February 13, 2008 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

FEBRUARY 13, 2008

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A&E

BEYOND

PHOTO FEATURE

Do you remember what it was like getting your first tatt? Was it fun or unbearable?

NCCU exhibit pays homage to acclaimed artist Gordon Parks.

Barack Obama keeps winning primaries. See the latest coverage.

Staff photographer Sebastian Frances went to L.A. and took his camera to the Disney Concert Hall

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Campus Echo SGA postpones elections BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

More than 50 percent of students who applied for SGA positions have been disqualified, causing the postponement of Student Government Association elections. According to Jolanda Kindell

and Déjà Waymer, co-directors of elections and transition, students were disqualified from running for SGA positions because their GPAs or credit hours did not meet requirements, or because they had financial holds on their accounts. “They didn’t meet the qualifications in the handbook,” Kindell

said. SGA president Tomasi Larry was tight-lipped on the matter. He said he regarded the exact number of disqualified students as “confidential” and would not comment on it. Waymer also said that the number of disqualified students is something she couldn’t discuss.

“[Confidentiality is] a part of our policy,” Waymer said. According to the SGA handbook, a student must have a 2.5 GPA and be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.

n See SGA ELECTIONS Page 2

Lake Michie near the town of Bahama, Durham’s primary source of water, is showing the effects of the state’s severe drought.. The man-made lake was created by a dam built in the mid-1920s. The lake is currently about 17 feet below normal levels. SEBASTIAN FRANCES/Echo Staff Photographer

Drought drags on and on and on ECHO STAFF WRITER

Durham, along with most of North Carolina, still needs rain. The drought that grips the state has now lasted twice as long as previous droughts. Durham is listed as being in a condition of exceptional drought, along with 67 other North

Carolina counties. Stage IV restrictions were implemented Dec. 3. These mandatory restrictions require businesses to reduce their water usage by 50 percent. Residents are prohibited from watering lawns, washing cars in driveways, and filling swimming pools. Restaurants are not to serve water unless requested.

Currently, 143 days of easily accessible premium water remain. This is up from October when Durham had just 75 days of premium water. Premium water is water that can be inexpensively processed into drinking water. Water levels at Lake Michie, the primary source of water for

Durham, is 17 feet below normal. Little River Reservoir, another source of water for the city, is 27 feet below normal. James Lim, a Durham conservation coordinator, said the drought has forced Durham to tap into the Teer Quarry to augment water supplies from Lake Michie

n See DROUGHT Page 2

Film unveils hidden ‘Black Magic’ Documentary explores how racism held back black b-ball players BY ALEXIS CRUMEL ECHO STAFF WRITER

The injustices endured by black basketball players and coaches at historically black colleges and universities during the civil rights movement were examined Monday at the premiere of “Black Magic” in Durham. The film was hosted by the Durham-based Full Frame Documentary International Film Festival, which runs April 3-6. The documentary, directed by Dan Klores, examines the dignity and courage of black players during Jim Crow. The film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, among others. This is Klores’ fifth documentary. His film “Crazy Love” was a hit at the 2007 documentary festival.

State audit finds that assistant provost bilked over $36,000 intended for minority health research BY NATALIA NICHOLE FARRER ECHO STAFF WRITER

LONELY BOAT DOCK TELLS STORY OF AREA DROUGHT

BY VANESSA JACKSON

NC audit digs dirt

“The film I am trying to make,” said Klores, “is centered around what one player in the film said: ‘I can remember when it went from “What do you want?” to “How may I help you?’” The film is produced by Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, a legendary Winston-Salem State University basketball player who was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. “We are excited that Dan has chosen Durham to premiere his new film,” said Peg Palmer, executive director of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. The Durham festival is one of the largest documentary film festival of its kind in North America.

n See BLACK MAGIC Page 15

N.C. Central University’s assistant provost and associate vicechancellor of academic affairs scammed the University out of more than $36,000 in grant funds, according to yesterday’s special review from the State Auditor. A University news release stated that, “the Assistant Provost has been dismissed from his administrative post at the university, but currently remains a faculty member.” Franklin B. Carver was listed on NCCU’s web directory as assistant provost and associate vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs on Feb. 12. At press time, his name had been removed. The audit said the assistant provost authorized graduate assistant contracts and honoraria payments to individuals who didn’t perform the tasks they were paid for. The audit found that the assistant provost directed students to cash University checks, keep small sums and kick the remainder back to him. A total of nine payment authorizations were issued from money designated for minority health research. The assistant provost falsified signatures and information on the forms, according to the audit. He also violated University policy by not reporting his “amorous relationship” with a student when it began in 2003, the audit said. He offered this student two graduate assistant contracts totaling more than $20,000, although she never worked at the University. The assistant provost is also accused of charging personal expenses to a University credit card. According to the News and Events section of NCCU’s web site, Carver was appointed assistant provost in 2005. The story first appeared in the News & Observer, Feb. 12.

Tuba update Still unclear: How thieves got in BY GEOFFREY COOPER ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University police continue to investigate the larceny of 11 sousaphones from the band room located in the basement of the Edwards Music Building. Six sousaphones, which belong to NCCU’s Marching Sound Machine, were discovered missing in November. The other five were reported stolen after winter break in January. One unanswered question is how the burglar(s) were able to gain access to the band room, located in the basement, if keys are issued only to specific music department personnel. In a police report filed by assistant band director Samuel Rowley on Jan. 8, Rowley said that on Jan. 7 before practice, he noticed that five sousaphones were missing from the band room, with their cases left behind. The police report also stated that there were no indications of forcible entry to the doors of the side basement entrance or the

n See SOUSAPHONES Page 5

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Many women, too few men Gender imbalance spurs hook-ups, hangups

BY RAENA BOSTON ECHO STAFF WRITER

The male-to-female ratio is skewed on college campuses across the nation and men are in the minority. N.C. Central University is no exception. In 2006, NCCU’s undergraduate student population was 4,300 female and 2,315 male. Jonathan Livingston, assistant psychology professor, cited two major reasons for the gender gap in college-aged black males. “A lot of males have either dropped out or dropped into the penal system,” said Livingston. NCCU student health counselor Angela Lee said that this imbalance affects personal relationships. “Truthfully there are going to be some female students at NCCU that will never have a relationship with a male student,” said Lee. According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 9.9 million women and 7.4 million men are enrolled in U.S. colleges. The raises the question of whether men take advantage of the situation by refusing to settle down. Lee said that with a 65 percent female population, some men will take advantage of these statistics. Lee said some female students feel they have to compromise their values in order to have companionship. “I think the male-tofemale ratio scares students into acting in ways

TODAY Successful relationship forum with NCCU counselor Angela Lee, 3 p.m. Student Health, room 217. they don’t agree with,” she said. Senior Aldon Williams said a lot of women use sex as a bargaining chip for companionship. “Most women feel that in order to keep a guy, that they have to have sex because he might stop calling,” said Williams. While women may trade sex for love, junior Adrian Bryant said a woman’s decision to hold off on sex is not necessarily a deal breaker. “That’s very respectable because you don’t see that in a lot of females these days,” said Bryant. Seniors Brittany Johnson and Whitney Jay agree that men have the advantage, but they say women shouldn’t narrow their options. “Who are you looking at?” asked Johnson. “Are you looking at the flashy guy or the quiet guy sitting in class?” Williams said many men don’t settle down with one woman because they want to keep their options open. “A lot of guys don’t want to miss out on all the women running around on this campus,” he said. But the real dilemma, Williams said, lies in the indecisive nature of men. “One moment they may

