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NCCU alumna Kim Arrington played to a packed house at labourlove gallery.

See the pics.

Sports Will you be watching as our men’s baskeball team attempts to upset IU?

Ivey Hayes retrospective shines at NCCU’s Art Museum thru April 20.

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VOLUME 103, ISSUE 8

Campus Echo

We don’t want to go

Sociology students launch silent protest against program elimination

BY MATT PHILIPS ECHO A&E EDITOR

One of the principle insights of sociology is this: Not everything is what it seems.

The Jan. 9 proposal to eliminate the bachelor’s program in sociology at N.C. Central University has been amended by Chancellor

Nelms — without University-wide notification — to include elimination of the sociology master’s program in addition to eliminating the bachelor’s program.

About 40 students and community members marched in silent demonstration against the pro-

posed eliminations last Thursday.

The protesters were joined by faculty, including James Davies, chair of the sociology department and Robert Wortham, professor of sociology.

Davies said he attended the demonstration to support the students.

“We’re here to raise awareness for the importance of the sociology program,” said sociology graduate student Steven Hargrove.

“We believe sociology changed the world. … This program is vital to the

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Young voters called to arms HBCU summit gives students opportunity to talk to Dem leaders

BY AARON SAUNDERS

NCCU students protest proposed program eliminations.

MATT PHILLIPS/A&E editor

Obama polling strong

ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Actor Garbrielle Union get her Eagle on at the National HBUC Summitt at B.N. Duke Auditorium, Tuesday night.

Students from across North Carolina came in droves Tuesday night to N.C. Central University’s B.N. Duke auditorium for Greater Together’s National HBCU Student Summit.

Constituents were given the opportunity to interact with U.S. Representatives David Price and G.K. Butterfield in addition to Obama campaign manger Jim Messina, senior adviser to the president, Valerie Jarrett and actress Gabrielle Union.

The event was streamed live on BarackObama.com and served as a pep rally for young voters to get excited about the November 2012 elections.

“We really wanted to make sure young people had a seat at the table,” said Valeisha Butterfield-Jones National Youth Director for Obama for America.

According to a study conducted by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, voter turnout for 18-29 in the 2008 presidential elections ages rose to 51 per-

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CHI BROWN/Echo Photo editor

Back home

Out of stock Ruffin Hall residents have no living room

President Barack Obama speaks to the crowd at Master Lock in Milwaukee, February 15, promoting manufacturing and highlighted the importance of bringing the jobs back to America.

TOM LYNN/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT)

BY THOMAS FITZGERALD THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER (MCT)

PHILADELPHIA — For months, Republicans fighting for their party’s nomination have dominated the political discussion with a grim narrative of American decline: a sluggish economy worsened by a Democratic president bent on creating a European-style social-welfare state on this side of the Atlantic, with a naive foreign policy and an animus toward traditional values.

But while Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul — the last four Republicans standing in the race for the White House — continue pushing one another to the right in a quest to lock down the conservative base and the win, President Barack

BY TRENTON LITTLE

BY JEROME BROWN JR ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

In two weeks the N. C. Central University men's and women's basketball teams will compete in their first MEAC tournament since the 1979 season, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line.

If the tournament started today, the Lady Eagles would be seeded in last place as the 13th seed with a conference record of 1-12. The men’s team is currently tied for the 5th seed in the conference with the Coppin State University Eagles (8-5).

However, CSU owns the tie breaker because of their win over NCCU’s Eagles (77-57) on Jan. 21.

“It feels great,” said Chancellor Charlie Nelms.

“The past years have been a period of transition, and for it to finally begin feels wonderful.”

For the past five years the athletic department has been in a transition stage awaiting full membership to the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference,

For the fifth year in a row students at N.C. Central University can expect an increase in tuition and fees.

The 8.5 percent increase was approved by the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors earlier this month and applies to all 16 universities in the system.

The 8.8 percent average increase system-wide is slightly below the national average of 8.3 percent for the 2011-12 school year.

Next Fall an undergraduate student at NCCU will see a nearly $400, or 8.5 percent, increase in tuition and fees.

“I feel like it’s a little bit too much, because it’s (tuition) already high,” said criminal justice sophomore Jasmine Johnson.

UNC System President Thomas Ross’ plan was

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SPENCE CLARK/Echo staff photographer

BY DAJA CARR ECHO STAFF REPORTER

It’s a popular question around Benjamin S. Ruffin Residential Hall these days — “Where is our suite furniture?”

What’s missing from three floors of the residential hall is suite furniture – a coffee table, two chairs and

a sofa. And it’s been missing since the fall term began almost six months ago.

Residents say assistant community directors told them in September that the furniture was needed to be reupholstered.

Students say they were told they

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Tuition sky tram

ECHO SPORTS ASSISTANT EDITOR

Junior Keandra Diggs sitting in the unfurnished common area of her suite.

Obama has crept back into his strongest position in months.

Several of the latest polls show Obama’s job-approval rating at the crucial 50 percent benchmark and give him leads in head-to-head matchups with his likely GOP opponents.

Jobs have grown for several consecutive months, consumer confidence is up, and so is the stock market.

Even General Motors Co., rescued by a much-criticized government bailout, is turning a profit and adding shifts. At the end of the past week, Obama won a rare victory in Congress as Republicans agreed to an extension of a payroll-tax cut.

On the foreign-policy

backed by the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments.

Atul Bhula, president of the UNCASG, says the tuition plan Ross proposed was more fair than the one campus Boards of Trustees recommended.

“If you take the average of the two years for in-state undergraduate students it stays in the range of the second four-year plan, which was adopted by the UNC Board of Governors in November 2010,” Bhula told the Echo in an email Monday.

An additional systemwide average increase of 4.2 percent is expected for the 2013-14 school year.

“President Ross and the UNC Board of Governors are in the middle of a rock and a hard place.

We believe that the presi-

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Campus Echo WENDESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011

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Twitter: pros Same-sex union next for NC? Campus LGBT groups take stand against N.C. Amendment 1 and cons Social media networks new source of power

BY MATT PHILLIPS ECHO A&E EDITOR

The power of dissemination makes Twitter a valuable commodity.

The micro-blogging website is prized territory for those seeking their fortune in the technological gold rush and for those who wish to control the flow of information to the masses.

Without users, Twitter would be pointless. But the real power lies in the networks users create.

According to a blog post

by Gilad Lotan, vice president of research and development at SocialFlow — a research team who analyzes technology and social content — news of Whitney Houston’s death was originally tweeted by user @AjaDiorNavy on Feb. 11 at 7:42 p.m.

“Omgg, my aunt tiffany who work for Whitney Houston just found Whitney Houston dead in the tub. Such a shame & sad,” tweeted @AjaDiorNavy.

However, for the next 42 minutes only 16 other people found out and tweeted.

The big news break came when the Associated Press tweeted.

“Within 5 minutes of the AP’s post, we see over 3,000 responses, with an increasing acceleration in the number of reactions,” writes Lotan.

Lotan makes it clear that breaking the news isn’t what’s most important, the network a given user develops is the key.

“Just because you’re first doesn’t mean your content will spread,” said Lotan. “In this case, @AjaDiorNavy had an incredibly hot piece of information minutes before anyone else knew, yet @AjaDiorNavy didn’t have the right network to spread it.”

The ways in which journalists and news outlets make use of Twitter is straightforward and plain to the eye. A larger network makes for faster news dissemination.

The use of Twitter by the advertising industry is more complex, though it

still involves the creation of networks, in this case comprised of consumers.

Stored Personal Identifiable Information, or PII — Internet Protocol addresses, browser search terms, mobile carrier and device information — is stored as recorded data by Twitter.

PII is provided to advertisers to target individual Twitter users.

