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VOLUME 107, ISSUE 8 919 530.7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM
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Sports
Opinions
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Feature
NCCU men’s basketball takes down Morgan State for 31st straight win
Melquan says: Accepting your errors allows you to live a pure, true life
“Never Sold Drugs:” Duo seeks to uplift through clothing brand
Forward together, not a step back: HkonJ returns to Raleigh
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Campus Echo
BILLINGSLEY BRINGS BAGGAGE TO NCCU Complaint against Prairie View A&M follows VC of student affairs; 2 NCCU student affairs employees fired BY ALEXANDRIA SAMPSON ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR
A pending legal complaint from Prairie View A&M University has followed Miron Billingsley, vice chancellor of student affairs, who came to N.C. Central University in September 2014. The Echo learned of the case in September, when
reporters came across it during a routine Google search for a profile of Billingsley (“Eagles Welcome Billingsley,” Oct. 1, 2014). Chondra Johnson, former director of recreation sports at Prairie View, filed a complaint against Prairie View in 2013 that alleged sex discrimination, harassment and retaliation in violation of Title VII.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin. At the center of the complaint is Billingsley. Johnson was hired at PVAMU on Jan. 1, 2011. According to the document, she was sexually pursued by Dean of Engineering
Kendall Harris, a married man and, according to the complaint, Billingsley’s “best friend.” When Johnson rejected Harris, Johnson alleges that Billingsley “became increasingly hostile towards Plaintiff Johnson” over the two years she worked at the college. “Billingsley subjected Plaintiff to multiple acts of
Designing for community NCCU showcases work of internationally acclaimed Freelon Group
gender-based harassment, retaliation, hostile work environment, unprofessionalism and discriminative communications and actions,” the complaint reads. For instance, the complaint states, Billingsley asked his supervisor, Lauretta Byars, vice president of student affairs and institutional advancement,
LOS ANGELES TIMES (TNS)
PHOTO COURTESY
BY JAMAR NEGRON ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
If you’ve ever been in the Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute (BBRI) or the Biomanufacturing
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Research Institute and Technology Enterprise Facility (the BRITE Building), then you’re more acquainted with Phil Freelon and the Freelon Group than you think. Now
NCCU ART MUSEUM
you can know even more. Samples of the extensive body of work of Freelon Group Architects has set up shop in N.C. Central University’s art museum. The exhibit features proj-
ects from the firm’s cultural, civic and collegiate clients. Freelon founded The Freelon Group Architects in 1990 in Durham. Since its
n See FREELON Page 8
Parents struggle to afford day care Despite state vouchers, campus day care, student parents excluded BY CHANEL NORMAN ECHO STAFF REPORTER
At McClure Early Childhood Center in Tulsa, Okla., Iniyah Quitto, 4, is dropped off by her dad, Jeremiah, on Sept. 12, 2014. McClure's pre-K program is run by a community agency open only to children living below the poverty line. Tulsa’s school district offers fully covered preschool MIKE SIEGEL/Seattle Times (MCT)
Ask any college student parent how things are going and you’ll discover that she or he is struggling, day in and day out. And one of the biggest challenges student parents face is access to affordable child care. According to recent fact sheets and studies by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), some 4.8 million college students are raising children. Of these, about 1.1 million attend public and private nonprofit institutions. Just over 57 percent of these student parents are categorized as low income. Women make up 71 percent of all student parents. Just over 61 percent of
student parents work 30 hours or more per week. That’s in addition to the more than 30 hours per week that approximately 56 percent of single parents spend on dependent care. For most, the workload, financial burden and stress are just too much. Student parents are three times more likely to drop out of college than other students. And 53 percent of student parents leave college after six years without their degrees. This issue affects African Americans particularly hard. Thirty-seven percent of AfricanAmerican students at all community, for-profit and not-for-profit colleges have one or more dependent children. The rate is 25 percent for Latinos, and 20
n See CHILDCARE Page 6
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Scientists push for planetcooling tech BY RALPH VARTABEDIAN & EVAN HALPER
One of the most well-known black architects of Durham, Phil Freelon and his group of architects, The Freelon Group, have designed cultural, civic and collegiate buildings like the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts+Culture, featured above.
that Johnson be terminated because “she disrespected him by taking personal days off to attend training.” Byars denied the request. The complaint also alleges that Billingsley "sadistically commented throughout to Plaintiff Johnson that he noticed her weight fluctuated and she
WASHINGTON – Proposals to cool down the Earth’s climate with high-risk chemical or mechanical technologies have been largely dismissed in the debate over global warming, but a panel of the nation’s top scientists say the time has come to significantly increase research efforts and prepare to step in should there be a climate catastrophe. The most exhaustive U.S. examination of direct intervention in the Earth’s climate was released Tuesday by the National Research Council in two reports that assessed the significant costs and risks of such ideas as removing carbon dioxide from the air with massive machines, fertilizing the oceans to increase plant activity, chemically modifying the atmosphere to reflect more sunlight back to space and a wide range of other ideas. “Let’s hope it never happens, but if we ever have our back against the wall we will know ahead of time what we need to do,” said Marcia McNutt, chair of the committee and editor in chief of Science magazine. “There are no silver bullets for the current climate situation that comes from any kind of climate intervention. We agree with the majority of people that these are not solutions that we want to turn to.” Indeed, McNutt and a large group of the nation’s
top academic scientists who wrote the reports said the best approach to the problem of global warming continues to be reductions of greenhouse gases. The lack of progress for more than two decades, however, makes it “increasingly likely that as a society we will need to deploy” some forms of the leastrisky technologies to reduce the Earth’s temperature, they said. The scientists acknowledge that developing risky tools to counteract global warming carries a “moral hazard,” in which nations may become even less motivated than they are now to take immediate steps to combat climate change. But not having the tools in hand might also result in future actions without adequate scientific research. “People are going to read these reports and they are going to be very scared about the future,” McNutt said. The research council’s work was divided into two lengthy reports, one that assessed a very high cost and relatively low-risk approach of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Isolating carbon dioxide at power plants and injecting it into deep wells remains expensive and unproven at the scale that would be necessary to have a big impact, the report said. Even seemingly benign ideas like reforesting large
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Rising seas probably played a role in the erosion gnawing at much of the East Coast over the past century, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says. As the seas start to rise faster, it warns, erosion will only get worse. JOHN D. SIMMONS/Charlotte Observer (MCT)
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NCCU and A&T get trivial NCCU hosts, faces NC A&T at Honda-sponsored ‘Battle of the Brains’ BY DIAMOND GWYNN ECHO STAFF REPORTER
At 7 p.m Monday, N. C. Central University’s Student Union was filled with about 70 students and faculty to cheer on their peers in the “Battle of the Brains.” The Honda Campus AllStar Challenge competition team hosted the tournament against the Eagles arch-rival, North Carolina A & T State University. Last year, the A & T Aggies lost the battle against NCCU by a long shot: 625-240. This year, the Eagles were looking to repeat this victory. Teams of three participants chose from four categories per round. Categories included “Medical news,” “Handy expressions,” and “City Lights.” Questions were worth five to 10 points, depending on their difficulty. “The questions weren’t extremely difficult,” said junior Zuri Gurganious. “I didn’t study that much — I used the knowledge I’ve gained from over the years.” Gurganious, a three-time contestant, said he’s proud to represent his school. “It’s also a great way to earn money by simply using
NCCU’s trivia team, from left to right: Zuri Gurganious, Jelaina Shipman, Joshua Strayhorn, Emani Mills, Larrell Lewis KIMANE DARDEN/Echo photo editor
the knowledge you’ve gain while attending college,” he said. By the end of the last round, NCCU had been defeated by the Aggies with a score of 435-420. The next round will be held March 21-25 at American Honda in
Torrance, Calif. Since 1989, Honda has supported historically black colleges and universities through the competition with more than 7.5 million book and tuition grants. The organization’s is not only to reward students
financially, but also to give them a memorable experience while networking with students at other HBCUs. The Honda competition encourages students to challenge themselves while making lifelong friends and connections.
