C O N T E N T S
Creative Director’s Note TaylorWhitmore 16 16 A Conversation About Black Dandyism RyannPhillips 20 20 Halloweekend: A Night Out in ‘Cuse JeannieRamirez
8 Beauty as Resistance: Pam Grier’s Impact BlaireBrown 13 13
F.U.B.U: Renegade’s Top Ten Picks of Black Owned Businesses in Syracuse SiraJollah 24 24 Syracuse University Acting Major Reflects on Unexpected College Journey
RyannPhillips
The Disappearance of AAS and its Legacy at Stake NathanCargill
The current sociopolitical climate has been a source ms to be a sense of fatigue in the media recently Anoth d stereotypes Tropes that intensify for the sake of divi technology can be trained to have a bias
To escape from this exasperating reality, some of us 2000’s R&B, Disney, Nickelodeon, or Cartoon Netwo y of resonance
Our Fall 2025 theme, Blaxploitation, pays homage to a 1970’s film genre built on the notion of reclaiming and reimaging depictions of Black people on the silver screen This issue explores topics such as identity, beauty, and love whilst honoring iconic Blaxploitation films such as Car Wash, Superfly, Sugar Hill and Coffy
As we look to our past to celebrate this moment in film history, we do so while contextualizing blaxploitation’s recurring themes within today’s cultural landscape Taking ownership over our narratives while others try to control and diminish our voices is just as important now as it was then So, as you flip through these pages, we hope you walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the foundation this genre set for Black storytelling and creative expression
Thank you to all of the great minds that made this issue possible, and to all of our supporters We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together
With the current administration directly threatening our civil rights, this issue’s theme is a direct opposition to the ever-persisting threat to the relatively young Black American identity Blaxploitation, a film movement hallmarked by decadence, Afrocentricity, and the examination of the Black experience through the lens of camp, has evolved into the Black film genre we produce and consume today By paying homage to our past, we can revisit these legacy films through a modern lens, with greater nuance and a more up-to-date perspective Renegade's eleventh issue aims to revitalize iconic portrayals within the Blaxploitation film genre as symbols of power rather than outdated narratives While far from being perfect, Blaxploitation allowed us to examine our community and reflect on our shortcomings without being at the mercy of our oppressors’ viewpoints Made as a result of the Civil Rights Movement and independently financed films catered to Black Americans by Black Americans, the stories, critiques, and even outdated standards and narrative behaviors were made to portray us as both the hero, villain, and everything in between It allowed us to exist as human characters with a wide breadth of motives and emotions, rather than a plot device or diversity checkpoint
Our culture as Black Americans is ever-evolving and ever-present in the cultural zeitgeist Yet, respectability politics often force us to forgo our own culture in favor of emulating Whiteness Our boldness, our features, and anything not directly related to those perceived as culturally dominant in America is seen as immodest or not serious I refuse to buy into the notion that certain aspects of Black culture should be shirked to the wayside in favor of further assimilation At the very least, can we not look back at our history and decide for ourselves what we should and should not celebrate? So, let us honor our forefathers and foremothers by outwardly rejecting the notion to fit in by instead pulling inspiration and paying homage to our own narratives and fashion
Editors-in-Chief
Donniae Collins
Jaquelyn Trotman
Creative Director
Taylor Whitmore
Editorial Director
Ryann Phillips
Photography Director
Zyk Koffa
Photographers
Zyk Koffa
Donniae Collins
Kollin Washington
Akuol Yak
Fashion Directors
Rayven Velez
Rezi Ubogu
Social Media Director
Jaylene Feliz
Fiscal Angents
Jordan Fenton
Rezi Ubogu
Contributing Writers
Blaire Brown
Nathan Cargill
Sira Jollah
Ryann Phillips
Jeannie Ramirez
Creative Team
Yolee Barlatier
Kimara Dowling
Fatou Konate
Special Thanks
Black Citizens Brigade
Dienna De Leon
Ivy Tangchakkrachai
BY BLAIRE BROWN
adolescence was filled with bowls of popcorn and Samuel L. Jackson’s voice ricocheting off the mantelpiece. Movies were something that brought my family together. Our combined love for fictitious narratives allowed for open dialogue about the world around me.
