Print_Edition_September_29_2009

SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

N

O R T H

C

C

A R O L I N A

E N T R A L

UN

I V E R S I T Y

1801 FAYETTEVILLE STREET DURHAM, NC 27707

Campus . . . . . . . .

Beyond . . . . . . . .

Classifieds. . . . . .

A&E . . . . . . . . . . .

Photo Feature . .

Sports. . . . . . . . . .

Opinions . . . . . . .

1-4 5 6 7 8 9 10

VOLUME 101, ISSUE 2 919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

A&E

Sports

Opinion

Photo Feature

Get your tickets at the art department. McIver donates painting for scholarship raffle.

It’s now 0-3.

And each loss has been a heartbreaker.

Ever wonder what President Barack Obama thinks of Kanye West?

Echo staff photographer Chi Brown spends the day at the ReCYCLEry in Carrboro

Page 7

Page 9

Page 10

Page 8

Campus Echo NCCU preps for H1N1 DAVID L. FITTS, JR. ECHO STAFF REPORTER

As the H1N1 strain of the flu, as well as seasonal flu, has reached closer to home, spreading the word about precautions has become a priority for N. C. Central University.

Medical Director of Student Health and Counseling Services Letitia Hazel has been pushing this effort with the support of her staff.

“Wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick,” are the messages that Hazel and her staff are spreading across campus.

Information about H1N1 is available on the NCCU and Student Health Center Web sites as well as on posters around campus.

“More hand sanitizing stations have already been placed in the cafeteria and residence halls with more on the way,” said Hazel in an e-mail.

There is no difference between H1N1 and the “Swine Flu.” The virus was called “Swine Flu” when it was discovered, but it was changed to “H1N1” to distinguish it from other types of flu viruses.

According to Duke Medicine, high-risk groups for complications from H1N1 and seasonal influenza are similar. The major difference is that pregnant women and younger patients seem to be at a slightly higher risk of contracting H1N1.

“The NCCU SGA is helping public relations and the Student Health Center spread the word about the H1N1 virus,” said SGA president Dwayne Johnson.

“We have put up the ‘Cover your Cough’ posters around campus and made sure we tell students to continue to wash their hands and use the sanitizers.”

Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Programs Janice Harper said steps have been implemented to ensure that aca-

n See FLU Page 2

‘It’s policy, not race’ – GOP

BY ROBIN ABCARIAN & PETER WALLSTEN TRIBUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU (MCT)

WASHINGTON — Stung by accusations from some Democrats that bigotry underlies opposition to President Barack Obama and wary of further setbacks among minority voters, some Republicans are pushing back with a new mantra: We are not racists.

That theme was on display this weekend at an annual rally for conservative voters where several of the GOP’s potential 2012 challengers to Obama began laying out their arguments to unseat him.

Republicans are walking an aggressive but delicate line as they try to assure vot-

ers that their profound displeasure with the president is based on his policies, not his race. Some Democrats, such as former President Jimmy Carter, have alleged that the rise in opposition to Obama this summer came about because he is black.

“It’s important that we robustly reject any charges that we’re racist,” said Gary Bauer, president of the social conservative group American Values. He brought activists to their feet on Friday with a speech arguing that conservatives would gladly support any minority candidate for

n See GOP Page 5

Republicans hold up papers as President Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on health care reform Sept. 9.

HARRY E. WALKER/MCT

RASHAUN RUCKER WINS 2009 MONETA J. SLEET JR. PHOTO COMPETITION

Master cigar maker Antonio Riverol of Tampa, neatly rolls a cigar at his small work area inside the gift shop of the Columbia Restaurant on Thursday, August 6, 2009, in Ybor City. With his pack of Marlboro cigarettes in his pocket, Riverol only needs a razor, glue, and leaves to create the cigars that sell for five to 15 dollars. Riverol, who started the craft in his native Cuba, now has more than 50 years of experience rolling cigars, but doesn't smoke them. "I don't like the smoke," said Riverol, smiling.

Courtesy of Rashaun Rucker

ormer Campus Echo photography editor Rashaun Rucker is continuing his winning ways.

Pictured above is his winning entry in the photography shootout at the August confer-

F

ence of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Rucker, a staff photographer with the Detroit Free Press, was a photo editor at the Campus Echo from 2000-2001. In 2008 he won

an Emmy Award for his work on a Free Press feature, “Pit Bulls: Companions or Killers?”

Rucker was the first African American to be named Photographer of the Year by the Michigan Press Photographers Association.

Record freshman enrollment NCCU enrollment now stands at 8,501 ASHLEY ROQUE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University now has its largest freshman class in its history.

