print_edition_january_31_2007 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

JANUARY 31, 2007

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VOLUME 98, ISSUE 8 919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

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Banners in dorms document civil rights struggle in Durham

Downloading music is free and legal on Ruckus for NCCU students

Say goodbye to Broadway. He’s off to Grambling State U.

Two Echo photographers document the action in the ATL

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Campus Echo Junior veep Lewis fired SGA charges duty neglect BY EBONY MCQUEEN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Edmund “PJ” Lewis has been removed from his position as junior class president for neglect of duties. This is the first Student Government Association removal ever in the history of North Carolina Central University. According to Tomasi Larry, SGA vice president, “It is a matter of professionalism to remove any officer from their position if they are not upholding their part.” Edmond Article VII, Lewis Section 4 of the NCCU SGA Constitution outlines the duties that a class president should carry out. According to Larry, Lewis did not carry out these responsibilities. “They knew I had class during the times of the meetings,” said Lewis. “It was just a lot of animosity towards me since the beginning.” The junior class council approached Larry with a petition signed by 11 members of the council, requesting to impeach Lewis. Larry then sent an e-mail requesting Lewis’ presence at an impeachment hearing in front of the senate. “I subpoenaed him, as well as any witnesses he wanted to have present at his hearing,” Larry said. “He did not show up to his own impeachment hearing, or send someone in his place. What does that say to your student body?” Lewis said, “I didn’t want a representative, I wanted to be there to defend myself. I sent Tomasi a note explaining why I could not attend.” According to Lewis, he was out of town at a fraternity meeting on the day of the hearing. “They could have postponed that meeting,” Lewis said. “They had their minds made up from the beginning that they were going to impeach me.” SGA senate members, executive board members, and some administrators were present at the hearing, held on January 25. The decision to remove Lewis was unanimous. “I’m saddened that he was impeached and duly removed from office,” said Larry. “But this just goes to show that SGA is developing into a more professional organization.” While some feel the impeachment was necessary, others believe there were other motives behind

n See SGA PAGE 2

Obama’s ‘A-Team’ Obama boasts a dedicated, high-powered inner circle for his 2008 presidential campaign BY MIKE DORNING AND CHRISTI PARSONS THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

WASHINGTON — The gravitational pull around Sen. Barack Obama grows stronger day by day, as he and his advisers seek commitments from political operatives and donors in preparation for his run for the presidency. The existing core of advisers around the Illinois

Democrat simultaneously anchors him in the pragmatic sensibility of his urban Midwestern home base and encompasses the world of ideas of his Harvard Law School classmates. The political professionals who are Obama’s closest formal advisers are careful, deliberate counselors, wary of unnecessary risks and no strangers to campaign street fights. The informal coterie is a multi-hued collection of high achievers, men and women who are friends and intellectual peers. There’s David Axelrod, the strategist at Obama’s right hand, perhaps the bestknown Democratic consult-

ant working outside of Washington, D.C., equally adept at sensing the right metaphor for high-minded aspirations and at finding the vulnerable spot to savage an opponent. Then, Robert Gibbs, communications director, a campaign veteran described by one Democratic operative approvingly as “Northern ruthlessness and Southern charm combined.” Key players also include friends of Obama, among them a straighttalking veteran of Chicago

Sen. Barak Obama D-Il, talks to reporters following party policy luncheons on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Jan. 9, 2007

n See OBAMA Page 5

CHUCK KENNEDY/MCT

FAMU hot shots visit

WALK TO CURE I 175 RAISE 5K

NCCU chief microscoped BY RONY CAMILLE ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NCCU’s Cheri Wilson, Khadija Sutton, Robert Harris and Shelby Lucky take part in the annual Walk to Cure Saturday, Jan 27. KAI CHRISTOPHER/Echo Staff Photographer

A WALK TO CURE

bout 175 students participated in this year’s annual Walk to Cure, raising more than $5,000 for eight national organizations. The organizations work for cures to diseases such as AIDS, lupus, sickle cell anemia and juvenile diabetes.

Since 1998 the NCCU’s Walk to Cure, has raised more than $42,000 for these organizations. The Walk to Cure, is sponsored by the NCCU professional organization Phi Beta Lambda.

Nifong faces stiff penalties June ethics hearing could lead to fines, disbarment

The search for the next Florida A&M University leader continues as the tour comes to N.C. Central University’s turf. FAMU officials paid a visit to Durham January 26 to speak with members of the NCCU community. In a January 25 meeting with student leaders, Chancellor James H. Ammons told students that those visiting the campus would speak to faculty and students. Ammons, who is on the short list to become the next president of FAMU, will be in Florida February 1 to meet with its board of trustees, where they could make a final decision that day. “There would be a process where we would interview each candidate for 2 to 2 1/2 hours,” said R. B. Holmes Jr., co-chair of the FAMU board of trustees in a conference call that included six board members, the presidential search committee, and representatives from the Hollins Group search firm, according to The Famuan, FAMU’s stu-

n See FAMU Page 2 BY NATALIA PEARSON-FARRER ECHO STAFF WRITER

No resolution is in sight for the Duke University lacrosse sexual assault case. And Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong, former prosecutor for the case, may lose his job. Earlier this month, Nifong asked the state attorney general to recuse him from the case after the N.C. State Bar filed Michael ethics complaints Nifong against him in December. The initial charges alleged that he violated ethics codes for making inflammatory pre-trial comments about the case, possibly

injurious to the Duke lacrosse players. The State Bar filed an amended complaint in a January 24 hearing. Nifong is charged with withholding DNA evidence and misrepresenting the truth to the judge. “It almost doesn't get any worse than lying to the judge, in terms of ethical violations, but lying to the judge about information that suggests the defendant is innocent is even worse,” UNC-Chapel Hill law professor Joe Kennedy told WRALTV. The complaint alleges that Nifong and Dr. Brian Meehan, the director of DNA Security, arranged only to report positive DNA matches to the defense and to omit DNA matches found to other men. The defense asked Nifong to supply DNA evidence several times. He

didn’t hand it over until October. Nifong told the State Bar that he withheld the results out of concern for the players’ privacy. The complaint said Nifong’s response was “knowingly false.” Nifong’s trial date has been extended to June. If found guilty, he could be forced to resign as DA. In December, Nifong dropped charges of rape against the three men after the 28-year-old woman said she no longer knew whether she had been raped. Superior Court Judge W. Osmond Smith moved the date when the accuser was scheduled to testify from February 5 to May 7. Defense attorneys are expected to petition the judge to throw out the

