December 5, 2007 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

DECEMBER 5, 2007

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VOLUME 99, ISSUE 6 919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

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Photo Feature

Good sounds: The Operatorio Ensemble performed “The Ballad of the Brown King”

She gave the gift of life — a kidney for her kid sister Chrystal

There’s a big debate about it: To snitch or not to snitch?

Message tees are the new thing, and one former NCCU student is setting a new standard

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Campus Echo Hope returning to Baghdad BY LEILA FADEL MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

BAGHDAD — Taking advantage of a dramatic drop in car bombings and sectarian murders, Baghdad residents are once again venturing out to local markets and restaurants after dark in many parts of the city. They’re celebrating weddings and birthdays in public places and eating grilled carp on the Tigris River late

into the night. A local television station has begun a feature called “Baghdad Nights,” showing the capital’s residents shopping, eating and socializing after the sun has set _ a sight that until recently was unheard of in most neighborhoods. In Mansour, in central Baghdad, eight young brides, dripping in new gold given to them by their grooms, visited Tanya’s hair

120 hour hurdle

salon this week. Just two months ago, the shop was lucky to get one bride a month. “Before there used to be no merrymaking for the bride,” said Suad, a young hairdresser who would only give her first name for safety reasons. “Now they are coming again.” As Baghdad has changed, even security barriers have had a makeover, incorporated, if that’s possible, into the

urban landscape. Over the past six months, artists have painted them with depictions of Iraqi life, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and fantasy pictures of peaceful scenes. But Baghdad residents are skeptical that their new freedom will last. “It’s in the hands of God now,” said Umm Fatma,

A newly opened park on Abu Nawas street along the Tigris River.

n See BAGHDAD Page 5

LEILA FADEL/MCT

NCCU JAZZ, VOCAL ENSEMBLES|ON THE ROAD TO CANADA

Service hours a final barrier BY AKILAH MCMULLAN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

You’ve ordered your cap and gown, taken your senior pictures, mailed out your invitations and notified your parents. Finally, after all the blood, sweat and cramming, you are ready to walk and make your parents proud. But what happens when you haven’t completed your 120 community service hours? Tell your parents they may need to cancel that hotel reservation because N.C. Central University requires that all students complete at least 15 hours of community service per semester enrolled in order to graduate. According to the community service department, 30 percent of December graduating hopefuls is missing

n See SERVICE Page 2

Bodies for hire Pharma tests bring income BY TECCARA CARMACK ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Study, study, study! When N.C. Central University students hear the word “study,” their first thoughts may be history dates, mathematical equations or Science Odyssey homework. However, the word now evokes a different kind of thought: mean, green cash. Many college students are becoming the subjects of pharmaceutical clinical trials to bring in extra money. As the semester progresses and refund money dwindles, students are looking for a way to make money while staying focused on school.

n See PHARMA Page 3

The NCCU Jazz and Vocal ensembles will attend the IAJE Conference in Toronto, Canada in January. SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Staff Photographer

STUDENTS TO ATTEND INT’L CONFERENCE BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ra Wiggins, director of jazz studies at N. C. Central University, said students seldom get the opportunity to work alongside jazz pioneers like Quincy Jones, Nancy Wilson and Herbie Hancock.

But next month, 35 vocal and jazz ensemble students will travel to Toronto, Canada to attend the IAJE, the International Association for Jazz Educators, where they will engage in workshops with some

of the jazz industry’s biggest names. “They get to see first hand what it’s like to perform at that level,” Wiggins said. In its 35th year, the IAJE is a highly selective conference

that attracts more than 7,000 students and jazz instructors from across the world. This year the conference will run January 9-13; students

Jazz ensemble members practice Monday afternoon during sectionals. SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Staff Photographer

n See IAJE Page 2

Eagles bring World AIDS Day to the yard BY SADE THOMPSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The N. C. Central University Miller-Morgan Health Science Building swarmed with eager students, volunteers and AIDS survivors, last Saturday, all promoting awareness of a 25-year-old killer. World AIDS Day, observed every Dec. 1, was established by the World Health Organization in 1998. The event’s purpose is to serve AIDS victims and to raise awareness about the continuing epidemic. For the second year in a row World AIDS Day was marked at NCCU with a march, performances and testimonials. “The turnout of the community becomes greater because of a grow-

ing acceptance of being aware and the willingness we have to fight,” said Sebastian Battle, an HIV program advocate and a staff member of Durham’s Early Intervention Clinic. Marchers flowed from Nelson St. eastbound to Fayetteville St., shouting, “Fight AIDS, not the people with AIDS.” Activities then shifted inside where health facilitators, including the staff of Durham County Health Center, provided information and answered questions. Then everyone gathered in the auditorium for a selection of testimonials. Rebecca Hall of WTVD hosted,

Riverside High School marchers extend a banner in honor of World AIDS Day.

n See AIDS Page 2

DOMINIQUE HOLIDAY/Echo Staff Photographer

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IAJE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

NCCU English instructor Alfredia Collins in her home recovering from a three-hour surgery in which she donated a kidney to her sister Chrystal Hunter, pictured on the right. MITCHELL WEBSON/Echo Staff Photographer

A gift of life English instructor makes selfless donation BY GABI CLAY-WHITE ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

You may have seen her strolling down the halls of the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. You may have been a student in one of her English classes. But I bet you didn’t know that she recently donated a kidney to her younger sister. Along with her many accomplishments in life, Alfredia Collins is now one of the few AfricanAmerican kidney donors. According to mdeda.org, 12 percent of the U.S. population is AfricanAmerican, while the 2005 kidney transplant waiting list is 35 percent African American. Collins, who grew up in Raleigh, is the second of four children. She has one older brother, Alfred Hunter, a younger brother, Lacy Harris, and a younger sister, Chrystal Hunter. Like the average family, they did not always get along. “My sister didn’t want to hang out with me,” said Chrystal Hunter. “I was more of a nuisance.” After Hunter moved to California in 1996 to research multiculturalism for the University of Connecticut, the sisters became closer. They talked more because they didn’t see each other as much. At 28, Hunter was diagnosed with an immune system disorder called Sarcoidosis. Although the disease caused her to go through such complications as chronic coughing and aching joints, Hunter kept

