N
SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
O R T H
C
A R O L I N A
C
E N T R A L
UN
I V E R S I T Y
919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@WPO.NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM
1801 FAYETTEVILLE STREET DURHAM, NC 27707
Campus . . . . . . . . Beyond NCCU. . . Feature . . . . . . . . A&E . . . . . . . . . . . Sports . . . . . . . . . Events Classies . Opinions . . . . . . .
VOLUME 95, ISSUE 2
1-4 4 6 7 8 9 10 11-1 12
OPINION
Beyond
A&E
Campus
O’Neal v. Nevius: Dueling opinions about off-campus living
Black women and anorexia, does it happen?
Def Jam’s a voice for the voiceless
Three get rescued from jammed elevator in Baynes
— Page 12
— Page 6
— Page 3
— Page 8
Campus Echo
Enrollment soars Freshmen class jumps over 10 percent bringing student body to 7,191 BY SHEENA JOHNSON JOELENA WOODRUFF
AND
ECHO STAFF WRITERS
N.C. Central University’s 2003 freshmen class — with 1,052 students — has broken new ground as the largest in school history. This brings over-all student enrollment to an all-
time high. According to the 2003 NCCU census, a total of 7,191 students are now enrolled. This represents a 10.3 percent increase from last year’s total of 6,519 students and 843 freshmen. Last year’s enrollment was also record breaking for NCCU with a 13.3 percent increase in student population. Recent enrollment growth placed NCCU second in the rate of growth in the
UNC system just behind Winston-Salem State University. The last class to be close to this capacity was in 1989 with 999 freshmen enrolled. According to Jocelyn Foy, director of undergraduate admissions, one reason for the growth is the introduction of high school receptions as a recruiting tool. She said the receptions are popular and offer “a more personal touch.” Foy also credited NCCU’s
popularity to a recent influx of media coverage which includes the recently redesigned official website that students are using to apply online. “NCCU is also featured in newspapers, magazines and television,” said Foy. “The alumni are also getting involved. Students have friends, and they too want to be part of the excitement.”
n See ENROLLMENT Page 2
EAGLES GET SECOND WIN AT HOME
N.C. Central junior back-u up quarterback Sean Williams scrambles in the second quarter of the Eagles home game against Delaware State on Sept. 20. Williams came in for the injured Adrian Warren and amassed 129 yards of total offense. The win moved the Eagles to 2-1 1 and ties them for 2nd in the Western Division with Fayetteville State.
MIKE FEIMSTER/Echo Photo Editor
INSIDE Full game story. -- Page 9
Nine get Third World lesson Edmonds scholars teach ESL to Central American refugees BY TERRENCE WINBORNE ECHO STAFF WRITER
For ten days this summer, nine Edmonds Scholars — all English seniors — got to experience the life of a teacher working in northeast Central America. From Aug. 6-15, the N.C. Central University scholars taught English as a second language in the Belmopan Government School in Belize, a country with a population of about 256,000. The Edmonds Scholars taught about 60 Spanishspeaking students, mostly the children of refugees from other Central American countries. Each year the Edmonds Scholar Program funds a study abroad experience for the program’s seniors. On this trip to Belize, the students came away from the experience with a new awareness of the condition of Third World countries. “It was a real eye opener,” said Ralph Berry, of Morehead City, N.C. “It gave
me an appreciation for education and life. We take a lot more things for granted in the U.S.” Belize uses a British educational structure. The technology is not as advanced and school principals double as classroom teachers. Residents in Belize must pay for their education after elementary school. “We wanted a teaching experience that would immerse our students completely in a different culture and allow them to experience a different school system and view of education,” said Crystal Wiggins, program manager of Teaching Matters: Quality Counts. “We lived and participated in their lifestyle.” The scholars faced a host of challenges. They had to adjust to a rigorous schedule, to Belize’s tropical climate and to the language barrier. They even had to weather a tropical wave — an intense 12-hour thunderstorm. “It was a challenge, but it
Courtesy of Edmonds Scholars Program
Edmonds Scholar Wey Eguyen, taught English as a second language in Belize with eight other NCCU students. was nothing we couldn’t handle,” said Berry. “And we had some help from some of the kids who could speak English.” Belize was colonized by the British in 1954. The country became an independent nation in 1981. It has a literacy rate of more than 90 percent, one of the highest in Latin America. “The teaching experience was fun, but it was
really draining,” said Tracy Avery of Garner, N.C. “As the days went on, it got easier because we found fun ways to teach English.” “They left it all to us,” said Raquel Battle, a native of Belize and the coordinator of the trip. Battle is the diversity coordinator in the School of Education. “Our students did an excellent
n See BELIZE Page 2
Bush gets cool reception at UN BY DANA MILBANK THE WASHINGTON POST
UNITED NATIONS — President Bush got an earful of complaints from world leaders Tuesday but responded with a mild defense of his actions in Iraq and an understated request for U.N. help. The White House was expecting a cool response as the president appeared before the 58th annual gathering of the U.N. General Assembly. And the assembled leaders, many of whom opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, gave him just that. They warned that the Iraq war was a threat to the very purpose of the United Nations. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, in an unusually impassioned and sharp condemnation of U.S. policy, said “unilateralism” was an assault on the “collective action” envisioned by the late president Franklin D. Roosevelt and the other U.N. founders. “This logic represents a fundamental challenge to the principles on which, however imperfectly, world peace and stability have rested for the last 58 years,” the secretary general said. “My concern is that, if it were to be adopted, it could set precedents that resulted in a proliferation of the unilateral and lawless use of
force, with or without justification.” Annan, who took the rare step of beginning his address in French rather than English, warned: “Excellencies, we have come to a fork in the road. This may be a moment no less decisive than 1945 itself, when the United Nations was founded.” French President Jacques Chirac, speaking shortly after Bush, called the war “one of t h e gravest trials” in U.N. history and said it “undermined the multilateral Bush at the system.” United Nations In an Tuesday seeking e x t e n d Iraq support ed critique of Bush’s policy of pre-emptively attacking emerging threats, Chirac said: “In an open world, no one can live in isolation, no one can act alone in the name of all, and no one can accept the anarchy of a society without rules. There is no alternative to the United Nations.”
n See UN Page 6
AC, plumbing doomed dorms BY LOVEMORE MASAKADZA ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
From the beginning New Residence 1 and New Residence 2 have been riddled with a history of faulty plumbing and an inadequate two-pipe air conditioning system, according to George Engram, director of N.C. Central University’s physical plant. The two dorms were closed in early August when unacceptable levels of Stachybotrys chartarum mold, or “black mold,” was discovered in them. Engram said that the university decided to install a two-pipe high voltage air condition system instead of the four-pipe system designed for New Residence 1 and New Residence 2 as a cost-cutting measure. Records regarding this decision are likely to play a significant role in any effort to assign blame for the mold problems. Engram said that the university might have saved at least a third of the total cost of the air condition system in 1998 by going for the cheaper twopipe system, rather than a four-pipe system.
“Simply put, instead of buying the Cadillac of air conditioners they went on to get an Escort,” he said. Records at the physical p l a n t show that t h e r e were 95 air conditioningrelated service Physical plant orders in director George N e w R e s i W. Engram dence 2 and 81 air-conditioning related service orders in New Residence 1 between July 2001 and Aug. 2003. The halls were built in 1999. Engram said the twopipe system could not cope with controlling the humidity in the new dorms, and this may have have caused dampness leading to the growth of mold. He also said that the thermostats in the buildings were not functioning well because they are designed for the four-pipe system that was initially planned. “There were changes made to the thermostats to
n See DORMS Page 2
2 NO
R T H
C
Campus A R O L I N A
C
E N T R A L
UN
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
IVER SITY
Cash cards not good as cash Students wrestle with Eagle Card woes BY RONY CAMILLE ECHO STAFF REPORTER
Tired of carrying cash around? The alternative for students at N.C Central University is the Eagle Card. Students depend on the the Eagle Card at many campus locations — at the Eagles’ Nest and the bookstore. In the vending and in the washing machines. But when the digital readouts on the vending machines say NO CARDS or CASH ONLY or PLEASE WAIT or 101010, students are forced to find change or a dollar bill. Students can’t use their Eagle Cards between 1-7 a.m., because the machines are shut down to prepare for the next business day. “This is when the system is doing calculations,” said Geneva Jones, Eagle Card office coordinator. “The process takes about an hour … we chose to do it then because that is the time when students are
RONY CAMILLE/Echo Staff Photographer
Resident assistant Katrina Bass had to scramble to find quarters because the swipe device (on the right) for the washing machines on the fourth floor of Baynes Hall was out of order. usually sleeping.” But students say that too often their Eagle Cards won’t work even in the day –— or they’re not installed at all. Residents at the Chidley Annex can’t use their Eagle Cards at all in the laundry. “I am disappointed. I put money on the card for that
purpose,” said freshman Davarres Alexander. Recently, at Baynes and Eagleson Residence Halls only one vending machine was connected to the card system. In early September, the Eagle’s Nest had a sign on one machine telling students to pay with cash only.
According to Jones, the Eagle Card office digital readouts have to be “rebooted” when they get disconnected. “People expect them to automatically re-start. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is a process to that,” said Jones. Jones said that some students abuse the digital readouts. “If students took care of things, it would go smoothly.” Courtenay Williams, director of Auxiliaries and Businesss Services, said it’s important that staff notify the Eagle Card office when the digital read-outs and card swipe mechanisms are not working. Information technology services and the billing controllers are then dispatched to repair the devices. “We’ve had some challenges this year,” said Williams. “Just bear with us and let us get thing back online. But do let us know when there are problems.”