Illustration by Kenneth Ellington Robinson want that nice wholesome girl, but the next moment they might want that freak.” Some even say that the friends-with-benefits concept derives from the gender imbalance. Bryant said it’s a good arrangement. “Relationships take a lot of time,” he said. “And most people don’t have time for relationships, especially since we’re in school.” While the marriage of buddy and booty without mutual exclusivity may seem ideal to many, miscommunication and emotions can lead to trouble in paradise. Williams said the problem with these inexclusive relationships is that women going into them think a promotion to girlfriend is imminent. Johnson and Jay say the arrangement can be costly, especially for women. “I think hooking up has a major impact on people,” said Johnson. “We get more attached to people when it comes to a sexual relationship.” Jay believes that the body is being compromised with this arrangement. “You’re putting mileage on your body with no commitments,” said Jay. Livingston said that “people have taken sex and made it purely physical. “They have not understood that sex can be emotional, spiritual and psychological.”

SGA ELECTIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The candidate also must be a full-time student with 15 credit hours for the semester in which they are applying. The student must also have the total number of overall credits that applies to the classification for which they are applying, such as freshman, sophomore, junior or senior status. The original interest period for SGA positions was Jan. 22-25; the rescheduled date is Feb. 19-20. “We are opening elections to everybody now,” Waymer said. In all, there are 37 positions open, including class president, homecoming court and SGA president and vice president. Now that the positions are reopened, everyone, including the candidates who were cleared initially, must reapply.

Waymer said that prior to the incident about 30 percent of the 37 available positions were filled, but there were no candidates for SGA president and vice president. Junior class president Eric Jefferson intends to run for Mr. NCCU for the following academic year. But his plans were almost thwarted by a mistake concerning his financial standing. “They said I owed the school like $2,000,” Jefferson said. Jefferson said he was relieved to know that this was a mistake that could be fixed. “That was the only thing I didn’t qualify for,” he said. “I was ineligible for something the school messed up on, not me.” Kindell has served on the elections committee for two years and was codirector last year.

Déjà Waymer has served on the SGA since her freshman year. “This is really, really unusual,” said Kindell. “I don’t remember anything like this happening. This is unheard of.” Waymer said the main issue that caused the confusion was that students were not knowledgeable about their academic status and standing with the University prior to applying. “We informed everyone of what the qualifications were before they applied,” Waymer said. “The problem we’re having this year is really nothing we can prevent,” she said. “We can only encourage people to be familiar with their status.” Voting is rescheduled for March 27. Students will be able to vote online on Blackboard.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008

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Echo micro-loan stalls Conflict in Kenya affects lendee’s ability to repay BY LARISHA STONE ECHO STAFF WRITER

When N.C. Central University’s Campus Echo staff made a micro-loan last October to Kenyan smallbusiness owner Jeremiah Miruka, little did they know the ethnic conflict would jeopardize his ability to repay the loan. As Agnes Mutuku explained in an e-mail to the Campus Echo from Kiva, “Jeremiah is reporting low business turnout due to the continuing instability. He is very concerned about his ability to pay his loan repayments on time.” The Echo’s $75 microloans were made through Kiva, a San Francisco-based company that connects individuals in the developed world with those in the underdeveloped worlds. Miruka is using the Kiva loan to supply his small hardware store with wood, paint, veneer, velvet, cushion materials and nails. Miruka and his wife, who runs a small grocery story, support three children, ages 9, 6 and 3. Two other contributors to Miruka’s loan, Diane and Charlie from Saratoga, Ca, expressed compassion about the difficulties Miruka faces. “We know that he may need more time to repay his loan, and this is entirely understandable,” they wrote.

“In fact, it speaks such good things about his character that amidst all this turmoil, he is concerned about repaying his loan!” They added that “once peace prevails and stability returns,” Miruka’s business will be about providing materials needed to rebuild and strengthen his community. “Kiva” is a Swahili word meaning “agreement” or “unity.” That was what founder and CEO Matt Flannery saw as the organization’s mission. “We provide the world's first and only online microlending opportunity,” said Flannery. “Kiva is all about connecting people.” The ethnic conflict erupted after disputed voting results led to the deaths of more than 1,000 people after Kenya’s Dec. 27 elections. “This election was a big deal for both parties,” said NCCU junior marketing major and Kenya native Konyan Gathu. Tensions arose after Kenya’s previous president Mwai Kibaki claimed he won elections. His opponent Raila Odinga accused Kibaki’s party of rigging votes. “One group felt betrayed,” Gathu said. Odinga, a member of the Luo ethnic group, broke from the government and started a campaign for selfrule and resistance to

INSIDE Read more about the ethnic conflict in Kenya. — Page 7 Kenya’s Kikuyu ethnic group, the group Kibaki belongs to. Kenya’s ethnic communities have had tense relationships since Kenya regained independence from Britain in 1963; at this time, Jomo Kenyatta, a Kikuyu, became the country’s first president. Under Kenyatta’s rule, Kikuyus gained high positions in government, took over major firms, and bought much of the farmland sold by white settlers leaving the country after Kenyan independence. Both Kibaki and Odinga were part of a 2002 coup to overthrow Kenyatta’s successor, Daniel Arap Moi, who was dictator for 24 years. The agreement was that under the power-sharing government, Kibaki would serve one term; instead he served three. “Two groups that want leadership so bad are using ethnicity to make the poor fight,” said Gathu. “I would like to see a leader who speaks for the good of the people, who is going to reconcile the country and not divide it.”

DROUGHT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Source: N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council

and the Little River Reservoir. Lim said the mandatory restrictions have helped, but rain is still needed. “We continue to educate the community and businesses on the importance of conserving our water resources,” said Lim. According to experts, the average American home uses about 70 gallons of water per day. When industrial and agricultural uses get added, the per person average consumption is about 500,000 gallons per year. N.C. Central University is doing its part to aid efforts to conserve water. According to Larry Alston, NCCU plumbing supervisor, the installation of sensor-operated toilets and sinks last year has reduced water consumption significantly. Tuy Tran, assistant director of facilities services, said that NCCU has decreased usage by 1 million gallons per month in the last 19 months. Some students say they are aware of the water crisis. English senior Kiniko Moore, a Campus Crossing resident, said he has tried to be more conscious about using water. “Since the drought has come, I have cut back on washing my car as well as doing laundry twice a month instead of doing it four times a month,” said Moore. But others say they aren’t too alarmed by the drought. “I haven’t really noticed any of the students doing anything different,” said mass communication senior Rhy’sha Massey, a resident

at Eagle Landing. “But I do know that there are signs up in my building informing the residents about the need to conserve water.” Raleigh has issued even tougher water restrictions that prohibit the non-essential use of water for commercial or public use. Water levels at Raleigh’s main source of water, Falls Lake, are at the lowest levels ever recorded. The Army Corp of Engineers projects that the lake will run dry this coming summer. Ironically, some the largest water consumers in Raleigh, Coca-Cola and Pepsi, use Raleigh municipal water for its bottled water operations. According to the Independent newspaper, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are protected by law from disclosing how much water they draw from Raleigh’s municipal water system. The paper reported that North Carolina has a total of 28 bottling plants drawing on municipal water systems. This is the bottled water that Durham residents will have to buy at retail outlets, such as Wal-Mart and Target, if the tap runs dry. Having to purchase water at retail outlets would affect the poor the most. Deputy City Manager of Durham Ted Voorhees said at a Jan. 8 public meeting that Durham was not going to be “in the business of helping provide water to citizens if the taps are turned off.” Hope Taylor, executive director of Clean Water of North Carolina, is quoted in the Independent as responding to Voorhees’

