Oct 1, 2014 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

OCTOBER 1, 2014

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VOLUME 106, ISSUE 2 919 530.7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

@CAMPUSECHO

Campus

Beyond

A&E

Fresh new eyes: Pickett seeks to change perceptions

Durham native Greg Hill gives his two cents

Drumline to primetime: former student makes it big

Triangle gets tatted: Bike and tattoo fest rides into downtown Raleigh

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Wild Out Wednesday Holder to resign returns to B.N. Duke “"I hope I have done honor to your legacy, Mr. President.” ERIC HOLDER

US ATTORNEY GENERAL

BY RICHARD A. SERRANO, TIMOTHY M. PHELPS AND LISA MASCARO TRIBUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU (MCT)

Dancers of the Association of students for a better Africa (ASFABA) perform as Wild Out Wednesday’s closing act. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

.C. Central University’s student activi-

W.O.W. is a social event for students, faculty and

ty board held its first “Wild out

staff to gather and be entertained with music,

Wednesday” of the school year, the

skits, and performances from their fellow

first since fall 2012, in the B.N. Duke Auditorium.

peers.

n See WILD OUT WEDNESDAY PHOTOESSAY on page 6-7

“Your Head is a Storehouse” BY LEAH MONTGOMERY ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Ninety-three-year old George Thompson surprised a freshman English class on Sept. 18 with a discussion of his new book, “Your Head is a Storehouse.” “The book is based on my life, back in the old days,” said Thompson. “The main point was because I see this oncoming generation isn’t catching on to life the way that we did. “I thought I would write something because I can’t be there to teach them all the time.” Thompson, who lives in Greensboro, is the father of adjunct language and literature instructor Iris Chapman.

Adjunct instructor Iris Chapman listens as her father, George Thompson, discusses his book. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

n See STOREHOUSE Page 2

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University has a new vice chancellor. Miron Billingsley, NCCU’s new vice chancellor of student affairs, comes to NCCU after a seven-year stint in Houston as Prairie View A&M University’s associate vice president for student affairs. “NCCU has a strong history and traditions,” he said, “and I want to be a part of that tradition,” s a i d Billingsley. He said being a successful vice chancellor requires “patience, enthusiasm, and

Attorney General Eric Holder kisses his wife, Dr. Sharon Malone, during a press conference where he announced his resignation on Thursday, Sept. 25

Sneak-peek Durham to host sneaker convention

being a strong advocate for students.” He said he believes he can offer those qualities at NCCU. “You have to be able to understand the role and collaborate with other administrators,” Billinglsey said, identifying himself as a team player. Billingsley indicated that students need an extended plan of action to succeed and not stop short with a limited plan of success. He tries to stay in touch with students by having an open door policy, eating in

n See BILLINGSLEY Page 2

n See HOLDER Page 5

OLIVIER DOULIERY/Abaca Press (MCT)

Eagles welcome Billingsley BY LINDA RATLINGER

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., the first black to fill the nation’s top law enforcement post, announced Thursday he was stepping down, ending a nearly six-year tenure as one of the Obama administration’s most progressive voices and polarizing figures. Holder, 63, leaves an impressive legacy on civil rights and criminal justice reforms, but one that took shape relatively late in his tumultuous term, which was initially dominated by political battles and a contempt citation from Congress. The former federal prosecutor and close friend of President Barack Obama becomes one of the last original members of the Cabinet to resign. At an emotional gathering in the White House State Dining Room, Holder, who came of age during the 1960s civil rights struggle, invoked his boyhood hero, former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and called his time at the Justice Department the “greatest honor of my professional life.” “I hope I have done honor to your legacy, Mr. President,” Holder said, choking up while recalling the support of his parents. “I will leave the

Department of Justice, but I will never, ever leave the work.” A formal announcement about Holder’s replacement is not expected until early next week. Holder has agreed to stay on until a nominee is confirmed. Names already being tossed around inside the White House and the halls of Congress include Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr.; Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in New York who handles bank fraud and terrorism cases; Janet Napolitano, former Homeland Security secretary; former White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler; Deputy Attorney General James Cole, the No. 2 official in the Justice Department; and Mary Jo White, a former U.S. attorney in New York who now leads the Securities and Exchange Commission. Two other potential successors, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and California Attorney General Kamala Harris, said Thursday they had no plans to take the job. The likely battle over Holder’s replacement sets the stage for a partisan power struggle that is likely to extend into the post-election lame-duck session of Congress or beyond. The administration

BY LEAH MONTGOMERY ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Vice chancellor Miron Billingsley addresses a crowd of students. LINDA RATLINGER/Echo staff reporter

A sneaker convention is coming to the Durham Armory on Oct. 12 spearheaded by former N.C. Central University student Kala Nwachukwu. Nwachukwu graduated in 2012 with a degree in biology with a pre-medconcentration and is currently in school at UNC Chapel Hill for a Ph.D. in cell and molecular physiology. Nwachukwu is not just a full-time student, how-

ever; she is also a sneaker fanatic. “I wanted to bring together everybody that has that sneaker culture together and share that as a community,” said Nwachukwu. “It doesn’t matter if they have been collecting for years or if they just got into sneakers.” Nwachukwu said she has been collecting sneakers since she was a young girl. “I’ve always had a love for

n See SNEAKERS Page 4

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NCCU reflects as Ebola rips through West Africa BY BAILEY CLEMMONS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Ebola is increasingly in the news. And it’s a terrifying disease. About one week after a bout of headaches, fever and pain, diarrhea and vomiting set in. After that, in about half the cases, victims begin to bleed internally. What finally kills about 50 percent of its victims is that blood vessels deep in their body begin leaking causing blood pressure to plummet. So far the disease has infected over 6,200 in West Africa, killing an estimated 2,900, mostly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. “This is a big genetic event that is changing people’s lives,” said Catherine Silver Key, a N.C. Central University assistant professor of biology. “It hits home.” Previous Ebola virus outbreaks have occurred in 1976, 1995, 2000 and 2007 in Uganda, Sudan, and the Democratic

