print_edition_january_17_2007 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

JANUARY 17, 2007

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Beyond NCCU . . Classified . . . . . . . A&E . . . . . . . . . . . Feature . . . . . . . . Sports. . . . . . . . . . Opinions . . . . . . .

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Campus

A&E

Opinions

Sports

Former chancellor, Julius Chambers, joins John Edwards presidential campaign

Forget Monet, kids are playing Picasso at the NCCU Art Museum

Kai tells the old to stop whinning about the younger stlyish ways

Women lambast Livingstone 74-52.

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Campus Echo Ammons to lead FAMU – maybe

DENITA SMITH I AN IMMEASURABLE LOSS

BY RONY CAMILLE ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Come March there is a possibility that Chancellor James H. Ammons will no longer be sitting in his Hoey Administration building office chair but in an office chair at Florida A&M University in Tallahasee, FL. Ammons, who hails from Winter Haven, FL is on the short list with two other candidates to lead the Florida HBCU. “This is a tough decision for me,” said Ammons in a conversation with the Campus Echo in Dec. 2006. He said he was honored that his colleagues have considered him to lead his alma mater. Ammons, who graduated from FAMU in 1974, was also provost there before coming to NCCU in 2001. According to the News & Observer, a search firm contacted Ammons about the job weeks before a finalist list was released in November. Ammons quickly told Erskine Bowles, the UNC system president, about the opportunity. Joni Worthington, a system spokeswoman, told the News & Observer that "The president made clear to Chancellor Ammons that we would very much like him to stay at North Carolina Central but understands that this is a personal decision." As chancellor, Ammons has increased enrollment numbers, SAT averages and recruiting national acheiving students. However, in 2003 Ammons faced problems with toxic mold in campus residence halls, which ended up displacing nearly 900 students in area hotels and apartments. Florida A&M officials will not decide on who will become their next president until March. Joining Ammons on the short list are Howard Johnson, provost at University of North Texas and Thelma Thompson, president of University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. Officials representing Ammons were contacted for additional comment but did not return phone calls.

Chancellor James H. Ammons in a 2003 photo. ECHO

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MLK’s dream at risk Few college students clear on specifics of King’s achievements in civil rights movement BY VALERIE STRAUSS THE WASHINGTON POST

In a recent survey of college students on U.S. civic literacy, more than 81 percent knew that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was expressing hope for “racial justice and brotherhood’’ in his historic “I Have a Dream’’ speech. That’s the good news. Most of the rest surveyed thought King was advocating the abolition of slavery. The findings indicate that years of efforts by primary and secondary schools to steep young people in the basics of the civil rights leader’s life and activities have resulted in a mixed bag. Most college students know who he is — even if they’re not quite clear on what he worked to achieve. Students and teachers say Monday’s federal holiday marking King’s birthday is the one that receives the most attention in schools, in part because the events sur-

rounding the man it commemorates are the most recent. The recent survey of college students, conducted by the University of Connecticut’s Department of Public Policy for the nonprofit Intercollegiate Studies Institute, suggests that schools are not doing as much as they could to go beyond a cursory history lesson. More than 14,000 college freshmen and seniors at 50 colleges and universities earned an average score of 53.2 percent in the survey. Many of the 10 federal holidays have become little more than days off school or work, even if they are dedicated to significant Americans, such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Many people have no idea what Labor Day commemorates, educators say. “Honestly, I never knew what Veterans Day was until

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Chancellor James H. Ammons hugs Denita Smith’s mother Sharon while Smith’s father, Calvian holds a memorial card presented to the family by the University. BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

LAST GOODBYE FOR DENITA Slain student mourned by Eagle family BY SHELBIA BROWN RONY CAMILLE

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ECHO STAFF WRITERS

Nobody saw it coming. Just like most students she was preparing for her future on earth. But one Thursday morning she was taken away without a chance to say goodbye to friends, family or classmates. With Denita Monique Smith gone, N.C. Central University faculty, students, staff and family gathered at NCCU’s B.N. Duke Auditorium Tuesday to say a final goodbye to her in a memorial service. “Our hearts are numb, and our minds are confused,” said Rev. Michael Page of the Campus Ministry. Smith was shot and killed Jan. 4. Her body was discovered by a maintenance worker around 10 a.m. on the ground floor below her second story apartment at the Campus Crossings Apartments. Five days later, Shannon Elizabeth Crawley, 27, of 4203 Elderbush Circle,

Photo feature page: “From the eye of Denita.” Smith’s Echo photojournalism Page 6 Adviser’s funeral tribute: 2,500 attended Smith’s funeral in Charlotte Page 10 YouTube tribute: NCCU student post memorial on popular web site. Page 3 Greensboro, was arrested for the fatal shooting death of Smith. Students and faculty members reflected on Smith as a scholar, friend and colleague. Arlene Clift-Pellow, professor of English,

remembered Smith for her optimism. “Denita was interested in ethical and social dimensions of literature,” said Clift-Pellow. “She was always ready for class.” “Denita impacted the lives of many,” said Chancellor James H.. Ammons. “Her death is an inescapable part of our reality.” Her funeral took place 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 at the University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. A P ro m is ing S t ude nt At N.C. Central University, Smith wasn’t an ordinary student. “She was an outstanding and promising student, whose life has been cut short,” said Ammons. Smith was an Eagle scholar, sang in the Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir, and played the saxophone in the Sound Machine. She helped students at the Writing Studio, shot pic-

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The King children Dexter, left, Bernice, center, Martin III, second from right, and Yolanda attend a musical tribute to Coretta Scott King on February 6, 2006. RICH ADDICKS/Atlanta Journal-Constitution (KRT)

MLK daughter spurns pop culture BY ALIECE MCNAIR ECHO STAFF WRITER

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King isn’t enough, according to the Kings’ youngest daughter, Bernice King. The real celebration is living the lives these leaders advocated. “We’ve been having a great legacy in the life of Coretta and Martin King; what are we going to do with it?” King asked. “I believe we’re at a time now that my father’s legacy is calling for the people that ... are willing to risk their lives,” said King. “We have to make a decision that we’re a part of something greater than ourselves.” King was the keynote speaker at N.C. Central