presentation with this: “‘Let them drink bottled water.’” “That’s what Voorhees is telling Durham residents. We don’t have any responsibility to prevent such a scenario, and we’ll just throw you into a market where the water’s a thousand times more expensive when we run out.” And if the stores run out? Then and only then can the state and cities intervene. According to the Independent, North Carolina has signed a noncompeting contract with retailers. This contract states that the state will not compete against retailers in the provisioning of bottled water. And if the retailers run dry? North Carolina has stockpiled 50,000 gallons of water in two warehouses, according to the Independent. But this is not even enough drinking water to take care of Durham residents for a full day. Recent conservation measures have shown some success. Durham’s water consumption has been cut by 40 percent. But has Durham learned its lesson? During the severe 20012002 drought, Durham council member Eugene Brown tried several times to raise the issue of Durham’s water consumption, but got nowhere. At one point during the drought, Durham was just 17 days away from running out of premium water. “What the hell have we done since 2002?” said Brown to the Independent.

Campus

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008

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Land that job About 80 businesses will recruit March 27

3 IVERSITY

Hip hop vs. HIV/AIDS Campus organization takes alternate route BY ADRIANNE FOWLKES ECHO STAFF REPORTER

NCCU sociology and political science major Jamie Perry discusses career options with Wendell John, a graduate school recruiter from the UNC School of Nursing at the 2001 Career Fair. Echo file photo

BY BRANDY HINTON

to understand what’s out there in “the real world.” “It’s high exposure in a short period of time,” said Courtney Forte Alston, student services coordinator with the Office of Career Services, “where students can explore different industries … and narrow their career search.” Alston said students should ask recruiters for advice about entry-level positions, about getting formal interviews and about the type of employee the company is seeking. Career Services offers these additional tips: — Have copies of your resume ready. Students can get help developing their resume at nccu.optimalresume.com or by meeting with someone at career services. Both services are free. — Some companies don’t accept resumes, so have business cards ready. Inexpensive cards can be made at NCCU’s copy center. The card should include: major, GPA, year of graduation, and all contact information. — Print a copy of your

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

There’s a solution at hand if you’re about to hit the job market – N.C. Central University’s 2008 Spring Career Fair. The fair, sponsored by the Office of Career Services, will be held Thursday, March 27 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Leroy T. Walker Complex. The fair, now in its 15th year, is open to all majors. Students do not have to register for the fair. More than 80 businesses will be searching for employees. Students can meet with company and government representatives, gather information, and, perhaps most importantly, make a first impression that lands them that dream job. “I’ve been going to the Career Fair since my sophomore year and have found it to very beneficial,” said psychology senior Lakeshia Banks. “I will be going this year as well.” BankS described the fair as a great opportunity for students “to get a foot in the door” and as a way for them

A FEW OF THE COMPANIES YOU WILL SEE AT THE 2008 CAREER FAIR •Asheville Police Department •Becker CPA Review •Bladen County Schools •City of Durham Fire Dept. •Durham County Human Resources •Eckerd Youth Alternative Investments •IBM •LapCorp •U.S. Secret Service transcript from Banner and have it handy. — Have a “script” ready to introduce yourself and your interests to the representative. — Be prepared to discuss your interests, goals, skills and GPA. The dress code specifies professional-looking business suits. Men must wear ties. No jeans, khakis, sandals, sneakers or hats will be permitted. And, for goodness sake, cover that tattoo and don’t shake hands like a wet noodle!

Plan outlines growth 2017 enrollment may hit 13,500 BY TORI PITTMAN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

NCCU now has 8,300 students enrolled, but is projected to experience a dramatic 63 percent increase by 2017. And the updated 2007 Campus Master Plan is the University’s plan to cope with that growth. The update was introduced by Chancellor Charlie Nelms Monday, Jan. 28 to the neighboring community at the Mary Townes Science Complex. “We want to grow contextually,” said Chancellor Nelms. Jackson Caines, the planner of Lord, Aeck, and Sargent Architect, presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining the plan to the community. The main goal of the plan is to respond to enrollment growth that might reach 13,500 by 2017 — at the same time respecting neighborhoods and the local historical district. The plan has three phases, each of which outlines building renovations and expansions. Plans include the renovation of the Turner Law

Building and the Hoey Administration Building. They will also include a new Visual Arts Building and the restoration of the Library Bowl. “The information presented was very encouraging to student growth,” said public administration graduate Brian Clemmons. But some community members were concerned about the possible extension of the campus into the neighborhod, and expansion that might require them to relocate. “I know progress is coming,” said resident Alatha McCormick. “You got to do progress. I try not to worry about it too much.” McCormick said she was concerned over the preservation of historic landmarks, such as the Mt. Zion Church on Martha and Cecil streets. McCormick also said she would like to see a new senior citizen facility in the neighborhood. Students and residents expressed concern over the preservation of historic landmarks on campus and in the neighborhood. University representatives, including the Board of

Trustees and Facility Services, have worked on the master plan since 2002. Now, with the updated plan, NCCU and the UNC general administration will have to seek funds from the state legislature. The master plan was also presented to students on Feb. 4. At that meeting some students said they were concerned over the shortage of parking and student housing. Parking and housing are addressed in each of the three phases of the master plan. “I think that the people involved took consideration of the community, the students and the faculty,” said SGA president Tomasi Larry. Another issue addressed by the plan is openness to the community. “We want the campus to be open to the community,” said Philip Powell, director of facility services. Powell said the plan will give NCCU the quality it needs to be academically competitive with Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. The full 2007 master plan update is available to students on NCCU’s home page.

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When hip hop and spoken word artist Tim’m T. West was diagnosed HIV positive, he began to emphasize the prevention of the disease in his art. In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, N. C. Central University’s hip hop studies program, along with other University sponsors, invited West to perform Feb. 6. Highlights of West’s show included “Corintha,” inspired by a 12-year-old girl with HIV, and “Pink Elephant,” a song that describes HIV/AIDS as the “pink elephant in the room” — something that no one wants to talk about. N.C. Central University’s Health Education assistant professor David Jolly said Tim’m West was chosen for the event because he incorporates HIV/AIDS awareness into his art. “It is a perfect way to get information out and entertain people at the same time,” said Jolly. Jolly is investigator for Project STYLE, a program that implements HIV/AIDS prevention and testing for college-aged AfricanAmerican males, and an adviser for Project SAFE, a co-sponsor of the event. Project SAFE trains students to educate other students on HIV/AIDS prevention through brochures, dorm outreach and relationship conferences, and by handing out condoms on campus. ` Event organizers said they wanted to draw attention to soaring infection rates among African Americans. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 437,982 people in the United States are living with HIV and AIDS. According to the CDC, 44 percent of those individuals are African Americans. One goal of Project SAFE is to encourage students to get tested and to know their HIV/AIDS status. One of the biggest issues in HIV/AIDS prevention is that many college-aged people do not believe they are at risk for HIV/AIDS, even though they engage in