Dorms
Enrollment
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
suit the system and the system never worked correctly,” he said. According to a report by three firms who examined the buildings, the mechanical system in the buildings, construction problems and lack of maintenance also contributed to excessive moisture levels leading to the growth of mold. Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering, Johnson Controls and EI were hired by NCCU to determine the extent and causes of the mold and ways of eliminating it. According to their report, sections of both buildings will have to be gutted and replaced. Engram, whose department is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings, said that they did their best to keep the buildings in good shape. “We were doing what we could,” he said. “We had many problems in those buildings and we were fix-
ing them.” He said that the buildings also had a history of plumbing, construction and design problems. The records on plumbing problems for the dorms indicate that between Aug. 19, 2001 and Aug. 5, 2003 there were 118 plumbing-related service orders in New Residence 2 and 104 in New Residence 1. Most of the problems were related to clogged, leaking and dripping sinks, showers and toilets. These problems led to complaints about water dripping from ceilings. Additionally, ventilation ducts did not extend into the bedrooms and other livings spaces, and improper materials were used for piping. According to Engram, bathroom tiles were not laid properly to facilitate drainage. The cleanup of the two dorms is projected to take 18 months and to cost $9 million.
But the excitement of a growing campus has its repercussions. Many classes are loaded to capacity, which can lead to difficulties not easy to adjust to. Leon Hardy, associate professor of math/computer sciences, said the packed classrooms can produce stress for students. “Larger classes reduce student-teacher contact,” said Hardy. “Smaller classes allow more interaction with students and it’s easier to circulate the classroom.” Not only are class sizes bigger, but course sections have been added. Last fall, there were 41 English Composition I sections holding 22 students at most. This year that number has increased to 46 sections, including two online courses, with at least 25 students in each. Housing, in particular,
FREE RENT
Durham Residential Hall
First Class Living Top North Durham Location
CLEAN • SAFE • AFFORDABLE $90 weekly/$50 deposit. 425 Pilot St., Durham, NC
Phone: 680 2261
On-site management • Oversize room (18’ x 11’) with full size bed and walk-in closet • Free cable, heating and cooling • Kitchen • Laundry room • Female only
has been a problem because of the unexpected closing of the University’s newest dormitories, New Residence Hall buildings 1 and 2. These closings, added to a shortage of campus housing, have forced 900 students to live in hotels and apartments off campus. Tim Brown, director of captial projects for NCCU, has told the Herald-Sun that construction of the dormitory to replace Baynes Residence Hall, originally scheduled to open in August 2004, will be delayed until November or December 2004. Yet, with these rapid changes in student enrollment, many feel that NCCU can grapple with recent growth. “With a large number of students there will be stresses,” said Dr. Hardy. “But we are bound to overcome them in time.”
The Atrium Apartments 3800 Meriwether Drive, Durham, NC 27704 Phone: (919) 220-7639 Fax: (919) 220-6788 E-mail: theatrium@triangle-apt.com.
• Wood-burning fireplaces with tile surrounds • Built-in microwave ovens • Wet bars available • Dishwashers
*Limited time offer/EHO
University Undergraduate Research Program Responding to the needs of NCCU students, parents, faculty, and staff. 146 quiet, comfortable quest rooms & suites
Full breakfast buffet • Honor Bar Exercise room • Pool • Jacuzzi Catered meeting rooms Special weekend rates Convenienty located off I-85 at Exit 174A and the Durham Freeway at Exit #15B (Hillandale Rd). 1815 Front Street • Durham, NC 27705 919-309-1500 800-321-2211 For Reservations Go Eagles!!
Dorm dispute, court bound? Claim and counterclaim mark mold debate BY SARIA CANADY ECHO STAFF REPORTER
It’s expected to take 18 months and an estimated $9 million to repair mold damage in N.C. Central University’s newest dorm's, New Residence Hall Buildings 1 and 2. The UNC Board of Governors authorized NCCU to reallocate $10.4 million of bond money last month to fix mold problems in 14 buildings across campus. But a report released earlier this month cited approximately $9 million in damage to the two dorm's alone. According to the report the dorms have to be gutted and disinfected. The mechanical and plumbing systems also need to be completely replaced. University officials have told local media that they don’t know where the money will come from for the extensive project or who to blame for the problems. Some fingers have been pointed at Gantt Huberman Architects because of the documented problems with the dorm's shortly after they opened. In an Aug. 26 Herald-Sun column Harvey Gantt wrote that articles about his firm in area newspapers were inaccurate and “never examined the whole record.”
Gantt also suggested that the problems had nothing to do with poor design. “I am not an expert on mold contamination, but the nature of the problems suggests they are systemic: steam getting into ducts pipes, walls, with mold growing wherever ambient moisture and organic materials might be prevalent.” The report, however, composed by the University-hired architecture and engineering firm, Clark Nexsen, itemized the damages, the probable causes and suggestions for repair and the steam system wasn’t the only factor at fault. A chart within the 25page report named plumbing, mechanical and general construction problems as they attributed to the mold in the 4-year-old buildings. Of the 36 conditions cited in the report, poor maintenance was either the probable or possible cause of 20 of them, some in combination with poor design. University officials said they have not decided whether the blame will become a legal decision. Leslie Winter, vice president and general council for General Administration, said Chancellor Ammons, the Board of Trustees and the attorney general would have to “prove that there were valid claims for a lawsuit.”
Belize CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 job of getting in there and deciphering the instructional level of the students. “It was exciting to watch. Visiting a Third World country was very emotional for them, but they rose to the challenge.” According to Battle, the Edmonds Scholars Program provided classroom books and supplies and organized classrooms into a functioning school with a structured environment. Battle said the Belmopan villagers welcomed NCCU’s students with open arms. “The parents were very supportive,” said Battle. “They were very appreciative and some came to sit in the classes.” “You can tell the kids valued education more,” said Berry. “They wore their best clothes to school, like they were going to church. When they went home for lunch, even more came back.” “We went to lunch and came
back and they were waiting at the gate to greet us … climbing over the fence to get in the school yard,” said Avery. “I think they really enjoyed our visit.” Katrina Billingsley, director of the Edmond’s Scholar program, praised the scholars for the way they handled themselves. “The Edmonds Scholars did an amazing job with transitioning,” she said. “The kids at the Belize school fell in love with them instantly.” While in Belize, the scholars toured the Belize Zoo. A highlight of the trip was their scuba diving adventure with Bruce Leslie, a tour guide with Sundowners Tours, at the Blue Hole, a huge cave located in the rainforest. Leslie also took the scholars to Laughing Bird Cage, a natural reserve with the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Volunteers Needed
Women ages 18–30 Up to $400 compensation
Application Deadline Extended Here’s a chance for NCCU’s most talented and motivated undergraduate students to do real scholarly research with a faculty mentor. Our program pays for your travel to professional meetings, supplies, and membership in a professional organization. Your research paper will be published in the Undergraduate Research Journal. The program is competitive and limited to 25 freshmen, sophomores or juniors. The
application process will close when 25 students are accepted into the program.
UNC is looking for women
Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and must acquire a faculty mentor endorsement.
genital herpes to participate
There is a special focus on interdisciplinary research projects. Pick up an application in your department or call 530-5240. Submit applications to Program Director Harvey L. McMurray, Criminal Justice Building, room 301.
between the ages of 18 and 30 with no history of oral or in a vaccine study to prevent herpes. If you qualify, you will receive free screening tests for herpes and up to $400 in compensation.
For more information, call 919-843-3174 in Chapel Hill, or 919-788-5333 in Raleigh.
Campus
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
N
O R T H
C
A R O L I N A
C
UN
E N TR A L
Baynes elevator traps three
3 IVER SITY
Blackboard gaining ground at NCCU BY TREVOR COLEY ECHO STAFF WRITER
COURTESY
OF
VERONICA FLEMING
An NCCU police officer joins freshman Shameda Ross and Marissa Hayes to rescue Melissa Nichols from a Baynes Residence Hall elevator. The three were trapped in the elevator Sept. 16 from 11:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
BY JOANNA HERNANDEZ ECHO STAFF WRITER
Three freshmen students were trapped in a Baynes Residence Hall elevator for more than an hour on Sep. 16 at 11:15 p.m. Campus police were unable to free the students so the physical plant was called to rescue them. It took about five minutes to free the students from the elevator which was stuck between the second and third floors. The students — Shameda Ross, Melissa Nichols and Marissa Hayes — were freed at 12:30 a.m. Nichols, Ross and Hayes were happy after the rescue. “These doggone elevators are always broken,” said Hayes. “They need to put a karaoke machine in the elevators for when they break down, so we can at least be entertained,” said Nichols. One resident assistant who asked not to be identified
They need to put a karaoke machine in the elevators for when they break down so we can at least be entertained. — MELISSA NICHOLS
BAYNES RESIDENT
said that the elevators have been an on-going problem at Baynes. “Elevators are out a lot around here,” said the resident assistant. “People have to walk up stairs and this has been going on for a long time.” According to the resident assistant, she could not reveal her name because she signed a contract agreement that does not allow resident assistants to say negative things to the media while functioning as a representative of Residential Life. One Baynes resident said
the dorm needs new elevators. “There is no point in fixing them every week, it’s dangerous,” said Miranda McDonald. But a police officer said it wouldn’t make sense to put in new elevators since Baynes is so old. “Why put new elevators in a building that’s going to be torn down in a couple years?” asked the officer, who covered his name badge when talking to the Campus Echo reporter. “They are just old elevators in an old building,” said Monika Gunn-Holloway, Baynes Residence Hall director. The elevator problem is not limited to Baynes. The elevator in the FarrisonNewton Communications Building has not operated since Sept. 16. “I feel scared when I get on the elevator, especially without my cell phone,” said Cindy Hospedales, sophomore music major.
