January 19, 2011 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

JANUARY 19, 2011

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VOLUME 102, ISSUE 7

Opinion

A&E

Sports

Feature

Tucson shooting brings up age-old questions about America’s love affair with guns.

Carlitta explores emotions in he lastest release “Nostalgic Nights”

NCCU recruits Henry Frazier from Prairie View A&M for the gridiron.

It’s here once again: Durham’s Finest. Kids’ art graces NCCU’s Art Museum

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Campus Echo

2010 ties as warmest

CLA dean search draws fire

DURHAM CELEBRATES KING LEGACY

Evidence mounts that planet is heating up BY PAT BRENNAN ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER (MCT)

The year 2010 tied with 2005 as the planet’s warmest on record, and 2010 was also the wettest year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-tion. Nine of the past 10 years also rank among the 10 warmest on record, reinforcing the idea the planet is heating up, the warming driven by emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The warming trend was apparent in surface-temperature data despite two unusually cold winters in a row in the eastern United States, said David Easterling, chief of the scientific services division at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. “Does this disprove climate change, climate warming?” Easterling said in a telephone press conference Wednesday. “The answer is, unequivocally, ‘No.’” The climate agency’s yearend summary (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc /global/2010/13) totals up surface temperature, rainfall and other data for the year, then compares them with global records going back to 1880. The year 2010 was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the th 20 century average, the summary says, with combined land and sea-surface temperatures 1.12 degrees Fahrenheit above the average. But while the average temperature in the contiguous United States alone was above average, this was only its 23rd warmest year on record. The year was notable for

n See WARMING Page 5

Dept. chair files complaint with UNC System BY ASHLEY GRIFFIN ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Saturday’s parade on Fayetteville Street celebrated the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., WILLIE PACE/Echo staff photographer

The following is adopted from the obiturary written in the April 5, 1968 issue of the New York Times. ith these words Dr. goodness of man and the great “Like anybody, I would like to live Martin Luther King Jr. potential of American democracy. a long life. Longevity has its place. built a crescendo to his These beliefs gave to his speechBut I'm not concerned about that final speech on April 3, 1968. The es a fervor that could not be stilled by criticism. now. I just want to do God's will. next day, the civil rights leader He rose in 1955 from a newly And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. was shot and killed on a balcony arrived minister in Montgomery, And I've seen the Promised Land. I of the Lorraine Motel in Ala. to a figure of national prominence. It was Dr. King who drammay not get there with you. But I Memphis, Tenn. want you to know tonight, that we, At the roots Dr. King’s civil atized the Montgomery bus boyas a people, will get to the prom- rights convictions was an even ised land!” n See MLK Page 2 more profound faith in the basic

Guseh for president! Public admin prof James Guseh will return to Liberia in presidential bid BY PURITY KIMAIYO ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University professor James Guseh is so concerned about the situation in his home country of Liberia that he has decided to run for president himself. According to Guseh, Liberians are suffering from corruption, illiteracy, unemployment, violence and poverty. “It is time for new moral leadership,” he said. Liberia, which was established by freed American slaves in the 18th Century, is one of the world’s poorest countries. It has the second highest unemployment rate of 75 percent and an illiteracy rate of 77 percent for women and 46 for men. According to 2010 report from Transparency International, Liberia is the world's most corrupt country.

Public administration professor James Guseh, pictured here outside the International Palace Restaurant, will soon campaign for the presidency of Liberia . PURITY KIMAIYO/Echo staff photographer

Guseh, who came to NCCU in 2005 and has training in developmental economics

and political economy, will be one of 20 candidates in Liberia’s upcoming

October 2011 elections. His biggest rival will be the incumbent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She is both the first woman in Liberia, or even Africa, to serve as a national president. Guseh said the current government has no will to help the people and has failed its citizens. He said a common expression of government workers is “Enrich yourself or else you are a fool.” According to Guseh the biggest problem facing Liberia is corruption. “I intend to fill everyone’s cup. I have no baggage,” he said. Guseh says it is high time to unify Liberia, a country which was racked by two civil wars that began in began 1986 and lasted 14 years, finally ending in 2003. The civil wars claimed over 200,000 lives.

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After a job search that seemed as if it would never end and that was surrounded by no small amount of controversy, the N.C Central University College of Liberal Arts now has its new dean – former NCCU history chair Carlton Wilson. During the course of the job search, which began in late fall 2009 and was extended in January 2010, one search committee member resigned, the English and mass communication department chair, Michele Ware, complained to the search committee chair and the provost, then requested that the chancellor initiate a formal investigation. After no formal investigation was initiated, Ware wrote a detailed letter to UNC General Administration Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Alan Mabe. Despite multiple attempts, Mabe could not be reached for comment on this story. Wilson took office January 3. Wilson, a native of Warrenton, N.C. received his undergraduate degree in history from N.C. Central University in 1978. He has taught at NCCU since 1989, and has been an associate professor since 1998. “I always loved history. From high school, history brought the world to me,” said Wilson. “In the 10th grade my African American literature teacher introduced me to W.E.B Dubois,” he said. “I had no idea who he was. It

n See SEARCH Page 2

Room for elders

Juniors, seniors to live on yard in fall BY ZEVENDAH BARNES ECHO STAFF REPORTER

This fall, N. C. Central University upperclassmen will be eligible for on-campus housing. The decision to allow them back on the yard was made last fall semester. Previously, juniors and seniors were not allowed to stay on campus, in order to make more room for incoming freshman and sophomores. “Starting with the 20032004 academic year there has been a higher request for student housing than the capacity available,” said Jennifer Wilder, director of Residential Life. Only about 2,300 beds are now available for students. In the past, housing complications caused upperclassmen to be moved to the Millennium Hotel. Three hundred students in all were relocated. The University did offer

Chidley to open in fall 2011 MORGAN CRUTCHFIELD/ Echo staff photographer

those students book vouchers valued at $100 for their relocation. These students had the same amenities as on-campus students such as internet, weekly bathroom cleaning, and lounge areas. “It’s good to know campus housing will be available,” said Yasmine Eleady-Cole, physical education junior.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2010

IVERSITY

IN BRIEF

HOUSING

Peace Corps alliance

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Peace Corps has partnered with N.C. Central University’s School of Education master’s international program, to allow students to earn a master’s degree while serving in the Peace Corps. NCCU was chosen from among 12 institutions to receive the partnership. The application process to get into NCCU’s Peace Corps program takes nine months to a year, during which time students may complete thier coursework.. Professors of Education Philliph Mutisya and Dorothy Singleton proposed the idea to the Peace Corps. Interested students can log on to peacecorp.gov. – Riyah Exum

As a freshman, EleadyCole had difficulties getting housing and was put on a waiting list. The construction of Chidley North Hall makes it possible for upperclassmen to reside on campus this upcoming academic year. The new dorm will cost the University $30 million and is scheduled to be finished in May. Chidley North Hall, located at the intersection of Lawson Street and Alston Avenue, will house 520 students. Students hoping to obtain on-campus housing will increase their chances by paying their $150 housing administrative fee by the deadline, according to Wilder.

Priority housing is decided by the University. Out-of-state students do not have a better chance of receiving on campus housing. “It is a process of firstcome, first-served by classification,” said Wilder. Upperclassmen coming back on campus will not affect housing for underclassmen. Priority for housing is reserved for new freshmen and rising sophomores. The University no longer offers off-campus housing for students, as doing so is not economically feasible, according to Wilder. An apartment fair will be held in March to allow students to shop around for possible off-campus residency.