Top: Hip hop and spoken word artist Tim’m T. West performs at B.N. Duke Auditorium Feb. 6. BRYSON POPE/Echo staff photographer

Right: Tim’m T. West with Project SAFE adviser David Jolly RAY TYLER/Echo staff photographer

behavior that creates a gateway for the virus. “Students are taking risks but don’t believe they’re at risk,” Jolly said. Apart from abstinence, the most effective form of protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, is use of a condom. But many students say that condoms compromise sensitivity and are uncomfortable. As a result, there are approximately 40,000 new HIV/AIDS cases per year in the United States. “A lot of people won’t use [condoms] because of the lack of pleasure,” said Randall Boddie, a psychology sophomore who attended the HIV/AIDS Awareness event. But Boddie said using a condom is something students have to live with. “We know that if we don’t use a condom we will get a disease if our partner has one,” said Boddie. At the Feb. 6 event, Project SAFE provided small bags with condoms, dental dams, and informative pamphlets.

my focus

“But many students don’t read the information about how to properly use condoms,” said Jolly. “I don’t think the information they distribute is effective because most students don’t read it,” said biology sophomore Kenya Goins. “They just use the condoms,” she said. Tim’m T. West’s work has been published in many literary and academic anthologies and journals. More information about West is available on his website at http://www.reddirt.biz. He can be reached by email at timmwestevents @reddirt.biz .

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It hurts. It’s fun. It’s my first tatt!

Sousaphones CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 band room. Crime Prevention Officer Billy Boyd, case co-investigator, said his concern was that proper precautions may not have been taken. “Locking up is an important issue in security,” said Boyd. “You never know who is just waiting to capitalize on someone’s mistakes.” Officer Boyd declined to comment on whether someone failed to lock the facility, copied a key illegally, picked locks, or propped open the doors. Key records indicated that NCCU band director Jorim Reid, visiting instructor Robert Trowers, and Rowley were issued keys that would give access to the band room. Paula Harrell, music department chair, and her administrative assistant also hold a master key to the building that provides access to the band room. According to University key policy, Harrell and physical plant director, Phillip Powell, sign off on all the keys issued to staff and faculty in the Edwards Music Building. After the theft of the sousaphones, the locks to the two doors that provide access to the band room were changed. Reid, Trowers and Rowley did not respond to a Campus Echo e-mail request for details of their procedures for managing their keys.

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Tattoos are so commonplace that not having one is ‘different’ BY LANCE DOWNS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Bewilderment is one of many feelings you may experience when you see the bright fluorescent lighting and hear blaring heavy metal music up the staircase . Screams of agony laced with taunting and laughter emanate from small rooms, along with the thunderous buzzing of needles and ink. But this is no torture chamber. It’s Durham’s Twisted Sixes, where N.C. Central University criminal justice sophomore Markus Moultrie and undecided freshman Tishiya Hill are getting their first tattoos. “I finally got in the chair and I was very nervous being that it was my first tattoo on my chest — one of the parts of my body that would feel the most pain,” said Moultrie. “It felt as if someone was carving into my chest with a piece of glass.” Hill said that her friends provided support while Tony, the tattoo artist got to work. “At first I was scared because I didn’t know how bad it would hurt,” she said. “For the first five or ten minutes, it was painful. Then my back got numb so I didn’t feel as much pain — but pain was pleasure!” said Hill. For some, body art is a rite

When I look at them, they have hot designs, but some people O.D. it on ... TISHIYA HILL NCCU FRESHMAN

of passage or a mark of independence. Others use tattoos to express themselves artistically. “I got my tattoo early this year,” said computer science junior Jerome Pottingner. “I was amazed by art, and why not have something on me that is decent and not too big that depicts me and my life?” Business sophomore Romand Jackson said his body describes who he is. “I have two tattoos, and both mean a lot to me,” said Jackson. “I have pride in them both because of how they look and the meaning behind them. And I do not think I will regret it.” Those without body art offer a number of reasons. “Right now I can’t really afford one,” said business senior Shawn Cureton. “My little brother just got one for like $75 and it was a pretty simple design.” But education sophomore Krystal White is bucking the tattoo trend. “I don’t have any because I like being different.” she

said. “Everybody I know has tattoos and I don’t feel like I have to puncture my skin to know who I am. I just never felt the need to get any.” Others discuss the good bad side of taboos. “I think that people with tattoos are creative and want to express their individuality,” said Hill. “When I look at them, they have hot designs. But some people O.D. it on the tattoos to the point where people can’t see their skin!” Hospitality senior Dyshaun Rice said, “I think tattoos are appealing and some are meaningful. It can be symbolic and ritualistic, showing respect to our tribal ancestor. “I also think some tattoos are a complete waste of time and money,” Rice said. When 40 students were asked at random if they had tattoos, 34 said they had one and 28 said they had more than one. Whether fad or artistic expression, tattoos are embedded in the lifestyle of NCCU students.

Criminal justice sophomore Markus Moultrie and undecided freshman Tishiya Hill show off their first tattoos from Durham’s Twisted Sixes. RAY TYLER/Echo staff photographer

Maternity leave better in Mexico Maternity policy in U.S. ‘surprisingly weak’ says NCCU professor BY SHEREKA LITTLEJOHN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

When Lisa Paulin-Cid, assistant professor in N. C. Central University’s Department of English and mass communications had her baby at a university in Mexico City, she got a full 120 days off with full pay: 60 days before the delivery and 60 days after. No questions asked. In the United States, things are a little more complicated, a little less cut and dry. This is on Paulin-Cid’s mind as she takes the elevator to her office on the third floor of the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. She opts for the elevator instead of the stairs. “I’ve been lucky,” she said. “This has been a dream pregnancy.” Paulin-Cid said she has not experienced any complications or morning sickness during her pregnancy so far, but says she sometimes has to go to the restroom when her baby presses against her bladder. She also says that she sometimes has trouble get-

ting a good night’s sleep. While Paulin-Cid will receive paid leave from NCCU, she said it had to be approved first. She said maternity policy in the United States is surprisingly weak. It doesn’t even require employers to provide paid leave. According to Paulin-Cid’s research, only about 24 percent of U.S. employers provide paid maternity leave. “The United States is one of about five nations that does not have a good maternity leave system,” she said. “Being a woman in this country means you are at the mercy of the government.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12month time frame for any eligible employee who gives birth, adopts a child, cares for an immediate relative with a serious illness or who has a serious health condition. When Paulin-Cid gave birth to her six-year-old son, Diego, in Mexico City, she was the director of the foreign language department at

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something I would negotiate with the department,” said Paulin-Cid. “There is no UNC policy for faculty. Each university handles leave differently.” The maternity leave policy at NCCU permits a paid leave of a minimum of 60 days up to a maximum of an entire academic semester. According to the NCCU policy on serious illness and disability leave, any faculty member who wants to request a paid leave because of serious illness or

parental purposes must write the department chair at least 60 days in advance of the leave. The department chair must then obtain permission from the dean in order to approve any paid time off. In her Dec. 18 letter to

English and mass communi cations department chair Louise Maynor, Paulin-Cid requested 41 days of paid leave, assuming there are no complications with her pregnancy before March 17. “Babies are unpredictable,” Paulin-Cid said.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008