n See NIFONG Page 2

Chancellor James H. Ammons in a 2001 photo. ECHO

FILE PHOTO

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

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Suspect awaits hearing Feb. 1 court date set for Crawley BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Shannon Crawley, accused suspect in the Denita Smith murder case, will make her second c o u r t appearance February 1 at 9 a.m. at t h e Durham C o u n t y Judicial Shannon E. Building. Crawley Smith’s body was found at the bottom of a stairwell at her 1400 E. Cornwallis Rd., Campus Crossings residence on January 4. New information was released last week stating

that Crawley had been stalking Smith’s fiancé, Greensboro police officer Jermeir Stroud. According to Durham Police Department reports, at around 8:21 a.m., officer Lucas Wenceslao was the first of the three officers to arrive at the scene. A maintenance worker stated that he heard gunshots at 8:18 a.m., and about a minute later he saw a black woman with a ponytail moving away from the direction where he thought the gunshots had been fired. The police found nothing. According to a pending death certificate, Smith died around 8:30 a.m., undiscovered. At 10:01 a.m., officers were called to the scene because Smith’s body was

found by the maintenance worker. The woman was later identified as Shannon Crawley. The maintenance worker said that a distraught and emotional Crawley sped off from the scene in a burgundy Ford Explorer with a gray stripe at the bottom. Stroud’s description of a tall, thin African-American female matched the details of the witnessing maintenance worker. The woman was later identified as Shannon Crawley, an employee of the Greensboro Metro 911. Crawley was detained at her home at 4203 Elderbush Circle in Greensboro, which is within one mile of Stroud’s residence.

NIFONG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 accuser’s photo identification of the defendants after she changed her story. Legal experts have said that without the photo identifications, prosecutors would probably dismiss the

charges against the players. Political science and history senior A.J. Donaldson said the accuser’s change in story should not be used to clear anyone of potential wrongdoing.

“There has to be a lot of trauma involved,” he said. “Just because she can't remember who harmed her doesn't mean the harm didn't take place. She knows something happened.”

Criminal justice senior Carlos Hardy finishes lunch in the temporary cafeteria, which is rented for $30,000 per month. It will serve students until the $9.5 million renovation of Pearson Cafeteria is complete in 12-15 months. SIERRA JACKSON/Echo Staff Photographer

SGA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the removal. “I feel it is necessary to remove anyone that is not doing their job, but at the same time I think they did it to prove a point,” said a junior senate member. “The school year is almost over; it doesn’t take a whole semester to realize that a person is not doing their job.” With SGA elections approaching in the spring, Lewis feels his impeach-

ment had a lot to do with it. “They wanted to eliminate the competition early,” Lewis said. “Everyone knew I was going to run for SGA president.” A person is not able to run for SGA president if they have been impeached or removed from office, according to Article XI, section 5 of the SGA constitution. Junior Class Vice

President Corey Dinkins will now charge of take Lewis’ position. “Corey can appoint someone to take the office of vice president,” said Larry. “That person has to be approved by the class council and senate first.” Lewis said he has no hard feelings toward Dinkins. “This is just a learning process for me,” said Lewis. “I’ve been bamboozled.”

FAMU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dent newspaper. According to Carnell Hawthorne Jr., news editor for The Famuan described the conference call as pretty heated. “Some members of the committee didn’t feel as if they knew some of the candidates as much as the others did.” Members of FAMU’s board of trustees will make its decision that day if they are confident with the outcome of the February 1 meeting. Other candidates being interviewed include: Howard Johnson, University

of North Texas provost and vice president of academic affairs and Thelma Thompson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore president. Ammons, who graduated from FAMU in 1974, was also provost there before coming to NCCU in 2001. He refuses to speculate on whether he will get the job or what will happen if he is offered the position. “I am still the chancellor of North Carolina Central University,” he told students. When Ammons came to NCCU in 2001 he brought a dream team of leaders from

his alma mater to NCCU. The team includes: Charles O’Dour, vice chancellor for financial affairs; Sharon Saunders, director of the office of public relations; Kimberly PhiferMcGee, director of distance education for University College; and Roland Gaines, vice chancellor for student affairs. Gaines plans to retire at the end of this academic year. Ammons also would not speculate about whether he would take his leadership team and others members of NCCU’s leadership team with him if given the job.

IT’S OVER YONDER HILLS BY BRITNEY ROOKS ECHO STAFF WRITER

Location, location, location. The $9.5 million renovation of N.C. Central University’s W.G. Pearson Cafeteria — located behind Chidley Hall just off South Alston Avenue — may have many excited. However, students’ reaction to the temporary cafeteria largely depends on one simple fact: which residential hall they live in. If you live in one of the New Residence Halls, it takes just a minute or two to get your meal at the temporary cafeteria. “I don’t really have a problem with it,” said Jerel Campbell, a resident of New Res 2. “It’s a lot closer than the old cafeteria.” But if you live in Eagle Landing or New Baynes Dormitory, you’re about 2,400 feet — or eight football fields — from the trailers that serve as the temporary cafeteria. According to experts, the average human walks about 4.5 feet per second. Do the math. That’s 533 seconds, or just under 9 minutes, to trek from Eagle

Landing or New Baynes for your meal. If you make that walk round trip, three times a day, you’ve spent almost an hour each day walking to and from the temporary cafeteria. “I hate the cafeteria situation,” said biology freshman Ryan Frazier. “I stay in Eagle Landing, and I have to walk all the way from Eagle Landing to here, and it’s really inconvenient.” The long walk has sent many students to the Eagles’ Nest and it has meant nothing but crowds and long lines. “It’s frustrating, especially when you go between classes,” said junior Mark Moultrie. The change has affected cafeteria staff as well. “As far as us finding somewhere to park, it’s maybe a little inconvenient,” said Letha Best, a cafeteria employee. “But it’s all worth it because once they finish the new cafeteria, it’s going to be awesome!” Best said. “North Carolina Central is not going anywhere. It’s going to get better and more students are going to keep coming each year.”