MLK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Artist Ashley Sutton with her work at D.H. Hill Recreation Center where artists, poets and videographers gathered to honor the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. ASHLEY GRIFFIN/Echo staff photographer

cott with his decision to make it the testing ground, before the eyes of the nation, of his belief in the civil disobedience teachings of Thoreau and Gandhi. In the summer of 1963, Dr. King led the March on Washington, stirring the emotions of millions with

the words “I have a dream.” On Dec. 10, 1964, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. His strong beliefs in civil rights and non-violence made him one of the leading opponents to American participation in the war in Vietnam. At the time he was assas-

sinated in Memphis, Dr. King was involved in one of his greatest plans to dramatize the plight of the poor and stir Congress to help blacks. He called his venture the “Poor People’s Campaign.”

GUSEH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Guseh will be running under the Citizens Unification Party, a party he says has the integrity to best represent the common interests of the nation. Guseh has the much needed expertise in Liberia for the job. From 1980-83 he was a legal adviser and senior economist in the ministry of finance, and from 1983-87 he was the assistant minister of justice for economic affairs in the Ministry of Justice. From 2008-2010 he was a development consultant to the United Nations. NCCU’s director of international affairs, Emmanuel Oritsejafor, who has known Guseh for 10 years said he was not shocked at his col-

league’s announcement. He said he is convinced Guseh is the right man for the job. While conducting researching together, said Oritsejafor, “we would chat about how we would make a change in the African Governance during long drives.” Besides, said Oritsejafor, “If the football player George Weah is running for president, why not Professor Guseh?” At a Jan. 15 fundraiser held at Durham’s Palace International Restaurant, Vincent Payne, a native of Ghana urged Africans in the diaspora to support Guseh. “If he succeeds and wins in Liberia, we all — as the African community — win,”

said Payne. Lovemore Masakadza, a former graduate student of Guseh’s in public administration, described him as “passionate,” as someone “who truly loves his country and has a lot to offer back to his country.” Guseh has come a long way from his childhood days in Zenalomai, Liberia. “I have six degrees without any student loans,” he said. “When I came to America. I washed dishes. I worked in factories and as student aid,” said Guseh. Guseh, who will leave Sunday to begin his campaign, will take a yearlong leave of absence. If he wins he will be bidding farewell to NCCU.

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was years later that I understood and thanked her for the experience … it just opened my mind.” After teaching for almost 30 years, Wilson decided it was time for a change and applied for the CLA dean position. “On previous occasions I had the opportunity to consider administrative but I backed off. This time I took it more seriously,” said Wilson. “I thought it was time and the University needs individuals who are going to serve.” Part of Wilson’s vision is to reposition the College of Liberal Arts at the heart of the University. “We cannot allow the budget to be a cause for not moving forward,” said Wilson. “There were times when we have much less and moved forward, this forces us to be creative with the money we have.” Although the search has ended and the position is filled, some CLA faculty and staff have said they are not happy with the way the search was conducted. According to former CLA committee member Shawn Sendlinger, associate professor and interim co-chair of chemistry, the administration initiated the search process. “The provost told us what to do for this search. It was a national search and ads were written up and placed in magazines,” said Sendlinger. Ads ran in print and online in the magazine the “Chronicle of Higher Education” and online on the state of North Carolina’s Web site. According to protocol, the appointed search committee reviews all the applications for a given position and then decides who is eligible. From there, phone interviews are conducted. The final step consists of an invitation for three candidates to make on-campus presentations, to which students and faculty are invited. The committee does not make the final decision. Committee members are expected to rank candidates in order of preference, and to offer a final recommendation from which the administration to select. Three searches were conducted for the CLA dean position. The first search was extended because only one applicant – then interim CLA Dean Mary Mathew – applied. The second search consisted of three applicants. Several sources, including Ware, reported that Adele Taylor, the committee’s first choice, withdrew her name from the search. Mathew was the committee’s second choice. The third-choice candidate also withdrew his or her name from the search. Some staff and faculty concluded that the search would be over and Mathews would be offered the position. But in a June 21 e-mail to the search committee chair Pauletta Bracy, Provost Kwesi Aggrey announced that he was re-opening the

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Newly appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts Carlton Wilson. MORGAN CRUTCHFIELD/Echo staff photographer

search. At the Campus Echo’s request, Aggrey forwarded the e-mail to the Campus Echo on Oct. 22. In the e-mail the provost stated: “The expectation was that three candidates would be interviewed on campus and a recommendation forwarded to me with/without ranking. I was aware of the fact that the last candidate had withdrawn at the last minute and that the committee would continue and send a recommendation on two candidates. Unfortunately, one of the two candidates also withdrew prior to our final decision. … I have decided that the search should be reopened with a new advertisement posted on Higher Ed Jobs sites immediately. The withdrawals at the final stages resulted in a situation where there is neither the depth nor breadth in the candidate pool to select from.” The new search got underway in June 2010. On Oct. 11, English professor and search committee member Thomas Evans resigned from the committee “in protest because of what he felt were ethical breaches” in the search process, according to the letter Ware wrote to Mabe on Dec. 21. In a letter addressed to Bracy, cited in Ware’s letter, Evans stated: “The search, I believe, has been tainted by undue influence from the Provost that has made it impossible for the committee to treat all candidates equitably. Under such conditions, I do not think I can ethically continue my participation in the search.” In October 2010, the search brought in three new candidates: Arwin Smallwood, an associate professor of history from the University of Memphis and NCCU alumnus; George Arasimowicz, a dean of the College of Humanities at California State University; and Carlton Wilson. The three candidates made oncampus presentations in an open forum. Some faculty members were not satisfied with the on-campus presentations of Smallwood and Wilson. At least two NCCU professors, including Associate Professor James Pearce and Associate Professor Michele Ware, both from the department of English and mass communication, wrote letters to Bracy questioning the qualifications of Smallwood and Wilson. In his letter, Pearce describes Wilson as a

“smart, hardworking, man … but he is not the qualified to lead the College of Liberal Arts.” It also states: “I do not support Dr. Wilson’s application for several reasons. He does not have the fundraising experience or the scholarly credentials that are required of a Dean.” Ware’s letter states, “While I respect and admire Dr. Wilson … I must protest his candidacy … he said that he applied for this position as Dean of the CLA because he believed that ‘there should be an inside candidate,’ that is, someone from NCCU …” Ware goes on to say, “With respect, we had that person in Interim Dean Mary Mathew … [who] has always had the full confidence of the faculty and staff of the college as well. In fact, the only person who does not endorse Dean Mathew is the Provost, and his attitude seems unusually personal and idiosyncratic, as there is nothing she has done that he can point to as to an example of her lack of ability to lead.” Ware also wrote a letter to express her concern over Smallwood’s lack of academic administrative experience. In fact, Ware writes, Smallwood “has no official administrative title whatsoever.” She adds, “Dr. Smallwood is an alumnus of NCCU, and selecting such an unqualified candidate as finalist suggests that the reason for bringing him here had nothing to do with his credentials and everything to do with keeping Interim Dean Mathew from the short list. This looks very bad, and I am surprised that the search committee actually acquiesced to such manipulation.” Ware’s letter to Mabe also raises questions about why Mathew was asked to resign so quickly. According to the NCCU University Handbook Section III.B.1.C of Personnel Policies for Senior Academic and Administrative Officer: “a senior administrator must be given in writing not less than 90 days prior to discontinuation of employment.” Former Interim Dean Mathews was given the holiday break, a span of only two weeks. On Dec 15, 2010, Aggrey called all CLA chairpersons to his conference room to announce that the search committee had made their recommendation for the dean position, that Dr.

n See SEARCH Page 3

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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Lifelong learner