DAILY SMOKERS
Gone are the days when students used to submit their papers, get grades, listen to announcements, get course descriptions and assignments, and chat with instructors. Now it’s all just a click away on Blackboard Learning System — the Unversity’s e-Education software. According to Kimberly Phifer-McGhee, director of distance education, Blackboard is getting used more and more as N.C. Central University faculty integrate the software into their courses. A system report dated Sept. 4 reveals that 1,388 courses are listed on Blackboard. In all, Blackboard gets an average 9,217 hits per day. There are 558 total instructor accounts. “Blackboard was initially brought to NCCU for Distance Education students, but now it is used for on-campus students as well,” said PhiferMcGhee. NCCU has been using Blackboard since 1998. NCCU pays an annual license fee of $7,500 to use the Blackboard software. “Blackboard makes it fairly efficient to provide web resources for students,” said English pro-
fessor Thomas Evans, chair of the mass communications program. Evans has used Blackboard in his courses since it first appeared. Stephen Fennell, multimedia /web specialist, trains faculty one-onone and in groups Multi-m media/web on Blackboard. specialist “BlackStephen Fennell board works like a website on the Internet,” said Fennell. Blackboard contains two main items, the navigation area and the main course window. The navigation area contains announcements, which display updates and reminders to students, information that contains course descriptions, times and locations for lectures. The navigation area also contains faculty information, course material, assignments, and communication which allows faculty and students to chat and e-mail. Other navigation areas include web sites and user tools, where students
can submit assignments and check grades. Matthew Pittinsky and Michael Chasen, two education consultants, released Blackboard in June 1997. Their dream was to transform the Internet into a powerful environment for education experiences. “It’s a computer age, people don’t even use pencils anymore,” said Fennell. Every year Blackboard versions are updated. NCCU uses Blackboard release 5.0. “By the Spring of 2004 the next two levels of Blackboard, Blackboard release 6.0 and the “enterprise” level will be up and running at NCCU,” said McGhee. Blackboard 6 is an updated version, which adds greater flexibility to the software program for faculty and users. Over 6 million faculty and students worldwide use Blackboard products in their daily academic life. Blackboard is used by high schools, the military, corporations and state and federal government agencies. It is licensed in 50 U.S. States and more than 60 countries around the world.
IN BRIEF Alpha Sigma to sponsor penny drive
A
lpha Sigma chapter of Sigma Tau Delta will sponsor a penny drive Sept. 26 – Oct. 10. The English Honor Society, founded in 1924, provides English majors with scholarships and awards. Loose or rolled pennies may be dropped off at the Farrison-Newton Communications Building, room 328. This is one of many
fundraisers Sigma Tau Delta will sponsor this year. –Dana Hart
Triangle women money conference coming to NCCU
T
he North Carolina Triangle Women and Money Conference is coming to N.C. Central University on Sept. 27 between 8:30 a.m-3 p.m. The conference will explore a number of finance-related topics: how
to pay for college, investing, planning for retirement, credit and insurance. The conference will also explore small business planning and home ownership. P e o p l e planning to attend have to register. Lunch and daycare services will be provided. Conference information and registration forms are available at www.tresurer. state.nc.us. For more information contact Ellen Richardson at 508-5164.
Test Preparation
AGES 18 THROUGH 24 who are planning to quit in the next month Earn a minimum of $70 for less than 3 hours of your total time by helping with a Duke/UNC study on smoking attitudes and behavior. Tasks involve completing short surveys and watching a 4-minute video. No classes, medications, or counseling involved. If interested, and to see if you qualify, please call 919-956-5644 or Email: mccoy026@mc.duke.edu.
Effective * Affordable * Convenient
5 GRE 5 GMAT October 20 - November 24 October 25 - December 6
October 25 - December 6 October 27 - December 1
All materials included. Six sessions, 4 hours each. Saturdays or Monday evenings at Duke.
$450 IRB #: 0487
919 - 684 - 6259
www.learnmore.duke.edu/testprep
How much would you pay for a second chance? Emergency Contraception can prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex. Call Dial EC for more information and a prescription, 7 days a week.
1-866-942-7762 www.dialec.org
Campus Echo Online campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com
4 N
O R T H
C
Campus A R O L I N A
C
E N T R A L
UN
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
IVER SITY
Freshmen learn fine New chair, big goals art of coping at Central Amoateng eyes another mountain to climb BY COURTNEE RASCOE ECHO STAFF WRITER
It was a different world for the freshmen of N.C. Central University as they arrived on campus in August — they suddenly had to adjust to a school in the middle of its own growing pains. For some freshmen, construction, mold, new housing arrangements, and renovations have taken their toll. “The construction makes the campus look a mess,” said biology freshman Fondtrice McCormick. “It looks ghetto and is not very inviting.” Around campus, walkways are obstructed by bulldozers and construction sites. “It is very hazardous walking around campus — trying not to trip over cords, fall in pot holes, get hit by machinery — and get
to class all at the same time,” said McCormick. Others are not happy with housing arrangements that have forced many upper class undergraduate students off campus to live in apartments and hotels. “I feel that I am missing out on the ordinary college experience,” said Ebonee Riddick, a freshman fashion merchandising major. “I really don’t get to mingle with upperclassmen.” But other freshmen are taking NCCU’s growing pains in stride and enjoying the college experience. Tuesday and Thursday 10:40 breaks and “chicken Wednesdays” are highlights according to some. “I enjoy 10:40 break and chicken day, because a lot of the students come out. It is a good time to socialize and mingle with new people,” said Marcus
Thompson, a business major. Students are also learning that there is a huge difference between the teachers at home and the college professors of NCCU. “Some professors are genuinely concerned and are there to help us,” said freshman Bryson Pope. “They stress the point that in order to succeed, our work won’t get done on its own — we have to help ourselves.” Despite the University’s growing pains and their own adjustments, many freshmen are glad they picked NCCU. “I am pleased with the decision I made to attend NCCU,” said biology freshman Courtney Peterson. “I have enjoyed my experiences so far on campus. I could not imagine being enrolled at another university.”
GameFrog leaps into Durham Interactive café hits town BY ANGELA HAILE ECHO STAFF WRITER
N.C. Central University students can now play their favorite interactive games without traveling far from campus. GameFrog, the Triangle’s first gaming café provides area university students with a new recreational option. For students, the café is already a hit. “It’s a nice, cool spot,” said Greg Goins, a business sophomore. “You can actually come here and play against people you’ve never met on dif-
ferent screens and with people over the Internet, something I can’t do in my dorm room.” GameFrog, located inside Millennium Music in Brightleaf Square, has 24 networked gaming stations for XBOX, Play Station 2, and PC gaming. “Most people can do here what they can’t do at home,” said Rick Dixon, an employee at GameFrog. “Even if you’re the only one here, you can still play the latest games against people online.” GameFrog is the brainchild of Randy Diers and Bill Hampton, co-owners of Millennium Music. Diers and Hampton said that they wanted to offer gamers a place to interact in a relaxed and comfortable environ-
ment. “Most college students can’t do this in their dorm rooms,” he said. “We have a club-like atmosphere,” said Amanda Lambert, GameFrog employee. “Usually, the only light comes from green lava lamps, which makes it a cool place to hang out with your friends.” GameFrog, which opened on Sept. 6, charges $6 per hour for gaming, but offers discounts when you purchase more than one hour. And GameFrog has a conscience — the first Wednesday of the month is a charity day when they provide free gaming day to children from the Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Miracle Network.
BY STACY COOPER ECHO STAFF WRITER
Kofi Amoateng has big plans for N.C. Central’s Faculty Senate. “The Faculty Senate is the mouthpiece of the faculty,” said Amoateng, who became chair of the Faculty Senate in May 2003. Faculty senators are elected by the faculty, and Amoateng was selected by these elected senators. “The Faculty Senate serves as a liaison between faculty and administration,” said Amoateng. One matter that Amoateng is concerned with is the relationship between students and teachers. “The student is the customer,” said Amoateng, “and we need to make sure they are happy.” Amoateng said this can be achieved by improving NCCU’s academic environment with more seminars, workshops and symposiums. Amoateng’s other goal is to create a Faculty Senate electronic newsletter accessible through Blackboard. He said he wants this newsletter to show off faculty contributions, publications and achievements. The newsletter, he said, can serve as a marketing tool for people unfamiliar with the University. Amoateng also plans to stay in close contact with the administration to ensure a flow of accurate information among faculty and staff. He plans to do this
STACY COOPER/Echo Staff Photographer
Kofi Amoateng sits in his office in the Student Health Service Building Sept. 19. Amoateng is the chair of the Faculty Senate.
through a group called “shared governors,” which will work closely with the Chancellor James H. Ammons. “Last semester, there were many unfounded rumors about the chancellor and the administration,” said Amoateng. “I plan to make things more transparent.” Amoateng has been in the United States since 1980. He has been teaching at NCCU for 14 years. He was born in KumasiAshante, the second largest city in Ghana. He studied economics at the University of Ghana and Eastern Illinois University. His Ph.D. is from the University of Texas-Austin in economics and finance. Amoateng has published 26 journal articles. He is a
member of business organizations including the International Association of Financial Engineers, American Economics Association, and the International Academy of African Business and Development. Currently he is an associate editor of several journals including the Journal of Global Business, the Journal of African Business, the World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, and Current Research in Global Business. Amoateng says he needs to stay focused and positive to have an impact as chair of the Faculty Senate. His motto, he says, is: “A mountain can never be climbed successfully by looking down.”
Ellis Marsalis is considered one of the world’s premier jazz pianists. He’s taught some of the world’s most famous musicians. Even fathered a few of his own. But with retirement approaching, he
didn’t want to improvise.
Not when it came to money. We worked with him on ways to make the most of his retirement plan, so money wouldn’t get in the way of his music.
Now he’s ready for the next act, whatever that may be.
Log on for ideas, advice, and results. TIAA-CREF.org or call 800.842.2776
RETIREMENT
INSURANCE
MUTUAL FUNDS
COLLEGE SAVINGS
TRUSTS
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Ellis Marsalis became a participant in 1990. TIAA-CREF Individual and Institutional Services, Inc., and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., distribute securities products. © 2002 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association–College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY. Ellis Marsalis was compensated.
