In Wednesday's issue, I published an article, "Service With a Smile." The article, which profiled Danyelle "Big Mama" Pitts, contained a paragraph in which Pitts' physical build was compared to that of "a modern-day Aunt Jemima," which many have construed as a comment denoting her race. I would like to apologize to anyone offended by this remark; my only intention was to give the reader a visual depiction of Pitts' physical characteristics and personality.
To me, it was a comparison to an icon full of love and warmth who symbolizes a round, cheerful, vibrant matriarch. I was unaware of the icon's underlying history. The article passed through four editors, one of whom is African-American, before printing. My intent in writing the article was to highlight a person who I believe makes UB a better place for 15,000 students. I felt she should be commended, and I meant no disrespect.
Sincerely,
Erin Shultz - Campus News Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