3 IVERSITY

Students lend a helping hand at W.G. Pearson

Professor explores psychological impact of racism BY CRYSTAL COTTON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Entering the office of Jonathan Livingston, an assistant professor in psychology at N.C. Central University for almost six years, you will not only see what you expect to see in a professor’s office -- pens, papers, and books -- you'll also be greeted by the sounds of rhythm and blues and old school hip-hop. Livingston’s office is a visual representation of his personality and his passion for life and teaching. You’ll see on his wall a medley that includes photos, posters, quotes, images of historical figures, and words of wisdom from individuals who have changed the world. And there’s photos of his family. He and his wife, Cinawendela, have four children, Antonio, Olivia, Cairo and Shango. Livingston says he wants his students to learn information that they can use for the rest of their lives, not just empty concepts. “I want y'all to learn everything. Literally, everything that I know,” said Livingston, a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. “I try to give y'all everything I think you'll need to be a successful scholar, activist … and just a better human being. We have no room for average people. No room,” said Livingston, who explained that our communities and our country need exceptional people. “We need people who are bright, sharp, hungry, engaged, knowledegeable.” According to psychology

junior Marquita Davis, Livingston is “down to earth with his students. He tries to relate to you and put it in ways that we can digest it better. He enjoys what he”s doing. He's not just here to be here. He has a positive attitude about everything that he does.” Livingston said he has had a profound thirst for knowledge ever since he was a child growing up in Charlotte. “I was always giving my brothers and sisters tests,” laughed Livingston. "I liked reading. “I liked books. I liked knowing stuff at a very young age. My family valued being intelligent.” Livingston earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1996 at UNCAsheville, his master’s in community psychology in 1999 at Florida A&M University, and his doctorate, also in community psychology in 2004 at Michigan State University. His dissertation assessed the relationship between African-American racial identity, psychological empowerment, activism and psychological wellbeing. Livingston said he thought initially that he would go into business when he entered college, but the college experience changed all that and he soon decided to study psychology and become a professor. “When I got to college, I had professors telling me, ‘You look like a professor; you think like a professor; you should do this. It’s for you’,” said Livingston. “So

BY BETHANY SNEED ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Psychology assisant professor Jonathan Livingston in his office in the Taylor Education Building. CHI BROWN/Echo staff photographer

I followed it up, took their advice and that led me to this field. Now I try to teach as enthusiastically as I possibly can. It's more than just teaching. We can really make some real change in the minds of students.” Livingston said one experience affected him profoundly when he was 19 years old and working at a community center. “I was listening to a young black man during a math competition,” said Livingston. “He said ‘I’m black, I'm dirty and I'll never be any-

thing.’” It was this event, according to Livingston that orientated him to dedicate his studies to the psychology of the black experience and black wellbeing. Recently Livingston has been examining the social and psychological factors that lead to positive mental health outcomes for African Americans, a topic that extends his long term interest in the cumulative psychological effects of racism on black Americans.

N.C. Central University students who are a part of the Middle Grade Education Program, are living up to the motto truth and service. The latest recipients of the NCCU service learning project were W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle School students The partnership created between the program and the W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle School gave NCCU students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of working in a public school system. NCCU alumna Kimberly McDonald and Valerie Griffin-Puryear collaborated with NCCU education professor Gerrelyn Patterson to develop the program. “No amount of readings, essays, or test will make teaching ‘real’ to students until they spend a significant amount of time in public school classrooms,” said Patterson. The professor’s fall 2010 Instructional Planning student tutors dealt first hand with faculty and students at the magnet school. The course combines curriculum ideas with real context. The class is given the task of researching a school need and then find a resolution. Spending time at the middle school, NCCU students decided that the school needed a brighter atmosphere. At the end of the pro-

gram, the tutors decided to create a mural for the middle school. After receiving permission from administration, submitting sketches, and acquiring supplies, some of the middle schoolers dedicated their time after class ended to help with the completion of the mural. Art-education senior Faye Brandon, spear-headed the class in painting the mural. The project became more than just a facelift for the school, it gave the students and faculty something to take pride in. While tutors painted, the middle school students kept them company, as they were even sometimes serenaded by the school’s band. “It’s ironic how a small act of kindness can make such a large contribution to a child’s success as a student,” said SGA president Dwayne Johnson, a history senior. The NCCU tutors were able to interact with the Pearson students on a personal level and gain insight on some issues that young students deal with. “The tutoring experience was two-fold,” said Sarayah Mitchell, a teaching licensure candidate. ”It felt amazing helping students and inspiring them to work through difficulties, but it was also disheartening to know that so many of our students are falling behind because of the lack of resources and parental involvement.”

SEARCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Carlton Wilson had been chosen, and that he would begin as dean on Jan. 1. The Campus Echo was informed that no minutes were taken at this meeting. According the North Carolina Open Meetings Law, “All public agencies are required to record detailed minutes of both open and closed meetings through either written minutes or audio or video recording. The minutes of all open meetings are considered public records and must be made available to the public at their request.” In an e-mail sent to the Campus Echo, NCCU

Director of Public Relations Cynthia Fobert confirmed that minutes of the meeting had not been taken, stating that “the meeting of December 15, 2010, was called for the purpose of conveying to the department chairs in the College of Liberal Arts the Provost’s selection of the new dean, Dr. Carlton Wilson. There was no other business and no minutes were taken.” Ware’s letter to Mabe states that she, along with Johnny Alston, chair of the department of drama, and Minnie Sangster, co-chair of Modern Foreign Languages, protested this decision. Art

Department Chair Melvin Carver confirmed that the search committee had never met to make a recommendation for dean. The next day, Ware wrote to Chancellor Nelms that a formal investigation should take place. After no response from the Chancellor, Ware wrote to Mabe, urging the UNC General Administration to investigate. On Dec. 22, Nelms responded to Ware’s December 16 letter, stating that he found “no reason to believe that the search was compromised in any way.” According to Nelms’ letter, Bracy “provided documenta-

tion summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, which included verbatim comments received from members of the Committee and the broader University community.” Some faculty members are left confused by the search results. “I am puzzled by the series of event that has led to the appointment of a new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts,” said English Associate Professor Margaret Bockting. In a Jan. 17 letter to NCCU’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office, Bockting lists six questions regarding the search process. These

questions include, “Why was the position not offered to one of those [first] three candidates?” and, “If any of the originally selected candidates had not withdrawn, why was that applicant no longer on the short list?” But one member appointed to search committee believes standard procedure was followed. “As far as I know, it was a standard search, the committee met, made rankings, there were no irregularities,” said Elwood Robinson, dean of the college of behavioral and social science. Bracy, chair of the search committee, did not respond

to several calls and e-mails from Campus Echo. Neither the chancellor nor the provost responded directly to questions from the Campus Echo. The Director of Public Relations, Cynthia Fobert responded on their behalf. In an e-mail to the Campus Echo, Fobert states that after the second committee confirmed three finalists, “At this point, the work of the committee was essentially complete. There is no requirement to rank order the candidates and assessment of the three finalists is not public record.”

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

IVER SITY

Sex like a porn star?