Beauty in Black films has always interested me; it was characters like Deena Jones from Dreamgirls and Justice from Poetic Justice who developed how I saw myself as a Black woman in society.
Across generations, Black women in cinema have used their beauty as a source of power, particularly in times when other forms of agency were denied to them.
Black women are often taught to go unnoticed, but our natural beauty makes that nearly impossible. Black women should never tie themselves down to one look. The power in Black beauty is its fluidity. It’s magical how Black women can go from a fro to a fresh blowout in hours. Our ever-changing styles allow Black women to stand out. After centuries of being torn down by society, how can one fade into the backdrop when they're always presenting themselves in new ways? Pam Grier, an American actress, singer, and martial artist, illustrates this idea.
She rose to fame in the 1970s for her roles in Blaxploitation films. Grier was the first African American action star. Her appearance noticeably changes from project to project. This ability to shapeshift reminds audiences that Black people aren't stuck to one silhouette nor narrative. Through her different characters, she’s lived many lives, and with each life has kept a consistent level of power. Starring in one of Quentin Tarantino’s most popular films, Jackie Brown, Grier serves as a symbol of beauty within the Black community. Her beauty is striking, when she comes on the screen your eyes cling to her.
There is often an oversexualization of Black women, but there is power in being sexy. Black women are negatively sexualized by the media, while their white counterparts are praised for the same actions. In Grier’s films, she combines her sexiness with authority. It’s almost a push and pull effect. Her ability to command an audience is not overpowered by her charm, instead they work concurrently. She paints a picture that it’s okay to want to feel and appear sexy. Black women have the right to feel powerful in their skin; the general media should support that notion, not tear it down.
Blaxploitation is a safe space for Black women to exercise their beauty in ways that have been typically frowned down upon. The genre shows younger audiences that beauty isn’t one dimensional. While I wasn’t exposed to Blaxploitation until later in life.
My six-year-old self esteem would’ve seen Pam Grier as a superhero, showing little girls like me that Black beauty is and will always be a symbol of power.
When it comes to Black Owned Businesses, we stay representing From good eats, beauty, to culture, here are the top 10 picks in Syracuse that represent our culture, community, and creativity Let’s show love by supporting them
Jamaica Cuse
Now we love the sound of some oxtail and jerk chicken; Jamaica Cuse don’t play when it comes to serving a good seasoned meal, and they never miss. Stop by with a friend and get a full taste and view of the divine Jamaican culture.
Star Boutique
A Somali-owned clothing boutique where you can find the trending muumuu dresses on TikTok, all kinds of hijabs and abayas and best of all the famous Arabian perfume; this palace is a mix of both culture and religion all in one
Divine Destiny
Ladies, there's no excuse for a bad hair day. Divine destiny hair salon is the perfect place to get that silk press you’ve been waiting on, or that quick weave. The prices are reasonable and her services are worth the go.
Styled By Tayah
Another hairstylist on the list who will have you leaving with a smile on your face The queen herself specializes in silk presses, quickweave, ponytails and hair dying Looking for something new; Tayah is the girl for you
Black Citizens Brigade
Black citizens Brigade doesn’t just specialize in vintage clothing but holds black history through its clothing, music, records and books Stay tuned for their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram @blk citizensbrigade for more updates.
StyledBby lalu
Looking for a 30 inch buss down? Well maybe not 30 inches exactly, but whatever you prefer Lalu got you Whether that be a wig install, sew in, or quick weave, the blend is elite and she never misses
Just Minked It
Want your lashes done? Book Just Minked It on instagram, a Lash tech located on Syracuse campus There isn’t much to say, her work speaks for itself
Claws By Madi
A nail tech located on Syracuse campus who specializes in creative nail designs, for both ladies and gentlemen. Acrylic, gel, you name it she does it.
Slayed By Dakari
Not just for the ladies, this includes the guys as well, looking for creative braids whether that be your natural hair or weave? Dakari got you and you won’t be disappointed
No Limit Cuts
Men, looking to ask a girl out without getting rejected? No Limit Cuts will have you looking the part; fresh and ready to go on your first date Don’t believe me? Well try it out, and if you do get rejected, at least you look the part.