University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium Friday where about 2,000 attended the event. In her speech, King suggested nonviolent behavior when she referred directly to the Jan. 4 fatal shooting of NCCU graduate student Denita Smith. “How much longer do we have to witness ... young people losing their lives and innocence by gunshots?” she asked. King was critical of the entertainment industry and hip-hop culture and said she’s afraid this generation doesn’t see the humiliation of being overtaken by entertainment. She said ladies should

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Net failure costly Explosion damages IT power supply BY NATALIA PEARSONFARRER ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University’s Information Technology Services may end up spending up to $400,000 to fix all the problems created by a failed computer network power supply unit. A Dec. 22 explosion damaged more than 70 percent of the backup power supply unit’s main circuitry boards. There was no damage to other ITS systems located on the third floor of the New School of Education Building. The explosion occurred over the holiday break, so there were no students or faculty present. Campus police discovered smoke during a build-

ing inspection and called the fire department. ITS staff worked hard over the holidays to keep the Banner, the University’s records and accounting system, running for student registration. “I didn’t have a Christmas,” said Roger Daniel, director of network infrastructure. “We had to stay on campus, working 24hour shifts.” ITS is now relying on a loaner UPS unit to keep network servers running smoothly. The loaner unit is being leased for approximately $6,000 a month. The damaged UPS unit could be repaired, but repairs would end up costing as much as a new unit because the 8-year-old unit is no longer being manufactured.

Daniel said that ITS hopes to replace the unit by March. The new unit alone, which will have to be built to specifications, could cost up to $100,000. Other expenses also include an electrical engineer to install the unit and building inspections, These could bring the total cost to $400,000. The temporary unit is smaller than the damaged power backup unit, so ITS has to carefully manage power to the server to prevent the unit from triggering off during peak loads. “Pretty much everything is up and running,” said Daniel. “We’re doing the best we can to keep everything up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the University.”

BERNICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 understand they are not “bitches and whores,” and men should understand they “are not dogs ... but princes.” King also instructed students not to carry financial debts because it distracts focus. “We’ve got to redirect our energy and raise our standards,” she said. “We are letting others define us, image us, and even brand us.” According to King, her father was busy trying to decrease the economic gap between the “haves and have nots” before his assassination. She shares his belief that the gap is too big between the rich and the poor.

King said “something is fundamentally wrong” because blacks carry their debts on to younger generations after their deaths and not much has changed since her father’s advocacy. “Many times we die with out dreams inside of us, our visions inside of us, our artistic abilities inside of us,” King said. Students from Durham public schools, including James E. Shepard Magnet Middle School and Fayetteville Street School, attended the event. “They were all focused and attentive,” said Cynthia McCrimmon, an Ivy Prep coordinator for Shepard Middle School, who brought 27 students

whom she thought would get a lot out of the program. According to McCrimmon, many of her students fall into the hip hop trap King spoke about. “All they know is the industry of entertainment,” she said. McCrimmon said one of her female students allows the boys to disrespect her. “They call her a ‘ho,’ and she answers,” said McCrimmon. Following King’s speech, Provost Beverly Washington-Jones gave MLK awards to Reverend William J. Barber, president of the N.C. NAACP chapter and Mukhtar Raqib, NCCU SGA president.

2007 John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Awards The Center for Documentary Studies, established at Duke University in 1989, and dedicated to documenting the reality of people's lives in our complex culture, will give awards to undergraduates attending Triangle-area universities. These prizes are designed to help students conduct summer-long documentary fieldwork projects. Students interested in applying for the prize should demonstrate an interest in documentary studies and possess the talent and skills necessary to conduct an intensive documentary project. These skills may include oral history, photography, film or video, essay or creative writing, journalism or active interest in community service programs. Awards of up to $2,000 will be given out. Applications should be submitted during the month of February; those postmarked after March 1, 2007 will not be accepted. Full guidelines for the 2007 JHF Student Documentary Awards are currently available. For a copy of the guidelines, please check our Web site http://eds.aas.duke.edu/jhf/index.html or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Awards Center for Documentary Studies 1317 W. Pettigrew Street, Durham, NC 27705 Contact: Alexa Dilworth, (919) 660-3662 alexad@duke.edu

Former NCCU Chancellor Julius Chambers in his office Sept. 2000. Chamber, a distinguished civil rights attorney, was NCCU chancellor from January 1993 to June 2001. Echo file photo

CHAMBERS JOINS EDWARDS TEAM BY GEOFFERY COOPER ECHO STAFF WRITER

Former U.S. senator and 2008 Democratic presidential nominee John Edwards has chosen civil rights attorney and former N.C. Central University Chancellor Julius L. Chambers to serve a treasurer of his 2008 presidential campaign. Upon his announcement of a bid towards presidency in late December, Edwards has been creating an “inner circle” to provide technical advice and support. Edwards’ inner circle is comprised of 15 legal activists, lawyers, politicians and publicists. The majority worked with Edwards on his 2004 campaign when he made an unsuccessful run toward the vice-presidency with running mate Sen. John Kerry. Chambers’ duties will include designating a depository where all monetary funds are to be distributed; keeping an organized account of all donations and contributions to the Edwards campaign; and authorizing all campaign expenditures. Sarah Bell Lucas, director of Academic Advising and longtime friend of the former chancellor, said that Chambers will be a valuable asset to the Edwards campaign. “He’s a humble man with very little words,” said Lucas. “But you can guarantee that his actions have stood mighty tall.” Lucas added, “John knows that he (Chambers) has a lot of close connections and knows a lot of people that have money.”

This will not be the first time that Chambers has dived into the pool of politics. In 2004, he served as treasurer for Sen. Edwards’ campaign for vice-president. Aside from Chambers’ groundbreaking work in politics, he also holds an impeccable legacy as an educator, activist and civil rights attorney. Chambers’ legacy can be traced all the way back to his time in undergrad. He graduated summa cum laude from NCCU in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. In 1959, he attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was editor-inchief of the law review, the first African-American to do so. Chambers graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law in 1962 with high honors and as valedictorian. He has been dubbed both a pioneer and an advocate in the areas of civil rights and minority representation. In June 1964, Chambers opened a law practice in Charlotte which is currently named Ferguson Stein Chambers & Sumter P.A. With his founding partners James E. Ferguson II and Adam Stein, it became the first integrated law firm in North Carolina. This law firm is internationally and nationally recognized in criminal defense, employment discrimination, general civil rights litigation, school desegregation and voting rights. The firm won milestone United States Supreme Court proceedings in cases such as Swann v.