Twitter owns the content its users create, and it even owns and holds the right to sell or transfer PII. The privacy policy for Twitter states, “In the event that Twitter is involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization or sale of assets, your information may be sold or transferred as part of that transaction.”

But running parallel to Twitter’s profit motive are educational uses.

Charmaine McKissickMelton, associate professor and coordinator of mass communication at N.C. Central University, uses Twitter in her media advertising, sales and marketing class as a way to provide students a knowledge base in social media and the evolution of its professional use.

Students say Twitter enables them to get immediate feedback during presentations.

“We use Twitter in class as a way 2 give feedback 2 class members after presentations and also 2 inform the prof what we have learned,” tweeted @fashions_ICON. “Not everybody should be in sales, but everybody should understand the money,” said McKissickMelton.

McKissick-Melton looks at social media as the cutting edge of marketing.

How advertisers monetize this new frontier depends on their target audience.

“It is not the biggest chunk of money, but it’s a growing chunk of money,” said McKissick-Melton.

“The revenue stream is coming. ... Twitter is different because it is interactive.”

BY ALEXANDRIA SAMPSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The debate on same-sex marriage in North Carolina is heating up.

On Sept 13, 2011, the N.C. House and Senate voted 7542 to refer proposed Amendment 1 to statewide ballot in the May primary.

Amendment 1 proposes that “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.”

Although gay marriage is now illegal in North Carolina, Amendment 1 would add the ban to the state constitution.

The proposed amendment has met opposition from the gay community and its supporters.

“I believe that we are all human and we should be able to love who we want to,” said biology freshman Micah Barbee, who voiced her displeasure with the proposed amendment.

LGBT groups on campus, including COLORS, DOMS, Outlaw, and Polychrome, have taken a clear stand against Amendment 1.

To show support for the gay community, these campus groups have hosted a range of LGBT Week activities including speed dating, films about same-sex marriage, and a rally in opposition to Amendment 1.

Among those leading the vocal charge is political science senior Brandon Hicks.

Hicks is also a member

An LGBT panel discusses implications of Amendment 1. Facing the camera are James Coleman, Duke Law, Irv Joyner, NCCU law, Barbara Fedders, UNC law, Lydia Lavelle, NCCU law, and Angela Gilmore, NCCU law.

SPENCE CLARK/Echo staff photographer

of COLORS and sees no logic behind the proposal.

“Spain, Portugal, Canada and South Africa have legalized gay marriage and I don’t see them legalizing pedophilia,” he said.

Hicks said he is not surprised at the attitudes of some North Carolinians toward same-sex marriage, but he said he is disappointed at the attitudes of many African Americans.

“Living in the black community I found it more open … I expect more acceptance.”

Supporters of the ban have cited religion as their main reasoning for being anti-gay.

African-American religious leaders like the Rev. Patrick Wooden of Raleigh’s Upper Room Church of Christ in God, and Minister Garland Pierce, associate director of Education and

Leadership of the National Council of Churches, have taken a strong stand against same-sex marriage and homosexuality.

Wooden has described homosexuality as a “wicked, perverse lifestyle that destroys people.”

Elementary education senior Anjane Jacobs said anti-gay prejudice extends outside the black church.

“I feel like people use religion as an excuse,” she said.

Jacobs said what individuals get out of the Bible is “open for interpretation.”

Mr. NCCU, Mark Turner, and Miss NCCU, Kelsey Hargrove, have put their support behind opposition to Amendment 1.

Turner and Hargrove have taken on the responsibility of spreading awareness and setting an example of acceptance for all students.

“It’s important to make sure that our faces are seen at these events,” said Turner, a criminal justice senior.

The pair appeared at the Amendment 1 rally to show their support.

“This is a good opportunity to spread awareness,” said Hargrove, a psychology senior.

A February 2011 Elon University poll revealed that 38 percent of North Carolinians supported Amendment 1.

But a January 2012 poll, also conducted by Elon University, shows that 56 percent of North Carolinians favor the amendment.

Hicks says he doesn’t expect any southern states to legalize gay marriage in the near future.

“They’re run by bigots.

They’re backwards,” Hicks said.

RUFFIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 would get their furniture in October.

“I think the furniture not being here makes NCCU look very cheap, unorganized, and it is unfair,” said elementary education sophomore Janel Lowery, a resident.

Resident Maraskeshi Brown, accounting sophomore, complained that residents aren’t getting what

STUDY ABROAD Important dates from your Office of International Affairs Welcome back, students! Please come to the Office of International Affairs in Room 103 of the Lee Biology Building to discuss your plans to study abroad.

Important information and dates for spring 2012: Monthly study abroad general information session – First Thursday of every month at 10:40 a.m. in Room 202, Lee Biology Building (February 2, March 1,April 5 and May 2) Campus deadline for study abroad through the University of North Carolina Exchange Program (UNCEP) for the fall or academic year – March 1.

Contact: Olivia E-M Jones at ojones@nccu.edu Tel. (919) 530 7713

they expected and paid for.

Brown is unhappy that she can’t study in the suite.

“It gets really boring and can be distracting doing your homework in your room all the time,” said Brown.

Some students are beginning to lose patience.

“I do not think that we will ever get the furniture,” said nursing sophomore Jasmine Ingram. “It has been five to six months and we still don’t have it.”

According to Jennifer Wilder, director of Residential Life, the furniture was scheduled to be reupholstered before classes started.

But, she said, the project was halted over state purchasing requirements such as selecting the vendor and getting bids. Bids were complete and vendors were selected by the beginning of the spring term.

“The two vendors are now working to repair and reupholster the rest of the furniture,” said Wilder.

Wilder said there has been discussion about reimbursing students, but added, “there will not be any monetary compensation to Ruffin residents.

“There is a non-monetary appreciation activity planned for residents being without suite furniture for

most of the year.”

According to members of the Ruffin Hall Council, there are plans to hold a pizza gathering, paid for by Residential Life, to thank students for their patience.

Some students say the pizza gathering is a nice gesture.

“Oh, that’s cool,” said Nikki Davis, early childhood development sophomore.

Others say a pizza gathering is not enough compensation.

“I think it’s wrong. Either way they are spending money, and I can eat pizza at the caf,” said Lauren Weston, nursing sophomore.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011

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Young orator aces competition

BY JAMILA JOHNSON

marriage.”

Barnes gave hard-hitting facts, made the entire audience burst into laughter — and may even have changed a few minds about getting

married.

After his speech, however, Barnes said his true feelings about marriage were not that extreme.

“I didn’t want to sound like everyone else,” he said.

“I was going for the shock factor.”

Placing third was mass communication senior Crystal Cotton, who stressed the significance of marriage and why it is still “alive and kicking.”

The NCCU speech contest got its start in 1988 when former speech professor Nancy Coey initiated speech competitions among her classes.

In 1989 she invited assistant professor Larry Nessly’s class to compete against hers, and from there the competition expanded throughout the mass communication department.

Prize money, which now ranges from $100 to $300, is provided by the Minnie M. Forte Brown Endowed Scholarship, which is intended specifically for speech contests.

“It is important to continue to have these speech competitions so our students can leave this University and know how to represent themselves properly through speech,” said former NCCU lecturer Minnie Forte Brown.

The contest is now coordinated by Shauntae White, associate professor of mass communication.

the necessary funding to the University of North Carolina and the students it serves to preserve the accessibility and affordability to a quality higher education.”

As a result of rising tuition and fees student loan debt has increased in recent years.

According to the latest figures from The Project on Student Debt, college sen-

iors who graduated in 2010 carried an average of $25,250 in student loan debt, while students in North Carolina left with an average debt of $20,959.

Political science junior Shereka Banks calls tuition increases “ridiculous.”

“I think we should be able to use our degrees doing pro bono work to decrease our debt,” said Banks.