The W.G. Pearson Cafeteria renovation will expand the cafeteria from its current 26,986 square feet to a total of 50,000 square feet and increase seating from 460 to 1,200. NCCU will rent the temporary trailers at a cost of $30,000 per month. The Pearson Cafeteria renovation is expected to take 12 -15 months. Funds for the renovation came from a $3.1 billion North Carolina bond passed on Nov. 7, 2000 for the UNC system and the state’s community colleges. Moody Nolan, an African-American design firm located in Columbus, Ohio, has done Pearson Cafeteria redesign. “The new plan will accommodate more than enough of the expected growth of the students,” said Virgil Bryan, a former senior project manager of NCCU’s capital projects. The design will feature high glass walls and skylights to provide an openair feeling. “It will almost feel like a mall when you’re in here,” said Bryan. — Savin Joseph contributed to this story

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 merchandise 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

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

Campus

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

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‘A’ students: no final? PAC dollars stack deck Exam exemptions left up to the professors BY TRAVIS RUFFIN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Having an “A” toward the end of the semester may mean you don’t have to take a final exam in some classes. But in other classes the privilege of not taking the exam is not an option – everyone takes the exam. Without a policy on exam exemptions at N.C. Central University, it is up to individual faculty members to decide what to do. “I don’t think that NCCU should ever adopt a policy concerning exam exemptions,” said Beverly Jones, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at NCCU. “I think that it should stay the way that it is. It is completely up to the professor to decide whether or not ‘A’ students should be exempt from the finals,” Jones said. “If you are a good student with an ‘A’ average, you should have no problem passing the exam.” Bernice Johnson, assistant vice chancellor for academic services, is against an exam exemption policy. “I would not support a policy that made it mandatory for every professor to give an exam,” she said. “However, I would be in favor of a policy that gave professors the option to do whatever they felt was best for their students,” Johnson said. “In my opinion, the professor is the best judge when it comes to making a decision of that magnitude.” Despite her stance on the policy, Johnson said

that when she was teaching, she never exempted students from the final exam. “I don’t feel that a student can truly master the course without taking the final exam,” she said. “The exam is comprehensive, and it is a good indicator of how much the student has actually learned from taking the course.” Some professors think taking the final exam can benefit students in the long run. “Students often ask me about exam exemptions, and I tell them ‘no’ ahead of time,” said Larry Nessly, a speech, grammar and linguistics professor. “I feel that the exam itself is a learning event” Nessly said. “I would never deprive my students of the opportunity to learn new things and to grow. Exams allow the students to practice skills that they may not have mastered yet.” Some students disagree with Nessly’s view. “If I have an ‘A’ in the class, I don’t feel that I should be forced to take the exam at the end of the semester,” said Terri Heggin, an elementary education sophomore. “The exam might hurt my GPA,” she said. “If I make a low score, it could bring my grade down to a ‘B’ or worse. It just doesn’t make sense to me at all. It’s unnecessary.” Other students think that professors make it harder on themselves when they don’t exempt students from taking the

final exams. “I think that it’s stupid for professors not to exempt you if you have an ‘A’,” said Anora Sumpter, an elementary education sophomore . “If they exempt, that’s one less paper that they have to grade. In my opinion, a lot of professors tend to make things more complicated than they have to be.” Louise C. Maynor, English and mass communications department chair, said, “I don’t object at all to professors who exempt ‘A’ students.” “I totally trust their judgment when it comes to this issue. They know more about their students and the course than anyone else would.” Maynor said the decision should solely depend on the content of the course and how students master it. “If the student has had the opportunity to assess all of the concepts of the course, then I might consider exempting,” Maynor said. “At the same time, I feel that the exam can be a great way to determine how well the students comprehend what has been taught to them.” Jones blames the uncertainties regarding exam exemptions on students. “If the students would only take the time to carefully read the syllabus and ask questions during the first week of class, there wouldn’t be any confusion over whether or not the professor is for or against exempting,” Jones said.

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Forum says political action committees unfair BY GEOFFERY COOPER ECHO STAFF WRITER

The two largest schools in the UNC system are making it harder for the other 14 universities to receive funding from the state legislature. UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University have created political action committees, or special interest groups, to solicit the state legislature for funding. Some say these PACs give the two schools an unfair, though legal, advantage over the other 14 institutions in receiving funding from the North Carolina state legislature. The Common Cause for Political Reform at NCCU sponsored a forum on the N.C. Central University campus Monday, Jan. 22 in hopes of shedding light on the problem. About 60 administrators, faculty and students attended the forum to listen to a panel composed of members of the N.C. General Assembly. Representatives Larry D. Hall, Harry “Mickey” Michaux, Paul Luebke of Durham and Sen. Bob Atwater, who represents Chatham, Durham, and Lee Counties, were present to answer the many burning questions students and faculty had about the PACs and their role in the state legislature. “We are getting back to the place where these PACs are having an inordinate amount of power,” Michaux said. Funding for the 16 universities is allocated by the state legislature. Each school in the UNC system receives its distribution from the Board of Governors. This distribu-

History senior Jason Dorsette, president of 100 Black Men, at The Common Cause for Reform forum at NCCU Jan. 21. KAI CHRISTOPHER/Staff Photographer

tion pays for expenses such as renovations, construction, faculty recruitment and their salaries, and helps hold down the high costs of tuition and provides needbased financial aid for students at each System campus. The Citizens of a Higher Education, one of UNCChapel Hill’s PACs, consists of UNC-CH supporters who back state candidates by giving them campaign contributions. The News & Observer reported in November that nearly 40 legislators received $4,000 - $6,000 in campaign contributions from the UNC PAC. In 2005, The News & Observer reported that one major proposal that was introduced to the state

Senate from these PACs was to allow out-of-state students on full athletic scholarships in-state status. “This means you as an N.C. student are subsidizing that athlete that comes in,” said Representative Michaux. The panelists said that if UNC-CH and NCSU continue to maneuver outside the UNC system, the other 14 schools will be forced to compete for the limited remaining funds. Political science junior Jessica Hill, president of The Common Cause for Political Reform at NCCU, said it is very important that students be made aware of what is happening. “Our representatives can’t know what we’re concerned about if we don’t tell them.”

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

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1960s photos tell rights tale

To go or not to go?