Eagle alumni team up, mine for local talent BY RAVEN WILLIAMS ECHO STAFF REPORTER
Michael English and Dominique Jones, N. C Central University class of 2013, are moving forward
together. Both alumni are from Virginia Beach, Va., are 23 years old, and majored in exercise sports science. It’s no wonder they decided to continue working side-
NCCU’s OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS STUDY ABROAD • The remainder of the spring semester First Thursday Study Abroad Information Sessions are scheduled for March 5, April 2, and May 7 during the 10:40 break in 202 Lee Biology Building.
STUDY ABROAD DEADLINES • The campus deadline for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship application for study abroad for summer 2015, fall 2015 or academic year 2015-2016 is February 26. • Students who have been given permission to study abroad in summer 2015 and fall 2015 are required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation on Thursday, March 19, in 202 Lee Biology Building from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Students interested in study abroad in spring 2016, should start planning now. The campus deadline for applications to study abroad in spring 2016 is September 1, 2015.
expand your horizons
STUDY ABROAD
Contact Dr. Olivia Metzger Jones at ojones@nccu.edu or 919.530.7713
NCCU College of Arts and Sciences “The PRIORITY is Student Success” Carlton E. Wilson, Dean • Army ROTC – Military Science • Aerospace Studies • Art • Biology • Chemistry • CREST/NASA Centers • Environmental, Earth and Geospatial Sciences • History • Language & Literature • Mass Communication • Mathematics & Physics • Music • NC-Health Careers Access Program • Pharmaceutical Sciences • Theatre/Dance
by-side. In 2013, the pair established their own brand, GoldMined. “It started as us wanting to expose local clothing brands [to more customers],” said English. “But as we conversed with people who had the same ideas as us as far as building a business, we understood that they ran into some of the same problems, be it lack of resources or networking – just trying to figure out how they can maneuver in their specific arena.” During their journey toward branding themselves, the purpose of “GoldMined” blossomed. “We are focusing on our name, ‘GoldMined,’ finding untapped talent and allowing people the proper platform and drive to their specific arena or genre,” said Jones. Since its mission shift to a community-oriented talent agency, GoldMined has done more community outreach. They continue to promote their clothing brand, which includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other urbanwear. Last summer they worked with the New Bern Police Department and New Bern Parks and Recreation for the Police Athletic League sum-
mer basketball tournament. “We sponsored the educational outreach sessions and entertainment for the tournament,” said English. “Every Tuesday and Thursday we presented different topics to the players and spectators, topics which included workforce development, resume building, and SAT prep.” On the entertainment side, English and Jones brought in professional athletes, and Mike “DJ Mic Check” was the music entertainment for the basketball games. They also partnered with local businesses and schools to educate the community on ways to improve themselves professionally and personally. GoldMined is seeking to reach young people by providing them with the tools they need to build their dreams. “Discipline is major, but just really incorporate God into it,” said English. “My Mom sends me scriptures and it talks me up.” Jones added, “Patience is really a virtue. Everything is a slow grind these days. “There is no overnight success, just staying down and staying true to your cause.”