Republic of Congo. “This has probably been the most widely spread outbreak that has ever occurred,” said Gregory Cole, professor and chairman of NCCU’s biology department. The 1976 outbreak took 431 lives in Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name. While several Ebolainfected American volunteers and aid workers have returned and been quarantined in the United States, for supportive care, the risk of infection is, at this point, considered to be extremely low in the United States. Scientists believe that bats are the source of the disease and that humans first caught Ebola from eating food that bats have drooled or defecated on. From there the disease spreads from human to human via contact with vomit and blood. Fortunately, it is not an

airborne transmitted disease like the flu. But it is the caretakers of Ebola victims who most likely put themselves at risk. “The disease threatens humanity by preying on humanity,” writes Benjamin Hale in Slate. “This virus preys on care and love, piggybacking on the deepest, most distinctively human virtues.” Not surprisingly about most of its victims, about 75 percent, are said to be women. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof describes the global response to the Ebola epidemic as “a gross failure.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Ebola cases are doubling every two to three weeks in Liberia and that there could be as many as 1.4 million cases in Liberia and Sierra Leone by early next year. Much of Sierra Leone is

n See EBOLA Page 3

STOREHOUSE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Chapman had her students read the book as part of a class assignment. On the day her students presented their reading response papers, she brought the book’s author to class. [Student] said, “Part of me wishes that I lived during his time so I can have a better sense of community and learn how important it is for people to stick together.” Thompson, a Greensboro, N.C. native, told the class about growing up on a farm and learning the meaning of community. He also talked about eating “Southern Gourmet cuisine:” collard greens, stewed pigtails and chitterlings. “We [black people] were

often given the scraps,” said Chapman. “But we know how to make the best out of everything.” The book tells how everyone in Greensboro used to swap produce and other goods to make sure their neighbors had enough of everything. “Each woman would sew a square of the quilt and then they would sew all of the squares together as a gift to one family,” Thompson said. “That way they didn’t have to do as much work.” As one of four boys in his high school graduating class, Thompson was among the few African-American men to finish high school. Chapman asked, “How is

it that they had so little, and they achieved so much?” Thompson said he sometimes had to stop writing to grieve for lost family members and friends. “I couldn’t make myself go back to writing, but something told me ‘you can’t give up now’,” he said. Thompson wants younger generations to learn and appreciate their history and the lives of the people who came before them. “Everybody’s got a story, if they search their heart and mind and soul—and it’s going to be hard, but you have to stay with it,” he said. “If you like what you do, just keep on with it. Don’t let nothing turn you around.“

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014

IVERSITY

Outrunning hunger

Participants in the Fill My Backpack 5k run gather at the starting line Saturday at NCCU. ANTHONY ORTIZ/Echo staff photographer

BY CHELSEE POMPEY ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University and Durham Public Schools both participated at the School of Education’s 2nd annual Fill My Backpack 5k run Saturday morning on the NCCU campus. The run raises funds for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s (IFFS) Backpack Buddies program, which supplies nutritious meals to elementary school students in the Triangle area. Seven counties in the Triangle area benefit from the program, including eight Durham schools and Durham Boys and Girls Clubs. “This was a good opportunity to help the kids,” said pre-school coordinator and runner Jennifer Byers. “It’s an awesome way to contribute and do something I enjoy.” Participants and sponsors were eager to support a cause that benefits children. “We are very supportive of this great cause and we want to make sure we do all we can to better the community,” said Jeanette Beckwith, school of education professor.

“This is a great opportunity to bring the University and community together to do something positive.” According to IFFS, one in four children in North Carolina is at risk for hunger. Among the several Durham public schools that benefit from Backpack Buddies meals is Fayetteville St. Elementary School near campus. “They are close to our community, less than a mile away,” said Cheresa Clemons, coordinator of the 5k run. Clemons, a former elementary school teacher, said she is trying to contribute to academic success and her experience as a teacher made her aware of the hunger problem. “Ninety-nine percent of the students [who participate in Backpack Buddies] are signed up for free or reduced lunch and 10 percent are homeless,” said Clemons. Jill Staton Bullard, cofounder of the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, said a phone call from an elementary school principal in Raleigh drew her attention to hunger problems in the school system. The principal contacted

IFFS because he was concerned that some students would not have enough to eat over the winter break. “I talked to the volunteers and we prepared meals for the families,” said Bullard. “We started to look into children that were hungry and why they were hungry.” Last year’s run raised more than $5,000 for Durham public schools. The majority of the participants were Durham public school employees and NCCU students. Cindy Sink, director of communications for IFFS, said the biggest impact of the event is raising awareness. “It helps get the message out that there is a hunger problem,” said Sink. “There are children going to school hungry and are not getting food on the weekends.” Criminal justice graduate student Eric Evans supports the IFFS because every child needs a source of food. “Some kids only eat what the school provides for them,” said Evans. Clemons said NCCU will continue to work with IFFS and will host the “Fill My Backpack” run annually.

— she was determined to see her progeny get an education. “She made it so that all the children could attend college,” Billingsley said. “She believed that education was the key to open all doors.” After high school, Billingsley spent four years in the Navy serving on the

USS Bunker Hill as a radio man. In 1992, he graduated from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications. From there, he attended Texas Southern University in

BILLINGSLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the cafeteria with students, and walking around campus where he will see students. “I came here to be the best vice chancellor that I can be,” he said. Even in the early days of his tenure, Billingsley has begun to formulate a plan for improving programs and events like homecoming,

study abroad and student volunteering. “We’re going to change. Improve what’s effective and do away with what’s not,” Billingsley said. He said NCCU students should view leaving college not as an end, but as a new start. “I want to work with stu-

NCCU College of Arts and Sciences “The PRIORITY is Student Success” Carlton E. Wilson, Dean • Army ROTC – Military Science • Aerospace Studies • Art • Biology • Chemistry • CREST/NASA Centers • Environmental, Earth and Geospatial Sciences • History • Language & Literature • Mass Communication • Mathematics & Physics • Music • NC-Health Careers Access Program • Pharmaceutical Sciences • Theatre/Dance For more information call 919.530.6798

dents so that when they leave NCCU, this is the beginning for them,” he said. Indeed, education has always been a gateway for Billingsley. Billingsley was raised in a low-income neighborhood of Chicago, along with his parents, three sisters and two brothers.

“We didn’t know we were poor,” he said. “We never missed a meal. There was a lot of love.” Billingsley said his grandmother, Leana Lockridge, was the driving force behind his education. In spite of her own educational limitations — she had only attended school up to the fourth grade

Health Careers Center 40th Anniversary Find out more about the opportunities we offer. Our special programs include the Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program, the NCCU Pre-Dental Program and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine 3+4 Program, and more

n See BILLINGSLEY Page 3

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus

Christian Student Fellowship Organizational and Interest Meeting 6 pm ~ Thur., Oct. 9. 127 Eagle Landing

N.C. Central University

For more than 40 years NCCU’s Health Careers Center staff has been developing pre-health professional students into viable candidates for health and medical careers by providing: • Advocacy • Counseling • Enrichment Activities • Health Career Network Access • Health Career Recruitment • Information • Internships & Shadowing Experiences • Standardized Test Prep Workshops • Contact us for more information 919.530.7128 1242 Mary Townes Science Complex Durham, NC 27707 Alfreda D. Evans, Student Services Specialist Kaye Thompson-Rogers, Ph.D., Director

Learn about upcoming retreats, worship, mission projects and more!