Supporting these Black Owned Businesses is not just a benefit to them, but also for us It's a great way to keep our community thriving
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Only time I see a man in a suit is if he's in a court case or if he's at a funeral. So for me, like, growing up, So, I told myself that I want to wear suits.
Tyree Benjamin
Ryann Phillips
Jeffrey Elekwachi
From the Met Gala to André Leon Talley’s tribute at Savannah College of Art and Design, Black dandyism has been the cultural moment of 2025.
But what does that look like at Syracuse University, the place known for people’s fits as they walk down the promenade? (Shoutout @sufits )
We talked to two 21-yearold students at the Black Citizens Brigade in downtown Syracuse to get their perspective: Tyree Benjamin, from the Bronx and Jeffrey Elekwachi, from Brooklyn. They walked around the store surrounded by patterned carpets, Marvin Gaye records and Angela Davis books.
“Looking spiffy,” Elekwachi said while taking a selfie in the full body mirror
Elekwachi: What does Black dandyism mean to you?
Benjamin: Honestly, I feel like it's just like a form of expression, and I think we do it through the clothes that we wear Through our facial expressions just showing that the causes that we want, we can represent that. What about you?
Elekwachi: I feel like it's more of professionalism, in a sense, but when you add that Black style, that Black touch to it, it turns into, I guess, Black dandyism.
Benjamin: What do you feel like really inspires your fits?
Elekwachi: Growing up in Brooklyn, what I was used to seeing and wearing was dark colors and dark tones So I went the opposite route, started wearing bright colors For me now, it’s more about what feels comfy.
Benjamin: I'm from the Bronx, right? And a lot of the times, I've never seen people really wear suits and stuff. Only time I see a man in a suit is if he's in a court case or if he's at a funeral, right? So for me, like, growing up, I told myself that I want to wear suits. I want to be stylish in that sense.
Elekwachi: I wanted to show I can incorporate a corporate style in the sense, but also like a streetwear-ish type of thing If you look at Devin Booker, the way he dresses, I try to copy what he, how he puts on his own fits Because it's casual, but it's still kind of professional
Benjamin: I look at Shai Gilgeous as well…I'm trying to find a way to incorporate that professional, but also cool kind of style.
Elekwachi: What was your style like as a kid?
Benjamin: I went to Catholic school my whole life, so I always wore a uniform Growing up outside of that, honestly whatever my mom put on me Usually it would be some Ralph Lauren, or, if not, a regular white tee and some shorts
Elekwachi: Would you say that you being restricted influences how you dress now?
Benjamin: For sure. I feel like I was restricted in certain ways…I want to feel myself I want to be who I am and that's just expressing many different personalities Do you feel like you ever experienced that?
Elekwachi: My mom told me that I would help her out with what she would wear sometimes One time, it was my eighth grade, it was on senior day, and I wore these sweatpants and this bomber jacket. I felt so cool. That was my first time actually, like putting on my own fits for school.
Benjamin: It probably took until high school until I actually started putting on certain things But with my mom though, I had to start buying my own things
Elekwachi: Was there ever a point where you felt embarrassed or a little bit scared to put on certain clothes?
Benjamin: At the time the younger kid, I didn't want to wear pink and stuff like that I was like, I'm not doing that Right? They would put me in that, and they'd be like, you look so good And I'm just like, nah, I'm not feeling it You ever felt like you were embarrassed?
Elekwachi: Of course, lot of times. It was this one time I was in sixth grade… I came to school, and I was wearing some skinny jeans. I got roasted so hard…I never wore jeans for the next five or six years.
Benjamin: Do you feel like, like people nowadays, like people are in our grades and so, do you feel like they're really expressing themselves through their clothing?
Elekwachi: So I feel like, yeah, I guess it does express what they wear I guess how they feel for that day.
NAILA HULL-GOINGS
“SUGAR HILL AND HER
ZOMBIE HITMEN”
As an upperclassman, most of the parties hosted at one of the top party schools in the nation have been tried and tested. While some of them may not be the most compelling, I’ll be real, the magic of a great party isn’t just the venue. It’s about electrifying music, expressing solidarity with friends, and the pure joy of weekend freedom. Now, let me share a glimpse of our Halloweekend celebrations on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1!
