print_edition_april_13_2005 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

APRIL 13, 2005

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VOLUME 96, ISSUE 11

Campus

Beyond NCCU

Opinions

Photo Feature

Miss NCCU, Kewanda Davetta Merritt, has a lot on her agenda

Durham boxing center helps kids build character

Get a surprise from your best friend lately? How about this? She’s gay.

Middle school step team, Nu Mu Sigma, performs for diabetes awareness

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Campus Echo Clark is ready to roll

Housing lines irk students Lines extend for hours from Baynes Residence Hall to Student Union BY TAMEKA STEPHENSON ECHO STAFF WRITER

At Baynes Residence Hall, housing registration started at 9 a.m. last Tuesday. It was scheduled to

last until 4 p.m. Some students arrived as early as 7 a.m. to be sure they received a room. Even so, the line stretched from Baynes to the front of the Student Union. Some students said they stood in line for nine to 12 hours. “I arrived here for registration at 8 a.m., thinking I was early, and ended up

staying in line until 2 p.m.,” said criminal justice sophomore Lashonda Sims. “That’s what’s so ridiculous. “Literally speaking we were heart to heart and breast to breast ... as we came closer to the door everyone began pushing and being very rude. This was happening even when

Students stand in line for hours at Baynes Residence Hall to register for housing for next year. AARON DAYE/Photo Editor

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SGA elect looks ahead

UNC chief plans to step down

BY LOVEMORE MASAKADZA ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Clementine Clark was not surprised to hear that her daughter Renee Clark had won N.C. Central University’s Student Government Association presidential election March 31. She said she knew Renee was a leader from early on and that she was proactive SGA and always President listened to other peoRenee Clark ple’s problems and helped solve them. “I have every faith and confidence in my daughter,” Clementine Clark said. “She is and will be a great asset to the University.” Clark, 21, overwhelmingly won the elections garnering 708 votes to Brandon Brown’s 396. The third candidate Derek Pantiel pulled out of the race the day before elections because he said he has plans to transfer from NCCU and also didn’t want to split votes between himself and Clark. Clark is already gearing up to take the lead position in NCCU’s student government. She promises to selflessly serve the students. “As SGA president, I will

n See SGA Page 4 SGA ELECTION WINNERS SGA President Renee Clark SGA vice president Agu K.Onuma* Miss NCCU Kewanda Merritt Miss Senior Ranita Harris

Broad to end tenure in ’06 BY TATIANA ANDERSON ECHO STAFF WRITER

Congressman Melvin Watt was the keynote speaker at the 56th honors convocation. CARLA AARON-LOPEZ/Staff Photographer

WATT ASSIGNS SOME HOMEWORK Congressman wants students to challenge disparities BY JESSICA PARKER ECHO STAFF WRITER

Convocation speaker Melvin Watt issued a direct challenge to N.C. Central University students at the 56th Annual Honors Convocation, Friday, April 8 in the McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium. Watt — a U.S. congressman from North Carolina’s 12th district — called for students to take action to bridge the disparities, or gaps, that exist between blacks and whites in America. “We have miles to go and we must rely on you, first and foremost, to close that gap,” said Watt.

Watt is the president of the 39member Congressional Black Caucus. His convocation theme was “Evolving the Message, but Not the Mission.” Watt spoke about the group’s agenda to bridge the disparities between blacks and other races. He drew on facts from a recent National Urban League report that outlined disparities in economics, health and education between black and white Americans. Watt said that blacks in the U.S. have an overall status that is 73 percent of the status of whites. According to the report, the economic status of blacks is 57 percent

Miss Sophomore

n See WATT Page 2

n See BROAD Page 2

High gas prices, here to stay

Monica Michelle Davis Miss Junior

BY JONATHAN PETERSON

Tiffany Johnson

LOS ANGELES TIMES

SR Class President Dedi S. Ramsey JR Class President Mukhtar Raqib JR Class Vice President Ebony McQueen SOPH Class President Tomasi L. Larry SOPH Class Vice President

of the economic status of whites. The health status of blacks is 76 percent of that of whites. And the educational status is 77 percent of whites. Watt is one of only two AfricanAmerican members elected to Congress from North Carolina in the 20th century. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1967, and was president of the Phi Beta Kappa Business Honors Fraternity. In 1970, Watt received his Juris Doctorate degree from Yale University Law School.

Molly Corbett Broad, president of the University of North Carolina system, will retire at the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Since 1997, Broad, 64, has lead the oldest university system in the nation. She has brought 16 public universities through a period of dramatic enrollment and growth and capital improveUNC ment. President “President Molly Broad Molly Broad has worked tirelessly to serve the citizens of North Carolina. One of her greatest contributions to the state, and this campus was the effort she led to convince voters to approve the $3.1 billion Bond Program. NCCU has benefited tremendously from the $121 million received since and our students will benefit for generations to come,” said Chancellor Ammons, when stating how Broad’s legacy will be defined and remembered. Broad, who came to

Gas prices average $2.23 in North Carolina, up from $1.70 last year, according to the American Automobile Association. JEROME RUSSELL/Staff Photographer

WASHINGTON — On a day when California gasoline prices set a new high, the Energy Department forecast Thursday that record pump prices will not only rule the road this summer, they’ll stick around through 2006 as motorists’ thirst for fuel shows no sign of abating. California’s fuel costs are expected to remain substantially higher than the nation’s this summer, with

prices 25 cents to 50 cents above the predicted U.S. average of about $2.28 a gallon during the peak driving season, according to the Energy Information Administration, the Energy Department’s statistical arm. Meanwhile, gasoline continued its relentless climb Thursday. California’s average retail price for regular gasoline hit a record $2.554 a gallon, an increase of 4.1 cents from Wednesday and 32.3 cents from a month ago,

according to AAA, the nationwide auto club. California requires a cleaner-burning recipe produced by few refineries outside the state, contributing to the higher price. The U.S. average for regular gasoline reached a record $2.251 a gallon, up 2.3 cents from Wednesday and up 31.3 cents in the last month, AAA said. Every state in the nation saw gasoline touch fresh highs

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RA ousted, cries foul RD: Harris had bad attitude BY CHRISTINA GARRETT AND IHUOMA EZEH ECHO STAFF WRITERS

Chairman of Congressional Caucus, Melvin Watt is pictured with Chancellor James H. Ammons, and University Marshal Les Brinson as he accepts award. AARON DAYE/Echo Photo Editor

WATT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Watt said that young people have to push forward to bridge the gaps and make change. He used the example of the courage shown by 22-year-old John Lewis in 1965 during the Civil Rights Movement facing police at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Lewis is now

a Congressman representing Georgia. Watt said Lewis had to make the choice of whether to turn around or push forward. He pushed forward, said Watt, stressing that young people must do the same thing today. According to Watt, big-

otry comes in many forms: there is the bigotry of outright racism; the bigotry of low expectations; the bigotry of forgetting the past; and the bigotry of ignoring disparities between the races. Watt reminded the students that they should not

just benefit from the sacrifices of those who preceded them, but work to make change themselves. “We’ll only get there if you don’t get preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness,” said Watt. “Take up the mantle. The mission is still in front of us.”