Welcome NCCU Students! Michael D. Page Campus Minister For more information contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu Our office is at 127 Eagle Landing

Campus

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014

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President Pickett Freshman plants feet as class president

Newly elected freshman class president Ezzard Pickett said one of his biggest goals is to empower his class. SHAYA CARTER/Echo editor-in-chief

BY DIAMOND GWYNN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The recently elected freshman class president is on a mission to make a difference for his peers. Pre-med major Ezzard Pickett, a kid from the small town of Fletcher, N.C who was raised in Fayetteville, has big dreams of becoming a dentist. Pickett attended Grey’s Creek High School, where he excelled in both academics and sports.

He played football, wrestled and ran track. Pickett said playing football for the University is a possibility, but no time soon. “Football is like a job,” said Pickett. “I want to get my feet firmly planted academically first and possibly play football later down the line.” Since sports wasn’t an option for him this year, Pickett said he realized he would have a lot of time on his hands. He decided to devote that time to something positive,

such as leadership. He spoke to Kent Williams in the student affairs office. Williams told Pickett about the Student Government Association. Although student government was new to him, he liked the idea of being class president. He said that while campaigning, he asked many freshmen if they thought their opinions mattered. Many said no. “I plan to improve the communication by having an effective class council rather than a stagnant class council,” said Pickett. “I want to boost the student involvement by improving the communication and connection of the freshman class and the class council. I also want to improve the image of SGA.” Psychology freshman Artavious Whitaker said, "Ezzard has influenced me to be the best that I can be. I remember listening to him go over his speech over and over, and getting even more nervous every time he messed up.” However, in the end, Pickett overcame his nervousness and won the election. "I think that he has the perfect mindset to relate to the students of the freshman class and also convey the students’ voices to a higher level,” Whitaker said. Pickett said the response of his classmates affected him in many ways. Most importantly, it empowered him and gave him the courage to take on the role of president. Pickett said he was excited to see that all his hard work during the campaign had paid off, but he knew that the work had not nearly begun.

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Know Your Rights “They have the ability to arrest you for whatever. They are the law at that minute and your job is to stay alive.” LYNN BURKE ATTORNEY, OWNER, BURKE’S LAW

BY MONTREKA WILLIAMS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

On Sept. 24, three attorneys and a police officer told N.C. Central University students how to save a life. The political science club-sponsored panel discussion, “Know Your Rights,” comes at a time when police violence has garnered increased media attention, and how well you understand your basic rights can affect whether you live or die. The panelists included Law to the People attorney and N.C. Central University law school professor Timothy Peterkin, attorney Tiffany Russell from the Law Office of Tiffany D. Russel, attorney Lynn Burke from Burke’s Law, and Master Trooper Cedric L. Herring. They told students how to keep themselves from becoming victims and prevent tragic cases such as the Ferguson, Mo. shooting of Michael Brown. Political science club members performed three scenarios. The panel then commented on how to best

handle each scenario while informing the audience of their legal rights. In the first scenario, a police officer stops a person for jaywalking. When the officer asks for the man’s ID, he resists. The officer then handcuffs him. The second scenario reenacts the Michael Brown incident. In the third scenario, a police officer tries to detain a man with a knife, which results in the officer shooting the man several times. The main point stressed throughout the discussion: stay alive. Burke said survival is key when dealing with police. “What you all have to remember is at that moment when the policeman has you, you have to stay alive at that point,” she said. “They have the ability to arrest you for whatever. They are the law at that minute and your job is to stay alive.” She said staying aware of that fact makes all the difference in whether you are killed or stay alive to

tell your story. Russell echoed Burke’s sentiment. “First and foremost you have to respect authority,” Russell said. “Police are in a position of authority.” “Whatever crime they think is afoot, you have to just take it.” Charles Gray, senior and president of the political science club, appreciated the depth and variety each panelist brought to the discussion. “I really liked how there were different opinions,” Gray said. “You have one [panelist] talking about racial issues and one trying to look from the other side, trying to give more of a benefit of the doubt,” he said. “It was good to hear a panel that didn’t agree on the same ideology.” Raven Brown, biology junior, said “I really enjoyed watching the live scenarios. “I felt that it created a connection between the audience and the panel members. “It brought clarity for those situations because most of us don’t know what to do in those situations.”

BILLINGSLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 1995 where he obtained a Master of Arts in telecommunications, and then to Oklahoma State University where he wrote his dissertation in adult education on student retention at historically black colleges or universities. Billingsley said he wrote this dissertation while working at an HBCU, Langston University, as the Director of Pubic Relations and Marketing. Billingsley moved to NCCU with his wife

ReShonda and three of his four children: Mya, 14, Morgan, 13, and Miles, 7. His son Xavier, 24, studies at Cornell University in New York. ReShonda, a journalist, has worked at a number of newspapers, including the National Enquirer. In 2004 she published “Let the Church Say Amen,” which is being made into a movie directed by Regina King. “My family is very supportive of our move here,” Billingsely said, adding that

his children were excited to see new places. On Sept. 17, students and faculty gathered in Pearson Dining Hall to a meet the new vice chancellor. Billingsley told the audience that character and perseverance are key to being successful. “Be bold. “Be willing to step out and take a chance to be the best that you can be,” he said. “We only pass this way but once.”

From left to right: attorney Lynn Burke, master trooper Cedric L. Herring, and attorney and NCCU law professor Timothy Peterkin discuss how to survive encounters with police officers. JAMAR NEGRON/Echo editor-in-chief

EBOLA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Isidore Edjimouagno, 61, and his wife Charlotte Bamaye, 56, are Ebola survivors from the 1994 outbreak. The fatal germ with the terrifying mystique has howled down the broad, silent Ebola river several times now, killing at least 100 people, or about 8 out of every 10 of its victims. NANCY STONE/Chicago Tribune (MCT)

currently in a state of lockdown to help contain the exponential growth of the disease. On Sept. 17 President Obama announced plans to boost the U.S. effort to help control the outbreak by sending 3,000 troops and establishing 17 Ebola management centers in West Africa. On Sept. 26 he declared Ebola a “national security priority” for the United States. It’s no surprise — given that Ebola has often been trending on Twitter — that, according to the CDC, nearly four-in-ten U.S. adults are concerned there will be a large outbreak of the Ebola virus and that more than one-quarter are concerned they or someone in their immediate family will get Ebola in the next year. NCCU Medical Director of Student Health and Counseling Services, Rosemary Jackson, says the African Ebola outbreak has forced her to do a little homework on the disease.

