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Wednesday, June 18, 1997
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
In memory of LaTina Sullivan
The editor of the Kansan died Wednesday, June 11, 1997, but her insights and friendships live on. Two of LaTina's columns from last semester and several comments from her friends appear
as a memorial to her.
I remember LaTina saying, "That's just not right" after explaining her straightforward viewpoint about an issue to an audience, which by then was laughing at her humor. Unfortunately, it's her phrase that best describes our loss.
Kristie Blasi Caney senior
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
I was a student with Tina in Cheryl Lester's African American Cultural Studies class. I was also on the Editorial Board of the Kansan this spring.
I received my M.A. in Creative Writing from KU this May.
I didn't know Tina well, though I would have liked to. When she was alive, I worried that she didn't like or respect me. Now that she's dead, that worry — which is all ego, really — is gone. Now I wonder if Tina knew how much I respected her, how much I admired her. I wonder if she had any inking that simply knowing her, albeit briefly and impersonally, means something big and largely incomprehensible to me.
Laura E. Wexler
Laura E. Wexler
Assistant Editor, Georgia Magazine
Alumni House, University of Georgia
Athens, GA 36062
706-542-8716 (voice); 706-542-9492 (fax)
lwxler@uga.co.uk.uga.edu
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
Stupidity comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Those of us unfortunate enough to attend Spike Lee's lecture saw stupidity in one of its purest forms.
Spike Lee fan did the wrong thing at speech
I'll probably get some flak for writing this, but I don't care. If you're bold enough to act like a fool in front of 1,950 people, then you're bold enough to handle the criticism and social commentary that comes with the territory.
For those who didn't attend the lecture or haven't heard about "You Know," he was the ever-so-cool, hip-brother who "you know what I'm saying ... just wanted to lead his people ... 'cause you know what I'm saying ... can help a brother out?"
His questions and comments dragged on in this manner for five minutes until Spike told him he could come backstage and talk to him. "You Know" then proceeded down the aisle with his ever-so-down gaunta' walk.
I'm all for individual expression and realize that people have the right to express themselves as they see fit.
However, I am offended when individual expression turns into a clown show, manages to portray disturbing stereotypes about African Americans and invalidates the accomplishments of the true unsung leaders on this campus - those who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the journey for the next African-American student will be easier.
In five minutes, "You Know" portrayed African-American KU students as incoherent, rambling idiots who can't verbally express themselves or get organized unless some film director shows them the way. He also managed to slip in the "we can't resist the urge to steal 'cause you know... it's just too tempting."
For those who missed it, after Spike finished his lecture, "You Know" walked across the stage and -oh so smoothly - slipped a bottle of water off the table.
These actions made me crine, but what really made me angry was that "You Know" had the audacity to say that he wanted to "you know ... organize (he's not sure for what) ... and lead (only God knows where) his people."
With this utterance he belittled the many unnoticed accomplishments that African-American students have achieved on campus.
I think it's time that African-American students who are not involved in athletics are recognized for their contributions to the University of Kansas. During the course of a semester the Black PanHellenic Council, Black Student Union and other African-American student groups have offered free peer tutoring and counseling, brought inner-city children to the University to show them their options, organized an African-American resource fair, organized bone marrow drives, volunteered in nursing homes and the Boys and Girls Club, and the list goes on. These people are full-time students and do this work above and beyond their full-time course loads and jobs.
With little or no recognition, these students give their time and energy because they have an interest in their campus community. Instead of asking others, who will not take an active interest in KU's African-American community, for help, these students take matters into their own hands.
All smiles after the Office of Minority Affairs banquet the Saturday night before graduation were LaTina Sullivan (left); James Kitchen, Dean of Student Life; and Ayshea Charity, a close friend.
And they will continue to do so, not for attention, but because they are true leaders and realize that organization and leadership have a lot to do with hard work, commitment and dedication and little to do with empty rhetoric.
You know what I'm saying?