Student registration delayed Banner puts a hold on student and adviser schedules BY LARRY LEATHERS ECHO STAFF WRITER

If fall registration seems to be off to a shaky start, there’s a simple explanation — N.C. Central University is making a challenging transition to Banner, a University-wide administrative software application. In February 2002, a UNC Shared Services Alliance passed a resolution for all UNC universities to implement the transition to Banner. The program is an administrative application that will replace both FRS, a program that tracks financial operations, and SIS, the program that handles student information. Banner, designed by Systems and Computer Technology Corporation, consists of integrated systems that include all university business, such as admissions, financial aid, student records and registration, human resources, accounting, payroll, planning and analysis, and budgeting. For NCCU, the program will cost about

$50,000 in annual license fees. By using Banner, all NCCU data will be compatible with other UNC universities. Banner is used by over 1,100 universities in the United States. It’s purpose is to ensure privacy without the reliance on social security numbers for identification. The transition to Banner formally began in September 2003. But the transition presents a number of challenges. All data from FRS and SIS have to be migrated into Banner, and some data need to be re-entered. That is why students and faculty are experiencing trouble with registration. The change to Banner from SIS has caught students and advisers by surprise. “It’s going to be a new experience using Banner,” said chemistry Professor James Schooler. According to faculty, students have not been able to register because some courses have not yet been entered into the database. The system is not allowing students to register for

NC-ARC ~ North Carolina Access, Retention and Completion Initiative in the Allied Health Sciences BIOL 2030: Special Studies in Biology Section 101 (1 credit hour) (Title of NC-ARC course as listed on NCCU Course Schedule) NCCU students participate in teleconference broadcasts of the “Introduction to the Health Professions” course (AHSC40) at UNC-Chapel Hill Faculty from the Department of Allied Health Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill provide information about application and admission processes, academic requirements, and professional opportunities in the allied health sciences. NC-ARC partners ensure that dedicated students are admitted and complete a degree program of their choice in the allied health sciences.

Allied Health Careers & Topics • Clinical Laboratory Science • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Cytotechnology • Speech & Hearing • Recreational Therapy • Radiologic Science • Case Study Allied Health Science Students “Tell All” • North Carolina Health Careers Access Program For more information or to enroll in Biology 2030, contact Alfreda Evans at (919) 530-7128 or aevans@nccu.edu Kenneth Cutler (919) 530-6172 or kcutler@nccu.edu

some courses with prerequisites until they have completed the prerequisite course. Since the system is designed to allow less access to student records, students will only be able to register with their designated adviser. Thus, advisers must have student pin numbers to access student records. “We will not be able to advise other students … just the students on our lists,” said English Instructor Frances Nelson, who added that sometimes students cannot find their assigned adviser. “Banner has set back registration for two weeks,” she said. “The changes keep advisers from checking before student meetings to see what classes they need. Before it helped advisers to check before meeting with a student.” Some students are expressing frustration with the delay in registration. “It’s a difficult problem that needs to be solved, since it causes professors to do more work than they

have to,” said mass communication senior Alonzo McMullen. “It makes it harder for students to set up times and dates. I have been trying for two weeks.” Registrar Cheryll Bowman-Medhin said she understands the frustration that students and faculty are experiencing. But she said she had 10 years experience working with Banner at Georgia Perimeter College, and the system operated smoothly. Bowman-Medhin, who held up a thick stack of papers to make her point, said one major challenge is the volume of data that need to be entered into Banner from the SIS system. But Bowman-Medhin is optimistic about Banner in the long run. “The system will be more convenient and will help exchange information between universities in the UNC system,” BowmanMedhin said.

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Returning to her dorm after a hard day’s work and without a bite to eat all day, she was told to report to the resident director’s office. Then she was fired. Harris was given six days to leave her dorm and her meal plan was cancelled. Maxine Harris, health education senior and resident assistant in New Building Two, was terminated from her position on Tuesday, March 29 for what she claims are baseless grounds. Prior to Harris’ dismissal resident director Sheliah Burnette wrote two letters to Harris discussing her attitude and how she believed that Harris was not fulfilling her RA duties. Burnette said she was unable to comment for this story because the matter involved a personnel issue. But in the March 28 letter she wrote: “Your attitude and tone towards me has been very harsh and rude pretty much throughout the entire year.” In the letter Burnette wrote that Harris made it clear that she felt there was no need to talk about how to improve her performance. Burnette’s letter also charges that Harris failed to show up for the dorm’s spring break closing and the meeting about the closing. She wrote that she assigned the RAs duties for the spring break closing and that Harris did not complete her assignments in a “timely manner.” But in her letter of appeal Harris wrote that she has conducted herself professionally. She wrote that her “positive” behaviors helped her become an effective RA. “I have been an RA for two and half years, and never had any record of attitude problems,” said Harris. “I told Ms. Burnette that my performance would be improved through appropriate program planning and by reducing my work load and stress associated with that work load,” writes Harris.

Harris said she has witnesses who can testify to seeing her performing her duties at the spring closing. She said that she could not do w h a t Burnette wanted her to do. “According Maxine Harris to the Guide to OnCampus Living, prior notice of any room inspection will be provided in writing by Residential Life a minimum of 24 hours prior to inspection,” Harris wrote in her letter. She also claims that she attended the spring break closing meeting, a meeting she says was held while driving with Burnette and other RAs to the Golden Corral Family Steak House in an NCCU van. Harris said that since she had two floors to monitor and everyone else had one, she has always been given more time to complete her assignments. Some students are disappointed with Burnette’s actions. “I love Ms. B, but I am disappointed in her decision,” said Jamar Harris, history and mass communication junior. “She could have solved the whole situation by talking to Maxine.” “I don’t want the job back,” said Harris. “But I will do anything I can to ensure that this does not happen to someone else. I see myself ten years from now relaying this incident to Oprah and laughing about the whole thing.” Harris’ father, Walter, an NCCU alumnus, also got into the act by writing a letter to Chancellor James H. Ammons. In the letter he wrote that residential life staff “collaborated to effect these draconian actions.” He wrote that their actions were “vindictive, reactionary,” and irresponsible.” He concluded by writing, “Our relationship with NCCU ends on such a sour note, one which we believe could have been avoided or at least mitigated.”

BROAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 UNC from the California State University system, has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in economics from Ohio State, and is a candidate for a Ph.D. degree in economics at Syracuse University. She has honorary doctorate degrees from Universities of Southern Queensland and Notre Dame. “For all that she has accomplished, she has been friendly with the Faculty Senate. We also benefited through the bonds not as much as we would like but it still shows through building renovations,” said Faculty Senate President, Achameleh Debela. The UNC system operates 16 colleges. Fayetteville State University, N.C.

Agricultural & Technical University, N.C. Central University, N.C. State University at Raleigh, UNC Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Winston Salem State University. The UNC system also runs the 11-station UNC Center for Public Television, the UNC Health Care System, the N.C. Arboretum and the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics. After retiring, Broad plans to conduct research for a year and then teach at UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. “I hope the next president will be vigilant in the HBCUs in the system. We need a supportive system,” said Debala. “We don’t need anything to hold us back because we want to continue forward in our progress.

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Campus

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2005

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Learning the silent language BY DANA HART ECHO STAFF WRITER

Miss NCCU, Kewanda Davetta Merritt, looks toward the future at the gazebo in front of McLean Residential Hall. AARON DAYE/Echo Photo Editor

MEET MISS NCCU Merritt wants to help NCCU improve student retention BY DENEA NRIAKA ECHO STAFF WRITER

ive contestants were vying for the crown, but there was always going to be one winner. And the new queen is Kewanda Davetta Merritt. When she officially takes the place of reigning Miss NCCU Sharonda Arnold, Merritt plans to implement several programs. Merritt said she will work with the Student Government Association to have more on campus events, so students won’t feel as if they have to go elsewhere. “I do plan on continuing the program, Supporting our University’s Queen,” Merritt said, referring to the SOUQ program. “Many students have shown interest in the program, and those already involved enjoy it and would like to continue to be a part of it.” Merritt, an English junior concentrating in secondary education, is currently working on Eaglets, which is a tutoring and mentoring program where juniors and seniors pair up with incoming freshmen. Merritt said she is worried about the retention rate of students on campus. “We admit a lot of students, but they might transfer, or the ones that stay might not graduate on time,” Merritt said. Those close to Merritt are enthusiastic about her upcoming position. “I have known Kewanda for

three years, and she is very intelligent and energetic,” said mass communications junior Sheria Rucker. “I think she will represent NCCU very well. She has all the qualities that a queen should have,.and I can’t wait for her to officially take the throne.” Katrina Billingsley, Merritt’s Teaching Fellows advisor, thinks highly of her. “I think she has the personality and the drive to get the job done as Miss NCCU.” Along with her role as campus queen, Merritt will have a plate full of other duties. She is an active member of the Alpha Lambda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societ, and a tutor and mentor for students at Eastway Elementary School. She is also a recipient of the North

Carolina Teaching Fellow scholarship program. The scholarship requires students to teach in North Carolina for a minimum of four years. Born April 9, 1984 in Lumberton, N.C. as the youngest of five children, Merritt said she had a happy and fun childhood. “I have a very loving and close-knit family,” she said. Attending an HBCU was important to Merritt, who said NCCU was her first choice. “NCCU was one of two HBCU’s that supports North Carolina Teaching Fellows,” she said. “My mother went here as an undergrad and to get her Master’s.” After graduation, she plans to go back to Lumberton and teach high school English. She also wants to attend graduate school to get a degree in school administration, so that she can become a principal. For those who plan on running for the future Miss NCCU position, Merritt says “work hard, believe in yourself, and give everything you have.” “I just want to thank everyone who supported me, and I hope that you will continue to support me throughout my reign,” said Merritt.