Freshman enrollment this

year: 1,347.

Freshman enrollment last year: 1,035.

That’s a 30 percent jump in freshman class size.

This continues the enrollment growth curve at NCCU.

In 2000, undergraduate and graduate student enrollment stood at about 5,000. Today it stands at about 8,500.

According to a 2007 UNC system Fall Enrollment

Report, NCCU’s target enrollment for 2012 is 9,938.

Some of the freshman class increase can be explained by overall increase in North Carolina high school students attend-

ing college.

According to the report, there were about 165,000 undergraduate students in the UNC system in 2007, up

n See FRESHMEN Page 2

Smith murder trial set for Sept. 29 Shannon E. Crawley is charged in the NCCU student’s death

BY CARLTON KOONCE ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Almost three years since the shooting death of former N.C. Central University Campus Echo staff reporter and photographer Denita Smith, the trial of the alleged shooter, Shannon Elizabeth Crawley, is set to begin Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Durham County Superior Court.

At the time of the shoot-

ing, Smith was 25 years old and working on a master’s thesis in English. She earned her undergradShannon E. uate degree Crawley in English at NCCU in 2004.

Smith’s body was discovered on the ground floor of her second-story Campus

Crossings apartment on the morning of Jan. 4, 2007.

Five days later, police arrested Crawley, a 911 operator who lived and worked in Greensboro, for the shooting. At the time of the murder, police described Smith’s shooting as “planned and personal.”

Information released weeks after the shooting revealed that Crawley had been stalking Smith’s fiancé, Jermeir Stroud, an

NCCU alumnus and Greensboro police officer.

“A lot of Echo upperclassmen were like big brothers and sisters on the Echo,” said mass communication senior Joanna Hernandez, who fought back tears as she recalled her friendship with Smith.

“Denita was one of those people, a big sister.”

Hernandez was a sopho-

n See TRIAL Page 2

Denita Smith at New York Times Student Journalism Institute, New Orleans, May 2004.

Courtesy New York Times Student Journalism Institute

Campus

2 N

O R T H

C

A R O L I N A

C

E N TR A L

UN

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

IVERSITY

Students pick up trash, go green Community and students gather in the hundreds to make a difference

BY AMARACHI ANAKARAONYE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

“Service is the rent we pay for living,” said children’s activist Marian Wright Edelman.

And on Saturday, Sept. 12, about 500 community and student volunteers entered the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium to pay their rent.

“Make a Difference Day” was the initiative of N.C. Central University Chancellor Nelms to get students involved in the community through service, and to promote environmental awareness.

NCCU student volunteers received the extra incentive of 15 credit hours of community service for picking up trash and recyclables in the community.

Landfills and other solid waste facilities are twice as likely to be located in North Carolina communities of color, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services.

Each American accounts for 1.2 tons of trash; collectively, North Carolina produces 12 million tons of waste each year.

“If you call folks together ... people get excited about it,” said Deborah Bailey, Academic Community Service Learning Program (ACSLP) director, about

from 128,000 in 1997.

In recent years about 86,000 students have graduated from a N.C. high school. Of these about 22,000 are African American.

But each freshman has a story about why they came to NCCU. “I came to Central because my godmother graduated from here and she loved it,” said Julia Brooks, a mass communication freshman.

“This school gave her a lot of opportunities.”

Jordan Sutton, mass communication freshman, said, “I chose Central out of all the other schools

now appearing on a computer near you

the new campusecho.com •multimedia•complete share & bookmark features (Facebook & more) •online advertising•free student, staff & faculty classifieds•news updated daily •archives & search from 2000 to present •comment options •news tip e-mail link

The Campus Echo Online is optimized for the Mozilla Firefox web browser.

Student volunteers walk along Alston Avenue headed to a service zone to pick up litter. About 500 students and community volunteers participated in Make a Difference Day, Saturday, Sept. 12.

AMARACHI ANAKARAONYE/Echo Staff Photographer

“Make a Difference Day.” “That tells us what students want and need.”

Inside the gym, volunteers — students, staff and alumni — were divided up into five service zones.

Guest dignitaries Mayor Bill Bell and N.C. Rep. Larry Hall spoke to students about the importance of their service.

Yolanda Anderson, chair of the department of environmental, earth and geospatial sciences,

TRIAL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

because it’s an HBCU.” “It just feels like a more supportive environment for me as an African American,” she said. “The teachers are willing to help and are down to earth.”

Michele Ware, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, sees the economy as a driving force for increased enrollment.

“Whenever the country goes into tough economic times, it’s more important to go to school,” Ware said.

“People know education is the key to success,” she said.