HBCU’s have to offer,” said Cameron French North Carolina press secretary of Obama for America.

Union, an actor famous for her roles as Eva in “Deliver us from Eva” and as Martin Lawrence’s sister in “Bad Boys,” has been on the campaign trail since 2008.

“My support stems from the fact that the President and I share the same value system,” she said.

Union said that, like her, the President worked

his way through school and that he knows how hard it is for college students.

As the moderator, Union kept the crowd fired up and boasted that the planners hoped to get 500 people to come to the summit.

In fact, 1,000 people had to squeeze into B.N. Duke Auditorium.

Those who couldn’t get into the auditorium could watch a video stream of the event in the FarrisonNewton Communication Building.

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Twenty-two students signed up, 14 participated in the qualifying rounds, six were chosen and one came out on top — N.C. Central University Early College senior Bailey Clemmons.

Clemmons won by one point over Zevandah Barnes, a senior in the department of mass communication.

The subject of the competition was “Put a Ring on It: The State of C o n t e m p o r a r y Relationships.”

Clemmons took an unusual approach, expounding on the relationship between a child and her parents rather than between a man and woman.

“I realized that people would talk about the romance aspect of the topic, but I am in high school,” she said.

“I’ve never been in love, so I related it to something I did know.”

Clemmons said she comes from a single-parent home, which is where she found her inspiration from the speech.

She said she feels strengthening communication with the parents is critical.

Clemmons expressed surprise at her first-place win.

“It was so surreal!” she said. “I didn’t expect to win.

I’m glad I put myself out

Bailey Clemmons reacts to winning the NCCU speech competition Feb. 16.

Third-p place winner Crystal Cotton stands behind Clemmons.

JAMILA JOHNSON/Echo staff photographer

there.”

Barnes went in the opposite direction from Clemmons, discussing reasons for not marrying.

Barnes opened his

speech with, “Hi, I am Zevandah Barnes. I am a Pisces and I am single by choice.”

He closed with: “The leading cause of divorce is

TUITION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dent looked at tuition and fees closely to come up with these numbers in a time where we have seen budget cuts by the NC General Assembly and enrollment staying around the same,” said Bhula.

In a Durham Herald-Sun column Chancellor Charlie Nelms cited the increase as a measure to meet the needs of students.

“NCCU’s proposed

increase in tuition and fees will assist the university in fulfilling its mission to serve the needs of its students and through their achievement, all of North Carolina’s citizens,” said Nelms.

Article IX, Section 9 of the Constitution of North Carolina states “The General Assembly shall provide that the benefits of The University of North

Carolina and other public institutions of higher education, as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the State free of expense.”

Bhula feels it is imperative for the NC General Assembly to uphold the article in the Constitution.

“I believe that it is important for the NC General Assembly to uphold Article IX, Section 9 of the NC Constitution by providing

SUMMIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 cent, an increase of two percentage points from the 2004 elections.

Also, in the 2008 presidential elections, 36 percent of youths without college experience voted, compared to the 62 with college experience.

Young African Americans posted the highest turnout rate ever observed for any racial or ethnic groups of young Americans since 1972.

There was also a significant gender gap in voterturnout: young women

voted at a rate eight points above young men.

“Now more than ever we need to be more involved,” said NCCU SGA president Reggie McCrimmon, adding that “we must continue to come together as HBCU’s to be heard.”

While urging students to get more involved, North Carolina State field director at Organizing for America said “We won the battle in 2008 but it’s not going to be easy to win this battle.”

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In 2008 President Obama became the first Democrat to win North Carolina in the general election since 1976.

“NCCU and Durham were absolutely critical in getting president Obama elected,”said Representative Price.

Durham’s primarily Democratic constituency may be one reason why NCCU was chosen as the kick-off location for the summit.

“NCCU is a great representation of what the best

Black on TV

BY SPENCE CLARK ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Tomorrow’s Lyceum series presents “A Conversation — African American Images in Television and Film.”

The guest panelists are Lance Gross and Brian J. White. The event will take place in the B.N. Duke Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Doors will open at 6 p.m.

White is best known for his role in the television series “Moesha” and his role of Big Brother in “Stomp the Yard.”

Gross is known for playing the role of “Calvin Payne” on the TBS comedy series “House of Payne.”

He also appeared in Tyler Perry’s movie “Meet the Browns.”

The evening’s discussion topic is “the impact of images on our society.”

The moderators will be Charmaine McKissick –Melton, associate professor and coordinator of mass communications and mass communications senior Zevandah Barnes.

Barnes expressed how elated he was about moderating the event.

“I’m glad the faculty has faith in my abilities as a moderator, and as a student,” said Barnes.

David S. Hood, associate dean of the university college said that this Thursday’s event will resemble a Tavis Smiley town hall talk show.

Students will be able to tweet their questions in to the panelists using the hash tag #NCCUnivcollege. The questions will appear on a large screen during the event.

“It would be a travesty for the students not to take advantage of these opportunities presented before them,” Hood said.

“They would look back ten or fifteen years from now and say, wow I missed out on that opportunity.”

Mass communications junior Gabe Aikens is looking forward to the lyceum as an opportunity to learn more about his intended profession.

“I hope they talk about what we can do to get more of us in the media field,” said Aikens.

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Upward bound

Young students get a jump-start in their lives and careers at the Early College

University College, a campus safety net

BY CHANEL COOLEY ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College students Symone Fogg, Jose Esteban and Brianna Pearson.

MATT PHILLIPS /Echo A&E editor

BY MATT PHILLIPS ECHO A&E EDITOR

The kids at Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College don’t mess around.

They handle academic business.

Their high school — part of the Durham Public School System — is situated in the Robinson Science Building at N.C. Central University. The school is a finalist for the National Excellence in Urban Education Award.

Brianna Pearson, an Early College senior, already knows what she will do after graduating from college. “I would like to do computer or electrical engineering,� Pearson said. She is knocking out a Calculus II course in preparation.

Early College senior Jose Esteban also is taking Calculus II. Esteban said he wants to enter the bio-medical field so he can “improve medical technology in general.�

While the curriculum focus is science and math, not all Early College students are traveling this academic trajectory.

Symone Fogg is headed

“We had to go to cultural events. That opened me up to the community. You should open yourself ... embrace things that go on around us.�

knowledge about college.

For Pearson the experience solidified her connection to the community. “We had to go to cultural events,� she said. “That opened me up to the community. You should open yourself, embrace things that go on around us.�

Esteban noted that he has learned the importance of planning. “I’m more of a last-minute person,� he said. “I learned a few lessons doing projects and assignments. You can’t do that stuff last minute.�

Fogg stressed the value of independence, citing the uncharacteristic autonomy granted Early College students. “Starting your junior year, you’re much more independent and accountable for your success,� said Fogg.

About half of NCCU’s Early College students end up attending NCCU.

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A sneaker summit will be hosted by First Class Life Style in the Alphonso Elder Student Union, Sat., Feb 25. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sneaker Summit will allow entrepreneurs and “sneaker heads� to showcase and sell rare sneakers as well as accessories and urban clothing.

The summit will showcase 40 vendors, and is expected to draw at least 300 sneaker lovers.

Vendors include LifE KiT Lifestyle Co., Light as a Feather and Sophisticated Genius.

It will feature live entertainment from Team Tokyo, and an appearance

by K97.5 radio personality Brian Dawson.

First Class Life Style, an event-coordinating company, was founded last December by NCCU juniors Roland Reaves, Thomas Leak and Andre McNeil. “We created an event

coordinating/entertainment company last year to create enjoyable, memorable experiences for everyone while maintaining a sense of professionalism,� said Reaves.

So far, the company has produced 10 events.

The idea of a sneaker summit came from a previous event, The Bi-Annual H-Town Sneaker Summit in Houston.