Ever wonder what it would be like to take a university course in which no one — not even the professor — says a single word out loud all semester? Ever wonder what it would be like to take your final exam by telling a story using just your hands? This summer you can do just that and earn three credit hours in K. McPeak’s American Sign Language course (PEDU 4510). In the course, which will be offered in the first summer session, students learn the language of the deaf community by using it from day one. According to McPeak, ASL is the third most common language in the United States after English and Spanish. If you learn how to sign, you are considered bilingual. Many students think that learning sign language is just a matter of leaning how to finger spell. Actually, almost every concept and emotion in spoken language has its own sign in ASL. For example, to make the sign for the verb “look,” the signer points the middle and index fingers at the eyes and then turns them outward.

The significance of signing goes far beyond the language’s beautiful way of communicating. “It makes any student more marketable,” said McPeak, an adjunct professor in the physical education department. According to McPeak, people don’t realize the importance of sign language, until they find themselves in a situation where they need to communicate with a deaf individual. “I know I would be at a disadvantage if someone approached me who was deaf,” said Rodric Johnson, a graduate student in physical education. McPeak said there is demand for sign language interpreters in hospitals and courtrooms. “We need to improve and increase the minority interpreters,” said McPeak. “No one has taught me sign language,” said Ema Temu, a graduate student in athletic administration, “but I think it’s a great class to offer because it is an effective way to communicate with students who are deaf.” McPeak learned sign language growing up around deaf people. and has been teaching ASL at NCCU for eight years.

HOUSING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the door was shut and no one could get in,” said Sims. Campus police were called to monitor the situation. “I was supposed to be on patrol on campus, but I got a call around 10 a.m. about the line being out of control and rude,” said NCCU Police Captain Victor Ingram. “I left my patrol to come over to Baynes Hall to help out with the situation.” Sims said campus police were not much help. “At least half the football team broke in line and all the officers could do was to announce that if anyone had broken line to move to the back of the line, but who was going to confess to that?” said Sims. “It caused me to miss classes,” said sophomore Muktar Raqib. “Being a history major, it is imperative to attend classes.” Some students decided to leave the line and come back later. Last school year, students paid a $50 deposit and then turned in their housing applications to Residential Life. And there were no lines. This year, although students waited in line and paid their $50 deposit, they still were not guaranteed a room. Tia Doxey, associate director of residential life,

said she restructured dorm registration after consulting with residential life administrators and students and determining that this would be “a more appropriate process.” ”The process in particular this year is sort of a firstcome-first-served process,” said Doxey. “This year’s process went better because students are leaving campus with an assignment,” she said. “The students that did receive an assignment know exactly where they are going to be living next year.” But some students — and one police officer — see things differently. “I don’t like how the process was changed at all,” said Tasha Bayard, mass communications junior. “They should have left it the way it was last year, no waiting in line — that’s what I like.” “There was no organization. The line should have been roped off,” said Sims. “I would suggest that they go back to the way the process was done last year. If they were going to do it this way they could have done it in a better location.” Doxey said that residential life plans to put registration online next year.

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Addiction under microscope at BBRI BY JENNIFER SANDERS ECHO STAFF WRITER

Is marijuana addictive? The answer is difficult to assess and often depends on the person, said a research scientist in N.C. Central University's Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/ Biotechnology Research Institute. Allyn Howlett is conducting a three-part experiment that focuses on drugs and “reward pathways” to the brain. The reward pathway is the instinct in humans that says “‘yes, this is good for me’ — a physical dependence,” Howlett said. In her experiments, a laboratory mouse is positioned in front of three levers that contain three types of drugs: cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The Reward Pathway experiment begins. When the mouse is released, he immediately scurries to the lever that contains cocaine. For the second and third experiment, the mouse selects the heroin. The mouse never selects the marijuana, Howlett said. Why is this? According to Howlett, director of the Neuroscience of Drug Abuse Research Program at NCCU, it is because of the chemical substance dopamine, also referred to as the “drug abuse gene.” Heroin and cocaine, used in the experiment, “release huge amounts of dopamine, the substance in the brain that leads to the reward pathway,” she said. “Humans consider food, water, and social interactions as reward pathways,” said Howlett. In terms of drugs, cocaine and heroin also create a physical dependence, and has a number of withdrawal symptoms. Howlett listed shakes,

Michael Lloyd, a biology graduate student who performes laboratory procedures at the BBRI, and Allyn Howlett, biology professor and director of the Neuroscience of Drug Abuse Research Program at NCCU. JOSEPH COLEMAN/Staff Photographer

tremors, convulsions, and [even] sleep disorders as a few of the withdrawal symptoms. Although some say marijuana is dangerous, it does not have the severe physical dependence properties as cocaine and heroin, Howlett said. “The physical dependence of marijuana is not as severe, though there are symptoms of impaired shortterm memory, hampered judgment, and at times a panic reaction,” she said. So the question of marijuana’s alleged addiction “is really difficult to assess,” Howlett said. “People think of addiction in so many ways …

whereas a person who smokes marijuana every day may not feel they are addicted, a treatment counselor may feel they are.” Howlett added that a person might feel he or she is not an addict if he or she can function and remain alert in social situations. When asked about the research conducted in the NDAR Program at the JLC BBRI, Howlett explained that the project investigates how tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as THC, affects the neurons and glial cells, which are the cells that provide nutrition to the nervous system. “THC is the active compound in marijuana,” she

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 classes. While some students say there are no interesting events brought to campus, Clark said the problem lies with publicity. She said she will work with members of her administration so that there is more student involvement in campus events. Clark is not a newcomer to student government politics; she was Hillside High School Student Body's president for the 2001-2002. At NCCU she has served as SGA Assistant VicePresident of Student Affairs 2003-2004. Before running for president she was the SGA business manager. A Durham resident, Clark is a business administration and accounting major who holds a 3.89 GPA. “Me having a 3.89 is great, but I want other students to be exceptional,” Clark said. Clark said she draws inspiration from her grandmother who she said always told her that “Life is but a walking shadow” and

lar drug becomes a part of their lives, and will do and risk anything to get it." Howlett explained that people with drug addictions will use their drug in spite of the consequences that come along with it. The consequences may be as small as missing school, or as major as experiencing longterm health effects. “Marijuana does not seem to produce those types of effects,” she said. What are the negative effects of marijuana? Alison Mack, author of “Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy,” reports that “Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have