But increased enrollment brings with it a number of problems.

Departments have had to create more classes, especially in core curriculum.

“In the week before school began, the CLA added English composition and Spanish courses to accommodate incoming freshmen,” said Ware.

Modern Foreign Languages added eight sections — all of them Spanish.

Carlton Wilson, history associate professor, said his department went from 11 sections of World Society to 14.

Some teachers say they are teaching more courses than they normally would.

“I have taken a course overload to accommodate

N.C. Central University 521 Nelson Street Durham, NC 27707 Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm 919 530-7128

• Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program • Clinical Health Summer Program NCCU/Duke University Medical Center • North Carolina Access, Retention and Completion Initiative in the Allied Health Sciences (NC-ARC) Course Number BIOL2030. This course gives students an overview of allied health professions and facilitates acceptance into the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

More Opportunities are available. Contact us.

“We discovered a dumping site behind the Mary Townes building where fast food waste and old microwaves [among other materials] were dumped in a ditch,” said Bailey.

“The students who cleaned that dump site afterwards expressed a deeper appreciation for recycling.”

Political science sophomore Nakeyta Wall said the day changed her outlook on the envi-

FRESHMEN

Health Careers Center

Find out more about our Special Programs

presented a slide show on recycling and its positive environmental effects.

After registration and the distribution of supplies, volunteers ventured to their designated zones. The service zones spanned across Alston Avenue and Lawson, Cecil, Fayetteville and Burlington streets. About 25 volunteers picked up trash and planted grass on eroded land in each zone.

ronment.

“This event informed our community that NCCU isn’t just here as an educational resource, but also here to initiate change,” she said.

Volunteers included students from Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School, a program that has partnered with NCCU since 2004.

The program gives high school students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to two years of college.

“It was fun helping out the community,” said Isaiah McArthur, early college sophomore.

“Once you actually start to make a difference and you see the progress, you feel good about it.”

In addition to increasing their environmental awareness, students bonded with each other, faculty and community members.

Pharmaceutical science freshman William Tyson said the event helped him gain a greater sense of the community.

“It is the beginning, and hopefully the University will reinforce good recycling habits,” said Bailey.

“It takes time and when you have to clean it up, it helps you become more conscious of creating the waste.”

Charles E. McClinton, Ph.D., Director Alfreda D. Evans, Student Services Coordinator

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

the larger incoming class,” said Richard Musselwhite, a visiting assistant professor in the department of English and mass communication.

Then there is the overcrowding. Ashley Grimes, political science and psychology freshman, says she’s always seeing crowds and lines.

“It happens a lot when I am trying to get in my dorm and there is like 25 people standing in the lobby,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s so crowded that I can’t get into my dorm. The halls are always overcrowded and loud. People bring other people from different dorms and it just adds to the crowding.”

NCCU can only house about 1,900 students on campus. The surge in freshmen has forced about 300 upper classmen to live off campus at the Millennium Hotel in Durham.

Some students complain that living off campus is not quite the same as living on campus.

“I don’t mind staying at the hotel but it is so different from living on campus,” said Kana Elliott, biology junior. “You don’t always feel like you are in the mix.”

But the biggest problem,

some say, is that too many incoming freshmen are not prepared for the demands of college-level studies, or they face family and financial problems that force them to drop out.

In past years, about one of every four freshmen is not retained. In other words, about 25 percent of freshmen drop out.

UNC system President Erskine Bowles recently told the News & Observer that enrollment growth is admirable, but campuses must improve retention.

“They got a lot of kudos for really growing the enrollment,” Bowles said.

“But a significant number of students dropped out, flunked out after one year, with a lot of debt. They got a bad deal, and the state got a bad deal.”

Despite the troubling retention numbers and the overcrowding, freshmen are full of hope.

“I like the teachers here,” said Kenderick Moore, a political science freshman who plans to attend law school.

“They seem like they are from all over the world and they have good backgrounds,” Grimes said, “I always get the help I need no matter how many students are in the classroom.”

more at the time and said she and Smith worked assignments together for the Echo.

Smith was noted for her campus involvement. In addition to her work at the Campus Echo, she tutored in the Writing Studio and was an Eagle Scholar. She was a member of several organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society, SGA, and the Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir and Sound Machine Marching Band, where she played saxophone.

Smith was one of the first students from the Campus Echo to be accepted into the

New York Times Summer Journalism Institute, a program based in New Orleans.

As a graduate student, she continued to write stories and copy edit for the Campus Echo.

At the time of her death, Smith was working on a master’s thesis that explored black male identity in the work of author Richard Wright and hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur.