Eleven banners across campus recount civil rights struggle in Durham

Early morning snow stumps campus

BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO STAFF WRITER

To celebrate Black History Month, N.C. Central University is taking action to preserve the memory of the civil rights movement in the Bull City. NCCU’s Department of Leadership, Training and Development, along with Residential Life, have teamed up with the Durham County Library to bring the Durham Civil Rights Heritage Project Exhibition to Eagle soil. The exhibition tells the story of the Durham Civil Rights Movement using 11 6-foot banners with photographs from the 1960s. The photographs depict popular leaders such as Malcolm X at the Durham Lodge Hall in 1963. One banner shows NCCU students (then called North Carolina College) demonstrating and rallying alongside Hillside High School students in the name of justice and equality. “I thought that the banners would be interesting to students,” said Peggy Watson-Alexander, director of Leadership, Training and Development. Watson-Alexander has organized a drawing with $100 and $25 prizes, based on student participation and evaluation of the exhibit. The banners are located in the lobbies of campus dormitories, including Annie Day Shepard Hall, Vintage Baynes Hall, New Baynes Hall, Buildings I and II, Campus Crossings and Eagle Landing.

A banner in Annie Day Residential Hall documents a 1968 boycott of Durham businesses. The banner is one of 11 on campus from the Durham Civil Rights Hertitage Project. CANDICE MITCHELL/Staff Photographer

“The banners are for students to gain education about the civil rights strug-

gle,” said WatsonAlexander. The banners have a lot of

meaning for Annie Day Sheppard Hall Resident Director Algin Holloway. The 61-year-old has lived in Durham all his life and remembers the civil struggle vividly. “I remember the rally for the supporters and nonsupporters of former Alabama governor George Wallace,” said Holloway. Holloway’s brother, Johnny Holloway, attended the event and was attacked by a Ku Klux Klan member. “One of the black officers took my brother and put him in the courthouse basement until the rally was over so that he wouldn’t get in anymore trouble,” said Holloway. The exhibit banners, which rotate to different Durham locations monthly, were brought to campus on January 8 and will be taken down on February 5. Before coming to NCCU, the banners were exhibited in Durham’s City Hall and an East Durham public library as well as at the Duke University Library. The exhibit’s next stop will be at the Duke University Medical Center. Watson-Alexander said she wants the banners to impact students as well as the entire Durham community. She said that awareness of the banners will bring people to the campus to learn more about the civil rights struggle. “Hopefully people will have a greater understanding of the civil rights struggle in Durham,” said Watson-Alexander.

Two ways to Donate: Drop your donation off at the Dept. of English and Mass Communication in Room 305 of the Farrison-Newton Communications Building

OR Mail a check to: University Baptist Church 6029 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, N.C. 28216

ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University students may have expected a break from classes on Thursday, Jan. 18, but instead they got a two-hour delay and a lot of frustration. Snow and freezing rain forced a two-hour class delay, but there also was a delay notifying students about this decision. NCCU classes start at 8 a.m. but the delay announcement was not aired on local news channels until approximately 7:20 a.m., and the campus adverse weather line (530-7220) was not updated until about 20 minutes later. An e-mail from the NCCU Office of Public Relations announcing the decision was sent to all students nearly an hour after classes are scheduled to begin. Sharon Johnson, a criminal justice senior who commutes 45 minutes from downtown Raleigh, said students should receive notice about delays or cancellations earlier. “If they are not going to have school, they should announce it as soon as they have realized that, hey, people’s lives are going to be in danger.” In some cases, the twohour delay turned into a cancellation of classes. Johnson arrived for her 11:35 a.m. class only to find that her next class and lab were cancelled by the instructor after there was poor student turnout. “I was very upset,” said Johnson.

“I came all the way out in that icy weather.” The NCCU Emergency Plan was developed in 1995. A 2002 revision is online at NCCU’s website. According to a January 29 e-mail from the Office of Public Relations: “The Office of Public Relations sends out notices regarding any changes in the operating schedule as soon as a decision is made by the Chancellor and Provost. Their decision is based on an assessment made by the campus Chief of Police in coordination with the facilities management.” Sharon Saunders, NCCU director of Public Relations, said the University uses primarily the media and the campus information line to make weather announcements. She said that the January 18 weather decision was delayed because of the late arrival of the snowy weather in Durham. “It didn’t really start snowing and pose a risk until maybe about 7:15.” said Saunders. “And that’s one of the problems ... the time that the snow actually occurred in Durham.” But for commuters like Johnson, less than an hour’s notice of delays or cancellations may not be enough. So does NCCU consider off-campus students in determining such decisions? “I think that that’s one of the reasons why they agreed to suspend it ... thinking about the commuters,” said Saunders.

It’s time to clear the air at NCCU

Donate to the Denita M. Smith Scholarship Fund

BY STACY HAUK

SCAT Interest Meeting Tuesday, February 6 7:30 p.m. 149 Miller-Morgan Building

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Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

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OBAMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Democratic circles, Valerie Jarrett, and a group of South Side professionals. Perhaps most influential is his wife, Michelle, a formidable daughter of the South Side who is an alumna both of the Ivy League and Chicago’s rough-and-tumble City Hall. She may not be in on all the conference calls or offer her own health plan in the style of former First Lady Hillary Clinton but no one else in the inner circle denies that she would be a driving force in any presidential campaign. At the center is a 45-yearold political phenomenon who close associates say is prepared both to challenge the views he hears from advisers and to be challenged by them. “He really wants to know all the points of view in the room. He doesn’t want to shut people down or force a consensus,” said Michael Froman, an informal Obama adviser who was a Harvard Law classmate and former chief of staff to Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin. Obama and Axelrod speak almost every day. But Obama also often reaches out directly to friends for advice, by email or telephone. Sometimes, the conversations are leisurely. But, lately they are mostly quick and compressed, snatched by cell phone as he moves between committee hearings or during downtime in a car traveling from event to event. Though Obama hasn’t announced a run for the White House, he and his advisers are working so intently to put the pieces in place that operatives are starting to tell Obama’s likely rivals they are otherwise engaged. Associates say Obama has settled on Chicago as the headquarters for a national campaign. Donors and fundraisers are being asked to make commitments, and the nascent operation is pulling in staffers and consultants from throughout the nation. David Plouffe, an Axelrod partner who worked on Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign, is the likely campaign manager. Bill Burton, national press secretary for the House Democrats’ mid-term campaign, is likely to join up, associates said. Peter Giangreco, a Chicago-based media consultant and veteran of the Iowa caucuses, is on board to do the direct mail as is his West Coast partner Larry Grisolano. At least one pollster is lined up: Paul

Barack Obama Potential Democratic candidate for president in 2008

Early years Born Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu; father was a Kenyan economist, mother an anthropologist; grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia Education B.A., Columbia University, 1983; law degree with highest honors, Harvard University, 1991; first AfricanAmerican president of the Harvard Law Review