The founders said they noticed a lack of urban fashion diversity in Durham and decided to bring a similar event to NCCU. “The event will reach out to high school students as well as other surrounding college campuses,� said Leak. “Hopefully we can get the community involved and create a new experience for Durham,� he said.

Reaves said the success of the sneaker summit will determine whether First Class Life Style can replicate the event on a larger scale.

SOCIOLOGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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Trio to host sneaker summit

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

EARLY COLLEGE SENIOR

host such a program.

NCCU’s inaugural class of 84 students has bloomed to a current enrollment of more than 300.

The school is named in honor of the late Josephine Dobbs Clement, a dedicated social activist and a long time civil servant and a key figure in the desegregation of Durham area schools.

Prospective students must submit an application, middle school academic transcripts and three letters of recommendation.

According to Dorsey the school reaches into a pool of students who are otherwise underserved.

The intent is to engage students ordinarily unable to afford college. “It is a rigorous course structure. It does work, if you can engage these students,� said Dorsey.

Pearson, Esteban and Fogg are certainly engaged.

Each has gained valuable

Sneakerheads

BY BRITTNEY BIZELL

BRIANNA PEARSON

for the art and design world.

Fogg said her goals revolve around entrepreneurship and graphic design. “It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do,� said Fogg, a 17-year-old.

The main advantage of Early College at NCCU is simple. Pearson, Esteban and Fogg already have finished the NCCU General Education Course requirements.

In effect, depending on where they decide to attend college, all three will enter college as juniors. “Once they graduate they can go on to the major courses,� said Carmen Dorsey, NCCU Early College liaison. “They’ve gotten general courses out of the way.�

Early College opened during the 2004 academic year with initial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, New Schools Project and others.

NCCU was the first university in the UNC system to

Nearly 30 percent of first-year college students at four-year colleges and universities don’t make it to their sophomore year, according to the N.C. Central University website.

In order to change these statistics, in 2008 NCCU constructed a University College program.

The program is designed to aid freshman, sophomores and undergraduate transfers in their transition into the University.

The program lasts two years. Students can only start taking classes in their major after they’ve completed University College requirements. “Personally, I have had a good experience in NCCU's University College,� said social work junior Simone Thompson. “My adviser helped me obtain the courses that I needed for my curriculum.�

However, some students

complain that some of the programs and requirements of University College are unnecessary.

University College programs include academic advising, academic support such as supplemental instruction, tutoring, Smart Thinking online tutorial sessions, and Grades First. “We have a standard, the CAAP test, [which] is an assessment of what students have gained from the GEC courses,� said Ontario Wooden, dean of University College. “We need to do these things to stay accredited, increase graduation and retention rates.�

According to Wooden, University College has evolved since its creation in 2008.

Recently Grades First has upgraded to become more electronic.

Additionally, the program now has Facebook and Twitter accounts.

In all, 10 of the 16 UNC campuses have programs similar to NCCU’s University College.

campus and society as a whole.�

Hargrove said sociology is critical to the understanding of and struggle against social injustice and inequality.

The elimination of the sociology master’s program is part of sweeping changes to NCCU programs that administrators said will help combat budget woes.

Other changes include the merging of the College of Science and the College of Liberal Arts and, inside the College of Liberal Arts, the merging of the department of English with the department of foreign languages.

The Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training, which was initially slated for elimination, will not be eliminated.

These proposals will go before the NCCU Board of Trustees this morning.

Participants at the sociology protest claim that there may be another — and potentially hidden — agenda behind the elimination of the sociology master’s program.

Sociology graduate student Aimee Williams said she thinks the changes are not related to budget cuts.

Williams has done a statistical review of the depart-

ment.

She says that NCCU will lose $186,000 in tuition because of the changes. “Why is [the elimination] being proposed as a budget decision when it isn’t?�

Williams asked.

In an e-mail to the Echo, Williams wrote, “As I figure it, the department has a recent history of netting $456,000 in tuition after paying for salaries of professors, adjunct professors, and one administrative assistant.

If the University were to move forward with the decision, and implement the proposed plan of retaining only tenured professors ‌ and having no administrative assistant, then the department would only net $270,000 per year after salaries.�

In recent listening sessions, Provost Debbie Thomas said proposed program changes are designed to make NCCU stronger moving forward.

But some students question how eliminating sociology — a discipline that has given rise to such historic texts as W.E.B. Dubois’ “The Souls of Black Folk,� Elliot Liebow’s “Tally’s Corner� and William J. Wilson’s “The

Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass and Public Policy� — strengthens a historically black university with roots in liberal arts and civil rights activism.

Sociology international graduate student Priyanka Khandelwal said she chose NCCU for her master’s degree based on unique course offerings. “This is one of the core subjects,� Khandelwal said. “The courses offered in the graduate program here are not offered everywhere. “There is a history of many international students at Central. “They have been extremely successful because of the guidance received,� said Khandelwal.

Andrew Perrin, associate chair of the sociology department at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, said that eliminating a sociology program at an HBCU is “pretty tragic.� “The roots of sociology are a part of understanding racial inequality,� said Perrin. “These students are taught to think broadly. They turn out to gain the most from college education.�

Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 cial success in this country.

We admire it,� Obama said in the State of the Union. “When Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it’s not because they envy the rich.

It’s because they understand that, when I get a tax break I don’t need and the country can’t afford, it either adds to the deficit or somebody else has to make up the difference _ like a senior on a fixed income, or a student trying to get through school, or a family trying to make ends meet. ... Americans know that’s not right.�

The nation can endure only if there is a sense of “shared responsibility,�

Obama argued.

Republicans frame Obama’s tack as “class warfare,� and it may come to be seen that way by a majority of Americans.

Populist appeals traditionally have had limited success in U.S. politics.

In fact, statistical modeling of presidential elections has found that fundamental economic indicators such as the rates of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth determine the fates of incumbents _ and that trend lines are more important than a “magic� number for any of the factors.

The populist message “may help, but I don’t think voters are willing to listen unless they feel things are changing for the better,� said Dante Scala, a political scientist at the University of New Hampshire. “When the wind is at your back, a fly ball carries out to right field. ... The key is what the economy does in the next several months. If January was a blip and things turn south again, even an embattled Republican nominee will look a lot better.�

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BY DENISE-MARIE BALONA THE ORLANDO SENTINEL(MCT)

ORLANDO, Fla. — The driver of a bus on which Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion was beaten to death in November stood guard while he was assaulted by fellow band members, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in Orlando

by Champion’s family.

According to the lawsuit, bus driver Wendy Millette saw Champion vomiting in the parking lot of the Rosen Plaza hotel, then forced him back onto the bus, telling him he’d be OK. After he boarded the bus again, the lawsuit contends, he was subjected to more hazing.

The hazing took place after the Florida Classic football game in Orlando, after most members of FAMU’s famed Marching 100 had vacated their buses and returned to the hotel.

In the suit, Champion’s family is contending that Millette contributed to the drum major’s death by either participating in the hazing or allowing it to happen. “This was a (hazing) culture embraced by this bus company,� said attorney Christopher Chestnut after filing the lawsuit in Orange circuit court.

The charter bus company, Fabulous Coach Lines of Branford, Fla., could not be reached for comment. The Orlando law firm representing the bus company and Millette also was unavailable.

But Ray Land, the company’s president, said last month that he was disap-

FAMU drum major Robert Champion died in November during an alleged hazing incident at the Florida Classic football game. pointed the Champion family is targeting his company.

He stressed that Fabulous is not responsible for the conduct of individuals riding the charter buses. He also said Millette did not see any hazing aboard the bus on which Champion collapsed. “If she would have seen that, we definitely would have stopped it,� Land said.

