print edition march 26 2008 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

MARCH 26, 2008

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OF SPECIAL NOTE

CAMPUS

BEYOND

PHOTO FEATURE

The issue of the Campus Echo you are now holding is the largest ever published ... 22 pages deep!

Professor’s family has deep ties to U.S. civil rights struggle

The full text of Obama’s historic ‘race’ speech, plus commentary

Puppet Fusion in Raleigh highlights work of national puppeteers

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Campus Echo A sad milestone — 4,000 dead BY SHELBIA BROWN ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It’s not just a number but a harsh reality — as of March 24, 4,000 American troops had died in the war in Iraq. According to Pentagon statistics, 55 percent of those killed were between the ages of 18 and 24, a total of

2,200; 35 percent or 1,400 were between 25 and 34. Two of the dead, Prince Teewia, 27, and Brian Henderson, 26, are from Durham. NCCU accounting senior Aldon Williams is an Army specialist who served in Iraq from fall 2005 to fall 2006. “It’s sad,” he said.

“It’s really depressing because we’ve been over there for a while and 4,000 is a lot.” By comparison casualties during the Vietnam War totaled 58,193. In a USA Today/CNN/ Gallup Poll taken March 21, more than half of those surveyed said they favored

withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq within the next 12 months. In 1970, roughly half of those surveyed wanted to withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam within 12 months. A February USA Today/Gallup survey reports that 57 percent of Americans say the war was “a mistake.”

Demonstrators at a “die-in” in San Francisco March 19 to protest the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war. KARL MONDON/Contra Costa Times (MCT)

Student alleges misconduct

VOTE ONLINE THURSDAY|ELECTION GUIDE INSIDE

BY AKILAH MCMULLAN

Nursing senior files civil suit BY VANESSA JACKSON ECHO STAFF WRITER

Things between nursing senior Tony Barton and the School of Nursing have turned ugly — so ugly, in fact, that Barton has put up a Web site alleging misconduct by five nursing faculty. In January, Barton filed a civil action suit in Durham County against those faculty members and the University. The Web site (nccunursingcorruption.com) names nursing instructors Barbareta McGill, Emilia Frederick, Mary A. Bosher and Kelli Armwood. The suit accuses the instructors of of using their positions to manipulate students and sometimes “go off on power trips” that make students afraid for their grades. T h e Web site also accuses Lorna Harris, dean of the School of Nursing, of ignoring student complaints and giving unfair reviews of student appeals. Barton’s site alleges that practices at the school violate regulations established by the N.C. Board of Nursing. The student’s civil suit accuses the instructors of professional misconduct,

denying student academic freedom and violating a student’s right to a fair appeals process. Barton’s Web site and civil suit also accuse Frederick of a HIPAA violation. HIPAA, also known as the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was enacted by Congress in 1996 to protect the privacy of patients. The Act prohibits health workers from disclosing patients’ personal information. Barton accuses Frederick of violating patient privacy rights by bringing a patient’s medical information to class with the patient’s name and account number visible. If Barton wins his civil suit, Frederick could face civil or criminal penalties under the current law. In his suit, Barton does not seek monetary compensation, but requests that all legal fees be paid by the defendants. According to Barton, his troubles began in fall 2006, when he and his instructor, Nancy Dias, an adjunct lecturer, had a disagreement over dispensing medications. The disagreement

ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University is turning 100 and its centennial celebration committee is reaching out to students for support and ideas. The celebration kicks off July 2009 and runs through July 2010. It will include department exhibits featuring outstanding students and faculty, a centennial choir and band, and conclude with a major convocation. “The University was chartered in 1909 and the doors opened in 1910,” said William Evan, co-chair, with Arthrell Sanders, of the planning committee for the event. Evan, class of 1962, is a former director of alumni affairs and is a Sanders, class of 1961, is a former English department faculty member. “We’ve got 100 years of development to celebrate

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Center has full agenda LET’S GET READY TO VOTE lections are underway as candidates vie for SGA positions, and students can vote tomorrow. This year, students will select their candidates online via Blackboard. The Campus Echo introduces you to the candidates in an election insert. The insert also features commentary on this year’s numerous uncontested races.

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Homelessness hits home NCCU fraternity members bring knowledge about homelessness to the yard BY MARK SCOTT ECHO STAFF WRITER

“We couldn’t shower unless someone offered their shower to us. We couldn’t eat unless food was donated and we could only go inside for class,” said Lyle Burnham, criminal justice senior. Burnham was one of about 15 members of the Gamma Beta chapter of

NCCU to turn 100

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. who spent two nights and three days in the bitter cold. With the exception of cell phones, they had no technology whatsoever. They weren’t permitted to shower or change their clothes and had to sleep outside the Alfonso Elder Student Union March 18-20. But they weren’t being punished, it was an initia-

tive to raise awareness about homelessness. The “homeless” participants had to follow a few guidelines. “Sleeping out gave me a look at what homeless people go through for months, even years,” said education junior Bre’ylon Smith. “I just wish that the peo-

n See HOMELESS Page 2 Senior Matthew Chalk outside A.E. Student Union, March 19. GEOFFREY COOPER/Echo Staff Photographer

Leadership circle, march and more BY LARISHA STONE ECHO STAFF WRITER

The Circle of Sisters Women’s Leadership Program, gender identity seminars, a Take Back the Night March, and free selfdefense classes are among the offerings of the campus Women’s Center this spring. Applications are now available for the leadership program and the Take Back the Night March occurs April 14. Eye2Eye, the self-defense class offered to female students on campus, is a part of a program that raises rape awareness and empowers women to prevent rape. “I see Eye2Eye as a way for women to feel empowered, boost their self-

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

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Red Cross needs blood Blood drive returns to campus April 15-17 BY RAQUEL MESSICK ECHO STAFF WRITER

Go to Givelife.com, a Web page sponsored by the American Red Cross, and the first words you read are: “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.” Students can meet that need at the school’s annual blood drive. The drive, a project of the American Red Cross and NCCU’s department of health education runs April 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and April 17 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the MillerMorgan Building. “I was happy that I could save some lives,” said Paula Arthur, an elementary education junior, who donated her blood last year. She said the drive “gives the community a chance to feel like they are doing something to contribute to society.” Theodore Parrish, an instructor in the department of health education,has directed the drive since 1990. He said the drive is an opportunity to increase the number of qualified blood donors. Parrish said he welcomes

the opportunity to integrate the blood drive into his classes. This teaches students how to be interactive in the community. According to the American Red Cross, last year the NCCU drive brought in 775 pints of blood. Donors are advised to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Because of a blood shortage, the American Red Cross has urged 120 hospitals nationwide to use their already low blood supplies for emergency situations only, and to delay elective operations when possible. “Due to the high demand for blood, this year’s drive is even more important than usual,” said American Red Cross representative Renita Hayes-Carter. Participants can also sign up to be organ donors during the drive. Thirty-five percent of patients waiting for kidney transplants are African American. Something as small as signing up to be a organ donor can go a long way toward helping someone in need. According to the Amer-

ican Red Cross, the blood drive also provides a way to help those 70,000 individuals with sickle cell anemia. All it takes is getting tested for the trait and being a bone marrow donor when needed. One in every 12 African Americans carries the trait for sickle cell disease and bone marrow transplants require matching, according to the American Red Cross website. Because these traits are inherited, the patient is more likely to match with someone of their same heritage. Parrish said students or community members can walk in or schedule an appointment, but he recommends making an appointment. Student donors earn five community service hours for donating, three for every friend they bring to donate, ten hours for double donation, and seven for writing a essay on how the blood drive as impacted you. More information on the blood drive is available at 919-530-6422. Appointments can be made online at www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule.

