April_17_2013 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

APRIL 17, 2013

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Campus Echo The war on voters continues in NC

N.C. Sen. E.S. “Buck” Newton (Republican) Primary sponsor of SB 721 OFFICE

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N.C. Sen. Norman Sanderson (Republican) Primary sponsor of SB 666 and SB 667

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N.C. Sen. Bill Cook (Republican) Primary sponsor of SB 666 and SB 667 OFFICE

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N.C. Sen. Ronald Rabin (Republican) Primary sponsor of SB 666 and SB 667

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Four NC Republican Senators introduced three bills that may gut voting rights in the state. STORY BY MATT PHILLIPS

ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he South still toils. Down here, where the sun beats hard and the tea drinks sweet, a shameful, oppressive voter disenfranchisement history will not die. This month, Republican senators introduced state legislation that threatens to undermine student and minority voting rights in North Carolina.

N.C. Senate bills 666, 667 and 721 call for a comprehensive overhaul of basic voting rights. Proposed changes include a voter identification card requirement, drastically reduced early voting days, elimination of same-day registration voting and a tax hike for parents whose children register to vote at their respective colleges and universities. All three bills have been referred to the Committee On Rules and Operations of the Senate where they will be reviewed — and possibly revised — before a Senate vote. Voting rights activists say the bills were drafted to diminish student and minority voting power across North Carolina.

Sanyu Gichie, a community organizer general with the N.C. Student Power Union, said SB 666 and SB 667 would disenfranchise student voters — and that that’s the Republicanintended result. As the bills are written, if a student from Henderson County is enrolled at UNC-Chapel Hill or N.C. Central University, he or she wouldn’t be able to vote in Durham or Orange Counties. That is, unless the student’s parents decided to give up the $2,500 tax deduction to which they are entitled for having a dependent. Gichie, a political science and public policy sophomore at UNC-Chapel

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Court deliberates gay rights Meanwhile NCCU celebrates LGBTQ Week and declares: “NOH8” BY JAMAR NEGRON

What the bills would do (in brief): SB 721 “Election Omnibus” • Institute voter photo ID requirement • Cut early voting to six days • Make convicted felons who have served their sentences wait an additional five years to vote. SB 666 “Election Law Changes” • Prevent parents from claiming the $2,500 dependent deduction on their taxes if child is registered to vote at a different address. • Repeal same-day voting. • Limit early voting to ten days. SB 667 “Equalize Voter Rights” • Same as above concerning the $2,500 tax deduction • Would require the voter to register their car at their voting address within 60 days

Anything he can do, can she do it too? BY JONATHAN ALEXANDER ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

ECHO ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR

The fight for human rights continues in the U.S. Supreme Court, with two landmark cases. In the first case, “Hollingsworth v. Perry,” two same-sex couples filed a lawsuit debating the constitutional validity of the amendment known as Proposition 8. Proposition 8 ruled same-sex marriage unconstitutional in California. Although on Feb. 7, 2012, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in a 2-1 decision that Proposition 8 was indeed unconstitutional, the ruling was petitioned to the U.S. Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the case. In the second case, “U.S.

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NCCU students show their support for gay rights at the “NOH8” gathering on Friday. JAMAR NEGRON/Echo assistant A&E editor

NC Budget may hurt NCCU BY ISHMAEL HINSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory proposed a budget last month that would cut approximately $135 million from the University of North Carolina system budget. "Right now, we pay based upon how many students you have, not on the

results of how many jobs you're getting people into," McCrory told WRAL-TV State lawmakers want to consolidate duplicate programs throughout the UNC system. Sen. Pete Brunstetter, a Republican from Forsyth and co-chairman of the N.C. Senate Appropriations Committee, said in an interview with WRAL that he and his col-

leagues are more concerned about how money for higher education is spent than about the actual size of the appropriation. "I think our members definitely envision that there could be some consolidation between campuses, and we might need to go from 16 down to 15, 14 — something like that," Brunstetter told WRAL. Brunstetter has since

Remember the “anything you can do I can do better” commercial that starred Mia Hamm and Michael Jordan? Jordan and Hamm compete one-on-one in almost every sport imaginable. The commercial’s purpose is to say women can be just as good as men. Women’s college basketball phenom, Baylor Center Brittney Griner, made recent media attention when Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told reporters he’d already given thought to using a second-round draft pick on the 6-foot-8, 200pound Griner. “All I care about is skill,” Cuban told the Echo in an email. “If she can make it through the tryout and is the best player available, why not?” In only a few sports have

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walked back that suggestion. But budget woes remain an issue for UNC. So what does that mean for N.C. Central University? NCCU — a state-funded institution in the UNC system — has seen a tremendous number of cuts in the past year. In 2012, NCCU reduced

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women played with men on college and professional teams. There have been multiple women NASCAR drivers, women have played with the men in professional golf and there have been a few female placekickers in college football as well. But can women compete on the same level as men in basketball and break the gender barrier? Ann Meyers tried. She became the first woman to sign an NBA contract with the Indiana Pacers. However, after a three-day tryout she was not chosen for the final squad. UNC women’s basketball head coach, Sylvia Hatchell, recently enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, doesn’t expect a woman to play with the men. But she believes it’s possible.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

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NCCU students celebrate LGBTQ Week at the “NOH8” social on Friday. JAMAR NEGRON/Echo assistant A&E editor

rule whether Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act — known as DOMA — violates the Fifth Amendment’s promise of equal protection under the law for same-sex couples who are legally married. Repealing Section 3 of DOMA will allow LGBTQ couples to attain the same benefits that heterosexual couples get when married — benefits like social security, filing of joint tax returns and insurance benefits for government employees. N.C. Central University’s School of Law hosted a panel March 21 to discuss the possible outcomes of the cases. The panel consisted of four professors from the School of Law. Panelist and NCCU Professor of Law Cheryle Amana-Burris said she believed Proposition 8 will be upheld, but on a “more narrow basis” than previously enforced. Students who attended the panel expressed hope that the amendment would be upheld as unconstitutional. First-year law student Darryl Barney was optimistic about the verdicts. “I think they’ll strike [Proposition 8] down,” Barney said. First-year law student Jasmina Nogo said that the Supreme Court would even consider cases on gay rights was a large step. “It shows how big of a civil rights issue this is all across the country,” Nogo said. Amana-Burris also recognized the significance of

the Supreme Court cases. “In three to four years, we’ve come a tremendous way,” Amana-Burris said. She said these hearings highlighted growth and movement for contemporary American views on gay rights. Amana-Burris attributed the change to younger Americans who are much more likely to see gays as members of society. Burris also expressed hope that a complete change in gay rights would come soon. “I think it’s going to change in my lifetime,” she said. Chenise Murphy, a business freshman, said she believed the court would rule against DOMA, but that ruling on Prop 8 could “go either way.” Her reasoning was the prejudice against gays in America. “People are so closeminded,” Murphy said. Tyrell Oliver, a public health education junior, said that young people have been more vocal and progressive in their views of gay rights than previous generations. “Times are changing,” Oliver said. “Our generation is just more open to things.” Tia-Marie Doxey, director of Student Life Assessment and advisor for the LGBTQ student organization Creating Open Lives Organizing for Real Success — or C.O.L.O.R.S. — said laws that promote equality for gays take so long because of fear of ridicule. “Fear can immobilize us,” Doxey said.