“My role here as medical director includes spending extra time researching it [Ebola] and figuring out for this campus what measures are needed to stay above infection,” she said. “We have worked with international affairs and been in contact with the State Health Department receiving information and putting out educational material for the campus.” As yet there is no vaccine for the virus, but some experimental drug treatments, such as ZMapp, are being tested. “This is one of those diseases where we don’t really have the luxury of waiting,” said Mabel Royal, a research specialist in NCCU’s cancer research program. Students say their thoughts and prayers are with West African Ebola victims. “I just wish everybody going through it the best of luck,” said biology senior Kevin Amoah.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

IVER SITY

Band bounces back

Better than good

NCCU Marching Sound Machine optimistic about future

Gause is hardworking, professional and candid BY LATOYA GARRETT ECHO STAFF REPORTER

NCCU’s Marching Sound Machine, performs during the halftime show of a home football game. Echo file photo

BY LEAH MONTGOMERY ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

With an interim band director, new instruments and a new vibe, N.C. Central University’s Marching Sound Machine is looking forward to an exciting season. Last year, the band’s budget was reduced to $50,000. This cut made it difficult to repair instruments and impossible to travel to away football games. “It was tough, it was really tough,” said studio art junior and trombonist Ray DeBerry. “Basketball season is when we did the most travelling ... football season we didn’t leave this campus.” The transition to Thurman Hollins, former band director at Johnson C. Smith University, as the band’s interim director wasn’t without its difficulties. After the University unexpectedly fired band director Jorim Reid, along with percussion composer Lamon Lawhorn and administrative assistant Karimah Bennett, students circulated a petition

asking that Reid be reinstated. The petition, which garnered more than 1,000 signatures, was unsuccessful. Reid directed the Sound Machine from 2000 to 2012. Under his direction, the Sound Machine performed several times at the Honda Battle of the Bands and, in 2011, at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca. Reid was a finalist to direct the Florida A&M Marching 100 in 2013, but negotiations fell through. Sound Machine members say they are putting the past behind them. “At band camp, the tone was set — it was a good tone, though,” said music education sophomore Macaiah Collins. “We had work to do, had to learn a whole new book, a whole new show,” Collins said. “It set the bar for the season.” Collins said all Sound Machine’s instruments were repaired before the season started. “There are still a lot left over so that if people came to join, they can pick up a working instrument.” Collins added that this

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year’s budget will allow the Sound Machine to perform at Howard University, Norfolk State University, and the 9th Annual Adrian Carroll Battle of the Bands, and more. “I think it’s a good change for the band,” said Collins. “There is more discipline. I think that’s the main thing that’s really different.” DeBerry agrees that there is a lot of excitement in the air for the Sound Machine performers. “One of the biggest changes has been the crowd appeal,” said DeBerry. “I don’t know where we’ll end up, but I know we will have a good season.” “Our crowd loves us and it seems like everywhere else we go, they love us too.” Interim director Hollins says he is looking forward to moving the Sound Machine beyond its recent turmoil. “The past is the past,” he said, Hollins said. “There are real positive things happening.”

After 35 years at N.C. Central University, Thelma Gause says she always strives to be better than just good — and she expects the same from her co-workers. Gause, an executive assistant in the Office of the Comptroller, and a pastor at New Zion Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville, N.C., also has a reputation for candidly interacting with everyone she meets. “Good is mediocrity — average,” said Gause. “I don’t consider myself as average when it comes to work ethics.” Gause has overcome challenges over the years. In 1982 she lost her husband, Willie Gause Sr., and had to raise her children, Willie and Aundra, alone. Aundra, 35, an Eagle alumna, is a speech pathologist in Spartanburg, S.C. Willie Jr., 34, served in the army and is now head of security for the Newport News School System in Virginia. He also coaches varsity basketball at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va. Willie Jr. describes his mother as “unbreakable,” managing to live on faith and never give up on herself or her kids. “She’s my rock,” said Willie. “Because I live in Virginia, I do not have time to see my mom often, but her teachings when I was a kid inspire me still today.” To honor Gause’s ability to fill in as both father and mother, Willie Jr. and Aundra surprised her last Father’s Day with an Edible Arrangement fruit basket and a “Happy Father’s Day” balloon. Aundra said that although her grandparents had only an eighth grade education, her mother’s emphasis on education inspired her. Gause said she began valuing education when she told her cousin she wanted

Executive assitant Thelma Gause keeps the show on the road in the Office of the Comptroller KIMANE DARDER/Echo photo editor

to go back to school to get a better education. “You’re not going to complete nothing,” said her cousin. “You going to push it off and do something else.” Gause took those words as a challenge. She went on to get two undergraduate degrees and, in 2006, a master’s in rehabilitation counseling. Gause grew up in Tabor City, N.C. just north of Myrtle Beach. She said it was hard to find work in Tabor City because of workplace discrimination in the small town. “Tabor City afforded me no opportunity to better myself,” said Gause, explaining why she moved to Durham with her family in 1992. “When I realized that I couldn’t change people’s inborn attitudes and perceptions, it benefited me to change demographics,” she said. Kathy Riggsbee, director of contracts and grants, has an office across the hall from Gause, and is no stranger to Gause’s candid

character. “She does not mind telling you how she feels,” said Riggsbee. “If you are wrong, she will get it straight.” Gause said helping people resolve financial issues with the University is fulfilling. “When I leave this job for the day, I go home with the satisfaction that I encountered a student, a parent, a grandparent or whomever I assisted that day, and put their mind at ease,” she said. “Every day you help somebody.” Gause said she got her work ethics from her parents who, she said, believed in “doing your best from the beginning.” She said her mother used to check behind each chore. “If the task wasn’t done right, everything would have to be redone. “The beds had to be remade, clothes ironed all over, even if it took all day or all night,” said Gause. “As a result, I despise having to re-do anything. “So I always strive to do my best from the beginning.”

SNEAKER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 shoes since I can remember,” she said. “It started when I was nine or ten years old when my grandfather bought me my first pair of Air Force 1s.” Nwachukwu’s collection now includes over 100 pairs of sneakers, mostly Jordan’s, Adidas and Lebron James’ shoes. “It’s a pretty crazy hobby but I enjoy doing it,” she said. The event, hosted by Kayysole and Main Event, is

open to all ages and will allow vendors to showcase items from apparel to cell phones. “There will be a little of everything –food, fun, and great networking opportunities,” said Nwachukwu. “I think it will be an epic event for anybody that enjoys collecting sneakers and just loves the culture.” Vendors range from youth who want to sell their personal collections to shoe, appar-

el and consignment vendors. There will also be a can food drive and a raffle contest. Attendees will receive one raffle ticket towards a Nike gift card for every three can goods donated. Monetary donations will also be accepted to pay for non-perishable items. All proceeds will go to the NCCU Food Pantry. “I just thought it would be great to give back to my alma mater,” said Nwachukwu.

BE A CITIZEN! VOTE! REGISTER BY OCT. 10 You can register to vote, find your polling place, and even check your registration status at www.ncvoterguide.org.

GET AN ABSENTEE BALLOT (IT’S EASY) Worried about getting to the polls on Nov. 4. Get an absentee ballot by mail! The State Absentee Ballot Request form for Durham County is available with the Google. Just plug in “absentee ballot form durham nc” or put this in the address bar: http://dconc.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=8726 The form is simple and takes about two minutes to complete. You can fax it, mail it, or send as an email attachment. Just be sure to do it by Oct. 28. Return your ballot by Nov. 4.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY A VOTER GUIDE Confused over who to vote for? There are useful voter guides online. For instance, a Google search of “voter guides NC 2014” will get you to EqualityNC.org’s voter recommendations.

Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014

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Hayti speaker gives insight for better future Greg Hill pushes Durham community members to create change

Youth organizer and entrepreneur Greg Hill speaks at Durham’s Hayti Heritage Center Sept. 24. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Campus Echo assistant editor

BY LEAH MONTGOMERY ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Expert youth speaker, author and entrepreneur Greg Hill spoke at Hayti Heritage Center Sept. 24 about the future of Durham.

His talk, “The Rebranding of Durham,” focused on the need to give Durham’s image a facelift. “When I say rebirth Durham, it’s more so re-programming Durham, especially for our minority demo-

graphics,” said Hill. He said he is tired of seeing drugs and crime at the forefront of how his community is depicted. “As for minority demographics, I don’t think we are put in the best light.”

Hill said he found growing up in Durham with his single mother a fulfilling experience. After graduating from Riverside High School, he attended college at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. While still in school, he started speaking across the country, and working with youth in various communities. Hill said it took him seven years to graduate from N.C. A & T. His first three years he maintained a 3.5 GPA. He had his own company, a fulltime job offer from Johnson & Johnson and was making $3,000-$5,000 a month promoting parties. “As an entrepreneur, there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs, so I basically dropped out of school,” said Hill. Hill said at 20 years old, he lost $20,000 in one month. “I didn’t know how to deal with that,” he said. “I’ve never had that kind of downfall in my life, so I went through a major depression.” After spending months inside his apartment, going days without eating and living in his car, Hill had had enough. “It took me two years to get my motivation back and to get my life back on track,”

said Hill. “After that, I had to take immediate action.” The first thing he wanted to do when he returned to Durham was to get closer to the community. He founded 4Quarter, an all-boys basketball and life camp which opened this summer. “To see the ideas, to see the potential, to see the work ethic and to see the great things that they are doing— that’s the revival,” said Hill. The camp hosted more than 80 campers and focused on enhancing their life skills, academics, and healthy nutrition choices. In closing, Hill said that although he enjoys working with young people, he would not be the one to enact the changes he wants to see in Durham. He opened the floor to anyone with programs, initiatives or ideas for rebuilding Durham. Deborah Watkins, adjunct professor at the N.C. Central University school of business, spoke of her plans to open a private school, Gift of Knowledge Academy, which will serve students between kindergarten and second grade. “If they get that firm foundation in literacy and math,

then they don’t fall behind,” said Watkins. The privately funded academy will be aimed at low-income students and will be tuition-free. “One national association dealing with education said that illiteracy is a health problem,” said Watkins. “It puts kid’s lives at risk of drugs, gangs and being killed if they do not know how to read and write.” Watkins said she believes the key to a successful future is education. “They have to have that foundation so that they can reach their full potential, so that they can be the chemist and all of the other goals that kids have,” she said. “You can’t do it without education.” Durham native Kenjuan Nichols, 28, said the event inspired him to get active. “Now that I’m older, I’m more conscious of how things work as far as local government and just making sure the community is good,” said Nichols. “Being a young black man growing up in this city, Durham, it’s important to be involved, to show my face and to speak to other young men that are going through the same things that I went through.”

Holder’s departure, calling him “the most divisive U.S. attorney general in modern history.” But Obama praised Holder for his “deep and abiding fidelity to one of our most cherished ideals as a people, and that is equal justice under the law. ... He believes, as I do, that justice is not just an abstract theory. ...That’s why I made him America’s lawyer, the people’s lawyer.” Holder’s departure will leave Obama without one of his closest personal friends in the Cabinet. But Holder also served as a sort of alter ego for Obama, particularly

on racial issues, tackling thorny subjects that Obama, as president, could not or would not, and occasionally absorbing the backlash. Holder was at times more out front on traditional black issues than the president. While Obama waded in cautiously and tended not to align himself with the issues that had defined previous black politicians, Holder blamed harsh sentencing guidelines for the disproportionate incarceration of young black men and challenged state voting laws viewed as restrictive to minorities.

HOLDER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 hopes to win a quick confirmation from the Democraticcontrolled Senate in the coming months, but some Republicans — who are betting they will seize control of the Senate in the November election — are already calling for the confirmation to be pushed into next year. Holder, who had hinted for months that he was planning to leave, came to the Justice Department in the winter of 2009 as the 82nd attorney general, a figure well-versed in the difficult, sometimes delicate, task of running a sprawling law enforcement agency after earlier serving as deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration. He pleased Democrats by reinvigorating the Justice Department’s efforts on civil rights, same-sex marriage, voting protections and prosecution of abusive police officers. “When the history books are written he will absolutely go down as one of the best attorney generals when it comes to civil rights, up there next to (Robert) Kennedy” said Leslie Proll, director of the Washington office of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “It was not only his policies but his talking about race that was important.” Yet Holder also disappointed some progressives who expected more from the nation’s first black attorney general. For much of Obama’s first term, Holder was rarely seen or heard, and

many thought his leadership style was lacking. “We’ve had profound disagreements with the attorney general on national security issues,” said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero, after praising Holder’s civil rights record. “During his tenure, DOJ approved the drone killing of an American far away from any battlefield, approved the NSA’s mass surveillance programs, failed to prosecute any of the Bush administration torturers, and presided over more leak prosecutions than all previous Justice Departments combined.” But in the last two years he seemed to find a new energy and purpose, mounting investigations into abusive police departments, moving to shorten prison sentences for some drug offenders, and championing civil rights, gay rights and protections for minority voters. “His dedication to defending Americans’ voting rights, at a time when these constitutional rights are under attack, has been supremely important,” said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., a staunch supporter and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Conservatives were united in their animosity toward Holder, almost from the start. In his first major speech, Holder enraged many when he said the U.S. had become a “nation of cowards” for not dealing with lingering racial tensions. He was pilloried for the scandal involving a failed

gun-trafficking operation on the Southwestern border known as Fast and Furious. A Border Patrol agent was killed with one of the weapons, and Holder was found in contempt of

James E. Shepard Memorial Library’s Authors Club

Presents Coach LeVelle Moton and Edward G. Robinson III Join Coach Moton and Mr. Robinson III as they talk about their new book:

“THE WORST TIMES ARE THE BEST TIMES” 2 pm, October 2, 2014 on the 2nd floor of the James E. Shepard Library For more information, contact Vernice Faison 919-530-6220 or vfaison@nccu.edu

Congress for refusing to turn over documents, a first for a sitting Cabinet member. Holder also stumbled badly by trying to send Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other top Sept. 11, 2001, suspects to a federal trial in New York. He was forced to relinquish the case to a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, when lawmakers opposed prosecuting the group in U.S. civilian court. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued a caustic statement Thursday sounding almost gleeful at