Seminar discusses sexual expectations and behavior in relationships BY ZEVANDAH BARNES ECHO STAFF REPORTER

So –– what’s your relationship like? Relationships 101 is a series of seminars sponsored by Residential Life. They will be across campus to discuss sex and relationships. The first seminar of the series entitled “Sex Like a Porn Star?” was held on Jan. 12 in Baynes Residence Hall. About 20 –30 students attended. The objectives of the first seminar were to show how hip hop music and pornography share similar themes and to discuss the components of a healthy sexual relationship. “Do people really think about this in the heat of the moment?” said Alan Thompson, jazz studies freshman. The seminar allowed students to discuss what they perceive as sexual expectations and behaviors in rela-

tionships. Students were also able to express what feelings the lyrics in different songs gave them. The songs that meeting facilitators, Krystal George and Kevin Harrell, played were by Travis Porter and Raheem DeVaughn. The two songs were on the opposite ends of sexual content delivery in music. During the discussion, George and Harrell asked questions that kept students engaged. “I never really thought about how much hip hop in media plays a role with the porn industry,” said Thompson. Students also discussed the meaning and importance of trust, freedom, respect, equality, and relationship communication. According to George and Harrell these are the components that make up a healthy sexual relationship. During the discussion, the prevention of sexually trans-

mitted diseases and pregnancies by utilizing oral contraceptives and condoms was mentioned. “Arm yourself about the knowledge of sex before intercourse,” said Harrell. Condoms were available for students and provided by Project SAFE (Save A Fellow Eagle) at the seminar. “The goal of Project SAFE is to educate students about safe sex and to get them tested,” said Shawn Swinnie president of Project Safe. The Relationships 101 series has other seminar topics such as “Sexting, Seducing, and Cybering: Is your drive in overload” and “No Never Means Yes.” The relationship series runs until March 2. Students can talk about real issues couples face daily. “It was very beneficial and an eye-opener,” said Thompson. Relationship 101 tackles serious issues concerning sexuality and students.

Sex, relationships, pornography and hip-h hop were the topic at a Jan. 12 seminar sponsored by Residential Life. MORGAN CRUTCHFIELD/Echo staff photographer

Attending the meetings could allow students the

chance to know what the opposite sex is thinking and

also to get informed.

King recognized

Brainiacs 101

Convocation honors the life and work of MLK and others

Newly established chess club meets Fridays at the union

BY DAVID FITTS

BY TOMMIA HAYES

ECHO ONLINE EDITOR

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the MLK Day Convocation was held last Thursday in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. The convocation was held to honor the life of King by speaking on his work as well as honor students and friends of N.C. Central University who have accomplished similar great things in their lives. “We are not merely acknowledging Dr. King’s birthday on this campus in this community,” said Carlton Wilson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts who addressed the audience. “We take this opportunity to further educate both the young and the not so young about the social context of what Dr. King and others endured in order to create a fair, a more gentle and kind America,” he said. Wilson also said that we all will realize how important it is to continue to be vigilant and to protect what has been gained. The dean said that the occasion presents everyone with an opportunity to motivate themselves to renew their commitment to social justice, civic engagement and service. Wilson was not the only person who spoke on Dr. King working to create a better America.

Congressman David Price (D – NC, 4th District) presented the

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Congressman David Price (D – NC, 4th District) was the keynote

speaker at Friday’s MLK Convocation.

DIVINE MUNYENGETERWA/Echo staff photographer

keynote address due to the absence of Representative John Lewis (D – Ga.) who was unable to attend due to the recent snow storm. During his address, Congressman Price discussed how Rep. Lewis was the best person to speak about the life and work of Dr. King because of the many things he did alongside the slain civil rights leader. According to Congressman Price, Rep. Lewis’ historical knowledge, proximity, shared vision, inspiration and leadership of the (civil rights) movement would have contributed additional information about the legacy of Dr. King. Due to the amount of work Rep. Lewis has done to affect change President Obama will be awarding him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom –– the highest honor a civilian can receive. Congressman Price spoke about the shooting in

Tucson, Arizona saying that it was unfortunate that it occurred on the eve of the Dr. King observance. “This falls as a solemn remembrance of our country’s past which each year we hope and believe will make us and our country better,” said Price. The Congressman ended his address by using some words from Dr. King’s final speech to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1967 in which he suggested what needs to be done to affect change in the world. “What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive. Love without power can be sentimental and anemic,” quoted Price. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love,” he said. To watch the full address, see the video online.

N.C. Central University welcomes its first chess club ever — The Dark Knights. The Dark Knights is a membership organization that aims to increase the understanding of the game of chess. According to Dark Nights founder and president Theophilius Crawford, a business administration junior, he got the idea for starting the club while playing with students around campus. “It was not easy starting a chess club,” he said. “There were many procedures ... but it was all worth it.” According to Crawford, chess goes back as far as 600 A.D. after originating in India. The earliest precursor of modern chess is a game called Chaturanga, which flourished in India in the 6th century. The game reached Western Europe and Russia by the 9th century and became widespread by the 15th century. At that time it developed into the game everyone now recognizes with a board game containing 64 squares. Each player begins the game with 16 pieces, including a king, a queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The object of the game is to checkmate the oppo-

Theophilious Crawford, president of the Dark Knights, makes his move. CHI BROWN/Echo staff photographer

nent’s king. Crawford, a New Yorker, said that he first fell in love with chess at the age of 20 after picking up a book in the Brooklyn public library. Describing his love for the game he said: “It’s the aspect of thinking. It keeps me thinking all the time.” After teaching himself the game he decided that he wanted to share. He has now been teaching chess, off and on, for about 12 years. He was hired by the Brooklyn’s housing authority and by the Board of Education to teach chess to disadvantaged kids and

United Christian Campus Ministry

most recently, the parks and recreation department in Greensboro. “Chess tends to help measure academic improve once you start playing,” he said. Crawford’s overall goal is to eventually, overtime turn this club into a winning team. “Students should definitely join, especially if you can not play,” said nursing freshmen Mykey Westbrook, who described chess as “addictive.” The Dark Knights, which now has 12 members, meets Fridays in room 104 of the Alfonso Elder Student Union at 2 p.m.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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WARMING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 a number of “extreme events,” Easterling said, including “the Russian heat wave, and, related to that, flooding and heavy rains in Pakistan; also record warm temperatures in the summer.” High precipitation levels included record rainfall in Southern California. From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2010, John Wayne Airport saw 22.57 inches of rain, nearly 7 inches above normal. The rains came despite a transition to La Nina conditions later in the year, a periodic cooling of the eastern Pacific that typically means a dry rainy season for Southern California. In fact, because La Nina tends to lower global temperatures, 2010 might have been even hotter without it. “December was actually not nearly as warm as the months in the middle of the year,” said Deke Arndt, climate monitoring branch chief at the Climatic Data Center. “So we did see that La Nina signal kick in towards the end of the year.” Wet weather dampened the risk of wildfire, as well as

drought for the nation as a whole. In July, the drought footprint covered less than eight percent of the country. Some other highlights from the report: • Global land surface temperatures alone were the warmest on record at 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average. • Global ocean surface temperatures alone tied with 2005 as the third warmest at 0.88 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average. • The Pacific ocean saw the fewest hurricanes on record since the mid 1960s, with three hurricanes and seven named storms. • The Atlantic, however, tied for third place in 2010 with 19 named storms, and second place with 12 hurricanes. • The Arctic saw its third smallest minimum in sea-ice extent, behind 2007 and 2008. • But while Antarctic sea ice hit its eighth smallest yearly maximum in March, it grew quickly to its third largest extent on record in September. While the “hottest year”

numbers generate much interest among scientists and the public, they say little about long-term climate trends. But the data over decades is far more revealing. “The climate is continuing to show the influence of increasing greenhouse gases, showing evidence of warming,” Easterling said. “There has been some notion that people put forth that the climate stopped warming in about 2005. I think this year’s results show that notion lacks credibility.” He said he is asked frequently whether weather events, such as heat waves, can be tied to long-term climate trends. “We get questions about these sorts of events,” he said. “‘Is this a harbinger of things to come? Is this climate change?’ “Although you cannot attribute any individual event, such as the Russian heat wave, to climate change, it’s always important to keep in mind that the probability of seeing these kinds of events does increase as the climate warms.”