“I think we have been socialized to believe that marriage only looks a certain way and anything outside of that is not appropriate.” The Rev. Brett WebbMitchell, a visiting associate professor in the Department of Language and Literature, said he believed progress was quicker than other groups’ struggles for civil rights. “I’m very surprised at the momentum that’s behind marriage equality in the world,” he said. He said young people are more accepting because they have grownup around people who are openly homosexual. He said that the “super weapon” — a term WebbMitchell said was coined by journalist and author Dan Savage — of coming out to the public “de-stigmatizes the myth about who we are.” He said “the lines of the Confederacy have emerged again,” citing the fact that more progressive acts toward equality for gays occur in the North, Northeast, and West, while southern states are still more resistant to change. Webb-Mitchell said that, as a gay male in America, it was significant to be “in the throes of another civil rights movement.” “We are on the front seat of history,” he said. Murphy said Americans’ views on gay rights are evolving. “We’re just moving forward,” Murphy said. “We’re becoming more accepted and that’s a good thing.”

Hill, said that’s a clever way for Republican lawmakers to dilute the influence of university students, who tend to be progressive voters. “That’s the plan of the bill,” Gichie said. “University students want more progressive policies.” The primary sponsors of the bills are Republican Senators Bill Cook, Ronald Rabin and Norman Sanderson. Republican Sen. Dan Soucek co-sponsored both bills. Cook said students have a right and privilege other citizens don’t when they are given the option of voting at home or at school. “All I’m trying to do is make it fair,” Cook said. “They [students] skew the results of the election. And then they go home.” Hannah Salem, a legislative aide to Rabin, said, “We treat college students like a special class of citizens” in North Carolina. The bills are only meant to equalize the voting processes in the state, according to Rabin’s aide. She said students have too many options when it comes to voting. They can vote at home, school, fill out an absentee ballot or vote early. Making them choose between home or school is a fair requirement, according to Salem. Democratic Sen. Floyd McKissick Jr. of Durham and Granville counties said the legislation has nothing to do with fairness. “We have legislation [being introduced] that’s directly intended to reduce the participation of students in the elections of the state,” McKissick said. He said the legislation targets students because they are progressive thinkers and voters. The bills are designed to silence that populace. “If students don’t want to be disenfranchised they need to rally and protest. They need to let legislators know they will not be silenced,” he said. McKissick said parents deserve the $2,500 tax deduction if they support the dependent financially –— it should have nothing to do with where the depend-

“The great state of North Carolina, it’s cruising along nicely, being a state, doing state stuff reasonably well within the realm of normal state stuff. Ladies and gentlemen, the great state of North Carolina has changed its mind about how to behave.” RACHEL MADDOW HOST OF THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW

ent decides to vote. Salem said the bills could be revised in committee. She hinted that the language concerning the deduction could be removed. But that would still leave a substantial reduction in early voting days in SB 666, dubbed the “Election Law Changes” bill. Salem said the elimination of early voting days — the bill would slash the early-voting period by a week — is all about cost, and nothing else. “We’ve got to cut some costs. Doing this is better than taking meals and jobs off the table,” she said. Early voting costs $98,000 per day, and “that cost is incurred solely at the local level,” Salem said. Eliminating seven days would save approximately $686,000. Cook said he watched early voting closely last election. The first week was busy and the subsequent weeks were sparsely used, according to him. “It said to me we’re just wasting money with so many days,” Cook said. But early voting is incredibly popular in N.C., and getting rid of those days would disproportionately affect liberal voters. In 2012, more than 2.7 million people voted early in N.C., 47.6 percent of whom were registered Democrats. Only 31.5 percent were registered Republicans, according to the U.S. Elections Project at George Mason University. “If you were to poll residents here in North Carolina, they like early voting,” McKissick said. “Anything we can do to

The war against the Electorate: From The Brennan Center for Justice • In 2012 restrictive voting laws were blocked in 14 states. • One in ten voters lacks a government-issued photo ID (nationwide). • Of those who lack IDs, 25 percent are black and 18 percent are 65 or older. From The N.C. State Board of Elections • In the state of North Carolina 612,955 voters could lack a state-issued ID. • Of those who may lack IDs, 31 percent are black.

make it easier for people to vote — all the better.” McKissick has introduced, along with two other senators, SB 708, named after 1930s civil rights pioneer Ella Baker. The Ella Baker Voter Empowerment Act would expand hours of operation for early voting sites, allow for online voter registration and support increased training for poll officials. The contrast in legislation is stark. SB 708 seeks to expand the electorate. Senate bills 666, 667 and 721 would shrink the electorate. SB 721, the so-called “Election Omnibus” bill, was introduced by Republican Sen. E.S. Newton. It would reduce early voting to six days and require convicted felons who have served their sentences to wait an additional five years before voting. Another portion of the bill calls for a voter ID requirement. A January report from the N.C. State Board of Elections found that 612,955 registered voters may not have a valid, state-issued identification card. That’s 9.25 percent of the state’s electorate. The report compared DMV records to a database of active and inactive voters. According to the report, 31 percent of those who don’t have identification cards are black. Republicans have insisted that the voter ID requirement would ensure the validity of elections in North Carolina. But McKissick said only 44 cases of voter fraud have been prosecuted in the state since 2008. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, individual voter fraud is extremely rare in the United Sates, and doesn’t influence a popular election result anyway. The Center’s website points out that voter fraud allegations suit a particular party agenda — and nothing else. Sens. Newton, Sanderson and Soucek did not return phone messages before deadline.

United Christian Campus Ministry On Campus at 525 Nelson Street

National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS "Kick off Service" Sunday, March 3, 2013 3 P.M. Centennial Chapel

Michael D. Page Campus Minister For more information contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu

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Gunman escapes despite lockdown A man with dreadlocks and a handgun attempted to rob a student BY JONATHAN ALEXANDER ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

N.C. Central University authorities responded to two emergency reports of a possible gunman on campus Friday. Authorities issued a campus-wide lockdown for around two hours. NCCU Police Sgt. Jerry Anderson, who was first on call, said the first emergency call came in at 1:05 p.m., reporting an attempted armed robbery at Eagleson Residence Hall. The suspect was not found and Anderson said NCCU police are unable to determine whether the suspect was an NCCU student. Video from a security camera in Eagleson caught the man on camera. A student was seen letting the man into the building, said NCCU police chief Timothy Bellamy. “The person would have never got into the building if the person wouldn’t have let him get in,” he said. He is described as a black male wearing a white T-shirt with faded blue shorts. The suspect also had dreadlocks. New leads on the case show narcotics were involved. Bellamy said it can be assumed that someone was selling drugs. “We are working diligently on this case,” Bellamy said. He encourages students not to prop open doors. Eagleson community director Mindy Rouillard declined to comment and told a reporter to leave the building. Kevin Jones, director of the Alfonso-Elder Student Union, said that while he and his staff were locking the doors they heard car tires screeching in the parking lot. A second call came in at 1:35 p.m. to Durham Police, reporting that the gunman was in the Mary Townes Science Building. Police then surrounded the building. An officer parked on Concord Street, which divides Brant Street Plaza from Mary Townes,

Alum says: Go ‘green’ with Broccoli City BY ALEX SAMPSON Word on the street: Green is the new cool. Over the past several years, many businesses and individuals have gone green. The movement to be environmentally friendly has spread from vehicles to food to clothing. N.C. Central University alumnus Brandon McEachern has done his part to convert the public to an eco-friendly lifestyle. In 2007, McEachern founded the eco-friendly business known as Broccoli City. “Broccoli City is a media platform geared on bridging the gap between the urban community and the ecofriendly community,” said McEachern. According to the Web site, Broccoli City “uses creativity to showcase a relatable look into the environment, sustainability, health, and social issues through culture, art, fashion and music.” McEachern said the original concept came to him when he moved to Los Angeles. He said people in L.A. were stepping out of the box and doing their own thing — something he wasn’t used to seeing at that time. He decided to create street wear based on his hometown of Greensboro, or as he knows it, Broccoli City. “Broccoli City is really Greensboro,” said McEachern. After he was exposed to an alternative, organic lifestyle while in Santa Monica and through a conversation with a friend, he said his idea for Broccoli City changed. Moreover, a visit to Greensboro changed his message. “When I went back to Greensboro, people that I knew … people just looked bad to me,” said McEachern. “They didn’t know about the eco-lifestyle.”