Charlotte/Mecklenburg Board of Education (1971), a famous school busing decision, and Griggs v. Duke Power Co. (1971) and Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody (1975). These were two of the Supreme Court’s most significant Title VII employment discrimination decisions. In 1984, Chambers left the firm to become directorcounsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense Fund. In cooperation with more than 400 attorneys across the United States, he fought concerns in such areas as education, voting rights, capital punishment, employment, housing and prisons. Under his leadership, the NAACP also served as a forerunner for affirmative action and legislation in civil rights, issues that were important during the 1970’s and 1980’s. In 1993, Chambers left the NAACP to become the eighth chief administrator of NCCU. During his eight-year tenure at the University, Chambers raised $50 million to renovate student residence halls and classroom buildings, and prompted the construction of the New School of Education, New Residence Halls I & II and a Biomedical/Biotechnology research institute that was named in his honor. Upon retiring in June 2001, he reentered private law practice and currently resides in Charlotte as an attorney at his law firm. Neither Chambers was nor representatives from Edwards’ campaign could not be reached for comment.

Community Service Program

Ask us how you can become an officer in the U.S. Army

The Evangelical Lutheran Fellowship Community Service Program offers students a chance to get their community service hours. We will drive students from campus to three different community service sites in Durham each week. We will also reflect upon the importance of community service and the spiritual aspects of serving others.

The three sites are: • Mondays at 4:30 PM Cook dinner for a group home through Lutheran Family Services • Tuesdays at 1 PM Organize merchandize for Pennies for Change to support a women’s shelter and to fight against domestic violence • Wednesdays at 2:45 PM After-school tutorial program at Lyon Park Family Life and Recreation Center

U.S. Army Recruiting Station 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday Sgt. 1st Class Toomer, 490-6671

Evangelical Lutheran Fellowship 919-698-3648 campusminister@abiding-savior-lutheran.org www.abiding-savior-lutheran.org/campusministry.html

Dr. Sheila Allison

• general gynecology • abnormal PAPs • emergency contraception • pediatric & adolescent gynecology • emergency contraception • menstrual irregularities

Accepting new patients. Evening hours. 6216 Fayetteville Road, Suite 105 Durham, N.C. 27713 919.405.7000 Fax: 919.405.7006

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Pal pays web homage

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YouTube tribute honors slain student BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO STAFF WRITER

The Smith family at the Jan. 16 memorial in B.N. Duke Auditorium (from left to right Calvian, father, Sharon, mother, Jonathan, brother, Jaleesa, sister). BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

tures and wrote stories for the Campus Echo, and was active in student government – all of this was accomplished as an undergraduate student. Smith turned 25 Nov. 20. She graduated from West Charlotte High School in 2000 and graduated from NCCU in 2004. Smith was writing her master’s thesis on the expression of black male identity in both the works of Richard Wright and Tupac Shakur. She was expecting to graduate this spring. She was engaged to be married to Jermeir Stroud, an NCCU alumnus and a police officer in Greensboro. As an undergraduate, Smith was a staff photographer for this newspaper from 2001-2004, and as a graduate student she continued to write stories for the Campus Echo. After graduating, she attended the New York Times Summer Journalism Institute in New Orleans. She had internships with the NCCU Office of Public Relations and Democracy South, and was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society. As a graduate student, Smith worked for NCCU’s Writing Studio, tutoring students and helping them with their writing assignments. C om pas s ionat e , h ardwork ing Alumni, students and faculty all remember Smith for her graceful composure, her loyal friendship and her academic excellence. “For anyone who knew Denita, sadness will be in the air,” said Gerard Farrow, a former Campus Echo Arts and Entertainment editor, who worked closely with Smith. Farrow was on his way to a graduate class in film studies at Howard University when he received the call that he said ruined his day. “I don’t even think I remember what went on in class,” said Farrow. “That was the only thing on my mind.” Saria Canady, a former copy editor from the Campus Echo now working at the Naples Daily News in Florida, was close to Smith. “We knew what was going on in each other’s lives,” said Canady. “She was not the type of person to have any enemies.” Canady recalled that Smith had a habit of calling people by their first and last names and that her favorite expression was “Keep God first.” Julius Jones, a former Campus Echo staff reporter who works in events promotion in New York, said he has fond memories of Smith. “She gave me so much help,” he said. Jones said that the last time he spoke with Smith, she was excit-

ed about her future marriage to Jermeir Stroud. “She was so excited when she told me about it,” said Jones. “I was ready to see her go through her bride phase.” Jenise Hudson, a coworker of Smith in the Writing Studio, said she was not prepared for the news of Smith’s death. “I just lost it,” said Hudson. We had gotten closer to one another within the last couple of weeks. She was very giving and very family oriented. “The news has hit faculty hard as well. “She was one of the most thoughtful people, and she was a very good student,” said English associate professor and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society adviser Michele Ware . “Denita worked hard to do her best. She was excited about pursuing her master’s degree,” said Ware. “We had great hopes for her.” English professor Arlene Clift-Pellow, the chair of Smith’s thesis committee, recalls how excited Smith was about being in the graduate program. “She was wonderful to work with – very positive,” said Clift-Pellow. Bruce dePyssler, Smith’s adviser at the Campus Echo, said it was especially difficult returning to the office after hearing the sad news. “I just broke down when I looked in the photo editing room where she used to image her photographs,” said dePyssler. “It’s so sad. She was doing everything right.” The Campus Echo staff will pay tribute to Smith by naming their newsroom after her. Louise Maynor, chair of the English and mass communcation department, said Smith planned to pursue a Ph.D. at either Ohio University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was interested in studying rhetoric and popular culture. “I still find it difficult to imagine that someone like Denita could be a victim of something like this,” said Maynor. “I’ll always be stunned by this.” While those left behind struggle to cope with their grief and loss, some of her friends on Facebook.com have yet one more task for Smith — she’s got some messages to deliver in heaven: “Tell my grandfather I said hello and I love him,” wrote friend Ebony Robinson. “Tell my mom that I said I love her, and I miss her,” wrote friend Gilbert Harper. Smith is survived by her brother Jonathan Maurice, 21, her sister Jaleesa Renee, 17, and her parents Calvian and Sharon. The family requests that donations be made to the Denita M. Smith