Health Careers Center 40th Anniversary
BILLINGSLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 was developing acne." In another instance, the document claims, in January 2012 Billingsley gave Johnson a performance evaluation rating of 1.5 out of five to prevent her from qualifying for a merit pay increase. Byars overruled the rating, changing it to a four out of five. In her annual performance evaluation, Johnson commented that Billingsley was “extremely hostile and frequently acted like a volatile tyrant against her.” Billingsley then allegedly threatened her job. In the legal complaint, Johnson states that Billingsley said, “Either you resign or I’ll make it so hard that you will quit." Johnson’s complaint alleges several more instances of retaliation, including Billingsley’s refusal to complete Workers’ Compensation paperwork for Johnson after she injured her foot on June 27, 2012, a wrongful five-day suspension without pay in August 2012, and a second performance evaluation of two out of five in December 2012. On April 1, 2013, Johnson was terminated. Johnson filed her complaint on Dec. 1, 2013. Byars said she made the final decision regarding Johnson’s termination. “When I make a decision to terminate a person, I have to have it approved by the Texas A&M system and by the attorneys in our legal counsel,” Byars said. “I don’t just arbitrarily make the decision to terminate someone.” Byars, who worked with Billingsley for 8 years, described him as a valuable employee who stayed at work late at night and worked closely with students. Given the chance, Byars said she would definitely work with Billingsley again. “He made the student affairs part of my job easy. I
hated to see him go,” Byars said. Regarding the complaint, Byars said she hates to see it follow him in his employment. “I wish the students would support him because I think he can help the students achieve a lot of the things they want to do,” Byars said. Contacted by the Campus Echo, Billingsley declined to comment on Johnson’s complaint. “I am unable to comment on pending litigation,” he wrote in a Feb. 24 email. Student Affairs Firings After less than one semester at NCCU Billingsley has fired two long-term student affairs employees, Jennifer Wilder, former director of residential life, and Jacqueline Olds, chief business officer of student affairs. Wilder has worked with NCCU for nearly 12 years and Olds has worked with NCCU for almost 20 years. Wilder served on the search committee that chose Billingsley as NCCU’s new vice chancellor of student affairs. Wilder said she was terminated by Billingsley two days after his arrival in Sept. 2014. “They wanted a change in leadership direction,” Wilder said. She was given a 90-daynotice of her termination. According to Wilder, she had only spoken with Billingsley once, during a brief conversation in the parking lot. “I didn’t really work with him at all.” Asked how she felt about being terminated after such a long tenure at NCCU she replied: “How would you feel if you were let go?” Wilder said she is not currently employed. Jacqueline Olds was
n See BILLINGSLEY Page 3
Vice Chancellor Billingsley addresses students in October. Echo file photo
United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus
Find out more about the opportunities we offer. Our special programs include the Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program, the NCCU Pre-Dental Program, and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Program, and more N.C. Central University
For more than 35 years NCCU’s Health Careers Center staff has been developing pre-health professional students into viable candidates for health and medical careers by providing: • Advocacy • Counseling • Enrichment Activities • Health Career Network Access • Health Career Recruitment • Information • Internships & Shadowing Experiences • Standardized Test Prep Workshops •
JOIN US! Get involved with Campus Ministries today! Michael D. Page Campus Minister
Contact us for more information 919.530.7128 1242 Mary Townes Science Complex Alfreda D. Evans, Student Services Specialist Durham, NC 27707 Kaye Thompson-Rogers, Ph.D., Director
For more information contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu
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Hazell Reed retires
Vice-chancellor lauded for fearless leadership BY KRISTIN ELLIS ECHO STAFF REPORTER
Friday marked a bittersweet celebration for Hazell Reed, vice chancellor for graduate education and research. After six years of serving N. C. Central University, Reed has decided to retire. Reed’s retirement party, which featured an array for appetizers and desserts, took place Feb. 20 in the Chancellor’s Dining Room. NCCU Chief of Staff Wendell Phillips presided . “You know why we’re here ... for the legend,” said Phillips, followed by loud applause. Many attendees shared Phillips’ sentiments, including Miron Billingsley, vice chancellor for student affairs, who referred to Reed as his mentor. “‘Always remember, be the voice of change’,” was Reed’s advice, Billingsley said. Billingsley’s speech brought a light-hearted air to the gathering. “Dr. Reed reminds you of a cowboy … you think of Clint Eastwood,” Billingsley said, referring to the cowboy boots and hat Reed was known to wear, in addition to the way he pulled up his pants as a cowboy would. “Your Reed-isms will be missed but never forgotten,” said Undi Hoffler, director of research compliance. Chancellor Debra Saunders-White started her tribute with, “You ready, Dr. Reed?” Reed jokingly responded, “Do I need to leave?” “I knew something was afoot back in late November – early December, when the grandbaby pictures came out … that’s a dead giveaway that retirement is somewhere close by,” Saunders-White said. Besides poking fun at Reed, White also praised him for his leadership. “Many leaders will go out and test the temperature to determine what they should do,” she said. “If it’s a little too hot, they back off. If it’s safe, they continue on. “But very few leaders really set the temperature, and Dr. Reed, you have
Attendees of Hazell Reed’s retirement party were encouraged to sign his going-away card. ANTHONY ORTIZ/Echo staff photographer
done just that. “For your leadership, for your dedication to this institution, we thank you.” Derrick Hicks, Student Government Association president, said that Dr. Reed is “undoubtedly an inspiration.” “I met Dr. Reed about two years ago,” Hicks said. “He said, ‘Young man, come here.’ “I was on my way to the [ Fa r r i s o n - N e w t o n ] Communications building. “I said, ‘Yes sir,’ and he said ‘You look mighty sharp today.’ “And for me, at that point in my life in being a young man, it meant a lot for me to hear that coming from an older man.” Hicks said his advice for the next vice chancellor is to “be true to your own self. “Figure out how you plan to carry other students at the University to their dreams and their destination, because the person before you has done above and beyond that,” Hicks said. “I’m sincerely going to
miss Dr. Reed.” At the end of the retirement celebration, Reed was given a miniature crystal eagle statue. Reed made numerous contributions to NCCU, including Quest magazine, which focuses on research conducted at N.C. Central University. Reed also chaired the search committee for a new football coach, which led to the hiring of Jerry Mack, who coached the team to a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win. Reed is going to begin his retirement by visiting his grandkids in Little Rock, Ark. at the end of the month. But he promises he’ll be back soon. “I love North Carolina Central University, and on Thursday, March 5th, I’ll be back for the game against A&T,” Reed said. “So don’t think you’ve gotten rid of me. “I’ll be around – watching.”
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 fired about two weeks ago. Questioned via email about the firings of Wilder and Olds, Billingsley did not comment. Of his leadership style, the vice chancellor of student affairs stated that he operates under a “democratic leadership style where he values the input of his team members and peers.” “With over 20 years of commitment as an adminis-
trator at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I pride myself on being a fair, thorough and dedicated professional,” he said. In a response from Chancellor Debra Saunders-White, she stated that following a process that included campus visits and discussions with students, faculty and staff, Billingsley emerged as a top candidate for the position.
“Dr. Billingsley has hit the ground running and quickly demonstrated through his engagement with students that he is committed to our No. 1 priority, student success,” Saunders-White said. “I am supportive of his leadership as a vice chancellor and member of the university’s Executive Leadership Team.”