Public service, legal work U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) addresses the crowd during a visit to Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, within the city of Nairobi, Kenya on August 27, 2006. (Pete Souza/Chicago Tribune/MCT) PETE SOUZA/Chicago Tribune-MCT

1985-88 Helped Chicago churches organize job training programs for poor residents 1993-2004 Civil rights lawyer; lecturer at University of Chicago Law School

Political career 1997-2005 Illinois state senator; keynote speaker at Democratic convention in 2004

Campaign strategist David Axelrod Harstad, another Iowa veteran, who also worked on Obama’s Senate campaign. Julianna Smoot, finance director for the John Edwards 2004 campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in 2006, will fill the same role for Obama. But the group most tightly circled around Obama is a longstanding one, made up of old friends who share an understanding of how he works. His relationships with them provide an insight, albeit admittedly sympathetic, into his approach to leadership. Axelrod has been a political counselor to Obama even before his Senate race. Gibbs joined shortly after Obama won the party primary. Gibbs and Axelrod were standing together on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004 for the speech that would propel Obama onto the national stage. The two had emerged from backstage to stand amid the crowd for the speech they’d heard Obama, then the Democratic nominee for the Senate, practice several times. As enthusiasm engulfed the convention delegates, both men say, they knew they were working for

Donate to the Denita M. Smith Scholarship Fund

Communications director Robert Gibbs something more than the average Senate campaign. People around them were crying. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Gibbs recalls saying to Axelrod. Chief of staff Peter Rouse, who previously headed the office of Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, was added after Obama’s election. Rouse is a low-key institutionalist with an expansive knowledge of Senate folkways and a reputation for loyalty and discretion. In a presidential campaign, associates said, Rouse’s role will be to remain behind to watch Obama’s back in the Senate, where rivals and their allies will have plenty of opportunities to lay political traps. As a group, “they’re all incredibly deliberative,” said Erik Smith, a veteran Democratic operative. “They’re not inclined to radical and last-minute decisions.” State Senate president Emil Jones, D-Chicago, an early mentor, continues to give political counsel. Obama also recently has sought advice from several seasoned political advisers, including former Clinton Cabinet member and party elder Bill Daley, who in turn has been

Friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett quietly asking others for promises to support Obama. “He brings stature and experience,” said Steve Elmendorf, deputy campaign manager for Kerry’s 2004 presidential run. “He can get on the phone with elected officials around the country.” Several other successful Chicago professionals are dinner and conversation companions. John Rogers, head of Ariel Capital Management, is a friend drawn into the family circle by Michelle Obama’s brother, Craig Robinson, with whom Rogers played basketball at Princeton University. He also lives in Hyde Park and has occasionally played basketball with Obama _ most recently at the 40th birthday party of Martin Nesbitt, president of Chicago-based PRG Parking Management and another informal Obama adviser. Also at that party was Jim Reynolds, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital Markets, who also provides regular counsel. Obama deals with his friends much the same way he relates to everyone who crosses his path, Rogers said. “He has this ability to connect and bring people together,” he said. “I’ve seen him wow people at the

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Drop your donation off at the Dept. of English and Mass Communication in Room 305 of the Farrison-Newton Communication Bldg or mail a check to University Baptist Church, 6029 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28216 Make check payable to the Denita M. Smith Scholarship Fund

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Wife Michelle Obama Commercial Club of Chicago, and then I go to New York to watch him with the Wall Street Project, a mostly minority crowd, and they’re hanging on his every word.” Obama also turns to a small circle of Harvard Law School classmates who have been friends for nearly 20 years. Cassandra Butts, who first met Obama at the financial aid office, said the friends sometimes would spend time “just sitting around and talking about how we were going to change the world. . . . How do you take this thing we’re learning in law school and make a difference on the issues that we care about?” By the time Obama was elected to the Senate, Butts already had been a senior policy adviser to House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt and to the Gephardt presidential campaign. She took a two-month leave from her current job at a Washington think tank to help Obama set up the office. Froman and Julius Genachowski first knew Obama as colleagues on the Harvard Law Review. Both men have since combined success in Washington and in business. Froman went from Rubin’s Treasury Department staff to an execu-

2005-present U.S. senator; serves on Environment and Public Works Committee and Veterans Affairs Committee where he is investigating disability pay discrepancies 2007 Sets up presidential exploratory committee

Dems

tive position at Citigroup. Genachowski, a former chief counsel to then-Federal C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission Chairman Reed Hundt, is now a technology executive and investor. Together they have helped guide Obama in the ways of Washington. Though not a law school classmate, Broderick Johnson, a former congressional liaison for the Clinton White House and now a lobbyist for AT&T, also joined them. So did Don Gips, former chief domestic policy adviser to Al Gore and now a telecom executive. Obama also reached out to some of them for comments on chapters of his recent book, and he often does the same with drafts of important speeches. The tone that Obama sets is different than most politicians in Washington, associates said. “With Barack it’s much more collegial than paternal,” Butts said. “He doesn’t require the Greek Chorus to approve of his ideas.”

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Photography by Mitchell Webson & Bryson Pope

All drum majors kneel in the opening performance. BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

Live from ATL S

Over 68,000 gather in Georgia Dome to hear eight elite HBCU bands

aturday, Jan. 27 wasn’t just an ordinary day. It marked the fifth year of the Battle of the Bands sponsored by Honda. It also

marked a memorable day for spectators of fun excitement,

and awesome performances by the elite eight HBCU bands voted to perform at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. After months and months of hard work, long practices, and strenuous preparation, these bands finally get to show off their talents. This is the third year that N.C. Central University’s marching Sound Machine has been chosen to perform in this sold out event. Although this was only an exhibition, the Sound Machine was definitely the crowd pleaser, giving Atliens and distant travelers eye popping formations, dance moves, and “crunk” pop

Band director Jorim Reid shows love to Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi after a standing ovation.

tunes.

BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

The Sound Machine warms up before the sold out crowd enters the Georgia Dome.

Kenneth Joyner, junior music education major, gives it his all at the end of the Sound Machines performance.

Drum Major Antwone Vass high steps while leading the band in a stellar performance.