Grads honor Du Bois research BY RAENA BOSTON ECHO STAFF WRITER

Joel Hopkins, owner and CEO of Dominion Healthcare Services and NCCU sociology alumnus, opened a campus symposium March 6 on W.E.B. Du Bois’ his contributions to the development of American sociology. The event was sponsored by the sociology department, which received a $250,000 endowment from Hopkins in the fall. “The purpose of the symposium was to showcase the quality of work that the graduate students are performing,” said sociology instructor Sandra Rogers. Sociology graduates Stacey Weger, Shannon O’Connor, Tasha Melvin, Mindy Saari, Florence Batine and Lamont Lilly presented papers at the symposium. Robert Wortham, sociology professor and coordinator of graduate studies, said the symposium resulted

ple that support us will do the same for real homeless people in the world,” said Smith. But the organization wasn’t only raising awareness. The group also collected food, clothes and money for the Durham Rescue Mission. The fraternity raised over $1,000 in the three days. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human

from a graduate seminar he taught last year which focused on the important contributions Du Bois made to sociology. Wortham said he was happy he could showcase for Hopkins the work of the department. “Mr. Hopkins gave a very generous gift for which the sociology department is very appreciative,” he said. In Wortham’s course, students read works from Du Bois such as the ‘Philadelphia Negro’ and the ‘Atlanta Conference Study’ on sociology, both of which Wortham described as advanced sociological reports. Du Bois used census data, surveys, and ethnographic descriptions in his work, making it more sophisticated. Wortham said Du Bois‘ sociological advances are still obscure. “Du Bois was at best a side note in the development of sociology,” Wortham said. Wortham created this graduate seminar in

response to Du Bois’ sidenote status. He wanted this body of information available to the mainstream. As a part of the seminar, students had to write a paper; Wortham challenged his students to write papers that were publishable. Wortham then submitted the five strongest papers to the largest regional sociology conference, the Southern Sociological Society. All five papers were selected to be presented next month at the annual conference in Richmond, Va. Now Wortham and the sociology department are proposing a survey research center. “We’re trying to capture the research spirit that Du Bois envisioned, which is to present data and facts that will provide basis for social change,” Wortham said. Wortham said he hopes the Hopkins endowment will help get the research center off the ground, but is thankful just to have it.

NURSING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 occurred during was Barton’s first clinical at the Veterans Administration hospital in Durham. “I felt that she should have told me what needed to be done, because we were all new,” said Barton. “I believed at the time that it was just miscommunication.” To resolve matters, Frederick, also a clinical instructor, was brought in to mediate. But things got worse, Barton said. In fall 2007, Frederick became Barton’s pediatric clinical instructor. Barton said he believed that he was performing well — until he received a grade of Unsatisfactory, which led to an “F” in the course. Barton said Frederick treated him with indifference. He said that when he wanted to use the Lippincott Nursing Manual, Frederick told him the manual was an unauthorized text. However, he said, she gave him no proof that using the manual was against school policy. Barton said Frederick sent him an e-mail in which she refused to respond to any more emails concerning the matter. “I felt as a student that they [the nursing staff] needed to be more professional,” said Barton. “Instead, they made things personal.” Barton sent an appeal to the School’s appeals committee, which included his adviser, Mary A. Bosher, four nursing faculty and a student peer. The committee denied his appeal. “I was given an option to do four additional clinical days with Frederick, but instead I continued the appeals process with Harris,” Barton said. “After a discussion with Harris, I agreed to do the extra days, with a stipulation that if Frederick gave me an Unsatisfactory [grade] that I would continue the appeals process,” he said. Barton wore a concealed tape recorder while continuing his clinical instruction with Frederick. “I could not trust her to tell the truth — and I was right, because the grade did not change,” said Barton. “I told Dr. Harris that I wore the device and she was surprised. I asked her

if she would listen but she said that she would have to consult Kay Webb, who handles legal affairs for the University. “I did my obstetrics clinical with Bobby Brown, who is the clinical instructor at Wake Medical Center, and received an excellent evaluation. Isn’t that enough to say that ‘OK, let’s sit down’?” Barton asked. “I am amazed at how they ignore students,” he said. “I am now working on a second appeal for a final grade from last semester.” Barton said that by January his situation was getting more frustrating. That’s when he contacted Bernice Johnson, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. He said Johnson told him that she did not know why nursing students were contacting her and that Dean Harris reported to Provost Beverly Jones, not to her. In January, Barton wrote a letter about his appeal to Provost Jones and to Chancellor Nelms. He has not received a response from either office. “The last straw for me and what made me put up the Web site was the appeal and the reaction from the faculty,” Barton said. “They met without me, even though I had requested to be present and given an opportunity to defend myself.” In addition to charges of manipulating and bullying, the Web site accuses Armwood of attacking a pregnant student when she fell asleep in class. In an anonymous Web site posting dated Feb. 1, a witness to the incident said: “… she did hit this student … Nothing was done about it and this is wrong …” But a posting signed by Tanisha Worthy said Armwood was simply waking up the student as she would wake up a patient. “First you will call their name at least twice for a response, then you will shake them ... if no response you would then tap them until they have been awaken. That is what Kelli did,” Worthy’s post read. A Feb. 3 entry comes from someone claiming to be the victim of the incident: “It happened to me! I know for a fact that it’s not

hearsay because it happened to ME!” Barton said some have accused him of being divisive. “Just in passing, I’ve heard negative comments toward me,” he said. “I just ignore it. “I don’t endorse some of the comments on the site. I haven’t removed any one of them, either. “I ... do wish it had not gotten personal. I am advocating freedom of speech.” Nursing senior Christie Carter said that the program can be challenging and requires time, effort and determination “I do not know the particulars about Tony Barton’s situation or why he felt the need to post the Web site,” she said. “From my experience within the nursing program, no one goes through unnecessary problems if they work hard, show respect for professors and others, and seek guidance when it’s needed. I have not been on his Web site since the first week it was posted, because my focus is on May 3, 2008 and passing my upcoming NCLEX exam. I do not believe any comments made on this Web site should deter any future NCCU students from obtaining their Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from this university,” Carter said. Barton said he would not graduate this spring because Bosher, his adviser, didn’t tell him he had to take an introductory statistics class. “She was happy when she told me I would not be able to graduate,” said Barton. “I can’t get over that part.” In an e-mail, nursing instructors Frederick and Armwood declined a request for an interview. McGill, Dias and Bosher did not respond to the email at all. Harris did not respond to three phone messages left with her secretary. Provost Jones, responding to an e-mail, wrote, “The concerns raised have been brought to my attention by Dr. Harris, and I am in the process of collaborating with Dr. Harris and other nursing faculty to determine the validity. “I assure you that once the situation has been fully assessed, the appropriate responses and actions will be taken,” Jones wrote.

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Services, more than 774 N.C. families have no shelter. Still these numbers do not include the 10,904 homeless people across the state. The N.C. Central University chapter of the fraternity followed in the footsteps of other chapters at universities across the country, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York and the University of Florida. “I got the idea for the

program when I saw [other Alpha chapters] on Youtube put on theirs,” said Burnham. Burnham said homelessness should be addressed on campus because it’s a growing problem in Durham. Biology and chemistry senior and Gamma Beta president Kevin Allen said he wishes to make this an annual program with more organizations involved, and more media coverage.

esteem, and provide an avenue for physical fitness,” said Chimi Boyd, the center’s director. The Women’s Center opened its doors in August 2007. “The Women’s Center is a labor of love for many people,” Boyd said. “It is something that so many students, faculty, and staff wanted — and now it is a reality.” A committee of NCCU employees, students, and community members met

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for two years, conducting focus groups and visiting other university’s women’s centers to gather information. Boyd said students often tend to think in terms of racial and ethnic identity on an HBCU campus, but that it’s important to explore all aspects of our identities, including gender. “We are here to ensure that there is a place for women’s support and to create space to meet in a safe, supportive, confidential atmosphere,” Boyd said. “Students gain a sense of belonging to something that is working to better the NCCU campus and community.” Students can become involved with the Women’s Center by contacting Chimi Boyd at (919) 5306811. Boyd is also available via e-mail at womenscenter @nccu.edu. Campus Echo Online www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com

and we intend to celebrate it all,” Evan said. There are 12 sub-committees planning the year-long celebration. The University wants at least two on each committee. “We’re being proactive so that it is going to be a stellar and prestigious event,” said Tomasi Larry, student government association president. Larry said student participation in the planning stages is important. Larry said that he would like to see student activities, such as homecoming, incorporate centennial themes. Larry, who graduates this spring, said he hopes the new SGA president gets involved early. “The University exists for students and that is why it’s most important for students to be involved,” said Evan, who is excited that students will have an opportunity to learn the history of the University. The planning committee office is located in room 107 of the Lee Building in room 107. The number to the office is (919) 530-6833.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

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E-mail full? BY TRAVIS RUFFIN AND TRACY CARROLL ECHO STAFF REPORTERS

Have you ever missed an important notice from a professor because your University e-mail account was full? Are you tired of constantly deleting junk mail from your N. C. Central University e-mail account? If so, you are not alone. According to some NCCU students, this happens all too often and needs to be resolved. “I get sick and tired of receiving e-mails from public relations,” said nursing sophomore Pamela Carlton. “Although these e-mails contain information about current events and lectures, I really don’t care because I haven’t attended any events or lectures this entire year,” said Carlton. “I dropped a class last semester, and my teacher still sends me e-mails. I just don’t get it,” she said. Some professors say they are just as annoyed as students are when it comes to the school’s e-mail system. “I’ve had lots of problems contacting my students because of e-mail problems this semester,” said South Asian and postcolonial studies assistant professor Matt Cook. “Having access to an email account on campus is key to running a smooth classroom,” Cook said. “If their e-mail is not functioning properly, I have no way of contacting them in a timely fashion,” he said. Despite complaints from students and faculty members, NCCU’s information technology services (ITS) say that e-mail issues are much worse on other campuses. “Believe it or not, there are a lot of schools that actually have less e-mail space than NCCU,” said Klayton West, systems manager at ITS.