—Published Feb. 21, 1997
LaTina's two greatest qualities were her friendliness and her perseverance. Whenever I walked into the newsroom (and I did that a lot), LaTina would say hi and smile. She never missed a beat. And that meant more to me than I'm sure she ever knew, especially on days when nothing was going right. I could always count on her support and encouragement. I hope she felt she could count on me, too. Her friendliness is all the more admirable because she also was one of the most busy, hardworking people I knew. Unfortunately, we never got around to many of the movies, dinners and beers we had planned. She took her jobs and her classes seriously. She didn't have to take the time to get to know me, but she did. And for that, sad as I am at losing her, I am grateful to have known her.
Amanda Traugher
The Washington Post - Foreign
traughbera@washpost.com
I knew from the first time I met LaTina that she was special. Our relationship began formally – I was her copy chief, and she was a copy editor for the Kansan. But we quickly became friends, and she became one of my best copy editors. Later we worked on projects together - some fun, some not so fun. But LaTina always had a smile on her face. Not only was LaTina a talented journalist, she was a genuine and caring individual. When she asked me to be her managing editor for the summer Kansan. I knew right away I wanted to do it. I couldn't imagine a better person to work for. I was right. For the short time LaTina was editor, the newsroom was a comfortable and enjoyable place to work. She was so full of great ideas, and she had an unstoppable motivation. I will miss her and the opportunity to see her develop as a journalist.
Tara Trenary Managing Editor
"Tina"
We had only been friends for about a year and a half but our relationship grew so quickly. I can hardly believe we came so far in so little time, but I'm glad we did. You will always be in my heart.
Ayshea
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
I am glad I had an opportunity to meet you. You were a bright and inspiring person. I will always remember you for your positiveness toward me and your faithfulness as a friend.
I remember when we first were roommates 4 years ago, I was afraid we would not get along. You said, "oh yes, we will get along." You had no doubt in your mind then. That was the same type of positive attitude that stayed with you and flourished on to other people. I love you Tina. I will never forget the many memories you left behind in my heart.
Laurie Riley
This summer was going to be our time to escape the Kansan for a while. During our lunches this semester we'd discuss the places where we were going to go to enjoy some of Lawrence's finest beverages. But because we can't live out our plans, I volunteered to write your life story for the newspaper — I hope you think I did alright. I must admit I was a bit jealous interviewing your close friends — they all had countless stories to share about you or laughs to relive. I miss you LaTina and I wish you had more time together in the past few weeks. But to list my regrets would be pointless, so just know that I'll never get some 'fresh air' on the back dock without thinking of you. You are an amazing person with sarcasm I truly appreciate and a drive that is rare. I am proud to say that I knew you.
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
Love, Lindsey Henry Fall Managing Editor
A few days ago LaTina and I discussed what she planned to do after graduating in August. She was planning to move to Phoenix and hoped to find a job writing for a magazine.
LaTina was on the brink of coming into her own, of fully blossoming. After accomplishing so much at KU, LaTina was ready for the "real world" – the colorful, rich world full of challenges and opportunities. I had the sense that her talents and spirit would soar out there. I was looking forward to watching her journey unfold.
So it is a shock to have everything change so suddenly. She won't be going on the journey that I had imagined. She is on a different path now. Her spirit is soaring somewhere else.
May God's blessings and care be with her.
Bayliss Harsh Watson Library
Above all, Tee, I have admired your tough love, your humor, your wisdom, and your integrity, but I have also been thrilled to watch and sometimes share your successes as an uncompromising student, a writer with a clear view of the human condition, a journalist and media-junkie, a caregiver, a grown woman, an old soul, a soul sister, a Black Southern migrant, a leader. How much I miss you. I have so much more to say, but I have to run. Haven't I always had to run? And like all the other times, I believe you will rejoin me soon, with your big smile, your loving ways, your mischievous laugh, and your great huge spirit. See ya later, Tina, I love you.
-Cheryl Lester, Associate Professor of English and American Studies
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
From the first time that I met Tina, it was clear that she was going to do things on her own time and her own way. She did not even know of all the things she had to offer to the Lawrence community, to KU, and to all of us. When she met Cheryl Lester, it was as if a window had opened. Without a doubt, it was the best match I ever made during my years as coordinator of the Dean's Scholars Program. Cheryl understood better than any of us that Tina would only dance to her own music and that she was determined to write her own story. Her relationship with Cheryl showed Tina that it was alright, even if at times others did not understand her need to make her own mold instead of fitting into those already made. They became much more than a great student-teacher team, more than a mentor-mentee match; they became true friends. Tina grew deep, strong roots and flourished in our community; it was a privilege to be able to watch her grow.