China, U.S. take steps to heal growing military rift

BY TOM LASSITER MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

BEIJING – U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and his Chinese counterpart on Monday called for greater cooperation between the two countries’ militaries, but their talks fell short of any concrete plans to formalize ties that were broken off by Beijing last year. China agreed to set up working groups with the U.S. on key issues such as nuclear policy and missile defense without any definite schedule. But those groups would be limited only to exploring the possibility of a future “strategic dialogue” and wouldn’t actually discuss the issues themselves. A meeting between Gates and Vice President Xi Jinping, next in line to be China’s president, produced a wooden statement by Xi that noted that the U.S.-China military is a “sensitive field.” The ambiguity of Beijing’s position suggested that military relations with China remain estranged a week before Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Washington. Still, the remarks by Gates and Chinese Defense

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Minister Lian Guanglie at a news conference Monday were mostly positive, a notable shift in tone since the Chinese military severed talks with the U.S. a year ago after the U.S. announced a $6 billion-plus arms deal with Taiwan, China’s longtime rival and an island China considers to be part of its sovereign territory. “We are in strong agreement that in order to reduce the chances of miscommunication, misunderstanding or miscalculation, it is important that our military-to-military ties are solid, consistent and not subject to shifting political winds,” Gates said. “There are new opportunities for the two countries to further develop ties,” Lian said. Lian made clear, however, that there are still sore feelings surrounding the Taiwan arms deal. He warned that U.S. sales of advanced weaponry to Taiwan “jeopardized China’s core interests.” “We do not want to see such things happening again,” Lian said, according to the translation carried by Chinese state media. “We do not want U.S. weapon sales to Taiwan to

further damage the relationship between China and the United States and the two nations’ armed forces.” Gates’ three-day trip to China is his second since taking office in December 2006. He is also scheduled to stop in Japan and South Korea, an itinerary that emphasizes tensions between China and the U.S. and its allies. American officials backed Japan in a standoff with China last year over the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain that ended with Beijing cutting off crucial mineral exports to Japan. The U.S. also stood by the South Korean government when China refused to condemn North Korea after a South Korean warship was torpedoed in March, killing 46 sailors, and after an artillery barrage that killed four on a South Korean island in November. Lian, however, tried to play down growing concerns about China’s military ambitions. “We can by no means call ourselves an advanced military force,” he said. “The gap between us and that of advanced countries is at least, I think, two to three decades.”

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Students in need turning to campus food pantry

UC Davis students, senior Justin Gold, left, and junior Hannah Kirshner, organizers of the UC Davis Food Pantry, talk with Roger Beachy, right, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, January 12, 2010, in Davis, Calif. JOSE LUIS VILLEGRAS/Sacremento Bee (MCT)

BY LAUREL ROSENTHALL MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — College students are known to eke by on meager meals like peanut butter sandwiches, cold cereal and ramen noodles. But as tuition skyrockets and family finances remain tight, some students are having trouble buying even such humble staples. It’s given rise to a small but growing trend: the campus food bank, where hungry students can get a free can of soup, box of oatmeal or package of spaghetti. A food pantry opened last week at the University of California-Davis, following similar efforts at the University of California-Los Angeles, Bakersfield College and Oregon State University. “It’s the most basic need of a student — to eat,” said Davis student Ashley

Thomas, who plans to use the pantry. “You can’t study for a chemistry final if you’re hungry.” A recent survey of Davis undergrads found that almost 25 percent “somewhat to very often” skipped meals to save money and another 25 percent “occasionally” skipped meals for the same reason. The finding spurred student government leaders Justin Gold and Hannah Kirshner into action. During the fall term they contacted campus organizations and local businesses. Donations came in from Campbell’s Soup, Sprouts Market, the Davis Food CoOp and several campus organizations, Gold said. KDVS, the campus radio station, gave up a sound room in the basement of the student union building that’s now lined with shelves full of cereal boxes, jars of tomato sauce and

cans of soup. A sign next to the service counter tells student volunteers how to help customers. Pantry volunteers must ask students seeking free food to show their student ID cards but don’t record their names or ask about their finances. Students can visit the pantry as often as they like and can get enough food for three meals during each visit. “We are a little concerned about people taking advantage,” said Gold, 21. “But there’s an inherent risk any time you start a new project, and there’s so much overall benefit from this project that we’re hoping it’s worth the risk.” The pantry has enough food to last about 10 weeks, Gold said. He’s hoping with contributions it can stay open at least until the end of the school year.

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Poll: Obama rebounding with voters, would beat GOP rivals

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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Mourners at a shrine for Qian Yunhui at his home in Zhaiqiao Village, China, January 5, 2010. In a country where public dissent against the government is rare, and quickly crushed when it appears, Qian Yunhui led demonstrations and submitted petitions protesting a power plant being built on his village’s ancestral land despite being sent to prison twice in the past four years. His campaign finally ended on Christmas morning, when villagers found his body mangled under the front wheel of a construction truck. TOM LASSETER/MCT

In accounts of activist's death, villagers and Chinese government differ

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama enter the McKale Center for the "Together We Thrive" program at the University of Arizona, honoring the victims of the Tucson, Arizona, shooting rampage that claimed the lives of six people and wounded more than a dozen others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

BY TOM LASSETER

WILL SEBERGER/MCT

BY STEVEN THOMMA MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has bounced back from his low point after November’s elections and enjoys stronger support heading into the 2012 election cycle, particularly against Sarah Palin, according to a McClatchy Newspapers-Marist poll released Thursday. Obama’s fortunes appear to be rising along with the country’s. The poll found a jump in the number of people who think the country’s heading in the right direction. Also, the president probably benefited from the productive post-election session of Congress. “Obama’s standing on far firmer footing,” said Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion at Marist College in New York, which conducted the national survey. “It puts a different hue on the 2012 elections.” The president’s rating improved on several fronts, including job approval, how many like him personally and whether they think he’ll do better in the next two years. His strengthening appeal was most noticeable in how he matches up against three potential Republican rivals. Today Obama would beat Republican Mitt Romney by 51 to 38 percent, the poll showed. In a December McClatchy-Marist poll, he

trailed the former Massachusetts governor by 46-44 percent. Obama would defeat Republican Mike Huckabee by a similar margin, 50-38 percent. In December, the president led the former Arkansas governor by only 47-43 percent. And he’d crush Palin by 56-30 percent. A month before, he led the former Alaska governor by 52-40 percent. In each case, Obama owes his lead now to a unified base of support from Democrats and an edge among independents, who prefer the president by 10 points against Romney, 5 points against Huckabee and 28 points against Palin. “Clearly, the lame-duck session of Congress showed that things could move forward,” Miringoff said. “That’s something people are eager for, especially independents.” The poll was conducted from the evening of Jan. 6 through Monday evening, straddling the Arizona shooting Saturday morning. There was no noticeable change in the numbers in the nightly samples after the shooting. An uptick in confidence about the country and the economy is probably key to Obama’s improved standing. The poll found that 41 percent of Americans think the country’s headed in the right direction and 47 percent think it’s on the wrong track. That’s a marked improve-

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

ment from December, when just 34 percent thought the country was headed in the right direction and 58 percent thought it was on the wrong track. At the same time, 48 percent of American voters approve of how the president is doing his job, up from 42 percent the month before. Forty-three percent disapprove, down from 50 percent. Similarly, 53 percent of voters have favorable opinions of Obama, up from 47 percent, and 40 percent have unfavorable opinions, down from 49 percent. Looking forward, 61 percent of voters think the president will do a better job in the second two years of his term, while just 21 percent think he’ll do a worse job. Whether they think he’s learned or will be forced to the center by a Republicanled House of Representatives, the people who think he’ll improve include Republicans, by 41-38 percent, conservatives, by 43-36 percent, and independents, by 55-23 percent. Tea party supporters are split 41-41 over whether Obama will do better or worse.

