March 25, 2009 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

MARCH 25, 2009

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VOLUME 100, ISSUE 9 919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

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Opinions

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NCCU’s provost Kwesi Aggrey is at the helm during tough economic times

NCCU’s 09 football schedule is out. There’s less travel, but some new opponents

Devin Rountree’s got something that’ll freak you out big time: The numbers on our federal deficit.

Tomorrow’s election day. Know who you are voting for. See our annual election insert.

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Campus Echo At long last, Pearson opens INSIDE Take a full color look at Pearson past and present. — Page 8

Capital projects move forward BY CANDESS CARTER ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The $13 million cafeteria features a convenience store, take out facilities, expanded hours, plasma TVs, better grills and more space for students. BRIAN LATTIMER/Echo Staff Photographer

BY SIEGFRIED LEYH ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The days of N.C. Central University students taking long hikes to eat in trailers are over. Since the March 15 opening of the $13 million, newly renovated W.G.

Pearson Cafeteria, NCCU students are finally able to have a real dining experience. NCCU graduate student, Jonathan Leach, said he appreciates Chancellor Charlie Nelms coming through on his word about the cafeteria’s

completion. “I am glad the chancellor showed great leadership in moving to make sure there were no more delays…,” said Leach. Going from its last renovation in 1991, the W.G. Pearson Cafeteria only had a gross area of 26,986

square foot. With the current fixups, it nearly doubled to 56,000 square foot. The 1,200-seat Pearson features different all-youcan-eat stations for students such as grill, sandwich and quesadilla lines. Other new features

include plasma televisions throughout, a takeout facility, a lower-level wireless café, and the University ticket office. When Pearson closed in spring 2007, temporary trailers were built next

n See PROJECTS Page 2 n See PEARSON Page 8

Paintings depict hero’s life BY TIFFANIE MEANS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

“Attackers,” mixed media on paper by Benny Andrews Courtesy of the Center for Civil and Human Rights

Countless stories and books have been written about the tumultuous civil rights struggles of the 1960s, but nothing sticks in our minds as much as the pictures. Those sometimes painful, sometimes exhilarating images are captured by artist Benny Andrews’ stunning series of paintings about the life of civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), which can be seen at the NCCU Art Museum through April 24. Lewis has represented Georgia’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987. But he is best

known for his participation in civil rights movement alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lewis started his political career in Alabama, where as a youth, he organized sitins, bus boycotts, and protests in the fight to end Jim Crow segregation. At age 23, he was a main organizer of the historic March on Washington, where he made an important keynote speech in August 1963. His non-violent protests gained attention from law officials and the KKK, who beat Lewis mercilessly on numerous accounts. In 1965, Lewis led

more than 600 peaceful protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala, in a demonstration for voting rights in the state. They were attacked by Alabama state troopers in a brutal confrontation that became known as "Bloody Sunday." TV news broadcasts and photographs of the event helped ensure the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Forty-eight years after the beatings he suffered, Lewis received a public apology from former KKK member, Elwin Wilson. “The idea of the series came from Andrews’

Many students are scratching their heads over the sudden change in their e-mail accounts. The switch to Gmail occurred over spring break and continues to confuse

some students. “It’s been difficult,” said psychology junior Dalya Jackson. “I had to change passwords three times this week,” said Jackson. “The system keeps kicking me out.” Patrice Parrish,

Information Technology manager for the university’s customer services, defended the change. “Google Apps is a leader in e-mail and group collaboration,” said Parrish, “offering significant benefits over the MS Outlook

Webmail students previously used, as well as a higher level of spam protection.” The package consists of online software applications that Google offers to educational institutions and non-profit organizations.

Sometimes, it’s all in a name BY DEMETRIUS PHILLIPS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

The new Eaglemail, (Gmail) holds seven gigabytes of storage space, as well as Web-based word processing and spreadsheet applications, sharable calendars, chat,

n See GOOGLE Page 2

n See DEPOSITS Page 2

n See ANDREWS Page 9

Google Apps offers more benefits and protections, as well as some headaches ECHO STAFF REPORTER

‘Deposit’? Not really, say students

Ask almost anyone what a deposit is, and they’ll say that it is something that ultimately, if certain conditions are met, gets returned or gets applied to a purchase. Maybe that’s why many students are surprised when they find out that the $150 housing deposit made at N.C. Central University with Residential Life is non-refundable and is not applied to their housing costs or room damages. “If I get an apartment off campus and pay my deposit and my rent, I receive my deposit back if the room is in the same condition as when I moved in,” said nursing freshman Timmara Durham. “Here at NCCU, when I pay my deposit, I do not receive it back at the end of the year. That makes no sense to me.” According to Jennifer Wilder, director of Residential Life, NCCU has had its non-refundable housing deposit since 2002. The deposit does not guarantee a room, but it is required to initiate the housing application. The price of the housing deposit increased

Gmail a failed delivery for some students BY CARLTON KOONCE

The nation’s current economic troubles may actually bolster N.C. Central University’s effort to keep one capital project on track. Contract bids from potential project managers for construction of a new nursing building may come cheaper than they would in a time of economic prosperity, according to Eric Frazier, the university’s engineer of design and construction. For that reason, Frazier says he is trying to “accelerate” the construction of the building. He wants to keep bids for the job at $25 million or lower, a figure projected by the board of trustees back in November 2007. However, the project is still waiting on approval by the NC Department of Insurance and the State Construction Office. “NC Central is a public school that is run by the state”, says university project manager Walter Lennon. “We cannot start construction on a staterelated project without getting approval”. The construction of the nursing building is projected to begin in early 2010, to be finished by the summer of 2011. Meanwhile, three other NCCU

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Provost: Intellectuals wanted New to his duties, Aggey wants to help improve learning atmosphere as budget tightens BY NATALIA N. PEARSONFARRER ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Kwesi Aggrey, N.C. Central University’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs since Jan. 2, has a daunting task ahead. In the midst of a faltering national economy looms state budget cuts that may force NCCU to tighten budgets by as much as seven percent. Aggrey serves as the University’s chief academic officer and liaison between academic units and Chancellor Charlie Nelms. He replaces Interim Provosts Bernice Johnson and Lenneal Henderson, who served after former Provost Beverly Washington Jones vacated the position last June. Aggrey said he hopes to raise the quality of NCCU’s academic programs, ensuring that students attain the skills necessary to function in an ever-changing society upon graduating. He said he aims to hire the right people in classrooms,

provide the resources for faculty to teach effectively, create an environment that challenges students to excel, and guarantee that the university and its specialized programs are accredited. “As an HBCU, I want to see us rank with the best,” said Aggrey. “This campus [should] become a place where every students gets a great education no mater what discipline they study.” Though optimistic, Aggrey sees much room for improvement. “There are a number of things that we can do better and change, [especially] the lack of intellectual atmosphere and gathering among faculty and between faculty and students outside the classroom,” he said. Yet, he added, these challenges are “not insurmountable. I’ve worked in majority institutions up to now, but the challenges are the same.” Aggrey has more than 20 years of experience working in education administration. He served in top academic

Provost and Vice Chancellor Kwesi Aggrey says that 12 years of teaching science gave him more insight as an administrator. ROSLYN MATTHEWS/Echo Staff Photographer

positions at Indiana University-Northwest, Lockhaven University in Pennsylvania, and Ramapo College in New Jersey. He worked to develop international relationships between universities, traveling in Africa, Russia and China. He also studied in

Ghana, Canada and Hawaii. “Learning and understanding differences in culture makes it possible for me to help international faculty members do their work more effectively,” he said. Aggrey’s diverse background began with a humble upbringing in Ghana, West

Africa. Aggrey’s family was very poor, he said, but his family stressed the importance of education. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He holds a doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Hawaii. His background in science includes research in organic chemistry synthesis, which deals with the construction of organic compounds through organic reactions. At UH, Aggrey studied the analytical chemistry of submarine volcanoes and studied meteorites, moon rocks and tektites (natural glass rocks formed when meteorites collide with the Earth's surface). Aggrey taught science for 12 years, which unexpectedly led him to a career in academic administration. “As a teacher, there were things that I thought I needed to do better in the classroom and the services that

would help me be better were not in place,” he said. He expected to return to the classroom after a year or two in administration. Now he appreciates the perspective that teaching has given him as an administrator. “You have to understand and appreciate what goes on in the classroom to make changes,” said Aggrey. Aggrey’s passion for education and the sciences is reflected in his family. His wife Deborah is a public health educator for a health agency in Indiana. His daughter Angela, 25, is working towards a PhD in microbiology at the University of Rochester. His 19-year-old son Gerald is a sophomore at the University of IndianaBloomington studying human biology and neuroscience. His 17-year-old son Brian, a high school senior, plans to study engineering in college. Aggrey will relocate his family to North Carolina when Brian graduates in June.