DEATH-BY-GUN FACTS 2000

n Gun violence is a leading means of homicide for people of color in the U.S. n Gun violence is the leading killer of African Americans aged 15-34. n Number of firearms in the U.S. = 200 million. n Firearms deaths in 2000 = 28,663 n Men killed by gunfire in 2000 = 9,006 n Women killed by gunfire in 2000 = 1,795 n Gun homicides committed by men between 1976 -1987 = 96,923 n Gun homicides committed by women between 1976 1987 = 14,916 Sources: Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Bureau of Justice Statistics

Scholarship Fund at the University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. C raw le y ’s arre s t Crawley will face charges in Durham County. She was recently tranfered to the women’s prison in Raleigh Tuesday Police described Smith’s shooting as “planned and personal.” Crawley was suspended from Gilford County Metro 911 Jan. 5, after being identified as a person of interest in the case. In a news release Durham police said they would not discuss suspected motives. News of the arrest and a sense of relief traveled fast across campus. Jeffery Elliot, chair of the NCCU political science department, said he was encouraged that “police are taking an aggressive approach to such an horrific event. People want to see closure in this case.” Elliot was recently interviewed by Smith for a Nov. 25 Campus Echo news story about the U.S. Midterm election. Even though Elliot was scheduled for a surgery he stayed up late responding to her e-mail questions “because I admire her.” “I’m relieved that they found someone,” said biology education junior Snwazna Adams. “I feel some kind of justice has been done for Denita.” “I know that the campus is thankful that they have made an arrest,” said education graduate student DeRonde Dawson. “I know that the family is relieved.” Durham Police Chief Steve Chalmers said he hoped the arrest would “assist in the healing process.” NCCU Chancellor James H. Ammons released this statement: “What happened to Denita was unconscionable. She was an outstanding and promising young student whose life has been cut short. The arrest of a suspect will help us to begin the process of healing.”

“I thought we’d get to see forever, but forever’s gone away,” are the words to the hit Boyz II Men single “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” But it is also the theme song to a video produced in memory of slain N.C. Central University student Denita Smith. NCCU music performance senior Devashi Woods posted the tribute on YouTube.com, a popular video file share site that houses thousands of personal and home videos. “This is a video done for a friend that was taken from this life too early,” said Woods. Woods, 26, got the pictures from Smith’s Facebook profile page. Facebook is an online student profile directory that allows people from around the country to meet and share information. “All of the photos were chosen for a reason,” said Woods. “I chose a lot of the photos where she was smiling because she was a happy person.” The video is made up of a collaboration of everyday portraits of Smith posing with friends, sorority sisters and family members. Woods

even included one portrait of Smith posing with her fiancé Jermier Stroud, a Greensboro police officer and NCCU graduate. “The biggest message that I want people to take from this experience is to take every day that God gives you and live it to the best that you can, really take every moment and cherish it,” said Woods. The photos portray Smith in a way that most people remember her — as a happy, affectionate person who loved life. The 1-minute, 51-second video was posted around 1 p.m. January 10 and already had received more than 550 hits from viewers by 3:30 that afternoon. The number of viewers had almost doubled by 10 the next morning. “I felt that this was the best way to reach a mass of people by showing that I care and that we shouldn’t take life for granted,” said Woods. One viewer wrote, “I know her family would appreciate the fact that you took the time to honor her memory that way. It’s still hard to wrap my mind around the fact that she’s gone, but to know that she’s watching all of us now and

can see how many people really and truly loved her is something that gives me peace.” The song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” was released on Boyz II Men’s 1991 album “Cooleyhighharmony.” “This was the first song that came to mind while I was making the video,” said Woods. The song was originally dedicated to Khalil Roundtree, Boyz II Men’s tour manager who was killed in 1992. Woods met Smith in 2001 while they were both residents of Latham Hall, an NCCU dormitory. Woods said he last had contact with Smith in early December when she sent him an e-mail to say hello. “I hope that her family and fiancé can find comfort in knowing that Denita really touched lives,” said Woods. “It really is hard to say goodbye.” Woods ended the video with a small message: “Denita Smith you will be missed. We know you’re smiling down on us.” The tribute is available on the web at: http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=89XX9d2-7M4.

Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2006

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MLK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 last year,” said Taneisha Rodney, 14, a ninth-grader at William E. Doar Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts in the District of Columbia. In many schools across the country, teachers say social studies has taken a back seat under the federal No Child Left Behind law, which stresses math and reading. King and the civil rights movement are part of the curriculum in many school systems, although lessons do not always coordinate with the holiday. This is true especially in higher grades where broad issues in U.S. history, such as social justice, are addressed in depth. But for elementary school teachers, federal holidays sometimes are the only chance to teach students about subjects for which they otherwise have little time. “One of the raps on elementary social studies is that it is all about heroes and holidays, and with standardized testing, it often becomes that,” said Andrea Libresco, an education professor at Hofstra University in New York. “People tend to concentrate on English and math.’’ A danger, educators say, is that lessons about King can become repetitive from year to year, especially when using the same theatrical performances and movies. As a consequence, many students know about King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream’’ speech but not about his seminal “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” also written in 1963. Rachel Gillette, 17, a senior at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Va., said that although the holiday is not a focus in her school, the importance of the day remains strong. “Despite the lack of class time spent on this day, Martin Luther King Day

Ivory towers crumbling for tenured profs BY MATT KRUPNICK

Trends in Faculty Status, 1975-2003

CONTRA COSTA TIMES (MCT)

Olivia Linzy holds photos of Dr. Martin Luther King and wife Corretta at march in downtown Orlando, Florida, Saturday, February 25, 2006. BOBBY COKER/Orlando Sentinel/KRT

means much more than Lincoln or Washington’s Birthday,” Gillette said in an e-mail. “There are local breakfasts in his honor, and the street that he marched down has now been named Martin Luther King Boulevard. Everyone I know knows exactly who he is ...” But some students readily acknowledge the holiday amounts to little more than a day off school. Some say they fear King’s message of nonviolence is losing relevance in today’s violent world. “It’s fading away a little bit, but if we can keep the true value of Martin Luther King in schools, it may come back,” said Shanay Miles, 14, a ninth-grader at Doar. To honor King’s legacy, a group of students from Shanay’s school will spend Monday doing community service — not lounging at home. They will be going to a Boys & Girls Club to help clean, do inventory and other tasks, Doar teacher Terrence Carter said, adding that giving back to the community is the best way to keep King’s spirit alive.