ZHAIQIAO, China — Qian Yunhui would not be silenced. A local leader in a community of farmers, Qian devoted much of his time to protesting a power plant being built on his village’s ancestral land. In a country where public dissent against the government is rare — and quickly silenced when it appears — Qian continued to lead demonstrations and submit petitions despite having been sent to prison twice in three years. He wrote letters to provincial and national leaders naming the government officials and companies he accused of stealing land — something most Chinese would consider extremely dangerous. His provocative campaign ended Christmas morning. That’s when — after receiving a phone call, Qian’s family said — he walked out of his modest concrete home to meet someone, though it’s not known whom. Villagers found his body a short while later, mangled under the front wheel of a construction truck. The fat tire had crushed Qian’s chest and neck, coming to a rest at the back of his head — the pressure sent blood and flesh spurting from his mouth. Qian’s face lay in the cold mud, eyes shut. Every villager interviewed by McClatchy Newspapers in Zhaiqiao said they thought Qian, 53, was murdered as a warning to

locals that it was time to stop talking about the power plant. Witnesses, they said, had seen men holding Qian down as the truck pulverized his body. Government officials maintain that Qian died in a simple traffic accident, an unfortunate bit of bad luck on a wet patch of road. The difficulty of drawing a conclusion about what happened that morning says a lot about the system in which China’s authoritarian government operates. In Qian’s case, his efforts only got him arrested, imprisoned twice and, locals say, murdered. “He went to Beijing (to lodge formal complaints) only after he petitioned at every local level,” said his 31-year-old son, Qian Chengxu. “It was all useless.” In the days after Qian’s death, grisly photographs and videos showing his bloody remains spread across the Internet. His name became a national symbol for frustration with the country’s widespread corruption. On Jan. 1, hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police down the road from Zhaiqiao. Video footage from the standoff shows protesters lobbing rocks and the police charging into the crowd behind riot shields. The government said it would allow a combination of lawyers, Internet activists and rural experts to investigate the matter. By the time those gestures

were made, the state had snipped away any loose ends that might contradict the official narrative. Qian’s body was taken away before an autopsy could be performed. Officials reported that a security camera at the spot where Qian died wasn’t working. The two people who villagers say saw men press Qian down as the truck ground his life away disappeared briefly. When they surfaced on state television in separate interviews four days later, they denied seeing anything suspicious. One of them, Qian Chengyu, was in handcuffs and behind bars during the television interview. The other, Huang Diyan, said she’d been coached by unnamed collaborators to say she’d witnessed a killing. Careful viewers could see a man dressed in what looked like a police uniform reflected in the window behind her. A visiting Western journalist was approached several times by more than a dozen villagers who hurriedly whispered that Qian Yunhui had been killed because he’d openly challenged area powerbrokers and officials. The accounts were followed by pleas not to report the speakers’ identities. “Don’t take our pictures; don’t write down our names,” said one middleaged woman in jeans and a dark coat. “They will beat us.”

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

Once again it’s Durham’s finest WE

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Photography by Corliss Pauling, Story by Diane Varnie

“Untitled” by Mark Stripp, grade 12, Jordan High School.

T “The Prometheus Effect” by Judy Metze, grade 8, Chewning Middle School.

he time has come for the Bull City’s finest youngsters to flaunt their art – and what better location than at N.C. Central University. The NCCU Art Museum starts the year with kiddie joy, showcasing the work of Durham’s elite young artists, in an exhibit called “Durham’s Finest.” The annual exhibit showcases eclectic, the reflective, the playful and the downright crafty, art of K-12 students from Durham schools.

“Durham’s Finest” has been exhibiting at NCCU for more than 30 years. “Each school screens the work themselves and selected four works,” said Kenneth Rodgers, director of the NCCU Art Museum. In all, 45 schools participated and some 180 works of art were reviewed. According to Rodgers, this year’s submissions have taken a new direction. “This year we have fewer three-dimensional pieces. Of the three-dimensional piece that we

have, they are outstanding examples,” said Rodgers. Rodgers said this exhibit includes more photography from area high schools than previously. “This year at the elementary level, we had a second grader whose natural design instincts were far beyond her years,” said Rodgers. “She demonstrated something that clearly one cannot teach. She had an ability with color and

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“The Conversation” Kimberly Alvaredo-G Gracia, grade 3, Hillandale Elementary.

“Redefining Rockwelli” by Jalen Adams, grade 4, George Watts Montesssori Magnet School

“Sublime Transformations” by Itzel Castro, grade 7, Chewning Middle School

“Pathway Home” by Jazmen Crosland, grade 5, Creekside Elementary

“Unknown” by Camille Romac-G Gullo, grade 12, Jordan High School.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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Golden Key International Honour Society meeting January 25th at 10:45am in Farrison-Newton Communication Bldg, room 338. All current members and interested students welcome! We’ll discuss scholarship awards, service opportunities, and leadership positions.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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In a Sentimental Mood NCCU alum brings in 2011 with another musical success BY CHANEL LAGUNA

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Since the release of Carlitta Durand’s “Doug and Patty” EP, the N.C. Central University alum keeps the music tradition alive with “Nostalgic Nights,” released on Christmas Eve. While “Doug and Patty’s” production had an eclectic and hip-hop feel, “Nostalgic Nights” brings more soul and R&B. The intro, “Nostalgic Nights,” and “Forest Gump” and “Sweet July” show the artist at her best with a melodic, soul-tinted sound. The record also takes the artist down an emotional ride down memory lane — hence the name. “It’s like reminiscing on a part of your life. There are some parts you’ve enjoyed and there are others you wish you could forget,” said Durand. While delving into a more soulful sound, the artist remains loyal to her hip-hop listeners. In contrast to the solo-produced “Doug & Patty,” Durand hooked up with NCCU business marketing senior Jay Sentine, who produced jazzy, boom bap tracks for “Nostalgic Nights.” Sentine produced three tracks on the new album: “iCarli,” “23rd Floor,” and “Occupied.” “iCarli” places looped horns over a ‘90s hip-hop beat, while “23rd floor” and “Occupied” scream out neo soul intertwined with MPC drums.

#FTW (For The Win) #WTF (What The ...) #FAIL

TRASH

Kanye West & Jay-Z Z “H.A.M.” Watch The Throne

Def Jam/ Roc Nation/ G.O.O.D. Music

2out of 5on the black hand side

Carlitta Durand’s new album was released Christmas Eve. DIANE VARNIE/Echo A&E Editor

“Miss Durand’s voice is straight soul,” said Sentine. “She has soulful, relaxed vocals that could calm down just about anything.” The grind for Durand never seems to cease. This Friday, the songstress will perform at The Pour House in Raleigh.

It’s $6 dollars in advance, and $9 at the door. The performance starts at 9 p.m. “To be an upcoming singer in this industry is like trying to keep your head above water,” said Durand. “If you sink, people won’t see you.” “Nostalgic Nights” is available for free via OkayPlayer.com.

FINEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the manipulation of textures that was simply off the charts.” The middle school winner, Itzel Castro, a seventh grader from Chewning Middle School, used watercolors to create “Sublime Transformations,” which depicts a girl sitting on a green mountain being greeted by a blackbird as her hair blows in the wind. The high school winner “Father & Son,” by Durham School of Arts 10th grader Courtney Jacobs, strucked all with her mind-tricking work. The piece uses pencil strokes so smooth that the work can easily be mistaken for a snapshot. “She elected to do what I would call a double portrait of her father and his offspring. “It has a photographic quality,” said Rodgers. “Again, those are qualities that one can certainly not teach.” “As I think about that piece, it clearly shows that that bond between a father and son is unshakable. “That’s not an easy thing to do, especially with the medium of a pencil.” Get the experience for yourself. The NCCU Art Museum is open Tuesday through

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Durham School of the Arts first-p place winner,“Father & Son,” by 10th grader Courtney Jacobs. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. “Every kid should have

the opportunity to express themselves,” said Rodgers. The creative impulse is something that is beneath, is something that everyone

has. When encouraged, we never know how high an individual can reach.”