“THE LARGEST LOVE & JUSTICE MOVEMENT SINCE SELMA” 4
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Farris Barakat stands in support as Pierre Lacy gives his account of his brother’s murder. ome people spent their Valentine’s Day planning extravagant outings for their loved ones; some slaved over hot stovetops to prepare a delicious meal. In Raleigh, several thousand people bucked that tradition, gathering on the corner W South and S Wilmington streets to support the 9th Annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street Moral March on Raleigh, known as HKonJ. “I attended the rally because I felt like it was a way of showing solidarity with all the people fighting for different social justice causes across the state/nation,” said English junior Rebekah Barber. “I think of HKonJ as the 21st century version of the march on Washington, and I know I will look back years later and be glad that I went. Since HKonJ has started, I have been to every one except one.” The rally began at 8:30 a.m. in front of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and kicked off with calls to action and testimonies from dozens of speakers from across the country. Leading the rally was Durham’s own Rev. Dr. William Barber II. Also attending were the Claudia and Pierre Lacy, mother and brother of Lennon
S ABOVE: NAACP President Cornell Brooks and NAACP leaders join the march at the Historic Thousands on Jones Street. BELOW: March participants hold hands in solidarity.
Rally leaders look on as Farris Barakat gives a call to action following the deaths of his brother, sister-in-law, and her sister.
Lacy, the boy who was found hanging in a neighborhood park in Bladen County, N.C. last August. Standing beside Pierre Lacy was Farris Barakat, brother of Deah Barakat, one of the three people slain Feb. 10 in Chapel Hill. “We have to learn to bring peace and justice to this earth so that we can hopefully pay a small price as a bullet to the head,” Barakat told Technician Online. “That’s a small price to pay for so much amazing glory in the next world.” Besides peace and justice, the rally promotes solidarity and creating a means for action. “By joining with thousands of other people at the rally we showed the state legislature how powerful a group of people can be when they come together,” said Rebekah Barber. “There was so much love in the space, especially because the march took place on Valentine’s Day. Despite everything that may be going on across the nation--despite the fact that our legislatures often do not make decisions based upon the good of the whole--I know that if we keep joining together in love and unity we really can make change.”
A woman speaks about the importance of abolishing senseless acts.
The children of an underpaid worker hold signs during their mother’s speech.
The crowd waits anxiously toting signs and flags while waiting for the rally to commence.
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CHILD CARE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Teacher Lauren Falzone reads a book to 4-year-olds in the comforting surroundings of the McClure Child Care Center Sept. 12, 2014 in Tusla, Okla., Mike Siegel/Seattle Times (MCT)
Being in school and working full time while having a child is very stresful ... I really do wish the University would do something to help us parents with children. It would make things so much easier. I could even have my son down here with me. I miss him dearly. There’s just no way that it could happen now – it’s just too expensive.” JONIQUA HUTCHINSON NCCU MASS COMMUNICATION SENIOR
NCCU Catholic Campus Ministry is offering Sunday Mass for Students, Staff & Friends 5 pm Sunday, March 15, 2015 Venue: The Little Chapel next to Eagle Landing (1801 Fayetteville St., Durham)
Bring Friends As You Come! For more information call us at 919.801.0428
Rev. Fr. Joseph Oji, C.S. Sp. NCCU Catholic Campus Ministry
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percent for whites. But the availability of college-provided day care, according to the IWPR, is abysmal. American colleges and universities provide just 5 percent of the childcare slots that student parents need, despite strong evidence that providing affordable child care is one of the most effective ways to help student parents earn their degrees. And when campus-based day care isn’t available for student parents, they are often forced to turn to friends, family, babysitters, or, worse yet, expensive forprofit day care. “Being in school and working full time while having a child is very stressful,” said mass communications junior Joniqua Hutchinson. “Unfortunately, my son currently stays in D.C. with my mom until I graduate. He’s never been in a daycare because it’s so expensive. “I really do wish the University would do something to help us parents with children. It would make things so much easier. “ I could even have my son down here with me. I miss him dearly. There’s just no way that it could happen now – it’s just too expensive.” While qualifying low income student parents can get state vouchers that cover 90 percent of child care expenses, there is often a long waiting list. Alexus Carter, a mass communication senior who has a 6-month-old boy said she was told that there is a one-year waiting list for state child care vouchers. “By that time I would
have graduated from Central,” she said. Ollie M. Smith, interim executive director of Child Care Aware of America, said in an IWPR fact sheet, “Child care today is simply unaffordable. Families at nearly every income — except for the very wealthy –struggle with the cost of child care.” NCCU’s Children’s Development Laboratory is licensed only for 3- and 4year-olds. It has 25 children enrolled, but just two are the children of NCCU college students, according to interim director Kimneshonda’ T. Chavis. Yet NCCU’s day care center is extremely inexpensive when compared to area centers. Full-time care is $600 a month per child, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, at the on- campus laboratory. The going full time rate in Durham is $1,200 per month per child. Student parents say their lives would be much easier if their children could attend NCCU’s child care center. “I would love if I could bring my daughter to school with me,” said Kivany Finney, a mass communication senior whose 2-year-old daughter, Kimora, is not eligible for NCCU’s child care center. “It would definitely be very convenient.” Carter said that if her baby were eligible, “I would be able to stay on campus longer and get the help I need. “I would be able to be more engaged in activities that are on campus. Because right now I can’t participate
in anything.” According to Brent McBride, a professor of human development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affordable campus day care “takes one big headache out of the equation.” McBride was quoted in an IWPR factsheet. “The typical scenario is a young 18- to 20-year-old woman who’s away from home for the first time, separated from her familial support system and may be in a difficult relationship with their partner,” McBride said. “It’s mostly a hidden issue and that makes it that much worse for those student-parents because it tends to make them feel that much more isolated. It’s just a difficult situation all around.” There’s a certain irony in the fact that universities, which often have entire departments studying early childhood development and are uniquely situated to provide state-of-the-art day care. Add to that the fact that state-of-the-art day care has been proven to provide positive outcomes for children. Children attending quality day care have been shown to have stronger language, math and motor skills, as well as “soft skills” like cooperative play and selfcontrol. “If you take away the opportunity for higher education, they’re not going to be able to provide,” said McBride. “We don’t want to take away those opportunities. The consequences are just too great.”