“To my understanding, UNC will only retain e-mail for about two weeks,” said West. “There is a possibility that Google could end up hosting our e-mail service.” “Google is a billion dollar company, and they could take us from a 50 megabyte limit to a two gigabyte limit,” said West. “That would be a bonus.” Either way, some students say that the school will continue to run into problems until it finds a way to block e-mails that do not pertain directly to the University. “We don’t need e-mails sent to our accounts unless they are school related,” said elementary education senior ViAngela Roach. “It takes up too much space. My e-mail box became so full one time that I was unable to send messages to other people,” said Roach. A few students at NCCU say that the e-mail problem has little to do with the amount of available storage space. Instead, they say, it is a result of irresponsibility. “The e-mail boxes aren’t too small,” said English sophomore Jessica Odom. “If you check your e-mail at least three or four times a week and delete the messages, everything should be fine,” Odom said. According to ITS, students can take simple steps to avoid overflowing e-mail accounts. “I would suggest that they log in to their accounts on a regular basis to keep track of what’s going on,” said West. “Also, students need to realize that when you delete an e-mail, it doesn’t really go away. Instead, it goes into a back-up folder. “To get rid of an e-mail completely, you must delete it twice. If not, they will continue to take up valuable space.”

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Activist on race, poverty Event during spring break, paid for by student fees BY CHARELLITTA LEWIS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

When Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, came to the B.N. Duke Auditorium as part of the school’s Lyceum Series, she presented views on children, race and poverty. There was just one problem: her March 12 speech was delivered during spring break and only seven students attended the event that filled about half of the auditorium. The Lyceum Series is paid through the $12.50 fee applied to all undergraduate and graduate student accounts, which amounts to about $100,000 per semester According to a March 3 email provided to the Campus Echo, the Lyceum Series Committee was unhappy that the event was scheduled during spring break and that it was paid through student fees. “At this stage, a viable suggestion is that other monies from other, more appropriate budgets be tapped to provide the sponsorship for Marian Wright Edelman’s appearance,” said the e-mail from Janice Dargan, committee chair and an assistant professor in the Department of English and Mass Communication. “I feel that it’s unfair because the students have a voice and that voices were not heard due to the fact that the event was held during a time when students were not here.” said business administration sophomore Lindsey Henderson. At the Lyceum Series event, Edelman presented her organization’s 2007 report, “America’s Cradle to Prison Pipeline.” “This crisis is a loud siren of alarm and wake-up

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Only a handful of students heard Marian Wright Edelman speak at the Lyceum Series event held during spring break at B.N. Duke Auditorium March 12. ROBERT LAWSON/Office of Public Relations

OPINION Student complains that student fees were used to pay for speaker during spring break — Page 17 call to action for every parent, faith, community and public policy, political and cultural leader, child and family serving agency and citizen,” she said. Edelman said she is often asked about the problem with today’s children. “Adults are what’s wrong with our children,” she said. “Parents letting children raise themselves or be

raised by television or the internet. And I hope God will help us to repent, to open our eyes and ears and see and hear our children’s cries for help and guidance, and act to save them all— now!” Edelman presented these facts from the report: • One in three AfricanAmerican boys born in 2001 is at risk of going to prison. • A child is abused or neglected every 36 seconds, over 880,000 times a year. • A baby is born without health insurance every 47 seconds. • 90 percent of the nine million uninsured children live in working families. Edelman, a graduate of

Spelman College and Harvard Law School, was the first African-American woman admitted to the Mississippi State Bar. She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders during the 1960s. Edelman later served as counsel to King in organizing the Poor People’s March. In 1973, she founded the Children’s Defense Fund to serve as an advocate for poor and minority children. The Children’s Defense Fund works with community sponsors, parents, young adults and community leaders to educate children through its Freedom Schools program.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

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‘Dr. Mac’ has historic ties to civil rights struggle Professor’s father among first blacks admitted to UNC’s law school BY KENNETH R. FITZ, JR ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Charmaine McKissickMelton, associate professor in N.C. Central University’s Department of English and Mass Communications likes starting her classes with facts about black history. She started doing this while teaching an honors seminar at Notre Dame University about 15 years ago. “I’ve been doing that for a long, long time,” she stated. “At Notre Dame, they needed to hear African-American history too,” she adds. “To leave that out is leaving out a part of American history.” The McKissick family lived history at the center of the civil rights movement locally and nationally. Her father, Floyd McKissick, was an activist and she was born just as the civil rights movement was gaining full momentum across America. “I was born a few weeks before they found Emmett Till’s body and a few months before Rosa Parks decided to sit down,” said McKissickMelton, who was one of the first black grade school students to integrate North Durham Elementary School. Floyd McKissick was a civil rights attorney and civil rights leader who fought inequality and injustice against blacks on the local and national scenes. “There probably wouldn't have been a civil rights movement without him,” states Vivian McCoy who worked as an activist along with McKissick. McCoy said McKissick organized the first area youth chapter of the NAACP in 1958. “Durham was definitely

different because of him,” said McCoy. “I kind of always knew my daddy was somebody different,” said McKissick-Melton. After getting his undergraduate degree at NCCU, McKissick applied to UNCChapel Hill’s law school, but was denied entry. He and four other black students along with the NAACP sued UNC-Chapel Hill in federal court to gain entrance. Future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall represented their case and in 1951, the students won admission to the law school. By then, McKissick had finished his law courses at NCCU’s law school where he earned his law degree. He still took summer courses at UNC however to be one of the first blacks to attend the school. During his career as an attorney in Durham, he represented hundreds of civil rights cases brought before courts in the 1960s. In 1966, he took over leadership of the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) from James Farmer and moved the organization toward a stronger, more vocal position in the civil rights movement. After leaving CORE in 1968, McKissick launched a plan to build a new community, called Soul City, in Warren County, N.C. Soul City was designed to be an open, self-contained community with a population of 55,000 where all races could live in harmony and earn fair wages working in clean industries. “When he used the word soul, he wasn’t talking about James Brown,” said McKissick-Melton. “It was soul from the Bible.” His plan received support

Charmaine McKissick-Melton in her office in the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. In the photo from left to right (seated) are former Alabama Governor George Wallace, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee leader Stokely Carmichael, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and McKissick-Melton’s father, Floyd McKissick SAVIN JOSEPH/Staff Photographer

from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the project never completely developed as McKissick had hoped. He died of cancer in 1991 working as the pastor of Soul City’s First Baptist Church and as a state district court judge. During the 1960s as McKissick fought for civil rights on the streets and in the courts, his children faced the challenges of being among the first to integrate Durham’s public school. She remembers frequent taunting from white students. She was also the target of spitball attacks in the school cafeteria. Despite all this, she maintained a perfect ‘A’ average. “It was not a fun time,” she

said, adding that her older sisters, Jocelyn and Andreé and brother, Floyd Jr. were subject to more brutal attacks than she encountered from white students. McKissick-Melton said that a lot of the “dirty work” happened in the bathrooms when the teachers weren’t around. “The girls ganged up on Andreé in a stall and pushed her head into a commode which had feces in it.” “As you get older, you tend to remember the fond things ... when I was younger, I tended to remember a lot of negative things,” she said. McKissick-Melton recalls lively debates and NAACP meetings about whether she should attend the birthday party of one of her white

ANDTHE WINNER

classmates. “Black people and white people didn’t just go to each other’s houses and deal with each other in that way,” she said. “That was the talk of Durham for quite awhile — at the time, it was really controversial.” McKissick-Melton fondly recalled all of the civil rights activists who often stayed at the McKissick’s residence because they were unable to stay in area hotels. Their home was affectionately known as the “DewDrop Inn.” “That’s what people did they dropped in — and you never knew how long they were going to stay,” she said with a laugh. She said she met civil

rights leaders including the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., and James Farmer. Adam Clayton Powell, a minister from Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1945. James Farmer, who cofounded CORE in 1942, was considered one of the “big six” of the civil rights movement. McKissick-Melton said that meeting Malcolm X after his 1964 voyage to Mecca and Africa was “most memorable.” “The most charismatic person I had ever met,” she said. “I expected him to be loud and angry but he was so quiet.”