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E-board members of the Student Activity Board gather on the stage to thank Wild Out Wednesday participants. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

.C. Central University’s student activity board held its first “Wild Out Wednesday” of the school year, the first since the fall of 2012, in B.N. Duke Auditorium. W.O.W. is a social event for students, faculty and staff to gather and be entertained with music, skits, and performances from their fellow peers. “Wild out Wednesday is a traditional event of the Student Activity Board that has been around for many years,” said executive board president Jalen Baker. “Since this is the rebirth of Wild Out Wednesday, it was bigger and better than ever.” Despite the rain and windy weather, the event still had a successful turnout. “It was still a great

De Haute Allure member, Gabrielle Jordan, poses at the end of her runway.

turnout,” said Baker. The music from the DJ and energy from the MC’s allowed students to interact with each other. “The music kept the audience engaged the entire time,” said mass communication junior Kenisha Syphertt. W.O.W. showcased NCCU rappers, singers, dance groups, spoken word artists, modeling troops and more. During intermissions, Greek organizations stepped and strolled along with a few dances from Champagne to keep the audience engaged. “I was excited about W.O.W. because this was my first year experiencing it,” said freshman Jerrell McMillar. “Since I am a member of SAB it was even more exciting.”

LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

Below: Bon Vivant Fashion Society peforms at Wild Out Wednesday. KIMANE DARDEN/Echo photo editor

The rebirth of Wild out Wednesday was the buzz on campus and across social media for weeks. “They were promoting all throughout campus,” said family and consumer sciences senior Biancca Thomas. After the event, students, especially freshman, were overwhelmed by strength of talent on campus. “I thought Wild out Wednesday was a great event and SAB should continue having them so that more student morale can be increased on campus,” said McMillar. Students agreed that they are looking forward to the next event hosted by SAB in the future to increase student involvement. — Story by Briana Lawrence

Kyla Rush singing “At Last” by Etta James. KIMANE DARDEN/Echo photo editor

Delois Meadows singing “I Care” by Beyoncé.

HOPE Mime Ministry captures the essence of the gospel through mime.

KIMANE DARDEN/Echo photo editor

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014

Campus Echo do it now twitter @campusecho

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Fast hands lead to stardom N.C. Central University’s Marcus Joyner to star in television movie BY A LEXANDRIA G LENN ECHO A&E EDITIOR

Marcus Joyner left NCCU in 2014 after his fourth year and decided to take some time off school to pursue his dream. “The first movie ‘Drumline’ came out when I was 11 years old and I knew that if there ever was to be another ‘Drumline’ movie that I would be in it.” At age 11, Joyner started playing drums with the Warren County High School marching band; by his sophomore year at NCCU, he was section leader of DOA Drumline. During his hiatus from NCCU, Joyner worked at Food Lion while living on his line brother’s mother’s couch. One day, he got a call that would change his life. Joyner’s high school band director asked if he’d be interested in going to Atlanta to try out for the movie “Drumline 2.” Joyner was excited about the opportunity, but knew that money was going to be a problem. “I didn’t know how I was going to get the money so I made up my mind not to go,” said Joyner. After a pep talk from his cousin, Joyner decided to play the drums for money on the street. His first night he played in downtown Raleigh, where he made $200; the next night, he played on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Joyner also promoted himself on social media

and set up a Pay Pal account for donations. He made well over the amount of money he needed for his trip. He got to Atlanta and auditioned for “Drumline 2.” On Mother’s Day, he found out that he had gotten the part. Mother’s Day was already important to him: his mother died in 2009, and his grandmother died in 2011. Filming started a week later. Joyner was playing the hands for the main character, “Jaden,” played by Jordan Calloway. Joyner had to teach Calloway how to play the drums and how to pull off the stick tricks that were required. “I had to teach him how to have ‘swag’ with the drums and make it look natural,” he said. One day on set, Joyner caught the eye of Billy Woodruff, the director. Woodruff told Joyner he liked his aura and offered him a speaking line. A few days later, Calloway introduced Joyner to Nick Cannon, assistant director of “Drumline II” and the star of “Drumline.” Cannon, accompanied by the rest of the “Drumline” cast, he asked Joyner to play for them. “I have never played so hard in my life,” said Joyner. “Through this whole experience I met a lot of people: Nick Cannon, Lennon Roberts, Letoya Luckett, Jasmine Burk, Alexandria Ship and more.” Later, Later, POP

Macrus Joyner, a former NCCU student, on set rehearsing for the television movie “Drumline 2.” Photo courtesy of Jean Paul Dia

PRiCE, the man who had played the hands for Nick Cannon contacted Joyner invited him to fly to California and perform with him and his band, “Pop,d unplugged” on Oct. 3. After being offered those opportunities, one day Joyner got a call from

Taking a Leap of Faith

his line brother informing him that snare Si phi a percussion snare line in japan had an opening position. Joyner sent in a video of him playing the drums in hopes of winning the position.On his mothers birthday he got a call back saying that they want him for

the position. Joyner is expected to fly to Japan on Oct. 13 for 3 months to play with the snare line. “This has truly been a blessing and a great experience doing what I love to do,” Joyner said. “I never thought I’d be going to Japan and California so soon in my

life. I thank God.” “Drumline 2” premieres October 27 at 9:00 p.m. on VH1. “ I know that my mother and grandmother are gone but I know that they are looking down on me and are very proud.

Tatt fest thrills Bike fest took place in downtown Raleigh BY LEILA HASHEMI ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Students Daja Middleton, Christopher McGill and Christopher Moore rehearse for the upcoming play “A Leap of Faith” ALEXANDRIA GLENN/Echo A&E editor

BY MIRANDA DAVIS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

It’s no surprise that N.C. Central University’s Theatre and Dance department would open with a bang. The year started off a Gala, which celebrated the theatre department’s 65th year. Many saw it has chance to bring the Gala for a well anticipated comeback, as galas before show openings have decreased in recent years. The Gala, a black tie affair, produced an exciting turn out. Pamela Bond, Gala coordinator, and Costume Designer who has been a part of NCCU for over 10 years explained that the theatre department planned every aspect of the gala. “We have had in the past theatre friends who had sponsored galas for us, but this is our 65th year. We figure if no one is going to celebrate us

that’s up to us to do that.” When discussing the theatre department’s plays, Bond said all of them will focus on a main theme. “All of our play and productions will be centered around the faith and faith based,” she said. The theatre department’s first play opens with the aptly named Leap of Faith. Leap of Faith is a musical about a con-artist reverend, Jonas Nightingale, who goes from city to city with his sister, Sam and his angels collecting the money from spectators. They offer false promises and hopes through having a three day revival. Leap of Faith will be known for its many exciting musical numbers and scenes. Daja Middleton, who plays the sheriff, Marla, said that her favorite part in the play was when Marla’s disabled son Jake gets healed of his condi-

tion and is able to walk again. Middleton raved about the musical, stating it appeals to a wide audience. “Aside from it being entertaining and hilarious it is also a play that is uplifting and very encouraging,” she said. Christopher Moore, Jonas Nightingale, said he took a leap of faith by even sending in an audition tape. “I never performed on the stage for a play. I mimed before but this is my first production and this is my first musical,” he said. Moore said he has high hopes for the play. “I’m really looking to knock it out of the park and have fun,” he said. Show dates are October 3-5 and 10-12.The ticket prices just $16 for general admission and $11 for students.