R TH

Recession could cost cost 5.8 million jobs

Jobless rate Percent of civilian labor force that is unemployed, by month, seasonally adjusted: 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

January

’07

ANNUAL 8 6 4.9% 4 2 0 ’97

4.6% ’07

4.9%

MARKET WATCH (MCT)

WASHINGTON — Up to 5.8 million additional workers in the United States could join the ranks of the unemployed by 2011 if the economy were to fall into a severe recession, according to a report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The report comes on the heels of the government’s news on Friday that U.S. employers are already cutting back on hiring. January marks the first monthly contraction in nonfarm payrolls in four years — data that may be the smoking gun showing that the economy has entered a recession. Lawmakers are working on a stimulus plan, which could be passed in coming weeks, that they hope will boost the economy and stave off recession. A recession technically occurs if the economy contracts for two consecutive quarters: The U.S. economy grew at a weak 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter, according to preliminary data. In the case of a mild to moderate recession, spanning six to nine months, CEPR projects an additional 3.2 million unemployed by 2010. At the end of last year, there were about 7 million unemployed. CEPR, which applied trends from recent recessions to create a forecast for a 2008 recession, also argued that the labor market would still be in bad shape even after a formal recession ends. “The financial markets are basically sending an enormous storm over the economy,” said John Schmitt, a senior economist with CEPR and coauthor of the report. “Even when the sun comes out, there will still be the devastation left behind. The hiring will resume at a rate slower than before, and with a big backlog of workers that are unemployed.” In a severe recession, which would last about two years, a typical family’s inflation-adjusted income would fall almost $3,750 per year by 2011, according to the report, while the number of Americans living in poverty would grow by 10.4 million. In a mild to moderate recession, a family’s income could fall $2,000 per year by 2010, and another 4.7 million would be in poverty, according to

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Obama takes 8 in a row BY TRAVIS RUFFIN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Illinois senator Barack Obama continued his winning streak last night in the Potomac primaries, which included Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate needs 2,025 delegates. Obama currently has 1,210 and Sen. Hillary Clinton has 1,188 delegates. Obama defeated Clinton by a landslide, receiving 76 percent of the vote in Washington, D.C., 63 percent in Virginia and 62 percent in Maryland, as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. Obama has now won the last eight primaries. According to some, Obama’s campaign is thriving because voters desperately want change.

Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama supporter Yesenia Guillen of Cobb County, Georgia, drums up support for Obama in Acworth, Georgia, Tuesday, Feb 5. ANDY SHARP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution (MCT)

“I think that Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air,” said Lydia Lindsey, N.C. Central University associate professor of history.

“I truly feel that he has what it takes to bring about change in our political landscape in terms of national security, employment and health care.

The man has a vision.” “It’s not that I hate Hillary Clinton, but I just feel that Barack is the better candidate for the job,” Lindsey said. “He is running an impressive grassroots campaign.” Others say they worry about what might happen if Obama becomes the first black U.S. president. “I strongly support Barack, but I feel that his life will be in great danger if he is elected,” said Amanda Chambers, English graduate student. “Someone will probably try to take him out. “He will need extra security because there are still lots of people who don’t want to see a black man in the White House.” On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain defeated candidate Mike Huckabee in the three Potomac states.

Raleigh rally outlines agenda Historic thousands on Jones Street — HK on J — attracts thousands BY MARK SCOTT

January

’08

the report. There’s evidence that America’s middle-class is already at risk. New research from think tank Demos and the Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University found that only 13 percent of middle-class families would have enough assets to cover most of their essential living expenses for nine months if they lost their income source. Schmitt said there should be more focus on the ill effects of a recession. The CEPR report found that at least 4 million additional people would be without health insurance coverage in a mild to moderate recession. Some workers who lose their job may still be covered by a spouse’s plan. Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation in New York that supports independent research on health-care issues, said recessions focus consumers more on health care. “It raises your anxiety and makes you want your politician to do something,” she said. She added that states experience a “double whammy” during recessions when it comes to health care — states collect less tax revenue as consumers pull back spending and home values decline, even as the ranks of those relying on government support swells. While experts say health care tends to be a more resilient industry, a recession could harm nonprofit service providers. “Their bad debts go up,” Davis said. “More people are uninsured, more people are broke and they are just not able to pay their bills. A lot of (providers), particularly in low-income communities, operate pretty close to the edge. If they had to cut back on services, it would mean a lot more people going without care.” Schmitt noted that some effects from a recession are hard to quantify, and economic hardships spill over into other social concerns, such as family happiness. Downturns in the economy can harm psychological health, said Jason Furman, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “Being unemployed is not something that people want and it’s not something that makes people happy,” he said.

ECHO STAFF RITER

Unity was the theme of the second annual H K on J — historic thousands on Jones Street — march and rally Saturday in Raleigh. An estimated 8,000-10,000 people attended this year’s rally, up about 50 percent from last year. “It was a demonstration of power and support,” said Jarvis Hall, director of N.C. Central University’s Academic Service Learning Program. Area leaders, community members and students belted aloud the words of “Lift Every Voice,” as the march began in Chavis Park and concluded on

Jones St in front of the N.C. State Building. Once there, supporters and activists rendered a 14-point agenda to advance civil rights. “A Movement, Not a Moment,” was the message that area activists like the Rev. William Barber, II conveyed. Barber, a former NCCU student and SGA president, spoke about how this was not just a one day event. “There are over 100 branches working to keep this going,” said Barber of the NAACP. Barber stressed the need to stay focused on a single agenda. “You can’t separate the points, it’s like trying to sepa-

rate your wrist hand from your arm and your arm from your shoulder, you just can’t do it,” said Barber. Some of the key points addressed at the rally included livable wages for low income families, affordable health care and increased funding for HBCUs. The Rev. Nelson Johnson made the case for reparations for African-American families who suffered during 1898 Wilmington race riots and for black women who were forcibly sterilized in North Carolina from 1947-77. NCCU mass communication senior Marquita McAlpine spoke about the need for increased funding to support HBCUs.

“We have been seeing other predominately white schools get their share and we’re wondering where our share is,” McAlpine, mass communication senior. War veteran Jason Hurd, called for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. A NAACP “report card” gave N.C. state legislature and overall grade of D+ for meeting the issues raised at last year’s rally. “Through unity and working together hopefully organizations will realize it’s not about what one can do, said NCCU history education freshman Nick Green. Green is president of the NCCU chapter of the NAACP.

Rival tribes clash in Kenya BY SHASHANK BENGALI MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

NAIVASHA, Kenya — Hundreds of Kikuyus wielding stones, sticks, machetes, and wooden planks studded with nails confronted rival tribes Monday on a main road, whooping and wailing for blood as violence from last month’s disputed election raged in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Having borne the brunt of the violence since the election, Kenya’s dominant tribe, the Kikuyu, is fighting back with ferocity. “I wish they give us just one Luo. I will skin him alive,” said a 22-year-old named Edwin, referring to a rival group. He was carrying a two-by-four with nails sticking out, and didn’t want to give his last name in case he made good on his threat. Kenyan police, who’ve been unable — many Kenyans say unwilling — to calm the tribal tensions in much of the country, fired shots into the

air, scattering the mob. But it was clear that the post-election violence has entered a grim new phase of tit-for-tat attacks. On Sunday, a Kikuyu mob burned several people alive in a home in Naivasha. On Monday, police reported finding another 14 bodies, bringing the two-day death toll to 28, according to Kenyan news reports. As word of the Naivasha killings spread to the Luo stronghold of Kisumu, 130 miles west, gangs of youths rampaged through the streets Monday, blocking roads with flaming barricades and beating up any Kikuyus they could find. Police shot one man to death, residents said, and news reports said police had killed another in the town of Eldoret. The violence exploded as former U.N. SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan’s efforts to lead peace talks between Kibaki and opposition lead-

A mob of Kikuyus chase a woman fleeing her home in Naivasha, Kenya, Jan. 28. Members of the Kikuyu tribe are waging revenge attacks against rival tribes in the Rift Valley. SHASHANK BENGALI/MCT

ers stalled. More than 800 people have been killed since President Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, declared himself the winner of the Dec. 27 election despite huge voting irregularities.