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Beyond NCCU
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CLIMATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 That scientists are even considering technological interventions should be a wake-up call that we need to do more now to reduce emissions, which is the most effective, least risky way to combat climate change. MARCIA MCNUTT FORMER DIRECTOR U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY & EDITOR IN CHIEF OF SCIENCE MAGAZINE
cut food production and alter human diets. And direct reduction of carbon dioxide is not only expensive, but could take centuries to have an effect on temperatures. If carbon dioxide is sharply reduced in the air, the world’s oceans would release some of their massive stores to offset the improvement. A much faster and lowercost emergency approach would involve changing the Earth’s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation that is directed back into space. The most-discussed approach involves injecting aerosols into the upper atmosphere, similar to the action of a volcano when it releases sulfur dioxide. After the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, 20 million tons of the gas entered the atmosphere and the Earth cooled by about 5 degrees over the next three years. But the risks of albedo modification are very high because it is not well-understood and could have unintended consequences, the authors say. It also would not address one of the major consequences of global warming — the increasing acidification of the oceans. And while the average temperature of the globe may drop, the effect would not be uniform. McNutt said that such a
program, if it were undertaken, would not restore Earth’s climate to the past. Some regions could actually grow even warmer and rainfall patterns could be disrupted. She said humans — from Southern California to New England — have adapted their lifestyles, homes and infrastructures to specific climates, all of which could be upended. The technologies at issue have long been on the fringe of the climate-change debate. Many policymakers have considered them an unrealistic approach to a pressing problem. Most geoengineering technology is untested and critics warn that some techniques could end up causing more problems for the environment than they solve. As a result, not much money has been allocated to researching the area. The U.S. is currently spending $4 billion on climate research, but just $100 million of that money goes to areas relevant to climate intervention and just $2 million to albedo research. The report does not say how much more money should be devoted to the technologies, but it should be more than the current onetenth of 1 percent, McNutt said. The reports devoted a full chapter to reviewing the prognosis for the climate, noting that the average temperature could rise by about 10
degrees by the end of the century or as little as 1 degree. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have reached as high as 400 parts per million, up from 320 in the 1960s. One report urges that the government create controls that would set clear guidelines on experimentation, as well as prepare for the international agreements in case intervention becomes necessary. It also warns that the technologies “present serious known and possible unknown environmental, social, and political risks, including the possibility of being deployed unilaterally.” But the fight against global warming is becoming increasingly urgent. As the National Research Council dived into its investigation on geoengineering many months ago, scientists said governments could not afford to overlook any options. “That scientists are even considering technological interventions should be a wake-up call that we need to do more now to reduce emissions, which is the most effective, least risky way to combat climate change,” McNutt, a former director of the U.S. Geological Survey, said in a statement. “The longer we wait, the more likely it will become that we will need to deploy some forms of carbon dioxide removal to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”
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Freshmen party less, worry about money more BY LARRY GORDON LOS ANGELES TIMES (TNS)
LOS ANGELES — The current crop of college freshmen showed up at school as less experienced party animals than their older peers but with more mental health and emotional issues, according to a national survey by the University of California, Los Angeles researchers. At the same time, the new college students — who entered their teens when many of their parents grappled with the recession’s economic fallout — are more concerned about financial success and aspire to attend graduate schools to enhance their career prospects, the annual American Freshman study found. The survey suggests that the incoming freshmen “were buckling down prior to college and taking their academics more seriously,” said Kevin Eagan, interim managing director of UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute, which has administered the poll for 49 years. However, it remains unclear whether these students will prove on average to be a tame group, Eagan said. In fact, he said their relative abstinence during high school may mean they could be more tempted to binge drink and get into other trouble as social newbies away from the constraints of home. That risk, along with reportedly higher levels of depression and other emotional problems, will challenge colleges to provide enough counseling support and substance abuse educa-
tion, he said. Nearly 11 percent of respondents said they spent six hours or more a week at parties during their senior year of high school, down from 23 percent a decade ago, the survey found. Additionally, 61 percent reported that they spent only an hour or less a week at parties, up from 39 percent 10 years ago. Along the same lines, those who said they occasionally or frequently drank beer dropped to 33.5 percent, compared with 45.5 percent a decade before and 69 percent in 1984. Just 39 percent of current freshmen said they drank wine or hard liquor in the last year, compared with about 52 percent 10 years ago and 68 percent in 1987, when the poll addressed the issue. Colleges around the country are struggling to meet higher demands for psychological and crisis counseling, heightened by fears that their campuses could face incidents of violence and suicide. The survey, which was taken by 153,000 students mainly during last summer’s orientations at 227 four-year colleges, bolstered those concerns. Nearly 12 percent of the freshmen rated their mental health as worse than most others their age; that compared with roughly 7 percent about a decade ago and 3.5 percent in 1985, when the question was first asked. In addition, 9.5 percent said they frequently felt depressed, up from the 6 percent low point, recorded in 2009. “This is signaling that students are bringing with them some emotional strug-
gles, some mental health issues” and those issues could make it harder for students to stay in school and earn a college degree, said Eagan, who is an assistant professor of education at UCLA. Yet whatever problems the freshmen have, a lack of ambition is not one of them. A record 82 percent said that it was very important or essential that they become well-off financially, compared with nearly 77 percent in 2008 before the recession hit and almost double what it was 40 years ago during the countercultural era. Similarly, the share of students entering college with plans to eventually earn a master’s degree increased to about 44 percent, also a record and up from 28 percent four decades ago. Freshmen who indicated they wanted to earn a doctorate or professional degree also was at a new peak: nearly a third, compared with 21 percent four decades ago. Interest in medical school has increased in the last decade while the popularity of law school has dropped a bit. Freshmen saw the economy crash in 2009 and many knew of college-educated people who lost jobs. As a result, they are entering early adulthood believing “they need more money to be comfortable and seeing that a bachelor’s degree may not be the end of their educational journey,” Eagan said. Plus, worries about college costs and student debt heighten desires for a good salary after graduation, he said.
The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Program is accepting applications from mid-career or senior level executives for admission in Summer 2015. The EMPA Program is an accelerated 18-month program for mid-career or senior-level professionals who continue their employment while completing their course of study. It requires at least five years of management or supervisory experience. This intensive professional curriculum will strengthen skills in analytical, leadership and communication skills while preparing students for a dynamic leadership role in public service organizations. Some benefits of the EMPA program are as follows: No GRE is required, classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays, and the course of study includes a mandatory international learning trip.