As the clock struck midnight Jan. 11, music critics and social networks best at slander took to the Net to express opinions about the Kanye West and Jay-Z track, “H.A.M.,” which is the first single on their collaborative effort, “Watch the Throne.” An acronym for “Hard as a Motherf****r,” the title is an overstatement, resulting in mediocre bars over an abused Lex Luger beatstyle tradition. If your ears hold mercy toward Kanye West and Jay-Z – along with producer Lex Luger, who is most known for his spooky, dark, heavy baseline production noted on Rick Ross’ “B.M.F.” – then you know this track should have been handed to other rap contenders. While some admit that ’Ye took the crown for underwhelming rhymes and flow, some have yet to let Hov's lap breathe, as the ego sucking never seem to cease. Though I don’t quite consider Hov’s verse last week’s trash, it still didn’t amaze me. Since Lex Luger sticks to what he knows best – leaving every production related to Rick Ross’ “B.M.F.” – it’s only right to imagine who could have done this track justice. We all saw this coming, and it’s only right that Rick Ross jumped on the beat for a more favorable remix. If ’Ye didn’t rape Ross’ flow … then someone try feeding the original “H.A.M.,” to a Muslim. I’m sure they’ll still say “Allahu Akbar” afterwards. Crowned one of XXL’s Freshmen in 2010, Pill tends to get overshadowed by his classmates. However, this ATL youngster made his way onto the scene letting

everybody know that he “has the trap goin’ ham.” Pill already took to twitter to let the masses know that he’s hip to the things: “What's Pill doin? Currently penning his verse for the H.A.M remix ... It's checkers not Chess ...” Pill made it a hot line, but too bad ’Ye and Hov didn’t make “H.A.M.” a hot song. Oops. If some insist on getting their panties in a bunch, cut the foolishness. Perhaps one of the reasons the “H.A.M.” track didn’t sit well with most is that the styles “going hard” were all wrong. The Lex Luger production demands nightclub play, and who better than Gucci Mane and his … swag. Check him out on Rick Ross’ “MC Hammer,” which features production by — wait for it, wait for it — Lex Luger. Besides sounding just like “B.M.F.,” Gucci does his thing. Perhaps when he’s done getting cones tatted on his face, he’ll get on it. Though he’s nowhere to be found, it would be hilarious to see this Tennessee all-star come out the woodwork and leave jaws on the floor. His track record includes bangers such as “Cheese and Dope,” “North North,” and “Blunt to My Lips,” which all show the type of damage Project can do to a dark, heavy bass beat. ’Nuff said. If Pat doesn’t do it, perhaps Juicy J will … since he’s back on the scene with that Wiz Khalifa “Black & Yellow” remix – which was supremely dope. Another artist I feel can murder this beat would be Eminem. We saw what he did to Nick Minaj’s “Roman’s Revenge.” Since Wale is “rumored” to be a part of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music imprint and slowly making his transition down South, he can probably go in. The way Busta Rhymes rips DJ Khaled remixes, he can do it here too, and I bet no one would do it “badder badder badder badder.” — Diane “Shabazz” Varnie

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

NCCU football is now under new leadership as it enters a new decade

A ARON SAUNDERS ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

After two months of searching and interviewing valuable candidates on Dec. 16, 2010 N.C. Central University hired its 21st head football coach in school history. After former head coach Mose Rison was replaced on Oct. 18 of last year, rumors began to circulate around who would be the future coach. The man chosen to restore the NCCU football program to prominence was Henry Frazier, the 2009 recipient of the Eddie Robinson award (best coach in FCS) while leading Prairie View A&M to a SWAC championship. Critics of the move have said that the move seemed not to be a step up but a lateral move Frazier says otherwise. “I felt like there was something special going on here from a facility, athletic, and campus standpoint,” he said. Under Frazier the Panthers amassed a 43-30 record in 12 years taking the once cellar dweller in in the SWAC, to a champi-

New NCCU head football coach Henry Frazier strolls the sideline in a Prairie View Game Courtesy of Prairie View sports information

onship in 2009. For this feat Frazier is very well respected as a coach and in the Prairie

View community. “When I talked to the president of Prairie View he was very congratulatory

thanking me and wishing me well,” said Frazier. For those who don’t know his style simply put it is win-

ning. “Whatever we have to do to win the game we will do… if you stack the box we are going to air it out, if you back off we will run it,” he said. Frazier takes over a team that has several returning players that can make an impact upon stepping into the MEAC. One of these players who will be counted on is redshirt-junior Geovonie Irvine who led the team in receptions and reception yards (53, 758) last season. “The team feels positive about the hiring; coach told us that we are going to be a disciplined team which we lacked a little bit of last year,” said Irvine. Since being hired Frazier has not only met with the team but been on the road recruiting hoping that his efforts pay dividends in two weeks on national signing day. “Kids want scholarships and parents are savvier nowadays you just have to be honest and upfront and sell your school and program,” said Frazier. The coach who officially began as of Jan. 1 is slated to make $225,000 annually, $95,000 more than his predecssor.

Cheerleaders need love too Do you believe cheerleading should be considerd a sport

J ONATHAN A LEXANDER

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

If you look under Women’s Sports on the NCCUEaglePride.com, you will not see “Cheerleading,” which will raise the question: Is Cheerleading a sport? The American Heritage College dictionary defines “sport” as a physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. But at N.C. Central University, students seem to have mixed opinions. “No I don’t think cheerleading is a sport because it’s not physical, and there is no thinking involved. At NCCU, the cheerleaders are looked at as glorified dancers,” said undecided sophomore, Travis Purcell. According to Keshante Cavin, marketing sophomore cheerleading is a sport. “Just like basketball or football you have to try out, have skills, and produce certain requirements to be eligible for the team,” said Cavin. “A sport is a competitive activity.” Johnae’ Stoutamire, a psychology sophomore and varsity cheerleader, is also among those who defend the notion that cheerleading is a sport.

Stoutamire, who has been cheering for most of her life, worksout in the offseason with running and toning exercises. “You must be fit and workout, just like any other sport,” said Stoutamire. Cheerleading coach LuAnn Edmonds-Harris, an NCCU alumna, says otherwise. “We spend just as much time or even more as competitive sports. We utilize the weight room, and watch what we eat. “We’re competitive in a subtle way,” she said, adding that she regards her cheerleaders as “studentathletes.” Cheerleaders at UNCChapel Hill and N.C. A&T perform stunts whereas NCCU does not. A stunt is where there are three to four base females or males who throw the flyer up for flips and moves in air. Because NCCU’s squad doesn’t do stunts, they cannot cheer competitively. Cheerleading at NCCU and other schools is different. At NCCU, cheerleaders are not recruited and none are under scholarship. “I don’t believe NCCU and students treat cheerleading as a sport,” said Stoutamire. “Other schools have proper facilities to practice

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2010 NCCU Varsity cheerleaders pose before the Hampton vs. NCCU football game Courtesy of NCCU athletics

stunts, do toe touches, and tumble. If we had the proper equipment and facilities, I think we would probably do stunts.” Not all schools stunt and not all schools compete competitively though. Duke does not stunt. Different schools have different styles and requirements. According to EdmondsHarris some competitions

have a height and weight limit. “I don’t like the height and weight limit. I don’t believe in that, I have a uniform limit,” she said. “The young ladies have to wear uniforms and look good in them. They have to fit tone. Our cheerleaders have to work around the schedules of everyone else like the football and basketball players, and the band,

EAGLELAND

so we don’t have the proper facilities to do stunts.” Edmonds-Harris said that it’s too dangerous to practice stunts in the hallways and that she was more concerned with her studentathletes’ safety. “I’d rather not risk injury so I’m not interested,” she said. “My goal is to go to as many schools in the MEAC to let them know this is who we are. WE ARE NCCU’”

