifically considering the probable effects on minority communities that currently reside there. Assistant Editor Tykeem Banini draws attention to the concept of clout chasing and how it can have real consequences, as evidenced by Tekashi 6ix9ine.

The holiday season is upon us, and I hope you all have a break full of warmth and love. But I also want to recognize that the holidays, and the winter in general, can be a tough time for some for a variety of reasons, and I want you to acknowledge this, too. Don’t forget to reach out to your friends while you’re apart. We’re all stronger when we’re connected. With that said, happy holidays to you all! We’ll see you next year!

In this issue, we commemorate Latinx Heritage Month by highlighting the Latin American Student Union’s (LASU) plans to celebrate the month with its series of workshops centered around its theme this year: Afro-Latinx identity. While you learn more about the vibrant Latinx cultures and histories this month, you can supplement the experience and cook up some traditional Puerto Rican dishes by following a couple of recipes we’ve featured.

We also shine a light on the voices of two noteworthy figures on campus, Student Association (SA) President Jerry Toussaint and women’s basketball’s Director of Operations Kike Omowumi Rafiu. Toussaint shares his experience of being SA president as a black man, while Rafiu details how she empowers young girls in Nigeria through the nonprofit organization, Girls Rise Up, that she founded.

You can take a break from the lengthy articles with our back-to-school fashion spread and advice for new students of color. PRISM serves to show off BU’s beautiful multicultural community, after all, but should also be a guiding force to lead people of color on a path to success, happiness and fulfillment.

Rounding out the issue is a pair of opinions pieces relevant to the campus community. The first is centered around the Binghamton University Dining Services’ lack of adequate food options for African and Caribbean students, and the other describes cinema’s shift in its portrayal of law enforcement due to the increased ability of people of color to write and direct their own films.

I’ve watched PRISM grow from a small group of fewer than ten writers to a network and support system for students and faculty of color across this campus. For my last year at BU, I intend to continue welcoming, engaging and empowering our multicultural community, and I hope you’ll join me in reaching that goal.

I never dreamed that a publication like PRISM would exist. I never imagined that I’d be able to walk into a meeting and see a beautiful group of people of color staring back at me. I never pictured a day where I’d be able to open an issue of Pipe Dream and see melanin practically dripping off of the pages.

I am forever indebted to the people who had foresight that I lacked.

Former Pipe Dream Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Twitty, ’17, set the ball in motion for PRISM before he left. He was insistent on getting more people of color involved in Pipe Dream. Through talks with people form the office of the vice president of multicultural affairs and the Multicultural Resource Center, he got people in Pipe Dream thinking about PRISM. The first issue was printed under his successor, Gabriella Weick, ‘17. Without these two, PRISM wouldn’t even exist. Thank you both so much for creating what has been the most rewarding experience of my Binghamton University career.

Before graduating in December 2017, Gabby; Joshua Gonzalez, the vice president of multicultural affairs; Noah Bressner, the current editor-in-chief; Cory Bremer, the design manager; Kevin Paredes, the photography editor; and myself worked to get the November 2017 issue printed. We really didn’t know what to expect or what we were doing, but we made it work.

When reflecting on that first issue, I can see how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time. In just one semester, we’ve developed a solid base of talented writers, copy editors, photographers and designers and have put together something we can all be proud of.

My only regret is that we didn’t start sooner.

As a graduating senior, this is my last issue of PRISM, and I poured my soul into it. This issue is primarily focused on wellness, a subject that is very close to my heart. We also have a lot of features on amazing students and staff members and the work they’re doing both on and off campus. As you all read through this issue, I want you feel inspired by all of the amazing work going on around us and feel empowered to become the best versions of yourself.

As heartbroken as I am to walk away from PRISM, I know I’m leaving it in great hands. Your new editor is Sarah Molano, an amazing writer who poses a unique and poignant perspective that has breathed life into Pipe Dream and will continue to do so.

Editing PRISM has been an immense pleasure and I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity. Thank you for picking up this issue; I hope you love it at least half as much as we do.

In this issue, we have an interview with Monet Schultz, the president of BSU. She provided an insightful look into her identity as a black Guyanese woman, her evolving relationship with BSU and what Black History Month and black artistry mean to her. We also have an article discussing the recent and long-overdue appreciation of black art.

Although we wanted to focus primarily on black culture, we also wanted to balance our content with articles more groups can relate to. We have articles on topics ranging from a “survival guide” for students of color to Instagram accounts to follow if you’re looking for a daily dose of representation and empowerment.

Lastly, we have our cover girl, Sophea Clarke. Clarke is an artist I met at the Sip ‘N’ Paint event hosted by BSU and the Gamma Sigma Zeta Fraternity, Inc. She paints beautiful, vibrant black women, and as a black woman myself, her work immediately struck a chord with me. Upon interviewing her, I became even more enamored. She speaks candidly about her journey as a light-skinned, mixed-race black woman and coming to terms with her racial identity. She is now a strong advocate for self-love — something we should all strive for.

At this time last year, I sat down and opened the January 2017 issue of Vogue. After leafing through the opening advertisements, skimming the table of contents and admiring the masthead, I reached Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour’s letter from the editor. Wintour began the letter with words of encouragement following a tumultuous year and highlighted the need for activism and positive leadership. She went on to describe the issue’s portfolio, “Home of the Brave.” This piece featured stories of activism, and Wintour ended her letter acknowledging the inspiration she derived from them, with the hope that others will follow suit.

From their view of the world to their view of themselves, everyone has at some point been swayed by something they saw in the media, and that’s why we need publications like PRISM. Entering 2018 as PRISM editor, I have a greater understanding of the perspective Wintour held last January. From protests about the University’s response to criticism of a proposal to put blue lights in Downtown Binghamton, to racist drawings appearing in residence halls, our predominantly white university dealt with its fair share of race issues in 2017. Having an outlet where people of color feel comfortable contributing their voices is essential, and as a black woman, I feel honored to play a role in creating that outlet.

In this issue, we have an interview with Catherine Castillo, president of the Student Association-chartered club One Special World. She has a beautiful outlook on life, and inspires me to be a better person, and I hope she does the same for all of you. Additionally, our writers have produced thoughtful pieces, ranging from a critique on Post Malone’s on-campus performance, to a call to keep Puerto Rico in our hearts and minds as media coverage continues to dwindle.

To the students of color at Binghamton University: PRISM is yours. PRISM is yours to consume, yours to critique, yours to contribute to. However, it can only be as strong as you allow it to be. We will be hosting general interest meetings on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Pipe Dream newsroom in University Union West Room B03. If you have a story you’d like to share, an opinion you’d like to voice, a photo you’d like to showcase or any other creative skill set you’d like to exercise, we’d love to have you.