MITCH WEBSON/Staff Photographer

BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Eagle Essence does the infamous Michael Jackson lean in the Sound Machine’s performance of “Smooth Criminal.” BRYSON POPE/Staff Photographer

Alabama State University leans back as they prepare to take the field for their performance. MITCHEL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

A&E

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Free music downloads cause a Ruckus BY BROOKE SELLARS ECHO STAFF WRITER

The search for free music downloads may finally be over for college students. Ruckus, a legal music downloading service, offers free music to college students across the country. Ruckus has expanded its network by allowing any student with a valid .edu email account to sign up with Ruckus and start downloading free music. The Recording Industry Association of America, Inc. is always observing users who are illegally downloading and sharing copyrighted files. At N.C. Central University, if a student or employee is caught downloading even one music file through a port in a dorm or in any campus building, Information Technology Service (ITS) will be notified and offenders will be prosecuted. First, ITS gives students a warning letter. After a repeat offense, ITS will turn off the internet port in the offender’s dorm room for the rest of the semester. ITS recommends that students stay on the right side of the law by downloading music from sites like Ruckus, AOL Music or Sam Goody. In a service agreement with more than 100 schools, Ruckus has become a popular multimedia service.

Students who register with Ruckus can choose from a music library of more than 2.1 million tracks from major record labels. Ruckus has licensing agreements with record labels, independent labels and artists to protect them from copyright infringement. “I like Ruckus because I can download entire music albums,” said Will Rodgers, biopharmaceutical science sophomore. Besides music downloads, Ruckus offers access to movies, TV shows and music videos. Similar to social network environments like Facebook, Ruckus uses the feature, “Invite a Friend” to unite students from different colleges. Ruckus creates an opportunity for students to share music, interests and create personal profiles. Michael Bebel, CEO of Ruckus Network, told the New York Times, “We look forward to providing the same great user experience with an incredible library of content to an even greater number of users nationwide.” Faculty and staff members also can register for Ruckus, but must pay $8.95 a month for the service. To sign-up for Ruckus, go to Ruckus.com and click on “Join Ruckus.” Enter your active school e-mail address and begin registering.

Anticipation builds as the Hip-Hop Summit approaches and news of an old-school concert spreads across campus. BRYSON POPE/Echo Staff Photographer

Hip hop summons all NCCU prepares for the ear of the Summit BY JOANNA HERNANDEZ ECHO A&E EDITOR

If you haven’t heard by now that N.C. Central University is hosting its second hip-hop summit, consider yourself extremely uninformed. The summit will be held February 9-10 and will be preceded by a week of events, beginning with a poetry slam on February 5. Co-sponsored by the Hayti Heritage Center, the poetry slam will showcase local spoken word artists and poets. “I feel good about the poetry slam,” said host Dasan Ahanu. “I’m very excited about bringing this type of element to poetry at Central.” Other pre-summit events include a DJ exhibition, talent showcase,

and Beat Down 3, hosted by producer 9th Wonder and well-known alumni Korleon. Beat Down 3, a competition among aspiring beat makers and producers, is a definite buzz-maker, as it is the third of its kind. “For me as an artist to hear all the beats these young producers have created is inspiring,” said Ahanu, who plans to attend Beat Down 3. Aside from giving participants two days to meet and greet major music industry players and attend informative workshops, the summit alone is guaranteed to have any hip-hop lover feeling like a kid in a candy store. The first day of the summit will include a film festival, which will display rising African-American

filmmakers’ work. Special guest Christopher “Play” Martin will show his documentary film “Holy Hip Hop.” “African-American Films are on the rise, and there are a lot of hiphop films out there to be made aware of,” said Sherise Malachi, Hip-Hop Summit coordinator. An old-school concert held on the final day of the summit will be the icing on the cake. The concert will feature hip-hop artists Dana Dane, MC Lyte, and Doug E. Fresh. All events except the concert are free to NCCU students. Tickets are on sale in the ticket office. For more information, visit www.nccuhiphop.com or call 919530-6295.

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Wild Boyz Final Warning out of on the 4 5 black hand side

Ruckus provides free music downloads for college students.

When interviewed last February, Da Wild Boyz told an Echo staff writer, “We just want to expose people to our world and show that we are not just beating our feet.” And with the release of “Final Warning,” Da Wild Boyz have done just that. “Final Warning” is a fitting name for the band’s debut album; the album is a sign of what’s to come from this ambitious gogo band. Even though the album only contains nine tracks, Da Wild Boyz manage to cram radio favorites, funky lyrics

TRASH

Backyard Band UCB TCB CCB Resurrection Band

and hypnotizing beats into this album —- lyrics and beats that will have you jamming from track to track. Da Wild Boyz are not only making their presence known on campus, but nationally as well. The group has performed in shows with popular go-go bands like Backyard Band, Total Control Band, Critical Condition Band and other HBCU go-go bands. With their congos, timbales and harmonic vocals, Da Wild Boyz mean business. This album has almost everything you would want in a go-go album. Not only will “Final Warning” have you partying, it’s also an album you can simply rock to. This album was created for true music lovers —- if you’re one of those, you’re sure to appreciate it. Thanks for the “Final Warning,” Wild Boyz. You can request Da Wild Boyz on www.gogoradio.com and purchase the album at www.PAPALACE.com. ––– Jacquelyn L. Hall

KAI CHRISTOPHER/Echo Staff Photographer

2007 Annual Spring Career Fair

Access Your Health Career

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

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.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

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Looking for people who want more than a job — who want to make a difference. June 9-August 18. Receive full room and board plus competitive salary.

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Two 8” Subs Two Small Pizzas Two canned drinks Each w/ 1 items Two chips $10.95 $9.99

Medium Pizza w/ two toppings 10 count wings $12.95

Durham Church of Christ

Specials

Limited time offer. Cannot be combined with any other specials.

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Delivery to NCCU

($10 minimum. Major credit cards accepted. Sorry, no checks.)

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909 Camden Avenue Durham, NC 27705 Phone: 919-956-7687-Office Email: jerrypence@rocketmail.com Service Times Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.durhamchurchofchrist.org

NCCU WRITING STUDIO

You wouldn’t wait until the night before to practice for the big game . . .

Campus Echo Online

Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcome Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 2 pm Room 339 Farrison-Newton Communications Building

www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com

So why wait until the last minute to start your paper?

530-7554 writingcentergrad@nccu.edu Director Dr. Karen Keaton Jackson

Words of Wisdom live in all of us.