Colleges and universities nationwide increasingly are replacing tenure-track faculty with temporary and parttime instructors, according to a study released Monday. The report by the American Association of University Professors concludes that relying on adjunct professors and other nontenured faculty could harm the quality of higher education. Heavy teaching loads often prevent temporary professors from keeping up with developments in their field, researchers wrote. “In addition to constraints on academic freedom, nontenure-track faculty are limited in their career progression while holding such appointments,” John Curtis and Monica Jacobe wrote. The academic group found that the proportion of full-time tenured positions fell from 37 percent in 1975 to 24 percent in 2003. While the total number of faculty positions increased during that time, the number of fulltime tenured professors fell by more than 2,000 between 1995 and 2003. While tenured professors cannot be fired without due process, most part-time and temporary instructors can be dismissed at any time. Many schools base rehiring decisions for temporary instructors on student evaluations, leading those teachers to challenge students less than a tenured professor would, Curtis said. “Part-time and temporary faculty are less likely to use writing assignments and more likely to use multiplechoice tests,” he said. “If they do something that students perceive as too difficult, it could be reflected in

All degree-granting institutions, national totals 50% FT-Tenured

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JOHN CURTIS AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR RESEARCHER

lower evaluations.” Public universities and colleges, seeking to avoid the higher costs of health benefits for permanent faculty, have turned to temporary instructors more in recent years. Increasingly popular for-profit schools, such as the University of Phoenix, use nontenured teachers almost exclusively. At Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif., administrators hired more temporary instructors earlier this decade to compensate for stagnant enrollment, said interim Provost Fred Dorer. But the university has spent the past two years focusing on tenure-track professors, he said, choosing to increase class sizes to make up for the added cost. “We became too highly dependent on temporary faculty,” Dorer said. “We felt we needed more people who had this longer-term commitment.” Some departments at St. Mary’s College in Moraga,

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9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday Sgt. 1st Class Toomer, 490-6671

2003

Part-time and temporary faculty are less likely to use writing assignments and more likely to use multiple-choice tests.

To participate in this study or for more information, contact: Dion Terry, Project Coordinator 336-340-2553 or dterry11@mail.nccu.edu or Patricia Wigfall, Ph.D., Principal Investigator at 919-530-6717 or pwigfall@nccu.edu

U.S. Army Recruiting Station

1989

Source: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS Fall Staff Survey

You will receive a $25 gift card for completing a one-hour focus group session.

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Calif., also have tried to increase the number of tenure-track teachers. Politics professor Patrizia Longo said tenure helps faculty members feel safe about expressing their opinions, in and out of the classroom. “Adjunct faculty are in a very precarious position, particularly as far as academic freedom goes,” she said. “Before I got tenured, it was difficult to speak about the issues I felt strongly about.” Some adjunct professors, who often teach at several schools or have other jobs outside academia, said they like the flexibility of their positions. Not all temporary instructors lack job security, said Laura Bernell, an adjunct English professor at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Calif., who has spent more than 25 years in similar positions. “You have to be a certain kind of person to do this work,” she said. “Like any

good job, you develop a relationship with your department. If you build a relationship and they trust you, it’s more secure.” Even top research universities such as the University of California, Berkeley have struggled to figure out when it is acceptable to hire a temporary instructor. For example, all Berkeley undergraduates must pass reading and writing courses, which are offered in several departments. But few tenure-track professors are able to take on those classes, a situation that could lead to more temporary hiring, said Dorothy Hale, a UC Berkeley English professor who directs her department’s undergraduate studies. “It’s been a challenge to staff those courses in this era of diminished resources,” she said. “I don’t think anybody in this department wants to see a stable of adjuncts brought in to teach reading and composition.”

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

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Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com

NCCU WRITING STUDIO Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 2 pm Room 339 Farrison-Newton Communications Building

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

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Youth art displayed Durham Public School student art exhibited at NCCU 12345 1234 123 12

Superman Aquaman Wonder Woman GreenLantern Hawkman

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Trae Tha Truth Show Bcd Music Group

out of on the 3 5 black hand side

4th grader Tamia L. Haddocks, “New York City 2005,” won NCCU’s blue ribbon for best elementary level entry. BRYSON POPE /Echo Staff Photographer

BY BROOKE SELLARS ECHO STAFF WRITER

There is definitely something youthful about the artwork displayed in N.C. Central University’s art museum this month. “Durham’s Finest” is the 27th annual exhibition which features student work from several Durham public schools Each school contributes 4 exceptional works to provide the museum with a total of 229 pieces. The January 7 opening of the showcase attracted a record crowd of 600 students, parents, and faculty. Not only was artwork displayed on the walls of the museum, but music in the art form was also presented. The String Ensemble from the Durham School of the Arts had an

opportunity to perform through the entire opening night of the exhibition. “Each year it gets better and better,” says Art Museum Director Kenneth Rodgers. The wide assortment of creations include styles from abstract to representational work, pencil to crayon, watercolor to oil, and 2-3 dimensional ceramics. In more forms of art, fine wire sculpture and paper machete were also included. Mary Casey, director of K-12 arts education for Durham Public Schools, told The Durham News that “Having their work shown in a museum setting, like real artists, shows how we value our students’ artwork.” The Museum Board of Directors chose three works from each school

level, rewarded the winners with a blue ribbon and gave them the option of selling the art to NCCU’s Art Museum. The winning works selected were “Still Life” by Victoria Pittman, an 11th grader at Southern High School; “Zebra Etching” by Cristina Jackson, eighth grader at Githens Middle School and “New York City 2005” by Tamia Lorraine Haddock, a fourth grader at Club Blvd Humanities Magnet Elementary School. The “Durham’s Finest” exhibit will be displayed in the museum through Jan. 26. The museum, located on Lawson Street across from the FarrisonNewton Communication Building, is free and open to the public Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

