Print_edition_April_11_2012 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

APRIL 11, 2012

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VOLUME 103, ISSUE 10

Campus Echo

What do they mean

Tenure trickle-d down effect

BY AARON SAUNDERS ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Big changes are in store for N.C. Central University next year. All non-tenure track professors have been taken off the fall 2012 registration list, which could have

an adverse effect on the University at large. In the English department alone, 57 course sections do not have a designated professor for fall 2012. “I have had several students email me frantically

about being in my class but I can’t tell them anything because I don’t know,” said English instructor Anne McCarthy. The decision affects all contingent professors — short-term employees with contracts lasting one or

three years — because they are not guaranteed jobs, especially if classes do not reach capacity. “Because of the economy we have to make some adjustments,” said Melvin Carver, chair of the art department.

“The best thing for us to do is to get the right political people to get those things turned around.” If more classes are added to accommodate students, the University may hire graduate students or

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US departure leaves Iraq unstable Ethnic, sectarian divisions leave the country verging on authoritarianism

BY JEROME BROWN JR. ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Each school year students see various fees appear on their bills, but don’t know what they mean. Medical Fee, Transportation Fee, Student Activities Fee. The names are familiar, but what do these charges go towards? General fees are approved each fall, in advance of the upcoming school year, first by N.C. Central University’s Board of Trustees and then by the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors. Fees passed by the Board of Governors include Athletic Fees, Health Services, Student Activities, and Educational and Technology Fees. For the 2012-13 school year, undergraduate students at NCCU can expect total general fees equaling nearly $1,900. “What I don’t think students understand is that when you have pots of money, the state dictates how we can spend the money,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Kevin Rome. Fees like the $120 Walker Complex Debt Service Fee covers the costs related to the recent wellness center and pool renovations in the LT Walker Complex. Debt service fees end when a building or renovation is paid off. Compared to other UNC System schools, NCCU has the lowest Debt Service Fee and the third lowest amount of total Student Fees at $1,875.03. Other student fees have paid for the installation of artificial turf on

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Iraqis on April 1 stroll through the Baghdad district of Kadhemiya, where a Shiite Muslim shrine draws worshipers and newly-o opened shops and restaurants are packed with customers most evenings. (Hannah Allam/MCT). HANNAH ALLAM/MCT

BY HANNA ALLAM MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

BAGHDAD — It was sunset, and the pedestrian-only streets around Baghdad's famous double-domed Kadhemiya shrine were clogged with Iraqi families and Iranian pilgrims shopping, eating popcorn or making their way toward the glittery sanctuary. The only signs that nearly a decade of war and occupation had interrupted such leisurely evenings were the concrete blast walls surrounding the shrine and a cluster of Iraqi soldiers wearing castoff gear as they lounged in an office of the militant antiAmerican Shiite Muslim

cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Then a terrifying noise — more a loud click than a boom — scattered the pigeons and set off a stampede among panicked worshippers who'd been crowding the entrance of the shrine. When they realized moments later that the disturbance had been just a large generator switching on, people in the crowd laughed and cracked jokes about being scared of even balloons. An Iraqi politician's face darkened the next day when I recounted the bomb-scare episode during a tour of his family's centuries-old gardens. "You have to find the fly in the ointment," he complained, before switching the talk back to date

palms and orange blossoms. Iraqi leaders are trying their best to prove wrong all the naysayers who predicted that the U.S. military's withdrawal last December would precipitate the country's immediate collapse and de facto annexation to Iran. They tout a decline in terrorist attacks, vibrant entrepreneurship and, above all, the recent Arab summit, which was billed as Shiite-led Iraq's return to the region's mostly Sunni Arab fold. However, 10 days in Baghdad, after an absence of more than a year, made it apparent that postAmerican Iraq remains an unstable, deeply sectarian state that's verging on authoritarianism under the veneer of a U.S.-friend-

ly Muslim democracy. Many Iraqis — Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds alike — fear that the U.S. withdrawal has given Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a conservative Shiite Islamist, free rein to consolidate power and turn himself into an intractable strongman. Those worries were only compounded when the White House last month named Brett McGurk the new U.S. ambassador to Baghdad. As adviser to the past three envoys, McGurk had garnered a reputation among Iraqi political elites as a die-hard alMaliki booster who turns a blind eye to the prime minister’s

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Expelled student back on campus, back on track Roddrick Howell, who was expelled last year, and has returned with the help from his friends BY HANNAH HILES ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Senior Roddrick Howell is now back at NCCU AARON SAUNDERS/Echo Editor-In-Chief

This May, when nearly 1,000 students graduate from N.C. Central, Roddrick Howell will not be among them. However, if you had asked Howell last summer when he would graduate, his answer would have been May 2012. But an unforeseen incident at the school library, followed by an interim suspension that would evolve into his expulsion from N.C. Central University, changed his graduation plans. Before the start of fall

semester last year, Howell suffered a manic episode in the Shepard Library, and fellow student Maya Brown was caught up in his attack. While Howell said that he barely remembers what happened in the library, Brown claimed that Howell destroyed her phone and knocked her to the ground before help arrived. Howell was admitted to the Williams Ward Psychiatric Unit at Duke University Medical Center, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, received treatment, and was released with a bill of good health from Duke as well as NCCU doctors.

Howell began to appeal his expulsion, and his classmates rallied behind him. In the early weeks of the semester, a student-led protest was held following a day of organization, mainly through the social networking site Twitter. Nigel Hood, a history junior, was one of many students who protested Howell’s interim suspension. “I saw those people chanting, and I just wanted to stay and do my part,” Hood said. Hood, who has been friends with Howell since first coming to NCCU, is still

impressed with what happened during the studentled protest. “We actually made people outside our community hear about it, and actually see the injustice of it,” Hood said. “I think it really put pressure on the administration. As much as we like to complain about things, look at how easy that protest was – minimal organization, and it made a difference.” Hood recounts the reason the protest was held in the first place — the belief that Howell’s hearings had been completed outside of his

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Governor visits campus to discuss budget cuts with those affected

Brown explained that strict rules govern when expelled students can return, depending on what their letter of suspension says, and the reason they were suspended in the first place. “In disciplinary issues,” said Brown, “there are conditions that must be fulfilled for the suspension to be lifted. That student will then be cleared to return to the University. “ Ultimately, Howell was allowed to return to NCCU and work complete his degree. Howell said he spoke to two lawyers when he was building his case against the school. “They told me that the school should read their own code of conduct.” Howell said he thinks NCCU should still be more thorough with each student case, and that the relationship between the administration and the student body should be more personal. He said a one-onone approach with students is the reason he chose to come to a smaller school. “Our campus is not so big that you don’t know people,” said Howell. “You know everyone, you see these people, it’s not like we’re at a big school like UNC where everything is overpopulated.” After he came back on campus, Howell said he ran into one of the men who grabbed him in the library that day. The two hugged, and the man apologized for what he had done, saying that he hadn’t meant for everything to happen the way it did. It’s been three months since Howell has returned to campus. He said he’s glad to be here. “The hardest part wasn’t even the suspension,” Howell said. “It was not being able to come on campus. It made me feel like some kind of criminal.” In the mess of his suspension, Howell lost his two on-campus jobs, and hasn’t had work since then. “I’ve been looking for a job for the last five months. It’s been really hard. I get callbacks, but people’s budgets are low — they don’t even have part-time work. I’ve never had a hard time finding work, but this is really tough.” But Howell said he spends the majority of his time being grateful. “I want to say thank you. To everybody who wanted to see me graduate, see me get back in school. Thank you for giving me another chance. “Howell says that above all else, any student who finds themselves in his same position needs to know their resources. “You can’t get mad when people tell you ‘no.’ They’re just doing they’re job. “All you can do is state your case and where you’re coming from, and if you believe in it then you have to fight for it.” Howell plans to graduate in December. “It’s time to move on. That happened then. It’s over,” he said.