her faith in God. “No matter what I’ve been through, I’m positive,” said Hunter. “Whatever reason I’m going through this is because it’s His plan.” Like her sister, Collins was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in 2001. Although both sisters suffered from this condition, Hunter’s body was more receptive to the effects of the disease. In 2003, Hunter discovered that she needed a kidney transplant. After spending a year on the waiting list, Hunter’s friend was approved as Hunter’s kidney donor. Yet because of complications, the transplant was not successful. “I was really disappointed,” said Hunter. “But I knew it wasn’t supposed to be.” In the fall of 2006, Collins contacted her sister to ask about donating a kidney, but Hunter was aware that her sister could face similar problems in the future. “I was saddened that Chrystal didn’t ask for my help,” said Collins. “I felt that a donation is something that family should do. I wanted my sister to know it was something I was willing to do.” “Knowing our family history, I knew if something happened to her I would feel responsible,” said Hunter. “But she insisted.” Collins was tested as a kidney donor at the Duke University Medical Center. Since her sister lives in San Diego, Collins had to use Duke as a means of transporting medical results to California. After a year of testing, Collins flew to San Diego

in August for the surgery. “I was nervous and fearful,” she said. “But because my sister’s breathing levels were low, the doctors cancelled the surgery. “I didn’t even read the information about the operation because I was so scared,” she said. On Oct. 21, Collins took leave from N. C. Central University and flew to California again. This time, her mindset was on a different level. “The second time, I knew everything was right and perfect. I told God, ‘Thank you for what you’re going to do’,” said Collins. Collins said the doctors made four small incisions that were three to four inches long during the three-hour operation. After the kidney was removed, the surgeons rolled Hunter in and transplanted the kidney. Today, Hunter is doing well with her new kidney. Even after doctors thought Hunter’s body was rejecting the kidney, the two sisters remained positive. “It’s funny because during that time, Chrystal would call me and say, ‘You need to talk to your kidney and let her know it will be all right’,” said Collins. The sisters agree that this experience has brought them closer. “I know that since I have the same disorder, if the situation was reversed, Chrystal would do the same for me,” said Collins. “We had a saying before we went into surgery where we put up our fists simultaneously and say, ‘Wonder Powers Activate’,” said Hunter. “This was our way to say we have power over this.”

New course: ‘wide front porch’ on South’s past BY CANDICE MITCHELL ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Duke, UNC–Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central universities have collaborated to offer a course, “The South in Black and White: Southern History, Culture, and Politics in the 20th Century,” in spring 2008. Tim Tyson, author of “Blood Done Sign My Name,” a memoir that examines the civil rights struggle in the South, will teach the course. Tyson is senior scholar at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University and visiting professor of American christianity and Southern culture at Duke Divinity School. “A culture that creates spirituals, gospel, jazz, literature and art counts as a historical force,” Tyson said. “This course is an effort to have an honest confrontation

with our history. Not the way we wish it was, but the way it actually is,” he said. The class will include elements of history and culture in spirituals, gospel, and rock-and-roll; civil rights photography; literature; and historical and autobiographical writing. “Spirituals and blues are just as rich as Shakespeare and deserve just as much analysis and appreciation,” said Tyson. The idea of this course, Tyson said, is for students to leave with some common historic ground of the black freedom struggle. The course’s location at the Hayti Heritage Center is significant to its historical context. Once referred to as Saint Joseph’s AME Church, the Hayti was important in the black freedom movement. The center currently

reflects the preservation of African American culture and history. Carlton Wilson, chair of the history department, believes that all people will benefit from the course. “It will be a very enlightening experience,” said Wilson. He said the subject matter will help students develop a better understanding of Southern culture from different perspectives. The elements included in the course — musical presentations, guest speakers and class discussions — brings alive the notion of the African American in the South, Wilson said, . The course will be held on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Registration can be completed on Banner Online. For more information contact Carlton Wilson at (919) 530-6271.

will attend workshops to help them understand and appreciate their craft, while learning from jazz instructors, professionals and other students. Other workshops will cover history, jazz performance and surviving on the road. Students will perform in mini-concert sessions throughout the conference as well as attend panel discussions with professionals. At night, the best-known big bands will perform. Jazz studies and music education senior Marc Davis said this is not his first time going to Toronto. He said he is expecting a lot from the conference. “I hope to go and have a good time,” said Davis. “It’s an international stage, so we really have to do our part to play well.” Davis has been playing guitar with the ensemble for the last five years. He said he has been playing since he was 14 years old and said the ensemble has positively influenced his playing. To attend the conference, each individual — even if applying as a group — must submit a 20-minute tape of either a vocal or an instrumental performance. The conference is so competitive that students are only allowed to try out once every two years. Once the students are selected, their registration fee, along with all workshops and concerts, is covered. But students still must pay for their own airfare, lodging, food and other expenses. Wiggins said the trip could cost close to $1,400 per student. “We are doing fundrais-

The NCCU Vocal Ensemble belts out tunes to prepare for the IAJE conference in January. BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

ers and getting funds from corporate sponsors, but the school will pay a portion of it for the students,” Wiggins said. According to Wiggins, NCCU is the first HBCU in North Carolina to be selected to attend the conference and the second university in the state. East Carolina University was the first. Wiggins came to NCCU in 1986 when the jazz studies program was in its infancy. “So few HBCUs are selected to compete in it,” Wiggins said. “You are competing with students from across the world,” he said. “A lot of major colleges across the world have jazz programs that are growing.” Wiggins said that jazz has deep roots in AfricanAmerica culture. “We’re trying to make sure this music has a special place in HBCUs,” he said. Students have to audition to participate in the University’s jazz and vocal ensembles. Auditions are held at the

beginning of every school year. Students who made the ensemble the previous year are still required to re-audition for a position. “It keeps the process fair and competitive, and it keeps the students practicing over the summer,” Wiggins said. He said he hopes students regard the conference as an opportunity to meet others who are passionate about jazz. “It inspires you to get a little more serious and study harder because they are the people you will be competing with in the future,” Wiggins said. “It’s a good opportunity, and I’m blessed to have this chance,” said music education and liberal arts sophomore Chassity Nobles. Nobles has been singing with the vocal ensemble for two years; she said she is looking forward to the networking possibilities the conference will bring. “It’s a way to show that NCCU is just as good as any other school,” said Nobles.

AIDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 introducing John Paul Womble, a 15-year survivor of AIDS who opened up and shared his experience. “As I stand here tonight, there are one million more people infected with HIV in the world than at this time last year,” Womble said. HIV infection continues to climb among women, racial and ethnic minorities, young homosexual men, and people over 50 years of age. To date, HIV/AIDS has killed more than half a million people in the United States, 8,858 of whom were North Carolinians, Womble said. Dr. Sharon ElliottBynum of CAARE, Case Management for Addiction and AIDS through Referrals/Resources and Education, INC. discussed African American women’s fight against AIDS. As of 2006, 66 percent of

of AIDS infected women in Durham County are African American, explained Elliott-Bynum. “Today, one-fourth of the new HIV/AIDS cases belong to women,” she said. Womble said that over 25 million people have died from HIV/AIDS across the globe. Two years ago marked the 25th anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS. Durham County has set a goal for the year of 2010 to reduce the infections of HIV/AIDS by ten percent. “This was a great turnout because of those that volunteered,” said Sha’Niece Simmons, a family and consumer sciences senior and president of Project Safe. Womble’s words fit the meaning of the event best: “…. Reach out-do not shy away, live — do not die, and lead — do not follow.”