Some say hip hop is dead. It’s far from it —– on a hiatus maybe. For those who have heard the Hall of Justus — Soldiers of Fortune CD, you know that Trae is not an unfamiliar voice. After hearing his voice on the lead track, “Jus Chillin,” one would say that Trae is quite dope. What you don't get from the CD is how annoying it is to hear his voice for an extended period time. While his voice was a near turnoff, his new mixtape, “Tha Truth Show,” is definitely worth a listen. The beats he chose were perfect, his lyrics were hot and his flow on point. The major problem is his deep, raspy voice. However, what is hip hop? It’s basically dope beats and dope lyrics. That’s exactly what you get

from Houston-based rapper, Trae. There aren't too many mixtapes that still have that official street sound, but “Tha Truth Show” definitely has that “representation from the hood.” I think I would have to say I agree. Trae keeps it real continuously with tracks like "Hard 2 Smile," covering the woes of living in the hood, and the bass heavy "I Do It 4 The Gangstas." The mixtape is unique in that it is a double disc. It's not surprising that the Houston emcee would make his second disc the screwed version of the same disc. With the exception of a few voice problems and unnecessary guest appearances, it was a pretty good mixtape. It’s not really what I would keep in heavy rotation, but it definitely deserves a listen. “Tha Truth Show” was good enough to build anticipation for the album, whenever it’s due to drop. — Yung Wyse

Smokin’ Aces: familiar faces

Keys and Common play assassins in the action packed movie. COURTESY

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

BY KENICE MOBLEY ECHO STAFF WRITER

Seven teams of highly trained assassins, scores of governmental agents, and what appears to be a strungout magician descend on the

top level of a Reno resort after the mob offers a million dollar hit on an integral witness in Smokin’ Aces. The trailer promises a cool high adrenaline experience that will keep even the

most easily distracted moviegoer glued to his or her seat. Imagine the ensemble appeal of Oceans 11; mix it with grit, blood, and speed. Then you may have a small idea of what to expect. Directed by Joe Carnahan, (Narc and Blood, Guts, Bullets, and Octane) this movie has more stars’ names than can fit on the poster. Jeremy Piven (HBO’s Entourage) plays Las Vegas magician Buddy “Aces” Israel, the target, who may or may not have a few tricks up his sleeve. The assassins range from musicians Common and Alicia Keys to Ben Affleck and Arrested

Development’s Jason Bateman. Other actors include Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder), Tariji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow) The blend of comedic and dramatic actors will have you laughing and holding onto your seat. Early reviews are positive, it has been compared to the action packed crime films of the 70’s. While this film may not change your life, it promises to at least have you walking out of the theater quoting memorable catchphrases and discussing twisted action sequences for some time to come. Smokin’ Aces will begin showing in theaters January 26.

2007 Annual Spring Career Fair

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March 22, 10-1 pm Leroy T. Walker Complex

Undecided about your major?

Learn about more than 70 businesses. Meet with company representatives. Gather information and make an impression that can help you gain employment.

Enter the free iPod drawing! Dress to impress • Pant/skirt suit • Dark suit & tie • Sport jacket & tie • No jeans, hats, sandals or sneakers •

University Career Services William Jones Building, Room 005 560-6337/mstuckey@nccu.edu

Want to become a health professional? Want to attend health career seminars and workshops? Want to meet recruiters from health professions schools? Want to meet students pursuing health professions?

If so, find out about the N.C. Health Careers Access Program at NCCU.

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

This is why I’m hot, I don’t gotta rap/ I could sell a mil’ sayin nothin on the track. —Mims, This is why I’m hot Get real, you can’t even sell a million saying the s*** your spittin’ now. I didn’t know thats all it “didn’t” take to go platinum. I should have known seeing that some of your colleagues have taken the same approach with their wack a** lyrics. Get out of your “drop” and see that you might need to say something worth me wasting my money on you. — Neo Deity

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus Sign up now for the National Baptist Student Union Retreat in Charlotte, March 22-24. The theme is “Pressing on for Christ.” Transportation provided.

Michael D. Page Campus Minister To sign up for the retreat call 530-6380 or 530-5263. The retreat will be at the Hilton Charlotte University Place.

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And then a glare — it reminds me of your smile, a bright light you can see for miles, something like a flare. KAI CHRISTOPHER, ECHO OPINIONS EDITOR EXCERPT – TEARS KISS MY CHEEKS LIKE THE SUN

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

IVERSITY Denita truly touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was so kind, so genuine, so sincere. She was one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever known. She was such a blessing. SHEENA JOHNSON, ALUMNA, CLASS OF 2005 FORMER ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

I can honestly say that the Lord smiled on me when I met Denita Smith. We became friends instantly. She was fun-loving and beautiful, but most of all, she was caring. It was a privilege to work with her at the Echo ... It was a privilege just to have her as part of my life. FREDERICK COOPER, ALUMNUS, CLASS OF 2004 FORMER ECHO STAFF REPORTER

For my colleagues, the teachers at the University, I want to say thank you. Denita, you were a student that made us feel like successful teachers. You made us eager to keep trying to do our best. BRUCE

DEPYSSLER, ECHO FACULTY ADVISER

COURTESY NEW YORK TIMES STUDENT JOURNALISM INSTITUTE

From the eye of Denita

A collection of Denita M. Smith’s favorite photographs from her work at the Campus Echo

McDougald Gymnasium Oct.3, 2002. Alpha Kappa Alpha performing at the Homecoming Stepshow in the McLendon-M

Fall 2003 freshman SGA candidates Christopher Bass and Derek Pantiel in front of the NCCU Shepard Statue.

Graduate student Donald Barringer, a volunteer with the Read-A A-TThon Read Seed, reads to community children Sept. 2003.

Champagne cheerleaders huddle with men’s basketball team before a Feb. 2004 game in Charlotte.