5
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
Notice Of Polling Place Change Precinct 49: North Carolina Central University
PIZZA HUT is now hiring General Managers Assistant Managers Shift Leaders Delivery & Dine-IIn. Great pay, training, insurance, advancement, & 401K. Fax resume to Stephanie (919) 851-66530 or mail to 4901 Waters Edge #202, Raleigh, NC 27606
Advertise in the Campus Echo. N
O RT H
C
AR OLI NA
C
EN TRA L
UN
The polling location for Durham County Precinct 49 (North Carolina Central University) will move from the James E. Shepard Memorial Library to Room 159 of the Miller-Morgan Building for the city of Durham 2003 Municipal Primary to be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2003, and General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2003. This is a temporary relocation for the 2003 election cycle only. In the October 7, 2003 Municipal Primary, all eligible city of Durham voters can nominate candidates for the Durham City office of Mayor and three at-large seats for City Council. Polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The Durham County Board of Elections will also be conducting one stop no excuse absentee voting between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday from September 18 to October 3, 2003, and on Saturday, October 4, 2003, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. One stop absentee voting will be held in the Board of Elections office at 706 W. Corporation Street. Any voter eligible to vote in the municipal primary may vote at the one stop voting site (regardless of your precinct). Voters who are presently registered need not re-register. City residents who did not register to vote by September 12, 2003, are not eligible to vote in the municipal primary. However, residents may register to vote by Friday, October 10, 2003, to be eligible to vote in the Novermber 4, 2003, General Election. New registrations or registration changes may be submitted at the Durham County Board of Elections office, 706 W. Corporation Street between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, at any branch of the Durham Public Library, by securing a mail-in update/registration form available at various locations throughout Durham, or on the Board of Elections website at www.co.durham.nc.us/elec Information regarding registration, polling locations, absentee voting, or other election matters may be obtained by contacting the Board of Elections office at 560-0700. Michael Ashe, Director Durham County Board of Elections
IV E RS ITY
Campus Echo 2002 and 2003 Winner of the Society for Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award for Best Non-D Daily University Student Newspaper in Region 3 (NC, VA, MD, DE, DC) 2002 Winner of Black College Communication Association Award for Best BiWeekly Student Newspaper
Call us at 919 530-7116 or e-mail us at campusecho@wpo.nccu.edu
Student Leadership, Training and Development “Committed to the belief that every student at N.C. Central University has leadership potential.”
WE HAVE A SUREFIRE WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE. HIRE YOU TO INVENT IT.
Club & Organization Leaders
Clubs and orgnizations Find out about our Student Development Incentive Grants. Pick up an application starting Oct. 10.
REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! • You must register your club or organization each year in order to reserve space in the Student Union or use other campus facilities. Register today. Cyberspace controls and laser defense systems came as no surprise to the U.S. Air Force. In fact, they came off our drawing boards. No wonder we re always looking to hire the best and brightest. You can leverage your degree immediately and get hands-on experience with some of the most sophisticated technology on earth. To request more information, call 1-800-423-USAF or visit our Web site at airforce.com.
• Organizational Blast 4-7:30 pm, Thursday, Oct. 9. McClendonMcDougald Gymnasium. Find your niche on campus. Talk with leaders from different clubs about their programs and activities. •MODELS: Mentors Offering Direction, Encouragement, and Leadership. Strategies for Success recruitment meeting. 10:40 am Thursday, Oct. 2. STudent Union, room 146.
For more information on our Student Leadership, Training and Development programs contact Peggy Watson Alexander at (919) 530-7088 or drop by the Student Services Building, suite 236.
• Fundraising Opportunity, Saturday Oct. 18. Sign up immediately. Mark these events and deadlines Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10:40 am ~ MODELS recruiting meeting. Student Union, room 146. Thursday, Oct. 9 at 10:40 am ~ MODELS recruiting meeting. Student Union, room 146.
CROSS INTO THE BLUE
Wednesday, Oct. 10. Apply for Student Development Incentive Grant. Deadline is Oct. 29. Saturday, Oct. 18. Fundraising Opportunity. Sign up immediately.
Look for events and deadline schedule in every issue of the Campus Echo.
Beyond NCCU
6 N
O R T H
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
E N TR A L
UN
IVER SITY
CHICAGO TRIBUNE (KRT)
CHICAGO – In many ways, Stephanie Doswell is your regular college student in a T-shirt and flare-legged jeans. But she is also anorexic, bulimic and AfricanAmerican, a combination so rare that it sometimes goes unrecognized. “If someone sees a sickly, thin white person, they automatically think that they have anorexia,” said Doswell, 19. “If someone sees a sickly, thin black person, they don’t think that they have anorexia.” She adds sarcastically: “Because blacks don’t get anorexia.” Anorexia has been thought of as a disease affecting rich, white females since the 1940s because it primarily affects girls from well-todo Caucasian families. Recent studies seem to confirm that black anorexics are extremely hard to find. Last month Ruth StriegelMoore of Wesleyan University in Connecticut reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry that although anorexia is believed to affect 1 percent to 2 percent of the general population, none of the 1,061 young black women in their study was anorexic. But many experts doubt that black anorexics are as rare as studies have suggested, though experts are left guessing at how prevalent the disease is in minorities. Traditionally, AfricanAmerican girls have been thought to have some protection from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa because of a greater acceptance of larger body size in the African-American community, said Gayle Brooks, an African-American psychologist specializing in eating disorders at the Renfrew Center in Florida. But this alleged protection from eating disorders appears to weaken as blacks take on the values of the mainstream culture, Brooks says.
Career Fair Thursday, Oct. 2 ~ 9 am-1:30 pm at the Walker Complex Something for everyone. Internships, career positions, grauate and professional schools. Dress professionally. Bring your resume. And do some networking.
And get ready for the Career Fair at our workshops “How to Communicate More Effectively,” Sept. 22. Alfonso Elder Student Union. 11 am-Noon. Room TBA. Terry Brown from the News & Observer will be the quest speaker. “The Behavior-based Interview,” Sept. 26. Alexander-Dunn, room 130. 10-11 am. Learn about behavior-based interviews and how to prepare for them. Mock interviews will be demonstrated. “Dress for Success,” Sept. 30. University Theatre. 10:3011:30 am. Get a demonstration of proper business dress and other professional etiquette tips.
University Career Services Alexander-Dunn Building/lower level 530-6337/vstanfld@wpo.nccu.edu
PHOTO
COURTESY OF
KRT CAMPUS
Experts think African-A American girls may be suspect to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as blacks take on the values of the mainstream culture. “I think that there are a lot of African-American women who are really struggling with their sense of personal identity and self-esteem that comes with being a part of this culture that does not accept who we really are,” Brooks said. For years anorexia (characterized by refusal to eat enough) and bulimia (characterized by binge eating and purging) was only studied in white females, leaving gaps in medical knowledge about eating disorders and how they affect minorities. For example, experts are not sure whether black girls from high-income families are more likely than their poorer counterparts to develop eating disorders, as is believed to be the case for white girls. Striegel-Moore acknowledges that her study may have underestimated the number of blacks with anorexia nervosa because she had too few girls from affluent black families. Similarly, psychologists typically search for anorexia in adolescents, the age group commonly found to have the disorder in white girls. However, experts question whether anorexia may develop later in AfricanAmericans. Thomas Joiner, a professor of psychology at Florida State University, tested whether racial stereotypes influence the recognition of eating disorders. He asked 150 people to read a fictional diary of a 16year-old girl named Mary and rated whether they thought the girl had an eating disorder. For some the diary was labeled “Mary, 16-year-old Caucasian.” For others it was labeled “Mary, 16-year-old African-American.” More people said the subject had an eating disorder when she was labeled white than when she was labeled black. “Race mattered,” Joiner said. “There’s the idea in people’s minds that AfricanAmerican girls tend not to get eating disorders. And that
NCCU Newman Catholic Campus Ministry We welcome all of God’s people-regardless of race, gender, age, socio-economic status, or sexual preference. Volunteer & social opportunities in addition to spiritual support & guidance. Prayer space also available. Located in the Holy Cross Catholic Church Activity Center (1400 S. Alston Avenue) between Chidley Dormitory & the NCCU School of Law.
Catholic? We’ve been looking for you! Let us know by e-mailing the campus minister at catholiceagle@yahoo.com. Not Catholic? We seek to serve you as well. Somewhere in Between or Unsure of Where You Are? That’s fine too! Interim Catholic Campus Minister: Deanna J. Atchley ~ 682-4852
C
BY SHANNAH THARPTAYLOR
2003
It’s time to start preparing for the ‘world of work.’
A R O L I N A
Anorexia among black women gets new scrutiny
UN Bush played down the contentious issue of Iraq and emphasized the good works of the United Nations. He devoted nearly half his speech to unrelated issues — weapons proliferation and sex trafficking — and made only a gentle request for assistance in Iraq. “Now the nation of Iraq needs and deserves our aid ... ” he said. Bush spoke as if the divisions over Iraq were largely in the past. He spoke of the militants in Iraq as “against all humanity.” “(T)here was, and there remains, unity among us on the fundamental principles and objectives of the United Nations.” he said. “The defense of our collective security and ... advance of human rights ... call us to great work in the world, work we must do together.” The president defended U.S. actions in Iraq, but he suggested those were in defense of U.N. wishes, not in violation of them. “(B)ecause a coalition of nations acted to defend the peace, and the credibility of the United Nations, Iraq is free, and today we are joined by representatives of a liberated country.” Bush played down the difficulties in Iraq, saying its people are “meeting hardships and challenges.” He said the war has made the Middle East safer and the world more secure. He also hailed the actions of U.N. humanitarian services in Iraq and spoke of progress training police, rebuilding schools, hospitals, power plants and other infrastructure. He said a new U.N. Security Council resolution would expand the U.N. role in Iraq, but he suggested that role would be in developing a constitution, training civil servants and conducting elections — not in leading the occupation.