Now, Tina has left in the same way that she came to us. On her own time. Her own way. And I guess we don't have to understand it; just be thankful that we had the opportunity to see Tina dance to her own music and write her own story. I, for one, will never forget her.
Rocio Munoz-Dunbar
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
From a bright-eyed freshman to a senior running the summer *Kansan*, LaTina did a lot in a little time while at KU. Her smile, her laughs, her conversations will all be missed.
Thank you LaTina for being an example of perseverance, your help, memories and just being you.
Miss you soror,
J.R. Clairborne
KU J-学园'95
"It matters not how straight the Gate, How charged with punishments the Scroll. I am Master of my Fate; I am Captain of my Soul!"
- excerpt from *Invictus*
jclairbo@lightlink.com
Bootsie-
Girl, you know I'm gonna miss you. I just wanna thank you for everything you done for me...when I seent you I know'd there's a God. Miss Celie and everybody says "peace out".
Sha'quana
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
Sometimes it's easy to get lost in all the excitement of campus and community activism, but you were always able to keep me (and yourself) on the right track of where this campus needs to go. Your sense of justice and passion for the struggle inspire us all. Lest we forget where we came from, your memory will remain forever in our minds of what is right, and what is wrong in the world — and what each of us must do to change that.
Tina:
Rochelle Votaw McNair Scholars Program
--in reality, most people just like to sit around and complain that the media is this big bad entity that is out to get people of color.
Imagine this.
Don't lament media help make it better
You're sitting around kicking it with your friends, and you turn on the television or pick up the newspaper and notice that you're not represented.
There aren't any people of color on America's top 10 television shows, and the only time representatives from your ethnic background are on the evening news is when they're in handcuffs.
So, do you start getting angry and begin to ask your friends why you aren't represented?
Wait. Before you start throwing around conspiracy theories, ask yourself this question: What am I doing instead of running my mouth?
If you have been on the school newspaper (not high school) or have contributed in any way to make sure that your group is adequately represented in the media, then you can stop reading.
Whv is that?
However, I do work at the Kansan, and let me tell you there are not many people of color working here — let's see ... there's one ... two ... three ... four ... five (wait that's me again) ... OK there's a total of four people of color out of about 100 people who work on the Kansan news staff.
Are we what W.E.B. DuBois called the talented 10th? Or are we just so damn smart, witty or journalistically savvy that we can fairly represent all the many diverse groups on the University of Kansas campus?
I don't think so.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am usually the first to admit that the media, including The University Daily Kansan, has made and will continue to make mistakes when it comes to adequate coverage on people of color. However, the only way that people of color can make change happen is to become more proactive and not reactive.
If you're upset because the movies Love Jones, (God forbid) Booty Call or the ever-so-sweet sounds of Badium didn't get reviewed, then join the Kansan staff and become an entertainment reporter. If you want more coverage of the Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, international issues or Native American issues, then join the editorial board, or become a reporter or a columnist.
If you want the Kansan to look and feel more like you, you have to become involved and make sure that you're represented.
If you feel that you just want to be heard, then join the Kansan. This is perhaps the only time in your life that will have the majority of the KU student body and faculty willing to hear what you have to say.
And working on the Kansan is a small step toward creating a better image of people of color in the media. If you don't do it, then who will?
I'm sure that all of the people of color who work here could try to represent all of our racial affiliations, but I know that Black people would get tired of me reviewing everything that ever came out by Whitney Houston.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that it is almost impossible for four people to try to create a more positive image of people of color. We can't undo generations and generations of bad media portrayals.
However, we do what we can, and we make sure that we are represented and represented well. But, we can't do it alone. We need your help. So, the next time you feel that the Kansan is the most racist and culturally insensitive paper in the world, open it up and see if your byline is there. And if it isn't, guess what?
You, too, have helped to create what you have called a racist, culturally insensitive paper. But it's not too late.
Drop by the Kansan or give me a call and tell me what you're interested in doing. Applications for fall and summer positions are available.
It only takes one person's voice to help create change,
however, 50 voices will make sure you get heard.
—Published April 28,1997