2003 Aggie-E Eagle Classic at Carter-F Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

Sports

All wins, no losses WOMEN’S B-BALL ON THREE-GAME WINNING STREAK

At Saturday’s UNC Opener, the N.C. Central track and field team proved themselves worthy adversaries this time around. The Lady Eagles brought it home in the women’s long jump and triple jump, with junior Jessica Mills placing seventh and third in those events respectively. Her distances were 5.32 meters for the long jump and 11.80 meters for the triple jump. The women’s shot put competition left Eagle enthusiasts disappointed. None of the five Lady Eagles participating placed in the event. The women fared better in the 400-meter dash, with junior Kellie Dunston placing 18th. Better yet, junior Desinia Johnson placed sixth in the one-mile run, with a 5:44.90 run time. In the 5000-meter run, three Lady Eagles placed among the top runners. NCCU junior Aisha Brown came in at fourth place with a run time of 19:40.70. Junior Erinn Brooks came in right behind Brown with a time of 19:49.46. Desinia Johnson came shortly after them in seventh place at 19:54.80. The Eagles came out on top in many of their events. Three players placed in the men’s 60-meter dash.

Cassie King serves it to two Livingstone Lady Blue Bears at Tuesday’s game. BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

Eagles snatch win from Bears ECHO STAFF WRITER

After their loss against Saint Augustine’s College this past weekend, the Eagles were able to pull together and defeat the Blue NCCU 75 Bears of Livingstone College at Tuesday’s home game at L.C 64 McLendonMcDougald Gymnasium. The Eagles snatched a win from the Blue Bears, winning 75-64. “We played as a strong team and we played with five players and not just one,” said senior Jason Hervey. The Eagles trailed behind by one point against the Blue Bears at the half with a score of 29-30. The Blue Bears hoped to catch a win on NCCU’s home court, but the Eagles did not let this win slip away so easily. Hervey led the team with 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Senior point guard Geoffrey Hansley also helped the team to victory with 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Sophomore point guard Bryan Ayala

Men and women fare well ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

BY SHATOYA CANTRELL

Track and field places at UNC BY LARISHA STONE

BY LARISHA STONE The Lady Eagles didn’t have to work too hard to maintain a 10-point lead for most of the game against the Livingstone College Lady Blue Bears Monday night. At the end of the first half, sophomore forward and Durham native Laquanda Williams NCCU 74 scored nine points and three rebounds. So far, this newcomer has played two LC 52 home games this season. “I love (playing at home) because I get a lot of support from my family,” Williams said. “That’s one of the reasons I came back home.” Senior center Cassie King, NCCU’s all-time leading scorer, had amassed three points and nine rebounds by the end of the first half. Freshman guard Jasmine Newkirk led the team in the first half with 11 points total. The team continued to pummel Livingstone in the second half, taking the lead at one point by nearly 20 points. King continued to score and rebound, amassing 14 points and 12 rebounds along with five steals, four blocks and an assist, giving King her 40th career double-double. Joli Robinson, Lady Eagles coach, says it’s hard to predict how the rest of the season is going to play out. “We have a young team that’s not sure how to balance things out. Laquanda started out a little slow, but as the game went on she picked up,” Robinson said. “The only thing we can do is prepare for the next game.” The team is on a three-game winning streak and hasn’t lost any games in the West Division of the CIAA. “We’re one of the best teams in the CIAA, and we’re going to play each game like it’s our last,” said King. The Lady Eagles will play again Jan. 23 at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.

scored 14 points and three steals. Sophomore point guard Will Price and senior guard Drew Johnson also contributed, scoring 10 points each. “We played as a team because we have five players in double figures and we stayed strong the whole time,” said Hervey. “I think we played a whole lot better this game.” Livingstone’s Stephen Butler led the Blue Bears, scoring 24 points and two rebounds. Team member Michael Duncan helped with 17 points, three rebounds and four assists. On Saturday, the Eagles lost to the Falcons as Antonio Fitzgerald led the St. Augustine’s team, scoring 21 points with Claude Neeley trailing behind with 13 points. With a final score of 63-61, Hansley led the Eagles with 21 points. Senior guard Chris Mayshack followed with 19 points. The Eagles’ overall record stands at 7-7 with a record of 3-5 in the conference. The Eagles will take their next game on the road, traveling to Petersburg, Va. to face the mighty Trojans of Virginia State University on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Brian Hope placed seventh in that event with a 6.89 run time, with Maurice Gailey and Chris Davis placing 12th and 14th shortly after him with run times of 7.04 and 7.09 respectively. The Eagles dominated the boards in the 200 and 400 meter dash. Sophomore Brandon Jones placed fourth in the men’s one-mile run, with with a run time of 4:29.47. In the men’s 60-meter hurdles, Carrington Queen placed third with a time of 8.03. Juniors Jamar Myrrick and Shareef Muhammad placed 11th and 12th in the 60meter hurdles. In the men’s 4x400-meter relay, the Eagles came in fourth place with a 3:25.22 run time, with Chris Davis, Maurice Gailey, Micheal Edwards and Brian Hope participating in that event. UNC failed to place in the men’s high jump, while NCCU sophomore Mark Davis placed fourth with a height of 2.03 meters. The Eagles did fail to place, however, in the long jump and the shot put. William Scott missed a place in the long jump by a hair, coming in 10th. Andrae Turner fared the same in the shot put competition where he would have been in 12th place. The Eagles will compete again this weekend on Jan. 19 and 20 at College Park Maryland.