According to the suit, however, the driver of another Fabulous Coach Lines bus saw Millette’s bus rocking from side to side on the night of Nov. 19 and asked her what was happening.

Millette then told him “to ignore the activity and move on,� the suit alleges.

Champion, 26, died as a result of blunt force trauma from the hazing, according to a medical examiner’s report.

Chestnut said the allegations against Fabulous Coach Lines were based on eyewitness accounts and other information from about 30 people, including several former bus drivers and about 20 students. He also interviewed two students who went through the hazing ritual that night on Bus C. According to the suit,

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Champion underwent two different types of hazing.

One was called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot seat,â&#x20AC;? in which the person being hazed is told to sit down.

Then hazers place a pillow case â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or some other object that restricts breathing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; over the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head.

Hazers then ask a series of questions.

If they are answered correctly, the person being hazed is allowed to take a breath. If not, the person is hit and kicked and asked another question.

The other type of hazing forces the victim to move as quickly as possible from the front of the bus to the back while being pummeled by other band members. If the victim falls to the floor, he may be stomped and then dragged to the front of the bus to start over.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still unclear whether Champion willingly boarded the bus to be hazed or if he was somehow forced or coerced, said Ryan Julison, a spokesman for Chestnut.

But he was not a passenger on Bus C. He rode in another bus on the trip from Tallahassee to Orlando.

Then, he and the other drum majors took a limousine to and from the Florida Classic.

Champion had changed out of his band uniform before entering Bus C, which had also been boarded by more than 20 band members and alumni. The first ritual Champion completed was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot seat,â&#x20AC;? Chestnut said after filing the suit. One witness, he said, reported that Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiation was particularly brutal.

The physical and verbal abuse was so severe that the witness, a student who was sitting near Champion at the time, tried to interfere. But the student was â&#x20AC;&#x153;immediately struck back down into the seat and pinned down as the physical punishment abuse continued,â&#x20AC;? according to the lawsuit.

Champion was trying to complete the second ritual when he became nauseous, Chestnut said. Students punched him, slapped him and hit him with unknown objects. Some students grabbed onto handrails and hurled themselves at Champion as he made his way down the aisle.

Champion left the bus to vomit and then continued the process after Millette â&#x20AC;&#x153;forcedâ&#x20AC;? him back onto the bus, the 26-page lawsuit alleges.

According to the suit, Millette was frequently assigned to the infamous â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bus C,â&#x20AC;? where hazings were known to occur, and told other drivers that she was part of the Bus C â&#x20AC;&#x153;posse.â&#x20AC;?

On Nov. 19, she made it easy for the hazing to occur, the lawsuit alleges. Her bus was parked separate from the other buses in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;obscuredâ&#x20AC;? area of the hotel parking lot. The engine was running, the air conditioning was on and the interior lights were partially activated.

Some drivers, the suit alleges, had complained to company officials about hazing incidents on Bus C and on other buses before Nov. 19 and were instructed to ignore them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that â&#x20AC;&#x153;FAMU was paying for it and could do what they want.â&#x20AC;?

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E N TR A L

FAMU lawsuit: Bus driver stood by during beating

OBAMA front, the war in Afghanistan is winding down and Obama can claim credit for the killing of Osama bin Laden and the thinning of the ranks of al-Qaida leadership.

To be sure, Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standing remains precarious, with fallout from Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial crisis and the possibility of armed confrontation between Israel and Iran over Iranian nuclear ambitions just two of the variables that could change things instantly. And at some point, Republicans will unite around a nominee.

Yet the chief dynamic of the 2012 campaign _ an incumbent facing one of the worst re-election environments in history _ may have to be reconsidered, at least for now, analysts and strategists say. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a close call â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a dramatic movement up,â&#x20AC;? argued Democratic consultant Saul Shorr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are more optimistic about the economy, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening at the same time theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re watching a circus that is disconnected from their lives on the Republican side â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Three Stooges.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153; Indeed, as the GOP battle drags on, most national polls find negative views of all the candidates increasing. (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a common result, and the purpose, of negative ads and campaign contrasts.)

Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorable rating, in particular, has dropped sharply among the independent and moderate voters important to winning general elections.

While the Republicans are on the main stage, Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-election campaign has been busy. It has raised more than $150 million and spent a little less than half that building the mechanisms of mobilization that could turn a close election, starting with a massive database of persuadable voters.

Obama has also grabbed opportunities to reassure key elements of the Democratic base. He recently refused permission for the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas, cheering environmentalists; pushed for more federal student loans and lower college tuition, issues popular with the young voters who were vital to his 2008 election; and has taken a more confrontational approach toward GOP leaders in Congress.

More broadly, Obama has laid out a core â&#x20AC;&#x153;fairnessâ&#x20AC;? message on the economy, aimed at the middle class, that calls for increased taxes on the wealthy. Advisers believe the message will resonate beyond the Democratic base, appealing to independents and working-class voters who have supported Republicans.

The president started with this populist theme in several big speeches last year, hit it hard in his January State of the Union address, and has stayed on it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begrudge finan-

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Kim Arrington serenades labourlove gallery 6

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Photography by Chi Brown

Songtress, Kim Arrington seranades a sold-out labourlove gallery crowd.

Drummer, Larry Q. Draughn Jr. kept the pace of the evening with kicks snares and hi-hats.

NCCU adjunct professor Pierce Freelon donates a verse.

n the third Friday of each month the Art of Cool Project presents a local musician within the artladden walls of the labourlove gallery in Durham’s downtown’s Golden belt.

Last Friday’s performer was N.C. Central University alumna and former Campus Echo Opinions editor, Kim Arrington.

She played to a packed house with band members, Peter Kimosh on bass, Victor Moore on keyboard, Larry Q. Draughn Jr. on the drums.

Arrington sang her own tunes, including the incedibly catchy, “White Dress” along with covers like Rufus’ “Tell Me Something Good.”

O

Arrington takes a breath while drummer Larry Q. Draughn Jr. and keyboardist Victor Moore provides melody and rythym.

Arrington describes her musical style as jazz mixed with soul. She sites Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Doug E. Fresh and Dinah Washington as some of her influences.

“God put me here to do what I was meant to do,” said Arrington, “and I want to show other people that they can do what they were meant to do. I want people to experience love, deep love.”

Arrington said she was thrilled that so many people came out to share in her musical vision Arrington’s second CD “Getting II Yes” will be released in October. For more information about Arrington go to kimarrington.com.

Stephanie “Sunshine” Morton, Kim Arrington, and Adia Ledbetter warm up a few moments before the gallery fills to capacity.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NCCU prof gains fame Painter Beverly McIver is the subject of a new documentary

Basic is always best

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Beverly McIver, NCCU professor and nationally recognized painter at work in her studio.

ISHMAEL HINSON/ Echo Staff Photographer

B Y S HONTICE T OLIVER

gained national recognition.

Two of her friends, Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher, wanted to create a film about her success.

That idea became “Raising Renee.”

The documentary trains a lens on McIver’s personal and artistic life over six years.

The film begins with McIver’s experiences living in New York.

McIver’s life and the film take an unexpected turn when her mother passes away.

The event leaves McIver with a responsibility: Renee.

McIver’s older sister Renee is mentally disabled and was living with their

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Beverly McIver, N.C. Central University SunTrust endowed professor, is achieving fame with her artwork. McIver is the subject of a recent documentary film, “Raising Renee.”

McIver graduated from NCCU in 1987. She learned to paint in the fine arts program during her undergraduate studies.

“I’m glad to be back at NCCU,” said McIver.

“I teach great students.

It’s a fabulous feeling to give back.”

While pursuing her careers as both a professor and an artist, McIver has

mother at the time of her death.

McIver promised their mother she would take care of Renee.

McIver, who was living alone in New York, had to change her lifestyle.

She had to accommodate her sister and her way of life, which includes making meals for her every day and helping her with human interaction.