From that point, McEachern began to use Broccoli City to appeal to the urban community in order to encourage a healthier lifestyle. He said his focus was to be true to himself. “It would be fly if I could still be me … but I could still spread this message of positivity,” said McEachern. McEachern said he wanted to show the urban community that they didn’t have to dress or act a certain way to be healthy. “It’s cool to take care of yourself,” said McEachern. Broccoli City will hold the first urban Earth Day celebration on April 21 at the D.C. Fairgrounds. Broccoli City Fest 2013 is hosted by the D.C. entertainment company Rock Creek Social Club and entrepreneur Va$htie. NCCU alumna and a former A&E editor of the Campus Echo Joanna Hernandez is the press coordinator for the event. Hernandez said during her time at NCCU everyone in the Mass Communication Department was close-knit. She attributed her success to that bond. “A lot of us have that Central family,” said Hernandez. Hernandez met McEachern in her sophomore year. So when he asked for help with the festival, she said she was more than willing to help. The event will have musical performances from Big K.R.I.T., JMSN and Tittsworth among several other artists. The all-day celebration will include group yoga, nutritional food demonstrations, live art displays and games. “We’re really excited about the performances and Va$htie hosting the event,” said Hernandez. General tickets cost $29 and VIP tickets cost $42.

“Governor McCrory’s proposed elimination of out-of-state tuition scholarships will impact in-state students, as well, and will hinder our ability to recruit highly talented students into N.C.,” McCrimmon wrote. SGA Vice President Carmelo Montalvo said he fears that another cut will result in fewer and more

congested classrooms, fewer faculty and more tuition increases. “If this budget is approved, class sizes will increase from 50 students to 65,” Montalvo said. “This takes away the face-to-face relationships with professors that students really appreciate. Students need to raise hell,” he said

ECHO A&E/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

A Durham police officer, armed and ready, outside the Mary Townes Science Building. JONATHAN ALEXANDER/Echo assistant editor

“Then some guy who I had never seen before came into our room and turned off the lights, closed the blinds and told everybody to get in the corner ...” KERSTIN DE LA TORIE CHEMISTRY JUNIOR

removed an assault rifle from his trunk and approached the building. Another officer arrived and shut down Concord Street to traffic. A biology senior, Katarina Pehar, said as she approached the Mary Townes Science Building for her 2 p.m. class, Durham police officers told her she could not enter, but didn’t say why. Chemistry junior Kerstin De La Torie said she was in her physics lab when she got a text from her friend that there was a gunman near the student union. She said she and the other students were not worried because the gunman was not near them. “Then some guy who I had never seen before came into our room and turned off the lights, closed the blinds and told everybody to get in the corner because

the gunman was in our building,” she said. “That’s when everybody began to worry.” But Sgt. R. W. McLaughlin, emergency management coordinator, later said it was just a false alarm. “A young lady texted her sister that there was a gunman on campus,” McLaughlin said. “Then the sister, who doesn’t go to the school, called the Durham Police Department, saying there was a gunman at her sister’s school in the Mary Townes Building. When we reached the young lady whose sister called she said she ‘didn’t know what was wrong with her sister.’” According to a press release issued at 3:44 p.m., the campus-wide lockdown was lifted at 2:52 p.m. Winifred Okunlola, a pharmaceutical sciences

senior, said a person interrupted her class and whispered in her professor’s ear. After that, the professor turned out the lights, and students hid under the desks. “I was very scared,” Okunlola said. “My mom would panic. My dad would panic.” Okunlola was visibly shaken, but said she was glad that it was a false alarm. She said police entered the building and told the students, “It’s clear.” Okunlola added that police had “big, long guns.” Bellamy also said students and faculty should register their phones with the Campus Pier System Emergency Alert so they can get alerts quicker. Bellamy said one can get registered through the IT departmnet.

BUDGET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 spending by approximately $2 million by eliminating five academic programs and 15 full-time administrative jobs, and merging the College of Liberal Arts with the College of Science and Technology. Tuition at NCCU also increased by 8.8 percent. Next year, tuition will increase by 4.2 percent ($211) for undergraduate

residents and 4.4 percent ($265) for resident graduate students at NCCU. Rates for all non-resident students would raise by about 2.4 percent. Carlton Wilson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said he is anxious to see exactly how this new budget will affect NCCU. “In the state of North Carolina we are facing a dif-

ficult financial situation. The state budget is currently being discussed and put forth for approval, so we are all awaiting [the results],” Wilson said. Since 2008, NCCU has lost approximately $50 million in state funding. Reggie McCrimmon, NCCU Student Government Association president, said in a press release that he is

pleased with some aspects of the suggested budget. Those aspects include funding allotted for enrollment changes and for recommendations in the UNC 5-year strategic plan. However, McCrimmon said the budget would affect NCCU negatively overall. That’s a huge concern for McCrimmon — and other student leaders.

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Trafficking common in NC Campus event raises awareness about human trafficking

Senior council takes active role in campus life Orchestrated Senior Week this year B Y M AT T P H I L L I P S ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NCCU students paint red crosses on their hands to signify their commitment to help end human trafficking and modern slavery. MATT PHILLIPS/Echo editor-in-chief

B Y M AT T P H I L L I P S ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Human trafficking. Sounds like a Third World problem, but it’s not. North Carolina is one of the U.S. states in which human trafficking is most prevalent, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking and the Polaris Project, two organizations that attempt to keep tabs on a crime that is difficult to detect. On April 10, N.C. Central University social work senior Amber Wike organized a human trafficking awareness event in the AlfonsoElder Student Union. The event combined a video and spoken-word presentation with selfdefense instruction from Tactical Kung Fu & MMA in Durham and talk by a North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault representative. A 2012 “Trafficking in Persons” report from the

Department of State estimated there are 27 million people are victims of human trafficking — a number that included forced sexual labor and child soldiers. Wike said she became interested in human trafficking when she found out about Shaniya Davis, a 5year-old from North Carolina who was allegedly sold by her mother to settle a drug debt. Davis was sexually assaulted and killed in 2009. Her alleged killer went on trial last week. Wike said she knew Davis’s brother — and she saw how he was affected. She said he was “numb.” Wike added that she wanted to raise awareness for the issue at NCCU. “I saw how it affected people and their family,” Wike said. “I just felt compelled to do something about it.” Human trafficking — whether for forced labor or

the sex trade — can be difficult to detect. It operates in a market-based economy –— supply must meet demand. In 2005, profits from human trafficking were estimated at $31.6 billion by the U.N. Murphie Chappell, staff attorney at NCCASA and an NCCU School of Law alumna, said some captors prey on vulnerable children with difficult home lives. They treat them well at first — and then they don’t. “A lot of this sex trafficking starts at a very early age,” Chappell said. “That’s why we need to start paying attention to some signs.” Chappell asked the crowd if they could tell somebody was working in the sex trade by looking at them. Chappell corrected those who raised their hands. “A prostitute can look like your neighbor,” she said. “It can look like any-

‘We have a lot of work to do’ Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle: Put education first

body you know.” Chappell said the introduction of N.C. Senate Bill 683, known as the “Safe Harbor/Victims of Human Trafficking” bill, is an important development. If passed, the bill would increase penalties for sex trafficking in North Carolina. It also would allow victims of sex trafficking to have their records expunged if they meet certain criteria. Chappell said the bill would make it easier to go after sex traffickers, rather than their victims. Wike said she brought self-defense specialists to the event because she wanted people to be able to defend themselves if they ended up in “the wrong place at the wrong time.” “I feel like knowledge is the beginning of any movement,” Wike said. “We’re in a pitiful place when we can ignore an injustice as great as this.”