Applications due March 31, 2015 Admission requirements include recommendation letters, resume, official transcripts, in-person interview, personal statement and current immunizations.
@campusecho
Apply online at https://app.applyyourself.com//?id=nccugrad
www.campusecho.com campusecho@nccu.edu 919.530.7116
For more information, contact Program Coordinator, Dr. Tara L. Fikes at tfikes@nccu.edu or (919) 530-5004.
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Not just a clothing line 12345 1234 123 12
Trending Topic #FTW (For The Win) #WTF (What The ...) #FAIL
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Drake IYRTITL CashMoney Records out of 5 on the black hand
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Former NCCU student Derrick Barnard and Former WSSU student Jamaal Bowden talk about upcoming events for “CapsTribe” and “G3.” KEYANDRA COTTON/Echo staff photographer
BY ALEXANDRIA GLENN A&E REDITOR
On Monday February 24, N.C. Central’s audio net radio series “The Plugg” interviewed founders of The CapsTribe and G3, brands seen often around campus. On June 10th, 2013, former NCCU student Derrick Barnard and former Winston Salem State student Jamaal Bowden decided to collaborate to create a clothing brand that would promote positive messages while encouraging social empowerment through fashionable urban designs. “It’s not a clothing line,” Barnard said of The CapsTribe. “It’s a message that we are trying to push through urban clothing.” Barnard said Caps is an acronym for Children Against Pressured Society. Caps first started selling hats which led them to creating fashionable clothing for men and women.
After the two got CapsTribe up and running, Bowden branched out and created his own collaboration brand G3, which is a community service based brand and organization that stands for Gain Knowledge, Guide others and Grow together. “By creating two collaborating brands we were able to go in different directions while achieving the same goals while working together,” said Bowden. The two separated briefly and have recently reconciled to start their “Never sold Drugs” campaign. “With this campaign we want to raise awareness on the limitless number of ways one can create income other than selling illegal drugs” said Bowden. “Drugs taint the minds of many, pollute our communities and ultimately damage the future of our youth. So, through our clothes we want to make different youth aware that there are alternative
routes.” The two design their clothes with positive symbols, logos and phrases including their signature phrase “Never sold drugs.” Barnard said the campaign response has been positive. “We have had some good sales but our main goals are not about the sales but to get the message across” said Barnard. Barnard said they started selling their items primarily through their website, bigcartel.com. Their brands together have currently gained 7,000-8,000 followers through social media. With networks in both NCCU and WSSU, they spread their clientele throughout both campuses. Bowden made his brand into an organization that is registered at WSSU. “My goal is to have our organizations registered at all 16 colleges in the UNC school systems,” said Bowden. Their brands were featured in WSSU’s “Watch
the Throne” fashion show and at NCCUs sneaker expo in 2014. “At both of these venues we got the chance to network and gain more clientele while spreading the word about our brand,” said Barnard. 2015 is the two year anniversary for CapsTribe and Barnard has plans of eventually opening a store in Durham where they will be able to sell their collections to their buyers first hand. Bowden plans on continuing with G3 organization and doing more community service projects while collaborating with nonprofit organizations. “After becoming wealthy, [rapper] J.Cole bought out the house from his childhood that was foreclosed on his family when he was younger,” said Bowen. “Now he rents it out to single parent families and that gave me the idea to do that same act of kindness right here in the community of Durham.”
FREELON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 founding, the Freelon Group’s distinctive designs have led to design contracts for some of the most respected institutions in the United States. For example, the Freelon Group is architect of record for the $500 million Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, now under construction on the National Mall. Drawings in the exhibit include plans for the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco; the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta; and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Kenny Rodgers, NCCU Art Museum director, said few students who saw the exhibit knew about the Freelon Group’s involvement on campus. “They were very impressed with the work, but they had no idea of the breadth of [the Freelon Group’s] projects,” Rodgers said. Rodgers said the drawings in the Freelon exhibit are “just a sampling,” and that students should visit the
exhibit to get an inkling of the Freelon Group’s accomplishment. In March 2014, The Freelon Group partnered with another architecture firm, Perkins+Will, creating one of the largest architecture and design practices in the state. Rodgers said this merger was the impetus for creating the exhibit. “Now is the time to take stock of what The Freelon Group contributed to communities,” he said. Rodgers said for students, Phil Freelon – whom Rodgers called “one of the most recognized black architects in Durham today” – is an important figure. “For many decades, the door was closed for African American architects,” he said, adding that many pioneering architects were ignored. “[Phil Freelon] has broken barriers that many are of course gratified to see.” Rodgers said he hopes the exhibit energizes students and shows them that anything and everything is possible. He said due to the weather, turnout has been scant, but he is hopeful that it will pick up.