AIDS & AFRICAN AMERICANS

n An estimated 211,559 U.S. blacks with AIDS have died.

n Rate of AIDS diagnosis for black adults and adolescents is 10 times the rate of whites.

n Rate of AIDS for black women is nearly 23 times the rate for white women. n 185,988 blacks live with AIDS in the U.S., accounting for 44% of all AIDS cases. n Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population, but account for 49% of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. n The primary transmission category for black men is sexual contact with other men. n The primary transmission category for black women is high-risk heterosexual contact. Source: “HIV/AIDS among African Americans” (2005), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SERVICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 their service hours. Ruby Messick, assistant director of community service, says students are coming up short. “Some have legitimate reasons, but some students come to our office with all sorts of reasons why they can’t do it,” said Messick. Messick said she can relate to students who have extenuating circumstances because she too was faced with problems when she attended NCCU as an undergraduate. “I had five children, worked two jobs and went to school part-time. Plus, I had a small business. I truly do understand, but it’s possible.” Tinisha Wharton, criminal justice senior, plans to

graduate in May, but she needs to fill 100 hours of community service. “I have senior practicum hours that will count as community service and I plan to complete those.” Wharton said she had a lot on her plate this semester. “I’m a full-time student, work two jobs plus work study and I just didn’t have time,” Wharton said. Messick said teachers should include community service in their curriculum to help students. Benjamin Newhouse, professor of accounting, agrees that community service in the classroom would help. “If we can apply what we teach in the classroom ...

then every student would be better off,” said Newhouse. John Barrow, mass communication senior, said he agrees that classroom requirements of service would help students stay on track. “It’s so much more difficult if you stay off campus,” he said. “Community service is an opportunity for students to build their resumes and gain experience. It’s a requirement of the University and [students] are not unaware of what the requirement is,” said Messick. “There’s no deadline for clearance, but they will not graduate if they have not completed community service.”

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

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Student fees hot topic Fees likely to increase

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SADE THOMPSON/Echo Staff Photographer

BY LARISHA STONE ECHO STAFF WRITER

Students, faculty and staff gathered Nov. 26 in the A.E. Student Union lobby for the first of two town hall meetings to discuss proposed student fee increases at N.C. Central University. Provost Beverly Jones and Chancellor Charlie Nelms detailed potential fee increases in education technology, athletics and student activities. The plan also proposes a 15 percent increase in the housing fee and a new debt service fee of $120 to be used for campus repairs. “Education is expensive,” Nelms said. “Ignorance is even more expensive. You have to be willing to make an investment if you expect a return on the quality of your experience.” Under the proposal, the education technology fee would increase by $17, from $315 per student to $332 per student. The athletics fee would go from $465 to $540, a $75 increase. The student activities fee would increase by $123, from $328 to $451. For now, tuition will not increase. The University cannot increase tuition under UNC System policy. “We’ve maxed out,” said Jones. Some students attending the sessions said fee increases are a reality that they are prepared to deal with if it means improvements in campus safety, physical, fiscal and administrative infrastructure, and campus aesthetics. But others worry that ris-

ing costs may put college out of reach. “Students may not be able to keep up with the costs to come here,” said Bridgette Holmes, SGA director of university relations. The proposed educational technology fee increase would introduce a laptop loaner program in the Shepherd Library, in order to allow students to move around the library to study and do research. The library also would extend its hours during final exam periods. Nelms said athletic fee increases “would enhance academic support for student-athletes, boost support for athletics operations and recruitment, and increase student-athlete.” The proposed activities fee increase would expand career services for all students and provide support for commuter and transfer students. Jones said the increase also would strengthen campus security and provide enhanced access and support for student activities, leadership development and domestic and international engagement. The proposed housing fee increase would “improve quality of residential life through better staffing, service, and programs,” Nelms said. The debt service fee would go toward repairing the heating and cooling system in the Student Union, improving signage, lighting and landscaping, and repairing sidewalks. Nelms said this fee would help renovate the L.T. Walker Complex, which, he said, “is in terrible condition.”

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Are crime witnesses now being looked upon with disdain? BY GEANICE GEE To snitch or not to snitch — that is the question. For a while now, the slogan “stop snitching” has been circulating through the hip hop community and N.C. Central University. “In most communities, a person who sees a murder and helps the police put the killer behind bars is called a witness, but in many inner-city neighborhoods in this country that person is called a “‘snitch’” (CBS). On April 22, 2007, Cam’ron, a rapper, did an exclusive interview with Anderson Cooper, on the CBS news show “60 Minutes.” “If I knew the serial killer was living next door to me? No, I wouldn’t call and tell anybody on him,” Cam’ron said. “But I’d probably move… But I’m not gonna call and be like, you know, ‘The serial killer’s in 4E.”’ After the story aired, Cam’ron was criticized for this statement. In August the story was updated and Cam’ron apologized for his error in judgment. Students from NCCU expressed outraged at Cam’ron’s original statement. Freshman David Ingram said, “I feel that it’s an ignorant stereotype because

when you think of the slogan ‘stop snitching,’ you think of the black race.” Ingram said there is a logical reason for Cam’ron and others to feel that snitching is forbidden no matter what the situation. “Some people, like rappers, try to live by the slogan because of how and where they were raised,” he said. Freshman James Lewis said the slogan “stop snitching” means to stay out of business that is none of your concern. “If there’s a serial killer living next door to you, you should call the police, but at the same time don’t risk your life for something that’s not worth it,” said Lewis. Lewis does not live by the motto and feels that some black people like to take things to the extreme. “They try to mimic a lifestyle that does not suit them or isn’t forced upon them,” he said. Crystal Crump, mass communication junior, said honesty is the best policy. “I’ve never had to snitch on anyone before, but if it means saving someone’s life I would.” Crump said it was unnecessary for Cam’ron to go on national television and discuss the matter. “It doesn’t seem right to talk about this situation on television because it’s been covered so much, why keep