C
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
www.newman-nccu.org Serving NCCU students, faculty & staff
Doctors should have their same radar out for eating disorders when talking with an African-American girl as when they are sitting across from Caucasian girls. — THOMAS JOINER
PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY influenced their judgments.” Joiner and his colleagues also found that many health care professionals were unable to recognize black anorexics, suggesting that could contribute to missed diagnoses. “(Doctors) should have their same radar out for eating disorders when talking with an African-American girl as when they are sitting across from Caucasian girls,” Joiner said. Many researchers and clinicians studying anorexia nervosa say that becoming anorexic is less a factor of race and more a consideration of one’s social group. However, girls from poor families face an additional risk because they are not likely to be able to afford treatment, which can cost as much as $30,000 for a month of in-patient care. Doswell typifies some of the issues surrounding anorexia in black women. Her condition was verified through her therapist, Keitha Austin of Newport News, Va., who received written permission to confirm that Doswell is an AfricanAmerican female with anorexia. She starts each day with eight melon-flavored gummy rings. “I don’t want a booty like J. Lo,” Doswell said. “I don’t want to look like Beyonce because she is fat.” Her roller coaster with eating disorders began in anticipation of an exchange program trip to Japan. “I didn’t want to be fat on the trip,” Doswell said. “So, I just stopped eating. It was that simple.” Thirteen pounds later, Doswell was still not happy
with her new, thinner self. So she forced her weight lower into the upper 90s. By spring 2002 she was eating only rice or fruit and exercising incessantly, stealing laxatives and throwing up the little food she consumed. But she did not know that her behaviors had a name. “I went online one day and found out that what I was doing was actually a disease,” she said. The Web has become a haven for young women with eating disorders who feel they have nowhere else to turn for help and support. The issue of race and stereotypes about eating disorders are hot topics for members of the Colours of Ana Web site, created as a support system for girls and women of color with anorexia and other eating disorders. Many girls on the www.coloursofana.com site wrote that they have heard negative comments from other blacks suggesting that they developed anorexia because they are trying to be white by becoming thin. “I have an eating disorder because I am sick, not because I am wanting to be white,” wrote one woman. “We need to get past this sort of exclusivity. It is just not helping.” In the mid-’80s Zina Garrison, a professional tennis star, looked around the tennis world and did not see anyone who looked like her. “I didn’t really have anyone to look up to,” Garrison said in an interview. “At the time it was basically myself, Jackie JoynerKersee and Florence Joyner who were the pivotal African-American women
Baby Hope Day Free baby clothes and equipment Snacks too! On George Street, next to the Student Union October 2, 10 am - 2 pm
athletes doing something.” At 21 years old, Garrison was ranked in the top 10 of women’s tennis and had beaten Chris Evert. But still she struggled with self-image. “I was in a short skirt all of the time, and I was always told that I didn’t have the figure to fit the tennis skirts,” Garrison said. In an effort to fit the mold of the all-white world of women’s tennis and the emptiness she felt as an athlete and public figure, Garrison tumbled into bulimic behavior without actually knowing that she was developing an eating disorder. Purging took a toll on Garrison’s health. Her hair started to fall out. Her skin became blotchy. Her nails softened. Garrison became too weak to play the game she loved. After watching a television show on bulimia and eating disorders, Garrison recognized her behavior as an illness, got help from her trainers and went on to return to the top of the tennis world as a winner of major tournaments. Even now, Garrison said, “Recovery goes on day by day.” Kaelyn Carson was not as fortunate. At 5 foot 8 and 115 pounds of solid muscle, Kaelyn Carson, of Comstock Park, Mich., was a brown-eyed beauty with long, curly brown hair and big dimples. But after a 14-month battle with anorexia and bulimia, Carson died at age 20. She weighed 75 pounds. Carson, who was biracial — African American and white — exemplifies the fact that no one is immune from eating disorders because of her race. “She was everything,” said her mother, Brenda Carson. But now she is left with only memories of her daughter, who was a member of the National Association of Collegiate Scholars, Miss Michigan American Teen, a cheerleader and a track star. “Don’t close your eyes to it,” her mother said.
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
N
O R T H
C
Features A R O L I N A
C
E N TR A L
UN
IVER SITY
Paving the road to reading
Shenita Harper reads John Steptoe’s book “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” to an onlooking student at the read-a a-tthon Sept. 20. The book is about two sisters who compete for a Zimbabwean king’s hand in marriage.
F
ive NCCU students gave literacy a boost at the Andolia Eaton Read-A-Thon Sept. 20. The read-a-thon, named after literacy and education advocate Andolia Oakley Eaton, is a once-a-year program sponsored by Read Seed, an organization that promotes reading. “Volunteering is a lot of fun,” said senior computer information systems major Shenita Harper. “There is nothing better than seeing children’s faces light up as you read to them.” Harper said all students should volunteer for programs like this. One room was designed with cardboard “bricks” covered with aluminum foil. These represented a highway to reading. The read-a-thon honored Eaton for her efforts to increase literacy. The read-a-thon, which sponsors plan to hold annually, was held at Antioch Baptist Church. Central students read from books by Dr. Suess, John Steptoe, among others
to children aged 3-12. “So many children reach adulthood and are not prepared,” said Addie Banks, founder of Read Seed. In addition to the read-athon, Read Seed hosts other literacy programs for children and adults, including Story Time Thursday, EagerReader Incentive Program, Parent Education, and community-wide book distributions. Banks says that learning to read early encourages a life-long love for books. “I found that books in homes can make a difference between academic advancement and failure,” said Banks. “If I spent the rest of my life making sure that children got books in their homes, then there could be a difference.” Program coordinators said that they want NCCU students involved because it gives children a chance to see African-American role models to identify with. All of the children who attended the read-a-thon were provided with their own books to take home and read.
Top: Participant dressed as the character in “Cat in the Hat” reads Dr. Suess’ classic tale. Middle: Ellen Reckhow, chair of the Board of County Commissioners, reads from “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The aluminum “bricks” on the floor represent the highway to reading. Below: NCCU graduate student Donal Barringer reads to community children as a volunteer to the read-a a-tthon Read Seed.
7
A&E
8 N
O R T H
C
A R O L I N A
C
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
E N TR A L
UN
IVER SITY
Def Poetry, heat of the streets BY DALIA DAVIES A&E EDITOR
Harlem Renaissance writer James Baldwin once said, “Negro speech is not a question of dropping s’s or n’s or g’s, but a question of the beat.” The unique beats of speech laid with the authentic heat of the streets will be preached at Def Poetry Jam Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. in Hill Hall at Chapel Hill. The performance is sponsored by the Carolina Union Performing Arts Series. The 2003 Tony award-winning performance for best special theatrical event combines a play, a concert and cipher — all laced with live music from DJ Doria Roberts. “Audiences in general are hungry for entertainment that is new and vital,” said Russell Simmons, hip-hop mogul and coproducer. The original HBO cable series “Def Poetry Jam” was hosted by lyricist Mos Def. The program debuted some of the best spoken word artists in the country. The HBO televised broadcast was then formatted into a live stage production on Broadway in Manhattan, where 9 poets join to express complex, electric, and spine-tingling verses.
Many veteran spoken word supporters have questioned how authentic the program was in the context of the freestyle culture of spoken word that’s now being sold to mainstream America. Three poets will be featured from the original HBO series: A native Trinidadian, Roger Bonair Agard, has been featured on “60 Minutes.” Bonar Agard has made his mark at slams in New York City’s Nuyorican Poet Café’s Championships where he was named Fresh Poet of the Year. Korean American Ishle Yi Park has also been featured on broadcast programs like the NAACP Image Awards. Her work has appeared nationally in over 20 publications. And Stacyann Chin, a native Jamaican, has performed internationally and has had work published in the New York Times, Washington Post and the Pittsburgh Daily. She also has her own one-woman show Off-Broadway. Chin will hold poetry workshops on UNC’s campus the day of the show. One workshop participant will be selected to perform a poem on stage with the Def Poetry Jam professionals. UNC’s Black Student Movement EROT — a poetry/spoken word performance
group will hold a Curtain Talk at 7 p.m. Spoken word has played an important role in social change and raising political consciousness. The poetry is a fantasy of reality, and when spoken it can be used as a collective voice to the masses that refuse to remain voiceless. At the Feb. 15 world wide rally against the war, Def Poets stood on stage in NYC with historical legends such as Civil Rights activist Angela Davis to the
Reverend Desmond Tutu. During the 1960s, radical poetry was spoken to keep activists motivated. Some of the revolutionary icon wordsmiths of the time were Sonia Sanchez, The Last Poets (Umar Bin Hassan and Abiodun Oyewole), Nikki Giovanni and Amiri Baraka. In the 1970s Caribbean, another very popular style of spoken word emerging was Dub Poetry; a genre of “chantin’,” “chattin’,” or “ragga” of reggae music introduced by Jamaican Linton Kwest Johnson. In dub poetry, the instrumental “dub” of a reggae beat was lowered for the first time and the message through poetry was emphasized. Dub Poetry, a parent to the Dancehall culture, is often seen as the equal sibling to Rap music, the parent of Hip-Hop culture. The Def Poetry Jam performance is not candle lit, coffee house, finger snapping poetry. It’s brilliant, hilarious, honest and provocative. Admission to the Def Poetry Jam performance is $18 for students and $35 for general admission. The Carolina Union Box Office can be reached at 962-1449.