The Senior Class Council makes sure students have a hand in important decisions at N.C. Central University — no exceptions. Ryan Stowe, a political science and history senior, is senior class president this year. Stowe said he ran for office because he loves NCCU’s class of 2013. “Within [the Student Government Association] we try to make sure there is a student at every table where decisions are being made,” Stowe said. Stowe, along with Cassandra Stokes, a political science and history senior and student director for academic affairs, sit on the University’s commencement committee. They try to make sure students get the information they need about graduation — when they need it. This year the council made extra efforts to serve commuting students. For example, they held a senior night chat session at Campus Crossings. “We wanted to make sure we were serving that population as well,” Stowe said. Miss Senior this year is Ryan Gale, a family and consumer sciences senior. Gale said she acts as the face for NCCU seniors, both on campus and in the community. Gale said she wanted to leave a legacy at NCCU. She ran for Miss Senior because she figured that

was the best way to make an impact at NCCU. “I just wanted to do something and leave a mark,” she said. For Gale, working with new people is an important part of student governance. “It was definitely a great experience being able to work with people you thought you probably wouldn’t associate with,” she said. Gale said she enjoyed going to athletic events at other schools too. But Gale and Stowe both said they felt that the NCCU Royal Court has been overlooked somewhat this year. Gale pointed out that her picture is not posted on the Legacy of Leaders Board in the AlfonsoElder Student Union, or on the SGA Web site. “I feel like I deserve to have my name up,” she said. Stowe said he will facilitate a smooth transition from his administration to the next. He added that the council is a “great entity.” Danielle Brown, next year’s senior class president, still has positions available in her cabinet. Positions for senior class vice president, treasurer, secretary and senior class senator are all up for grabs. Anyone can apply for those positions — and any available spots in the freshman, sophomore and junior administrations. Information is available at the SGA office in the Alfonso-Elder Student Union.

Muslim students still searching for prayer space Water leak leaves MSA without a permanent place to pray B Y M AT T P H I L L I P S ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle speaks at Honors Convocation April 5. JONATHAN ALEXANDER/Echo assistant editor

B Y J O N AT H A N A L E XA N D E R ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

On April 5 at the Honors Convocation, speaker Myron Rolle challenged N.C. Central University students to be the great thinkers of their generation. He told them the time to be a great thinker is not tomorrow and not at Carolina or Duke. “It’s right here right now,” Rolle said. “Come join me. We have a lot of work to do.” Rolle, a Rhodes Scholar, passed on the NFL draft and a potential $2 million contract to study at Oxford University in England. He said education is the most important thing in his life. Other notable Rhodes Scholars include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, who also won an Olympic gold medal in basketball. Born to Bahaman immigrant parents, Rolle told

the crowd that when he moved to the United States as a boy, his parents stressed the importance of education. Rolle joked about his childhood and the things his parents told him to motivate him. They knew it was possible to be the best — and they didn’t approve of horseplay and slacking. The crowd applauded. “My parents made sure I understood that just because you have Bahamian blood in your body, just because you’re a bit darker skinned, just because you have a big head and small ears, it doesn’t matter,” Rolle said. “You belong at that table. You belong with everybody else, no matter what their color is, no matter where they come from, no matter what faith they believe in,” his parents often told him. “You belong there.” Rolle encouraged students to help each other. He said when students finally make a difference it

will encourage others to do the same. Ontario Wooden, dean of University College, said he was pleased with Rolle’s speech. “I thought it was a very timely message for students to see a person of color who is a Rhodes Scholar and put a lucrative NFL career on hold for academics,” Wooden said. “That’s the message our students need to see.” Interim Chancellor Charles Becton said Rolle was the perfect person to speak academics to the student body. “He is young. All of [the students] can relate to him,” Becton said. “It is one thing for a 60-year-old person to talk about what happened way back when. “He faced some of the same challenges they faced and his speech was a road map to how you can overcome those challenges to make every stumbling block a stepping stone and every kick in the rear a boost.”

Muslim students at N.C. Central University are searching for a new dedicated prayer space on campus after a water leak closed the lower level of the Women’s Center last week. In March, Chimi BoydKeyes, Women’s Center director, offered the students space at the Women’s Center. She said she hoped it would meet Muslim student needs while they searched for a permanent prayer space. But that didn’t work out. Boyd-Keyes said a broken water pipe forced her to close the space. That means, for Muslim students, the search is on again. Boyd-Keyes said she will meet with student affairs personnel and senior level administrators to discuss a solution. “I feel like now people are paying attention,” Boyd-Keyes said. “I’m just really committed to making sure they have a space.” Nawsheen Khan, a biology junior and organizer in the Muslim Student Association, said those who practice Islam require a space for their daily prayers, in part because the ritual requires a prayer mat. Traditional Muslims pray five times a day at specific times. Before Boyd-Keyes offered space at the Women’s Center, Muslim

students prayed in hallways, classrooms and bathrooms. Rachelle Gold, assistant English professor and MSA advisor, said she reached out to the Alfonso-Elder Student Union staff in hopes they could find a space. That hasn’t worked out either, mainly because the student union is far too small for a campus with NCCU’s enrollment numbers. The building was designed to accommodate 2,000 students, according to Kevin Jones, assistant dean of students and director of the Student Union. Total NCCU student enrollment in fall 2012 was 8,155. Khan said Muslim students need a space that’s open every day from at least 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is accessible without a key. Those hours would change slightly in the fall and winter, but that’s the need for spring. Jones said he wants to help, but he only has so many rooms to offer. “At this point we just don’t have a space like that,” Jones said. “I definitely understand the need for the [prayer] space.” Jones, like Boyd-Keyes, has contacted his superiors about the issue. He said he has only six meeting rooms available for the entire student body. Student union administrators require student organizations to fill out a

form at least two weeks in advance to reserve a meeting room. That doesn’t work so well for the daily needs of Muslim students. And finding space every day isn’t easy for student union administrators either. Khan said she understands that space is at a premium. “Having a room reserved all day — it’s definitely difficult,” she said. Jones said he also must consider fairness issues. “In some respects it’s also a matter of providing the same level of space to all the student organizations,” Jones said. On Tuesday, a new LGBTQ Center opened on the student union’s lower level, but that room isn’t open every day. It’s staffed by a graduate student on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and closed the rest of the week. In March, both Gold and Boyd-Keyes said NCCU could find a solution modeled after UNC-Chapel Hill. The UNC-Chapel Hill student union has a meditation room all students can use while the building is open. The room can’t be reserved, and its purpose is stress reduction. With 60 students on the MSA e-mail list, there is definitely a need for a dedicated space, Khan said. She said she believes that there are even more Muslim students on campus than her list suggests.