the topic alive?” Another celebrity unwilling to snitch includes the rapper Lil’ Kim. According to MSNBC News, On March 17, 2005, “Lil’ Kim was convicted of three counts of perjury and one of conspiracy, but acquitted of obstruction of justice.” Lil’ Kim was convicted because she lied to the federal grand jury to protect friends who committed a crime. “I really don’t know if I would lie to the grand jury for a friend” said Lewis. Although sentenced to a year and a day in prison, Lil’ Kim was released in July 2006 after having served ten months. Some NCCU students say Lil’ Kim got off easy. “In the past and present, celebrities get more privileges than the average person,” said Crump. Crump says she feels no empathy for people like Lil’ Kim or Cam’ron. “Lil’ Kim lied and she should have got the sentence that she deserved,” said Crump. “Cam’ron has the right to freedom of speech, even though everyone may not share his views.” On Oct. 25, Nicky Barnes, a former Harlem, New York drug dealer who was one of the biggest heroin dealers of New York, did an inter-

view with Mark Jacobson, a writer for the New York Guide. In this interview, Barnes spoke about Cam’ron’s “60 Minutes” interview. “I saw this show on CNN, with Anderson Cooper. Cats were talking about ‘Don’t snitch, no matter what happens.’ Well, I can’t see how a guy can be considered strong if he lets a bunch of assholes walk all over him and he doesn’t respond, just because of some code that a bunch of idiots have cooked up. “Anderson Cooper asked this rapper, ‘Suppose a child was molested and you knew who this molester was. Would you tell the police?’ He said, ‘No.’ So that’s what I’m sayin’—the street guidelines are just moron bulls***.” Nicky Barnes, an American gangster, told the New York Guide that he did snitch. He said, “When I realized they left me on the battlefield to die, I said, “F*** it!” … I said, ‘I’ll pull those m***f***s in, let them see what it’s like.’ I would rather be out here in the witness program than to be in jail with them. Why would I wanna be in there with them kinda niggers? I don’t regret it.” To snitch or not to snitch? It’s up to you to decide.

PHARMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Doing research studies can be lucrative and can come with many benefits. “When I do a study,” said business administration junior Christian Hart, “I am able to make money and get study time as well. We don’t do anything but sit around and donate blood or get monitored.” Local clinical research companies, such as AAIPharma, target college campuses because they know that college students need quick cash and could use some free time for studying or catching up on class work. The studies provide a way for students to make

money without any barriers. While studies are often similar, the payout varies. The type of study, the number of nights, if any, required for an overnight stay, and any health risks or side effects associated with your study determines the amount of money you will be paid. According to AAIPharma.com, a study patient can receive compensation ranging from $600 to $3,500. “Following instructions is essential to getting your money,” said criminal justice and biology senior LaShika Williams. “If you don’t follow the

rules or you don’t show up to certain appointments on time, you will not get paid the full amount.” Research studies test our ability as adults and college students to test our listening and comprehension skills. Any mistake participants make will be reflected in their compensation and may result in their being barred from further studies with that company. The research companies stress that participants must read study requirements before they agree to do the study. This reduces the company’s liability as assures that participants understand the possible

consequences of ingesting a drug or substance that has not yet been put on the market. Though research studies are a great way for college students to generate income in a time of need, there are also risks associated with participation in such studies. Many studies require participants to donate blood and other bodily fluid essential to everyday functioning of the body. Those who participate in studies that require large amounts of blood to be drawn may become lightheaded, dizzy, weak or unable to drive.

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NCCU community members meet in the A.E. Student Union on Nov. 26 to discuss proposed fee increases.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2005

December 10 -12 • 9:00 AM - 6:00PM December 13 • 9:00AM - 4:00PM

We want books with this sticker!

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

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BAGDHAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Gift sets for holiday! Art supplies, prints and poster and custom framing. The best choice for Christmas season! Conveniently located at Northgate Mall. Inside entrance 2, next to GameFrog.

919-475-3697 Town Home for Rent 2 Blocks from Campus

5 bedrooms, 2 full baths This great town home is just 2 blocks from the new Law Building at NCCU! Clean and well taken care of this makes for a great roomate living situation! Some furniture, includes 2 refrigeratores. Lawn care handled by landlord. Monthly rent: $895.00

Two boys play in a garden planted in a traffic circle on Palestine street in north Baghdad, part of the road was recently reopened. LEILA FADEL/MCT

919-730-5239

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Transit Teaser #9 You’re not paying attention in class anyway, are you? Have a go at this Sudoku. The solution, along with more puzzles, is located at RedefineTravel.org/fun.

2 4 3 8 6 5 8

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her roots covered in bleach at the hairdresser’s. “We don’t know the future.” McClatchy reporters who drove through Baghdad and telephoned residents across the capital discovered a city that’s become calmer. The calm, however, is the result of a divided city. Blast walls, decorated or not, still ring neighborhoods and markets. Military and police checkpoints checker the roads. In some mixedsectarian neighborhoods, such as Saidiyah, in south Baghdad, and Salam, in central Baghdad, Sunni and Shiite Muslims are still fighting over turf. Other neighborhoods have become segregated into Shiite and Sunni zones. In some mixed neighborhoods in southwest Baghdad, reconciliation efforts have brought tense cease-fires between Shiites and Sunnis huddling on their sides of the neighborhoods. Yet in some places there’s a restoration of civility. In north Baghdad, in the mixed al Qahira neighborhood, Islam Mohammed ran through the streets on a recent night searching for his lost dog. The Sunni man ran from his Sunni enclave into the Shiite sector chasing after his German shepherd at midnight. Shiite residents offered to help, and by 1 a.m. Mohammed had scooped up his dog and returned home. “Two months ago I would never have even thought of going after the dog there, not even in daylight,” Mohammed said. “It is very sad that surrounding neighborhoods have become one sect. I hope it will not become a prerequisite for having peace in our lives.” On Sunday, “Baghdad Nights” filmed in Karrada, which had long been among the safer neighborhoods in the capital. Families held their children as they perused the aisles of the

Warda grocery store or ate colorful scoops of ice cream at al Faqma ice cream parlor. The background music was “Salamat,” an Iraqi song about peace. But the Sunni enclaves of Adhamiyah, Ameriyah and Ghazaliyah never show up on “Baghdad Nights.” Statistics tell some of the story. In December 2006, two months before the start of the U.S.-Iraqi plan to restore security to Baghdad, 1,030 dead bodies were found throughout the capital, victims of sectarian cleansing. Last month, that number fell to 174, a still-frightening figure but only a fraction of the previous year’s. Car bombings dropped from 38 to 20. In December 2006, 361 people were killed in Baghdad, and in January, 438 were, according to a McClatchy count. In October, 143 were killed. Some attribute the lower numbers to the completion of sectarian cleansing and the segregation of sects in much of the capital. The number of the displaced, however, has tripled since January, according to the Red Crescent humanitarian organization, and about two-thirds of the victims are children. Most Iraqis who have returned to their homes from abroad have done so because they were penniless, unable to work or deported from their countries of refuge. One U.S. military official credits the positive changes around the capital to a series of factors: a six-month cease-fire by the Mahdi Army, a Shiite militia blamed for much of the sectarian killing; blast walls that segregate neighborhoods and protect markets; the U.S. troop surge; a Sunni volunteer movement; and less opportunity for sectarian cleansing with neighborhoods divided or already cleansed. “Realistically, given