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An architectural rendering of NCCU’s new nursing school, scheduled to be completed in 2011. COURTESY

N.C. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

capital projects are steadily moving along. The long-delayed Latham parking deck, which is to be located on Lawson Street, was authorized for construction in August of 2003 for $5 million, a low-ball figure for a 750-car lot. Recently, the project was awarded an additional $10 million, further advancing the construction process that started March 23. “The parking deck is needed to solve our growing parking problem on campus,” says university engineer Mike Logan. “The parking lot will have a coffee shop, a lounge area, and will house the university’s police department.” The deck is planned for completion by next spring. The Pearson Cafeteria renovation on Lawson

Street near the Fayetteville Street intersection is 99 percent finished, according to the university’s Web site. The project, which has been ongoing since spring 2007, was budgeted at $15 million. Frazier attributes cost- savings to the re-use of the cafeteria’s roof, and parts of the old foundation. Construction on a revamped Chidley Hall, which housed male freshman until it was gradually closed down between 2003 and 2006, is set to begin in September. It should be completed by September 2011, and the project is expected to stay within its $30 million estimate. The hall will house 520 students, 98 less than the original hall, because the north side of the building is going to be removed.

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and more. “Google Apps meets the highest standards for safety and security,” said Parrish, “including federal guidelines for student privacy. It also decreases IT administrative costs and labor for the university.” Still, those features don;t matter so much to some students, who grumble about the glitches. “I prefer the old accounts,” said senior business administration major Roger Richards. “I had to call ITS to get a new password. “ Parrish acknowledges the problems. “The preparation has been highly cumbersome,” she said. “We want to ensure the switch is as painless as possible for all involved.” Richards has a suggestion for that. “It would have helped if they would have informed us,” said Richards. According to Parrish, this initial move is for NCCU students only, but the department is working on the transition for faculty and staff. Parrish said that the Pilot Program participants of Google Apps surveyed reported no complications and recommended the program for the students of NCCU. Parrish said that

I prefer the old accounts. I had to call ITS to get a new password. ROGER RICHARDS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR

although Eaglemail addresses are now username@eagles.nccu.edu, the ITS department will ensure that mail sent to username@mail.nccu.edu will continue to be delivered correctly for several weeks during the transition period. “Gmail e-mail and Eaglemail accounts are two separate creatures,” said Parrish. “You can’t substitute an existing Gmail account for your Eaglemail account.” Parrish said that students will be able to set Gmail email to be delivered to their Eaglemail accounts. She added that ITS is routing all e-mail from the previous NCCU e-mail addresses to the new Eaglemail addresses. Students have said that they like the increased storage in the new accounts. And even doubter Dalya Jackson has to admit there are some good things about Gmail. “I love the e-mail,” said Jackson. “They should have done it sooner.”

20% discount

from $100 to $150 in August 2008. Some students say they shouldn’t have to make a non-refundable deposit until they have been officially offered a room. “I originally thought that the non-refundable housing deposit was necessary because you were guaranteed housing, even if the deposit was paid after the deadline,” said Student Government Association member John Stephenson. “But now, even if you pay on time, you are still not guaranteed housing.” According to Wilder, Residential Life recognizes that the use of the word, “deposit” can mislead students to believe their money will be returned at some point. Wilder said that Residential Life has been discussing a name change all year. “Some of the suggestions have been ‘housing reservation fee’ and ‘housing administration fee,’ said Wilder. Wilder said they are leaning toward “housing administration fee” because ‘reservation fee’ would imply that a room was actually secured. NCCU students are not alone in having to pay the housing deposit. At UNC-

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Chapel Hill, there is a $200 non-refundable deposit. Elizabeth City State University has a $125 nonrefundable housing deposit, and N.C. State University has a $150 nonrefundable housing deposit. At each of these universities, the deposit is simply called a housing deposit. On each of their Web sites, the universities explain the non-refundable nature of the housing deposit in some detail. While the non-refundable nature of the housing deposit is mentioned in NCCU’s 2009-2010 Housing Outlook Form, Letter to Students and Family Members, there is no detailed discussion or explanation of the nonrefundable deposit policy in the residential life section of the website. According to Wilder, the housing deposit is necessary. “Residential Life is a revenue-generating department,” she said. “It does not receive any funding from the state. The deposit is a part of operation.” Wilder said that the deposits help to pay for supplies, furniture and building upkeep.

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More Opportunities are available. Contact us.

The NCCU Health Careers Center staff celebrates 35 years developing pre-health professional students into viable candidates for health and medical careers by providing: • Advocacy • Counseling • Enrichment Activities • Health Career Network Access • Health Career Recruitment • Information • Internships & Shadowing Experiences • Standardized Test Prep Workshops • Other services and activities

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Black vegetarians unite! Racial stereotypes about diets begin to crumble BY KENDRA MCNAIR-WORLEY ECHO STAFF REPORTER

For many African Americans, especially young people, the term “vegetarian” is as foreign as speaking Mandarin Chinese. But, as it turns out, there are many African-American vegetarians, including a few right here on N.C. Central University’s campus. Still, despite a growing trend, many AfricanAmericans still think of other cultures and ethnic groups when they think of non-meat-eaters. Nursing sophomore Candice Sutton candidly admits that she doesn’t know a single African American Vegetarian, on campus or elsewhere. “To tell you the truth I thought only Caucasians were vegetarians,” said Sutton. “Actually, I think the whole concept is weird, I just don’t understand it I guess.” Criminal justice sophomore Ashley Smith expressed similar beliefs. “I don’t know any vegetarians,” said Smith. “I’m from the south, and down here, we eat meat without thinking twice about it.” But a community in which almost 80 percent of African-American women, 67 percent of AfricanAmerican men and 20 percent of teenagers (ages 12-

19) are overweight or obese, more people are passing over the meat department at the grocery store. Recent statistics on vegetarianism among blacks is scant, but a 2003 story in the Indianapolis Reporter included results of a study by the Vegetarian Resource Group, which reported that six percent of blacks never

eat meat. Whether or not that percentage has grown in ensuing years, there is a case to be made for African Americans to embrace a nomeat diet. According to the American Dietetic Association, deaths from coronary artery disease are fewer among vegetarians

than non-vegetarians. The same study showed that vegetarians also have lower rates of death from colon cancer. Asthmatic vegetarians who practice a vegan diet for a full year need less medications, and experience less frequent and less severe asthma attacks. Criminal justice junior Chinda Delotcha is a vegan, which means she does not eat or wear any animal products. Delotcha became a vegan after her grandmother died from complications due to obesity. “It’s totally a healthier way of living,” said Delotcha. “People always seem to think that if you are a vegetarian you don’t get to eat much, that’s totally not true.” History junior Kanesia Maple is a lacto-ovo vegetarian who eats no meat at all, but occasionally eats eggs and cheese. Maple said she became a vegetarian when she watched a TV show about how chickens are mistreated at chicken farms. About 15 percent of the food in NCCU’s cafeteria is vegetarian, and at least one such dish is prepared each day. These include a stir-fry tofu with sesame; Mediterranean veggie pita; and eggplant parmesan.

Alumna returns for convocation Former Miss NCCU brings message of academic achievement in a global economy BY SADE THOMPSON FROM STAFF REPORTS

Laurie Robinson, a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for the CBS Corporation and a N.C. Central University alumna, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Honors Convocation. Her speech will focus on students maintaining high academic standards in the current global marketplace. The convocation will take place on April 3 at the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Robinson, a former Miss NCCU, was very active during her undergraduate days. She participated in the university’s honors program and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Robinson graduated from NCCU in 1994. She then attended the Indiana University School of Law at

Laurie Robinson, a 1994 NCCU graduate, is founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color. PHTOO COURTESY LAURIE ROBINSON

Bloomington, where she was president of the student law association. “Of all of my accomplishments that I have had to date, my role as Miss North Carolina Central is the most memorable,” she said. “It

gave me the confidence to go for gold.” Robinson is the founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color, a network of over 2,300 female attorneys of color. The non-profit organiza-

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tion unites lawyers with similar backgrounds for networking and professional development. She started the effort after noticing a lack of African-American lawyers in New York City. Her group will visit schools in South Africa in May. Robinson said she initially wanted to become an environmental lawyer, but turned to labor law after an internship in the labor management division with the National Football League. She has practiced labor and employment law with the New York firms Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C. and Seyfarth Shaw LLP. “I have no regrets,” she said of her NCCU experience. “Everything that I wanted to do while at NCCU I did. Keep developing your skills and keep developing you.”