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CLARK make myself accessible to you [students] because it's your right to have your voice heard,” Clark said. One of her major goals is to improve communication between the University administration and the SGA by facilitating monthly meetings where students will have their concerns addressed. She said some students think that they are not taken seriously by some members of the administration and she would like to see them treated fairly. “They need to know that without the students there won't be an institution,” Clark said. In the event that the administration ignores the issues brought up by the students, Clark said they will go as far as having a protest. She also would take the issues to the board of trustees. Clark also said she is concerned with the retention rate at NCCU and will try to improve it by working with freshmen during their orientation so that they get academic support from some students in the upper

said. “It is the program’s hopes to help in understanding how the [drug] acts in the brain to produce therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, while producing side effects such as sedation and memory loss.” Howlett further explained her theory on marijuana addiction. She described two categories. One is physical dependence, and the other is drug-seeking behavior. In the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, published by the American Psychiatric Association, counselors in drug treatment facilities claim a person is considered an addict when the particu-

many of the same problems that tobacco smokers have … continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue … the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers … [is] three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.” “Critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours,” Mack reports in the study. But are there any positive effects of the use of marijuana? According to Mack, the current knowledge about marijuana's effects derives from three main sources: personal and historical accounts of its use, a limited number of clinical studies and the basic scientific research on marijuana and its compounds. The marijuana plant has been used throughout agricultural history as a source of intoxicant, medicine and fiber. It is recommended as a regimen for glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in the world. “Research findings from as early as the 1970s show that … marijuana reduce[s] intraocular pressure, a key contributor to glaucoma," Mack reports. “Smoked or eaten, marijuana … has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure in … glaucoma patients … in most trials a single dose of marijuana … maintained this effect for three to four hours." So what is in marijuana's future? Mack writes that researchers have yet to fully explore the variety of marijuana-based medicines. “One thing is clear,” she writes. “Smoking marijuana is an inferior way to deliver its potential benefits.”

Campus, Durham police train side by side that whatever she went through, somebody else would have faced it. She said her grandmother never went to school but had wisdom and also worked hard for her family. Brown said he accepted the election results and has already applied to be director of student affairs in Clark’s administration. He also has a message for Clark: Accept constructive criticism for what it is and remember that you are the person that you are. Business marketing junior Shelly Canady, who has been Renee’s friend for 10 years rates her highly and expects her to succeed as SGA president. “She is goal oriented,” Canady said. “I have never seen her fail.” Outgoing SGA president D’Weston Haywood said Clark’s experience working for the student body since she came to NCCU is going to be pivotal in her reign. “I am confident Miss Clark is going to be successful than any other president,” Haywood said. “She has the motivation to do well.”

BY QUINTON MILES ECHO STAFF WRITER

Getting trained to become a police officer at N.C. Central University takes more work than you might expect. In fact, campus police have to meet all state mandates and are trained alongside Durham police officers. According to Sonny Harris, the Durham Police Director of Training and Personnel, all officers in the state of North Carolina are mandated to complete a set of minimum requirements. To meet these requirements, trainees must complete 602 hours of training outlined in the department’s administrative code. However, Durham’s law enforcement training program has chosen to exceed the initial requirements of the state by requiring an additional 200 extra hours of training. Officers are trained in techniques for emergency driving, arresting, direct-

ing traffic, use of tear gas and more. “We have a recruiting team composed of three officers that actively recruit in and out of state,” Harris said. “Applicants are interviewed, polygraphed, investigated via a background check, and physically screened by police department personnel. Medical and psychological screening is outsourced.” According to Harris, it’s beneficial for the city and campus police to get trained side by side. “The working relationship with NCCU is a positive one,” Harris said. “Chief McDonald Vick was employed as a Durham Police Officer and Investigator early in his law enforcement career,” said Harris speaking about NCCU’s chief police officer. “Officers from both agencies have personal and professional relationships.” Vick said officers must meet a number of requirements to become NCCU

officers. They must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma. They must pass departmental standard tests for hearing, vision and psychology. All officers also must meet a background check and meet the minimum training standards of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training program. Police officers at NCCU have a one-mile jurisdictional radius surrounding the campus, but all major crimes, such as homicide, automatically become the responsibilities of the city police. “We would assume the primary responsibility of addressing a major crime like homicide,” said Harris. Vick says he has enjoyed his time with the students, even though there have been times the feeling hasn’t been mutual. “Overall our relationship is good. Most complaints come from parking issues,” said Vick...

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DURHAM BOXING CENTER BUILDS CHARACTER

Zay-Z Zay Scott, 11, a student at Merrick Moore Elementary, gets after a punching bag.

Golden Gloves champion says his work with children is a blessing

BY TIFFANY ELBERT ECHO STAFF WRITER

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” A sign saying this, along with rules that include: no drugs, alcohol, weapons, profanity, or gambling, are the only decorations on the walls of Inner City Youth and Boxing Center. The center, which opened four years ago on 1212 Angier St. as a safe-haven for area youth, is not into looking cute. It is about hard work, discipline and character building. The main room features a blue cement floor, boxing ring, five punching bags, four exercise machines, a radio, and little else. Those who attend begin their workout with a two mile run, then do abdominal exercises, practice punching with hand weights, and split up to either spar or work on a punching bag. The center’s founder, Willie Massey, began training children while he was a boxer at another gym. He saw that he was good with them and enjoyed it enough to open his own non-profit business with donations from area businesses and parents. Massey is a former two time Golden Gloves champion. His boxing center now trains children ages six and up. He does not advertise. Word of mouth is enough to bring in a clientele. Eventually, he sees the center being similar to a YMCA. It will provide many recreational activi-

The Inner City Youth and Boxing Center at 1212 Angier Streets was founded by former Golden Gloves champion Willie Massey. JOSEPH COLEMAN/Staff Photographer

ties to area youth, but will also have classes such as Spanish and computer literacy. Massey prefers to focus on training youth because “a lot of times people don’t care. I’m one of the people who does.” This attitude fits with his gener-

al policy of no advertising. Massey believes that advertising will bring in more clients, but he wants his center to grow slowly. “Once it gets to be bigger I’ll have no time for myself or for the kids,” he said. He is also afraid that advertis-

Capital Fitness Spa Health Clubs Open House for NCCU Students Saturday, April 30, 2:30-7 PM 5410 Hwy 55 - Greenwood Commons Durham, NC

ing will put the spotlight on him and not the children. Massey says he is not interested in being a celebrity. Massey was sidelined from his boxing career by his instant popularity and constant partying. He then went on to own an

Where will ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

entertainment company which did a lot of concert promotions before he realized where his time and energy were needed most. For the 15-20 youths who attend the gym, the benefit of his and other trainers’ time is clear. Chad Goldston, Northern Durham High School junior, heard about the center three summers ago. He has been going five nights a week ever since. Dubbed “Little Holyfield” in a News and Observer article, Goldston was recently named a Golden Gloves champion in a Charleston, W.Va. tournament. Three other boys from the gym also won, but Chad is the only one considering turning professional any time soon. The younger boys simply enjoy the chance to fight without getting in trouble and don’t mind coming in every night. The boys say that their friends think it’s cool, and they like the chance to fight and learn from older boys. “It hurts, but I like it better than any other sport,” said Demauri Wellington, 11. Massey, a father of three children himself, said that boxing gives troubled youth a chance to correct behavioral difficulties and build confidence. He said it’s a blessing from God that things didn’t work out for him as a professional boxer. “If I had become successful I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. It was all about me before, but now the work I’m doing is much bigger than me.”

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College is full of tough questions. And summer break is no exception. Should you take summer courses to get ahead? Or, come home, get a job, and rest up for next fall? If your home is in or around Winston-Salem, the answer is both. At Winston-Salem State University, we offer a wide range of summer academic opportunities in teaching, I.T., health sciences, financial services and other courses that may count toward your degree. So, you can enjoy all the comforts of home over the summer and get ahead in college. Interested? Summer session classes start May 24th for the first summer session and July 5th for the second session. Call 336/750-2630 or email us at summersessions@wssu.edu to learn more.