For some context, on Halloween night, my friends and I had purchased tickets on Posh for an event advertised as HHH weeks in advance. Last year, my friends and I were dressed up as fairies and stayed at this same event, at Wescott Theater, partying until 1 a.m. We were determined to have an even better night this year.
For some context, on Halloween night, my friends and I had purchased tickets on Posh for an event advertised as HHH weeks in advance. Last year, my friends and I were dressed up as fairies and stayed at this same event, at Wescott Theater, partying until 1 a.m. We were determined to have an even better night this year.
9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
October 31: Halloween night
After having completed some last-minute assignments that I had procrastinated on, I was the last one to get in the shower and start getting ready. With five ladies in the house, everyone had their own spaces to get ready. We had our “HouseParty” playlist on Apple Music playing in the background to kick off the pregame. Sounds of Gunna, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie echoed throughout our threebedroom apartment on South Campus.
9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The house buzzed with energy. Music blasted in the background as everyone rushed to get ready. We finished our makeup, swapped outfits and laughter could be heard in every room. Three of us wore coordinating first responders’ costumes: a police officer, a nurse, and a firefighter. The other two were dressed up as Cupid and T-Bo from iCarly. In this controlled chaos, everyone hyped each other for photos, polaroids, and filming viral and funny TikToks. Of course we had to do the “act a foolio” trend.
10:43 p.m.
Everyone got in the Uber, and two of my friends attempted to talk to the driver, demanding to be connected to the aux. We succeeded and played music in our Uber, getting even more excited to get into the party. The Uber driver was a really nice woman, Anna, who complimented each of us and wished us a fun and safe night before we exited her car. (Of course, we promised her five stars.)
11:34pm
We got somewhat comfortable waiting in line, but we were in the same position as when we first got here. The hosts, or what seemed like friends of the hosts, began to tell everyone in line to move back due to safety issues. It felt like we were yelled at around fifteen times before the police were threatened to be called, hoping to encourage others to continue moving back, so more people could be let in. But the issue wasn’t with the back of the line. It was the front.
10:35 p.m.
The Uber was on its way. Anxiety started creeping in about the tip that the doors closed at 11 p.m., because we were still 15 minutes away. As the Uber got closer, one of my friends revealed that her situationship had been on the rocks. She had been unsure of his true intentions and expectations of their relationship, which ended with her pushing him away. With this lingering in the back of her mind, we made it our mission to cheer her up, amping up how fun this night was going to be.
10:58 p.m.
We were painfully late, and despite the possibility of not getting in, we still made the line that had around 40 to 50 people waiting in it. It felt like we were inches away, but having to stand in line in our costumes, the rain and 45 degree weather, we wished that we hadn't spent our money if we weren't getting in.
11:45 p.m.
We enjoyed our own company enough that we started to play music from our own phones, inviting others to join, sing, and dance as we stood in the cold rain. The back of the line began to express their anger loudly as they noticed that everyone pulling up in Ubers forty five minutes after the door had supposedly closed, headed up to the front to avoid the line, without fail.
11:55 p.m.
More cop cars began arriving.
November 1: The Day After Halloween
10:00 p.m.
Not only am I the last one to start getting ready once again as I headed into the shower, but our three-bedroom apartment is hosting five more people, who came over for our pregame If last night was any indication of how our Halloweekend had started, we made sure to pull out all the stops for tonight
10:35 p.m.
Tonight, all five of us had coordinated outfits; we were all characters from Monster High, like Clawdeen and Draculura My other friends arrived while I was just beginning to get myself ready I began with hair and makeup
Then I finished with my outfit
11:00 p.m.
There were 12 of us in our apartment, which sounds like total chaos, yet it was the best kind. We tried our best to round everyone up to play fun party games like beer pong, karaoke, and card games With the beats of El Alfa, Sexyy Red and Drake blasting, we snapped pics and clinked our drinks together, celebrating the night ahead of us
11:24 p.m.