Gov. Bev Purdue addresses NCCU community members April 4. Courtesy of NCCU Public Relations

BY MATT PHILLIPS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

A large crowd of mostly administrators and faculty listened to Governor Bev Perdue speak at N.C. Central University in the Mary Townes Science Building April 4. Perdue centered her remarks on the need for investment in the public education system. Perdue called the cuts in state funds at the university level unnecessary. She said public schools are fundamental to the state. “The brand of North Carolina is education. ... Central is a precious part of North Carolina economic history,” said Perdue. Perdue said she won’t be running for another term as governor because she wants to speak about education from a non-partisan platform.

“This is not about partisan politics,” she said. “Education is not about politics.” NCCU’s public relations department notified students via e-mail a little less than three hours prior to her visit that Perdue would be on campus. “It’s not that we don’t want students and faculty to come,” said Ayana Hernandez, director of public relations. Hernandez said that Perdue’s administration designed the event at the outset to be small. She said her department was notified late in March that Perdue would be coming. A spokesman for the governor confirmed that the event was designed to be brief. The spokesman, Ben Niolet, said Perdue only had one hour to be on campus, but wanted to hear from

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said Gilliam. “For us not to know is not fair.” One of the few students in attendance, SGA President Reggie McCrimmon also addressed the crowd. He noted that while cultural events play a huge part in student life, the AlfonsoElder Student Union is 40 years old and was designed to serve a much smaller student body. In March NCCU’s administration decided to allocate potential state funds to a new School of Business rather than a new Student Union. Perdue said she will submit her budget to the N.C. General Assembly in the next few weeks. “Universities are going to be very happy with this budget,” said Perdue. Perdue has been visiting public schools across the state and holding similar listening sessions.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the practice field and renovations of the Alfonso Elder Student Union. Students like nursing freshman Davina Neal, don’t agree with fees being charged. “I don’t think the fees should be mandatory if we don’t use the services,” said Neal. While others are in favor of the fees as long as they uplift the school. “I don’t mind paying for student fees as long as it benefits the school,” said criminal justice sophomore Jasmine Johnson.

In Washington state, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill that would require Washington’s public colleges and universities to post a breakdown of student fees on their websites. Such a bill has not been signed in North Carolina, but Rome would be a backer of a “transparency bill” if it were to be passed. “I would be a supporter of it and I think everyone should know how the money is spent,” said Rome. “They might not agree with how it’s spent, but just to know.”

Student Fees Defined •Student Government Fee ($1) - Helps finance the University of North Carolina Association Of Student Governments, an alliance of student leaders from across the state, and is used for administrative staff, travel and small stipends for student leaders. •Athletic Fee ($674.38) – Partially covers student athlete scholarships and other expenses. Revenue generated covers other costs not paid for by this fee. •Education and Technology Fee ($401.15) - This fee is used to provide and operate computer labs, Smart Classrooms and wireless access on campus. Residence halls aren’t included in this fee.

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those affected most by the budget constraints. “The governor wants to hear from the ground, from the folks who are affected,” said Niolet. Political science junior Matrice Henderson said the event was informative. Henderson found the time to get to the event but wasn’t surprised that many other students could not attend. “The timeframe wasn’t appropriate for students to attend,” he said. “If they knew the governor was coming they’re supposed to send 24 hours advance notice anyway.” Environmental science junior Sierra Gilliam said she had class during the governor’s visit. She looked into the room and noticed that the audience was mostly faculty. “We could have voiced our opinion about Pell Grants and federal aid,”

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HOWELL student rights, and that the University had failed to follow its own due process rules. “If his suspension had been handled in the actual way it should have been handled, then I don’t think that he would have been suspended or expelled,” said Hood. “It wouldn’t have been just brushed under the table; it would have been dealt with accordingly, especially since it was based on something that happened outside his control. “If Central’s administration had done their job right, then I don’t think he would have been expelled at all.” But when Howell learned that he would not be allowed to return to campus that semester — or until the fall of 2013, his college dreams screeched to a halt. “I picked up and left and just went home,” recalled Howell. “I was exhausted. I had exhausted my resources, so I just left.” Howell spent the next three months in Albemarle with his mother. He spent his time creating a new plan for graduation that included going to Durham Technical Community College if need be. But while Howell remained in Albemarle, NCCU students continued to rally support for him. Eventually, Howell received a call from Gary Brown, director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Brown had sent Howell his original letter of interim suspension. Now he wanted to discuss Howell’s return to NCCU. “He told me they were going to shorten my sentence and let me back in the spring. And I was like, ‘Well okay,’” Howell recalled. But Howell says the two didn’t see completely eyeto- eye. “He was arguing that . . . they think they know I did something to her [Maya Brown], but I kept telling him that wasn’t the point,” said Howell. “I will pay for what I did to her, but my thing was, y’all didn’t follow your own protocol.” According to Howell, the decision to readmit a student has a very specific protocol. When asked about the terms under which an expelled student is readmitted to the University, Brown explained that the student has a lot of power in making his or her own remittance happen. “The student normally is involved in the process of being readmitted to the University,” explained Brown. “If the student is suspended and they then determine that they want to return, then we have in place a proactive step for them to contact our office so we can begin the process of allowing them to return to the University. The student really drives the issue.”

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Moving past the stereotypes African Americans males are attending college and doing well.

ALEXENDRIA

SAMPSON

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

We are frequently subjected to news concerning the failures of the black male population. Statistics constantly foreground jail rates, death rates, and above all else, dropout rates. While there are plenty of external factors working against black men, success is not impossible — a fact attested to by those black males who do succeed in college. With groups, mentors, and a wide range of other tools at their disposal, the 4 percent of black males who attend college are making a point to rise above the stereotypes. Campus engagement, say experts, is critical. This could mean engagement in Greek life, sports, or any number of student organizations, such as the student newspaper or campus plays. Young men commonly use Greek Life as motivation to prosper during their years in college. With a focus on brotherhood and commitment to civic duties, fraternities benefit their members by giving them a structure to build on. Eliezer Sandifer, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., says being “Greek” forced him to clean up his act. “I came in not with the right intentions,” said Sandifer, a criminal justice senior.