Library lands survey grant BY DIVINE MUNYENGETERWA ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Out of more than 1,000 participating libraries, N.C. Central University’s James E. Shepard Memorial Library was one of two recipients of the LibQUAL+(r) inkind grant, which will help the library provide a survey that examines the library experience from the perspective of its users. Data collected by the LibQUAL+(r) survey identifies the high points and low points in services, by giving users a chance to rate and comment on their library experience. The survey has 45 questions that rate the library experience. Administrators can then use that feedback to allocate resources and reorganize their libraries to be more efficient. To better serve an evolving wave of users, libraries need to better understand how their level of service fares in the eyes of those they serve. LibQUAL+(r), a group of services offered through the Association of Research Libraries’ (ARL) New Measures and Assessment Initiatives, helps librarians track users’ views of service quality. “We will be going to the (ARL) national convention this fall, and receive training so we can begin to implement this service,” said Theodosia T. Shields, NCCU’s director of library services. “While we have other measures in place, this

is a significant step that goes beyond what we normally do.” ARL, a nonprofit organization, is made up of 123 research libraries in North America. Its aim is to help libraries promote scholarly communication and support public policies that support research libraries and their users. Libraries constantly find themselves having to adapt to a growing legion of computer savvy users who, because of the Internet, have the option of remotely visiting a wide range of libraries for reading material, from the comfort of their own homes, classrooms, cafeterias, or within the walls of those libraries. As an added measure, “this allows us to not only get and assess information from students who come to the library, but because it’s computerized, we can also get information from those that visit through the Internet,” said Shields. “We are about giving good quality service, so this is another method that we can use to assess how we can more adequately serve our users,” said Shields. According to www.arl.org, LibQUAL+(r) was created and developed at Texas A&M University by educational psychology professor, Bruce Thompson and Colleen Cook, a graduate student. The program has been used in over 18 countries. The libraries at both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill use LibQUAL+(r).

Career Fair Thursday March 26 10 am - 1 pm. Walker Complex

It’s time to start preparing for the ‘world of work.’

For more information see news story on Pg. 4 of this issue of the Campus Echo.

University Career Services is the student’s focal point for career planning. We offer career counseling, part-time job placements, internships, and cooperative education placements in both the private and public sectors. We offer workshops on resume writing, inteviewing, cover letter writing, and stress management.

University Career Services William Jones Building, Room 005 560-6337

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Work it, network it, and maybe find some work It’s Career Fair time again at NCCU, so update those resumes and remember to smile BY JAMESE SLADE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Anyone who’s ready for some serious career networking should head over to the Walker Complex Thursday for the spring Career Fair. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. About 53 companies

are expected to attend, according to Shannon Morgan, student services coordinator for the Office of Career Services. Some of the companies to be represented at the fair include the American Red Cross, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the FBI and several

schools recruiting teachers. Morgan said students should come to the fair dressed in dark professional suits. She said they should bring resumes on resume paper and business cards. “Students have done a great job in the past and we are encouraging the same

enthusiasm,” said Morgan. “Students should bring a smile and confidence.” Morgan said students should take advantage of this networking experience “by getting to know the employers who are recruiting at companies in which they want to work, or companies who are looking to

hire students with their major and work experience. “ According to the Job Outlook 2009 Spring Update Survey, about 22 percent fewer graduates will be hired from this year’s class compared to last year. “It is essential for students to be open and flexible to

opportunities,” said Morgan. Mass communication sophomore Whitney Capers is getting an early start on this year’s Career Fair. She already has her resume ready and hopes to talk to recruiters about internship possibilities. “I just wants to see what’s out there,” she said.

Actually, the world DOES need another lawyer.

Beyond NCCU

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University may punish prof over torture advice Critics say Yoo provided legal justification for torture BY MATT KRUPNICK CONTRA COSTA TIMES (MCT)

BERKELEY, Calif. — The John Yoo firestorm is about to get hotter. With a federal investigation into Yoo’s legal advice to the Bush administration apparently winding down, University of California Berkeley leaders are preparing for a difficult decision — whether to punish a professor for his off-campus work. The dilemma is rare. At risk are the tenets of academic freedom that have long allowed college faculty members to speak their minds in the name of scholarship. Yoo’s case revolves around his advice on dealing with accused terrorists,

including a notorious memo that provides legal justification for torture. The UC Berkeley law professor, who is temporarily teaching at Orange County’s Chapman University, has long attracted protests on his home campus, but some surprising allies have come to his defense. “I think this is simply a left-wing version of McCarthyism,” said Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor who disagrees strongly with Yoo’s views on torture. “He should be judged solely on the merits of his academics.” But Berkeley administrators and faculty leaders said they would be concerned about Yoo teaching law students if he were found to

have violated ethical or legal standards. Critics have called Yoo a yes-man for President George W. Bush, essentially telling him what he wanted to hear. Yoo, who has been at Berkeley since 1993 and was tenured in 1999, did not return messages this week. The code of conduct for UC Berkeley faculty states that criminal convictions could result in discipline, but it is less explicit about other transgressions. But some, including Berkeley law Dean Christopher Edley and a top faculty leader, have said they could punish Yoo regardless of whether he is tried and convicted in a court. “A criminal conviction is not necessary,” said

Christopher Kutz, a law professor and vice chairman of the UC Berkeley Academic Senate. But discipline based on anything less is “new territory, and it’s dangerous territory,” Kutz said. A Justice Department spokesman said the federal investigation into Yoo’s role is ongoing. He declined to estimate when the inquiry would wrap up. Edley, who was on President Barack Obama’s transition team and who has held positions in two Democratic administrations, said he and others on campus are conflicted about how to handle Yoo. Asked whether the issue has put him in a tough spot, Edley was unequivocal: “That’s an understatement.”

“I think that almost everybody is concerned” about how the debate will end, he said. “All of us need to work through the tension of the principles that preserve the excellence and independence of the university versus the principles that govern society.” Yoo’s presence has polarized academics, including many who say they’re staunch supporters of academic freedom. At Chapman, hundreds have signed petitions and joined online groups criticizing Yoo’s opinions. Much of the debate over his fitness as a law professor has centered on whether he used bad faith in condoning torture. If he simply told the president what he wanted to

hear, Yoo’s work did not pass scholarly muster, critics said. “The CIA asked the Bush administration for justification, and that’s what John Yoo did,” said Berkeley attorney Sharon Adams, a member of the National Lawyer Guild’s Committee Against Torture. “He did not provide advice, he provided justification for torture.” Others have said UC Berkeley should leave Yoo be as long as he is not convicted of a crime. “People who have outlying views are the ones for whom academic freedom is designed,” said Michael A. Olivas, a University of Houston law professor and expert in higher-education law. “Mr. Chips doesn’t need defense.”