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GASOLINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Thursday. “Every day this week there’s been a higher price than the day before,’’ said Elaine Beno, a spokeswoman for the Automobile Club of Southern California. Just last month, the government had projected that gasoline might average $2.10 a gallon in the summer but would dip below $2 in late 2005 and stay there for much of next year. But after that forecast was issued, the agency pumped up its oil price expectations for the period. The latest outlook renewed questions about the effect of costly fuel on families and the economy. For low-income households in particular, the choice increasingly is becoming: “Do I fill my gasoline tank or do I buy something else?’’ said Mark M. Zandi, chief economist at consulting firm Economy.com. Overall, the government report saw no short-term relief for motorists. Crude oil costs are clinging to exceptionally high levels in response to economic growth and other factors, and refiners have little capacity to boost summer supply. “We’re looking at a global crude market that is straining’’ to meet world demand, Guy Caruso, head of the Energy Information Administration, said in a briefing for reporters. U.S. crude oil prices shot up after the forecast but then plunged as investors focused on a report issued Wednesday that showed a sharp increase in U.S. gasoline production. Crude oil for May delivery fell $1.74, or 3.1%, to $54.11 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, marking a fourth consecutive day of losses.Average

Our challenge — fight AIDS

A motorist fills up her car at an Exxon station on Hwy. 55 JEREMY RUSSELL/Staff Photographer

U.S. gasoline prices are expected to peak at $2.35 a gallon in May, the traditional start of the heavy driving season, and then plateau at around $2.28 through the rest of the summer, 38 cents higher than last summer, the EIA said. “Similar high motor gasoline prices are expected through 2006,’’ the report stated without providing specifics. Summer diesel prices will average $2.24 a gallon, the report said. The gasoline price increases are driven by oil, which accounts for about half the cost of each gallon of gasoline. The EIA figures oil prices will remain above $50 a barrel for the rest of this year and 2006; a year ago today, oil was selling for $36.15.

Also, the International Monetary Fund said Thursday that high worldwide demand would keep oil supplies tight and could cause spikes as high as $100 a barrel, echoing a report last week by a Goldman Sachs analyst who predicted an oil price “super-spike’’ as high as $105 a barrel. Despite the surging pump prices, the government analysts predicted no retrenchment in gasoline demand. Rather, they said, motorists will slurp up 9.3 million barrels a day this summer, a 1.8 percent increase from last year. Reasons include a growing number of drivers, the proliferation of sports utility and other vehicles that guzzle gasoline and the assumption that many motorists will

take lengthy road trips, Caruso said. “Highway travel continues to steadily rise,’’ Caruso said. “It’s rising nearly every year.’’ Businesses cringed at the forecast amid scattered warning signs in the economy, including some hints of retail weakness and a growing willingness by automakers to offer discounts rather than sacrifice sales. “It’s frightening,’’ said Patty Senecal, vice president of Transport Express Inc., a trucking company based in Rancho Dominguez, Calif.. “It’s very difficult for any business when ... all of a sudden, you get hit with these surprises.’’ Times staff writer RongGong Lin II in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

illions have succumbed to it, millions are living with it and millions are scared to get tested. Songs about it have been sung, poems recited and books written. AIDS is part of this world and the fight GLOBAL against it continues. OUTLOOK To some, too much of the writing about AIDS is boring. All that has to be said about it is already out t h e r e , LOVEMORE some peoMASAKADZA ple say. Reading about AIDS may be dull, but it’s part of us and unless the world stands up and fights it, it will claim many beloved people. How refreshing and encouraging it was this week to read that a former United States president is fighting to save the lives of a legion of people. CNN reported that Bill Clinton announced Monday that his foundation is going to give $10 million to expand treatment of children with AIDS in developing countries. Clinton was quoted acknowledging the devastating effect of AIDS on children. While most people are good at giving statistics of deaths caused by the disease and not doing anything about it, Clinton has shown the way to go. According to a 2004 U.N. report on the AIDS epi-

demic, 2.2 million people died from AIDS in Africa in 2003 and about 25 million people were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2003. An estimated 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. The report estimated that 7.4 million people are living with HIV in Asia and 1.6 million in Latin America. Unless something is done, these numbers will continue to increase. Efforts like Clinton’s need to be commended for they show that there are people out there who are working to make life better for others. More still needs to be done to make people realize that the fight against AIDS has not been lost. Souls can still be saved. Some people need education on how to prevent the spread of the disease. Others need to learn how to live with the disease. Some also need to be educated on how to live with relatives with AIDS. The human race has proved time and again that it can conquer many diseases. One day AIDS will be conquered. While people wait for that day which is taking long to come, they need to join forces in fighting AIDS. Students have a role to play too. They may not have millions of dollars but they can start programs to help affected communities. AIDS continues to threaten the human race. Much still needs to be done to ensure the survival of many.

Students use Web site for rating teachers BY DAVE MANSELL THE NORTH WIND (N. MICHIGAN U.)

MARQUETTE, Mich. (U-Wire) — It’s a process that has become almost second nature to some students — get through a class, write a course evaluation and go home. Every student has participated in this semester-ending celebration of Scantron bubbles and No. 2 pencils, but few students have ever seen the results. RateMyProfessors.com is a Web site offering students a chance to anonymously share ratings and comments about teachers and courses. Because Northern Michigan University does not release evaluation results to the public, the site can serve as a tool for students looking for information about specific professors. The site features more than 3.2 million ratings of over 500,000 professors at

nearly 4,500 schools. To date, NMU students have used it to rate 437 professors, with an average rating of 3.75 on a 5.0 scale. The site gives each professor a basic score based on helpfulness and clarity. Students can also rate professors on easiness and hotness, but those are not included in the overall score. RateMyProfessors.com was created in 1999 by John Swapceinski when he was a student at San Jose State University. Swapceinski said he was inspired by a particularly nasty teacher. “Myself and a number of other people filed complaints, but they were ignored by the university because [the professor] had tenure,” he said. “I thought, There's got to be a way to warn people.” Swapceinski said many students use the site during registration. “A lot of students say it's

really improved their education and saved them a lot of grief,” he said. James Schiffer, head of NMU's English department, said the site should not be used as a gauge for student opinions. “It's the students who are either really enamored of a professor or really angry who are responding,” he said. “You don't find too many lukewarm responses.” Schiffer said he personally reads every comment that students write on course evaluations for English professors, and that the NMU results are often very different from those on RateMyProfessors. “I think anyone will tell you, students and faculty alike, that this is incredibly unscientific,” he said. “The responses are a small percentage of the students in a particular class, in almost every instance.”

Wally Niebauer, a public relations professor, said using the site to learn about professors is “like figuring out how people feel about a newspaper by reading the letters to the editor.” “The numbering system is so personal,” he said. “But the comments are really interesting. Even with just a few responses, you see a pattern.” Many NMU students have already visited and used the site. Carrie Usher, a senior technical communications major, said the site seemed accurate to her. “You can get a pretty good feel for the professor on just a few ratings,” she said. Lindsay Hilliard, the academic programmer for Gant Hall, said she told some of her advisees about RateMyProfessors. “I would tell them to check it out but to look at it as just something that people use to rant online, not as fact,” she

United Christian Campus Ministry

Student Leadership, Training and Development

525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus

“Committed to the belief that every student at N.C. Central University has leadership potential.”

said. Hilliard, a junior secondary education math and economics major, said she has rated professors on the site before. “I did one that was very favorable, and a couple that were not as favorable,” she said. “I think it could be useful to students who have never heard of a professor.” Comments left on the site by NMU students range anywhere from, “Thanks for being such a guiding light in my life,” to “If you like things that suck, go ahead and take this class.” Just like regular course evaluations, everything on the site is done anonymously. “I've been disturbed by some of the meanness in it,” Schiffer said. “Anyone can enter an evaluation, even if the student hasn't taken a particular course with this professor.” Niebauer said the student ratings on the site should

Division of Student Affairs

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

For more information or to get involved in Campus Ministries contact us at 530-5263 or e-mail us at mpage@nccu.edu

Student Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs is seeking students to take advantage of a one-week intensive leadership development program at the LeaderShape Institute in Champaign, Illinois from Tuesday, June 14 to Sunday, June 19, 2005. With the exception of a $50 registration fee, all expenses (airfare, registration, food, and lodging) will be paid by the university. No applications will be accepted without the registration fee.