NCCU students Cam Butler, William Edmond and Jalen Baker are among the many striving to prove the myths wrong GABRIEL AIKENS/Echo staff photographer

Since joining his fraternity, he has been taking his education more seriously and, he says, gained a new appreciation for lending a helping hand. “Being in a fraternity is more or less about helping the communit,” he said. Some students prosper because they are a part of a team, which is the case of

football player Nathan Scruggs. The physical education freshman said the sport has “brought me better leadership skills and work ethic.” According to Richard Townsend, an instructor in math and computer science, “If you start telling students that they’re not good enough, they’ll even-

tually start believing it.” Townsend said that it is not so much their environments, but the messages they receive, that influence young black men. Townsend grew up in a small town in Tennessee and was the first in his family to go to college. He says that college taught him how to live.

Townsend urges other college-bound black males to acquire an analytical mentality. “A lot of what makes you successful is your ability to think.” Why black men are successful in college can be disputed but resilience and a hunger to accomplish goals seem to be critical factors.

Service starts at home Social Work program to host mixer for future social workers in the union

NCCU social work senior Jamal Troublefield and his class prepare for today’s event. AARON SAUNDERS/Echo Editor-In-Chief

BY AARON SAUNDERS ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When social work assistant professor Blenda Crayton heard University

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adopted that mantra. Crayton’s senior seminar class has worked feverishly this semester on their class project, which is to host a social work mixer titled “Recruiting and Retaining Future Social Workers.” The mixer, which will be held today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Alfonso Elder Student Union, is also aimed at recruiting undecided undergraduates who might have an undiscovered interest in social work. “For this project we have tried to create displays to represent social work and give insight on what we do and who we are,” said social work senior Ashley Ingram. With system-wide budget cuts, it’s increasingly important for programs to take upon themselves the task of recruiting. It could be the difference between a thriving major and one that gets eliminated.

Organizing the mixer helps students equip themselves with the tools they will need in the field. “The class is a great learning experience. It’s preparing us for professional careers post-graduations and we learning the importance of recruiting and retaining students from University College,” said social work senior Jaleesha McNair. “I, along with one of my colleagues, will observe the students during the event in terms of their professionalism and their communication skills,” said Crayton. Social work senior Jamal Troublefield said that it’s all about communication in the field of social work. “Without effective communication none of this would’ve been possible, and working with other people in class and across campus, it has been very vital.”

CONTINGENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 contingent professors to teach them. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable teaching because that would be too much on my plate,” said NCCU genomics graduate Felecia Leslie, who added that she likes teaching labs because it’s good experience and if students can’t reach her they can go to the course instructor. The graduate student and contingent professor teaching model has become a more common model in these times of economic hardship because colleges and universities are trying to get the most bang for their buck. According to The New York Times, only 27 percent of current college instructors are fulltime professors, as opposed to 75 percent in 1960. “Colleges have turned into sweatshops when it comes to their own faculty,” said Keith Hoeller, chair of the adjunct faculty committee of the American Association of University Professors in a 2008 interview with The Daily, the student newspaper for the University of Washington. Hoeller referred to the minimal pay that graduate students and adjuncts receive, which has been estimated to cost up to 80 percent less than hiring fulltime professors. Some believe that the University should turn to grant writing to fund some programs, independent of state-appropriated funds. “It helps if you have faculty going out and getting grants to pay for grad students and pay more money to adjuncts,” said Pamela Martin, first-year chair of the psychology department. “The state budget is tight and it’s imperative for HBCUs to go out and get grants,” she said. One group somewhat overlooked in this changing environment are NCCU students. The hiring decisions being made now could have profound effect on both current and prospective students. Students may also run into problems if they register for a class and find out mid-summer that it has been dropped and must find a replacement class. This situation could cause a major problem for students hoping to graduate that semester. “In our department we have flexibility and students can take an independent study class to fulfill their requirement and we work it out to the point that our student will not be affected,” said Carver. Students may also notice an increase in class sizes. For example, next fall the number of students allowed in the required Arts and Humanities courses will jump from 35 to 65. According to a statement from the Office of Public Relations office provided to the Campus Echo “more thatn 40 filled faculty positions (including adjunct faculty) were eliminated to support the budget cuts. The loss of these permanent positions will result in an increase in class size could diminish the university's efforts to improve retention efforts and graduation rates.”

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Leadership, diplomatic skills honed Students get a taste of how the real world works at the Model United Nations BY ZEVANDAH BARNES ECHO A&E EDITOR

Running the world is not an easy task, but a group of N.C. Central University students recently got some training in the matter. Fourteen students from NCCU attended the N.C. Consortium for the International and Intercultural Education Model United Nations Conference in Greensboro. Students from Fayetteville State University, N.C. A&T State University and Winston-Salem State University attended. “The NCCIIE Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations that brings together students, faculty and administrators from colleges and universities across the state,” said Ansel Brown, political science assistant professor and member of the NCCIIE Board of Directors. Brown has served as faculty adviser for the NCCU Model United Nations dele-

gation since 2009. He was a student at the conference in 1998 and 1999. At the NCCIIE Model United Nations, students act as delegates of the 21 selected countries, learning to exercise their leadership, diplomatic, negotiation and communication skills. Students worked cooperatively in such committees as the Disarmament and International Security Committee, Economic and Financial Committee, Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, and the Legal Committee. Students from NCCU represented the United Kingdom, Israel, Nigeria, Columbia and Germany. “It was a challenging and fulfilling experience,” said Brett Stargell, political science and history senior. Stargell, a McNair Scholar, was attending for the third year in a row. He served as the Secretary General for the NCCIIE Model United Nations Conference, which

is the highest position a student can hold. Stargell was also a recipient of the Eugene A. Eaves Award for the Best Overall Student Performance. He said he didn’t think he should have received an award, that it should have gone to a person other than a third-year participant. “I believe the students here represented NCCU to the best of our ability,” said Percy Brown, political science and psychology senior. Brown, who was also returned to the conference for a third year, served as a delegate for Israel. Brown, along with Juan Virella, Sage Hewett, and Samantha Buckner, won the Eugene A. Eaves Award for the Top Overall Country Delegation. This is the other highest award a student can receive at the conference. Students can join the NCCU Model United Nations Club or find out more by contacting Ansel Brown at browna@nccu.edu.