McIver moved Renee into her home in Phoenix, where she lived while working at Arizona State University.

This living situation worked for a while, but she decided to move back to the east coast for Renee, who previously lived in

Greensboro.

McIver is one of few SunTrust endowed professors, and the only one at NCCU. Her endowment allows her to focus on her painting.

She also helps her students with art supplies such as canvases, paint and brushes.

“It is wonderful to be an endowed chair,” said McIver.

“We are few and far between.”

McIver only teaches during the spring semester.

She teaches Painting 1, 2 and 3, as well as Advanced Studio.

“Raising Renee” is scheduled to air on HBO Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.

Ivey Hayes graces NCCU B Y J ULIAN M ELTON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

“Electric Fingers” by painter Ivey Hayes PHOTO COURTESY

IVEYHAYESATWORK.COM

N.C. Central University’s Art Museum opened an exhibit in honor of painter Ivey Hayes, Feb. 19.

Hayes is a native of eastern North Carolina.

“I have fun twenty four and seven, when I’m painting,” said Hayes in a UNCTV story.

Hayes graduated from NCCU in 1970 and received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from University North Carolina-Greensboro in 1975.

Hayes goes from depicting natural hues and realistic emotion in such works as “Maybe Someday” to utilizing vibrant colors and distorted human characteristics in works like “Pier Fishing.”

Over his career as an artist, Hayes altered his style frequently.

The exhibit showcases a chronological development of Hayes artwork.

The paintings span a wide range of themes and contain ample cultural references.

His paintings often allude to African-American history.

Just as the melody and lyrics in a soothing song can speak to listeners, Hayes’s artwork captivates and entices onlookers.

Although Hayes is the artist, he credits his talent to divine intervention.

After having visions and dreams of vigorous colors and faceless figures, Hayes created some of his most important work.

Hayes brother, Phillip Hayes, personally acquired some of the works seen in the exhibit to ensure his brother’s talent be showcased in its entirety.

The exhibit will be open to the public until April 20.

Student finds photo talent B Y I IAMANI M C K NIGHT ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University mass communication senior Kyle Jeffers is on his game when he has a camera in his hands.

Jeffers is a Durham native, born and raised on Fayetteville Street.

His love of videography started last year during SGA Spring Campaign week.

Jeffers filmed a promotion video for Mr. NCCU, Mark Turner.

Jeffers loves to capture moments that words cannot express.

“A picture or a shot is more than a thousand words. It's the memories and feelings that leave you speechless — provoke,” said Jeffers.

It wasn’t until Jeffers began using Windows

Moviemaker one day that he realized he had a proclivity for videography.

“The first time I held my camera and realized I could manipulate space, lighting, direction and angles to capture time, I was in love,” said Jeffers.

Jeffers’ most recent project is Nigel Hood's “Bruce Lee Hop” music video.

“Nigel is a weirdo like myself,” said Jeffers.

“We've always been close and we've always clicked naturally.

I can appreciate his talent and he appreciates mine.”

Jeffers believes his best work at NCCU was Training Day 2011.

“Training day was like my debut.

“I was already known socially and now I was revealing my talent to my colleagues and peers and

Kyle Jeffers recently shot a music video.

PHOTO COURTESY KYLE JEFFERS

the feeling was indescribable.”

Jeffers has worked with Greek life, the office of student rights and responsibilities and the Student Government Association.

Outside of NCCU, Jeffers has worked with All in

Music Group, LifE KiT Lifestyle Co., and Wrecking Crew, a local rap group.

“I look up to my grandparents and mom because they have worked hard for all their successes.

“The desire to take care of my family inspires me.”

ersatility in fashion is everything, and for a college student even more so.

Bold prints and loud colors are nice, but how many times can you really match those up for a different look?

Sticking EBONY with the THORNTON basics allows you to pull together more outfits while still indiscreetly making a loud statement.

I know what you’re thinking: “Basic is boring.”

As fashionistas, we love to stand out and pop.

Don’t be discouraged — this is still attainable.

With proper accessories and the perfect pair of pumps, you’ll definitely be the center of attention.

When sticking with the basics it’s best to keep certain simple articles of clothing in your wardrobe.

My personal favorite essentials include a white tank, a dark pair of skinny jeans, and a black blazer.

Worn together they can make a simple, casual, trendy look. Worn separately, they can give you multiple looks.

The tank: Simple enough to dress down, classic enough to dress up.

Pair it with a fitted

skirt and a pair of heels for a dressy look, or with ripped jeans and a printed scarf for a more relaxed look.

A basic tank is versatile, and the more neutral the better.

The Jeans: Dressy yet casual, dark and barely denim. Combine dark denim jeans with a cropped tee and Toms for a typical day in class.

For a fun night at the bar, choose a sequined top, simple studs and matching pumps.

Jeans are typically too casual looking; however, the darker the better.

Dark jeans aren’t too casual and can give an outfit a more sophisticated, sleek look.

The blazer: A perfect fit for any outfit. Throw one over a dress to tone down your sexy, or pair it with denim shorts, a tank and a pair of combat boots for a more edgy appeal.

Match any ensemble with a blazer and you can’t go wrong.

With these three basic essentials you’re bound to get the most out of your wardrobe, creating a variety of different looks.

The benefit of having versatility in your wardrobe not only gives you more looks but saves you money in the process.

After all, how many college students can afford to buy something new every day?

Stick with the basics and you’ll be a fashionably frugal success!

Nu Wave E brings fun B Y A SHLEY D IXON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Nu Wave Entertainment is doing big things around N.C. Central University.

Business management junior Brian Reynolds started the group to bring entertainment and cultural events to campus.

“I’m really tired of hearing there is nothing to do around Central’s campus,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds is chief executive officer and founder of Nu Wave.

The goal of Nu Wave, according to Reynolds, is to bring entertainment, inspiration and motivation; to turn dreams into reality.

“Our goal is to bring a Nu Wave of entertainment to make your college experience better,” said Sayyid Muhammad, computer information systems sophomore and Reynolds’s business partner.

Reynolds started Nu Wave in hopes of making a difference on campus and motivating other students to do the same.

“I woke up and had a heart-to-heart with myself,” said Reynolds. “I thought, how can I make a difference?”

Nu Wave also has a management team that is currently signing singers, actors, and models looking for management.

“This is what separates us from other groups on campus,” said Reynolds.

“We don’t just specialize in one area — we’re broader than that.”

Nu Wave has videogra-

phers, photographers and a record label.

Students can join by contacting Reynolds via email or phone.

“Any talent is welcome if you can bring something to the table,” said Muhammad.

Nu Wave has thrown two successful events, an open mic and a party at the 40/20 Lounge in Durham.

Three hundred partygoers attended.

But Nu Wave does not want to be known as a group that only promotes parties.

“I want to encourage people. Whatever your dream is, start now,” said Reynolds.

Recently, Nu Wave produced an open mic night in the Alfonso Elder Student Union.

It featured singers, rappers, and poets Jazmen Flagler, “J Safina” and Nigel Hood, “Nige Hood.”

“It was a nice crowd and atmosphere. I think Nu Wave did a good job throwing the event,” said Flagler.

Computer information systems sophomore T .J. Bah thought the event was entertaining.

“I thought it was dope because it was different from the usual open mics, especially with the live band,” said Bah. NCCU students can look forward to more of Nu Wave. Reynolds hopes to host weekly or monthly events.

“What’s in store is a surprise,” said Reynolds.

“I woke up and had a heart-to-heart with myself. I thought, what can I do to make a difference?”