Beyond NCCU

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Boston in mourning after marathon bombings kill 3, injure 144 BY DAVE WEDGE BOSTON HERALD(MCT)

BOSTON — Boston was in mourning Tuesday for three killed and at least 144 wounded in a “cowardly” bombing at the Boston Marathon, leaving the tragedy-wracked city scrambling for answers as to how a terrorist was able to plant two explosive devices on a busy stretch of Boylston Street at a high-security international event. “This cowardly act will not be taken in stride,” Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said. “We will turn over every rock to find those responsible.” The 2:50 p.m. double bombing shattered the bliss of the sun-splashed marathon, sending frantic runners and fans scrambling for cover and sending at least 144 to the hospital. There were at least three dead — including an 8-yearold — and 30 wounded “critically,” officials said Monday night. The FBI took over the investigation Monday night as President Barack Obama pledged to track down the ruthless killer or killers. “We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this and we will find out why,” Obama said. “They will feel the full weight of justice. “Boston is a tough and resilient town. Residents will pull together, take care of each other and move forward,” he added. “The American people are with them every step of the way.” FBI Special Agent-inCharge Rick DesLauriers said the city should remain in a “heightened state of vig-

ilance” Tuesday as an army of cops patrols the streets. “It is a potential terrorist investigation,” DesLauriers said Monday night. “We will bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible.” Late Monday night, state police, Boston bomb squad and canine units, as well as FBI, ICE and ATF agents, swooped into an apartment complex in Revere. It was unclear whether the search was connected to the marathon bombings. Downtown, the city was gripped by fear as revelers who came to celebrate wound up running for their lives. Roughly 15 blocks around Copley Square were “locked down” after the attacks and were slated to remain so Tuesday. Heavily armed National Guard soldiers, state troopers with bomb-sniffing dogs and hundreds of cops patrolled hotels, restaurants and the streets while shaken families huddled inside. Officials said random bag searches would occur Tuesday on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains. There were reports Monday night of a suspect in custody, but Davis said they were wrong. He did say there were “people being questioned,” but provided no more details. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who was hospitalized with a broken leg, checked himself out of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Monday night to be at the city’s command post, where he met with Davis, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, and federal and state officials.

Police help a runner after multiple explosions rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, in Boston. NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/Kansas City Star (MCT)

“The marathon is a great day in the city of Boston, but we had a tragedy,” Menino said from a wheelchair at the Westin Copley hotel. “I offer my condolences and prayers to the victims.” Logan International Airport — the launching pad for two of the planes in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York City — was shut down for about an hour after the attack. A no-fly zone around Boston was put in place by the Federal Aviation

Administration. In a statement, the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon, said: “It is a sad day for the City of Boston. ... What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.” Kyle Loehning of Charlestown arrived at Tufts Medical Center to see his sister-in-law, who was injured in the blast. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “They think she lost her leg.” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, a South Boston resident, said authorities believe the devices were brought into the area after police did a security sweep. He said city and state officials took “all the appropriate steps,” but security efforts in the future “will have to be redoubled.” “There was nothing to lead us to believe that what we were doing, what the mayor was doing, what the governor was doing was less than appropriate,” Lynch said.

Victims of the bomb blast during the Boston Marathon are assisted in Boston, Monday. STUART CAHILL/Boston Herals (MCT)

“The staffing was there, the sweeps were there. ... They did their due diligence. But ... under these circum-

stances, it was very difficult to stop.” Matt Stout and Tenley Rooney contributed to this report.

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Lights, camera, fashion! N

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

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Photos and story by Gabriel Aikens

Senior Ryan Gale modeling for “Original Crackage,” a brand by NCCU student Wesley Woods.

5-year-old Shania Coston models for her aunt and NCCU student Aquila Butler.

Sophomore Timothy Williams and junior Naomi Rosario modeling as horror figures “Chucky” and “Chucky’s Bride.”

n the night of April 3, originality met style as students showcased their design skills in the sixteenth annual fashion competition. The competition was presented by the department of human sciences and Fashion, Inc. This years’s event, “Runway of Dreams,” was held in McLendon-

McDougald Gymnasium. Students displayed their creativity, with themes including Disney princesses, characters from horror films, a day in Candyland and more. The models were busy backstage getting make-up completed, hair perfected and switching in and out of outfits to bring life into these unique designs.

Sophomore Alex Glenn prepares backstage for the fashion show.

Freshman Ronisha Harriss and junior Tiffany Cunningham exchange glances on the runway.

NCCU graduate Kim Morgan struts the runway with poise and fierceness.

A model showcases a violet and blue outfit.

A model sports a sleek pair of lime green heels.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

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Common uplifts NCCU Hip-hop artist Common speaks to students about finding their greatness B Y JAMAR NEGRON ECHO ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR

To some, he is an idol. To others, he is the voice of a generation. But to everyone in McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium on April 4, Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, author and actor Common was present — dropping freestyles and empowering students at N.C. Central University. A long line preceded the event as students and members of the community gathered early to get a good seat. Many people in the audience were long fans of Common and his music. Joshua Williams, an accounting sophomore, said he has listened to Common since the ‘90s. He was introduced to the rapper by his father, who is a fan as well. Williams said that Common’s appeal is in his humility and ability to relate to fans. “He’s not all hype … he’s real,” Williams said. “He relates to things that are going on in my life.” Porshe Nicholas, a Spanish freshman, said she has listened to Common since she was ten. She said the first song she heard was “I Used to love H.E.R.,” one of Common’s most popular and critically-acclaimed records. Nicholas said Common’s style and personality are what makes him different from other rappers in the current industry. “He doesn’t try to be like everyone else,” Nicholas said.

She also said his lyrics are an aspect of his artistry and that makes him stand out. “They’re real, they’re based on real life,” Nicholas said. Nursing sophomore Zaquavia Whitted echoed similar sentiments. “He’s very diverse … he has a unique sound,” Whitted said. Whitted also said that a distinctive voice and handsome face added to his appeal. “I just think he’s a nice looking man. He has the most intelligent swagger,” Whitted said. After much anticipation everyone finally got to view the man of the hour. He took to the stage as all in attendance clapped. Students cheered and clapped while Common did what he does best: rap. His freestyle captivated and engaged the audience. The rapper spoke to the crowd about finding greatness and being persistent in achieving their goals. “If you work at something, you will achieve it but you have to practice,” he said. He also encouraged students to utilize their talents and be confident. “You can’t be afraid to let your light shine,” Common said. Charles Gray, a political science sophomore, said the speech was “a great experience.” He said that Common’s presentation gave him confidence. “[It made me] Have more courage to believe in myself,” Gray said.

Common speaks to SGA members before he goes on stage. JAMAR NEGRON/Echo assistant A&E editor

Public administration senior and Ms. NCCU Harmony Cross, said the speech was very powerful for her. She said that in a time where she was feeling uncertain about happenings in her life Common’s message was well received. “I needed this message. It really made a difference in my outlook,” Cross said.

Psychology senior Jeremy Hagan said he was impressed that someone at Common’s level would come and speak to NCCU students. He said that Common giving inspirational messages to students was telling of the rapper’s character. “It’s more than rap music, it’s life,” Hagan said. Psychology junior

William Edmond further commented on the significance of Common speaking at an HBCU. He said it showed that black artists are still in the community. “We’re trying to reach our people,” Edmond said. “Black people look up to hip-hop.” He said that Common is not an average artist and he

respected his choice to come speak at NCCU. “It makes you appreciate him as a person,” Edmond said. Edmond also said that Common’s visit NCCU was a confidence boost for the school’s students. “It makes you feel like you’re special,” Edmond said. “It puts fuel in my fire to make me be great.”