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everything that has happened in the past two years, I suspect that we will have segregated neighborhoods for a time to let civil society build,” said a senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak. “While we would all prefer an integrated society, a peaceful segregated one is better than a violent integrated one.” There are small rays of hope in the unlikeliest of places. In Ameriyah, once a bastion for Islamist extremists who assaulted civilians across the country, Abu Qassim walked to his sister’s for a birthday party on Monday. A few months ago that would’ve been impossible. The garbage that blanketed the streets of this once-upscale neighborhood is gone, and at 6:30 p.m. Abu Qassim sat with his brother and sister, drank a Pepsi and swayed to music before they sang, “Sana halwa ya jameel,” (a beautiful year, oh beautiful) and cut the chocolate cake. Just seven months ago Abu Qassim had been kidnapped in this same west Baghdad neighborhood; he was luckily released. Now as he walks home at night, the roads are quiet, due to a sixmonth-long vehicle-ban, and the local market is open until 11 p.m. But no Shiites have returned, and they still shudder at the thought of entering Ameriyah. “It has changed,” he said of his enclosed neighborhood patrolled by Americans, the Iraqi army and a neighborhood watch group. “There were dead bodies in the streets every day before.” Palestine Street, a main thoroughfare from southeast Baghdad to the northwest that was once blocked in the middle, is open. Across the river on Haifa Street in central Baghdad,

once deserted, squatters hang their laundry on the balconies of bullet-scarred buildings. Women scurry across the street with shopping bags on a road once riddled by sniper fire. In Mansour, in central Baghdad, young fashionistas in jeans and tunics shop for clothes, and families drink tart pomegranate juice and fresh orange juice in al Mishmisha juice shop. Ghazaliyah, once an insurgent bastion, has fallen into an uneasy calm. Violence is down, but Shiites returning to the mostly Sunni enclave aren’t welcome. When a family of three tried to check on their home, they were run out by bullets from a passing car. Graffiti on the wall warns “Death to the rejectors,” referring to Shiites with a derogatory term. In southwest Baghdad, Amil, Bayaa, Jihad and Shurt al Rabaa, where Sunnis were in danger of being eradicated, the sectarian violence has been contained by reconciliation efforts spearheaded by U.S. troops. In Amil, in southwest Baghdad, a battleground between the Sunnis and Shiites, a main thoroughfare opened last week between the Sunni and Shiite sides of the embattled neighborhood, and a wedding entourage drove up the street to celebrate a couple’s new life. Just a few blocks away, a black flag fluttered in the wind. “Sadrist Revenge,” it read. Mohammed al Tai, a Shiite, fled the Sunni side of the neighborhood because of the violence. Today, in his rented home, he smiles at the thought of the open road. Maybe soon, he can return but not now, he said. Not now. “I still don’t trust the people I don’t know,” he said. “It’s just the beginning of reconciliation.”

Campus Echo

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Jamie L. Patterson, the mastermind behind Subject2Change, stands in front of his lastest collection, the Quoted series.

Photos – Khari Jackson Text – Larisha Stone

TOP: It starts with a man and his machine. Patterson designs personalized clothing for his many customers. ABOVE: Patterson hands off a purchase to a satisfied costumer.

The future is uncertain. Dreams and ideas are transformative. Jamie Lamont Patterson’s dreams and experiences are constantly actualized on his T-shirt designs, and he knows that those dreams and experiences are subject to change. “I’m trying to get a message across,” Patterson says. “I’m trying to bring back a happier time, some things I’ve seen in the past and want to bring to the present.” Patterson recalls the period from “1988 to about 1995, when music and films were just so good — they spoke to a generation.” That’s why he came up with the Quoted series, pulling quotes from the songs and movies that everybody who was coming of age in the early- to mid-90s should know.

“It’s a very simple concept where, if you read the shirt and get it, it’s the funniest thing in the world,” Patterson says. He received his bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2000 and his master’s in athletic administration in 2002 from N.C. Central University. Patterson started his business, appropriately called Subject2Change, in March 2004 with his business partner Nykia Elvy, a business graduate student at Fordham University in New York. They will be moving into their first office Dec. 15 and will be using their own money to boost their business. “No loans, nothing from banks,” Patterson said. “We’re moving our product into the marketplace to attract clients instead of just customers.”

NCCU students display original Subject2Change designs. Patterson, a NCCU graduate, started Subject2Change in 2004 to bring the popular culture of the past into today.

A&E

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

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Brown king sings Music department’s Operatorio Ensemble performs ballad 12345 1234 123 12

Release of Miseducation Sister Act

Outfit on the BET Awards Fugees breaking up

W H A T ?

Lauryn Hill The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill Columbia Records

out of on the 3 5 black hand side

Timothy Holley, music director and assistant professor, with students in the Operatorio Ensemble. JOSH HARRISON/Echo Staff Photographer

BY BROOKE SELLARS ECHO STAFF WRITER

Angelic voices sang proudly while the orchestra played softly in the background. The crowd was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. On Nov. 28, N.C. Central University’s Department of Music presented its second annual Fall concert, “Operatorio Ensemble” highlighting “The Ballad of the Brown King” by Margaret Bonds. “The Operatorio Ensemble” is part of a new curriculum offered at the NCCU music department. “The students performed quite well, considering the program has only been in existence for a year. We are very excited about the future of

classical vocal here at NCCU,” said music conductor Richard Banks. Margaret Bonds was an American composer and pianist and is one of the first black composers to gain recognition in the United States. Bonds is mostly recognized for her many collaborations with Langston Hughes, which included “The Ballad of the Brown King.” The text, written by Hughes, tells the classic story of The Three Wise Men, focusing specifically on Balthazar, the “brown king.” Originally, the work was created for voice and piano, but later was revised to include soloists, chorus, and orchestra. “It was cool to perform a piece by Bonds, especially because there was a

time when her music was not accepted,” said Danel Mallison, music industry sophomore who participated in the ensemble. The audience watched attentively in the B.N. Duke Auditorium as the uniformed, 46-member ensemble performed the piece with a mixture of jazz, blues, and spirituals. “I am very proud of the growth that has taken place within the ensemble and I appreciate the variety of literature that they continue to perform,” said Charles Williamson, vocal music alumnus. The NCCU Music Department will also be hosting Maureen Kelly Faculty Recital at the Music Recital Hall Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Keyshia’s cold BY JANERA FEDRICK ECHO STAFF WRITER