2008 HBCU National News Media Conference Feb. 13 ~ 16, 2008 Papers judged are from Jan.1, 2007 ~ Dec. 31, 2007. FIRST PLACE

• Best Overall Student Newspaper (non-weekly; Editors Rony Camille and Shelbia Brown) • Best Features A&E Section (Joanna Hernandez and Brooke Sellars) • Best Overall Sports Coverage (Larisha Stone and Quentin Gardner) • Best Sports Game Story (Quentin Gardner) • Best Sports Feature (unidentified by judge) SECOND PLACE • Best Special Section (“Some of Our Best Teachers,” Rony Camille, Travis Ruffin, Shelbia Brown, Natalia Farrer, Geoffrey Cooper, Gabriana Clay-White) • Best Feature Story (“It’s a Family in the Shop,” Kenali Battle) • Best Use of Photography (Staff Photographers) • Best Sports Story (“NCCU Trounces FSU,” Quentin Gardner)

IS. . . Since 1999 the N.C. Central University Campus Echo has won a total of 122 national awards from organizations including the Black College Communication Association, the Society for Professional Journalists and the American Scholastic Press Association.

THIRD PLACE • Best Individual Page Design (“Denita Smith: An Immeasurable Loss,” Rony Camille) • Best Feature Writing (“If Colors Could Talk,” Kristiana Bennett) • Best Editorial/Opinion Section (Kai Christopher) • Best Sports Story (“Thanks for the Memories, CIAA,” Shatoya Cantrell) HONORABLE MENTION • Best Overall News Coverage (Rony Camille, Shelbia Brown and staff) • Best Feature Story (“Cerebral Palsy Slows Body, Not Soul,” Denique Prout)

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2008 HBCU NATIONAL NEWS MEDIA CONFERENCE

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Obama’s ‘A more perfect union’ Some observers call speech ‘historic’ – unlike any delivered by a major political figure in modern American history “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.” Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787. The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations. Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time. And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk – to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time. This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren. This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story. I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible. It’s a story that hasn’t made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one.

Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans. This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either “too black” or “not black enough.” We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well. And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn. On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wideeyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike. I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam. As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all. Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) waves at the conclusion of his speech on race and politics at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, March 18, in Philadelphia. TOM GRALISH/Dallas Morning News (MCT)

Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth – by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS. In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity: “People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend’s voice up into the rafters….And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, Ezekiel’s field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories that we didn’t need to feel shame about … memories that all people might study and cherish – and with which we could start to rebuild.”

That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety – the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America. And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years. I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe. These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love. Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode

and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias. But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality. The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American. Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past.” We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students. Legalized discrimination where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners

could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities. A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us. This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What’s remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them. But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn’t make it – those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations – those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did

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OBAMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings. And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races. In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time. Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism. Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding. This is where we are right

“But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union. For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans ...” BARACK OBAMA PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 18, 2008

now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own. But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union. For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny. Ironically, this quintessentially American – and yes, conservative – notion of selfhelp found frequent expression in Reverend Wright’s sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change. The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old – is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know – what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the AfricanAmerican community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination – and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past – are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all

Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper. In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well. For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies. We can do that. But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change. That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time. This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don’t have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together. This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit. This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag.

We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should’ve been authorized and never should’ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned. I would not be running for President if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation – the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election. There is one story in particularly that I’d like to leave you with today – a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King’s birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta. There is a young, twentythree year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly AfricanAmerican community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there. And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom. She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat. She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too. Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother’s problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn’t. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice. Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, “I am here because of Ashley.” “I’m here because of Ashley.” By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children. But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the twohundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

A student and a professor react to speech arely does it happen in the public sphere. A politician engaged all Americans, regardless of skin color, in a conversation about race. Unlike more private conversations LISTENING aimed at a particular IS NOT ALL group, it WE WE lacked a sense of MUST DO guilt or shame, of anger or defensiveness. This accessibility may be behind the multiKENICE tude of MOBLEY praises B a r a k Obama has accumulated over the last week. He expressed a sincere desire to open the conversation, but some may substitute the presence of such a speech for the entire discussion. One of the best ways to limit discussion and subvert an ideology is to commemorate it as beyond reproach. After hearing the speech, will people decide that listening was all they were required to do, and that America has finally addressed its race “problem”? Many news outlets discussed the speech but stopped short of commenting on the country’s racial complexities. In one of the most powerful moments of his address, Obama presented Americans with two scenarios. In the first, Americans are faced with the same old divisive and cynical politics in which and differences are exploited for political gain. In the second, we chose to focus on issues that affect all Americans, and we work together to solve them. The importance of the speech was lost on some groups. They saw Obama’s speech as nothing but a hollow attempt to save his candidacy after a national scandal. They viewed the comments of Reverend Wright, and found them so incendiary they believe that by simply maintaining association, Obama is not fit to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president. Instead of focusing on the larger issue, they focus on a subset of events taken out of context, and prevent the advancement f the national conversation. Others think his speech did not go far enough to address issues of discrimination in America. It is true that he largely left Hispanics, Asians, immigrants and women out of the conversation. Like blacks and whites, these groups face their share of abuse and reactionary anger. Obama acknowledges that this was only the beginning of a national conversation. After all this praise, other candidates may be encouraged to fully address the issues affecting the daily lives of Americans that have long been neglected. Instead of talking in terms of getting elected, they may begin to examine the causes and historical background for the situation in which we find ourselves today. However, they have yet to try.

y now we all know that last week Senator Baraka Obama, Democratic Presidential candidate, gave a speech about race in America that generally has been acknowledged as masterful and WE MUST eloquent, and BE HONEST from a political perspecABOUT tive, necessary. RACE Not surprisingly given his skill as an orator, by all accounts, including my own, he pulled it off. But the largJARVIS er question remains: Why HALL do we have only periodic eruptions about race as opposed to having a real ongoing approach to the persistence of race in the United States? Unquestionably, Sen-ator Obama’s campaign is historic. However, what has been missing from this Presidential campaign and American political discourse in general is a real discussion about the continued significance of race in this country. To the contrary, however, many have hailed that Obama’s success at this point is a glaring indication that we have finally overcome race and that America has reached its colorblind ideal. Therefore, if we act on our colorblindness, for example by not talking about race or by voting for an African American candidate for president, then somehow race will go away. Well taking such an approach at this point in our history will only guarantee that it will not. As Senator Obama pointed our in his speech, too many of the quality of life disparities that continue to haunt America and hinder the progress of African Americans and other racial minorities are rooted in the historical and contemporary impact of race. Disparities in education, health care, income, wealth accumulation, etc. reflect the enduring prevalence of white privilege. For example, the resegregation of our public schools is a process that has been taking place for years. The result has been a two tier educational system in this country, especially here in North Carolina. The only way we can address this problem is by talking forthrightly about race. The point is we must be honest about race in this country. The concept of white privilege is a controversial one but one that must be addressed in discourse and policy. Without such an approach, too many problems in American cannot be really solved. Hopefully, Senator Obama’s speech will be the beginning of this process, not the end.

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Photographic Essay by Sebastian Frances few weeks ago I came upon an advertisement for “Puppet Fusion.” I immediately looked it up, found out more about it, and put it on my calendar. Puppet Fusion is a showcase of puppets for the enjoyment of young and old. Puppet companies from around the country gathered at Fletcher Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, March 6-8. The three-day festival offered seven shows catering to a wide range of audience. My favorite part of the festival was the free puppetry parade in Lichtin Plaza, featured in this essay. The parade was directed by Jan Burger and Donovan Zimmerman of Puppethand Intervention. Burger and Zimmerman played

the saxophone and drums in the parade. They also built all their puppets in their studio in Saxapahaw, North Carolina, which is only a short drive from Chapel Hill. Burger and Zimmerman specialize in building oversized creatures that are truly mind-blowing and carry with them a message deeper than a merely aesthetic art expression. Burger and Zimmerman, along with Puppethand Intervention, Bread & Puppet Theater (Vermont), Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop (California), Chinese Theater Works (New York), Michael Cooper (Maine), Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets (North Carolina), and Boxcutter Cabaret Puppet Tour, participated. The festival was genuinely inspiring, leaving me wanting to learn more about puppetry art and maybe one day trying it myself.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

ATTENTION STUDENTS NOTICE OF HISTORICAL ELECTION EVENT

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

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MAY 6, 2008 Are you 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Durham for 30 days? If so, you can REGISTER and VOTE!!!

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REGISTER NOW & VOTE Registered students who have moved or changed information should notify the Board of Elections by FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008. SAME DAY REGISTRATION: With proper ID, students are allowed to register and vote at one stop sites. This is terrific, but it is quicker and easier if you preregister NOW. When registering to vote in Durham County, NC, you must cancel previous voter registration.