Ray Price’s Capital City Bike Fest took place this past weekend in downtown Raleigh where the streets were packed with bikers young and old. ayetteville Street was lined with sports bikes, cruisers, touring bikes and novelty bikes. Vendor booths spilled over with leather and studs beckoning riders to add to their collection. The event hosted by Jason Britton, the number one Stunt Rider in the World, featured bike flips and burnouts that dropped jaws and blew minds. Every surrounding street featured live music from cover bands and rock to even country. Alternative/Indy rock band, Afterthought Stranger, performed at this year’s event. The band wanted to give the crowd a “story-like” experience that was designed to explore and expand musical boundaries. They said they hoped to bring the audience a new and exciting experience while tackling subjects of realization, understanding, and self-discovery. Biker or not, this event was one for the books. The event collaborated with Folk City Tattoo and Twisted Ink magazine as Raleigh’s First Annual Tattoo Festival. The event took place in downtown Raleigh at The Sheraton Hotel, Sept. 26 through 28. The show was sponsored by Folk City Tattoo and Ray Price Harley Davidson. The event hosted tattoo artists from around the globe, from as far away as Japan, and focused on all aspects of tattooing. “The festival is important because it brings the tattoo community together and celebrates the art of tattooing,” said festival producer John

A biker uses a megaphone persuading people to attend the tattoo festival. LEILA HASHEMI/Echo staff reporter

Cann. “This is a time where we can all come together and share a common ground.” Patrons were able to talk to artists, and even get an onsite tattoo. The festival featured the groundbreaking freakish talent of Enigma and Serena Rose who have been performing for over 20 years. The husband and wife duo performed sword swallowing, fire eating, human blockhead, and their newest stunt, “The Kiss of Death.” In this performance, the two were blindfolded, with rosy red apples placed in their mouths, all while wielding chainsaws, in an attempt to carve said fruit. Yeah, it gets intense. Enigma is pretty hard to miss, being that he is covered “horn” to toe tattoos and body modifications. His trademark blue body laiden with puzzle pieces is enough to catch anyone’s eye.

He has been worked on by over 250 tattoo artists around the world, from South Africa to Switzerland, and all were donations. Enigma toured and opened for Nine Inch Nails in the 90s, and has been featured twice in National Geographic. Enigma and his sidekick in pain, Serana Rose, coined their side show “Show Devils.” These two will take you on a mystical journey into the abyss of freak and frolic. “In a magic show you wonder how it’s done,” describes Enigma. “When everyone believes one thing and you show them another, the truth then appears as magic.” This was the third year for the Capital City Bikefest. Pictures, reviews and links to vendors that participated in the event can be found at Capitalcitybikefest.com.

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NCCU reels in a freshman fantastic four New faces spark hope for NCCU women’s volleyball future

LYNDON B ASS

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

N.C. Central University recruited four talented freshmen to the women’s volleyball team this year. Lauryn Martin, defensive specialist from Austin, Tx, brings energy to the court with her quickness and tenacity on defense. Named Stony Point’s 2013 Most Valuable Player Award and Offensive Player of the Year, Martin said there was no doubt she would be playing for NCCU. “I committed here because I liked the team. Most importantly, the environment,” said Martin. “And it also felt like home once I made my official visit.” Middle hitter Anastaja Jones, from Houston, Tx contributes her athleticism to the team with a record of 38 kills, 133 blocks, and 48 digs in her two years spent on her varsity high school team. Jones was also on the Al l-Academic Team for District Nine 4A her junior and senior season of high school. Displaying NC Central’s motto “Truth and Service” at an early age helped her received a community service award. “My first visit felt like home and the [team] chemistry right off the back was great,” said Jones. Setter Paige Phillips brings her talented and winning tradition to NCCU after she led her high school team to their first ever 6A State Championship game and was Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 2012

“I committed here because I liked the team. Most importantly, the environment. And it also felt like home once I made my official visit.” LAURYN MARTIN DEFENSICE SPECIALIST

Lauryn Martin, Gabrielle Leclerc, Paige Phillips, and Anastaja Jones KELSEY MURPHY/NCCU Women’s Volleyball team)

All-Tournament. Phillips is also known as the Birmingham News South Player of the Year in 2012 and Birmingham Metro’s Volleyball Player of the Week. Outside hitter, Gabrielle Leclerc, from Narragansett, Rhode Island helped lead her high school team to a Division II South championship, while ending the 2013 season as the Division II State Championship runner-up with a 18-0 league record and 21-1 overall. According to MaxPreps.com, she was the sixth ranked girls’ volleyball player in high school last year and said she plans to continue to carrying the same persona into her college career. Each of the four freshmen comes from strong athletic families and all of their fathers either played collegiately or professionally. They also have the same point of view on new head coach Nicki Holmes. “On the court, he’s an extremely structural and strict coach who knows how to the best out of us but off the court he’s very nice and you can go to him for just about anything,” said Jones. The newly gifted freshmen have one goal in mind, which is to win a MidEastern Atlantic Conference Championship. They’ve displayed what it takes to be successful on and off the court while learning from the upperclassmen along their journey.

Sports

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Moton’s Salute

Coach honors the strength of single mothers

Coach LeVelle Moton commends all single mother’s at the Single Mothers Salute, Sept. 28. AVERY YOUNG/Echo sports editor