Keyshia Cole on the cover of Vibe Magazine’s December issue. PHOTO COURTESY

On the December 2007 cover of VIBE magazine, Keyshia Cole poses topless with her hands covering her breasts. The statement that the photo is trying to convey is, “This is who I am. I’m just like you.” It seems that once a celebrity gets a certain status, the next step is to bare all. Since Cole has put her whole life story in the public eye, posing topless might be just something else to put out there, an attempt to show she has nothing to hide. People disagree about whether the photo is classy or trashy. Vibe.com considers the photo to be neither classy nor trashy, but controversial. “Exclusive! See the controversial cover everyone’s talking about,” said Vibe.com in reference to the December issue.

The cover sparked more than 260 comments on ConcreteLoop.com, a popular entertainment website. Some comments say the photo is very classy; others say that Cole looks uncomfortable or that they just didn’t like the photograph. “This cover is really bad,” said Andie, a Concrete Loop user. “I don’t even feel like it is tastefully or glamorously done and I think it is a little inappropriate for the cover of Vibe. “I thought that Keyshia was way better than this.” Dana, another user said, “As women we are all sexual creatures and we love to look beautiful and feel sexy. “Keyshia is loving the skin she is in. She looks great and I wish her much success.” Many of Cole’s fans feel she has upgraded. “This is the prettiest I have seen her look,” said Lamarr Blackmon. “It’s good to see her feeling comfortable in her own skin.”

VIBE MAGAZINE

Student radio station needs $$ BY WADE A. BANNER II ECHO STAFF WRITER

AudioNet, the N. C. Central University student radio station, strives to entertain the student body while providing some students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in broadcasting. Students work at AudioNet writing and recording Public Service Announcements, promotional spots and drops and doing stints on-air. But the station is in trouble. Money needed to run AudioNet is low; the station receives no direct funding. Small expenses like basic supplies are covered by WNCU, the school’s jazz station. To cover expenses, AudioNet also works with WNCU on one of its fundraisers.

The larger expense for AudioNet is royalty fees required to stream on the Internet. The fee was increased this year from $250 to $500 a year. According to Lolethia “DL” Underdue, AudioNet’s general manager, AudioNet owes back fees for the past two years, in addition to the $500 due in January. AudioNet has written student incentive grants in the past, but did not do so this year. Students who work at AudioNet are not compensated unless they receive work study funds. Even Underdue, a full-time lecturer in the English and mass communication department, is not paid out of AudioNet’s budget. The station’s equipment is of acceptable quality to keep AudioNet running, though Underdue would like to upgrade it.

“Some of our computers are getting older, so it would be good to have a budget so if a computer died, we could actually replace it,” said Underdue. “We could always use an engineer because the equipment sometimes breaks down and it takes longer to get things around here repaired than I’d like,” she said. She also would like to buy more equipment like phone lines to aid students with their phone interviews. Breezi McCaden, a mass communications junior and AudioNet president, said that “We need new equipment and funding for new endeavors.” WNCU and the English and mass commun ications department have been working together on funding options for the station. AudioNet can be heard on any television on campus via channel 9 or online at www.nccuaudionet.org.

Lauryn attempts to take us on her social and personal journey with “The ReEducation of Lauryn Hill,” released on Columbia Records. It’s a mixtape that takes the listener on a scavenger hunt to find the hidden meaning behind the songs. Real L-Boogie fans thinking that this is “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” part 2 are going to be disappointed with this release. Several songs resurface from various soundtracks, including “Lose Myself ” (from the “Surf ’s Up” soundtrack), “The Passion” (from “The Passion of the Christ”), and “Selah” (from “The Divine Secrets of the

Dissing Vatican Ya-Ya Sisterhood”). Lauryn does a great job covering Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Wyclef and Pras are also on this track, making it a mini Fugees reunion. She also does a fine job with Curtis Mayfield’s “The Making of You” without destroying the integrity of the song. “Motives & Thoughts,” her spot on Def Poetry Jam is on the mixtape for kicks. New “unreleased” material includes “Take Too Much Rich Man,” which sounds like the “Miseducation” Lauryn who we are used to and really makes sense on this mixtape. The controversy at the Vatican in 2003, where she spoke out about priests raping children, didn’t stop Lauryn from including “Social Drug,” the song she played there. If you scavenge the hidden meanings here, please let me know. This is not the Ms. Hill I fell in love with on “Miseducation.” — Theresa Garrett

New music news for the new year spent a lot of time this semester listening to Badu, so when I finally heard her new single, “Honey,” (produced by our very own music professor, 9th Wonder), I Joanna was very Hernandez excited about the album, due out in February. Well damn, it’s about time. I guess we all have a little something extra to look forward to in the new year. Speaking of things to look forward to, Little Brother will perform at the Cat’s Cradle Friday to promote its new album, “GetBack.” A shout-out to our fellow Eagle, Carlitta Durand who was featured on the album. Also doin’ it for the ladies is Miss LaShoney “Shoney” Frink, a social work sophomore, whose rapping has caused buzz

around campus. Let me find out the fellas gotta catch up. I’m sure Diddy downstairs in AudioNet knows a lot about a fella trying to catch up. Nah, I’m being funny. He’s just always hating on print media. Anyway, to the rest of AudioNet, keep holdin’ the yard down. Do tune in to your campus information station, AudioNet Channel 9. On a sad note, Pimp C has died. Chad “Pimp C“ Butler, one half of the rap duo UGK, was found dead yesterday morning in his L.A. hotel room at age 33. Together, Pimp C and Bun B helped inspire a generation of Southern hip-hop stars. December is filled with new music from artists we haven’t heard from in a while: Wu-Tang Clan, Beanie Sigel, and Jaheim all have new albums out. So for Christmas gift ideas, hit the CD aisles. Happy Holidays, Central. Be safe and smart over the break. PEACE.

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BUY A CLASSIFIED AD FOR $10 Reach over 8,500 students! Call 919 530 7116 or e-mail the Campus Echo at campusecho@nccu.edu

NCCU Course: HIST 3020 (CRN 12465). Contact: Dr. Carlton Wilson, (919) 530-6271.

Look, a big rectangle!

This course may be taken for CEUs. Call (919) 684-3178 for information.