Brett Stargell, general secretary at the Model United Nations. He is here with political science assistant professor Ansel Brown. ZEVANDAH BARNES/Staff photographer

Vote! Today is election day! Students vote for SGA officers, Mr. and Miss NCCU, and class officers on Blackboard from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. BY ALEXANDRA SAMPSON ECHO ONLINE EDITOR

With the impending arrival of the North Carolina primary election, N.C. Central University has been pumping students up with its own election. Students can vote today on Blackboard from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. At stake are all SGA positions, Mr. and Miss NCCU, and class officers. Being bombarded with enthusiastic screams of “vote for (insert name)” at every second and seeing posters on every crevice of

campus, one would have to live under a rock to not know that it is voting season. Candidates have utilized every tool in their arsenal to rake in the votes. Presidential debates, block parties, and cookouts are among some of the many tactics used. But with their campaigning comes the question of whether their hard work will be worthwhile or wasted. Voting divides students into two groups: those who care and those who don’t.

Will the plates of food and passionate speeches be enough for the former to outweigh the latter? Candidate Casi Johnson believes so. “It’s been really good momentum,” said the psychology and spanish junior. Johnson, who is running for Ms. NCCU, says that she is satisfied with the response from her fellow eagles. But the campaigning process hasn’t always been a smooth ride for her. Johnson says that in a former election, she and

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two other candidates were sabotaged. “I was disqualified after someone hacked my twitter.” Though she was allowed back in the race, she feels that the negativity is getting out of hand. The tattered and torn posters that litter the hallways can support that argument. Dwanecia Stover, on the other hand, says that she is disappointed with what seems to be voter apathy. “I think students do not take their voting rights serious-

ly.” The political science freshman stated that those who refused to vote last semester were in an uproar when the results were announced. Stover firmly believes that getting in the habit of voting in school transfers to more significant elections. “It teaches students to put their voice in something important and it teaches us about democracy.” Dimante King, another avid supporter of the race, feels that people some of

the real issues lay in the runners. “Some of them do it for the popularity aspect.” According to the political science freshman, there should be a more efficient method of choosing candidates. “I think they should go through a screening because everyone should not be able to run.” With the pressure being put on their shoulders, only the results will show if the students truly care about their voice being heard.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

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IRAQ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 emerging dictatorial streak. Sectarian and ethnic tensions still run deep, though, and politicians of all backgrounds said al-Maliki was resorting to heavy-handed, sectarian-based tactics to fend off attempts to weaken his grip. Iraqi politics are beset with entrenched internecine battles that continue to prevent any semblance of a unity government. Just before the summit, Sunni politicians say, security forces swept through Sunni enclaves, rounding up hundreds of young men whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve yet to be charged or released. The families are too scared to complain to the Shiite-led authorities. The pattern of targeting or marginalizing young Sunni men left one of my Sunni colleagues debating

whether to transfer her 18year-old son to a school in a mixed-sect district so that the Shiite-dominated college selection boards wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t automatically dismiss his application as being from a Sunni neighborhood. With sectarianism so institutionalized now, my friend said, it was doubtful that any of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s halfhearted national reconciliation initiatives could blunt the leftover pain from years of civil war. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like when trust is lost between husband and wife,â&#x20AC;? she told me one night as our car was stopped at a checkpoint outside the Kadhemiya shrine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can try to patch it up, to make it better, but I doubt it will ever be whole again.â&#x20AC;? The day the conference ended, routes that had been

scrubbed of Shiite iconography for the Sunni rulersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visit once again were adorned with posters of the militia commander al-Sadr or renderings of the revered imams Ali and Hussein. Even state properties â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bus terminals, a train depot, for example â&#x20AC;&#x201D; casually display Shiite flags or portraits, sending an unmistakable message to any Sunnis with business in those buildings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The message is: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Get out,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153; said Omar Mashhadani, a Sunni, the former spokesman for Parliament. Al-Maliki has his supporters. Ismail Zayer, an Iraqi newspaper editor and progovernment commentator, said he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with everything the prime minister was doing, but justified such tough measures as serving a national rather

than sectarian agenda: to prevent Iraq from fragmenting in the aftermath of a devastating U.S.-led military occupation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anyone who divided Iraq into Sunnis and Shiites, it was the Americans,â&#x20AC;? Zayer argued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What did they do in Korea? Two Koreas. Vietnam? Two Vietnams.â&#x20AC;? The constantly expanding powers of conservative Shiite Islamists have inspired a backlash among some concerned Iraqi communities; not just Sunnis, but also secular Shiites, liberals and artists, as well as the few remaining Christians. They wonder what happened to all those promises from 2003 about Iraq becoming a pluralistic nation with Western-style guarantees of

civil liberties. Instead, they say, Iraqis got a country where the once-treasured national orchestra canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even play for fans in the southern Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala because religious authorities have deemed musical performances un-Islamic. Hatif Farhan, a 46-yearold photographer, couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist a mischievous chuckle as he described the local art communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest act of

sedition against the selfappointed censors: an exhibition in a famous Baghdad gallery, composed solely of nudes. Farhan, sounding proud, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even the veiled women came.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We insist on doing this as a reaction,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took photos and put them on Facebook so that people outside would know that not everything is closed down. We are still here.â&#x20AC;?

Black women surveyed BY IMANI PERSON

â&#x20AC;˘

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

A recent nationwide survey conducted by the Washington Post and The Kaiser Family Foundation portrays a complex understanding of the state of black women in America today. The survey, which included about 2,000 whites and blacks of both genders, of which 800 were black women â&#x20AC;&#x153;represents the most extensive exploration of the lives and views of African-American women in decades,â&#x20AC;? according to the study. The survey shows that black women and white women often vary widely in their concerns and values, but occasionally share the same concerns and values. Interestingly, three out of four black women said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is a good time to be a black woman in America.â&#x20AC;? Some of the dissimilarities in the survey findings include: It is very important to me to get married: â&#x20AC;˘ Black Women 40%

White Women 55%

Having a successful career: â&#x20AC;˘ Black Women 68% â&#x20AC;˘ White Women 45% Living a religious life: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 74% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 57% Having children: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 62% â&#x20AC;˘ White women:75% Being in a romantic relationship: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 44% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 52% Viewing themselves as someone with high selfesteem: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 67% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 43% Worries of being a victim of discrimination: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 22% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 5% Women that would date outside of their race: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 50% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 40% View racism in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society as a big problem: â&#x20AC;˘ Black women: 50% â&#x20AC;˘ White women: 20% Despite these dissimilarities black and white women agreed within a few percentage points on some key

issues. For example, black and white women expressed similar degree of satisfaction with their lives, both said they were equally close to their families, both equally said that being respected by others was important, and both equally said they were worried about getting adequate health care. Interestingly, over twothirds of black and white women said they would be willing to marry outside of their race. Established in 1948, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is a U.S. based non-profit that focuses on major health issues facing the U.S. as well as the U.S. role in global health policy. The Foundation states that it is a "non-partisan source of facts and analysis for policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Kaiser foundation has many programs, serving the people with factual statistics in campaigns, health care and policy.