Yoga gets airborne Aerial Yoga brings a fun twist to fitness and exercise BY JADE JACKSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The Camel, the Flying Vampire and the UpsideDown Lotus; they all share a common thread. These three oddities are Aerial Yoga positions taught by Instructor Brittny Lowe. Lowe, a new Durham resident, teaches the art of flying, swinging and hanging mid-air on a single piece of fabric. Lowe was a novice yogi only a year before she became certified as an Aerial Yoga instructor. “I really connected with it and feeling weightless was enough to keep me interested,” Lowe said. She then began to teach classes of her own three days a week at a local studio. Lowe said the classes are empowering because the students are able to take risks and laugh. “It’s an environment where it’s okay to feel like a kid again,” said Lowe. “You are doing yoga positions on a silk swing.” While N.C. Central University offers meditative courses – like Tai Chi – during summer sessions, Aerial Yoga could be another innovative addition to the recreational sports and fitness courses. “Some courses offered through the recreation department do not fulfill the physical education requirements,” said Physical Education and Recreation Department Chair Virginia Politano. “But if you took it as a practicum or internship you could receive credits for it.” Could Aerial Yoga be the next physical education course offered at NCCU? “Our recreation department brings in activities like yoga and zumba, so

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Aerial Yoga Instructor Brittny Lowe shows off her moves. JADE JACKSON/Echo staff reporter

Aerial Yoga would first be offered as a recreational course,” Politano said. The zumba and yoga classes are offered at the Leroy T. Walker Complex on campus as a group exercise class. These classes are available to students and allow students to bring a guest but they don’t receive credit. “But they could get community service hours if they went off campus to participate in these kinds of classes,” Politano said.

“It’s always a matter of the money but if there are enough students for the class we do our best to make the course campusavailable.” If taken as a physical therapy class, it would allow the students to learn about the properties of healing and protecting the spine by positions offered in hanging from the suspended fabrics. Mass communication junior Joselyn Mason said she took Aerial Yoga class-

es with her mom a while ago. “I loved it, I felt so accomplished the next day when I was sore from the workout,” said Mason. The benefits of Aerial Yoga include posture improvement, core strengthening and improved overall wellbeing. “If Central offered Aerial Yoga I would, of course, take it,” Mason said.

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MEAC in Eagles’ wheelhouse Eagles currently second in MEAC Southern Division with 10-7 conference record BY

T EVIN S TINSON

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

After finishing the 2012 season with the 30th best turnaround in the nation, the N.C. Central baseball team seems to have picked up where they left off. Timely hits and consistent pitching have propelled the Eagles to the top of the MEAC standings. Currently second in the MEAC Southern Division, the Eagles hold a respectable 22-16 overall record, 10-7 in the conference as of Monday April 16. It is the most wins since NCCU revamped its baseball program in 2007. “This season has been a great testament to the effort and hard work these players put in during the off season,” head coach Jim Koerner said. “It really shows how hard we’ve worked and come together as a team.” A strong bullpen has been essential for the Eagles this season as they currently lead the MEAC in pitching with a 3.56 ERA and a league low 81 walks. Delaware State is a distant second with 112 walks on the season. Glenn Frye leads the team in strikeouts with 35 on the season and only 15

The N.C. Central University baseball team continues to move forward in push for a MEAC championship. JONATHAN ALEXANDER/Echo assistant editor

walks, including a 13 strikeout performance against New Jersey Institute of Technology early in the season.

“We really hit the ground running,” Frey said. “We’ve had great preparation to this point and everybody is doing their job and filling their

roll and we’ve all come together as a team very well.” Juniors Terry McNabb and Jordan Quinn are also

having good seasons for the Eagles combining for more than 60 strikeouts for the season. Quinn currently is num-

Tennis ready for MEAC

Sprinting to the future

Senior sprinter Ashley McCoy dashes to success on the track BY

C LAYTON W ELCH

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

Workouts for senior sprinter Ashley McCoy focus on speed and starting out of the block in preparation for the N.C. A&T Aggie Invitational on April 12. She’s been solid all year, but she wants to get better. Starting the race strong is usually the key to winning a race, McCoy said. As the sun heats up, perspiration begins to come down her face. Her goal of the day: Finish the 100meter dash in 11 seconds or less and the 200 in 20 seconds or less. Clearing her head of everything, McCoy prays to God in hopes of feeling a spiritual and physical connection with the track. That’s when she’s ready to dominate the workout. She waits at the starting line, gets set with her legs, her head down low, and she explodes out of the block. She sprints forward past her teammates as she makes her way around the curve and finishes first. It comes as no surprise because finishing in first place is what McCoy has been doing all year. She eventually wins in the 100meter dash at the Aggie Invitational. In four straight meets

J ONATHAN A LEXANDER

ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Ashley McCoy (left) consistently runs towards success. Echo file photo

from March 8 to March 29, McCoy finished in first place four times in either the 100meter or 200-meter dash. Her best times in the 100 and 200 are 11.69 seconds and 23.58 seconds, respectively. She finished sixth out of 79 runners in the 200-meter dash at the Duke Invitational on April 5 with a time of 24.03. “We wanted to work on her progress early so we kind of tapered down her

time toward the end of the year,” said Track and Field head coach Michael Lawson. “Working on clockwork, her consistency, making sure she wins at every meet, and wins with her race times.” McCoy said she started running AAU Track and Field in the sixth grade for the Cape Fear Flyers in Wilmington for two years. In high school she played softball and ran track. But trying to balance both sports was a struggle, McCoy

said. She decided to focus the rest of her high school career on track and field. McCoy’s parents have been by her side since the beginning. The support from her mother and her father has made her nothing but proud, she said. “I have been very supportive for her emotionally, mentally and financially,” her mother, Catrecia McCoyBowman said.

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ber two in the conference with a 1.61 ERA, he is also number two in the MEAC with five wins on the season. Pre-season All-MEAC selections senior Luis Diaz and junior Troy Marrow are both living up to expectations this season as they both currently have a batting average above .300 on the season. Individually, Diaz is ranked fourth in the conference with a .351 batting average while Marrow leads the Eagles in on base percentage (.471) “If we stay healthy and continue to work hard in practice we will continue to get better,” Marrow said. “Last season we began to break down near the end of the season. I think we have enough depth this season so that shouldn’t be a problem down the stretch this year.” Senior pitcher Jasper Jones who has been on the team since 2010 has endured some of the darker times of NCCU baseball, and seems confident in this year’s team’s chances on winning the MEAC. “I’ve seen this program go from abysmal, to potential, to good, now I think we’re on the verge of breaking greatness,” Jones said.

“Successful” is would probably be the word to describe the N.C. Central University women’s tennis team’s (12-8) 2012-2013 season. Twelve wins is the most in program history. Senior Olesya Palko, who plays No. 1 in singles, remembers when the program would finish with a losing record. “When I came, the team was much weaker,” Palko said. “Now everyone can play the one, two, three, four or five. So the team is very improved in general and every year the team got a little bit better.” Martina Wilkins Holmes played No. 1 for the women’s tennis team from 2000-2003. She said she was impressed by the Lady Eagles’ play this year. “Coach has done some great recruiting so the competition is a lot stiffer than it was back then,” Holmes said. “They’d probably wipe us out, that’s for sure.” But the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference cham-

pionships start Friday. S.C. State is the defending MEAC champions and if the Lady Eagles advance to the finals, they expect to meet them there. NCCU tennis head coach David Nass said he scheduled tough opponents so the team could be ready for this situation. “It’s a plan designed almost a year ago to have our schedule be difficult about a month before the tournament,” Nass said. “What’s happening is we’re being stretched because we’re playing some very good tennis programs before we play in the first round of the [MEAC] championships. N.C. A&T head coach James Dunwoody insists that the Lady Eagles have a chance to win it all. He had high praises for Nass. “They got the potential to win it,” Dunwoody said. “It just depends on how hard they play and anything can happen when you’re competing. [Nass] has enough quality to get it done.” “I guess if I had a vote I would probably vote for him to be the coach of the year based on the performance of the team.”