Michael D. Page Campus Minister

focus more on teaching ability and less on personal attacks. “Don’t tell me I'm a lousy dresser and my jokes are bad,” he said. “I mean, I know that. If there’s really something to improve the course, though, I'd really appreciate it.” Swapceinski said the site guards against libelous comments, and he isn't concerned with criticism from professors. “Mostly I ignore it,” he said. “The site is not directed toward professors; it’s not meant to be a resource for them.” Schiffer believes NMU's existing course evaluations ensure a high quality of learning. “Most of us get our shares of bricks and bouquets,” he said. “If there are problems, the professors will usually address them. We try to be very fair.”

Interested students should complete the attached LeaderShape application and return it to: Peggy Watson Alexander, Student Leadership, Training and Development, Student Services Building, Suite 236. The application deadline is Friday, April 29 at noon. For more information, call: 530-7088

For more information regarding leadership programs or services, contact Mrs. Peggy Watson Alexander, director of Student Leadership, Training and Development, at 530-7088 or Ms. Renee Cadena, program advisor, at 530-7453

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Photos by Aaron Daye/Text by Dana Hart

any heads were gazing toward the clouds because it was overcast on April 2. Mother Nature definitely teased Readily Evolving Diabetes Awareness Teaching All People Enthusiastically (R.E.D.T.A.P.E.) participants with microscopic rain drops. But Nu Mu Sigma, the step team at Neal Middle School, set it out despite the weather on George St. at N.C. Central University. In conjunction with the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Nu Mu Sigma entertained the crowd with creative steps. The step team’s advisor, Pauletta Spence, NCCU alumna and former member of NCCU’s Alpha Lambda chapter, said the step team is a service organization that caters to the needs of the surrounding community. Other Nu Mu Sigma activities include stepping at area high schools and sponsoring fundraisers to “Increase the Peace at their school.”

Melody Fuller leads the Nu Mu Sigma steppers through the crowd on George Street.

Nu Mu Sigma sisters step into a full circle at an event to raise awareness of diabetes.

India Williams leads off a step as other members join in.

India Williams (front) and Kia Wedd (back) jump as the other members of Nu Mu Sigma clap between their legs as part of their step routine.

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Full Frame and VH1 bring Scorsese Annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival pays homage to Italian filmmakers BY CARLA AARON-LOPEZ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Thousands of moviegoers and film critics came to Durham to enjoy the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival April 710. Movie enthusiasts formed lines outside various downtown venues during the fourday event, waiting to view new documentaries scheduled for release this year. Many came in anticipation of the festival’s main event, a VH1-sponsored talk with Hollywood director, Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Gangs of New York, and The Aviator). Scorsese came to Durham to praise documentary filmmaking, speak upon film preservation and participate in a Full Frame tribute to Italian director Vittorio De Seta. De Seta documented “traditional” Italian life in Sicily and Sardinia during the 1950s. De Seta made nine short documentaries about Italy but won recognition for his unorthodox use of color and for the absence of voice-overs in his films. Scorsese said De Seta’s documentaries heavily influenced his own work in documentaries about music. “Ultimately there’s a truth and beauty in a documentary, but people, when they speak or move is a power I’m always trying to achieve in my dramatic films,” he said. “And that’s why I’m always kind of split between doing documentaries, usually music documentaries, and dramatic cinema.” Full Frame exhibited seven documentaries by De Seta in a presentation called

Martin Scorsese speaks passionately about the work of Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Seta and film preservation during the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival April 7-1 10. JOESPH COLEMAN/Staff Photographer

“Detour De Seta,” which showed him revisiting areas in Italy as well as few of his 1950s films. His return to these areas was sparked in part by the “radical and environmental changes” in Italy over the decades.

Scorsese spoke highly of De Seta and other Italian filmmakers. “I try to achieve the emotional effect that I see in a documentary in my dramatic films,” he said. “I tend to get more of a satisfaction out of documentary because it’s

not necessarily me directing with actors and frames, but it’s a compilation of images created over the years, edited by other people and edited together in a certain order.” In addition to bringing special guest Scorsese, VH1 showcased a short film from their documentary, “And You Don’t Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop.” The film covered the beginning of hiphop in the South Bronx, New York when the genre was just for house and block parties. Executive producer Brad Abramson was on hand to speak about his documentary and be a panelist during the Full Frame workshop on finding the right television broadcaster. “No one has ever done a complete, definitive hip-hop documentary, so VH1 was really eager to try something like that,” he said. “It’s the dominant youth culture of the world today. We did a five-hour documentary; this is the first hour, ‘Back in the Day,’ ”he said. Hours two through five cover hip-hop from its mainstream coverage to its new “bling-bling” status around the world. The Full Frame Festival is held every year in early April at the Carolina Theater in downtown Durham. The festival also provides workshops and discussions for up-and-coming documentarians to learn more about filmmaking or how to fund a documentary. Documentaries were made to document life, people, beauty and tragedy. Scorsese and VH1 were there; next time, let it be you.

Play revisits old days Harris production celebrates blues, friendship BY RONY CAMILLE ECHO STAFF WRITER

Just 14 days before a church congregation gets evicted, two individuals with similar pasts try to piece life together in order to find peace with God. The N.C. Central University department of theater production of Stories About the Old Days by Bill Harris takes the audience back to the 1970s to a church within a onceprominent Detroit neighborhood, now in a crumbling state. Johnny Alston,theatre department chair, plays Clayborn, a former blues guitar player who takes refuge at the church as custodian and never wants to wander out in the world again.

12345 1234 123 12 Garbage Diva.

Faith Evans

The First Lady Capitol Records

Local blues artist and NCCU Alumna Deneen Tatum plays Ivy, a parishioner who returns to the church after she loses her daughter to the “wild life.” In the first act, tensions mount among the main characters as Ivy stumbles into the church and finds Clayborn singing the blues in the “house of God.” But as the play slowly rolls on, the characters find mutual ground. Clayborn and Ivy reminisce about the old days when life was easier Slowly but surely the characters’ true natures come out as their pasts emerge and they are forced to deal with the imminent closure of the church. At times Clayborn’s monologues, though comical, went on too long, leav-

School might still be in session but radio stations in the Raleigh-Durham area are already playing presummer anthems that will keeping spinning until the next school year. Our top five pre-summer jams aren’t all dirty south. Nor are they from up north (i.e., New York City, Philly, DC and Chicago). Check out these heavyweights playing on the radios and internet streams near you: 1. “Wait (The Whisper Song)” Ying Yang Twins Who in the world told them to whisper over a dope track? The bass is killer and the whispering is genius. “Wait let me whisper in ya ear,” the Atlantaborn brothers say numerous times, reminding me of times I’ve been to parties

and the same thing happens: it’s a banger, don’t sleep too hard on this track. It’s strictly for grown people. 2. “Oh” Ciara featuring Ludacris - Now, I know I’ve already mentioned one Atlanta group but another won’t hurt. Ciara takes another Jazze Pha production with Ludacris breaking off a hot rhyme and I’m sure people everywhere will still break a sweat to it this summer. 3. “I’m A Hustler (Remix)” Cassidy featuring Mary J. Blige -Look, it’s my anthem and will be for a long time. I can’t wait to go to parties and see young men (and ladies) doing their version of the “hustler” dance every time this song hits speakers. I’m a lit-

tle shady about Swizz Beats sampling Jigga on tracks over and over again but Cassidy’s message, Mary’s voice and the initial production of the drums makes me change me mind. 4. “I Got Your Man” Lady Saw featuring Remy Ma of Terror Squad - When I heard it, I couldn’t help but to move. Lady Saw is the Jamaican queen of nasty, but this song I can tolerate and like. Remy Ma ripped her verse and Lady Saw took your man in the meantime. 5. “Slow Down” Bobby Valentino - This track is a sleeper creeper. It’s getting slept on but is slowly creeping into the audiowaves. His voice is great and the beat will make anyone sweat all day this summer.