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The Walls are Talking W

E D N E S D A Y

, AP

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11, 2012

Photography and story by Chi Brown ome days when I’ve got free time I grab my camera and wander the streets of Durham looking for something to shoot. For the past few years two graffiti-covered walls near Central Park School for Children have caught my attention. I’ve even used them as a backdrop for photo shoots with recording artists and models. Not long ago I happened upon two artists while they were doing a “piece” on the wall. “Piece” is short for “masterpiece” — a work that may incorporate 3-D effects with many colors and color transitions. It was an event worth documenting. In the lingo of graffiti artists, “pieces” are contrasted with “tags,” the more prevalent type of graffiti. Tags are quickly scribbled signatures of a person’s name that appear on street signs, walls, blue mailboxes, abandoned

buildings, or anywhere else that will accommodate spray paint or markers. Tags don’t require as much time or effort. One can of paint or a marker is all that’s needed. But a piece requires multiple cans, colors, and of course a lot of time. Graffiti artists have their own rebellious subculture, and they often work undercover and illegally. Some graffiti artists even believe that if you paint commercially you have removed yourself from rebellious graffiti culture altogether. Interestingly, the two artists I stumbled upon weren’t willing to comment or to have their faces photographed, even though they did say they had permission to make their piece at this location. Due to the elusive nature of the art, my rare chance to document the event was an experience I will remember for a long time.

Several spray cans, the tools of the graffiti artist

When they were finished the artists made sure to dispose of their cans.

Empty cans riddle the pathway behind the building while the artists work.

An artist adds few finishing touches to the piece (see below).

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

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Doc exposes ‘solitary’ “Herman’s House” brings light to Black Panther’s plight “Solitary” Facts U.S. prisoners in isolated containment 80,000 U.S. prisoners in supermax* containment 25,000 Hours per day supermax prisoners spend in their cells 22-24 Annual cost to house a supermax prisoner $75,000 Annual cost to house a general population inmate $25,000 Jackie Sumell constructed a replica of Herman Wallace’s cell for their collaborative art project.

*Supermax means long-term, isolated imprisonment

Photograph courtesy Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

BY M ATT P HILLIPS ECHO A&E EDITOR

Forty years in solitary confinement. Six feet by nine feet prison cell. Twenty-three hours a day. In 2003 New York-based artist Jackie Sumell asked Black Panther Herman Wallace what type of home a man who has lived in solitary confinement for more than three decades dreamed about. The question sparked a collaborative art project between Wallace and Sumell called “The House That Herman Built.” “Herman’s House,” a documentary about the project and the continued struggle to gain humane treatment for Wallace, screens at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival Sat., April 14. Wallace is a member of the famed “Angola 3,” members of the Black Panthers who mobilized prisoners against inhumane treatment in the early 1970s. Wallace was convicted of murdering a prison guard in 1972 along with fellow Black Panther Albert Woodfox. According to a 2011 inves-

tigative report by Amnesty International, no physical evidence links Wallace or Woodfox to the crime and their convictions depended on what Amnesty International considers questionable testimony. Wallace’s original sentence, an armed robbery conviction, has been served. Woodfox also remains imprisoned. The third member of the “Angola 3,” Robert H. King, has been released. “Herman’s House” is directed by Angad Bhalla. Bhalla said he wanted his film to reveal the humanity of those imprisoned and to encourage society to denounce solitary confinement. “The inhumanity of solitary confinement was recognized by both legal scholars and faith leaders in the 19th century,” Bhalla wrote in an e-mail. “Unfortunately, we’ve created an inhumane society that has permitted the growing use of this practice in the last few decades.” “Herman’s House” documents Sumell’s construction of Wallace’s dream home for

exhibits around the world. The exhibits also include an exact replica of Wallace’s prison cell. As the film progresses, Wallace asks Sumell to build an actual home in New Orleans to be used as a youth center. This struggle, undertaken alone by Sumell, reflects the struggle Wallace has endured. Bhalla examines Sumell’s life in the film to illuminate the unique relationship between her and Wallace. “The more we explored Herman and Jackie’s unique relationship, the more I realized that it would be hard to understand without having some idea of Jackie’s difficult upbringing,” wrote Bhalla. “I also knew that this scene had to take place in her home, the home where these memories existed, to further reinforce the importance of space and home that the film explores.” The art project transports him outside his prison cell via the hands of Sumell. Bhalla incorporated animation into the film to illustrate Wallace’s charisma. “Given that the prison denied our request to film

Source: solitarywatch.com

“The inhumanity of solitary confinement was recognized by both legal scholars and faith leaders in the 19th century.” ANGAD BHALLA DIRECTOR OF “HERMAN’S HOUSE”

Herman, I knew that we would need to create visuals to accompany his charismatic voice,” wrote Bhalla. “I wanted to keep the animations abstract and impressionistic because I felt uncomfortable trying to in some way concretely represent Herman’s state. “I also wanted to use the animations to force audiences to imagine what Herman’s experience in solitary was like in the same way Herman is imagining what life outside his cell is like.” “Herman’s House” screens Sat., April 14 at 1:10 p.m. at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham. Tickets are available at fullframefest.org.

Spring fashion fetish

hopping … a few moments of serenity, a time when you fall in love with fashion all over again. First butterflies form, then your heart starts racing and all of a sudden you can’t remember how you ever lived without those shoes, purse, or whatever your fashion drug of choice may be. Doing some weekend shopping recently, that was exactly how I felt. I walked into Bakers and there they were: 5inch, rhinestone heels, EBONY almond-colored platform Mary Jane pumps THORNTON made by Halston. It was love at first sight: dressy enough to wear with a cocktail dress, simple enough to pull off with a pair of high-waist denim shorts and blouse. If

you’re anything like me, this is your weakness — shoes! Pumps, flats, boots, or sneakers — if it’s a shoe, it’ll do, and you can never get enough. Of course yearly there’s a new style, a new color or new design that’s a must-have. So what shoe styles should we fashionistas look for this spring? Animal prints. Once again prints are in style, animal prints to be specific. Whether it’s a fully printed closed-toe pump, opentoe sandal, flat, or even just insinuating into the heel of the shoe, prints are always bold and a way to spice up any outfit. Double Platforms. Platforms have been in style for a while and it’s evident that they’re going nowhere. The bigger the platform the better, and the more hip the shoes! Color Blocking.

Bright and bold colors are already in. Combining three of those colors in one shoe makes it chic. Color blocking gives off a brighter and bolder statement all in one glance. Rhinestones and sparkles. A small gem here, a lot of glitter there — either way you’re bound to be noticed. With rhinestones highlighting the heel of the shoe or sequins covering the entire pump, you can’t help but fall in love. Shoes can make or break an outfit and are one of the first things people notice when you walk into a room. Be sure to choose the right type of shoe when you’re out shopping — one that’s in season and that works for different occasions. If you have trouble deciding, save up and try to buy one of each. After all, shoes are a girl’s best friend.