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Baghdad’s water still undrinkable 6 years after invasion BY MATTHEW SCHOFIELD MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPES

BAGHDAD – The stench of human waste is enough to tell Falah abu Hasan that his drinking water is bad. His infant daughter Fatma’s continuous illnesses and his own constant nausea confirm it. “We are the poor. No one cares if we get sick and die,” he said. “But someone should do something about the water. It is dirty. It brings disease.” Everybody complains about the water in Baghdad, and few are willing to risk drinking it from the tap. Six years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, 36 percent of Baghdad’s drinking water is unsafe, according to the Iraqi Environment Ministry _ in a good month. In a bad month, it’s 90 percent. Cholera broke out last summer, and officials fear another outbreak this year. “Even if the water is good today, no one would trust it,” grocer Hussein Jawad said. He said that about 40 percent of his business was selling bottled drinking water, crates of which he’s stacked 7 feet high on the sidewalk. “We’ve learned to be afraid.” The irony of bad water is lost on few here. When the city was founded 1,200 years ago, it was named Baghdad al Zawhaa, “Baghdad the Garden,” because water was plentiful. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers formed the boundaries of Mesopotamia and fed the fields in the cradle of civilization. Baghdad still draws its water from the Tigris, but even that legendary source is problematic. President Jalal Talabani flew to Turkey this week to discuss the diminish-

ing water flow, because Turkey has dammed the river. Syria and Iran have dammed its tributaries. Environment Minister Nirmeen Uthman said Iraqi waste-treatment systems were obsolete, and that the concentration of waste being poured into the Tigris had increased. It’s simple math: less river water, more concentrated waste. Each year the river is dirtier. “Our most recent studies show the color is wrong, the smell is wrong, the pressure is wrong,” she said. “And that was a good month, a very good month.” Since 2003, 500 city engineers have been killed, suspending hundreds of project plans, according to Hakeem Abdulzahra, Baghdad’s chief spokesman. Finding personnel to replace the dead also is never easy, he said. During the war, displaced people flooded the capital, constructed shoddy new homes or camped out in abandoned government offices. They dug down and tapped city pipes, often using pumps to find water supplies. As a result, 6 million people use Baghdad water daily, but only 5 million of them use it legally. “These people make quality control very difficult,” Abdulzahra said. Ihsan Jaafar, Iraq’s director of public health, said the water has been bad for years but that it now carries cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis and other diseases. “Clean water would be one of the biggest improvements in quality of life in Iraq,” he said. “The people of the Mujamaa (illegal settlements) are the most vulnerable in

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus Moral Emphasis Week March 28 - April 3 Join us for the following: Saturday, March 28 - Saturday Night Live, 8 P.M. Free Concert featuring Neptune 7 and Election Sure Monday, March 30 Lecture: "God Hears the Voice of the Poor" Clothing Drive All Week, Drop off at Old Holy Cross Catholic Church Wednesday, April 1 Lenten Service 6:15 a.m. --7:15 a.m. at Old Holy Cross Catholic Church

Michael D. Page Campus Minister Sign up for "Night in a Box " Understand What it is to Live Homeless

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

Chart shows the change in percentage of the Iraqi population with basic services, 20082009; percent of population with basic household items. McClatchy 2009

our society. We must protect them, but they cannot live this way.” The city has a 10-year, $6 billion plan to fix the problem, which involves shutting down the squatters’ settlements. However, there’s fear that shutting down the settlements would force families onto the street and reignite sectarian fighting; the settlements are a recruiting ground for Shiite Muslim militias. So step one in the repairs for the city water department is putting together a security force. “We fight, as if we were in the army, to bring people clean water and take away sewage,” Abdulzahra said. Imam Mahnood al Bayati, a clergyman and a former engineer who’s worked on water systems, said that pro-

Falah abu Hasan stands by a polluted waterway that sits along a squatters' camp in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. MATTHEW SCHOFIELD/Kansas City Star (MCT)

viding clean drinking water was a central goal for Baghdad, for Iraq and even for Islamic religious practice. “We can’t even pray without water,” he said in an

interview at the Hajia Sidaa Mosque. “Before we pray, we must clean ourselves,” he said, chuckling, wondering whether it’s even possible to perform an ablution with

Baghdad water these days. “Well,” he added, “the Quran allows us, if there is no water to clean with, to use the sand of the desert. There’s still plenty of that.”

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009

May 31, 2009.

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Pearson Renaissance

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PEARSON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 door to Chidley Hall to accommodate student’s dining purposes. After two years of waiting, many students, such as physical education senior Dominique Holliday wondered if they would ever see a new cafeteria. “It seems like forever since I actually had a real caf,” said Holliday. “I’ve become so used to the trailers. I forgot how good a real caf can be.” Nursing junior India Ingram said she is also noticing a spark in customer service with the new cafeteria. “More people smile and serve you the food in a presentable manner since we moved into the new caf,” said Ingram. “I finally feel with this great customer service; I’m finally getting what I paid for.” One new feature that has students excited is the convenience store, “Smart Mart,” where students can buy snacks and other goods. But students are concerned with the pricing of items in the store. Although students are able to use flex dollars from their meal plans, psychology junior Michael Boone said the convenience store prices are outrageous. “When you have a gallon of milk at $6.99 and a box of cereal at $4.99 ... that is not reasonable or convenient to me.” According to Timothy Moore, interim director of

auxiliaries and business services, prices in the convenience store are high because purchases for the store aren’t made in bulk. But some students aren’t upset about prices, they’re upset about the way others are already trashing out the new facility. “You can see that the students at Central campus do not respect what we given,” said, psychology senior Landrick Alston. “Only a week in a half into the new facility and we’re dirtying the caf up and not respecting what people worked hard for.” Vice chancellor of student affairs, Kevin Rome, described the state that students left Pearson in on Wednesday, March 18 as “inexcusable and unacceptable.” In an e-mail to all students he implored students to do their part and “take all dishes and trash to the dishwashing area.” “It is embarrassing when our student appear to have disregard for their surroundings,” he wrote. University officials say they expect the facility to become a hub of campus activities on the campus. Holliday says that in the end the long wait was worth it. “So the longer they waited the more NCCU got things done right which is a good thing,” he said. “So now I understand the wait.”

Outside of the new Pearson Cafeteria SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo staff photographer

Sophomore, Charles Lindsay excited over new cafeteria.

One of many NCCU design elements in the new cafeteria.

RAY TYLER/Echo Staff Photographer

SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Staff Photographer

Pearson Cafeteria under construction MIKE DEWEESE FRANK/Echo Staff Photographer

Students ate in the temporary cafeteria for two years.

Sierra Hobbs and Ra’chel Hagans enjoying the new cafeteria food.

RODERICK HEATH/Echo Staff Photographer

SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Staff Photographer

Long lines on Chicken Wednesday in 2004 at Pearson Cafeteria before the remodel. COURTESTY ROBERT LAWSON/NCCU Office of Public Relations

A&E

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009

ANDREWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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Leaders of the New School Students pioneer hip hop and service organization on campus BY JERIMIAH MCNEIL ECHO STAFF WRITER

“Feeding the Chickens” by Benny Andrews Courtesy of The Center for Civil and Human Rights

illustrations from the children’s book “John Lewis in the Lead,” said Mark Karelson, owner and director of the Mason Murer Art Gallery in Atlanta, which helped NCCU attain the series for the exhibit. Andrews, who died in 2006, was known for his distinctive figurative style. His art elevated the African American experience and built racial pride. The Lewis series covers Lewis’ life, from childhood on an Alabama farm to his experiences in the civil rights movement. “The significance of the series is that it provides exposure to two pioneering individuals — John Lewis and Benny Andrews — to the University,” said Kenneth Rodgers, director of the NCCU Art Museum. In addition to the Lewis paintings, Andrews has produced such Americanthemed works as “The Revival Series” (1995) that depict church meetings and the role of Christianity in southern African-American communities. Another painting, “The Migrant Series” (2006), documents the migration of Cherokee Indians from Georgia to Oklahoma. As an activist, Andrews was the co-founder of the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition that negotiated with public institutions to include the works of minority and female artists in their permanent collections.

A new organization has just formed on the campus of N.C. Central University. Leaders of the New School is a new student-run organization representing those who are heavily influenced by the hip-hop culture and are ready to use their college education to improve the surrounding community and NCCU campus life. The organization is sponsored by NCCU’s HipHop Initiative, designed to take an in-depth look into the history of hip hop as well as hip hop’s influence in music, fashion, pop culture and business. Leaders of the New School was founded by NCCU sophomore Diane “flii di shabazz” Varnie late last year. “I have always had a passion for hip-hop,” Varnie said. “I wanted to create an organization that took that passion to different levels, combined with knowledge, fun and business. She said she also wanted students to learn about the professional aspect of the hip-hop entertainment industry. Leaders of the New School is advised by Grammy-Award-winning musical producer and NCCU hip hop instructor 9th Wonder. Under this initiative, 9th Wonder also was instrumental in developing Eagle Records, a studentrun label designed to offer students experience in music production, marketing, publishing, retailing and distribution. Every Wednesday night, Leaders of the New School sponsors a blaxploitation movie night in the New School of Education Auditorium. The mission of the movie nights is to expose students to films that address issues within the

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Young Swift The Return: Everything I Am Independent

4out of 5 on the black hand side “Fresh out the dungeon wit it / I brought my luggage wit me” begins the confident, swagger-filled Young Swift on “Average Joe.” The name of the album is “The Return: Everything I Am.” Swift takes you through the life of a young superstar in the making from beginning to end. The 18-year-old emcee navigates through brilliant production by Picasso, Base & Quick and even himself with clever flows and witty lyrics. Swift does his thing from fast tempo songs to slow cuts. This release shows just how versatile he is. His music is so clever, it is shocking to hear that he’s barely legal. Swift gets the certified stamp of approval with the Autotune-influenced “Music On.” That’s right, I said Autotune-influenced

The first generation members and officers of the Hip Hop Initiative Organization; Blair Tripp, Daniel ‘D-Mal’ Mallison IV, Erica McRae, Siegfried Leyh, Joshua P. Leak, Megan Pearson PHOTO

African American community in hopes of creating discussion and increase awareness. The movies, shown weekly, are chosen from assorted eras to give those who attend an idea of the times. “My greatest hope is that this organization inspires students to get more involved in campus activities and make a difference in their community,” said Leaders of the New School President Siegfried “Ziggy” Leyh.