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Four views of Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall WE

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rank Gehry is considered by many, including myself, to be among the best living architects of our time.

His work can be found in major cities around the world. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic; the Music Experience Project in Seattle; and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, featured in this photo essay, are among Gehry’s most famous buildings. After having seen Frank Gehry’s buildings in photographs for a long time, I finally had the chance to see one of his buildings in person. I visited Los Angeles last year and from the time I planned my trip I knew I had to see Disney Hall.

I was mesmerized by the museum’s presence and design. The building, which seats 2,265 people, is a multifunctional facility used mainly to house the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Frank Gehry has lived a life as interesting as his architectural projects. Although Gehry was born in Canada, his architectural practice has been based in Los Angeles since 1962. It all began in 1947 when Gehry left Canada and moved to California. In his early years as an immigrant in the United States, Gehry drove a delivery truck to make a living. He started his higher education at Los Angeles City College, a community col-

lege in Hollywood. His studies at LACC allowed him to transfer to the University of Southern California. He graduated from USC with a bachelor of architecture degree in 1954. Following graduation from USC, Gehry held several odd jobs and joined the U.S. Army. He then continued his education in architecture at Harvard University’s graduate school of design, where he studied city planning. He would only complete one year of the program, dropping out to pursue other goals, including founding his firm in 1962. Frank Gehry’s life is a reminder that no matter where we start, we can go as far as we want to go.

Photographic Essay by Sebastian Frances

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The good ol’ daze A Spike Lee Joint “School Daze” celebrates two decades BY BROOKE SELLARS A&E ASSISTANT EDITOR

In the midst of commemorating black history this month, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of “School Daze” (1988), directed by Spike Lee. The movie is based on Lee’s experiences at Morehouse College in Atlanta. In honor of this anniversary, the N.C. Central University Hip Hop Initiative and True School are hosting a movie night tonight at the New School of Education Auditorium at 8 p.m. The movie begins with fraternity and sorority members quarreling with the other students at a fictional historically black university. Laurence Fishburne plays Dap, a social activist who acts as the political voice of the campus. Dap is disgusted with the increasing social power of the Greek system. Ironically, his cousin Half-Pint (Spike Lee) is eager to join Gamma fraternity and is willing to undergo any humiliation. The movie also highlights issues such as the color complex, sexism and female degradation. A discussion will take place before and after the movie, and 9th Wonder will provide music on the turntables. “I think that the movie is a classic. It displays what goes on at a black college that a lot of people wouldn’t have known if they didn’t see the movie,”

Rhianna: “Dad, I know I promised you I’m gonna give you my first Grammy, but we might have to fight for this one.” Jay: “She said she wanna thank everybody for her first Grammy.” Rhianna: “Anyway, I’d like to thank Jay-Z for being a part of this record with me.” Jay: “She’d like to thank Jigga Man for being the greatest in the world.” — Rhianna, after dragging Jay-Z onstage at the Grammys Between the uncomfortable hug, the dismissive wave to the mic, or the coaching through the Grammy acceptance speech, I can’t tell if Jay was more turned off by being singled out by Rhianna in front of his lady or singled out by Rhianna on television in front of millions of viewers. With all the rumors surrounding them, why would she even go there?

–– Larisha J. Stone

“I am standing with my hat in the air.” –August Wilson on Suzan-Lori Parks

“School Daze” was released in 1988. COURTESY

SONY PICTURES

said mass communication senior Brittany Benson. Alleis Burton, 9th Wonder’s assistant, said she hopes students will get a better understanding of what encouraged her generation to attend an HBCU. “To see those images onscreen are important reminders of our history and culture,” said Burton. “School Daze” is one of the first movies to bring African-American cultureonscreen. “Spike Lee is an icon who paved the way for

African-American filmmakers,” said Benson. Besides “School Daze,” Lee has directed “Do the Right Thing,” “Jungle Fever” and “Crooklyn.” Critics describe Lee as an artistic rebel who constantly challenges Hollywood’s perception of the filmmaking industry. In the future the Hip Hop Initiative would like to continue to show classic African-American films and discuss their importance to our culture and society.

From Parks’ spectacular theatrical imagination comes the Pulitzer Prize-winning story of two African-American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, whose names were given to them as a joke by their father. Abandoned by their parents as teenagers, the brothers ﬁght for position and legitimacy in the world.

JAN 27 – MAR 2 Center for Dramatic Art, UNC-Chapel Hill

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Gordon Parks pics grace museum

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Coming of age in the ‘burbs ‘Take a Giant Step’ defies societal expectations on race and space

BY CANDICE MITCHELL ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University’s Art Museum will host “Gordon Parks: Crossroads” from February 3-April 11. The Gordon Parks Foundation’s 45-photograph exhibition celebrates the work of the 20th century’s greatest artists. Parks was a renowned photographer, novelist, poet, composer, musician, and filmmaker. His love for photography began after he saw a magazine spread for the Farm Security Administration. Parks became the first African American to work as a photographer for the FSA, where he developed documentary-style photographs depicting slums, poverty and the economically marginal lives of African Americans. Kenneth Rodgers, NCCU art museum director, said the museum is very fortunate to have the opportunity to show Gordon Parks’ works. “There is no larger figure in African American culture or American social consciousness than Parks,” said Rodgers. Parks’ determination in his odyssey to master the craft of photography, Rodgers said, will not only inspire NCCU students to work at their own craft with passion but to help them understand that sometimes one has to take risks to be successful . “They will see in his works an unrelenting commitment to get better … his daring nature to create opportunities for himself like he did at Life [magazine],” said Rodgers. Multimedia artist and NCCU alumna Jamila Renee Davenport, said Parks inspired her to go against the grain in her career. Parks was the first African American fashion photographer at Vogue and a couple years later became the first African American photojournalist for Life magazine. His writing abilities were most noted in his autobiography, “The Learning Tree.” When the novel was turned into a film, Parks was the first African American to direct a film for a major Hollywood company. His skills in the film genre also were noted in the 1971 film “Shaft.”