Jason Hervey scores one of his 15 points against Livingstone on Tuesday. MITCHELL

WEBSON/Photo

Editor

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Opinions

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007

IVERSITY

Denita ... The following tribute was given at Denita Smith’s January 11 funeral at the University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. enita, as the North Carolina Central University adviser to the Campus Echo, I want to thank you for your contribution to the University’s student newspaper. It was a privilege being your teacher. I loved teaching you how to hold a camera and write a news story like a pro. I loved the way you took such pride in your work, the way you were never quite satisfied. One day, years from now, you’d have popped Bruce into the Campus Echo dePyssler unannounced and you’d have said in that gentle voice of yours: “DP, I’ve got my PhD now.” And you’d have said: “You’re right. It wasn’t that hard.” And I’d have said: “Well, of course, Denita. Not for you.” It is difficult to accept that that day will not arrive. For my colleagues, the teachers at the University, I want to say thank you. Denita, you were a student who made us feel like

For my colleagues, the teachers at the University, I want to say thank you. Denita, you were a student who made us feel like successful teachers. You made us eager to keep trying to do our best. successful teachers. You made us eager to keep trying to do our best. For your colleagues — the students in the choir, the Sound Machine, the Writing Studio, student government, the New York Times Student Journalism Institute and the Campus Echo — I want to say thank you. You just never let anyone down, did you? It would take a news reporter like you to completely uncover the contributions you made to these student organizations. From all of us, teachers and students and administrators, I want to thank your parents and family for sharing you with us. You’ve done such a fine job turning your daughter into a woman. Jaleesa and Jonathan, your big sister left you a gift that you’ll have for the rest of your lives: the example she set. When you face life’s difficult decisions,

have a conversation with her. She’ll always have some great advice for you. I know you’ll never forget your big sister, but know that this sadness will lift. You have many productive and happy years ahead of you. Denita, you left us thinking that all of your photographs were lost in a computer crash. I didn’t have time to tell you that we had recovered them. I didn’t know you’d be leaving us so soon. Of course your buddy Rony figured out a way to put a slide show of your favorite shots on the Internet. Now the world can see them. I’ll always love the ones you took of the step show years ago. I know you’re already busy making heaven a better place. And you’re the one to figure out how to do just that. But when you have the time, take a look at your photos again and remember us at the Campus Echo. Denita, did you know you’d have such a short time with us? Is that why you packed so much success into such a short time? We love you and we will miss you. You were so kind. I know that you didn’t ever want anyone to hurt. And I know you wouldn’t want us to hurt for too long over your early departure. That’s going to be a difficult assignment, Denita, but we will try our best. Just like you always did.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: “Do you think people truly appreciate MLK Day?” “In my opinion some people take advantage of the day and just take it off. We should take the time to teach the kids what it is about.”

Too many haters I

have noticed a gap between generations, not one of age, but of communication. What I see, in my opinion, is an older generation full of disappointment, and a younger one eager to point the finger. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Elder Bernice King, recently spoke at NCCU. Her words were inspirational or controversial, depending on what side of the fence you live on. They were somewhere in the middle for me. Kai I wholeheartedly agree Christopher with her message that what we have today is a lowered bar in regards to what we want out of life, but I’ve heard the youth and hip-hop bashing enough to drive me crazy. Lately I have been thinking critically about the opinions of my elders. Honestly, I agree with the spirit in which their words are spoken, but further analysis brings simple questions to mind. What is your purpose? What is the effect? Is the effect in line with your purpose? I direct these questions to those who steadily criticize my generation. I feel your effort goes in vain when the people you are speaking to shut down. I have stated that I believe in and agree with the spirit of your words.

I have an idea -- educate me. If you want to inspire me, teach me why I need to fight today.

My investigation begins with the effect of the verbal assault I often hear, the kind that is normally followed by applause from the older crowd. The effect it has on me is not positive. Your words do not inspire me, they offend me -- and they make me spite you. Mostly because of how one-sided and slanted your criticisms are. So, now that I have been offended, I have to play the defensive side of the ball. While we could have been fighting the injustices of today together, I forget about the bigger picture to battle your misunderstandings and spend my energy on you. If what you want is to drive a wedge between the next generation and yourself, then I say, job well done. In my opinion the complaining and criticizing are only counterproductive toward any progressive movement. I have an idea -- educate me. If you want to inspire me to stand up and fight, teach me why I need to. I hear detailed stories of struggles in the

sixties and vivid pictures are painted, and then all the speakers says about today is, “these kids sag their pants and do nothing.” While this is true, and this is a drastic problem, I then acknowledge that the people who are sitting down have no political awareness. There was a time when racism and injustice were on the news and in your face. Now the only thing on the news that’s real is the weather, and even the racist people smile in my face. Everything my schoolteachers told me you fought for, we now have. No one breaks down institutional racism to the masses. You can’t fight passionately if you have nothing to fight for. Tell me about Sean Bell. Tell me about the prison system. Tell me about how many of my peers aren’t in college and what type of opportunities I have. Tell me until you are blue in the face. I’ve seen the criticisms until you were blue in the face. How I see it, the criticism hasn’t worked out too well. So, how about we try something new. There will not be a need for lectures. People who understand that their well-being is in jeopardy will protect it. At one point in my life, I was the most nonchalant guy I knew. Criticism and complaints flew like the birds, but knowledge, it actually moved me.

— Monica Johnson

“It’s well-deserved for a great man. And we need the reminder to strive for world peace.” —Drew Johnson

“Positive, yet hypocritical, most people have no clue what Dr. King was about, and have limited his legacy to one phrase.” — Rakim Tohrae

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo “It’s your newspaper” Rony Camille - Editor-in-Chief A & E Editor Sports Editor Opinions Editor Online Editor Assistant Online Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Production/Design Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Cartoonist Cartoonist

Joanna Hernandez Larisha Stone Kai Christopher Tiffany Kelly Erica Horne Mitchell Webson Bryson Pope Dana Womack Greg Wilson Lakela Atkinson Dr. Lisa Carl Janera Fedrick Geoffrey Cooper Ebony McQueen Shelbia Brown Ericka Holt Shatoya Cantrell Quentin Gardner Natalia Pearson-Farrer Kristiana Bennett Brooke Sellars Switzon Wigfall David Morris

Faculty Adviser - Dr. Bruce dePyssler Alumni Advisers - Sasha Vann, Carla Aaron-Lopez Mike Williams, Sheena Johnson, & Carolyn McGill

Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be about 575 words. Include contact information. The Echo reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, vulgarity, typos and miscellaneous grammatical gaffs. Opinions published in the Echo do not necessarily reflect those of the Echo editorial staff. E-mail: CampusEcho@nccu.edu Web address: www.campusecho.com Phone: 919 530 7116 Fax: 919 530 7991 Fall 2006 Publication dates: 9/6, 9/20, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 12/6 Spring 2007 Publication dates: 1/17, 1/31, 2/21, 3/7, 4/4, 4/18 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita M. Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

Illustration by David Morris

Thank you, Denita. Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com