How will you share yours? In support of Black History Month, Alltel Wireless is inviting HBCU students to enter our Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage essay contest. Fifty years ago, the Little Rock Nine personiﬁed courage and spirit. Write an essay showing how you will personify courage and spirit today. Winners will receive a scholarship to the HBCU of their choice and will be presented awards personally by Dr. Maya Angelou.

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

Eagles clasp win NCCU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM BOUNCES JOHNSON C. SMITH

Warm send-off for Broadway Head coach will be missed

BY LARISHA STONE

BY KRISTEN HUNTER

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

ECHO STAFF WRITER

The Lady Eagles do it again. Pick your verb — lambasted, destroyed, annihilated, shattered, smashed — that’s what the Lady Golden Bears served up last night. It was a serious battle in the war of the CIAA women’s NCCU 68 basketball season. The Lady Eagles are on their way to the top with an 8-3 overall record. JCS 55 “We knew they were coming out against us and with our assistant coach on the sideline it gave us more willpower to do well,” Sophomore guard Teketia May said. Former Lady Eagles assistant coach Stephen Joyner now coaches the Lady Golden Bears. In the first half, the Lady Eagles Jumped out on the Lady Golden Bears by a 35-20 first half margin behind the scoring of junior guard Casey Daniel, who scored 11 points. “We didn’t want to overdo it,” NCCU head coach Joli Robinson said. “We wanted to allow a lot of our players to play.” With over half the team feeling under the weather, the Lady Eagles still managed to score another 33 points in the second half, rounding out a final score of 68-55 against the Lady Golden Bears. The Lady Eagles displayed great teamwork as they spread across the court in the second period, earning another win for the season. “Our energy level was not there. Everybody’s fighting a cold, but we still did our best,” Robinson said. “They came out hard, but the way we play is different. We were prepared,” sophomore point guard Tonia Roundtree said. “Coach makes us think the opposing team is better so we don’t take our win for granted.” The girls next game is set for 5:30 p.m. this Thursday against Virginia State University in the McLendonMcDougald Gymnasium.

Jori Nwachukwu goes up for a rebound against the Lady Golden Bears. MITCHELL WEBSON/Echo Photo Editor

NCCU men lose third straight BY SHATOYA CANTRELL ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University’s men’s basketball team continued a 3-game losing streak after suffering a loss tonight against the LC 60 Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University. NCCU 55 At one point, the Eagles led in the first half 25-18, but the Bulls turned up the pressure after halftime on their way to a 60-55 victory over the NCCU. “We lost our intensity,” said senior guard Chris Mayshack, “When we lose our intensity, stuff don’t go right.” J.C. Smith’s Maurice Hooper led the team in scoring with 17 points and fellow teammate Ryan Scott close behind with 15 points to give the Golden Bulls a five game winning streak this year with their only loss to Fayetteville State University on January 13. Mayshack led all Eagle scorers with 18 points and Senior guard Drew Johnson added 10 points. Sophomore point guard Bryan Ayala contributed nine assists and Senior center Jason Hervey had six points and five rebounds for NCCU. “We have had better games this season and I feel that we didn’t step

Chris Mayshack sets up for a pass against the Golden Bears. KAI CHRISTOPHER/Photo Editor

up as a team,” said Mayshack. Ever since a home win against Livingstone College, the Eagles have

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lost their touch, allow their opponents to step their game up. They traveled to St. Augustine’s College this past Saturday, and were unable to come out of that game with a victory, losing to the Falcons 75-64. Johnson had 20 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Hervey had 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, and Mayshack contributed 16 points and five rebounds. On Tuesday, January 23, the Eagles traveled to Virginia State University and fell to the Trojans by 23 point, losing 91-67. Johnson led the team again with 27 points and five rebounds, Hervey had eight points, three rebounds, four assists, and one block, and senior power forward Geoffrey Hansley contributed eight points and eight and eight rebounds. “All we have to do is play hard, play together, and play for each other to help us win our next few games,” said Mayshack. The Eagles will host their next home game against Virginia State University on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in at McClendon-McDougald Gymnasium as they attempt to get a victory and get back on track.

In 2005, Rod Broadway, center, was able to celebrate Central’s first CIAA title in 25 years with chancellor James Ammons, right. Echo file photo

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Serving N.C. Central University If we don’t have it, we will get it. If we can’t get it, it’s probably not worth having! We have the best prices on Earth. We do custom orders. And we deliver on occasion! Marvin Bass, Owner 2501 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707

After winning two consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football championships, some Eagles fans were already planning on how their beloved team was going to fare against some big guns in Division One. One name featured in most of those discussions. It was the name of a man who had taken them to the Holy Grail — Coach Rod Broadway. With him the team was going to go places. Many could not believe what they saw on the national media — Broadway had accepted the head football coach job at Grambling State University. “I was shocked,” said Roger Gregory, special assistant to the chancellor at NCCU. “We had done well for the last few years and I just knew that we’d do better in the future. I knew it was possible that people would recognize his talent and ask him to make a move. I just thought he’d stay a few more years.” Broadway, head football coach for the past four seasons, posted an overall record of 33-11, including 30 victories in the past 35 games, and leaves with the best winning percentage (.750) in the schools history. Broadway will take offensive line coach James Spady and wide receivers coach Colon Oliver with him. Broadway said it is typical for a head coach to take members of the coaching staff with them when they relocate. “We had a staff of really good coaches,” said Broadway. “They fit in with what I wanted to do and I’d like to think that we left NCCU in a better place than we found it”. NCCU has appointed Mose Rison as the interim head football coach. Rison served as assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2006 season. Although Chancellor James H. Ammons would have wanted Broadway to stay, he said the University is already looking at life after Broadway.

“We are fast tracking the search for a new head coach,” said Ammons. “We are in the midst of recruitment and February 13th is national signing day. We need a head coach in position and settled as far ahead of that as possible. I have every confidence that athletic director Hayes will move swiftly so that we don’t lose recruits — we’re on a fast track.” Broadway said he was not actively seeking to leave NCCU, and only got interested in the Grambling job after its athletic director called. “Grambling has a rich history. It was just too good to pass up because I knew that I would probably never get another opportunity like it,” Broadway said. Although he accepted the position without attempting to re-negotiate with NCCU, Broadway said his decision had nothing to do with NCCU. “The decision had nothing to do with money — it was a great opportunity. Grambling has one of the best HBCU football programs in the country. I had already decided to accept the position when I told them.” In an NCCU athletics department press release, Broadway cited personal reasons for his decision. “I lost my wife (Dianne Bynum Broadway) a few years ago, and it has been very difficult for me personally,” he said. “I am surrounded by constant reminders of her loss passing by the restaurant we used to visit and staying in the house we once shared. I need a change for me.” Broadway was a huge success at NCCU leading the Eagles to their second consecutive CIAA Football Championship with an undefeated record last year. NCCU also finished as the No. 4 ranked team in the NCAA Division II and for the first time in school history, was declared the 2006 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Football National Champion and ended its historic season in the second round of the NCAA playoffs. In 2006 the Eagles also became the highest scoring team in school history.