“Jackie O” N.C. Central University and Longleaf Opera collaborate to put on the first major production of the year,“Jackie O,” under the direction of Randolph Umberger, professor of history and playwriting. This classical and comical musical pop opera brings Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis back to life in an elaborate sequence of music, dance, and acting. It vividly renactes her life story from her days as “Debutante of the Year,” to the wife of John F. Kennedy, and then to editor for Doubleday in New York City. The curtains will open for “Jackie O” Oct. 3-4 at 8:00 PM and Oct. 5 at 2:00 PM at the Historic Carolina Theatre in Durham. Students may purchase tickets at the NCCU Box Office for $5. Others may purchase tickets through Carolina Theatre for $25, $15, and $10 for seniors and students of other universities. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to the University’s Theatre. GERARD FARROW/Echo Staff Photographer
Director Randolph Umberger and Choreographer Boleyn Willis during a rehearsal for “Jackie O”.
Sound Judgment Erykah Badu
World Wide Underground Motown
]]]]
Campus Echo Online campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com
The sultry, innovative songbird, Erykah Badu, has been promising ‘me come soon’ and she has finally arrived. On Sept 16, Badu released her third album ‘World Wide Underground’ providing a silky and creamy journey along a river of melodic rhythms, notes, African chants, wails and drums, electric guitars, digitally mastered “freakquency,” and classic chubby hip hop beats. I’ve daydreamed anticipating how Badu would bring something fierce with her authentic fire and a light influence from her beau, Chicago rapper, Common and his recent LP ‘Electric Circus.’ But my expectations of the album were higher than the first sounds that tickled my ears. I expected songs like “On & On” and “Next Lifetime” from her debut album “Baduizm” (1997) or the respected creativity of “Green Eyes” and “Bag Lady” from the platinum sophomore album “Mama’s Gun” (2000). So I sat back and said to myself Badu is a four-time Grammy winner — ‘there is always a method to her madness, just let the album really soak into your membrane.’ Then I realized the album is broken down into three waves. The first is a tranquil warm up including the intro “World Keeps Turnin’ ” and the songs“Bump It”
]]]]] ]]]] ] ]] ]] ]
instructing listeners to “push up the fader, bust the meter and shake tweeters.” The track “Back in the day (puff)” features Lenny Kravitz and is remnant of the classic 70s funk. The track “I Want You” is the first taste of the Badu I was waiting for. One of my favorite songs on the album, the staccato ballad of yearning laced with a chubby looped audio wave was inspired by the new “love of her life” and takes you to a place where “smiles and butterflies live.” The second wave of songs includes “Woo” and “The Grind” which features fellow political artists Dead Prez. The upstaging track “Danger,” the first release to take over the radio airwaves, is a follow up to “Other Side of The Game” and contains samples from the original track. The last wave ends with “Think Twice,” “Love of My Life Worldwide” with a bouquet of women rappers Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, and soul singer Angie Stone and the “World Keeps Turnin’” outro. World Wide Underground gives the feeling that Badu was given a blank canvas for her expression without large record corporations control. Badu has done her own artwork in the album cover and leaves a bank page in the booklet for “your notes.” Ms. Badu has come through again. Make way. — Dalia Davies
Yahzarah
blackstar
Three Keys Music
]]] Lathum Hall Resident Director Shera Marshall stated that former NCCU student, Yahzarah, is a “sweet and very talented person.” But does this make her sophomore album
P2 w/ DVD option “Frogger” Atari Apple’s “Oregon Trail” Hop Scotch w/ no chalk
worth buying? Yes, if you like prefer untamed changes between Gospel, R&B, NeoSoul, Jazz, and 70’s eclectic Funk and a quick no, with all due respect, if not. A semi-veteran to the music business, Yahzarah’s journey from being a four-year Erykah Badu background singer into the spotlight light is slowly progressing.. The DC native’s first solo album “Hear Me” sold only 5000 copies independently but hopefully the new album “blackstar” will do much better under Merimelj Entertaiment Group. Yahzarah’s album begins with a funky, yet pointless, Sunday school lesson giving you an explaination of her name. The album then falls directly into a mainstream collaboration “One Day” that would make the whole world want to fall in love. While the leading single “Wishing,” which has been broadcasted on Bet’s 106 and Park, showed her large vocal range and her peaceful and soulful side, the track “Nova” makes you want to push the eject button. The title track’s remix of “blackstar” brings a whole new flavor, semi Go-Go, that does not go unnoticed on this album. Even though it was elaborate and very unique, this album earns itself 2 headphones for content and 1 headphone for uniqueness. Obvious echoes from Yazarah’s influences (Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan and Prince, has held back her album from being a distinctive work in the sea of R&B albums so far. — Julius Jones
Sports
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
N
IN BRIEF Williams named CIAA player of week
F
or the second straight week, N.C. University sophomore outside hitter Porche’ Williams has been selected as the CIAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Week. In four matches last week, Williams amassed 37 kills, 15 digs, six blocks and five service aces. In her best effort, the pre-season All-CIAA honoree recorded 11 kills, six blocks and six digs versus West Chester University on Sept. 12. The 2002 CIAA Rookie of the Year and native of Long Beach, Calif., currently tops the conference with 192 kills and leads the team with 33 service aces. — CIAA Online
JCSU No. 1 in graduation rating
J
ohnson C. Smith University graduated 83 percent of its student athletes making it the number one institution in the CIAA, according to a report recently released by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Only Elizabeth City State University came close with 81 percent. JCSU also holds one of the highest rates among NCAA Division II schools. “I am extremely pleased about our graduation rates,” remarked Helen Caldwell, Interim Athletic Director. The report gives graduation information about students and student athletes who entered as full-time students for the first time in the fall of 1996. Graduation rates are based on a comparison of the number of students who entered a college or university as first-time full-time students in a given year and the number of those who graduated within six years. — CIAA Online
Joubert sets record at D.R.F.C.
N
.C. Central’s Jean Pierre Joubert set a new course and meet record at the fourth annual D.R.F.C. Collegiate Cross Country Invitational at Ballou Park in Danville, VA, when he completed the fivemile stretch in 28 minutes, 39 seconds. NCCU sophomore Andre Atchison crossed the finish line second with a time of 30:03, but the Eagles settled for a fifth place effort behind winners Barton, Longwood, Greensboro, and Ferrum. The NCCU women also placed fifth, with Christina Harris as the top Lady Eagle in 15th place with a time of 24:51 on a three mile course.
O R T H
C
A R O L I N A
C
E N TR A L
UN
9 IVER SITY
DSU can’t sting Eagles Williams, Eagles defeat Hornets BY FREDDIE COOPER ECHO STAFF WRITER
Fresh off a home win against Morehouse College, N.C Central University was ready for its second non-conference opponent in as many games as the team took on Delaware State University last Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Despite an injury suffered by quarterback Adrian Warren, the Eagles were still able to get the victory behind back-up quarterback Sean Williams 21-14. NCCU got off to an excellent start as running NCCU 21 back Courtney Clinton and comDSU 14 Warren bined for 41 rushing yards in the first quarter. The Eagles pleased the home crowd on a 24-yard-pass from Warren to Charles Futrell that gave them the early lead, while their defense forced the Hornets to miss a field goal, punt and fumble in the first quarter. Delaware State got on the board as quarterback Keon Frazier hit Thomas Bolden on a 39-yard-pass with 9:05 left before halftime. When the Eagles got the ball, Warren would go down after a run with a strained calf muscle. Williams exploded, rushing for 42 yards in the remainder of the quarter. Williams continued to pound the Hornets in the third quarter with a series of short passes that eventually led the Eagles just
MIKE FEIMSTER/Echo Photo Editor
Delaware State defensive lineman Zwardie Nelson attempts to tackle quarterback Adrian Warren avoids him in the Eagles win on Sept. 20. inches away from the goal. It was only a matter of seconds before senior running back Lawrence Fuller made his way into the end zone allowing the Eagles go ahead 14-7. Then Warren returned with 8:07 left in the third to throw another touchdown pass, in only his second pass attempt, to junior receiver James Hopkins. Delaware State scored again to
make the score 21-14 late in the third. The Eagle defense help in the final period as Louis George intercepted a Frazier pass and NCCU won their second straight home game. George led the Eagle defense with 11 tackles and the interception. On offense, Warren completed 10 of 15 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Williams, who replace
Warren after his injury, came off the bench to gain 129 yards of total offense. Michael “Petey” Noel, who started at point guard for the Eagle basketball team a year ago, caught seven passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. NCCU will visit Virginia State in their CIAA opener at Rogers Stadium this Saturday.
Hayes has finally come home Hayes returns to NCCU BY ROBERT HUNTER ECHO STAFF WRITER
To chronicle the 38-year athletics career in North Carolina of N.C. Central University’s new Director of Athletics, Bill Hayes, would take volumes. Hayes has spent a total of 27 years as head football coach of two of NCCU’s biggest rivals: WinstonSalem State and N.C. A&T. Hayes was a pioneer in the desegregation of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s coaching ranks when he was hired by Wake Forest as an offensive line coach in 1973. He also had eight successful years as a high school coach in football, basketball and track. Hayes, a 1965 graduate of NCCU, has a resume that shouts his qualifications to run the athletic department.
MIKE FEIMSTER/Echo Photo Editor
New N.C. Central Director of Athletics Bill Hayes returns to his alma mater after 38 years to improve the athletic program. But Hayes says some things need to be done for the program to improve. “I would like to set the stage for this program to move to Division I AA,” he said. “We must upgrade our facilities, increase parking and overall become more accommodating to our fans.”