NCCU alumni ‘Stay Humble’

NCCU alumni and LifEKiT founders Pierre C. Davis, Austin C. Henley and DeAndres D. Royal. Photograph Courtesy Kyle Jeffers

B Y I IMANI M C K NIGHT ECHO STAFF REPORTER

“Stay Humble” is a fashion movement started by N.C. Central University alumni, Pierre C. Davis, Austin C. Henley, and DeAndres D. Royal.

Their company LifEKiT is an accessory and apparel company. LifEKiT stands for love, energy, knowledge and time—principles by which the products and messages are spread to customers. The trio believes that it is

important to include other students in the movement because college students are influential figures in the community. “We started here from undergrad, so naturally the support came from the student body,” said Davis. According to the trio, “Stay Humble” was created from the idea that humility and generosity keep them grounded as they continue to chase their dreams. The trio said the campaign is meant to encourage a lifestyle that consciously aims to reduce our individual and collective carbon footprints. Founded in 2008, LifEKiT aims to reach college students and young professionals. The partners hope to impact, inspire and influ-

ence through the “Stay Humble” line. “We try to be a voice for the voiceless so whether they care about LifEKiT or not, we give them substance to care about something,” said Henley. The LifEKiT team has had the opportunity to showcase in multiple events around the country including the MAGIC/Pool fashion trade show in Las Vegas. “My most memorable LifEKiT moment was when we launched the website, because at that point there was no turning back,” said Henley. “We can say what we want and you can't turn us off.” LifEKiT products and information can be found at lifekitlifestyle.com.

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

TRASH

Melanie Fiona The MF Life

Universal Republic

3of 5 on the black hand side

Melanie Fiona’s “The MF Life” is about gaining and losing love. The album offers an eclectic mix of 1950s and ‘60s rock and reggae. Fiona’s voice, rich with vibrato and texture, is the best feature of the album. The lyrical content and execution here is nothing new. However, there are a few standout tracks. “Bones” is a throwback blues ballad that calls to mind “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. The track oozes haunting lyrics: “I passed your liver and your kidney and your lungs (closer, deeper) / cause I wanna get lost in / in get mixed up

in / you /straight through your skin past your soul to your bones.” This track is one of the album’s few attempts at fresh lyrical execution. “Watch Me Work” is an upbeat throwback, with sexy guitar chords to accompany Fiona’s sexy vocals. The best track on the CD is “Change the Record.” Fiona’s vocals work naturally with the fresh, youthful sound. For a nice added touch, when she repeats “record” in the chorus, it sounds like a vinyl record skipping or scratching. This album is good, but it falls short of being great. Fiona is doing her best to showcase her voice on tracks that most singers would find difficult. Her execution can be smooth or gritty or whatever the track calls for. Yet she has not quite found a musical and lyrical match for her voice. — Tashe House

Extravagance on display B Y B RITTNEY B IZELL ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Local fashion fans gathered in McLendonMcDougald Gymnasium March 28 at N.C. Central University to support the annual fashion show hosted by Fashion Inc. This year’s show “Design for a Cause: Impacting the World from the Runway” was the tenth annual for the group, founded in the NCCU human sciences department. “The design concepts were remarkable and there were so many beautiful pieces that I personally wouldn’t mind buying,” said family consumer science junior Ebony Wiggins. “I can’t wait for next year’s show.” Designers were challenged to design a complete line that would represent and bring aware-

ness to various causes. Textile and apparel senior Al Cobb won first place for the second year in a row and received a standing ovation for his “Save the Plant” collection. Cobb used only recyclable materials. Textile and apparel senior India Neal took second place with her festive take on the serious topic of “Lupus/Multiple Scierosis.” Third place was a tie between textile and apparel seniors Daniel Scott and Rodrick PerryDunham. “I loved how this year’s theme brought awareness to serious topics,” said psychology senior and Miss NCCU Kelsey Hargrove. “Not only was the show fun and relatable but it was informative as well, and I appreciated both aspects.”

Celebrating Moral Emphasis Week April 9-1 15, 2012 FINAL EVENTS

Thursday, April 12 Campus Ministry Fair Spoken Word

10 AM - Noon 8 PM

Saturday, April 14 MAN UP and Sister 2 Sister Conference

9 AM

All events at the Alfonso Elder Student Union, either outside at George Street or inside. The MAN UP and Sister 2 Sister Conference is will take place inside the A.E. Student Union. Michael D. Page Campus Minister

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus

For more information contact - Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu

Sports

10 N

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

IVER SITY

Top spot up for grabs Rucker, Reid and Goggans look to make a good impression for the top spot in spring workouts

Red-sshirt junior Jordan Reid

Red-sshirt freshman Quenton Rucker

Junior transfer Matt Goggans

CHI BROWN/Echo photo editor

T RENTON L ITTLE

ECHO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

With the graduation of senior quarterback Michael Johnson, the slot for the No. 1 quarterback spot on the depth chart is up for grabs. Meet the candidates: redshirt junior Jordan Reid, redshirt freshman Quenton Rucker, and junior transfer Matt Goggans. They enter spring ball vying to become the new No. 1 guy.

"We have a front-runner, but we don't have a guy that has separated himself from the pack," N.C. Central University head coach Henry Frazier III said. "Right now Jordan Reid is the guy that has stepped up in terms of the quarterback position." Reid comes into spring ball atop the depth chart after being the lone veteran with playing time. "Up until now I've always been a younger guy on the team. Now I’m an older guy

on the team," Reid said. "The younger guys and older guys look up to me on and off the field." Leadership is a quality Frazier is looking for in a contender. He also wants someone who is able to lead the offense and make plays. "That's extremely important from the quarterback position, being able to make plays," he said. "We're looking for a guy that can distinguish himself above the rest of the team

and that hasn't happened yet," Frazier said. Throughout the off-season Frazier will put the contenders through pressurefilled situations to see how they respond. "That’s going to tell me how they will respond to pressure throughout the season,” Frazier said. Reid denies he would feel pressured as quarterback. "Pressure is only something you feel when you don't know what you’re doing," Reid said.

"I'm very confident in not only my team but my abilities as well." Redshirt freshman Quenton Rucker and junior Matt Goggans, a transfer from Fullerton College will also compete for the starting position. “It’s up to whoever’s going to make the plays,” Frazier said. “If a freshman comes in and leads the way, and protects the ball, he will play.” Whoever takes over as quarterback will have a

tough job; the Eagles finished 2-9 last season in their first year as MEAC members. Frazier and Offensive Coordinator Michael Bryant will be the primary decisionmakers. "I’ll definitely value what he has to say, he works with them every day unlike myself," Frazier said regarding Bryant. "However, when you're dealing with a quarterback normally somebody will separate themselves and be a clear-cut favorite."