AVERY YOUNG

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

According to the Single Mother Guide, 83 percent of single parent homes are headed by mothers as of 2013. On Sunday evening, head coach of N.C. Central University men’s basketball team, LeVelle Moton, wanted to pay his respects for all the single mothers in the area by providing dinner and entertainment at the Hyatt Place in Durham. Moton remembers the struggle he physically saw his mom endure while raising him and his brother in Boston, Mass. He said, “It’s something that’s to be said when you see your mom come home every day from working two jobs to take care of you and your brother”. Moton noticed and acknowledge her sacrifices at a very young age. He said, “When I was 10, the idea popped up in my head then, I just could not have afforded it”. But now, Moton and his foundation, Velle Cares, were able to facilitate the first annual Single Mothers Salute dinner. Moton’s publicist, Angelique Stallings, played a huge role in preparing

the dinner since the beginning of September. “Moton had the vision. He was definitely hands on. But we all knew what our roles were and we pulled it off, presented it to him and were ready to go”, she said. The event was catered by Dame’s Chicken and Waffles and the McDonald’s Manning Enterprise in Durham, N.C. The event was ushered by the entire men’s basketball team of NCCU. Center, Jay Copeland, was in charge of the checklist and making sure the mothers were seated at their respective tables. “They were happy to see us. They were glad after all their hard work that something was contributed to them”, Copeland said. The players enjoyed ushering the event because they know how much work the mothers put in to support their children. Freshman, Nate Allen, walked the mothers down the red carpet to take pictures with Coach Moton before the event officially started. Allen said, “There was a lot of excitement on their faces because they were being recognized for their hard work and dedication as a single mother”. Fantasia Johnson was

one of the selected mother’s at the dinner and she was surprised and thrilled that there were young men sharply dressed as they helped cater to women. She said, “All the attention from the basketball players is a good thing because they showed a lot of manners. You don’t get to see young men act like this often”. Moton wanted that type of reaction from the mothers. He purposely set up the entire event to give them a day off from their regular, busy lives. “This event is to honor the single mothers that went through the struggles that my mother went through. They’re undervalued and underappreciated. I’ve always said I wanted to do something for them and this is just a day where they can kick their feet up and be recognized, be celebrated and be saluted,” he said. Moton continued with encouraging words to all single mothers. He said, “Keep doing what you do. We salute, we celebrate you, we love you, we admire you and we respect you. And this day was to make them smile and forget about the difficulties of their world”.

BE A CITIZEN! VOTE! REGISTER BY OCT. 10 You can register to vote, find your polling place, and even check your registration status at www.ncvoterguide.org.

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Opinions

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014

Express yourself freely he United States enjoys a reputation as a refuge of freedom. Ha-ha! It’s ironic how the Statue of Liberty stands in the land of free; this must be an error. We live in a cold, cruel and confined world. Americans are judged because of their race, culture, sexual orientation and religion. People have Melquan been killed or Ganzy, committed suiOpinions cide while struggling to live Editor freely. Whether negative or positive, judgment affects one’s life. We have the power to make our own decisions. But these choices make impact on society. Children are most affected by the choices of young adults, as kids tend to mirror our actions. Children are suffering due to lack of guidance and education. Most people have a Vine. I

Individuality is the key to living one’s truth. You cannot be true to someone else if you are not true to yourself.

admit that it’s the funniest app invented. But not everything is funny. There are numerous Vines of young adults encouraging children to act in an adult manner, as in the infamous Vine of the precious little girl saying, “F*** Vine b****.” There’s no way she learned these words from Nick Jr. and Disney Channel. At the time, I thought it was hilarious. But I was wrong. We cannot guide our youth into the light of success if we are living in the darkness of bad behavior and ignorance. If we continue to be stupid, the cycle will continue. Understanding choices and decisions makes us intelligent. Our minds can be more powerful than a blunt statement. With a powerful mind, one is capable of being anyone and believing anything. At N.C. Central University

there is one limitation: ourselves. Our boundary lines are drawn above what we think people may accept and things that are already accepted. People love to compare themselves to the next person rather celebrating their individuality. Be yourself! Freedom of expression is being able to express oneself spiritually, professionally and artistically without any rejections or objections. It seems as if people store themselves in small cardboard boxes on a field of new adventures. People in our lives may constrict us, like the four sides of a box. The purpose of the sides is to keep everything stored. Like the sides of a box, other people can purposely enclose and retain one from living for one’s

truth. At the top of the box is an opening to freedom; however, there isn’t a ladder to escape. To set ourselves free from our boxes, we have to knock down individuals who constrain us. There are people who may never believe in the person you’re becoming. But to begin new adventures you must overcome judgment and expectations. Individuality is the key to living one’s truth. You cannot be true to someone else if you are not true to yourself. You have the power and liberty to live freely. To be loyal to others, you must have an absolute understanding of yourself. Individuality is essential; there is no single, perfect image in our society. If everyone was the same, we wouldn’t recognize change. Through challenges, we grow and live stronger. Whether one is accepted to society, student organizations, or as Miss or Mister, you should remain true to yourself and express yourself freely.

Illustration by Krystal Porter

Sound Off What concerns do you have about the younger generation? “We live in a microwave generation. There’s no patience. We want everything at the given movenment.”

Step foward into the future t’s OK to think about our grades, but we have to start thinking more about our future. When we step into a job or internship upon graduation, our grades will cease to exist. It’s up to you to apply knowledge which will propel you into a career, not an Evan academic record. Owens Too often, students get caught up in deadlines and other patterns of our college lives. It is easy to miss precious opportunities. University professors provide just enough education allow us to pass the next exam. We sit in class and listen to hours of lecturing, then go back to our rooms and might never think about the lesson again until the next class meeting. We have to understand that our college experience is not limited to the classroom. Unlike high school, learning

Do not join an organization to enhance your resume, but to enhance your knowledge and work efforts. Taking an active role in an organization allows one to learn responsibily and could amplify one’s experience in a field he or she is pursuing.

doesn’t end when the instructor releases us. It’s our responsibility to make learning a relentless process, an investment in our futures. Think about the phrase “student.” It defines who we are through our stages of life. We’re not here to pass exams. We’re not even here to be on “the dean’s list.” Our primary objective at N.C. Central University is to learn, to gain better education for the future. We must value our knowledge. The knowledge we retain will take us further than final grades and report cards. I am not advocating a disre-

gard of academic standards. I’m promoting a greater enthusiasm for learning. Some students pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. Some pay less, put everyone pays something to attend classes. That said, every student should want to gain more knowledge. Otherwise, why are you here? Many opportunities are available outside classrooms for students to gain knowledge and to gain life experiences. Many professors provide information for intriguing learning events, including potential employers and speakers with first-hand experience in different professions.

Every student should be involved in at least one campus organization. Do not join an organization to enhance your resume, but to enhance your knowledge and work efforts. Playing an active role in an organization allows one to learn responsibility and could amplify one’s experiences in a field he or she is pursuing. Branch out and network! Meet different people, people of all professions, but most importantly meet those who share your career interests. You can learn a lot from fellow students. Seek out great opportunities. Take the initiative to strengthen your future. Do not depend on your professors to feed you information! Become a student of studies, in the true sense of the word. Extend your educational boundaries beyond the classroom. And make every step you take at NCCU a step forward, bringing you closer to your goals.

— Layquan Etheridge, Junior

“These younger generations are watching too much reality television and NOT reading enough books.” — Chyna McQueen, Senior

“Younger generations are lacking orginality and the ability to reinvent themselves. They’d rather conform to social norms.” — Jordan Scales, Senior Sound Off by Melquan Ganzy

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Jamar Negron, Editor-in-Chief

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