BRIAN REYNOLDS ON STARTING NU WAVE ENTERTAINMENT

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Lin’s light is burning bright, for now BY

MEAC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SCOTT COLLINS

LOS ANGELES TIMES (MCT)

It's too early to call Jeremy Lin the next Michael Jordan, but the newly minted New York Knicks star is the best thing to happen to basketball on TV in a long time. The question is how long the “Linsanity” will last.

The Harvard-educated point guard has averaged more than 24 points per game during a seven-game winning streak, a sudden rise to fame that's boosting TV ratings.

For some fans, it's bringing back memories of Jordan, who during his glory days in the 1980s and 1990s drove huge ratings.

The Feb. 10 matchup between the Lin-fueled Knicks and the Lakers on ESPN had more than 3 million total viewers, making it the most-watched Friday night game this season on the network, according to Nielsen.

In the New York area, Lin has boosted viewing of Knicks games on ESPN and MSG by 73 percent. This past Sunday, the nation saw the Knicks beat the defending champs Dallas Mavericks on ABC but lose Monday to the New Jersey Nets in the return of Carmelo Anthony. In those two games Lin averaged 24.5 ppg and 11.5 assists.

His sudden stardom calls to mind some past sports phenoms, experts say, including Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James and Tiger Woods.

“In all three cases, the media scrutiny quickly became intense, yet all three continued to perform at virtually unimaginable levels,” said Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Professor of Sports Management at Syracuse University.

Some observers see a racial component to Lin's celebrity. Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. tweeted: “Jeremy Lin

is a good player but all the hype is because he's Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don't get the same praise.”

Lisa Burns, a sports expert and professor of communications and media studies at Quinnipiac University, said that race may indeed be part of the story, adding: "Asian Americans are notoriously underrepresented in all aspects of the U.S. media. So to have an Asian American. Harvard grad crashing on his brother's couch as the rising star of the NBA is grabbing a lot of people's attention.”

According to NM Incite, a Nielsen company, “Online mentions of Lin went from zero prior to February 4 to 0.32 percent of all online conversation on February 15--more than the Knicks,

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant combined.”

However, a survey of more than 1 million tweets by PR firm Powell Tate found that fewer than one-quarter mentioned Lin's Asian heritage.

Many sports fans have suggested that his rise with the return of Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. But for now, all eyes are on Lin. “Nothing lasts to this magnitude in sports,” Andrew Billings, a sports expert at the University of Alabama, wrote in an email. "Part of the reason people tune in, though, is because there's a feeling that this could end in the not-too-distant future. When people say they want to 'ride this wave,' they are tacitly admitting that it is like a wave -- terrifically fun, but temporary."

or MEAC. NCCU had to follow a strict set of rules and play for pride alone, because they were not eligible for post-season play.

On Aug. 11, 2011, after the five year period as an independent, NCCU earned membership to the MEAC. “We’ve waited a long five years to be able to compete for a conference tournament championship, so I`m excited, but more for the student-athletes,” said Ingrid Wicker-McCree, athletic director.

The tournament will take place at Wake Forest University in WinstonSalem, at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum from March 5-10.

The women’s conference tournament begins Monday and men’s play begins Tuesday.

MEAC will offer two different types of tickets for the tournament, tickets by booklet or session. A booklet gives access to all games throughout the week and is available for purchase at the NCCU box office for $85. Session tickets are

available at the venue or Ticketmaster.com.

On Monday and Tuesday, prices for tickets are $10.

Wednesday and Thursday the ticket prices rise to $18.

Friday tickets are $20, and Championship Saturday tickets are $35.

Nelms is open to sending shuttle buses for students if the teams were to make a run in the tournament. We have to put in the request to our Union and that goes to Student Affairs for a final decision,” said Johnny Jones, biology junior and general body member of the Student Activities Board Student Affairs was unable for comment.

Students across campus say they are excited about the possibility of a spot in March Madness.

“NCCU in the MEAC tournament with the chance to go to The Big Dance, that’s something you don't want to miss,” said Elliot Nelson, a business senior and president of the Screaming Eagles.

“I feel the student body will jump on that opportunity.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Fact check Does it have to be about black and white?

On Feb. 18, Yahoo Sports “Post Game” published a story

by Eric Adelson about N.C. Central University student and basketball player Landon Clement.

The headline?

“White Star, Black School: Landon Clement is the Face of Upstart North Carolina Central.”

Some serious questions need to be raised regarding this language.

The headline itself is divisive.

In seeking to MATT draw a contrast PHILLIPS b e t w e e n Clement and his teammates, race is used as a primary descriptor.

This tells the reader by connotation: These men are not first and foremost students, athletes, sons and fathers.

They are either black, or they are white.

In the opening section of his story, Adelson writes two phrases in italics: “What’s White Boy doing here?” and, “Oh, he’s trying to be black.”

Neither phrase is given attribution.

So, the question is, where did Adelson get those phrases?

Through interviews with Clement? From his teammates?

I am a white student at NCCU. Nobody has ever asked me what I am doing here, or accused me of trying to be black.

These statements give the impression that black students are disrespectful to white students at NCCU. This is false.

Students here know their community is accepting of all people. That is the real truth.

Later in the story, Adelson writes about “The Secret Game” between Duke and NCCU prior to the Civil Rights Act. This is important history, but the use of the research becomes problematic when Adelson writes, “And few Americans know much of anything about North Carolina Central.

Both in basketball and in academics, the school is towered over by Duke.”

Really? Based on what?

Does Duke tower over NCCU because we are a “black school?”

Perhaps we should take it for granted that Duke is a “perfect” institution with no equal.

I wonder whether Adelson would have dared write a phrase like that about Stanford, Harvard or Penn State.

Adelson’s story could have been about Landon Clement and his teammates, a group of young men battling their way toward the NCAA tournament.

Instead it became about black and white.

When Landon Clement steps on the court with his smooth jump shot, he isn’t white and his teammates aren’t black.

All they are is Eagle maroon and gray.

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Not quite there yet Eagles’ outscored by UNC-Asheville 32-8 in opening weekend

Junior LHP Gavin Guarrera attempts pitch out of a bind with a man on second base in Saturday’s game one of the double header.

JONATHAN ALEXANDER/Echo sports editor

BY

J EROME B ROWN J R .

ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Year six of the N.C. Central University baseball program’s reincarnation began with a series of losses against UNCAsheville over the weekend at Durham Athletic Park.

The Bulldogs used a steady attack at the plate to sweep the three-game series, 13-3, 9-3, and 10-2.

Throughout the weekend, poor pitching plagued the Eagles, who ended the series with a 10.08 ERA. “We’re still trying to find consistency,” said Head Coach Jim Koerner. “I think with a new coaching

staff, some different philosophies, we’re still trying to figure each other out.”

On Friday, the Eagles’ fate was determined early after they surrendered nine runs in the second inning.

Junior starting pitcher Glenn Frye gave up eight of those runs in the second inning, which saw the Bulldogs bat around.

The Eagles manufactured their only runs of the game in the fifth inning with a two-run double by junior leftfielder Luis Diaz and an RBI single by sophomore catcher Carter Williamson.

Originally, only one

game was scheduled for Saturday, but the possibility of inclement weather prompted officials to move Sunday’s game to Saturday, making it a doubleheader.

Saturday’s first game saw the Eagles’ pitching fall apart again, as starter Gavin Guarerra gave up nine hits and eight runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Despite the tough losses, Koerner was pleased with his players’ energy level.

“The effort out there was outstanding. For every single inning, every single pitch these guys really competed — there was no quit,” said Koerner.

“Guys were running the bases hard and if we con-

tinue to have that kind of effort we’re going to find a way to figure it out.”

In the second game of the twin bill, the Eagles struck first after a groundout in the second inning by sophomore second baseman Tyson Simpson Jr. plated Carter Williamson.

The Bulldogs got on the board with an RBI groundout and a run scored on an error in the fourth inning to take the lead 2-1.