Hayes, who grew up just a few blocks from campus on Anacosta Street, makes it clear that the amount of time he holds as athletics director is the key to the future of NCCU athletics. He says the department is bigger than him. A short-term goal Hayes has for the department is to
renovate office space in the Leroy T. Walker Complex. “I want to consolidate staff members who are scattered all over the place and centralize the administrative staff so we can do a better job in implementing our programs,” he said. Hayes said he wants the University to do a better job of marketing itself to high school recruits. He said the University needs more publicity. “Central is probably the best kept secret in this whole region. We have to get the word out about the quality of our university and the quality of our programs,” he said. Hayes said one of the best ways to increase statewide awareness of the NCCU athletics program is to invite high school coaches to Durham for coaching clinics and a walk through of our facilities. One factor that will contribute to promoting the department better is coaches from Division I pro-
grams. Both NCCU football and basketball coaches are from such programs. Rod Broadway, NCCU football coach, and basketball coach Phil Spence, are both from big ACC programs. Hayes is confident that their experiences will help the department in both public relations and fundraising. “They are both very talented and can motivate kids,” he said. Hayes’ record 195-102-2 record as a college coach would suggest that the techniques for motivating people get results. His teams have won state championships at the high school level in football, basketball and track. Hayes said that if everyone works together, NCCU can become a Division I University. “If we focus and be of one Eagle mind with one Eagle spirit and one Eagle heartbeat, then we can succeed.”
— CIAA Online
Volleyball Round-u up postponed
T
he annual CIAA Volleyball Round-Up has been rescheduled for Oct. 10-12 at Fayetteville State University and E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville due to weather complications. The first matches are set for Friday, Oct. 10 at 2p.m. — CIAA Online
Be a sports reporter at the
Campus Echo Contact Loveore Masakadza at 530-7 7116
GREEK PARAPHERNALIA 3 Sisters Embroidery, LLC Now in Durham to serve you! Come shop in our brand new retail location. A short drive up Alston Avenue from campus.
Greenwood Commons Shopping Plaza 5410 Hwy. 55, Suite C&D Monday-Saturday 10 AM ~ 6 PM We now offer press-on lettering ... while you wait. 100’s of new items, same great service.
3 Sisters Embroidery, LLC Telephone: 572-6864 / Fax: 572-6905 iam.greek2@verizon.net www.iamgreek.biz
EAGLELAND T-shirts sweats polo shirts decals pens license tags tote bags license frames caps baseball caps buttons mugs caps car flags pens pencils pennants towels pom poms bags ceramic eagles towels NCCU framed print, and much more.
Serving N.C. Central University If we don’t have it, we will get it. If we can’t get it, it’s probably not worth having! We have the best prices on Earth. We do custom orders. And we deliver on occasion!
Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com
Computer Aide Computer Services
• • • • • • •
Student rates Free Consultation Troubleshooting No obligation Upgrades Pre-purchase advice Custom build PCs
Office: 919.359.0349 Contact: 919.522.7075 E-mail: vdmoffett@yahoo.com www.computeraide.net
Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com
Classifieds
10 N
O R T H
C
C
A R O L I N A
E N TR A L
UN
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
IVER SITY
nccu calendar
Wednesday Sept. 24
Wednesday Oct. 1
NCCU Board of Trustees Annual Meeting in the Emma Marble Conference Room at 9 am
Pre-Career Fair Reception
Thursday Oct 2
Friday Sept. 26
Career Fair
Students who have not met the State immunization requirements will be dropped from classes.
Friday Oct. 3
Saturday Sept. 27
Last day to withdraw from the University with a prorated bill adjustment and/or refund.
Football: NCCU vs. Virginia State Petersburg, VA
NCCU Theatre and the Long Leaf Opera Company Present: "Jackie O"
Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com We’re Here, and We Can Help. Pregnancy Support Services 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 401 Durham, NC 27707 (919) 490-0203 pss@pregnancysupport.org Pregnancy testing NCCU campus liason Post abortion support Baby items & equipment Postive options Parenting education Relationship support Abstinence education Limited ultrasound services
All services FREE and CONFIDENTIAL
Classified Advertising
at 8 pm at the Carolina Theatre
Saturday Oct. 4 Football: NCCU vs. Elizabeth City, 'Down East Classic.' Rocky Mount, NC NCCU Theatre and the Long Leaf Opera Company Present: "Jackie O" at 8 pm at the Carolina Theatre
Sunday Oct. 5
LEARN TO SKYDIVE! Carolina Sky Sports
NCCU Theatre and the Long Leaf Opera Company Present: "Jackie O" at 2 pm at the Carolina Theatre
1-800-SKYDIVE www.CarolinaSkySports.com
To place a classified ad costs just $10 per issue. If you want to be in every issue for the entire year, we’ll discount it to just $100.
Call us now. 919 530 7116
A classy ad for $10 Campus Echo Classifieds
National Student Partnerships Interested in a paid internship serving Durham adults? Need to fulfill your volunteer service requirement? Leadership positions as well as short-term and long term opportunities available.
Contact National Student Partnerships at 401-0 0191
Book 11 people, get 12th trip free.
Group discounts for 6+ www.springbreakdiscount.com or 1 800 838 8202
Seeking Research Assistant for healthy homes & environment project. Must have science coursework or research experience; own transportation. Full description at www.advancedenergy.org or e-mail jobs@ advancedenergy.org. $10-$15/hour. EOE.
Writer with MPH
ACT NOW!
Visit the official website for Spring break ‘04. The best deals to the hottest destinations.
SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Helps plan and polish papers (919) 419-1496
HELP WANTED! Women between the ages of 14 and 24 wanted to participate in an Emergency Contraception Research Study. Participants must be sexually active and not be pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant within the next year. Participants will need to visit the Planned Parenthood clinic in Chapel Hill or Durham 3 times in the next year. Enrolled women will receive compensation in the form of cash, vouchers for Planned Parenthood services, and gift certificates. For more information, please contact Rebecca at 919-286-1770.
Spring Break Sign up with Student Express and get FREE roundtrip airline tickets to over 15 International destinations - including Aruba, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Caribbean hot spots and more. Why go with anyone else? Limited offer - call now. Commission rep positions also available. 1-800-787-3787 www.studentexpress.com
Recycle
Access Your Health Career Undecided about your major? Want to become a health professional? Want to attend health career seminars and workshops? Want to meet recruiters from health professions schools? Want to meet students pursuing health professions?
If so, find out about the N.C. Health Careers Access Program at NCCU.
A Foundation of Service and Leadership Health Careers Center 521 Nelson Street Durham, NC 27707 919 530-7128 Barbara S. Moore, Director Alfreda D. Evans, Program Assistant
U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T. T H O M A S S C H O O L O F L AW MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus
6 PM ~ Sunday Services Alfonso Elder STudent Union
Fellowship with NCCU students. Refreshments will be served. Presented by United Christian Campus Ministry and the Student Union Activity Board Sept. 28 ~ Rev. Eugene Hebert, Duke U. Divinity School, Durham, NC Oct. 5 ~ True Believers Movement Concert
Look for our schedule in every issue of the Campus Echo.
FITT
CSF
Faith-Integrity-TruthTrust, a ministry for Men, “Mobilizing Men to Victory.” For information call Rev. Page at 530-5263.
Christian Student Fellowship membership meeting, Oct. 7 at 5:30 pm. Conference Room, Miller-Morgan Health Education Bldg..
To get involved in Campus Ministries contact us at 530-6380 or e-mail us at mpage@wpo.nccu.edu
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a national, faith-based law school, that shares a distinctive vision of what the law and the legal profession can be. Located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, our students have access to a thriving legal and business community. For more information: (651) 962-4895 or e-mail: lawschool@stthomas.edu Web: www.stthomas.edu/lawschool
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
N
A
O R T H
C
Opinions A R O L I N A
C
E N TR A L
UN
11 IVER SITY
Embracing decadent behavior
s the world becomes more and more technologically advanced via video, Internet, DVD, MP3, cell phones, etc., African-Americans have become the poster children for destructive and deviant behavior. Let us examine the impact that music videos (this includes the vast majority of them) have had on us subconsciously. Why are so many African-Americans accepting the denigrating images and language presented in music videos? Why do so many AfricanAmericans willingly participate in these psychologically scarring representations? Don’t we know that others will buy into the distorted images they see in the videos? And then we wonder why people from other ethnic groups treat us the way they do when we come into their place of business. When was the last time you heard one of your peers use the phrase “locked down?” How did we even allow a prison term in our everyday vocabulary, let alone a col-
lege campus? How about getting “locked down” with some books and trying to increase our vocabulary, get on the dean’s list, and act like college students? Most of us probably do not come from environments like the ones represented in music videos. Robert Johnson’s BET — or shall I say Viacom’s BET — with its constant sensationalized and glamorized images of life in the “ghetto,” is the leading contributor to this miseducation and misrepresentation of African-Americans. Do you think Johnson would have his own children appear in these videos? I think not. He is far removed from what is shown in the music videos. For those who dissent, if you are fortunate enough to be within an ear’s reach of Robert Johnson, ask him where he lives. We have young black men walking around as if they are the “diamond mines.” Are they aware of the countless Africans being
maimed, raped, or even themselves to be portrayed killed as nothing extracting more than this minersomeone al? who gets in Do you think Johnson We have a horizontal young black position for would have his own men wearmen children appear in ing overbecause these videos? sized cloththey drive a ing that is Bentley, I think not. He is far two or three Porsche, removed from what is sizes larger Ferrari ... shown in the music than necesand now sary and a Hummer. videos. 40-ounce Sisters, if bottle in you continutheir hand. ally allow yourselves to be Are these our rites of represented this way it only passage to black man/womcompounds the problem. anhood? When a brother has been I wholeheartedly disprogrammed subconsciousagree. ly to denigrate black And what about the black women he is actually deniwomen? grating himself — the black It always amazes me how family is comprised of both they can actually allow man and woman.
5% Discount to NCCU staff and students with current ID
• • • •
Minutes from NCCU campus Best prices on organic produce Wide selection of herbs & spices Children’s play area
Interested in writing about sports?