919 956-5393 www.eaglelandonline.com

Donate to the Denita M. Smith Scholarship Fund Drop your donation off at the Dept. of English and Mass Communication in Room 305 of the Farrison-Newton Communication Bldg or mail a check to University Baptist Church, 6029 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28216 Make check payable to the Denita M. Smith Scholarship Fund

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IVER SITY

Stop the hate

Editorial ike Nifong may have done himself a favor by stepping down from the Duke University lacrosse sexual assault case, but he isn’t out of hot water yet. With his career on the line, he’s being scrutinized by the ethics violations board, which will eventually decide if Nifong led his office ethically. The prosecutors, appointed by state attorney general Roy Cooper, are taking a fresh look at the case and will decide whether or not the evidence from the early days of the trial should be used. Should the ethics board probe every possible connection to Nifong’s handling of the case? Yes sir, absolutely. According to the News & Observer, Nifong hired Linwood E. Wilson, an investigator with less than four months of criminal investigation experience, before the March 13 lacrosse team party at which an N.C. Central University student working as a dancer said she was allegedly was raped, beaten and robbed. The News & Observer reported on Jan. 24 that Wilson, the only full-time investigator in Nifong’s office, was investigated in 1987 for allegedly “making false statements on the witness stand and setting up an illegal telephone tap, according to his file at the state agency that licenses private investigators.” It is possible that the state bar investigating Nifong’s ethics violations could dig deep into his record and the people that he is connected to. This investigation proves that the things people have done in the past can come back and bite them. Let us see where this leads. It’s not over until the fat lady sings and we at The Campus Echo haven’t seen one sing yet.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007

ealousy is not you. I have had enough of back-biters, backstabbers and envious individuals. The truth of the matter is, I am in great pain and distress. I love to see my peers prosper, especially young black men. Unfortunately, the love is not universal. I despise regressive thinkers and jealous peoA.J. ple.There are Donaldson two types of haters. The first type: those folks who give you props in private for your endeavor, but once they get in public they renege on the credit they gave. The second type demonstrates just the opposite. They pretend to appreciate and support your achievement in public, but once they get behind closed doors they undo whatever credit they gave by combing through the crevices and cracks to find an imperfection about you. Now the latter kind of haters

Most people in any given circle hang around you because of certain perks and benefits. is harder to detect because they wear friendly disguises and smiling faces. People like this are dangerous because even though they may not appear as a threat initially, the consequences of associating with them could be dire if not detected at an early phase. In other words, you might not stop people from being jealous of you, but you can protect yourself by acknowledging that not everyone has your best interest in mind. Daily, I watch naïve girls and guys roam carelessly across the yard under the false impression that people actually love them for who they are. Most people in any given circle hang around you because of certain perks and benefits. Whether it’s because you have money, you’re popular, you always have the weed, you provide free liquor or you get the most girls — people just love

attention. However, I can almost guarantee that once any of the aforementioned incentives stop flowing, so will the friendship. Speaking of women — fellas, please refrain from claiming a woman who does not like you or belong to you, then hating another man she does like. Count your loss and move on. And women, you act jealous too — avoid getting attached to men so quickly and then hating him for running scared. I am not bitter at anyone in particular. My disgust comes from many crabs in a bucket. It’s like we as a people, especially African Americans, hate to see anyone else shine. The time you spend tearing someone down could be time spent building yourself up. It’s easier to throw a hand grenade than it is to catch one. I mean really, do you think you can stop stars from shining? There is enough money and light for everyone to shine. So why are you unscrewing light bulbs in other people’s houses? Build your own house. Hate will only kill its host from within. Your mission is in vain. That’s it.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: What do you think Chancellor Ammons’ legacy will be?

Pseudo-black elitism

“His legacy was at first tainted, but he did a good job revitalizing things with grants, scholarship and by increasing enrollment.” —Antoine Harris

hroughout my three and a half years on the campus of N.C. Central University, I have encountered more pseudoblack elitism than I can wave a blackpower flag at. There seem to be an alarming number of Eagles exploiting the flock for their personal good Jamar or self-recogHarris nition. This ideology was initially born after the Civil Rights movement. Sell-out preachers and socalled freedom fighters wanted more personal gains than social gains for our people. With this in mind, I became concerned after hearing the news that Chancellor James H. Ammons could possibly leave our flock. What will be the next

chancellor’s intent for the surrounding Hayti community -- a community that has fueled this University for decades and gotten little love in return? So, I challenge the board of trustees, students, faculty and myself to hold the individuals in power accountable for the lack thereof when it comes to matters dealing with the majority. There once existed a time on this campus when a student didn’t have to be SGAaffiliated or an honor student in order to meet the chancellor or other members of the administration. Being that I’ve literally been born and raised on the campus of North Carolina Central University, I’ve witnessed the downfall of what Dr. Shepard established as a Mecca for knowledge, selfworth and understanding in the black community. We must as a people defer from the elitist attitude

which the “talented tenth” ideology promotes and return to the community state mind that was so prominent before the civil rights movement. It’s our responsibility as students to make sure that individuals with selfish intent and hidden agendas fear Eagle Land. Also, we must remember that the communities surrounding our institutions are the heart of black academia, and they deserve a lot of say on who should fill our administrative positions. We must not be fooled by the behavior of the so-called talented tenth of previous generations in our black communities and social nets of today. As a black man, my legacy to my people and community are very dear to my heart and soul. As I travel the path for enlightening my people, I state clearly, in the immortal words of Big Daddy Kane, “Ain’t No Half Steppin.”

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

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“He showed his desire to help the students and the school, but wasn’t able to touch every issue.” —Bre’ylon Smith

“He was a good chancellor. I enjoyed his visability at different events, and he always showed his concern.” — Maggie Holly