NCCU responded in the bottom of the inning when senior first baseman Etienne Farquharson singled in a run.

Asheville scored eight runs in the next three innings to take a 10-2 lead,

which became the final score.

A bright spot on the Eagles’ offense was junior outfielder Nate Smith, who finished the weekend with four hits and three runs.

Smith saw positives and area improvements among his younger teammates.

“It’s still early. We did some good things, we did some bad things too, but it was more good than bad,” said Smith. “It’s a long season — we can’t base the season off of three games.”

The Eagles look for their first win under Koerner today at 4 p.m. against Duke at Durham Athletic Park.

Eagles looking to pull off the upset Eagles will travel to take on powerhouse No. 23 Indiana University Hoosiers BY

T EVIN S TINSON

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

Looking to continue their momentum from their two-game winning streak, the Eagles (14-12) will face arguably their toughest opponent of the season in the nationally ranked Hoosiers of Indiana University (20-7) in the historic Assembly Hall.

The Hoosiers are currently ranked No. 23 in the country according to the AP Top 25 poll and have beaten some tough teams in No. 1 ranked Kentucky and Ohio State who was ranked No. 2 at the time of defeat.

“It’s a different level of basketball, it’s a different atmosphere and on top of that we’re playing a school that has a historic tradition,” said Moton.

“It will be a tough game.

Definitely that.”

This game will mark the third meeting between the two schools, with the Hoosiers currently leading the series 2-0. Last season’s game saw 10 lead changes between the two teams but twenty-two turnovers by the Eagles led to a 72-56 Hoosier victory.

The Hoosiers will try to use their height advantage as they are led by 6’11” freshman forward Cody

Zeller who is averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

“I was just laughing with my staff. The kid is so good, we don’t know which way to force him,” said Moton “That’s how skilled he is offensively.”

The Hoosiers are (5-5) in their last 10 games and are coming off a tough loss to conference foe Iowa Hawkeyes 66-78.

“We have to play our A+ game. The thing about these teams you can play you’re A+ games and they can play their C games and they’re still capable of beating you,” said Moton.

“So we have to value the

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basketball, take care of tempo and not turn the ball over.”

The Eagles are coming off a tough road victory on Saturday beating archrivals and nemesis, the Aggies N.C. A&T 71-66.

Senior forward Dominique Sutton recorded his 7th double-double of the season with 24 points and 11 rebounds on the night.

Junior guard/forward Ray Willis added 15 points.

According to Moton, the key for the Eagles’ will be consistency from his two leading scorers in Sutton and Willis on their same terms in the same game. In their last five games they have averaged 19.4 and

18.4 points per game respectively.

“Both of those guys are going to be huge, and for us to have a chance,” Moton said.

“They are our two best players and they have to play better.”

The Eagles’ players seem optimistic about a possible upset.

“Indiana's a school full a history and we play them every year, so it will be fun to see what happens,” said senior forward Nick Chasten.

“We have nothing to lose against them so we might as well come out, play our best and anything can happen.”

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Opinions

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The skinny on tight jeans F

rom baggy pants to skinny jeans: What made the young black males of today go from the oversized jeans of the past to these airsuppressing skinny jeans of the present?

When I was growing up, baggy jeans were the fashion must-have among young black men.

On BET, all you saw was Wutang and the Angel thousands of Brown guys rocking pants three times their size.

The funny thing about sagging is it originated in the prison system because prisoners weren’t allowed to wear belts.

It also showed the wearer’s “availability” to other prisoners.

I guess whoever brought light to the public about this trend overlooked that factor.

In Texas, Georgia and Florida, mayors, boards of

A

I can respect that all people have a right to express themselves through fashion. I support doing so. However, I cannot say I will accept the skinny jean fad as appropriate for a potential suitor.

education and city council members have made major efforts to put a stop to sagging.

The notion to stop sagging has worked; now, it seems, young black males have found a new way to express their rejection of cultural norms: tight-fitting jeans.

I can only wonder if skinny jeans are a health risk to men, as they can be to women.

Gynecologists have advised women to be cautious of consistently wearing jeans that are too tight .

Can men get infections from wearing skinny jeans?

No, but they can suffer from a damaged thigh-nerve condition called meralgia paresthet-

ica, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

However, boys, don’t fret.

This conditions can be resolved easily by refraining from wearing skinny jeans and allowing the nerve to repair itself.

Research on how skinny jeans affect the male reproductive system presents the same scare Mountain Dew sparked for young males some time back; yet, this still has not stopped guys from wearing them.

I like men in clothes that actually fit them, not too baggy or too skinny.

As a grown-up, I wear clothes that fit me, and I

expect the same for a guy I am dating.

I like to see a young brother in a respectable cardigan, jeans that fit him and a decent pair of kicks.

Appearance is everything in our society.

Let’s not even discuss going to the mall together.

Why would a man want to shop in the same section as his woman when accompanying her to a store such as Express?

That would be awkward.

I can respect that all people have the right to express themselves through fashion.

I support doing so.

However, I cannot say I would accept the skinny jean fad as appropriate for a potential suitor.

To the young brothers out there with skinny jeans as tight as my leggings, I salute you.

You are brave ones, daring to be different with your skinny jeans.

Keep sticking it to “The Man” with your tight jeans and bright tank tops.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: What is your favorite African-A American movie?

Seeing good in a dark life

s a child I used to stand in front of the mirror singing songs by artists like Whitney Houston.

Yes, ladies, we have all done it.

She had something about her that we all wanted to emulate.

After her death, I was presented with the question of whether I believed Ms. Riyah Houston was still a positive Exum role model after all the things she went through.

My answer was simple: Yes. She never stopped being one.

Houston set the vocal bar with “the note,” and achieved more than any single female artist has to date.

She was the first black woman to be on the cover of Seventeen Magazine.

She also was the most

She was the first black woman to be on the cover of Seventeen Magazine. She also was the most awarded female of all time, according to the “Guinness Book of World Records.”

awarded female of all time, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

However, in 2002 Houston confronted an ongoing rumor about her drug abuse and the world found out she was using drugs.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer, she announced her addiction to cocaine and also repopularized the phrase “crack is whack.”

Houston showed us that she was indeed human.

She worked her way to the top and watched her career slowly crumble.

In her case, she had a spot-

light on her the entire time.

With the added pressure of the public disowning her as “America’s Sweetheart” and with her drug addiction severely increasing, Houston managed to find light in her dark life.

Is that not admirable?

For many years, no one was sure if she could come back from the strain she had put on her life.

A more sober Houston opened up about her life in 2009, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

She showed the world she couldn’t be stopped.

“Juice” — The movie portrays a group of AfricanAmerican males who are friends in the ‘hood, facing real-life dilemmas. ” —Leah Bridges

But on February 11, 2012, in a Beverly Hills hotel suite, she was pronounced dead at due to causes as-yet unknown.

Her funeral was broadcast on various television stations on Feb. 18.

As I watched, I was asked again whether Houston remained a role model.

My answer was still yes.

I watched entertainers like Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Kim Burrell, and R. Kelly show up and express their support for Houston’s family and legacy.

And I knew she had certainly made a positive impact on people.

I saw fans who had never met her, cry like they had known her all their lives.

All I could think of was the lives she touched with her voice and her strength to succeed through even the toughest times.

Anyone choosing to admire Whitney Houston would be making a great choice.

“Harlem Nights” — In it established comedians helped out upcoming comedians by giving them a chance to showcase their own individual talent.”

—André Westbrook

“Life” — It shows how life in prison as an AfricanAmerican male then mirrors life in prison now.”

—Bri'Anna Lackey

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N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY How was your Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day? Huh?

Wanted to, but there was one tiny problem ...

Yea! You didn’t celebrate?

Oh that! Next year we’ll call it Singles Awarenes Day