Campus Echo
1101 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC 919 490 0929 ~ www.durhamcoop.com
Call us at 530-7 7116
Mon-Fri 10 am ~ 8 pm Sat 10 am ~ 8 pm Sun 11 am ~ 8 pm
Freshmen raise your voices
Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com
Here’s a chance for NCCU’s most talented and motivated undergraduate students to do real scholarly research with a faculty mentor.
The program is competitive and limited to 25 freshmen, sophomores or juniors. The
• Courage • • Strength• • Selflessness • • Determination • Remember to Vote on 9.30.03 in the Student Union
Application Deadline Extended
Your research paper will be published in the Undergraduate Research Journal.
THINK ABOUT IT. If you want your class leaders to have the following qualities ...
tions and let them know that these blatant misrepresentations are unacceptable. 2) We should hold black artists accountable for participating in such acts. 3) We should inform them that they will lose our support if they continue in such acts of disrespect. Believe it or not, there are individuals who spend exorbitant amounts of money and time in devising ways to ensure that we keep our minds and spirits on this type of decadent behavior. This will only lead to our collective demise as a black people. If you don’t believe me, check out who is behind “Flava Dolls” by Mattel, “Thug Wear” by DMX, or Nelly’s “Pimp Juice.”
University Undergraduate Research Program
Our program pays for your travel to professional meetings, supplies, and membership in a professional organization.
Vote Bass & Pantiel
Chris Bass
After hearing about how we as black people have allowed ourselves to be portrayed in this fashion, we should take individual and collective action against those who perpetuate these distorted images. The first thing that we must do is boycott these MTV and BET videos. The television executives will see a drop in viewership, meaning loss in advertising revenues and profits — and hopefully changes in the programming. In case you did not know it, those MTV and BET executives live very far away from the distorted images they portray about us nationally and even internationally. Our response should be the following: 1) We should write these media organiza-
application process will close when 25 students are accepted into the program. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and must acquire a faculty mentor endorsement. There is a special focus on interdisciplinary research projects. Pick up an application in your department or call 530-5240. Submit applications to Program Director Harvey L. McMurray, Criminal Justice Building, room 301.
Derek Pantiel
What do I know about me?… The Genetics of Environmental Asthma
I know one day I’ll want to start a family… but not yet.
Healthy non-smokers (Age18-60), with mild Asthma or allergies are asked to participate in an asthma study.
• Birth Control
Three visits required. Compensation offered.
• Abortion By Pill
• STD/HIV Testing
IRB #2357
the Smart Way to Buy, Sell and Advertise
on
www.EaglesExchange.com NCCU’s new on-line store!
Sponsored by krazykickz.com
• Surgical Abortion • IV Sedation (optional)
Contact Catherine Foss foss0005@mc.duke.edu (919) 668-3599
You can sell anything
• Pregnancy Testing
Planned Parenthood® Chapel Hill 942-7762
Durham 286-2872
Make a Difference Residential Services, Inc., a non-profit organization in Chapel Hill providing services to people with developmental disabilities, is now hiring for various positions. Teach life skills and provide personal care to residents. Must be studying toward or possess BA/BS in Psychology, Sociology, Healthcare, Nursing or related field and/or have 1-2 years' related experience. Competitive pay and excellent benefits for full-time! **Flexible part-time hours for students** View our openings and apply online at www.rsi-nc.org or contact Jenny Hollis at (919) 942-7391 x 121 for details. EOE.
12 N
O R T H
C
Opinions A R O L I N A
C
E N TR A L
UN
Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
IVER SITY
I want my room back ... I
am displeased by the selection Residential Life used to place students in the particular locations [hotels or apartments]. If I am a graduating senior, why am I not in an apartment? Being involved in extra-curricular activities hasn’t afforded me extra time to make arrangements to attempt to Tiffany acquire one O’Neal of the apartments offered through housing. First come, first serve is not the solution to every problem. I was assigned housing at the Durham Hilton. The hotel is just that — a hotel. Comfort is not synonymous with hotels for the simple fact that hotels are meant for shortterm visits. The hype behind the name Hilton did not impress me because the space provided was not enough for two people.
There is one desk and inadeIt is so difficult to catch a quate lighting for studies. One meal on campus and the vouchcloset is not enough for two er given at the Hilton do not people. help me much. It’s more cramped in the With that said, I would rooms in the Hilton than the rather be in my old room in rooms I was New Res. I don’t assigned last want to settle for year in New any other housResidence Hall, ing than the one Building 2. I chose. At least if I was on I have no Also, I had not campus I could walk Internet access. planned on movHow can I do ing off campus. I over to the library and my research, feel disconnectuse the Internet. What assignments, or ed from the camother alternatives do I even keep open pus and its activcommunication ities. have at the Hilton? with my profesWhen the sors without Student Union access to the posts flyers of Internet? upcoming At least if I events, I always was on campus I could walk find out late because I am not over to the library and use the on a particular part of the camInternet. What other alternapus to see the flyers. tives do I have at the Hilton? The campus has become a It would not be in my best ghost town. Information doesn’t interest to drive to campus at flow through the student body 11 o’clock at night. like it has before. Then I can’t even use the I feel deprived of the college bulk of my meal plan. I am student’s experience. It is a either in class, at the hotel or shock for me to have lived on at dance practice. campus for three years and
then all of a sudden be placed in a hotel with business clientele and family vacationers. Though I have a car to get me back and forth, I wonder how my fellow students without cars are faring. I have become aware of other student’s qualms with the transportation from off-campus housing to school and school to off-campus housing. The shuttle is not on time and it poses a great inconvenience for those attempting to make it to their classes on time. As the semester continues to storm ahead, I hope that we get some definite information about next semester’s planned location for housing as soon as possible. We need enough time to get situated. That way, we would know what to bring and what to prepare for. I respect Residential Life’s ability to find substitute housing on such a short notice, but I just wish I were closer to campus. I want to feel like a full-time NCCU student again.
... I’m living in luxury I
was reading the article on Chancellor Ammons in regards to the housing situation in the last issue of the Campus Echo and I was awestruck by how fast Central found the off-campus housing with the amount of time they had — you know—after discovering the mold. All I have to say is that I like this luxury. South Terrace is more than proper. Marcus It is fully Nevius furnished. Nothing cheap. Living room set and a bedroom set with a big screen television, 25 inches at least. What more can I ask for? I definitely feel more mature and more focused. My potential has materialized outside of the dorm setting.
Besides, it sounds good telling a unruly residents of Chidley Hall female, “I’m living off campus.” causing major distractions — I can see how some may see fire alarms going off at all off-campus as a disadvantage, hours. since they have no transportaNow let us examine the tion apart from the campus appearance of Chidley. I can shuttle, but I have noticed the remember my first time coming shuttle is very punctual. here and my parents wondered Now come why I chose this on! I’m an school. adult. It’s my After viewing responsibility my living Nothing cheap. Living keep track of arrangements in the shuttle Chidley, it made room set and a bedschedule and me think twice room set with a big get it to work about coming screen television, 25 with my personhere. al schedule. Now compare inches at least. What It is the best that to South more can I ask for? method of Terrace. transportation I can already we have right see the smile on now. my mother’s face We don’t have Duke’s money when she sees those living accoor its intricate bus line. We have modations. to make due with our means. If there was any major disadNow let me put this situation vantage, it would be the disin a more understandable pertance from South Terrace to spective. I’ve been in Chidley school. I drive approximately Hall for two years. Don’t get me four miles to get to campus. started on that! I think in the future, in addiIn addition to the loud and tion to the dorms that they have
N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY
Campus Echo
Editor-iin-C Chief Assistant Editor A & E Editor Opinions Editor A & E Assistant Editor Online Editor Assistant Online Editor Photography Editor Staff Artist & Cartoonist Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Business Operations
Lovemore Masakadza Joelena Woodruff Dalia Davies Christopher Rhoads Carla Aaron-LLopez Tania Kelly Gerad Farrow Michael Feimster Marcus Smith Tasha Bayard Trish Hardy Jshontista Vann Rony “Love” Camile Saria Canady Kia Hayes Joanna Hernandez Julius Jones Courtnee Rascoe Freddie Cooper Sheena Johnson Aaron Daye Gineen Glenn Leah McCullen Denita Smith Samantha Draughn
Faculty Adviser Dr. Bruce dePyssler Production Manager Danny Hooley
Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials from NCCU community members. Letters to the editor should less than 350 words. Editorials should be less than 450 words. Send contact information so we can reach you. The Echo reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, vulgarity, typos and miscellaneous grammatical gaffs. Opinions published in the Echo do not necessarily reflect those of the Echo editorial staff.
How to reach the Campus Echo: E-mail: CampusEcho@wpo.nccu.edu Web address: www.campus.echo.com Phone: 919 530 7116 Fax: 919 530 7991 Fall 2003 Publication dates: 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved Room 319, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707
planned for the opposite side of Fayetteville Street, they should make more plans to acquire apartment-style housing or build adequate dorms. It would improve Central’s quality of life and its overall image. It is hard to lure topnotch students without topnotch housing. It would be even greater if Central could contract with apartment complexes in the future to provide for its booming population. It would be nice if Central would allow current room and board fees cover expenses at the contracted locations. All in all, I would like to thank Residential Life and commend the school’s administration for arranging such luxurious housing with the speed that they did. There are definitely no complaints from this student. Living in an apartment is one of the greatest things to happen to me while at Central. Much respect goes to Residential Life and Chancellor Ammons.
by Christopher Rhoads
Question: Do you think the SGA election is a mere popularity contest? “Depends on the candidate. If they are interested in genuine leadership, it isn’t. If they are interested in the prestige, it is.” – Exzavier Griffin
“Yes. The most popular candidate wins. Most people will only vote for you if they heard of you or know of you.” – Porsha Brooks
“No. I feel everyone in SGA does their job. Those elected are the candidates who express the real issues of the student body most clearly.” –Solomon Conyers
Sound Off by C.L. Rhoads & Marcus Smith