Aretha Franklin Diana Ross Chaka Khan Whitney Houston (pre-Bobby) Mariah Carey (post-“Glitter”) a press release from Faith to the public as it addresses what’s been going down with her since we last heard from her. “Again” is an account of

out of on the 5 5 black hand side First Lady? I believe it. Faith Evans’ new album is a classic. Working with the likes of the Neptunes and Jermaine Dupri, the beats are smooth and kissed by the old school. For those of you looking for the old, industry-guided Faith, look on. She finally switched her game up. For everybody who was waiting for her to figure herself out and grow up, this one is for you. She’s the First Lady now and is conducting herself as such. This album is serving as

ing this reviewer wondering “How long until we have some interaction here?” A high point of the production were the special effects created by Brett Hargis’ lighting designing team. Tatum’s smoky blues vocals brought additional texture and vibe. The ghost of Clayborn’s lifelong friend Eddie, played by Juqurry Armstrong, added a mystical element to the play, as he watched over the growth of Clayborn and Ivy’s friendship and played harmonica blues. Although the play is low on action, it brings home a message:life is not a rehearsal. You must be prepared at all times to face the worst and move on.

her life and the declaration that everything is going be all right. She addresses every aspect of her life, from her marriage to her family and the infamous drug allegations. All you crazy girls out there dealing with male drama have a brand new album full of anthems like “I Don’t Need It” to sing

along to, off-key, while riding around with your other jilted girlfriends. Men, y’all might want to pick this one up. Faith is dropping some serious knowledge on tracks like “Stop N Go.” As far as competition goes, I admit I love Mariah, but I don’t think “The Emancipation of Mimi” (That title… whoa!) is going to hold up on the charts while the First Lady is in office. The charts are becoming “Grown and Sexy” and Faith will be there. You’ll be seeing Mariah at Broke College Thursdays. Faith Evans shows progress in her newest release, while “Mimi” is clearly behind as she is middle-aged and just now opting to “emancipate” herself. That’s my word. QC HoneyChild

Young? Are you or a loved one in trouble with Heroin Oxycontin, Percocet? The Duke Addictions Program is testing a new medication to help young people who can’t stop using drugs like Heroin, Oxycontin, or Percocet. If you are 14 to 21 and would like to stop using narcotics but can’t do it on your own, you may be eligible. If you are eligible for our research study, the medication and counseling will be free. For more information contact Karen McCain at 919-668-2198 or e-mail mccai003@mc.duke.edu, or visit http://dukehealth.org

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Classified Advertising Summer Day Camp Counselors Needed!

Child development graduates

Millbrook Exchange Park, a Raleigh Parks and Recreation Community Center, is seeking applicants for its Summer Day Camp programs. We are looking for applicants that have experience in the following areas: child supervision, arts & crafts, athletics, music, and games. Camp runs from May 31st thru August 19st. Camps hours are from 7:30 am- 6 pm. Staff normally works a 25-44 hour a week. For more information please call 872-4156.

Work Hard, Play Hard, Change Lives!

Summer Storage Special $10 OFF first full month rent with NCCU ID

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WANT TO EARN $35? Be part of the new GRE Redesign.

We are recruiting students to participate in a pilot study for the new GRE Redesign Verbal Assessment.

• Every student that completes the test will receive $35 •Two hour ETS computer-based test • Through May 6, 2005 • No scores reported back to you or your school

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Call 919 530 7490 or 919 530 7367

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2005

Team unity lifts Eagles SOFTBALL TURNS SEASON AROUND AND VIES FOR DIVISION TITLE

Fútbol looks for support Soccer team seeks recognition BY JEREMY RUSSSELL ECHO STAFF WRITER

Latisha Judd slides into first base in the Lady Eagles’ double header victory over Bowie State Sunday. CHRISTOPHER WOOTEN/Staff Photographer

BY SASHA VANN ECHO STAFF WRITER

A decisive softball double header fell in N.C. Central University’s favor as the Lady Eagles knocked Fayetteville State’s Lady Broncos out of the running for first place in the Western Division. Patience and connectivity were the strengths for the Lady Eagles as Clarisse Steans broke a school record with her 16th victory of the season and her 31st career victory, striking out eight Lady Broncos for an 82 win in the first game.

“She’s Miss Everything,” head coach Larry Keen said. “She works hard and the best thing is that she is an honor student and a physics major. She’s tough.” Kendra Tedder led in hits with a double run and an RBI. In the second game, the Lady Eagles rallied from being down three runs to battle for an 11-10 victory. Shenika Worthy led NCCU; she was 3 of 5 from the plate with two doubles, a triple, four RBIs and a run scored late in the game. “We had confidence,”

said Worthy, instructional technology graduate student. “With that, you can pretty much do whatever you want.” The Lady Eagles also managed to turn a losing season into a successful one, making a spectacular comeback. On March 13, NCCU was 2-15.Their last 17 contests ended in a much-needed victory, pulling them out of a rut. “Everybody has decided to come together and play as a team,” Keen said. “The only way you can win is if you play as a team.” The Lady Eagles also

hosted Bowie State University Sunday in a double header. NCCU won both contests against the Lady Bulldogs, 9-1 and 18-0. Tedder and Worthy both hit in-the-park home runs. “Everyone is coming around and playing,” Keen said. “Kendra is really hitting the ball like I knew she could and Shenika is the piece that helps solidify our infield.” The Lady Eagles are currently 19-16 overall and 6-0 in the conference. They play Winston Salem State and Livingstone College April 16 and 17.

Minorities fit in just fine

Olayemi Olagoke laced up his tattered red and black chin guards and pulled up his knee socks as he prepared for practice at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. He’s not getting ready for football but fútbol, known as soccer in the U.S. Olagoke is one of the team members of N.C. Central University’s soccer club. The club, however, is not recognized as a university sport. Soccer is not offered as a CIAA conference sport and most black colleges do not have soccer teams. All of the teams’ equipment is provided by the players, who play their games in NCCU t-shirts. They use remnants of football equipment as makeshift goals for practice. “These boys are good at utilizing what they have and they are some good soccer players,” club coach Patrick Todd said. Todd, who directs the evening and weekend studies program, is the team’s coach and has 30 years of coaching soccer under his cleats. About 40 students signed up to play with the soccer club, which was launched last year. Due to conflicting schedules, only about 20 team members come for games. The team is made up of male and female students. The soccer club has played other soccer organizations from Duke University and Louisburg College. The students are serious about their sport and have a lot of heart regardless of the support they receive from

the University. “This school does not care or do anything for our soccer team,” student Winston Vickers said. “I used to play so the school would get recognition. Now I just play for the love of the game.” The team practices three days a week and works hard like all of NCCU’s athletic teams. That’s because soccer is a combination of various sports. “Soccer involves all of the sports combined into one,” Olagoke said. “It has the technical aspect of basketball. It takes the endurance of football and you must be able to run like a track star.” Club members believe that if the student body rallied behind them more, it would be positive for the team and the University. “We need support,” Onyema Ezeh said. “We are academic scholars just trying to bring more school spirit to Central by doing something that we like.” “It is hard to do this when no one, not even the school supports us,” he said. Todd said the University is working well with NCCU’s soccer club. “The athletic department is doing all right with us,” Todd said. “Everyone has been supportive of the soccer club and they want to see them succeed.” NCCU will play soccer clubs from Durham Tech April 15 and UNC-Chapel Hill April 22 at NCCU. “We have two games coming up that we really want Central to push for us,” Todd said. “We want people to become more knowledgeable of this sport.”

White, Brazilian athletes speak out about being ‘different’ BY SHEENA JOHNSON ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

On Feb. 22 when N.C. Central University took the basketball court to face their arch rival Winston Salem State, one Eagle was different from the others. Not because of his athletic ability or by the way he played, but merely because of the way he looked. “Some of the guys on the team call me White Chocolate or the Professor,” said Will Price, business administration freshman. “Everyone else just calls me the white boy on the team.” The 12 minority athletes on campus constitute six percent of the 200 student athletes at NCCU. There are 7,727 students enrolled at the University. Price said attending a historically black university is “not that much different from attending any other college.”