Revised James E. Shepard Memorial Library final exam and intersessions hours Monday, December 3 - Friday, December 7 8 am - 3 am Saturday, December 8 8 am - 3 am Sunday, December 9 2 pm - 3 am Monday, December 10 - Friday, December 14 8 am - 3 am Saturday, December 15 9 am - 5 pm Sunday, December 16 Closed Monday, December 17 - Monday, December 31, 8 am - 5 pm Monday, December 24 - Thursday, December 27 Holiday - closed Closed weekends Tuesday, January 1, 2008 Holiday - closed

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When you talk to your child, you build vocabulary, so everyday moments become learning moments. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org

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For safety and security, building access is restricted to NCCU students, faculty, and staff between 1 am and 3 am. A valid NCCU identification card is required. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director of Library Services.

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Institute for Humane Studies Paid internship and scholarships Journalism/Public Administration Thursday, January 31

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The Washington Center Washington, DC-London Internship Program 2008 Friday, February 29

Career Fairs

Health Careers Center 521 Nelson Street Durham, NC 27707 919 530-7128 Barbara S. Moore, Director Alfreda D. Evans, Program Assistant

NCCU Spring Career Fair Thursday, March 27 10:00 am-1:00 pm

For More Information, Contact Career Services William Jones Building, Lower Level Hours of Operation Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Phone: 919-530-6337 Email: nccucareerservices@nccu.edu

Coming Jan. 19, 2008

MAN UP Conference “Building the Inner Man” For more information call 530-5263 or e-mail us at mpage@nccu.edu

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

New stateside center Lithuanian recruit adjusts to American-style basketball

Athletic fee not free Report outlines how fees are spent

BY QUENTIN GARDNER BY MATTHEW BEATTY

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

ECHO SPORTS ASST. EDITOR

In May, the N. C. Central University men’s basketball team made history by signing its first international student-athlete. Physical education freshman Marius Vaskys, a native of Klaipeda, Lithuania, arrived in the United States in November 2006. The 6’9”, 220pound center averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game his senior year at Cape Fear Christian Academy, after arriving at the school last January. Vaskys helped the team win the Carolina Christian Conference title. In addition to adjusting to American culture, Vaskys is adapting to American players’ level of competition. “The major difference I’ve noticed is the speed of the players in the United States,” said Vaskys. “The players are also stronger and more athletic.” Vaskys began playing basketball at age 7. He attributes his success in basketball

NCCU center Marius Vaskys practices with teammates Tuesday in McDougald-McClendon Gymnasium. MITCHELL WEBSON/Echo Staff Photographer

to his father, former Lithuanian professional soccer player Virginijus Vaskys. “I was always taller than the kids my age, so my father introduced me to several basketball coaches,” said Vaskys. “I began training and grew to like the game as I grew older.” Throughout his basketball career, Vaskys has played

every position on the basketball court. An avid NBA fan, Vaskys idolized former greats Michael Jordan and John Stockton as a child. Now, Vaskys enjoys watching his favorite NBA team, the Denver Nuggets, for whom fellow Lithuanian Linas Kleiza plays. NCCU head coach Henry Dickerson was excited to sign

Vaskys. “He’s your typical European player,” Dickerson said. “He shoots well and handles the ball well.” Cape Fear Athletics Director Al Myatt, a former great at Wake Forest in the 1970s, also speaks admiringly of Vaskys. “He’s a great kid, very smart with a good sense of

humor,” said Myatt. “I expect him to do well at NCCU.” Despite a 1-9 season thus far, Vaskys is comfortable with his role as the Eagles continue to make their transition to Division I. “The team is getting better,” said Vaskys. “I am comfortable playing for NCCU.” “The atmosphere here is great.”

N2 Eagles boost b-ball Hoops club supports NCCU basketball BY JANERA FEDRICK ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Former N.C. Central University athletes, professors and supporters come together for one purpose: men’s basketball. The N2 Eagles Hoops Club, which is three years old, is the newest addition to the NCCU booster club family. Other booster clubs are the Eagles Club, the Quarterback Club, and the Lady Hoopsters. The purpose of N2 Eagles is to support the men’s basketball team as both athletes and students. They do this through membership dues and other contributions. N2 Eagles held a special meeting Monday evening in the McLendon-McDougald gym’s conference room. Fifteen people attended. Some came in their NCCU paraphernalia, some in three-piece suits, and others in khakis, button-downs and polos. All attendees were as focused and attentive as

soldiers. Henry Dickerson, head basketball coach, discussed basketball’s positive impact on many of the athletes, as well as its negative impact on academics. “The students are missing a lot of classes because we have been on the road a lot,” said Dickerson. Dickerson hopes the team will have more home games next year so that student-athletes will not miss as many classes. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, NCCU’s director of compliance, who educates and advises sports booster clubs, also spoke. “My job is to make sure that boosters know the rules of NCAA,” said Wicker-McCree. Wicker-McCree discussing booster club do’s and don’ts, one of which concerns prospects and recruiting. A prospect, according to the pamphlet, is someone who has started high school. “Boosters cannot contact prospects off campus or

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provide refreshments at the football recruiting weekend in January, unlike in Division 2,” said WickerMcCree. “The same rules apply for transfers,” she said. “You can forward the prospect’s information to the coaches.” Boosters can talk to the prospects about NCCU but once he or she mentions a specific sports team, the booster must direct the athlete to the coach. There are other restrictions. “Boosters cannot provide transportation, loans, financial assistance or gifts to student athletes,” said Wicker-McCree. “Exchanges have to be through a third party.” For example, if an alumni group wants to sponsor a meal for the basketball team, the group cannot give the money directly to the basketball team. Instead, it must first go through the NCCU Foundation, then to athletics, and finally to the basketball team.

Finally, Wicker-McCree briefly addressed the financial side of NCAA. She said that all funds collected by the club are subject to audits every year. These audits, she said, should be handled by an external auditing firm. Afterwards, David Fitts, an N2 Eagles member, said N2 Eagles has raised more than $2,900 through membership dues and other contributions. The club’s goal is to raise $15,000 by next year for textbook scholarships for men’s basketball players and recruits. The club also is trying to increase involvement with the alumni associations and game attendance. “We need folks in the seats. “It’s no fun playing with empty seats,” said Fitts. “We’re also trying to get former NCCU basketball players back for reunion weekends.” The club meets on the first Thursday of every month. Membership dues are $100 per year.