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Opinions

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

How they spent our money ... n March 12, during spring break, an important activist, Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, spoke at NCCU. Edelman’s honorarium — the fee she received for speaking — was paid for by students out of the Lyceum Series fees. About 300 people showed up for her speech, but there were just eight students. After all, it was spring break. It was an excellent speech. Edelman talked about issues that the youth of today – tomorrow’s leaders — Edmund P. need to hear. Lewis, Jr. She talked about infant mortality rates, about how many young people live in poverty and about the racial disparity in educational attainment. While I was sitting there all I could think about was this: Why would N.C. Central pay for this speech with our fees and then schedule the speech during spring break? My first impulse was to assume that the professors on the lyceum committee didn’t care that our funds were being used for a spring break event. Or perhaps there were no students on the lyceum committee to set them straight. But I was wrong on both accounts. According to one faculty member on the committee there were students representatives on the committee — they just didn’t show up regularly at the meetings. But the real problem was that the adminstration didn’t listen to the committee’s concerns. The committee didn’t want the event to be held during spring break, or that if it had to be, that it not be paid for with student fees. According to an e-mail sent to the administration and provided to the Echo by one member of the lyceum committee: “Lyceum committee members have asked about the rationale for bringing to campus a speaker during spring break. ... From our perspective the Lyecum Series committee does not find students’ lyecum fees to be the correct source for a spring break event.” But the speech went ahead, paid for by students.

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Unity and progress not enough t’s mid-March. With probates over, we have new campus celebrities. Must be time for SGA elections. Elections used to take place earlier; I suppose someone realized how much easier it is to run with Greek letters on your chest Sean than on your Kornegay own merit. Most graduating seniors are so dejected by the lack of student and administrative organization at NCCU that they’re uninterested in elections. However, I have a vested interest in who leads my alma mater as we approach our centennial. I have even more interest in authentic leadership. Unfortunately, some candidates are running for positions because they like the attention. Some people just woke up one morning this semester and said, “Eureka! I think I can!” Others were told to run by their frat brothers. I’m not saying that you must have SGA experience to lead. I simply question the motivation of individuals who have never made any

But how can we expect students who are too lazy to aid themselves to stand together? This is where our SGA should step in and lead. efforts to lead until now. I appreciate the continuance of a movement, but part of me can’t help but notice how many candidates are running under “Unity & Progress,” a theme already twice recycled. It lacks originality; however, their efforts are much more valuable than the slogan they chose. In observing neighboring institutions, such as NC A&T and WSSU, I have to question the validity of this theme. It’s not SGA’s fault, but in my years at NCCU, I’ve seen a steady increase in lethargy, especially during the past few years. Where’s our unity? Where’s our progression? I see a campus that lacks direction, a student body with a weakened immune system, infected by apathy, beaten down by an oppressive administration, and famished by lack of nourishing leadership. We at NCCU seem to be generally uninterested in education. Our inability to retain students is an embarrassment

to the vision of James E. Shepard and Alfonso Elder. “Excellence without Excuses” was not just Elder’s motto — it was his vision; he hoped to produce not just black America’s brightest, but our nation’s brightest. This vision revolutionized education, especially when we were closer to slavery than to the civil rights movement. Shepard aimed to produce the nation’s first black liberal arts institution. As we approach our centennial, many of our students barely qualify as literate. I’m an English major. many of my classmates struggle mightily with basic grammatical rules. It’s frustrating to know they’ll be holding the same degree as me. I’m not insulting anyone’s intelligence. The mind’s potential goes well beyond the classroom. I do perform well in both Algebra and English, but I understand that most excel in just one area. What bothers me is how many students are below average in both

subjects. I don’t blame this solely on the faculty. Teachers can only teach those who wish to learn. I point the finger back at us. We can’t learn if we spend more time in line at the Eagle’s Nest than in class. We can’t progress if we devote more time to frivolous organizations than to academics. So who’s responsible when the student body becomes infected with low grade-point averages? Our administration is. We sent a lot of kids home after fall 2007 because they didn’t seem to want to be scholars. Doesn’t the University owe more to those who have invested in higher education? Or was this just Charlie’s quick solution to Ammons’ problem? How many more Eagles will have their wings clipped before we demand change? For too long our University has engaged in educational malpractice. Students need to stand

together and demand better resources — like a library that is open 24 hours a day and longer hours at the Walker Complex. Every campus struggles with parking and sub-par cafeteria food; at NCCU, those issues are simply the tip of the iceberg. But how can we expect students who are too lazy to aid themselves to stand together? This is where our SGA should step in and lead. It takes more than a speech, a smile, and a Homecoming concert. I see capable SGA candidates, and students who have worked humbly for NCCU’s needs. And I admire candidates who have recently been inspired to lead. However, some candidates represent the interests of organizations who couldn’t care less about the needs of the whole. Vote wisely. Analyze each candidate’s resume and platform before you decide who is best fit to lead.

Unity and progress will save us am deeply saddened by the current state of our beloved University. The temple of Truth and Service is mired in negativity, scandal and instability. Even though there is much work to be done, our student body and many influential leaders would rather Tomasi spread ignoLarry rance, malice, animosity, hatred and false information. Still, they fail to devise a rational plan to attack such underlying problems as poor customer service, inadequate professors, poor community relations and, most importantly, increased apathy and low student morale. We must stop attacking one another and start waging war on the real issues that have pushed our entire University on this path of shame and negativity. Bitterness breaks down the immune system of unity. One’s inability to let go of and resolve harbored emo-

Caribbean Taste & Catering

The time has come for every student, faculty and staff member, and administrator to come together in the spirit of unity and progress to combat the ills that plague our University.

tions only widens the gaps among students. How long must we complain without offering a solution? The Student Government Association’s reputation for fixing such problems has been impeccable, but we cannot do it alone. Leaders are only as strong as the support they receive from those they represent. Without your support, change is not possible. Furthermore, a person does not have to sit at the head of a table to run a household. If you uproot negative problems, you must plant positive seeds to replace them or risk leaving a vacant lot, receptive to rot. Then what happens when ground is famished? The people starve. In other words, criticism is necessary for any government to thrive.

However, the question remains: What is your solution for change? Eagle family, the time has come for every student, faculty, staff member and administrator to come together in a spirit of unity and progress to combat the ills that plague our University. We must confront the issues that divide our family and voice our concerns in a professional and timely manner and leave the vulture of hate at the door. I know that numerous constituents are unhappy about the lack of competition for SGA elections, especially for student body president and vice president. However, the problems that challenge our new leaders are the elusive imps of apathy, hatred, and dishonesty which have divided mankind since its inception. Our new leaders must have our love and support in

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order to destroy these adversaries. A gruesome battle is wagging in the heart of our University that only can be eradicated with the potent elixir of unity and progress. This ideology was fathered by God himself and birthed from the souls of leaders through strife and hardship. It is because of this struggle that unity and progress has served as a beacon of hope for the rehabilitation of our University. We must apply the words of Alfonso Elder (not Shepard): “excellence without excuses.” We cannot tolerate underachievers. The vision of Chancellor Nelms provides certainty that the student standard will remain excellent. Too many students cannot continue their educations due to cuts in financial aid,

too many graduates are unprepared for corporate America, too many students do not feel safe on our campus, too many classrooms have inadequate teaching equipment, and too many students live in sub-par residence halls. Given those problems our student body can’t afford to be at odds. We must unite to fight against the machine for the causes of unity, progress and change. There is nothing that we cannot achieve together, with a spirit of unity and progress. If there is a problem, we can solve it. If there is an obstacle, we can overcome it. If there is a pain, we can heal it. If there is a cross, we can bear it. For the Bible declares that we can do all things though Christ, who strengthens us.

2008 NCCU Spring Career Fair L.T. Walker Complex Thursday, March 27 10:00 am-1:00 pm This event gives you the opportunity to learn about more than 80 businesses. During the fair you will be able to meet with various company representatives, gather information, and possibly make a great first impression that can help you gain an internship or employment! For More Information, Contact Career Services William Jones Building, Lower Level Hours of Operation Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Opinions

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008

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Yahhh noise yahhh ot long ago I rushed into the J.E. Shepard Library to do an English essay. I had to concentrate — this paper was going to count for 60 percent Britney of my Rooks grade and I needed silence! So I found a spot in the computer lab and began typing immediately. My mind raced through phrases and quotes from “The Canterbury Tales.” Middle English wasn’t the easiest period of ancient languages to translate.