Everyone was soaking up the good vibes: drinks in hand, excitement and laughter ringing in the air. I looked at the time and feared that we might be running late again. Not wanting to ruin the momentum of the night as the sound of the upbeat music floated around us, I said, “We should probably think about heading out soon ” Everyone took out their phones, pulled up the Uber and Lyft apps, and left what they were doing to do their final touches of makeup, perfume, hair and more
12:30 a.m.
When we got there, we heard some buzz about the cops being around and that they weren’t letting anyone in yet Are you serious? Please tell me we did not get dressed and pay for this $20 Uber just to not get in Again We didn’t give up We made our way to the front of the house There was another line that we had to join, but this time we were at the very front of it
12:45 a.m.
We stood outside the door, listening to the soft thump of the music, we had a clear view of just how packed it really was inside We were still in high spirits because they had reassured us that they just had to let people out before they let more in Three ladies left the party, one wearing the same costume as mine She screamed, “I see you!” as she ran by after I replied, “Twin!”
12:55 a.m.
We finally made it inside! It took a little while to work the front door The crowd was a little (lotta bit) overwhelming, but the energy shifted instantly to the pumping music We made our way in As a group of 12, I should’ve known there was no way we could’ve stayed together We split into three groups Some of us were in the bathroom Some made it immediately to the center, and some of us got stuck halfway in between Nonetheless, the atmosphere was electric and everyone was ready to dance the night away.
1:15 a.m.
I made it next to the DJ Not quite the center, where I spotted group two and they excitedly waved me over, having been apart for all but 15 minutes The music echoed off the walls and hit my ears as flashing lights from phones, and everyone’s attention went straight to the middle Weaving in between people, some student organizations started strolling, inviting everyone to dance along.
1:33 a.m.
Everything, plus my mood, took a turn when some disagreements escalated Then, fights broke out My first thought? Leave People rushed outside Despite the chaos, everyone was super friendly, looked out for one another, and made sure people were safe. We even laughed nervously with another group of girls as we were all confused, but ready to get out.
By Ryann Phillips
Sassy Stevenson stood at the barre in the center of the dance studio at Syracuse Stage Wearing a cowl neck white leotard, tights and ballet shoes, she extended her arm to prepare for the first dance combination.
“Just watch her the entire time, you’ll be just amazed,” her classmate said before they began
Stevenson, 21, was the only Black girl in the classroom. Her presence emanated throughout the space as she took corrections from her ballet teacher and floated across the floor during the dance phrases
The senior acting major carries this same energy as she walks across campus with turned out hips and upright posture.
A few years ago, she wasn’t planning to attend college. Stevenson heard about Syracuse University while watching University of Michigan’s musical theater school perform for freshman students during the summer before her senior year of high school In the performance, they recreated a version of “Cell Block Tango" called the “College Audition Tango” where they named other musical theater schools. Stevenson said she loved the way the name “Syracuse” sounded
“I'm huge on things like that, like connections with names,” Stevenson said. “I am glad I watched that University of Michigan senior entrance video That changed my life ”
She auditioned for both SU and the University of Michigan But once she found out she got into SU, she withdrew her application from the University of Michigan
Since arriving, she has studied in London at Shakespeare’s Globe, performed in productions with the SU Drama Department and this fall she’s a production assistant for SU’s adaptation of “Antigonick ”
Although she didn’t plan on coming to college initially, she said that she has learned so much and has connected with amazing professors and students.
“I would have had no idea what the room would look like, what it means to be prepared, what it means to be a good student, which is what being an actor is kind of for the rest of your life You're learning your craft,” Stevenson said
That could be seen that day at Syracuse Stage. She was one of the first people in the classroom, helping move the ballet barres to the center of the floor When she received a correction, she immediately began practicing it
Towards the end of dance class, the students did a dance phrase with a leg lift in it. The teacher walked up to Stevenson and corrected her, then she practiced by herself
Stevenson will graduate in May She is not sure of her immediate next steps but dreams of dancing on cruise ships
“I like to not really know what's coming next, because I feel like I just find myself in so many fun and unexpected situations,” Stevenson said. “I feel really blessed to know that anything is kind of possible.”