Classic matchup in 2011 Football team will play in Cleveland Classic BY

A ARON B ROWN

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

On Sept. 10, 2011, N. C. Central University will take on Central State University for the inaugural Cleveland Classic sponsored by McDonalds. The event was announced by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission on Jan. 12 and is scheduled to be played at the legendary Cleveland Browns stadium at noon. “Our downtown sports venues, superb theater district and top of the line restaurants are just a few of the amenities that truly offer a uniquely Cleveland experience,” said mayor of Cleveland, Frank G. Jackson. There will also be a College/Career Fair and a Greek Step Show on Sept. 9 with a tailgating party the day of the game. The party open for everyone during pregame and that should build up more excitement for the big game. The team we will be facing Central State University, a nationally recognized institution for their academics and their support and dedication to the community. Central State University is Ohio’s only public historically black college. New head football coach Henry Frazier III, said he thinks of the Cleveland Classic as a game not unlike the others on the schedule. “All of the games we play are going to be big. Every time we play we are being evaluated,” he said. Redshirt-junior Wide Receiver Geovonie Irvine said he can help provide a spark and help boost the confidence level of the team. “Being as little as I am, I can definitely bring heart to the team. ... I feel like we can bring this win home to the Eagle’s Nest,” said Irvine. The game is expected to be very exciting game for NCCU supporters and will bring a lot more exposure to NCCU. Tickets for the game are on sale now for $15. The remainder of the official 2011 NCCU football schedule has not yet been released.

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Opinions

16 N

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

IVERSITY

Take my guns away I

guess I was around seven or eight years old. I was watching some documentary about the Vietnam War with my parents. The screen showed grainy film of little children bloodied, burned and limp in the hands of grieving adults. I asked my mom, “Why is the world like that? those kids don’t deserve that.” I Chris Hess went on to ask her what purpose guns had, other than killing things. I still have never gotten a clear answer from anyone. A young man recently murdered six innocent people in Tucson. He used a gun equipped with a long clip, once illegal in the United States. This brought up the question again: “What purpose do guns serve other than killing?” I’ve had arguments with people over this issue and I’ve heard every answer in the book. 1. Guns don’t kill people, peo-

I understand the need for some people to covet protection of their property, but when I ask them if guns serve a purpose other than killing this isn’t an answer.

ple kill people. I assume this answer refers to “responsible gun owners.” But the state of Arizona as well as the store that sold Jared Loughner his gun thought he was “responsible” enough. The problem with this argument is that all human beings are unpredictable. We have the potential to snap at any moment. And when equipped with a killing device as efficient and quick as a gun, that momentary lapse in sanity and control can equal death. It takes a fraction of a second to pull a trigger and even less time for a bullet to travel. That miniscule moment in time is enough to change a life forever. 2. I need my gun for protection. Translation: If someone comes into my house I can kill them.

I understand the need for some people to covet protection of their property, but when I ask them if guns serve a purpose other than killing this isn’t an answer. Of all the gun-related deaths in America, less than one percent are caused by someone defending himself. This means that around 99 percent of all gun-related deaths in America are suicide, homicide, or accidental. Not that this will change more than 200 years of Constitutional law, but the statistics are alarming. It just goes to show that a person carrying a gun is more likely to be Loughner than John Wayne. 3. I use my gun to hunt. In other words, the purpose of the gun is to kill an animal. Views differ on whether

hunting is right, but the goal is to kill the animal. The mission in a hunt is not to injure the animal, it is to kill. I have yet to meet a hunter who told me, “Hey, I really grazed that deer today, he’s going to feel that in the morning.” It’s not catch and release like fishing. The animal must meet its ultimate demise, usually by the hot sting of a bullet. 4. Target practice. Killing practice? Who knows? I guess the point I’m trying to make is that guns are killing machines, and they are available for purchase by most Americans. If someone without a felony conviction decides one day they want to kill lots of people, that’s fairly easy in this country. It’s actually more difficult to adopt an animal from the ASPCA than it is to purchase a gun. I’ve always thought the pen was mightier than the sword, or in this case the gun. I hope that one day we will live in a world where people don’t feel the need to keep a gun at arms length, but instead our brothers in arms reach.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: How do you feel about the fact that the Zodiac signs have been changed? “I do not believe in Zodiac signs, so it does not really affect me one way or the other.”

Going the distance I

’ve attended N.C. Central University for almost four years now and I’ve realized that long-distance relationships are harder than my classes. People ask me, “How do you and your boyfriend make it work?” I answer, “COMPROMISE!” I say it like that because though my boyfriend is Tommia the greatest guy in the world, as Hayes most women know, sometimes guys act like babies. Some days he needs more attention than I can give him. I make him realize that at this point in my life, my studies come first. He feels I could communicate a little better. After long heated discussions and crazy arguments, we always come to some sort of an agreement that makes us both happy. In other words, we make it work because at the end of the day we know that we would

People ask me ‘How do you and your boyfriend make it work?’ I answer, ‘COMPROMISE!’

rather fight with one another than see each other smiling with someone else. I know that I might sound selfish but that’s the truth. Other people ask me, “Why don’t you date someone at your school?” I simply reply, “No young man at the school has ever captured my heart.” No offense to my fellow Eagle men but it was either bad timing on my part or theirs. Or I felt the man was not my match. I know there are some good men on this campus but for me they’re meant to be my friends, not my lovers. I was always told that I would find my soulmate/ husband in college. Instead I feel as if found him in D.C. working in a bakery.

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Ashley Griffin, Editor-iin-C Chief

Tommia Hayes Aaron Saunders Diane Varnie David Fitts Corliss Pauling Jes’Neka Jones Uyi Idahor Brian Moulton Divine Munyengeterwa Willie Pace Chioke Brown Ashley Gadsden April Simon Zevandah Barnes Tondea King Chris Hess Danita Williams Bethany Sneed Kayla Scott Jonathan Alexander Gabriel Aikens Riyah Exum Teddy LaPerre Stillman Mba Tahj Giles Belinda Dunn

Opinions Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Online Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Opinions Assistant Editor Multimedia Editor Multimedia Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Copy Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter/Cartoonist Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter A&E Reviews A&E Reviews

The thing about long distance relationships is the give and take. Some days you get more, some days you get less — but if you feel as if that person is worth it, then do it. The days when the other person wants more than this is when the compromise kicks in. My advice to people is to not make the distance be the determiner, because you can make it work. Some advice: pick months when you guys will visit one another. My boyfriend lives only 200 miles away so it is not too bad. But if the distance is farther, your phone will be your best friend. Make sure he or she knows your class schedule and pick hours when you can check in. You should also have a TV show

— Martin Butts

that both of you love because it gives you a common thing to talk about. Also send random text messages because people like to know you are thinking of them. Another good idea is to get a Skype account! I say this because you might not be able to physically be with the person but at least you can see each other and it makes you feel a little better seeing your loved one’s face. When there is a problem, do not hold it in because ultimately, it is going to cause arguments. When something is bothering you, whether it is school or the person you love, trust me from experience, honesty is always the best policy. I am not trying to call myself a relationship guru, but I am just trying to pass along advice that has worked for me the past two years. Long distance is not easy and we even had to take a break from one another. But in the end we are always back together, stronger than ever.

“I think the Zodiac sign was pointless.The change does not affect me, because I am a Taurus before and after the change. My birthday is May 17.” —Jalisa Baskerville “I was a firm believer that I was an Aries but now I am supposed to believe I am a Taurus. The change alters everyone’s beliefs. — Jarrett Ward Sound Off By Uyi Idahor

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by Steve Brown