I consider the computer lab a place to get away from all outside noise ... I’m not saying lab monitors should crack the whip every time someone sneezes. But ... I closed my eyes and began to recite pieces of the passage in my mind — when suddenly, a loud “Yah! Trick Yah!” interrupted my thoughts. Since when did famous literary author Chaucer do collaborations with teen rapper Souljah Boy? I glanced around the computer lab — and another “Yah! Yah! Trick!” flooded my ears. Perfect! The person sitting right across from me was screeching out the lyrics of the music

he was listening to. “Get out my face!” He sang. How was I supposed to concentrate on my paper? I continued typing as best I could until I realized I’d forgotten one of my books. I figured it would be a good time to take a break, anyway. I gathered my things and left. Two hours later I returned, only to be faced with the same problem. The same person was still enjoying his

karaoke, and unfortunately for me the only open computer was the one just to the right of the seat I had before. I took my seat and once again struggled to concentrate. Fortunately I did complete my paper, but it was not easy. I consider the computer lab a place to get away from all outside noise. It should be a place I can come and get my assignments done without interruption. If I am taking the

time to visit the computer lab and apply myself to my work, why should I have to deal with unnecessary noise? On a very large poster to the left of the computer lab entrance, a poster states that there is to be “No excessive talking.” I discussed the computer lab’s policies with a lab monitor. If a student is making too much noise, he or she is asked to tone it down or stop. If the noise continues, campus security may be called. So, do those rules exclude singing? I’m not saying lab monitors should crack the whip every time someone sneezes. But if ever there is a case like my unpleasant visit to lab that day, then action should be taken.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: How do you feel about the SGA president and vice-president running unopposed?

Proud, yet disappointed never thought I would attend N.C. Central University. But when I decided to be an Eagle, my life changed forever. As a freshman, I stayed below the radar— another Shereka nerdy ChanLittlejohn cellor’s scholar attending the University for free. Sophomore year was different. That year I stumbled into the Campus Echo with an editorial that would forever change people’s perceptions of me. I found my inner, controversial journalistic self with my opinion piece about racist black instructors on campus. The next summer I interned at the N.C. Department of Commerce, where I

After the assault I had promised myself that I’d never again allow someone to lower my self-worth.

gained valuable experience in public relations. But something changed me the fall of junior year. The young lady who saw Governor Mike Easley deliver a speech she wrote at the state capital in July, was, by late August, a troubled spirit afraid to leave her dorm room. I quit the Campus Echo. No one knew I had been sexually assaulted or that I was undergoing counseling. Nevertheless, I kept my GPA up and I even interviewed for a summer internship at Duke. Being the overachiever I am, I got the internship, even though I was still healing.

I started the internship happy to have a supervisor who looked like me. I was impressed by her poise, and I was ready to show her what I could do. But it wasn’t so easy. On the second day of my internship, she told me I would never be successful and that I should have changed my major a long time ago. She even told me that NCCU was wasting its money by providing me with a full scholarship. For three weeks I endured her cursing me out on some days and treating me to lunch on others. I had never envisioned an internship quite like that. So I made a hard

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decision: I quit my internship in order to preserve my dignity. My internship supervisor was upset. She said that because of me, no one at Duke would ever hire an NCCU intern again and that I had disgraced every slave who had worked on Duke plantation. But I stuck to my decision, because after the assault I had promised myself that I’d never again allow someone to lower my self-worth. Shortly after I quit, I received a phone call from my internship supervisor’s boss at Duke, who apologized to me. I was reassured — for a little while. When I started my senior year, I didn’t

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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 2008 Publication dates: 1/16, 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/26, 4/16 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg. NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

know my decision would become a topic of conversation. But once a week, I hear someone discussing my decision without even realizing they are talking about me. They say I was unprepared, but I know differently. A professor has even indirectly used me as an example of what not to do as an intern. So as I prepare to graduate, I don’t know if I’m a proud Eagle or a disappointed one. To most of my professors and peers, thank you. But to those who judge me because I chose to love myself rather than to endure hatred, I leave you with some lines from my favorite Maya Angelou poem: “You may shoot me with your words, / You may cut me with your eyes, / You may kill me with your hatefulness, / But still, like air, I’ll rise.”

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Ilustration by Kenneth E. Robinson

“If someone runs with better ideas I feel that’s OK, but if someone is running just because, then that would cause problems. It’s a waste of money and resources.” — Tyrone Gooding

“Is it fair to not have someone run against them, I would say ‘no.’ It doesn’t give the student the opportunity to exercise their voting rights.” —Lisa Rochelle

“I don’t think everybody can handle a position like that. That’s why there are so few people running against them. Some people can’t handle the responsibility.” —Hewitt McLean

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2008 SGA ELECTIONS VOTE FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICES THURSDAY ON BLACKBOARD FROM 8 AM - 8 PM

INSIDE MEET THE CANDIDATES

WHERE ARE THE CANDIDATES?

APATHY, DISORGANIZATION HURT SGA

Learn about the candidates and why they think they’re worthy of your vote. Pages 2 - 4

According to Kenice Mobley lack of competition for SGA positions means key issues won’t get addressed. Page 2

Next year’s Campus Echo editor-in-chief is worried about the future of the SGA. This year there was no speech and debate and too many races are uncontested. Page 3

Past and future SGA leaders: Isaac Bellamy, current SGA vice president, Tomasi Larry, current SGA president, Kent Williams, candidate (uncontested) for SGA president, and Courtney Robinson, candidate (uncontested) for SGA vice president. PHOTO BY RAY TYLER

MEET THE CANDIDATES N

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FOR SGA VP *

Kent Williams, Jr. — Raleigh

26, 2008

Q & A WITH KENT WILLIAMS AND COURTNEY ROBINSON

Courtney Robinson — Charlotte

On Friday, March 21 Campus Echo staff reporter Geoffrey Cooper interviewed future Student Government Association president Kent Williams, Jr. (Williams is running unopposed in this year’s SGA election.)

my fellow students and thought I was a good person to network with.

The Raleigh native talks about how he got interested in the SGA, why he wants to serve as SGA president, what it means to run unopposed, what he feels are the key issues facing students and what he plans to do as SGA president.

He then told me that elections were coming up and that I should run for something. So, I decided to run for Senate and step outside my box. I won and I’ve been involved ever since.

Four themes emerge: continuity with past SGA initiatives, improving student morale, improving the appearance of the campus, and better communication between students and the administration.

ECHO: So, what are your thoughts on running unopposed, seeing the fact that this is the second year in a row this has happened for both the offices of SGA president and vice president?

As a freshman Williams was a class senator and an assistant to former SGA President Renee Clark.

I’m disappointed.

As a sophomore he was SGA Senate speaker pro tempore and an assistant to SGA president Mukhtar Raqib.

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. Major: Political Science/Business Administration Why am I running for SGA President? I want to continue the initiatives and programs started by former Presidents Renee Clark, Mukhtar Raqib and Tomasi Larry. I am the only person who knows these initiatives and programs in full detail and can make them more successful. There is no need to reinvent the wheel because once the students realize the benefits they receive from these initiatives and programs. They will realize why I work so hard to continue these initiatives and programs instead of creating new ones. But do not worry, I have a lot of

If races empty, ideas lost ach spring, the Student Government Association holds elections to determine who will hold organizational posiELECTION tions for the OUTLOOK next school year. This year, voters may be surprised by how few choices they have in selecting who represents KENICE the student body. MOBLEY In many of the most prominent positions, including SGA president and vice president, candidates are running unopposed. To run, students only need to be in good academic, disciplinary and financial standing with the university. With so many students eligible, it is unclear why so few decide to compete for campus-wide positions. Many of our most qualified students choose to lead in other ways. SGA offers a multitude of appointed positions that allow ambitious Eagles to exercise responsiblity and make decisions without having to give speeches or endlessly campaign. Others prefer to perfect their leadership skills in the numerous clubs and organizations available to students. All this is not to suggest that the people who are running for SGA positions are not highly qualified. They all have leadership experience and continue to engage their respective classes and the overall university. Unfortunately, we all may lose because of a lack of com-

n See MOBLEY Page 4

As a junior he has been the executive assistant to SGA president Tomasi Larry and Homecoming chair.

things I will be implementing to help the students erase the negativity they feel about SGA and our University as a whole. I have a lot of work to do and with the help of this great student body, we will have a successful year. What is the most important thing students should know about you? I am one of the nicest people you will ever meet. And some people see that as a weakness for me because they feel people will try to run over me and use me. But I want the students to know that even though I am nice, when it comes to this University and the well being of the students of this campus. The so called nice Kent does not play and means business.

Major: Political Science

You can come and talk to me about anything. All of my contact information is up on our website: www.unityandprogress08.com

Minor: Business Administration Why do you want this position? I feel that North Carolina Central University needs to continue its progression.

He has been a coordinator of Unity Fest and student liason between Durham, NCCU, and Duke University for two years. He has been an residential assistant in “vintage” Baynes and is now a residential assistant at Eagleson Residential Hall. ECHO: What got you interested in N.C. Central University’s Student Government Association upon arriving as a freshman?

There are so many issues facing our university and its students (school pride, academics, safety, customer service, etc.), and I want to make sure that all of these things are addressed and ultimately taken care of.