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N.C. Central University has a championship volleyball team, CIAA championship football team, a championship cross country team and a championship softball team, but it takes proper funding for these teams to exist. Part of that funding is the athletic fee that every student is required to pay. Many students are unaware of how much they pay for athletic fees and where their athletic fee money is going after they pay it. Psychology junior Rikki Rogers says NCCU students are paying a lot for very little at NCCU. “For the prices we pay here, we should get better,” said Rogers. Compared to other schools in the North Carolina System, NCCU is in the medium range for athletic fees. Psychology junior Mike Boone doesn’t look at paying as a hassle, but more as a duty as an Eagle. “We’re going to have to pay anyways, why not pay and … support our school.” Assistant Athletic Director Kyle Serba, who works with the budgeting for NCCU athletics, said, “The fees students pay are based on the need for athletics.” Serba produces an Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report every year that shows the revenues for head coaches, the revenues for sports teams and where fees

UNC System Universities Current Student Athletic Fees for 2007-2008

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Athletic fees for 2007-2008

Appalachian State East Carolina Elizabeth City State Fayetteville State NC A&T NCCU (Proposed fee $540) NC State UNC-Asheville UNC-Chapel Hill UNC-Charlotte UNC-Greensboro UNC-Pembroke UNC-Wilmington

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are distributed. The 2006-2007 EADA, which was recently released, displayed the annual salaries for institutional head coaches at NCCU. Coaches for the men’s teams average a salary of $55,806 and coaches for the women’s teams average $32,137. According to the EADA report, men’s team salaries appear high because of “turnover in football staff,” not because of gender. Men’s football, with $1,194,208, and women’s basketball, with $287,637, had the highest budgets — and men’s golf, with $41,705 and women’s bowling, with $40,140, had the lowest. The grand total for all of NCCU’s athletic teams was $4,340,554, and is expected to increase during the 20072008 athletic season after NCCU moves to Division I. Physical education junior DJ Bush doesn’t mind the athletic fees. “As long as the money is used for something meaningful, I’m happy,” said Bush. “Students aren’t going to away games, so we should use that money for home games.” But Serba says it’s about more than what students get for their athletic fee. “It’s not just about going to a home game but about a sense of pride.” Students who question the mystery of where their athletic fee money is going, can view the EADA report online at www.ope.ed.gov/ athletics/main.asp.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

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Terms of endearment ust to see what would happen, I took a poll one day to see how many people responded in what ways to the word “nigger.” A term that my school days taught me was a term of endearment. It was an interesting day. People responded positively and negatively. I believe under cerKai tain circumChristopher stances, each individual has the ability to control reality. Meaning, if I say you hurt my feelings, for all you know they are hurt, and you cannot prove me right or wrong. And vice versa, which means that if I say that the word is a term of endearment, you cannot prove that it is a form of self-hatred.

So even if to you the word represents the truest form of self-hatred, to me it reflects the truth of being black in America. But at the same time it shows no true reflection of who I am. The same way no matter how many times they called my grandmother a nigger, she stood strong and endured.

I would agree with the philosophy that the term is a form of self-hatred in some cases. For example, self-hatred is illustrated in the black upperclass who use racist slang in context to distinguish themselves from lower-class blacks. You cannot separate the roots from the tree. I can understand why they would call the word selfhatred. It is understood that they will not apply that word to themselves; therefore those who embrace it must hate themselves. Most amazing to me is that apparently if young black America would stop using the word like it’s a drug, and pull

their pants up, the achievement gap would diminish, the poverty line would evaporate and we would honestly receive justice in America’s judicial system. Even better if we would buy nicely tailored suits, master would give us nice jobs with benefits. Maybe that was just my Uncle Thomas’ advice. But I think sometimes we need to agree to disagree. So even if to you the word represents the truest form of self-hatred, to me it reflects the truth of being black in America. But at the same time it shows no true reflection of who I am. The same way no matter how many times they called

my grandmother a nigger, she stood strong and endured. In my opinion the downfall of man was allowing the nickname his slave master gave him to eventually mean more than the one given by his own mother. But in my lifetime I have experienced both: the love of embracing a unique name, and understanding who gave my grandmothers and fathers such degrading names ... and why. The fact is we in America are still treated with the same racist spirit from which the word’s intent derived. The danger is that we are trying to erase the effects of that treatment by demonizing the word, not the spirit behind it.

The truth hurts ’m sitting in class and a discussion arises. Guess what it was about? The Campus Echo. Some students, including mass communication majors, say that the Campus Echo only focuses on the negative side of everything. I’ve never been the controversial type and I believe everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but I honestly Erica find it hard Horne to believe that this is true. The Campus Echo writes about issues that are newsworthy just as any other major newspaper does, but are you complaining to those news sources?

A good journalist never sacrifices the integrity of journalism by turning a blind eye to the problems facing society.

I doubt it. Echo staff reporters are preparing for careers in journalism — a field charged with the task of getting the truth to the public. The truth may at times be ugly, but all issues at N.C. Central University need to be covered. If issues are not reported we’ll get stuck in the complacent mindset that created the problem. A good journalist never sacrifices the integrity of journalism by turning a blind eye to the problems facing society.. . You have two choices — keep personal business in house or be a source for

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change. It’s just that simple. When I read the campus newspaper I rarely read about students making a change, but I consistently hear students complaining about this or that. They’re always coming to the Echo with a problem, never a solution. Why is that? The Campus Echo could be that “negative,” or maybe you are just naive or extra sensitive to what’s really going on around you. You would be amazed at how often I hear about people getting angry about what’s in the paper or asking for a retraction.

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Faculty Adviser - Dr. Bruce dePyssler

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Alumni Advisers - Sasha Vann, Carla Aaron-Lopez Mike Williams, Sheena Johnson, Jean Rogers & Carolyn McGill

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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.

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E-mail: CampusEcho@nccu.edu Web address: www.campusecho.com Phone: 919 530 7116 Fax: 919 530 7991 Spring 2008 Publication dates: 1/16, 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/26, 4/16 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

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drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: Do you think that snitching will cut crime? “Yes. People would be less inclined to commit crimes, because they would get told on.” — Gabrielle Phillip

So change the so-called “negative” Campus Echo Write a “positive” story, about how we are so privileged that we have time to stop and smell the roses. Ha ha, I’ll be waiting on that story. Write about how GPAs have been increased Write about how we all live in peace and harmony. Write about how student leaders are performing at their best. These things would be great ... if they existed. So until then, I guess we will keep reading about the real-life “negative” issues that we currently face. Until you can produce award-winning articles, or write “positive” stories, think twice before you call the Campus Echo to complain. Erica Horne is assistant online editor for the Campus Echo.

“Snitching actually might increase crime due to the quote `Snitches get stitches.’ Do not rat on your own kind. —Jahara Davis

“Yes. It’s the duty of everyone to do the right thing, and not snitching is the real crime.” —Sha’Niece Simmons