NCCU theatre students bring their roles to life in rehearsal of “Take a Giant Step.” BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

BY NATALIA NICHOLE FARRER ECHO STAFF WRITER

“Take a Giant Step,” presented by the N.C. Central University Department of Theatre, is a coming-of-age story that everyone can identify with. The play centers on Spencer Scott, a black high school student growing up in a white middle-class community in the 1950s. Scott faces racism at school, tragedy in the form of a loved one’s death, and resentment because his parents would rather accept racism than speak up. The story deals with Spencer’s frustration and confusion as he matures and discovers that there’s more to life than friendships, Kerry “Amani” Atkinson, a sociology senior, plays the lead role of Spencer, who he describes as an “intellectual who is not a nerd.” Ken Hinton, professor of

Violet (Dionne Johnson) and Spence (Kerry Atkinson) in a heated scene from “Take a Giant Step.” BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

theatre and director of the play, believes the story of Spencer’s journey to manhood has universal appeal, noting that the play was heralded on

Broadway in the 1950s as having an interracial influence “I think everybody has had problems in high school like Spencer,” said Hinton.

Atkinson described Spencer as the typical confused teenager. “I could see my high school experience through him,” he said. Atkinson had roles in two other NCCU Department of Theatre plays. Some will remember him from “Lonely Words” as Kevin, who he described as a “misguided young fake gangsta.” While Kevin’s character was not a major role, it helped Atkinson earn his spot in “Take a Giant Step.” “I play the chump well,” he said with a smile. The original production of “Take a Giant Step” opened in 1953. Playwright Louis Peterson grew up in white suburbia, like his character Spencer Scott. The play ran for eight weeks, was revived OffBroadway for 264 performances in 1956, and was made into a film in 1958.

Greensboro celebrates Artlifestyle BY LARISHA J. STONE ECHO STAFF WRITER

American Gothic by Gordon Parks COURTESY

The birth of a child is the most beautiful thing eyes could ever see. Listening to a symphony build from a diminuendo to a crescendo in a matter of seconds is the most piercing thing the ears could hear. Imagine sensing the birth of a movement. Young people yearn for a massive arts movement reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance; Ayinde Kwaku Purell’s mission is to reinvent it for a modern generation. “My frustration with black America is that nothing is uplifting in the media, so I feel the need to do something about it,” said Purell.

Artlifestyle attendees under painting by A&T senior Brandon Nehilla.

NCCU ART MUSEUM.

LARISHA J. STONE/Echo Staff Photographer

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Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller Sony Music

5 5 hand side out of

on the black

The King of Pop is at it once again, with the rebirth of the chart-topping classic album “Thriller.” This two-disc sensation caters to all generations. To be honest, I’ve never been the biggest Michael Jackson fan, but I must say, all hail the king.

Purell singlehandedly organized the first Artlifestyle Concert, held in Greensboro Feb. 8. The event included live music from North Carolina artists, visual art that ranged from paintings to customized sneakers, a wine tasting, and complimentary sushi appetizers. Purell received his B.S. in business management from N.C. A&T State University. Through Artlifestyle, he was able to marry his love for promotion with his love for art. “If I wasn’t an artist, I’d be a musician, so I pulled together all the visual arts and made it Artlifestyle,” said Purell. The next Artlifestyle Concert will take place March 28 at 8 p.m. at JABS Ultrabar in Greensboro.

Although the album has its original classics, “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin Somethin,” and my ultimate fave till this day, “Beat It,” Michael, or shall I say your royal highness, brings the heat with seven bonus tracks, six of which are previously unreleased. The new tracks include out-

1984 Grammys Moonwalk @ Motown 25 After the skin and nose job

GARBAGE

of-this-world remixes from Kanye West (“Billie Jean 2008”), Fergie (“Beat it 2008”), Will.i.am (“The girl is mine 2008”) and Akon (“Wanna be startin somethin”) along with a previously unreleased track from the “Thriller” sessions, “For All Time,” newly mixed and mas-

Hair catching on fire

A Special Edition of Real Talk on AudioNet

Sleeping with little kids

tered by Michael Jackson himself. My favorite tracks off the album include “Beat It” with Black Eye Pea princess Fergie and “Billie Jean,” remixed by Kanye West.I must say, my girl Fergie takes it and kills! And Mr. West, oh yeah, this song thumps like no other. Michael’s voice still has that something that makes you wanna get up and moonwalk like noone’s watchin. Great album. I give it five stars and I’m not even his biggest fan, so drop the new school for a while and pick up a classic. Ya feel me? — Chasity Richardson

Theme: Coping with Student Life Issues February 27 ~ 7-8 PM Real Talk is the show that lets you the listener e-mail your questions and ask about things happening in your life. Have your questions answered live by NCCU Counselor Dr. Angela Lee. E-mail your questions to AudioNet@nccu.edu To have your e-mail questions answered during the show, use AOL Instant Message at AudioNetStudio. This program is produced in partnership with Student Heath and Counseling Services and AudioNet.

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Davis 6th in nat’l race NCCU track star Christopher Davis is 12th in U.S. in 60m sprint

Spring swing Eagle baseball preps 2008 season BY PHILLIP LANDINGHAM ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

NCCU track athlete Christopher Davis practices for the USA Track & Field Championships held in Boston. BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

BY MATTHEW BEATTY ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

At N. C. Central University, football and basketball sports programs are known for their elite athletes. But one world record holder stands out from the rest –— and he places neither football nor basketball. Finance Junior Christopher Davis is a track and field star whose event is the 60-meter sprint. Last Saturday, Davis placed sixth at the New Balance Invitational in New York City. Davis ranks among the top 12 in the U.S. for 60meter indoor track. He also ranks in the top 30 in the world for the same event. Last year, Davis won the NCAA Division II national championship in his event.

Though Davis has set records for running, his path to success hasn’t been easy. “Last summer I was running the bleachers by myself every day, working hard and still getting up at 6 a.m. to lift weights or go for a run by myself,”said Davis. “People don’t see that — they just see the rewards.” Davis has been working hard since he began running track at NCCU his freshman year. “I had to get used to the workout and had to ask Coach what works and since [then] I have adapted to certain things and focus on what helps me in my race,” he said. Davis, a Charlotte native, began running in his neighborhood with his friends and has stuck with it. “I just used to run and it was fun,”said Davis.

“Then I started winning awards and medals and noticed I can beat people. Then it become a love of mine.” Davis ran the 55-meter dash at Providence High School and began to run the 60-meter dash at NCCU. NCCU head track and cross country coach Michael Lawson has watched Davis improve as an elite athlete in his sport. “Chris has improved 90 percent since his freshman year,” said Lawson. “He had bumps in the road when he first started but has improved.” Davis keeps his favorite scripture with him every day: Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your

paths straight.” Davis’ work ethic and dedication to his sport has separated him from other runners. “Chris has a vision and sets goals on a high level,” Lawson said. “He wrote his goals down and made a list and he executed everything on his list. That’s how you know those that are serious and those that aren’t.” Davis credits God, his family, friends, coaches and teammates, “and especially the ones that didn’t support me at first but are supporting me now.” Davis’ next race will be the U.S.A. Track & Field championships in Boston on Feb. 22. If Davis qualifies he will advance to the World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain March 7-9.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 1944 basketball game held between Duke University and N. C. Central University, which was then called North Carolina College for Negros. The game, set up by 28year-old NCCU coach John B. McLendon, was held in secret because black teams were forbidden to play white ones. The game was so secret, in fact, that no one saw the game except the players, the coaches and two referees. NCCU won 88-44. Earl Lloyd, the first African American ever to play in an NBA game, is interviewed in the film. The documentary premiered at the Congressional Black Caucus on Feb. 6. It will air commercialfree on ESPN March 16-17.