A+ Shyheim

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Kris Kross

Latch Key Child

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AKA The Rugged Child –

Totally Krossed Out

Lil‘ Bow Wow

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Self Titled

but you can’t knock it until you hear it — it’s one of my favorite tracks on the CD. “Music On” really brings out the inner freak in everyone as the chorus tells how “She want it with the music on.” The Charge Nation leader makes the switch from singing to rapping with ease and brings his team along for the ride with the Guapo and Phocuz featured “Crazy.” Each emcee brings a crazy flow to it along with crazy production by Young Swift, giving this track the perfect title. I wish I could name all the tracks I’m feeling for you, but I don’t think there’s enough space to post the track list. Just know that Swift covers a variety of topics from women to life to wearing sunglasses at night. It’s safe to boldly reward Young Swift a 4.5 out of 5 because his production is on point, his lyrical content is hot, the flow and delivery is on point and he really does his thing to be so young. Not to mention, the graphics on the CD are hot as well. Plus, what other 18-yar-old do you know with a professional-looking CD cover? — Wade Banner

RAY TYLER/Echo staff photographer

Leaders of the New School invites all students with any talent that is influenced by hip-hop — rappers, singers, writers, pro-

ducers, DJs, dancers, painters, graphic artists, photographers, or clothing designers — to join the organization.

For more information about the organization, visit the Facebook group Leaders of the New School at facebook.com.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009

Aggies slip by Eagles

Gridiron Grind

NCCU BITES THE BULLET

NCCU stays in the south for the third season in D-1 BY

AARON SAUNDERS

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

NCCU centerfielder Oliver Jenkins doesn’t make it home safely MICHAEL DEWEESE-FRANK/Echo staff photographer

ANIELLE DASILVA

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

Back by popular demand the N.C. Central University baseball team renewed its rivalry with North Carolina A&T State Aggies 7 University on Monday night. This Eagles 2 was the Eagles and Aggies first match up as division 1 foes. “I felt like it was just another game. I think sometimes the rivalry gets blown out of proportion.,”said sophomore left fielder Edward Pegues In Monday nights contest, the Eagles bats were silenced by A&T junior hurler Chris Watson who earned his first win of the season with a complete game five hit performance. Watson fanned eight Eagle batters and gave up only one earned run to win the game 7-2. Sophomore Douglas

Dalley had his best performance of the year when he took the hill for the Eagles and scattered 7 runs over 7 innings The Eagles missed opportunities to cash in leaving 9 men on base. The Aggies took the lead early on in the top half of the first inning when after being hit by pitch, junior leadoff hitter George Hines stole second. Senior third basemen Robert Landis made a nice snag on a ground ball to hold the runner from going anywhere. With two outs and a man on first and second Lester Riverbank hit a bases clearing double down the left field line to score Hines and Nick Rogers.The Eagles escaped further damage when they caught Riverbank trying to steal third. The Eagles came back hard in the bottom half of the first inning loading the

bases after an error by the Aggie second basemen Ronald Perry.The Eagles scored their first run when sophomore left fielder Pegues was walked to bring Hood in. The Eagles were building momentum and seemingly had the Aggie starter rattled for a moment when Sophomore Blake Murray hit a line shot to Aggie left fielder George Hines on the catch Junior center-fielder Oliver Jenkins tested Hines arm.Jenkins was gunned out at the plate by Hines and the Eagle rally had been shut down. “That was turning point in the game, we were rallying and that cut it short,”Pegues added. The Aggies pushed across another run in the second inning when freshmen catcher Eric Chiz laid down a squeeze bunt to bring home designated hitter Chris Mullins.

In the fourth inning, the Eagles had a scare when Pegues was hurt while attempting to swing ;he would stay in the game after medical attention. The Aggies opened the game up in the fifth when catcher Chiz was walked and Center fielder George Hines lined a single up the middle with two outs. Freshmen standout Xavier Macklin Stepped up and hit a double that just missed going over the blue monster to score. Both Chiz and Hines Macklin would score after an errand throw sailed over the Eagle Catchers head. Macklin capped off his night with a leadoff homerun in the top of the eighth that chased Dalley off the mound and gave the Eagles a 7-2 lead. Freshmen Closer Chris Strickland came in relief and completed two shut-out innings but the Eagles could not wake up the bats on this night.

Although it’s March, we can never get enough football. The N.C Central Eagles Athletic Department has released the 2009 football schedule. Even though football season is 6 months away, fans will be excited to see this year’s opponents and where the games are. “I like the fact that we play five games in Durham. plus all of our road games are within a four-hour drive, so our fans are going to have a tremendous opportunity to see us play.,”. said Coach Mose Rison The Eagles have four home games that will be played at O’Kelly Riddick Stadium, the highlight of which is homecoming 2009 against division II foe Central State from Ohio. NCCU will have another game in Durham that is not a home game, this time at Wallace Wade Stadium as the Eagles will face Duke University for the first time in school history. This game will also be the Eagles first game against a bowl championship subdivision conference team. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Eagles as they also will travel to Boone N.C to face perennial national championship contender Applachian State for the football championship subdivision Appalachian State will be lead by their senior quarterback and Walter Payton award winner (Heisman for FCS) Armanti Edwards. The Eagles will also travel to the mother of presidents (Virginia) three

times to play old CIAA foe Hampton University, big south conference contender Liberty University and Old Dominion University who will be competing in its first season of division I football since 1941. For all the die hard Eagle fans out there, don’t worry cause the rivalry games that you are accustom to will also be played This year, the Eagles will travel to Greensboro to face the Aggies of North Carolina A&T and its new coach Alonzo Lee In the 81st Aggie-Eagle Classic. The Eagles will also travel to Winston Salem to face their long time rival Winston Salem State Rams, whom NCCU beat at O’Kelly Riddick stadium last year 6-3 in a low scoring thriller. The overall schedule looks to be tough but manageable for the Eagles. One surprising fact that stands out is that the Eagles do not leave the south. This will make it much easier for fans to attend the games even though NCCU normally never has a problem with turnouts. The location of these games may be due to budget cuts that the school is doing in wake of the current economic crisis. Sadly it seems like recession has hit the football team as well. Last year the Eagles traveled to California, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia andConnecticut.This year the Eagles miles will be cut and the games in state probably will result in early morning bus rides instead of an overnight stay.

Campus Echo Drop by anytime and talk to us about joining the Campus Echo staff next Fall. 348 Farrison-Newton Communication Bldg. 919.530.7116

Lady Eagle shines on the court

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NCCU Junior is named All-Independent BY

AARON SAUNDERS

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

When NCCU made the jump to the division I ranks from the CIAA, many knew that the transition period was going to be tough. One who knew she was up for the challenge was women’s basketball junior center Jori Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu was the CIAA rookie of the year her freshmen year on the 2006 CIAA championship squad. “The biggest difference is the competition I am only 510 and in division I, most of the centers are 6-1 and bigger, and you have to work much harder to compete with these players,”said Nwachukwu. Nwachukwu has indeed

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worked hard. She was recently honored as a member of the division I AllIndependent team after leading the Lady Eagles in scoring (18.5ppg) and rebounding (7.7ppg) before going down with a season ending knee injury. Nwachukwu has been hurt the past two seasons and is having surgery to repair her knee soon. Her

status for next season as of right now is up in the air but she hopes she will be ready. “I am going to work really hard this summer to get back because I am ready to get back on the court and play.” Nwachukwu was the key to several of the Lady Eagles victories this season and will be vital to their success next season.