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

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Spring football game reveals position battles

Jordan Reid is excited about the first game of the season versus the Duke Blue Devils. Echo file photo

J ONATHAN A LEXANDER

ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

After finishing the 2012 football season with the first winning record since 2007, N.C. Central University head coach Henry Frazier is on the lookout for players to replace last year’s playmakers. More than 2,000 Eagle supporters watched the gray team beat the maroon team 10-6 on Friday. “I’m not really a numbers guy but it was a fairly packed house out here tonight,” Frazier said after the game. “ I t was a wonderful night for football and the guys really competed out there.” Heading into the spring game, Frazier had emphasized that the team needed a playmaking receiver to replace Geovonie Irvine. Irvine ended his collegiate career as the second leading receiver in NCCU history with 171 catches for 2,322 yards and 16 touch-

downs. He also accumulated 3,342 all-purpose yards, becoming one of only seven in school history to reach the 3,000-yard mark. “It’s going to be hard to replace a player like Irvine - we might need two or three to replace a player of his caliber,” Frazier laughed. “But that’s the beauty of it all — the players know they have to step up this season and make up for the lost of such a dynamic player.” On National Signing Day in February, the Eagles signed four wide receivers to help beef up the receiving core. “It was a small recruiting class in numbers but we have a program in place where we can just add pieces as we need them and add to the pieces we already have in place,” Frazier said. During Friday’s spring game, a number of receivers made an impact, including Lamar Scruggs, who had six receptions for 76 yards and the only TD of the contest. Decades Tucker had

three receptions of his own for the gray team. Leading the way for the maroon squad, Demario Johnson caught in four balls for 37 yards on the day. “As you can see today, we have a lot of playmakers at the wide receiver position,” senior quarterback Jordan Reid said. “They will really help us open up our offense.” Senior Marvin Poole is another of the pieces set in place for the Eagles at the receiver position. In 2012, Poole managed to catch 29 balls for 352 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles will kick off the regular season Aug. 31, when they face Duke University in the Bull City Gridiron Classic. “It’s a lot of excitement headed into that game,” Reid said. “Just seeing that name across their chest, knowing they’re a bigger school, it just adds extra excitement and makes us want to play harder.”

MCCOY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 “Any time she needs something I’m there to provide for her.” Though McCoy-Bowman is enthusiastic about her daughter’s achievements, she jokes that she is the calm parent at the meets. Her husband on the other hand is the boisterous one. But both preach academics and before practice, McCoy must tackle her homework. She sits in the computer lab of the McLendonMcDougald gymnasium quietly finishing up her homework. But she’s by herself.

“I’m a shy person. I’m trying to get around that,” McCoy said. “Because I feel like I’m getting too old and I need to open up to people more.” A health education senior, McCoy aspires to be a nurse. She understands academics must be her first priority if she wants to get accepted into the nursing program at NCCU’s School of Graduate Studies next year. McCoy gives a lot of credit to her coaches, referring to them as father figures

away from home. She said that they each care a great deal about their athletes and are not only concerned about their athletic statistics, but also about their academics. “Academically, she’s doing well,” Lawson said. “She likes to go to tutors for extra help, visit her advisors.” Lawson said the thing that makes McCoy successful is her work ethic. “Good work ethics is good in track and field and in your career,” he said.

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GOT GAME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I think there are some women skilled enough to play, but the men’s bodies are bigger, stronger and faster,” Hatchell said. “You’re talking apples and oranges. Their strengths and weaknesses are different.” Lewis Bowling, NCCU and Duke physical education and recreation adjunct instructor, agrees. He said men will always have that physical edge over women. “On average, men are bigger than women, with much more muscle and less body fat,” Bowling said. “The average woman has a smaller heart, so less blood is pumped with each beat.” “Women also have fewer red blood cells, so their bodies are less effective at carrying oxygen to muscles during exercise or sports participation,” he said. Bowling said that it is very unlikely that the gender gap in athletic performance will ever be eliminated. “Speed is a combination of stride length times stride frequency, so men’s longer legs cover more distance with each stride,” Bowling said. “And along with a man’s larger heart running more blood and his larger lungs taking in up to 20 percent more oxygen and his bigger muscles creating more force, gives men a decided edge.” Drafted No. 1 in the WNBA draft on Monday,

Griner is noticeably bigger than most women who play basketball and her stats certainly attest to it. She is the college basketball all-time leader in blocks, and second all-time in points for women’s basketball. Griner also has more dunks in her college career than all other women’s players combined. But she is a slender 200 pounds. If she were to play in the NBA, she would have to play the power forward position. But her height and weight for the position put her at a significant disadvantage to other players. She would bang with players like Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Dirk Nowitzki, who are on average three inches taller and 50 pounds heavier. “When it comes to testosterone level, males on average have more testosterone than females,” said John Reilly, strength and conditioning coach for NCCU sports. “And that allows for the ability to increase more muscle mass and strength. Men have on average more lean body mass than women. Those things are generally more of an advantage.” “There are definitely exceptions though,” he said. Guard play How about point guards, when strength isn’t as impor-

tant, rather basketball IQ, shooting and ball handling are? ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon said on his show, “Pardon the Interruption,” that if anybody could do it then it would probably be at the guard position. James Faber, a UNCChapel Hill professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology referenced former NBA point guard Muggsy Bogues. Although Bogues was not a female, he was 5-foot-3inches, which was almost a foot shorter than most point guards and still successful. He was known for his great ball-handling and passing skills, averaging 7.7 points and 7.6 assists per game over his career. “You have males of all different capabilities, fantastic shooter, and ball handling capabilities,” Faber said. “A female can make up physical and anatomical deficiencies with some other skill that can beat the opponent.” Hatchell agreed. She said women can be better fundamentally shoot better and have better basketball IQ. When she was younger she’d play with men and could compete because she possessed those attributes. “So when I went to play with the women I was able to dominate,” Hatchell said.

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Opinions A R O L I N A

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

IVERSITY

How about this? Rappers are b-----s

f angering gangbangers wasn’t bad enough, Rick Ross has now brought on the wrath of women’s rights activists. In Atlanta rapper’s Rocko new song “U.O.E.N.O (You Ain’t Even Know),” the Maybach Music rapper brags about date raping a woman. The specific lines moved audiences to start petitions and a radio station Alex to ban his music. Sampson In an interview with the New Orleans radio station Q93.3, the rapper said his lyrics were misinterpreted. “I feel like us being artists, that’s our job to clarify the sensitive things and the things that we know that really need to be clarified such as a situation as this,” said Ross. So let’s interpret and clarify. “Put a molly all in her champagne.” He put a form of ecstasy in her champagne. “She ain’t even know it.” She didn’t even know it. “I took her home and I enjoyed that.” He took her home

Hip hop has long been dominated by violence against women among other negative aspects. These negative messages can be heard in almost every rap single on the radio. The pronouns for females in rap music are no longer “her” and “she” but “b---h” and h-- “ and enjoyed that (common sense tells us ‘that’ isn’t code for deep conversation). “She ain’t even know it.” She didn’t even know it. According to the CDC, consent cannot be given when one is under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Strange. Rick Ross’s lyrics and the CDC’s example of sexual violence sound similar. What a coincidence. Some people tried to explain it away because — you know — it’s just entertainment. I’m sure the 1 in 4 women that are raped in the U.S. found the pro-rape lyrics very entertaining. While it’s gratifying that people actually clued into these lyrics, the timing and direction

is questionable. Hip-hop has long been dominated by violence against women among other negative aspects. These negative messages can be heard in almost every rap single on the radio. The pronouns for females in rap music are no longer “her” and “she” but “b---h” and “h--.” Somehow, someway, the act of fellatio and twerking get mentioned. As disgusting as Ross’ lyrics were, that anger should be directed at the subtler messages. Ignoring subliminal themes is the same as saying it’s okay. And when it’s okay to objectify women, it’s okay to slip stuff in their drinks. Or uppercut them. Or stick appendages in them without consent (cough,

Steubenville, cough). Not to say artists of other genres haven’t been equally blasé about the issue (Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” and Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It on the Alcohol” to name a few). But it can’t be ignored that hip-hop culture is largely dominated by the degradation of women and has been for a long time. Most importantly, people need to focus on the root of rap’s deterioration. The same rappers along with their redundant, ignorant metaphors get played in rotation on the radio. Why? Because money-hungry corporations pull the strings. Let’s face it. Music isn’t just entertainment. It’s a tool to either open minds or brainwash.