When I first arrived here, I was not thinking about SGA or getting involved with any organizations on campus.

We are part of a great institution, and I want students to take pride in their university.

My plans were to go to my classes and go home on the weekend. But while I was staying in Chidley Hall, my RA Isaac Bellamy, who is the current SGA vice president, saw that I got along well with

What is the most important thing students should know about you? I am a hard worker, but I am also very social and approachable.

This brought him to the idea that I should work with SGA. He invited me to an interest meeting and I liked what they were talking about.

When I say that, a lot of people look at me crazy and ask, “Why are you mad?” The way I look at this is we have too many talented student leaders on this campus, but it’s like they don’t realize the potential they have. So, they don’t run and decide not to get involved. There’s a lack of morale on this campus and it’s real sad. When I found out I was running unopposed, it hurt me because I knew I wasn’t going to have a real exciting campaign. I wasn’t going to be able to do things such as put my banners and posters up or have a debate with someone. With someone else running against me, I would be able to show students that I’m the most qualified candidate.

Our meetings with the provost were good, but I noticed that no administration was taking notes on the student’s concerns. So my thing is the students came to them with the issues, why weren’t they writing down what we were saying? It seems as if the administration will meet with us, but after the meeting is over it is just a meeting. KENT WILLIAMS, JR. SGA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE (UNOPPOSED)

there wasn’t a second time around for interest meetings. While I am disappointed nobody ran against me, I have to move on and hope that the morale comes back on campus so there is more participation next year. ECHO: Why did you decide to run for SGA President? I decided to run because I’ve served under the administration of three presidents during my time here. Those are Renee Clark, Mukhtar Raqib and Tomasi Larry. While serving under them, I’ve been able to work in and around their office and I have seen them come up with lots of programs and initiatives on this campus that really helps the students. But there are also a lot of things that have been done through them that many students do not know about. I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel.

When I become president, I want students to know that I am the most qualified and that I am ready to do my job. I don’t want students to think I’m just being handed this position because I’m running unopposed.

I see that too many times presidents or student leaders have programs and once they graduate and leave they’re not continued. I’m here because I have served under these individuals and I know the initiatives and programs like the back of my hand.

Last year, it was mainly because there were candidates who were not qualified. Also, Tomasi ran unopposed because

I know that I can bring them into fruition and make them more successful than they are now. I am going to bring a whole

lot of fresh ideas, but my belief is working with what we have now and making it more successful. My other goal is to bring the morale back here on campus. I’m getting tired of seeing students not interested in this campus. I’m tired of things like boring weekends, students having to sit up in their rooms trying to figure out what to do at night. There are too many students here on campus for that to be happening. ECHO: What made you decide to want to choose Courtney Robinson as your running mate for the SGA vice president? When I made my decision on running for SGA president I was trying to figure out who would make a good vice president. Who is the person that I know who could run the Senate, because the vice president runs the Senate and all the legislation in the student government. Who knows our constitution, parliamentarian procedure, and how to pass legislation? Who knows about UNC Association of Student Governments? As I was looking around and observing, there was no one really out there who

SENIOR PRESIDENT *

JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT *

SOPHOMORE TREASURER *

Sha’Niece Simmons

Markia Gray

Sheleatha’ Eppes

Hometown: Hyattsville, Md. ~ Major: FCS Textile & Apparel with a minor in Theater Why do you want this position? I want to effectively prepare the senior class for graduation and life after college. I will implement effective programs that will lead students in the right direction for adulthood along with uplifting the spirit of the university. What is the most important thing students should know about you? I want students to know I’m passionate about my university and all that it stands for. I am an outgoing student leader that feels that students should work toward reaching their true potential while at NCCU. And lastly, I feel that life is too short to worry about things that are out of our control, so I live life to the fullest and refuse to let anything or anyone take over my emotions.

Hometown: Statesville, N.C. ~ Major: Psychology Why do you want this position? There are things that need to be done on this campus. I need this title to help make things happen. I want to change the fact that over half of my class right now is failing, and that we only have two recycling bins on this entire campus. I feel as if we should be more aware of health issues facing us as African Americans. Lastly after all of this issues are addressed, I would like to have “fun” activities such as dance battles, pre-dawn parties, etc. What is the most important thing students should know about you? I am dependable, trustworthy, honest and an overall leader.

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C. ~ Major: Social Work Why do you want this position? I would like this position because I want to be one of the great voices of the class of 2011. I have great leadership skills that will be used in making the class of 2011 a better class. What is the most important thing students should know about you? I feel the most important thing that students should know about me is that I am just like them. I hear that most students feel like they cannot talk to people in SGA because they feel or heard that we are not approachable. Contrary to what they have heard, I am very approachable and easy to get along with. I am here to help make the lives of NCCU’s students easier. .

MR. JUNIOR *

MR. SOPHOMORE *

MISS SENIOR Christal Hamilton Hometown:Fort Washington, Md. ~ Major:Psychology Favorite Food: Pizza Why do you want this position? I feel Miss Senior should be a woman who has more than just a pretty face. When deciding to run for this position, I examined my mind, body, and soul. I found that I was ready spiritually, intellectually, and physically. My past has made me into the woman I am today and with no regrets it has led me to the path of my future. I am a woman of Integrity, Honesty, Grace and most importantly Faith. I feel that I have all the qualities that Miss Senior should posses.

Sierra Hobbs Name: Sierra Hobbs ~ HOMETOWN: Long Beach, Calif. Major: Athletic Training Favorite Food: BBQ tray, cajun seasoned fries, and a huge sweet tea from Cookout Why do you want this position? I want the position of Miss Senior because I feel I can represent the class of 2009 in an exemplary manner. I know I can be a bright and shining vessel to all. Being in love with this University, I know I can be part of the movement to make NCCU, (one of the best if not THE BEST) universities in the UNC system and throughout the nation. I also know I want to help bring a new sense of love, unity and service to our community and University.

MR. SENIOR Savin Joseph Hometown: Woodbridge, Va. ~ Major: Mass Communications Favorite Food: Bojangles Why do you want this position? I want do my part to rejuvinate interest in on-campus activities and revive campus life. I also want to make the college experience more memorable.

Dante Jones Hometown: Statesville, N.C. ~ Major: Political Science Favorite Food: I do not have a favorite food. Why do you want this position? I want to be Mister Junior because I have an eye for improvement and will work cooperatively with the student body to create a sense of campus unity while working to make the university a more positive atmosphere for all.

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C. ~ Major: Parks & Recreation Management Favorite Food: Pizza Why do you want this position? I want this position because I believe I would be a great representation of our class. I believe our university needs more positive male leaders seen out in the forefront on campus to serve as a role model and mentor to underclassmen, as well as all students. I believe I am the right person to be the face of my class and to serve as that role model/mentor.

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y., Cary, N.C. ~ Major: Mass Communication Favorite Food: Lasagna Why do you want this position? I want to join a legacy of men who represented an entire class of students at one of the finest HBCUs in the country.

MISS JUNIOR *

MISS SOPHOMORE

Kendra Bradshaw

Jennifer Langston

Hometown: Rose Hill, N.C. ~ Major: Public Adminstration Favorite Food: Fried Chicken Why do you want this position? Because of my desire to serve the student body and the junior class at NCCU. It is my drive for the improvement of the school. I want to offer each and everyone my dedication to improvement of the school, honesty and non-biased representation.

Hometown: Richlands, N.C. ~ Major: Psychology/Sociology Favorite Food: Chicken (fried, barbequed, baked and roasted) Why do you want this position? I would like to be Miss Sophomore because it will afford me a leadership opportunity to represent the integrity of North Carolina Central University and its goal to promote “truth and service.” I have the vitality and fortitude to conduct myself in a manner that will promote positive and productive changes for the sophomore class and the NCCU Eagle family.

SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT * Dwayne Johnson Hometown: Roxboro, N.C. ~ Major: History Why do you want this position? I believe I possess many qualities and characteristics of a leader and I would like to use these skills to help better not only my class but my student body. The most important thing students should know about you? I am an open leader and can be approached about any problems or issues. I know of issues that I would like to help fix but I am open to many other issues from other students. I am for the students while I consider the university's wants and needs first before considering my own.

SOPHOMORE VICE PRESIDENT * John Stephenson

Nigel Cox

Brittany Titus Hometown: Staten Island, N.Y. ~ Major: Mass Communication Favorite Food: Biscuits Why do you want this position? The reason why I want the title of Miss Sophomore is because I feel as if I can represent the class of 2011 to the best of my abilities. I try to make an effort to get to know my classmates as well as I can even if it’s just from a brief hello. I am friendly to everyone and I have a lot of patience when times get stressful. Becoming Miss Sophomore will help me with my social skills, networking, and hopefully open up a range of opportunities. I want to ensure that my fellow peers receive the best candidate to represent them as one voice whether I win or not.