Lady Eagles basketball seeks coach Athletic department still searching for the right candidate to lead the Lady Eagles to prominence BY

JONATHAN ALEXANDER ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

After its fifth straight losing season, the N.C. Central University women’s basketball team needed to go in a different direction than previous coach Joli Robinson. “With the transition to Division I, there was a period of five years for all of us to get acclimated, not just the coaches but the whole athletic department,” said Ingrid Wicker-McCree, NCCU athletic director. “Some programs made that transition better than others.” Unfortunately for Robinson, a 3-27 record was not good enough this season. “The three overarching goals are academic success, win more than we lose, and run a clean program,” Wicker-McCree said. “When you don’t meet those, sometimes it’s time for a change.”

NCCU conducted a national search for the coaching position, posting the job description on their website as well as the NCAA’s website for seven days. After it closed, resumes were submitted to the search committee and seven candidates were selected for a phone interview. Candidates’ names have not been revealed, but Wicker-McCree said she and the search committee will interview about three candidates and recommend a final candidate to Chancellor Nelms. Student-athletes of the women’s basketball team will get to meet the candidates as well. Although she is sad to see Robinson go, sophomore guard Tenika Neely says she’s ready for the upcoming season and a fresh start. “We’re very excited,” Neely said.

“I feel it’s very important that we have a part in the decision.” According to WickerMcCree, this process will be completed by April 18. Wicker-McCree is looking for a coach with a consistent track record of winning but who is particularly skilled at recruiting. “I was very, very pleased with the pool of candidates,” Wicker-McCree said. “No matter which way we go we’re going to get a good coach.” Some speculate that one possible candidate could be Ed Baldwin, assistant coach at Ohio State University. Baldwin, a native of Fayetteville, is a 1976 almnus of NCCU. He has been with Ohio State since 2005, previously director of basketball operations. Baldwin is a recruiting guru, helping bring in several Top 20 recruiting classes. He also helped lead the Buckeyes to a school record 31 wins in Ohio State’s 20092010 campaign. Baldwin has 27 years of collegiate coaching experience, starting with his first and only head coaching job at UNC-

Freshman Kabrina Truesdale drives past Lady Bulldog defender Echo file folder

Charlotte for 13 years (19882000). He also was an assistant coach at N.C. State, Temple, and South Carolina. However, getting Baldwin to leave Division I powerhouse Ohio State might be tough. Baldwin has the

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coaching experience to coach almost any team in the country. It has also been speculation that Antonio O. Davis, the current associate head coach, could be a candidate. Davis has 14 years of

coaching experience, including serving three years with the Lady Eagles. Davis is seen by some as a stern coach, demanding a lot from his student-athletes. Unfortunately, Davis’s lack of experience as a head coach at the collegiate level could put him at a disadvantage for the position. A third possible candidate is the head coach of Division II Shaw University, Jacques Curtis. Curtis led the Lady Bears to a 29-6 record and a national championship this year. A move up to Division I would be the next logical move for him. In his tenure at Shaw, Curtis has amassed a 210-92 record, a .695 winning percentage. Since Curtis became head coach at Shaw, his studentathletes have earned a cumulative GPA of more than 3.0 and a 100 percent graduation rate for those who have completed four years of eligibility at Shaw. “We just want a highly competitive program, and that’s all around,” WickerMcCree said. “Academics and athletics.”

EAGLELAND T-shirts sweats polo shirts decals license tags tote bags license frames baseball caps buttons mugs caps car flags pens pencils pennants pom poms bags ceramic eagles towels NCCU framed print, and much more.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

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Opinions A R O L I N A

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O People first used the Internet to look up information, send and receive emails, chatting, and instant messaging. Along the way came more capabilities came such as online dating.

site. IP addresses can also be located if needed. Some people may find online dating easier than actually approaching a person standing in the line at McDonald's. Creating a profile displaying your interests, activities, and what you are looking for can help narrow down what kind of common qualities you may have with a person. Sending an email introducing yourself eases the feeling of rejection; no response is better than walking up to a girl and asking for her number and she says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noâ&#x20AC;?. Think about that cute guy who may be in your Biology class.You can look him up, add him as a friend, and start a conversation with a person you may have been reluctant to approach at first. Online dating allows people to be upfront with what they want, whether it's â&#x20AC;&#x153;dating but nothing seriousâ&#x20AC;? or a â&#x20AC;&#x153;committed relationshipâ&#x20AC;?. Zoosk is easy to sign up for and gives you access to other singles through social websites you may already use such as Facebook. According to

Top10BestDatingSites.com it was chosen as the number one online dating site of 2012. Match.com, eHarmony, Plentyoffish.com, and Singlechristians.com are some of the sites where you can also try online dating. A lot of social sites are free to use but some may require a fee. Some have 30 day trials for free to give users a chance to feel them out. As college students on a budget most students would probably want to stick with the free subscription. Dating is a natural part of life; everyone aspires to find that special someone they are destined to be with. How you choose to date is your personal business, so to think of online dating as weird in 2012 is obsolete. If you choose to date online always be careful, just as if you were meeting a stranger by chance in a public or common settings. Keep in mind; it's great to be a risk taker but be smart about what you do and how you do it.

IVERSITY

A ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice

Love.com

few years ago, to meet someone at a bookstore, restaurant, in the mall even at a party or club was the conventional way of courtship. Now it's as easy as typing in a hyperlink. But still, is this new style of datAngel ing as Brown acceptable? When AOL first made it's debut to the world of technology in the mid 1990s, it brought us the beautiful access of information over the web. People first used the internet to look up information, send and receive emails, chatting, and instant messaging. Along the way came more capabilities came such as online dating. At first most folks were skeptical of meeting someone they had never met, offline. It seemed dangerous especially for children between the ages 12 to 17 years old. I'm sure everyone has caught an episode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;To Catch A Predatorâ&#x20AC;? when Chris Hanson spotlights a perverted adult scouting teens online in order to perform sexual acts. The good news about technology is people have access to background checks. Sex offenders can be found on sexoffender.ncdoj.gov/ the NC Sex Offender Registry

n Thursday, Missouri Senate and House Republicans passed two bills that went against womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to abortion and contraception. One bill allows employers to deny coverage for contraception and abortion services for religious Antoine reasons and the other bill Auguste gives doctors, nurses, and pharmacists the same power, according to Addicting Info. It is official that our religious freedoms are no longer free. According to this bill an employer can intentionally target and question a woman about why she needs contraception. Then the sad fact is that if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get an answer they want to hear, she is out of luck. If a woman is raped or has medical complications that cause her to need an emergency abortion, the doctors and nurses can refuse to help her. This bill is just a slap in the face to every American

This new political system make laws that takes a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to make decisions about her own body away. It is just a step away from dictatorship.

value this country stands for. This new political system make laws that takes a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to make decisions about her own body away. It is just a step away from dictatorship. This bill gives employers an open door to unwarranted control. Government officials and medical workers should not be able to probe into the private sex lives of women. What is there to stop an employer with strong religious values to target a woman who does not share their views? This bill just gives employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the right to push their values and beliefs on their female employees legally. Many also forget to examine the wide range of bene-

fits that come from the different uses of birth control pills. Acne control, the lessening of menstrual cramp pains, the balancing of hormones and chemicals in a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body, and a range of other useful positive benefits come from the use of birth control. So what are our state Senators and Representatives saying to America with these new bills? What I hear is the privacy and personal liberty of women has no place in our country. That being said what makes them stop at just women rights? Soon the citizens of America, the land of the free, will be slaves to this prejudiced political system, who feels the rights of the people are null and void.