What started as a progressive tool aimed to help minorities was bought out by businesses who capitalized on it. They supplied aspiring rappers with a gimmick and continue to do so while the outspoken artists get censored and overlooked. When a young, insecure girl with no role model turns on the radio what she’ll hear is that her worth is determined by the size of her physical assets and how wide she can spread her legs. A little boy who doesn’t yet understand right from wrong will learn manhood (or being a “real n---a”) is emphasized by violence, drugs and sex instead of education, chivalry and maturity. Pulling Rick Ross’ music isn’t going to change anything. As long as we ignore the accountability of music distributors and underlying messages, there will be five other rappers to take his place and spit identical lyrics. Instead of aiming for individual artists, the public needs to go for the jugular and target these CEOs. Maybe then we’ll hear some diversity and higher values.

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Matt Phillips, Editor-iin-C Chief

Jonathan Alexander Ciera’ Harris Alexandria Sampson Jamar Negron Gabriel Aikens Neka Jones Ashley Gadsden Myava Mitchell Monique Lewis Jade Jackson Clayton Welch Tevin Stinson Gregory Weaver Bobby Faison

Assistant Editor & Sports Editor Opinions Editor A&E Editor & Social Media Editor Assistant A&E Editor Photo Editor Staff Photographer Copy Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Layout Cartoonist

Faculty Advisor - Dr. Bruce dePyssler Alumni Advisers - Mike Williams, Sheena Johnson

Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be about 575 words. Include contact information. The Echo reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, vulgarity, typos and miscellaneous grammatical gaffs. Opinions published in the Echo do not necessarily reflect those of the Echo editorial staff. E-mail: campusecho@nccu.edu Web address: www.campusecho.com Phone: 919 530 7116Fax: 919 530 7991 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

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Opinions

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Interracial love?

oday as a black woman it seems difficult to date and build a healthy relationship, not that it can’t be done, but yes it is difficult. A lot of things are to be considered when dating a man such as his level of maturity, attraction, upbringing and his goals. But what about his race? Angel For years I had Brown this unbreakable pledge to date my own race. Not because I am racist but because my father is black and so are my brothers, my deceased grandfather, male cousins and uncles. Growing up in a family where everyone has dated or married black men, the idea of dating outside of my race has never been something I had considered as an option. Up until recently I accepted this as the way it should be. Outside of my family I have

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

Why rob myself of a beautiful relationship filled with the aspects I want and need because it could come from a man that is not black?

had few friends that dated outside of their race as well. They say they are open to dating all races but I’ve witnessed only one date outside of her race. That same friend is with a black man now. As I was discussing dating with my recently en-route to divorce friend of 8 years, we touched basis on the thoughts behind interracial dating. She stated that she was open to the idea. Now, being that she was in the process of getting a divorce from a black man, I figured this was a rant purely based off of being upset with her soon to be ex-husband. “Why not Angel? What would be wrong with dating an Indian, Arabic, Hispanic or

Jewish man?” “Why do we have to be so dedicated to dating just our own men? Who made this rule? What if an Italian guy loved and treated you the way you wanted?” I had not taken this into consideration. Why rob myself of a beautiful relationship filled with the aspects I want and need because it could come from a man that is not black? Let’s be real, brothers may love us but if a gorgeous Asian woman passes by and gives them the “Go” they’ll take it. I think a lot of black women are scared to venture outside of our race because they don’t want to deal with the looks, judgments, and being called a sell-out or Aunt Sally.

At this point I could care less what anyone thinks if I date Channing Tatum instead of Morris Chestnut. If Channing meets my requirements I’m taking the “Go.” Don’t read me wrong if Morris Chestnut meets my standards too, that would be a “Go.” This is not by any means an anti-black man tirade; it’s an encouragement to receiving love regardless of what race it’s coming from. Ladies, love yourself, and never limit your happiness to what is expected of you by your own culture’s standards. Meaning if you find yourself interested in a guy who isn’t from the same ancestral background as you, go for it. So many pluses to ruminate: Cultural exposure, learning new customs, taking on new traditions and holidays and most of all LOVE. The ultimate goal is LOVE, and I am whole heartedly here for that.

Let me upgrade ya:

’m sure that 99 percent of the students who have ever attended N. C. Central University had to come into the Farrison-Newton Communication Building at some point during their tenure here. They might have had an English or a foreign language class or had to come see a play Ciera’ for Arts and Harris Humanities. It doesn’t take rocket science to know that this building needs to renovated … actually it probably needs to be demolished and completely rebuilt. Let’s start with the elevator. Every day thousands of people come in and out of this building and they rely on that one elevator to travel between floors. It’s very common for some to have to wait for the elevator to come back down to get on. This elevator has failed us

It doesn’t take rocket science to know that this building needs to be renovated ... many times. When it breaks down, it forces people to have to use the steps. Those steps are a killer -- especially if you have to go to the third floor. For someone like me that’s an asthma attack waiting to happen. What about the disabled students who need the elevator to get to the upper levels? What are they supposed to do? I’ve personally watched someone sit in the lobby with a distraught look on their face because they weren’t able to get to an upper level. No student should have to go through that. Next: these bathrooms. The bathrooms in the communication building are horrendous. Half of the time the soap or the paper towel dispenser is broken. The toilet seats are loose; the women’s bathroom on the

third floor has rusty toilet bowls and has an unpleasant smell most of the time. I’d rather hold my pee than use a bathroom in this building. About these classrooms: There’s no uniformity in the sizes of the classrooms. One class could be the size of a closet while the one next to it is the size of a small auditorium. On the third floor none of the classrooms have windows and no one in the building can control the temperature. It’s been hotter than Satan’s testicles the past couple of weeks and we are forced to have to deal with it. Last week they started giving out free ice. Smh, smh. Lastly, the problems we have with IT. For us to have an award-winning campus newspaper housed in this building and a mass communication

degree program, it isn’t technologically advanced enough and there are a lot of glitches with the technology we currently have. Yes, classrooms have been upgraded with smart boards and such and yes, that is appreciated, but more needs to be done. There’ve been plenty of times where the wi-fi just went out with no warning or reason. Professors have had to resort to writing notes on the board because the computer in the class just wouldn’t act right. I understand that every now and then something might mess up. But it happens far too often in this building. Being that one of my majors is mass communication and I’m the Opinions Editor for the Echo I spend a massive amount of time in this building. This year I’ve practically lived in it. We have a beautiful workout center, nice science complex, pretty decent dorms, a nice new hybrid soccer looking field ... It’s time for the Farrison-Newton Building to have an extreme makeover.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Sound Off By Ciera’ Harris

Question: How can the Campus Echo be improved? “There should be better marketing. I don’t read it unless someone hands me a copy.” – Tania Irwin

“I really don’t know. I guess it could be more interesting.” – Kayla Crooms

“See if IT can develop an app for it. That would be cool.” – Malia Little