As early as this December, the next generation of Syracuse University students will select their majors They will scroll through the seemingly bottomless list of alphabetized majors SU has to offer on the Common App website, just as thousands of students have done before then
At the top of that list, students would usually almost immediately see the African American Studies major However this year things are different By December, it will be as if AAS was never there
In September, SU decided to pause admission to the AAS major along with 19 other programs including: Applied Mathematics B A , Middle Eastern Studies and Religion Some may view the establishment of the AAS major at Syracuse as nothing more than another academic program. But those at its core tell a more nuanced and personal story.
The AAS program was first founded at SU in 1971 but like most cases in Black history, this advancement did not arbitrarily manifest itself Instead, two years prior in the fall of 1969, the Black Student Union conducted a protest demanding better accommodations for Black students and an end to racist attitudes at the university Despite its undeniable lasting impact at Syracuse University, these protests are largely overshadowed by the equally significant but much more well known Syracuse 8, a group of nine football players who refused to continue playing until their demands for better treatment were met The Syracuse 8’s boycott occurred after the student union's protest
But the actions of those 100 brave Black student protesters facilitated the future education of countless Syracuse students
After all of this, it still would take AAS eight more years to become a department in 1979 The department’s establishment opened the door for other diverse programs such as Latin American Studies and Woman Studies Students often take AAS as a dual major having another major discipline that they apply their studies in such as Law or Political Science James Haywood Rolling Jr , interim chair of the African American Studies Department, elaborated on this cross-department interplay of AAS
“If you’re planning to become a medical doctor or lawyer, learning what happened to the African American community and studying hurdles we had to navigate, can help you become a better doctor,” Rolling said
One such student, Tyleek Williams, a freshman at SU currently taking Intro to African American Studies, finds that AAS nourishes multiple facets of his Black identity “I feel more connected with my roots in African culture,” Williams said “Being in a healthcare major as a Black student has opened questions as to how I can help those who resemble me when it comes to learning to be in a healthcare space ” On Syracuse University's Arts and Science website, African American Studies is described as the investigation of “the cultural, literary, historical, socioeconomic and other issues affecting the African, African American, and African Caribbean experiences, and ultimately the Black experience in the United States ” Rolling credits his time as a student working and learning in the AAS department as what led him to becoming a professor and essentially the man he is today He feels indebted to AAS at SU, as it not only shaped his career path but also awakened a new depth of consciousness to the Black struggle
“There’s something more to it," Rolling said
Rolling had deep ties to AAS decades before becoming interim chair His journey began as a graduate student at Syracuse in 1988, when he was studying for his master’s in fine arts. As a first generation college student, Rolling required financial support He applied and was accepted to the African American Studies fellowship, a full tuition stipend He became a fellow/intern, where he got to curate art galleries And he discovered the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library where he educated himself on Black history previously concealed to him.
“I found books there that I was frankly angry I’d never been taught,” Rolling recalls “How come I didn’t know about the history of lynching in the United States?”
Rolling's personal “allegiance to AAS” speaks to the reciprocity of the AAS department The legacy of AAS is that of the enfranchising Black students of the future by Black scholars of the past. It started in 1969 during the protests where students fought for the establishment of an AAS program And it extends to students of today who sit in AAS courses, some taught directly by AAS alum such as Rolling, the tradition continues.
In a message sent to SU students and faculty on Oct 7, 2025 regarding the academic portfolio review, Provost Lois Agnew emphasized maintaining a “vibrant, relevant, and sustainable” academic portfolio by reassessing programs that may no longer serve students’ needs.
The main criteria for a successful major used by the academic portfolio review was more specifically based on the amount of courses provided by a major as opposed to the number of students enrolled in each course, said Rolling.
This method of analyzing a program's worth is problematic as it fails to consider the hundreds of students currently taking courses in AAS As a result, students like Williams whom rely on AAS as a cultural anchor are left to the wayside, failed by the university’s system.
Syracuse's decision to pause the African American Studies major along with the pausing of 19 other arts and science programs occurred amidst a larger national trend of universities cutting diversity-focused programs under political pressure. Across the country, the Trump administration’s policies have targeted and defunded what are labeled “woke” initiatives, reducing university grants under the guise of federal cost-saving
“We have an opportunity as the department, as individuals, as a university, to take a stand against that, and say that, no, no, no, no Diversity increases us all,” Rolling said