Ginelle Hines Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C. ~ Major: Criminal Justice Why do you want this position? I want this position because it allows me to put my leadership skills to use and to help lead my class to our graduation date May 2011. I want to help my fellow peers become successful young adults and make sure that they enjoy their upcoming years in college. What is the most important thing students show know about you? I want students to know that I am a student just like them and that we are all in this together. And just like any great leader I need even greater followers to help make 2008-2009 a wonderful and successful year.

* Denotes uncontested position

Miss and Mr. NCCU candidate bios on page 4

n See SGA Q&A Page 4

Not title, but role n my three years at N.C. Central University, I have had the opportunity and privilege of witnessing leadership that I did not know ELECTION my fellow OUTLOOK Eagles were capable of. By that I mean that I personally have seen many aspects of their characters be displayed — GEOFFREY both ethically and unethiCOOPER cally. On one hand, there are students eager to join organizations or act alone with good intentions of wanting to make change and take a stand for something that’s real and tangible. But I have also witnessed students indulging in useless visions and self adornment and using their so-called “deeds” for publicity stints. Some are just simply trying to scoop the title of the yard’s top superstar. Either way, these individuals have decided to roll the dice and risk it all to classify themselves as part of the upper echelon of the student body. During this year’s SGA elections, I have been surprised and shocked with the reactions that I get from students when I ask them about their participation. It’s the same droopy responses of disinterest and disgust. But in a way, can you really blame them? I’m no Einstein, but I seriously believe that there is an extreme mixup in some of the candidates’ priorities. I thought ALL of the organizations present on the yard,

n See COOPER Page 4

MEET THE CANDIDATES N

O R T H

A R O L I N A

EDNESDAY

E N TR A L

, MAR

C H

IVER SITY

26, 2008

MISS NCCU CANDIDATES Nakia Lorrain Adamson, Washington, DC

Ashley N. Witherspoon, Charlotte

Chanel Janay Raynor, Newport, N.C.

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Major: Psychology and Parks and Recreation Management

Major: Biology

Major: Psychology

Favorite Food: Jerk chicken and Rice and Peas

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Food: Shrimp Alfredo

Why do you want this position? I aspire to be Miss North Carolina Central University to enhance the leadership skills that all of our students encompass but are not acting upon.

Why do you want this position? My desire to serve within this position is best described as responsibility. Miss North Carolina Central University is a coveted position that should have service and STUDENTS in mind, not the urge to wear a crown.

Why you want this position: I desire to be Miss North Carolina Central University because I feel as though I have so much to offer back to this great university. The direction I would love to take this prestigious institution in is getting students to begin to look past today, begin planning toward our prosperous futures, and begin to help one another grow and improve together.

My platform is one that focuses on Reaching and Empowering Authentic Leaders, or simply the abbreviation R.E.A.L. Through changing the image of our campus, bringing back Du Bois’s idea of the Talented Tenth, and encouraging more campus involvement, I seek to foster an environment of authentic leaders.

I feel that God has endowed every one of us with a light. My purpose as your next Miss NCCU is to allow my light to shine and encourage my fellow students to do the same, so that together we can make a change in our campus, communities, and the nation.

I’m such a positive person, with a positive attitude, and I wish to continue blessing, encouraging, and touching lives here at North Carlina Central University.

MR. NCCU CANDIDATES

Q&A CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Alexander V. Jackson

Eric M. Jefferson seemed enough.

motivated

Courtney was the parliamentarian for SGA this year, and she was always involved with the Senate. She knew the constitution like the back of her hand and we knew that we could always count on her. If there was something dealing with the Senate that needed to questioned, everybody knew to come to Courtney. That was the real factor in my decision in running with her. I need someone like that.

MITCHELL WEBSON/Staff Photographer

Major: Chemistry

Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite Food: Soul Food

Favorite Food: Pizza

Why do you want this position? I want this position because if elected I will be the best male representation of North Carolina Central University. I want this position because I feel that as a university we need to restore the sense of ownership and pride for what we have on this campus and for this university.

Why do you want this position? The truth of the matter is that I love my university like no other. I have been engaged in service to her since I arrived as a freshman and we have been together ever since.

The best way I saw to do so is by being an example to follow for the students of North Carolina Central University. Lastly, I want this position because I love North Carolina Central University and I believe that it should be represented well.

Now I am ready to take it to the next level. I want to be there all the time the way she has been there for me in the past. I want to do her name justice the way she has done my life justice. Through service to my peers, it’s an honor to represent you, Dear Ol’ NCC’: How sweet it is to be loved by you.

MOBLEY

COOPER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

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petition. When multiple candidates run, they each bring certain issues into their campaign. To win, other candidates must address these issues, in addition to their own, to prove that they are the best person for the job. This year, no one was forced to discuss their ideas for engaging the university’s large popultaion of non-traditional and commuting students. No candidate has had to discuss how they plan to ensure that campus events reflect the diversity of the student body. Competition is important when SGA officers represent students to the University’s Board of Trustees. SGA also works with various departments within the school to represent a student voice. Last year, when Residential Life was contemplating increasing room and board fees, they looked to SGA to assist in making

the decision. The organization works in counjuction with the Student Activities Board to plan the annual Homecoming and Spring Fling festivities. The lack of student involvement cannot be blamed on the Student Government Association, an organization that continually holds forums to encourage people to participate. Students are given ample time to complete the steps necessary to run for office, and students can decide to run far in advance Of course, running for office is only one of many ways of participating in student government. If people feel that their needs are not being met by the organization, students have many ways to voice their complaints. The elected officers are also responsible for meeting with students and working to ensure that the student body as a whole is represented.

including SGA, are supposed to serve as advocates for the students and a positive reinforcement for our University and Durham community. Now it seems as if they have become merely country clubs for those who seek to bask in the glory of popularity instead of serving as vessels of service. After speaking with students, I’ve realized that many of them think the candidates seek votes only because they have intentions of gaining VIP passes into parties, football games or other social functions, or to serve as a resume booster. Many questions rack my brain in this year’s SGA elections. How can one ask any student to take this year’s elections seriously when you have so many candidates running unopposed? Has the level of apathy on this yard hit rock bottom

to the point that the positions of SGA president and vice president have been decided before one pencil has filled in a ballot? Two years in a row, may I add. I find it sad and unbelievable as I ask my fellow Eagles about their thoughts on this year’s elections and I get responses that many of them don’t care about it or don’t even know who is running for which positions. Where did everything go wrong? Nonetheless, I continue to have faith and hope that our chosen leaders will rise above the glitz and glamour. My message to all the candidates: it’s not about the title that you hold but about the role you play. If your heart is not in the right place, it will definitely show. To the rest of the student body: vote and play your part.

When it comes to the Senate, I don’t need someone that I’m going to have to teach something to all over again that they should already know. ECHO: What are some other issues that you see as a point of concern for next school year? The appearance of this campus. I think that the students love this campus but at the same time when they walk around, they think to themselves “Oh, this is not Duke or UNC.” When I walk on Carolina and Duke’s campus with other NCCU students, their body language is different. They say, “Wow look at those buildings. Look at the grass. Everything’s perfect.” When you come on NCCU’s campus, you don’t get that. When we go to other HBCU’s, our students will compliment the campus their visiting more than their own. I feel that if there is some way we can make the appearance of NCCU better that would help the morale of our students. They would be more proud to be on campus and show it off to other students from other schools. Another issue I want to tackle is getting the administration involved with our students. This year, SGA has done many programs with the administration.

Some of those things were monthly luncheons with the Provost to discuss some of our concerns. Other things have been fireside chats with the chancellor, Smash NCCUSGA. But my problem is when we have these meetings with the administration, it’s nothing but a bunch of talk. There seems to be no solutions and change coming from these meetings. Our meetings with the provost were good, but I noticed that no administration was taking notes on the student’s concerns. So my thing is the students came to them with the issues, why weren’t they writing down what we were saying? It seems as if the administration will meet with us, but after the meeting is over it is just a meeting. I’m really going to focus next year on making sure the administration is constantly meeting the students’ needs with providing viable solutions to their problems. ECHO: So, overall why should the students believe in your vision? The students have seen what I’ve done my three years here on campus. When you ask around, “Who can I come to when I need help?” “Who seems to know the campus inside and out?” “Who will get the job done when it needs to be done right away?” — They know to come to Kent Williams. They know when I say I’m going to do something I’m going to do it. When it comes to the well-being of this University, they know I don’t play and I mean business. They know that I’m going to make sure that I’m going be certain that everyone is doing what they have to do in order to be successful. Students know my past and they’ve seen how I’ve interacted on this campus. With all of this, I believe the students know that I am the most qualified candidate for this position.

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