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can use your major and help people?

Attend a $10 strategy session with The Princeton Review on Saturday, March 28 in the Mary Townes Science Complex. Registration deadline extended . For information on payment, practice exams, and for a complete schedule contact Leon B. Hardy at 919.530.5109 or lhardy@nccu.edu

Residential Services is currently looking for Direct Support Professionals to work in our group homes for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Entry-level positions available, no experience necessary! Gain valuable experience beyond the classroom and make a difference in the lives of others. Part-time ($10.40/hr.)and full-time positions ($10.50/hr.) available.

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Opinions

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Everybody plays a part ecently, some students have expressed concern with the way the Student Government Association operates and the way that its funds are spent. They claim that students don’t have enough say in important decisions. T h e y claim that t h e s e decisions are left to an exclusive club Kent that is u n a c Williams countable to the student body. They are wrong. Since the North Carolina Central University Student G o v e r n m e n t Association’s inception, its motto has been “students first”. The tradition of representing student issues, promoting leadership, and providing positive programming

for the student body here at NCCU began with the very first administration and it continues to this day. We are a transparent organization. The budget and individual stipend records are public information, all meetings are open to the public and meeting minutes are available for anyone to read. All expenditures by the SGA are approved by NCCU administration and comply with the rules and regulations of the university. No student fees are spent on erroneous travel or personal expenses. Part of the job of every officer in the SGA is to positively represent our school— not only here in Durham, but wherever representatives of the school travel. All SGA travel is solely for the purpose of representing our university. When SGA officers take trips to different places with members of

Every student at NCCU is a member of the SGA, and we hope you know that the SGA is here to advocate on your behalf.

the administration and other students, it is in a diplomatic capacity. Although at times these activities may take place in a social setting, no one is ever on a free vacation. Each executive board member is required to be physically present in the SGA office at least 10 hours a week. Each member’s office hours are posted on the door if you ever need to meet with them. In addition to office hours, members are required to go to meetings and sacrifice their free time and weekends. These tasks are already enough of a burden on regular school

work, and they also effectively prevent executive officers from holding other jobs. These factors create the necessity for executive board members to receive a small monthly stipend. The SGA also provides programming for the student body. In addition to activities such as, “Conversation with the Deans,” “ G r a d u a t i o n Preparation,” “10:40 Break,” and “Campus Sweep,” the SGA is also responsible for the annual homecoming concert. Bringing quality events to the campus during homecoming

week requires effort and resources. Students and alumni not only want, but demand quality homecoming activities, and we work hard to bring them the best ones that our funding will allow. Every student at NCCU is a member of the SGA, and we hope you know that the SGA is here to advocate on your behalf.;We would never allow it to be any other way . Whether it is overt or behind the scenes, SGA is always working to make NCCU and the surrounding community a better place. In the spirit of the Eagle family, we constantly strive for greatness. Remember that holding an elected SGA office is not the only way to be a leader. We can all work together and make positive changes to our university. Make sure that it starts with you.

I.O.U.S.A ur nation is clearly in a recession, but unfortunately this is not the biggest problem that we face by far. T h e United States is on the road to BANKRUPTCY Devin and has Rountree been on this path for some time. The former director of the Government Accountability Office, David Walker, became aware of the long term effects of our rising deficits and decided to wake up America. Along with the makers of the film “Super Size Me,” Walker brought this message to the big screen in the release of

I.O.U.S.A. last August. In the film, Walker explains that we face four deficit problems that will compromise our national security and bring our economy to a collapse: budget, savings, trade and most importantly a leadership deficit. The national debt is currently over $11 trillion, but it’s where we’re headed that’s more important. In 2017, the bulk of the 80 million baby boomers will begin to retire and will be eligible for Social Security and Medicare. The amount of spending for these programs over the next 30 years will skyrocket our national debt to over $56 trillion. By the time today’s college students reach the age of 50, the ONLY

This is a problem we cannot afford to look away from and it will take the American people to solve it. things our federal government will be able to afford are the interest on the national debt and some Social Security and Medicare. The situation will certainly get worse when our other problems factor in. Since Americans have a low personal savings rate this will make economic growth for our country more difficult as time passes. Our lack of savings not only stunts economic growth, but worsens our infamous “trade deficit.”

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Geoffrey Cooper - Editor-in-Chief Joanna Hernandez - A&E Editor & Assistant Editor Britney Rooks Tiffany Kelly Anielle DaSilva Savin Joseph Shenika Jones Joshua P. Leak Mitchell Webson Brian Lattimer Ray Tyler Mike DeWeeseFrank Lakela Atkinson Amanda Chambers Jean Rogers Stan Chambers Mark Scott Jabari Blackmon Natalia Pearson-Farrer Chasity Richardson Sade Thompson Aaron Saunders Carlton Koonce Brandon Murphy

Opinions Editor Online Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Photo Imaging Assistant A&E Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Copy Editor Copy Editor Writing Coach/Copy Editor Reporting Coach Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Cartoonist

Faculty Adviser - Dr. Bruce DePyssler Alumni Advisers - Sasha Vann, Carla Aaron-Lopez Mike Williams, Sheena Johnson, Jean Rogers, & 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 Spring 2009 Publication dates: 1/21, 2/25, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

A trade deficit is when a country imports more goods and services than it exports. When other countries are not buying American goods and services with the dollars they get from trading with us, they buy up Wall Street and more importantly our national debt. Since foreigners own most of our debt, they gain political leverage over us in world affairs. David Walker believes the even bigger problem is that too many guys in Washington are well

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drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question:

Do you think SGA elections are important?

“It’s a popularity contest. You’re not going to get it unless you’re in an organization. It will be more important when they address student issues and activities.” — Elisworth Tait

aware of this problem, but are not being honest with the public and making the tough decisions necessary for the preservation of this country. In order to cover our expenses over the next 30 years, taxes would have to double, which will drastically decline our standard of living. This problem represents the complete fiscal meltdown of our nation, but it doesn’t have to happen. Join David Walker in his fight to help save our country by going to iousathemovie.com where you can view a 30 minute version of the movie and send a letter to your congressmen demanding action. This is a problem we cannot afford to look away from and it will take the American people to solve it.

“Yes. These are people who represent our school. ” —Ana Mooya-H

“Yes. From what I’ve heard they have a lot of money and they keep school organizations going.” —Torey Hardy

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2009 SGA ELECTIONS VOTE FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICES THURSDAY, MARCH 28 ON BLACKBOARD FROM 8 AM - 8 PM

INSIDE MEET THE CANDIDATES

EDITORIAL: MERIT MATTERS

Learn about all the SGA candidates and why they think theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worthy of your vote. Pages 2 - 3

Jabari Blackmon and Desmera Gatewood Page 3-4

Q&A with SGA presidential and vice presidential candidates Meet the candi dates for Mr. and Miss NCCU Page 4

From left to right: Ginelle Hines, SGA vice presidential candidate (unopposed) and three SGA presidential candidates: Markia Gray, Dwayne Johnson and Courtney Jordan. PHOTO BY RAY TYLER

MEET THE CANDIDATES N

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FOR SGA PRESIDENT (3 CANDIDATES) Courtney Jordan ~ Charlotte

Major: Political Science & Biotechnology Favorite food & movie: Anything from Cookout, “300” Career goal: I plan to go into international criminal defense law. Why am I running for SGA President? As a leader, I have noticed fundamental problems that can be resolved with cre-

RAY TYLER/Staff Photographer

ative programs and properly allocated resources. I am committed to serving every member of the student body. I am here for EVERYBODY! I will commit my time, life and abilities to all students of this great institution.

Major: History Education Favorite food & movie: Homemade mac and cheese, “Friday Night Lights” Career goal: I plan to become a high school history teacher. Why am I running for SGA President?

RAY TYLER/Staff Photographer

with our students to continue “service.” We also need to have better communication between administration and students to continue “truth.” I strongly believe we should all respect one another because we are all EAGLES!!

I am running for SGA president because it is time for student leaders to work for and

Hometown: Hartford, CT ~ Major: Theatre Business Favorite Food & Movie: Pizza, “Soul Food” Career Plans: To one day own an International Talent Agency. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am running for senior class president to be a change agent for NCCU and its student body. I believe to have true progress we must have change. I am determined to serve the student body to the best of my ability.