Phil Freelon standing outside of one of his creations, the BRITE building on NCCU’s campus. Photo courtesy of NCCU Art Museum
Love him or hate him, Drake is one of the most consistent names in rap. His innovative songwriting has helped him create a style that encompasses the sounds of hard-hitting hip-hop, as well as synthdriven pop. On the sixyear anniversary of “So Far Gone,” Drake peels back the layers of his capricious persona with his latest offering, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” Flirting effortlessly between hopeless-romantic and maniacal despot, Drake foregoes his usual faux-openness for genuinely personal tracks. “IYRTITL” isn’t flawless, but in those blemishes, the album shines. One of the most endearing qualities of rap is how it exposes listeners to linguistic differences among people. “IYRTITL” has this in spades. This album is unabashedly Toronto; adorned with the lingo of the city, the songs are a convergence of rap styles which supports the burgeoning Toronto sound. From the constant barrages of “6” and “Woe” to the West-Indian inspired patois which thread the tracks together, “IYRTITL” has an authenticity which creates a conversational listening experience. Lyrically, the album
Beck Morning Phase Capitol Records out of 5 on the black hand side
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The alt-rock musician Beck has been producing music since the ’80s, with 12 studio albums. Beck is known for writing and composing all his songs by himself. His newest work, “Morning Phase,” won two Grammys (Best Rock Album and Album of the Year). Despite being a topic of controversy at the Grammys, the album managed to gain positive feedback from some listeners and praise for incorporating a variety of genres. In “Morning Phase,” the familiar smooth and relaxing pace is evident much like in his 2002 album, “Sea Change.” The short intro song, “Cycles,” flows into “Morning,” setting the folk/ indie/country mood. Most of the instrumentals on this album are simple, with a medium tempo and a balanced melody and rhythm. “Blackbird Chain” and “Say Goodbye,” however, are slightly faster. The lyrics of “Morning Phase” seem to tell stories of dark times in Beck's life, hinting at emotional troubles and relationships
places a premium on pithy lyrics as opposed to convoluted metaphors. The opening track, “Legend,” is a testament to Drake’s effectiveness as a songwriter. The deeply personal “You and the 6” is an intimate collection of emotions; Drake touches on forgiving his father, relationships with women, isolation and race, all through a conversation with his mother. “IYRTITL” is a no-frills manifesto to the artist and person Drake has become. Sonically, the tape is minimalist. Anchored by frequent collaborator Boi-1da, the production sound pulls inspiration from Chicago’s Drill movement, Memphis’ woozy drawl, ’90s R&B, and something quintessentially Toronto. As “IYRTITL” lurks through your speakerswitheerie vulnerability and desperate honesty. On “Energy,” Drake is doing his best “Project Pat” impersonation. The track – expertly paced by Boi-1da’s instrumental – is transcendent, thanks to Drake’s masterful delivery. The R&B groove “Jungle” offers a sultry change of pace. “IYRTITL” is nocturnal and claustrophobic, more like “0100/The Catch Up” than “Nothing Was the Same.” Drake ensnares his listeners not with huge instrumentals and arrogance, but with vulnerability. — Aaron Dial
gone wrong. In “Unforgiven,” someone is running away from something. What the person is running away from is left up to the listener's imagination. “Turn Away” explores leaving behind troubles from the past in order to continue with the future. Although the music is relaxed enough to chill you out after a long day, it always maintains its structure. It is admirable that Beck wrote, engineered, and composed the album with little help. Still, this isn’t a standout album. It's important for an album to have flow, but some of the songs on Morning Phase seem repetitive. Some of Beck’s past work, like “Midnite Vultures,” had the ability to engage the listener and take them a musical journey. This album missed the mark in some areas. Nonetheless, when you need music for winding down or to keeping calm, “Morning Phase” is a perfect fit. — Tia Mitchell
Sports
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015
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NCCU breezes by Morgan State Slow start doesn’t hold Eagles back from continuing 31-game conference streak BY
AVERY YOUNG
ECHO SPORTS EDITOE
As projected in the regular season, N.C. Central Men’s basketball team clinched the 2014-2015 MidEastern Athletic Conference regular season title Saturday as the team finessed its way past the Bears of Morgan State University 74-59. This win was not the usual, easy conference win for NCCU. It took a little more effort in most of the first half to gain separation from the Bears because of a sluggish start by the Eagles. Morgan State kept the game close throughout most of the first half with the help of several threepoint shot. As a team, Morgan State shot 45 percent from behind the arc, but Blake Bozeman and Andrew Hampton accounted for all nine made three-pointers. NCCU’s head coach LeVelle Moton highlighted Bozeman’s shooting efforts during the first half in the post-game conference. He said, “In the first half, Bozeman is a good player and he hit some threes, but they were uncontested because we had bad hands,” Moton said. “So we need to learn to
do that at a high rate at all times.” And as the game progressed, the Eagles defense did step up, allowing the Bears to score only 25 points in the second half. Late in the first half, the Eagles found a rhythm, built a lead and coasted for the rest of the game. Jordan Parks had the game high of 20 points and 10 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season. Nimrod Hilliard added 19 points and seven assists. The Eagles dominated in the paint, outscoring the Bears by 40 points. “I think we are starting to get on a roll,” said Parks, the team captain. “It is a couple things that we do need to clean up but overall, a win is a win and to get out of here and keep the momentum alive in the building is always great.” Hilliard stressed how hungry the team is to keep winning. “The win feels great and I love to win but I am greedy,” he said. “I want to win as much as possible; we want to win everything. “So really we are not satisfied at all and that is our motto.” With this win, NCCU extends its home winning streak to 33 games.
NCCU point guard Nimrod Hilliard IV racks up 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in win vs. Morgan State. MARKELL PITCHFORD/Staff photographer
This win also helped the team extend its record for the nation’s longest conference win streak
with 31 games. The Eagles now have the No. 1 seed in the MEAC tournament.
The next test for NCCU is Saturday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. in the McDougaldMcLendon gymnasium ver-
sus the Bethune University.
Wildcats of Cookman
Lady Eagles keep swinging for the fences Lady Eagles upset ACC opponent in the Eagle Challenge, 5-4 “We come to the field ready to compete no matter what their title is. It felt like any other win. We play to win the game, so it’s just a plus that it was an ACC team.” BRIANNA HAMPTON FIRST BASEMAN, NCCU SOFTBALL
BY
LYNDON BASS
ECHO SPORTS WRITER
NCCU softball catcher Emerie Germ smacks a 3-run homerun in the 3 third inning. Courtesy of Kyle Serba from NCCU Sports Information
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On Valentine’s Day, the University of Virginia Cavaliers visited the Lady Eagles of N.C. Central for the Eagle Challenge in softball. The Cavaliers were in for a lovely surprise on the softball field. With this being the first game of the season for both teams, many viewers didn’t know what to expect. Starting the first 3 innings on a 5-0 run by the lady Eagles, the Cavaliers found themselves playing “catchup” throughout the game. Senior catcher Emerie Germ helped boost a great start, hitting a three-run HR to give the Eagles the early 5-0 lead. Sophomore first baseman Brianna Hampton contributed her batting skills, adding 2 RBIs. Sophomore pitcher Dominique Wilson also stood at the mound contributing 8 Ks.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers were no match for the Eagles, tallying a final score of 5-4 in seven innings. The Lady Eagles were humble in their victory against an ACC opponent in their first game of the season. “We beat them, so it was an awesome feeling that it was an ACC team, but more than anything we just wanted to win,” said Germ. “We came out to compete and we came out to play. It didn’t matter if it was ACC or a MEAC opponent.” The Cavaliers weren’t the only ones shocked at the result of the game. “My dad had to double check the website a couple of times, he just didn’t believe it,” Germ said. Dominique Wilson started her season racking up 8 strikeouts, as well as, ending the game with a strikeout to cap the 5-4 victory. “The game was intense and exciting but honestly I just play to win,” Wilson said. “It doesn’t matter what
team it is.” Hampton had mixed feelings about whether the game was an upset. “I say the game was an upset because they look down upon us because we’re in the MEAC, but it wasn’t an upset to us because as a team we’re all determined to win the same game.” “We come to the field ready to compete no matter what their title is,” she said. “It felt like any other win. We play to win the game, so it’s just a plus that it was an ACC team.” As the result of that upset game, two Lady Eagles earned themselves awards within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Emerie Germ received the MEAC’s Player of the Week Award. Dominique Wilson’s pitching performance earned her the MEAC’s Pitcher of the Week Award. The Lady Eagles host a doubleheader against the Manhattan College Jaspers this Friday, February 27 at the Parkwood Athletic Field.