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NCCU’s losing streak ends at 18 BY QUENTIN GARDNER ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

finally going to be in yellow.” NCCU junior guards Phillip Branch and Bryan Ayala led the team with 21 points each. Branch’s 21-point performance set a new career high for the Fort Worth, TX native. “We’ve been thinking ‘payback, payback’ ever since we lost to them,” said Branch. “I couldn’t even sleep last night thinking about it.” Senior forward Charles Futrell added 17 points for NCCU. The Eagles shot 47 percent from the field to 40 percent for Coppin State. NCCU turned the ball over 22 times to only 18 for CSU. NCCU will play its next three games at home. Division II Chowan University will visit McLendon-McDougald Gym Saturday at 4 p.m.

Campus Echo Online Former NBA star and Winston-Salem State graduate Earl “The Pearl” Monroe as seen in the documentary “Black Magic.” Courtesy of Earl Monroe

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Victory at last On Jan. 30, the N.C. Central University men’s basketball team improved to 2-23 overall by defeating Coppin State University 6765 in Baltimore’s Coppin Center. The victory helped snap NCCU’s 18-game losing streak. The Eagles avenged their Jan. 16 home loss to Coppin State. The win serves as NCCU’s first Division I road victory in team history. NCCU head coach Henry Dickerson is pleased about his team’s victory. “That was a great win, especially because it was on the road,” said Dickerson. “We were going against a Division I team with a talented head coach. “We’re going to be on ESPN, and our score is

BLACK MAGIC Organizers describe the festival, held every spring, as a “celebration of the power and artistry of documentary cinema.” Klores said he got the idea for the film while researching another film about basketball. “I love what I’m doing. I’m lucky,” said Klores. He said his research unearthed the many obstacles black college players faced. “I couldn’t escape the idea of the civil rights movement and basketball at HBCUs,” said Klores. Klores said people need to know about the racial quota system that only allowed one or two black players at predominately white colleges. The film also explores what has become known as the “secret game,” a March

On Feb. 22, the N. C. Central University men’s baseball team will begin its 2008 season in Savannah, GA at the HBCU Classic. NCCU will begin play against host school Savannah State University at 10 a.m. NCCU will compete in two other games the following two days against Norfolk State and Chicago State. The round-robin tournament will conclude on Feb. 24. On March 13, the Eagles will begin a home-game stint consisting of 17 consecutive games in Durham. This will be a prime opportunity for students to attend games and support the second-year program. “Some people look at baseball and see guys standing around, but people who know the game know it’s a game within a game,” said NCCU head coach Henry White. The Eagles will play their home games in Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which, according to White, “is one of the best around.” White, who was 2007 CIAA baseball coach of the year, believes that playing in a premiere park has been a great recruiting tool for men’s baseball at NCCU.

“Recruiting is blowing up,” said White. “We get five to ten requests a week with kids interested in playing baseball at NCCU.” “A lot of the kids are interested because of academics.” Although NCCU has 16 returning players, the team is still young. Last year’s team included 11 freshmen. One challenge will be getting accustomed to Division I talent. This year’s schedule includes two dates with Duke University. NCCU has ten scheduled contests against CIAA opponents. The Eagles’ speed could spark fans in 2008. Last year, NCCU led Division II in stolen bases with 209 out of 241 attempts. One of the goals for the baseball program this season is to improve on last year’s 21-24 record. The Eagles went 15-5 in conference play last season and won the regular season title. Junior third baseman Robert Landis was a huge factor in last year’s success. Landis led the team with a .369 batting average and was fourth in the nation in fewest strikeouts. Last year’s reigning CIAA rookie of the year, shortstop Justin Goodson, could contribute tremendously to NCCU’s transition to Division I competition.

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Secret game a sign of times t would be an exaggeration to say that I know nothing about basketball. I have seen a game or two, know the names of a few of the players, and have a vague idea of the rules. Kenice I Mobley have never been an avid fan of that, or any, sport. I just didn’t see it as particularly important. I didn’t understand why people were getting so excited watching people run back and forth throwing balls at each other when there were major social and political events taking place every day.

At that time, games between blacks and whites were illegal, and the consequences could have been dire if certain town residents had discovered the whereabouts of the competition. This Monday, a movie premiered at the Carolina Theater that changed my opinion on the impact and importance of sports. “Black Magic,” a documentary which airs on ESPN next month, weaves together stories of coaches and team members from historically black universities. It examines the personal struggles each player had with race, poverty and disability and the ways they overcame it. The film begins with a topic close to home

for any N. C. Central University student. It focuses on a secret game between students at NCCU and players from Duke. The game was held in an empty gym to ensure and protect the privacy of all the people involved. At that time, games between blacks and whites were illegal, and the consequences could have been dire if certain town residents had discovered the whereabouts of the competition. NCCU beat Duke by

an amazing forty points. The film went on to profile the many coaches who have had astounding records without recognition from the larger college basketball community. In fact, many coaches’ careers have included several national championships and more than 800 wins. In the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Ma., these black coaches are simply noted as contributors, instead of as coaches who brought out the

best in their teams. Their continued struggle for recognition highlights issues that still need to be overcome in the sport. These games, and the inclusion of blacks in the National Basketball Association, were unconventional methods of resistance to the existing white power structure, and should be celebrated as important historical milestones. I would be lying if I said that after seeing this movie, I have gained a love of basketball and plan to watch every game. I will be more apt to sit and watch it if there’s nothing else on. More than that, I can now appreciate how the game of basketball is like any other profession, filled with battles and conflict on and off the court.

Hip-hop on the ropes ulture can be defined as the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular group. For the majority of young black Americans, culture is hiphop. We are Kai a Christopher diverse population, but hip-hop has surged to the forefront of the black American consciousness since its creation in the late 1970’s. The genre has grown exponentially, from block parties in New York to national to international recogni-

We have let American civil rights accomplishments fade into the night. And black America’s similar reluctance to educate and cultivate hip-hop is the reason it has become what it is today.

tion and success. But as the late, great Christopher Wallace, AKA Biggie Smalls, put it, “The more money we come across, the more problems we see.” As hip-hop grew in popularity and integrated into the mainstream, it became big business, with trig equations for numbers of hit records sold and a nose for higher profit margins. On one hand, blessings and resources have come to the hands

of young black men who most likely wouldn’t have enjoyed the financial success they have with hip-hop through other means. On the other hand, the messages their songs repeatedly send encourage sex, drugs, clubs and materialism. Today, little girls practice stripper dances in front of the television after school. Hip-hop is as relevant to black America as the presidential elections; there is no

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Shelbia Brown - Editor-in-Chief Gabi Clay-White - Assistant Editor

greater public influence on what is important to young black America than the flashy superstars on BET. For all the intellectual debates we have among ourselves, Young Jeezy can say, “Thank God for that white” and it’s okay because he put it over a “hot beat.” We have let American civil rights accomplishments fade into the night And black America’s similar reluctance to educate and cultivate

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hip-hop is the reason it has become what it is today. At a historically black university that studies issues critical to the black community, it is imperative that we understand the history of hip-hop and are able to deduce how we got to the state in which we stagnantly reside. If you don’t know where you’re coming from, where are you going to go? Hip-hop faces the same opposition that jazz and rock music faced, and like those American art forms, hip-hop is here to stay. Although at times it seems to be slipping further and further from our grasp, we desperately need to be doing everything in our power to get it back.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

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