Favorite food & movie: Italian, I don’t have a favorite movie. Career goal: I intend on becoming a counseling psychologist. Why am I running for SGA President?

RAY TYLER/Staff Photographer

would like to improve on our campus: student morals, our connection with the community and the bridge between the students, faculty and staff. I'm here to represent the students at North Carolina Central University.

MaKendra Umstead

Jerome Pottinger

Hometown: Cary ~ Major: Pharmaceutical Science Favorite Food & Movie: Mashed potatoes, “Remember the Titans” Career Plans: I plan to pursue a career in biomedical research. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I feel it is important to get involved and be an intricate part of the progress that I want to see at this University. As secretary, I can use my organizational skills and reliability to be an asset to the class. I want to help set and achieve goals.

Jebbeh Massaquoi

Ashley Crawford Hometown: Winston-Salem ~ Major: Business Administration Favorite Food: Grandma's Mac & Cheese Career Plans: I want to be a business manager for concert arena. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I believe in our University and I believe in our students! As Miss Senior I hope to encourage and inspire others to believe in themselves! I want to bring back the personal and family side of NCCU. I am the one that will take ACTION!

Shannon Kary Dodd Hometown: Burlington ~ Major: Biology Favorite Food & Movie: Grilled cheese w/ tomato soup, “Cold Mountain” Career Plans: I plan to take over my father's practice and become a dentist. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am interested in running for the position of Ms. Senior because I want to help change some of the negative mindsets people have about NCCU. The student body should know I am a very hard-working person and very dedicated in all that I strive to do.

Why am I running for SGA President?

We need leaders with integrity and advocates for the students and not just for themselves!

I am running for SGA vice president because we need peers who will represent

Hometown: Oakland, CA ~ Major: Business Administration Favorite Food & Movie: Spaghetti, “Brown Sugar” Career Plans: A career focused on International Business Law. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I have my fellow classmates’ best interest at heart and I want to provide the Sophomore Class of 2012 with community service opportunities and incorporate ideas that the sophomore class may have. I want the student body to know that I am a dedicated person. I will stay committed to the sophomore class and the Royal Court.

Brandon Hicks

JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT * Dominique Everett Hometown: Williamston ~ Major: Nursing Favorite Food & Movie: French fries, “Matilda” Career Plans: I plan to become a nurse practitioner with a focus on pediatrics. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I have the leadership, communication skills and the right ideas to bring about change and better performance amongst our 2009-2010 junior class. I am very open minded, adaptable, determined, and dedicated. These are the characteristics of a strong leader.

Jennifer Marnette Langston Hometown: Richlands ~ Major: Psychology Favorite Food & Movie: Chicken (fried, BBQ, baked, roasted), “The Wiz” Career Plans: Earn a Ph.D. and become a counseling psychologist at a university. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I feel I have the passion and dedication it takes to lead the university to the heights of potential truth and service. I will become a major contributor of the foundation of which the university was founded upon through my character. This will help me to stay connected to the student body. “If you vote for me, I'll work for you!!”

Jessica Hill Hometown: Maryland. ~ Major: Criminal Justice Favorite Food & Movie: Pickles, “Bad Boys II” Career Plans: I plan to attend law or graduate school. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? The Centennial class needs someone who will be the best representation in all aspects such as involvement in different clubs and organizations while maintaining a high GPA. The student body should know that I am a very hard worker, and dedicated to everything I do. I am also ready and willing to take on the responsibility of being their next Miss. Senior.

Career goal: I plan on becoming a private practice counseling psychologist.

us truthfully and who will serve, especially when no one else will.

MR. SOPHOMORE *

JUNIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT * MISS SENIOR (3 CANDIDATES)

Favorite food and movie: Lasagna, “Friday”

Amanda Michelle Chadwick

SENIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT * Hometown: Washington, DC ~ Major: Theatre Administration Favorite Food & Movie: Honey Buffalo wings, “Hair Spray” Career Plans: To direct movies and own my own film production company. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? Because of my love and passion for NCCU, I want to build school spirit and unity among the senior class. Connecting the senior class to lower classmen to show them the way to success. I would like the student body to know that I am outgoing and committed to making NCCU a place where students can S.O.A.R.

Major: Psychology

MISS SOPHOMORE *

JUNIOR CLASS SECRETARY *

MR. SENIOR * Hometown: Wilmington, DE. ~ Major: Computer Information Systems Favorite Food & Movie: Curry chicken, “Love and Basketball” Career Plans: Working as a system engineer and obtaining my PhD. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I would like to help put our school on the map and change how we are viewed. I want people to be able to graduate from NCCU with pride. The student body should know that I'm not running just to make a name out of myself but for my senior class as a whole.

Major: Psychology

I am interested in running for student body president because there are some things I

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT * Brandon Keith Chapman

Ginelle Hines ~ Fayetteville

Markia Gray - Statesville

Dwayne Johnson - Rougemont

RAY TYLER/Staff Photographer

FOR SGA VP*

MISS JUNIOR * Tonysha Re’Shaye Wilkins Hometown: Ahoskie ~ Major: Psychology Favorite Food & Movie: Lasagna, “Secret Life of Bees” Career Plans: Psychotherapist for patients with phobias/psychological disorders Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am proudly running for the position of Miss Junior. I have a desire to be a role model for the entire student body, especially the Junior Class. I am a loyal and committed person. I will stay true to the students and be a helping hand.

SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT (3 CANDIDATES) Brian E. Kennedy II Hometown: Wilmington ~ Major: Political Science and History Favorite Food & Movie: Oranges, “Major Payne” Career Plans: I intend to become a political analyst Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am running for this because I want to provide opportunities and create an environment where students will be able to gain skills inside and outside of the classroom which will carry them beyond North Carolina Central University. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability.

Nigel Hood Hometown: Charlotte ~ Major: History, Secondary Education Favorite Food & Movie: : Cheeseburgers, “Juice” Career Plans: Get a PhD in History and teach Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I want to understand, promote, and defend the needs of my peers. I am a personable and caring person, who is passionate about his fellow students and their well-being. Everyone does have the right to speak their minds and change something for the better. Whether elected or not, I want students to persistently hold their elected officials accountable for their well-being.

I’m nice.

SOPHOMORE CLASS SENATOR * Samantha Kennedy Hometown: Greensboro ~ Major: Political science Favorite Food & Movie: Pasta, “The Notebook” Career Plans: To become business civil and criminal attorney. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I believe in assisting and establishing change. I am also running to work closely with other officers to organize student activities. Students should know that I am a positive, hard working person and willing to listen to them regarding the changes necessary.

SOPHOMORE CLASS TREASURER * Michael Ballard Hometown: Wilmington ~ Major: Political Science Favorite Food & Movie: Spaghetti, “John Q” Career Plans: Attend Harvard Law. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? The sophomore year is a critical year in college. I plan to combat communication deficiencies, be a catalyst for academic progression, and ensure accountability of the sophomore class council. I am a well rounded, hardworking and amicable individual, who is committed to serving as a positive example.

SOPHOMORE CLASS VICE PRESIDENT * Bishari Cooper

* Denotes uncontested positions

Hometown: Charlotte ~ Major: Political Science Favorite Food & Movie: Pizza, “Crooklyn”(mostly all of Spike Lee’s movies) Career Plans: Career politician Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I want this position because I love NCCU and want to serve it in any way I can. The most important thing students should know about me is that I am super cool (j/k)!

Hometown: Outer Banks ~ Major: English Favorite Food & Movie: Mac and cheese, “Love & Basketball” Career Plans: Practice family law. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I want to bring the motivation within my class back. I intend to help create and facilitate programs to increase study groups, tutoring sessions, and community service. I feel this goal is attainable. I’m very determined and focused. Through hard work any goal can be reached.

Percy Brown IV Hometown: Raleigh ~ Major: Political science and Business Administraion Favorite Food & Movie: Brown Beef with black olives and dried onions, “300” Career Plans: Earn a J.D. and practice corporate law Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am interested in running to help balance the budget of the sophomore class and to target the spending limits for things that are necessary for our class. I want the student body to know that I am dedicated with reputable morals and well prepared.