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Opinions
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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015
Let it go Y
ou don’t have to be a product of where you’re from.
I was raised in a rough area of Greensboro – Southside, to be exact. My pops decided when he wanted to appear and disappear to be a father figure. But I grew wiser, although the man in my life was a big drug dealer. I accepted both of their mistakes because both men showed me someone I didn’t want to be. I’ve probably Melquan seen more black males on a block Ganzy, Opinions than in my college classes. Editor But I chose to walk a different path. Looking at the troubles in your past will steer one off the road ahead, but accepting errors allows one to live pure and true. As long as you take something good from the challenges, you’ll be all right. I wanted to reach beyond my greatest expectations. Be a black man a part of a dominant legacy, or lead other black men into their own path of success. Be the sophisticated woman who carries herself with dignity. You think it’s easier said than done, so what’s holding you back? Fear. We’re so afraid to be differ-
Looking at the troubles in your past will steer one off the road ahead, but accepting errors allows one to live pure and true. As long as you take something good from the challenges, you’ll be all right.
ent! We’re afraid to stand out! We’re afraid to speak up! But you aren’t damn sure afraid to say roll up or match me. We tend to hold onto our past, fail to accept challenges & mistakes, and support each other. Everything happens for a reason. And unfortunately some challenges are out of one’s control. For example, I had a friend who saw her family’s lives ruined because of greed and dishonesty, leading her brother to be killed before her eyes. But she challenged herself to continue to instill loyalty into her own kids. We can’t change things that happen, we can only stay fit to survive through next round of life’s up’s and down’s. Today’s she stronger than the day she wiped her last tears. The challenge brought her peace, molding her into who she’s truly meant to be. We aren’t perfect individuals, so everyone is liable to make a mistake. Let’s not make excuses for accepting mistakes. For instance, if either a
black boy grows up fatherless, it doesn’t mean become a part of stereotype: selling drugs, degrading women, and sagging his pants. Or if a black girl grows up without a father, it doesn’t mean she’s unsure how to love a man or understand her worth. At N.C Central students are driven for success. Most students are diligently working to establish their names to assure their future is bright as the moon that everyone wants to float on. I’m all about being selfmade, not being made by any organization but contributing to the growth of the organization, starting from the bottom and rising through accomplishments and conquering the unexpected. But as a Historical Black University College we have abandoned the communities. We have forgotten about the people who are educating themselves through life challenges. Of course, everyone must focus on oneself to engrave their path of success, but we have to support each other instead of stepping on each other. For example, on the recent canceled reality series,
“Sorority Sisters,” two envious black women bickered about their business being better than one. The two ladies stuck up their nose at another and one another, walking with their head above the grey clouds. Obviously, the ladies didn’t notice they were entrepreneurs. Instead of being each other’s support system, they were competitors. The actions of these two black women did nothing more but to encourage young black girls to down each other. Today our generation watches the mockery reality shows rather than listening to an elder black woman’s words of guidance. Neediness to say our youth are misled! Little girls aren’t playing with either Cabbage Patch dolls or Easy Bake ovens. They’re becoming pregnant at early ages as if it’s ok. Little boys aren’t just playing with toy guns anymore, they’re packing real steel. If you all haven’t realized that the younger generations are suffering due to the lack of guidance and assurance, maybe you’re misled as well. To retain discipline and structure in our youth, we have to be supportive and set firm examples. Every other nationality seems to stick together instead of fighting each other for success. Let’s build a human ladder, helping each other reach to the top.
Know the odds Y
ou may have a lot of friends. And friendships are great things to have. You probably spend a lot of time hanging with your best friend. But when it comes down to it, you’ll spend the most time throughout life with yourself. Take a look in the metaphorical mirror. Ask yourself, Evan “Am I the person Owens who I would want to be friends with?” Humans are pretty social by nature. Sometimes our lives seem
If you have to change the person you are, or act a way you wouldn’t normally act to make someone like you, then find a different friend! Odds are the person you’re pretending to be for someone also, probably isn’t being themselves either. to revolve around relationships. We say we don’t, but we care about the opinions of others. It’s funny to see all the ways our desire to please others makes us act. What’s more important than pleasing others? Making friends and keeping those friendships show you the person you are. If you have to change the
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person you are, or act a way you wouldn’t normally act to make someone like you, then find a different friend! Odds are, the person you’re pretending to be for someone also, probably isn’t being themselves either. Don’t be a part of that charade. Once you’ve gotten to know yourself and have also grown into the person you’re meant
Illustration by Krystal Porter
Sound Off How can black people become more supportive of each other? “We need to realize that we hinder one another a lot of times through hate. All we simply need to do is uplift each other .” —Shambre Tillman, Senior
“First, we have to come together then learn how to feed off of each other, so we’re able to provide supportive criticism and positive feedback.” —Shanice Green, Junior
to be, make sure your friendships are honest and meaningful. It’ll save you time that you would have spent pretending to be someone who you aren’t. This approach may seem like it’ll make it harder to find friends. You might think if you start acting like yourself, you could lose some friends. But if you had to pretend around someone, they were never really your friend. So be who you want to be, as long as it’s not at the expense of others. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. It’s not selfish. You owe that honesty to your friends and yourself.
“If you’re genuinely happy for someone it’d be great karma for you. We want what everyone else has instead of what’s actually meant for us.” — Brittany Jackson, Senior
Sound Off by Melquan Ganzy