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12 NO

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

IVER SITY

Groomed to be the best S

tanding in the face of uncertainty I have no doubt I will succeed, and the life lessons I’ve learned at N.C. Central University are the reasons why my confidence is not wavering. Many believe the best method is to break someone down to build them back up. Well at NCCU I was not broken down, I was Aaron molded, Saunders groomed and polished. Thanks to the English department I am able to construct and structure mentally stimulating and thought provoking stories. Professors like Dr. Gold, challenged me to tap into my creative ability and grab the essential ingredients to concoct a great story. I have been prepared by the best, therefore in my mind with hard work, dedication, and lots of luck there is no doubt I will be the best. My journey to this confidence was not easy. I’ve had

Well at NCCU I was not broken down, I was molded, groomed and polished. Thanks to the English department I am able to construct and structure mentally stimulating and thought provoking stories. trying times at NCCU, the most trying of which was when I was booted off the baseball team by a man not worthy enough to mention by name in this piece. I found solace in my former teammates Tim, Greg, Travis, Ross, Doug and Ed in addition to my roommates Corey, Rashad, and David who kept my spirits up. However my ascent back up the mountain of confidence was in the English and Mass Communications department where in my mind I became the Deadpool of the Campus Echo; for those who don’t know Deadpool is a character in the X-Men comics created by Colonel William Striker to have all the talents of the other mutants. I have the writing style of

Carlton Koonce, a former Echo editor-in-chief who I studied incessantly as he wrote great stories. I have the creativity of David Fitts, the former online editor, who is the only person I have ever known to compare the economy to Star Trek. My editing ability and good eye come from Dr. Carl, our AP expert. I was instilled with the determination and diligence of Geoffrey Cooper, a former Echo editor-in-chief who never failed. I have the confidence and spirit of Ashley Griffin, former Echo editor-inchief and the sheer intellect of Jerome Brown the current assistant editor. Unlike Deadpool, my creator gave me something; care and wit. As I am about to leave as a

seasoned versatile watchdog reporter, much of the credit for my newspaper acumen goes to Bruce dePyssler, my journalism creator who has watched over me, advised me and cosigned for me as journalist. While I am very much an Echo baby, I am also a child of the Mass Communication Department, and have fond memories of attending the Bon Jovi experience thanks to Dr. Mac and becoming a member of NABJ because of Mr. Chambers. My first mass comm classes were Intro to Mass Comm with Dr. White, where I met some of my closest mass comm. chums and Reporting and Writing with Dr. Paulin, where I wrote my first story. Today as I prepare to start the next chapter of my life I am not worried because I am ready. My mother and Father have prepared me. The English and Mass Communication Department has prepared me and NCCU has prepared me and with that much help in my corner I know I will not fail.

Flying the aerie I

t’s amazing how much can happen in two years. Yeah I was only here two years because I was a transfer student. Initially NCCU wasn’t my first choice. After being here, I realized that NCCU was actually my best choice. I feel like I was able to hit the ground running once I accepted to Zevandah got NCCU. Barnes Everything I pictured myself doing I was able to make it happen here on campus. I must say that if I am the star of the show then I have the best supporting cast ever. The faculty here at NCCU, especially in the Mass Communications department, is the absolute best. I would like to personally thank Dr. Mac, Dr. Paulin, Dr. White, Dr. DePyssler, DL, Mrs. Pierce

Initially NCCU wasn’t my first choice. After being here, I realized that NCCU was actually my best choice. I feel like I was able to hit the ground running once I got accepted to NCCU. Cartwright, Dr. Robinson, Mrs. Casey Hicks, and Mr. Chambers for everything they inspired me to do and for believing in me. The students here on campus are really cool and down to earth. I enjoyed going to class and hearing what you all had to say. I feel like you all kept me in the know as it pertained to pop culture. You all showed me what swag is like on a HBCU campus. You all also inspired me to work harder because some of you have some very interesting stories. I would like to personally give a shout out to all the stu-

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Aaron Saunders, Editor-iin-C Chief

Jerome Brown Jr. Zevandah Barnes Jonathan Alexander Matthew Phillips David Fitts Jr. Chioke Brown Uyi Idahor Morgan Crutchfield Neka Jones Ashley Gadsden Christina Allison Wendy Wright Asia Quimby Julian Melton Alexandria Sampson Shawn Trimble Myava Mitchell Iimani McKnight Trenton Little Chatiqua Brown Ebony Thornton Tevin Neely Bobby Faison

Assistant Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Online Advisor Photo Editor Opinions Assistant Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Copy Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Sports Reporter A&E contributor A&E contributor Cartoonist Cartoonist

Faculty Adviser - Dr. Bruce dePyssler Alumni Advisers - Mike Williams, Sheena Johnson

Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be about 575 words. Include contact information. 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. E-mail: campusecho@nccu.edu Web address: www.campusecho.com Phone: 919 530 7116 Fax: 919 530 7991 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

dents that get it in at the Campus Echo. I would like to recognize all the students that help out at AudioNet, whether you have a show or you help with the morning news. I would also like to recognize all the students that helped in the past with putting together the shows for E-Chat. I am not personally saying any names but you all know who you are. I’m going to miss chicken Wednesdays and fish Fridays in the cafeteria. I’m going to miss the cool lyceum events on campus. I’m going to miss going to the newspaper competition with the Campus Echo. I’m going to miss

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 campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.comcampusecho.com campusecho.com campusecho.com

Homecoming week. I’m going to miss all the excitement that goes along with campus life. NCCU you were really good to me. I feel I gained an extensive amount of knowledge and I got some experience along the way. You showed me I can do whatever I put my mind to. You rewarded me for my hard work. I will miss you and all the opportunities you created for me in my two years of attendance. My eagle pride will forever be amplified and all the way live. An eagle is no ordinary bird and NCCU has given me the educational “wings” to soar higher than the rest. Dr. James E. Shepherd had no idea the impact he would make in the US, NC, Durham, and in our lives when he started this university. I am elated this is where I chose to come for my education and I am certain I gained knowledge to push me to the next level in life. My journey is done. Farewell.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: Would you prefer the Campus Echo online or a hard copy? “Online, because it will be more Ecofriendly and technologically advanced in society. ” —Cameron Clifton

“I would not read the Campus Echo online because it is more accessible with it being hard copy.” —Tamika

Heard

“Hard copy, because the Echo is mostly read and seen in the hallways and around campus.” —Stephen Barrington

Sound Off By Uyi Idahor