SOPHOMORE CLASS SECRETARY * LaPorsha Leake Hometown: Charlotte ~ Major: Political science and criminal justice Favorite Food & Movie: Salmon, “Minority Report” Career Plans: To become a criminal defense attorney. Why do you want this position and what’s the most important thing students should know about you? I am interested in working with an organization that works directly for the students here on campus. I love to organize and provide structure to any aspect in life. I am very dependable!

SGA: Wake up To the SGA and General Student Body: Good morning, it’s time to wake up. One week ago, an alarm clock sounded – in the form of the “Good Pay, No Results” Facebook Group – and now, it’s is time to JABARI WAKE UP BLACKMON and take action. & To the SGA: Though our methods may have been abrupt and controversial, we can only hope and expect that you understand and empathize with the intentions and motives behind our course of action.

DESMERA GATEWOOD

To the Student Body: We did it, for you. With our puncturing allegations, we ignited a debate, to create dialogue between the SGA and student body. You must understand that your voice should be heard and that you have the power to confront your leaders. We provided you with a wakeup call, to draw your attention to issues swept under the rug and unchallenged. When the student body has slept through the SGA president’s decision making, and “progress” it’s time to wake up! When many students on campus feel frustrated with their SGA, never hearing about progress and wondering if SGA is listening to students, it’s time to wake up! When the student body is disconnected from their government, not understanding their power to hold student government accountable and demand change, it’s time to wake up. To All: Last November, a nation demanded change and elected a president that promised – and delivered – the change our nation deserves. Tomorrow, we must again demand a change, and elect a president and SGA that we

n See MERITS Page 4

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MISS NCCU CANDIDATES Amanda Williamson ~ Atlanta, GA

Chavery McClanahan ~ Landover, MD

Jasmine Monee Bell ~ Merry Hill

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Major: Biology and pre-medicine

Major: English Literature

Major: Political Science

Favorite Food & Movie: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

Favorite Food & Movie: Auntie Annie’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel, “Chicago”

Favorite Food & Movie: Lasagna, “Love & Basketball”

Career Plans: To become an anesthesiologist and successful actress.

Career Plans: Become a judge advocate general for the USAF

Why do you want this position? I want to bring life back to my campus by implementing activities, events and ideas thought up by the student body. I am competing to perform a duty, not for a title. I will keep promises that are made and always make sure the Eagles have a dominant voice on campus.

MR. NCCU CANDIDATE Tremain Edge Holloway ~ Rocky Mount

Why do you want this position? My interest in running for Miss NCCU was spearheaded by my love and passion for both the University and students. Students should know that I am ready to serve as their next Miss NCCU and that I will always represent them with the utmost respect and devoted pride for my beloved University.

Major: Mathematics secondary education Favorite Food & Movie: Fettucini Alfredo, “Friday” Career Plans: Becoming the superintendent of schools in the North Carolina School System. Why do you want this position? I want to represent our University in a positive way. My leadership capabilities, humility, and dedication to studies are visible in everything I do on campus. One thing the student body should know about me is that I get a sense of euphoria when I see people smile. So continue to smile at me and I will be all smiles!

MERIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 can believe in. We cannot afford to continue a tradition of secrecy that has left us wondering where our leaders are, and what they have done for us. We are tuition- and taxpaying students at a public university. We must demand that our dollars be spent wisely and openly. We must ensure that the SGA we elect will actively seek our involvement and our opinions in the decisions affecting us. We created the “Eagles for Transparency Act of 2009,” an act devised to deliver the honest, open and active SGA that we all deserve. This Act will require SGA to do the following: • Publish monthly progress reports through the Campus Echo, student e-mail and the N.C. Central University Web site; • Host three meetings to discuss homecoming publicly, inviting the entire student body to voice their opinions

and ideas; • Conduct student opinion polls to gauge student satisfaction with SGA, at least twice each semester; • Release financial reports on spending at least twice per semester; • Publicly release the name, position, salary and contact information of every paid SGA representative; • Require the SGA president to give a public “State of the Student Body” speech each semester. This speech would present the vision and plans of the SGA while addressing and revealing problems facing students. Students, we need an SGA that supports open ideas and promises to put power back into the hands of students. We reached out to your three SGA presidential candidates to gain their support for change, and asked them to co-sponsor the “Eagles for Transparency Act.” We commend the vision and integrity of candidates Courtney Jordan and Markia

Why do you want this position? As your next Miss N.C. Central University, I aim to reign by redefinition. My realization for the need for students to redefine their focus, purpose, and love for N.C. Central University will be actualized through my reign as YOUR next University queen.

Q&A WITH SGA PRESIDENTIAL & VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES On Thursday, March 19, Campus Echo Staff reporter Mark Scott interviewed Student Government Association presidential candidates Courtney Jordan, Dwayne Johnson and Markia Gray.

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Career Plans: To pursue a juris doctorate from a law school of my choice upon graduation.

I would also like to keep the SGA motto “Students First.” I believe that this will bring about a positive impact on the University.

the library and the Walker complex so students can not only exercise their bodies but their minds as well. Johnson: The University needs a president with a students first mentality.

Also interviewed was Ginelle Hines, candidate for vice president.

Echo: In last year’s elections most positions were run for unopposed. Explain how this year is different and why you think things have changed.

This is the second consecutive year this position has been unopposed.

Gray: I believe students have just made that decision to get more involved.

Echo: What made you decide to run for your positions?

Jordan: I feel that students found a different outlet to try and change things through politics.

Hines: I chose to run to try and bridge the gap between students and the administration. I believe there is a divide between the two and I believe that I can serve as a bridge between the two. Gray: I chose to run because I want to get more students involved in their school. I want to continue working with students, as well as Student Government, to achieve the goals of our school. Johnson: I decided to run because I want to continue building on our motto, “Truth and Service.” There is also a lack of communication between students and the administration, so I would like to restore that communication and commitment to service. Jordan: I chose to run to unite NCCU with our surrounding community as well as build on the motto, “Truth and Service.” Gray for their commitment to passing this Act, should they be elected. The third candidate, Dwayne Johnson, did not comment or offer a position. Eagles, it is time for a change. This time, the candidates must be elected on their merits, not based on traditions or affiliations.

People are more interested in politics and have been inspired by the past presidential election to do so. Johnson: I also believe that students have been inspired by the past presidential election. There was a great display of unity during the campaign, but we also saw ethics play a huge role and how they play out in the basics of politics. Hines: I think in this year’s election that you have more students seeing a wider selection. More views and ideas are being displayed so they’re more involved. Echo: What do you feel N.C. Central University is in need of? Jordan: Our student body needs a president that serves as a voice for the students as well as one that works with non-traditional students. The student body is also in need of facilities being available 24 hours, such as This time, SGA representatives must be elected because they have shown commitment to creating a more perfect University. Support candidates who will stand up for you. The responsibility is yours. This time, demand a change. Do not hit the snooze button.

One who can relate to the students personally, that possesses and does what is necessary for the students. Gray: I feel our students are in need of more communication between everyone, including faculty and staff. We are also in need of more school spirit, better tutoring programs to help students’ grades and an improved recycling program. Hines: I believe we are in need of leaders who will unite students and people who will push forward new ideas for our students, faculty and staff. Echo: With the current economic crisis, do you have anything planned for students who will be graduating and moving on from this institution and into the workforce? Gray: I would suggest that students get as prepared as possible through career services, and promote events especially for getting jobs and moving on from college. Jordan: I also believe that the career center does a wonderful job at preparing and helping our students with entering the job market, but SGA needs more programs to prepare students for the economic situation we are in.

Johnson: I believe there should be more interactive programs within SGA, preparing students for the problems of the economy as well, also preaching to students that mediocrity is never accepted and that going for even higher education could be necessary. Hines: I believe there should be more interactive programs and more career fairs and better promotion of these events because they are very helpful to the student body. Echo: What are some things you hope to change during your administration if elected and some things you wish to continue? Jordan: One thing I would like to see more of are Maroon and Gray days. Keeping that open door policy in SGA and also establishing an emergency fund for students who fall into financial trouble. Also do my best to alleviate the housing dilemma. Johnson: Some things I would like to continue is that family atmosphere around the SGA office. I also want to continue with the book rental program. I don’t wish to focus that much on our dress code, but I will like to try and fix our residential life situation. Gray: I want to continue putting our students first. I want more of our events and things we are doing publicized, more recycling programs and more community service in the Durham community.

Campus Echo Talk to us about working at the Campus Echo next year. Drop by any time. Rm. 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. 919.530.7116