Will Price, the only non-b black member of the men’s basketball team, said he is comfortable attending an HBCU. ECHO FILE PHOTO

“I never really thought that much about it,” he said. Price, who joined the Eagles last year, attended a predominately black high school and played high school and AAU basketball on teams that were mostly

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black, so attending an HBCU was not a difficult transition. “If anything, it helped me relate,” Price said of his childhood. “I knew a lot of people down here, so I was very comfortable.”

For Patricia Rodrigues, business marketing senior, stepping onto NCCU’s campus for the first time was a culture shock. “It was my first time going to a majority black school, and I wasn’t sure if people would accept me,” Rodrigues said. “The culture is a lot different where I am from.” A native of Brazil, Rodrigues is a member of the women’s volleyball team. “I enjoy it,” Rodrigues said about her HBCU experience. “Everybody treats me so well and I’ve kind of become popular because everyone asks me questions about Brazil.” For both Price and Rodrigues, the color of their skin has taken a back seat to something more important than their athletic careers. “I came here so I could play volleyball but my education is my main focus,” Rodrigues said.

Akan Ekenem and Onyema Ezeh warm up before NCCU’s soccer club practice. JEREMY RUSSELL/Staff Photographer

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O R T H

Opinions A R O L I N A

E N TR A L

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2005

IVER SITY

A friend ‘til the end F

riendship is often viewed as a bond that ties and brings people together. A friendship can consist of a group of people, or it can be composed of an intimacy between two people. Whatever the arrangement, friendship is very important. Imagine the Shelbia feeling of relief when Brown you’ve been burdened for days, weeks or even months about a certain situation that was deeply affecting you, and a friend lends a listening ear. If this has happened to you, did you not feel better knowing that there was someone that you could depend on? I’m not talking about one of

those herepointed. today-goneI felt tomorrow type betrayed No one is perfect, and of friends, but a because my true friend. friend did not everyone has flaws. I’m sure we come to me But leaving a friend, all understand long ago and especially during a the qualities tell me. that a true Even though time of adversity friend possesses. she told me displays weakness A real friend that she was in my eyes. is loyal, faithful just going and committed through a to friendship. phase, I was Do you view yourself as a still confused as to whether I true friend? should remain her friend or If so, how would you react to terminate our friendship. a friend telling you that he or I had to deal with the she is homosexual? rumors and defend my friend’s Being raised in church all of sexuality the best way that I my life and holding steadfastly could. I shortly realized that I to the principles of was losing the battle. Christianity, I was always My friend was gay and that taught and believed that homowas a personal decision that sexuality is a no-no. So when a only she could make. Although close friend of mine told me I did not agree with the acts of she was homosexual, I was homosexuality in which my shocked and confused. friend had chosen to engage, I But most of all I was disapknew that I would not have

been able to call myself a real friend if I had dismissed her. Instead I supported her as a person and I remained faithful to the bond we had formed. I truly cared about my friend then, and I still care about her today. Many people are confused as to how they should deal with a situation like this. If not homosexuality, there may be something else that your friend participates in that you don’t necessarily care for. One may ask, “What do I do?” As stated before, a true friend will stick around no matter what. No one is perfect and everyone has flaws. But leaving a friend, especially during a time of adversity displays weakness in my eyes. I can’t tell you exactly how to react in a situation like that. But think on this- how would you want to be treated?

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: How would you feel if your best friend kept an important secret? “I wouldn’t look at her any differently than before.” – Amanda Hurst

The reality of growing up

t was like a light bulb turned on over my head. I suddenly realized that I was an adult. I don’t recall when it happened, and I sure didn’t ask for it, but here I am--grown up. I’ve got bills, student loans, and a caffeine habit to prove it. In between my class schedule, my parttime job and my precious hours of Asha sleep, I hardStutton ly find time to chill or spend time with friends. Which basically was why my friends were surprised to see me when I arrived at Ruby Tuesday’s. We hadn’t seen each

together as a group for two bringing her down. Her eating years. disorder had returned and she Some of my friends had marfelt less self-confident now than ried and had ever before. kids, some had Next, I spoke to bought aparta friend who had ments, others been going I am an adult now; were in college. through a low my life is relatively As the night point in her fourwent on and year relationship. simple. I can’t say shots of “Grey Last time I saw my life is perfect, Goose” went her she told me but I am content. down, reticence her boyfriend’s began to fade. substance abuse I caught up and partying with each friend, one at a time. were wearing on her soul. She When I asked one about the was proud of herself for leaving house that she and her him. But she went right back. boyfriend had bought, she told I didn’t press for reasons. I me she felt like she was trapped switched the topic by complainin the relationship. ing about my daily commute to She also felt like she couldn’t school. get away on her days off to blow The next friend had moved to off steam. My friend said the another town and seemed to pressures of a mortgage payhave it all. But looks deceived ment and a full-time job were me as she was not truly happy.

After the reunion and hours of shared memories, I decided to go back home. As I reached my car, it dawned on me that even though I am an adult now; my life is relatively simple. I can’t say that my life is perfect, but I am content. I enjoy my own company and I love my everyday life. Nearing the end of my drive home, I thought about my reasons for working toward a college degree. I asked myself, “Is it for knowledge? Or the wealth? Or for the hope that I will find happiness in the career I choose?” I am not at school because my mom forced me. I am here because I want to be here. My youth is slipping, but unlike my friends, I am not rushing toward retirement. I’m savoring my life.

“Even though it’s a deep secret, I would respect them for who they are.” – AndRea Justice

“My friend is my friend always, but I will tell them about the situation whether right or wrong.” —Rhonda Bradley

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Letters

Campus Echo

An Eagle mother sounds off about parking, faculty quality April 12, 2005 Dear Campus Echo,

Lovemore Masakadza Deneesha Edwards Carla Aaron-LLopez Sheena Johnson Kalen Davis Tiffany Kelly Aaron Daye Rony Camille Joanna Hernandez Joseph Coleman Dana Hart Carolyn McGill Jasmine Crowe LaKela Atkinson Takella Baldwin Courtnee Rascoe Christina Garrett Jessica Parker Jshontista Vann Julius Jones Ihuoma Ezeh Kristen Hunter Marcus Smith Tiana Robinson Stephanie Carr Roderick Heath Leonard Jackson Samantha Draughn Stacey Hardin

Editor-iin-C Chief Assistant Editor A & E Editor Sports Editor Opinions Editor/Cartoonist Online Editor Photography Editor Operations-W Web Manager/Reporter Campus Page Editor/Reporter Assistant Photo Editor Copy Editor Staff Reporter/Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Staff Reporter/Copy Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Business Operations Business Operations

Faculty Adviser - Dr. Bruce dePyssler Alumni Advisers - Mike Williams, Saria Canady

Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be less than 450 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 Fall 2004 Publication dates: 9/8, 9/22, 10/6, 10/27, 11/17, 12/1 Spring 2005 Publication dates: 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 4/6, 4/27 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved Room 319, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

Campus Echo Online campusecho.com

So when do the protests start from Central students about the shameful situation about lack of parking on campus? The N&O reported in March that there are 8,000 undergraduate students on campus and only 2,880 parking spaces. My daughter lives off campus, NEVER skips class (she's taking 18 hours) and has to park on campus to attend class five days a week. She pays $150 a year to park, but has received $60 in parking fines (that’s two at $30 a pop). Rules and regulations tell us that one more ticket this year will result in a fine and being towed! Why is she being fined to park when there is often no parking available? When she has classes early in the morning, she finds a place, but this semester her first MWF class starts after lunch and parking is a challenge. There is something terribly wrong with the system. How about a satellite parking lot with shuttle buses? Or, cynically, Central can just continue to ignore the problem as long as the University has this great cash cow at its feet. Can the Echo look into how many tickets, and how much money has been generated at the expense of students just trying to get to class? On another subject, any students who are interested in putting up your thoughts on your feelings for NCCU for all the world to read, may I suggest you do so because right now Central needs some positive student reviews posted here. I will encourage my daughter to put up her thoughts, I think she mostly likes all of the students, but the quality of teachers she has had ranges from quite good to bordering schizophrenic. Check it out: studentreviews.com A loving NCCU mother, (I squawk because I care) Sioux Watson