“Her faith was significant to her,” said Hernandez.

“It was rare not to see her smiling ... she was a great example of a human being.”

“We should take from her that we should influence people for the best, like she did.”

FLU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 demics will not be affected for students who may get sick.

“A letter has been sent to all faculty asking them to be flexible and work with students who notify them stating they have the flu,” said Harper.

Academic Affairs is developing a pandemic flu continuity of instruction plan that will provide guidelines to faculty and

students in the case of widespread illness due to the flu.

If there is widespread illness, instruction will primarily be through the Blackboard Web site.

The Student Health Center will offer flu clinics in the future to provide vaccines.

“When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, it will be given out,” said Hazel.

NCCU Fall Career Fair Thursday, October 1, 2009 10 am – 1 pm Leroy T. Walker Complex Employers will be on campus to talk with you about internships and jobs. Don’t miss this chance to talk one-on-one about career opportunities with employers that are hiring.

Professional business suit is required.

University Career Services William Jones Bldg, Lower Level Check us out on the web!

Phone: 919-530-6337 Email: nccucareerservices@nccu.edu http://web.nccu.edu/careerservices/index.php

Campus

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

N

OR T H

C

A R O L I N A

C

E N T R A L

UN

3 IVERSITY

NCCU mourns 100s honor Constance Roberson

BY TONDEA KING ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Freshens employee Christie Wood serves up smoothies, shakes and ice cream to customers in Pearson Cafeteria.

MITCHELL WEBSON/Echo Staff Photographer

Freshens is a smash Smoothie shop offers healthy choice, convenience

BY CHARITY JONES ECHO STAFF REPORTER

In the back bottom level of newly renovated Pearson cafe is Freshens, a smoothies and yogurt shop. The shop opened on the semester’s first day.

“We sell many different types of things,” said employee Christie Wood, “[including] energy boosters, protein shakes, and of course ice cream, yogurt and milk shakes.”

“My favorite drink is the OJ Sunrise,” said theatre sophomore Ariel Griffin. “It tastes like an orange and I like oranges so it just fits my tastes.”

Psychology freshman Kevis Parker also enjoys the smoothie stand. “My favorite drink is the Peach Sunset,” he said.

“Right now our most popular drink is Caribbean Craze,” said Wood.

The Caribbean Craze consists of 10 fruit juices, fresh strawberries and bananas as well as a MET-Rx booster, a protein for muscles and the body.

Though students cannot use their meal plans at the shop, they may use their flex dollars, credit or debit and cash.

“By adding this new addition to Pearson, we can help the students at N.C. Central University make healthier choices,” said Pamela Watson, Nutrition Manager at NCCU. “We want to be able to provide students healthy alternatives on campus,” said Watson. “We have nutritional programs such as Fitness and Nutrition, Women’s Health, and Healthy Eating Habits, as well as one-on-one counseling.”

According to Watson, stud-

ies have shown that at most HBCUs, students are obese because of poor eating habits.

To help students get on the right track toward a healthier life, Watson posts signs at each food station to show how many calories students are consuming.

“I like “Freshens” [because] it’s easy to get to in between classes,” said Parker. “I work out after classes and the booster that they use really works and gives me an extra boost.”

Griffin agrees that Freshens is convenient. “’I live in Annie Day so Freshens is just in the back,” she said. “The Mary Townes building is too far to go to get to Jazzman’s.”

Last semester, students were given the opportunity to vote for what stand they wanted.

Freshens won out over Auntie Annie’s, Sandellas,

and Jazzman’s, said Timothy Moore, director of auxillaries and business service at the University.

Moore said that even in the second week of business, a growth in sales was forecast.

Freshens doesn’t just offer pre-made drinks.

Students can create their own drink combination as well. Students are also welcome to bring their take-out food downstairs to the shop.

Wood said business is running smoothly at Freshens.

“So far there have not been any problems but more of a relaxed, calm feeling,” she said.

“I love the interactions with the students and watching them fulfill their dreams.”

Freshens is open Mondays-Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Constance B. Roberson, director of Alfonso Elder Student Union and student activities, was laid to rest Saturday, Sept. 12, with one last Eagle wave from family, friends and the N.C. Central community.

Hundreds attended her home-going services, held at the B.N. Duke Auditorium.

Roberson, who died Sunday, Sept. 6, had been receiving treatment for breast and spinal cancer.

Roberson, 60, had worked at NCCU in several capacities for 30 years. Those who knew her often referred to her as “Connie B.” “She was my mother away from home, my adviser, during and before I was SGA president,” said former SGA president Kent Williams.

“She was a friend to me and I loved her very much.”

Williams, a political science major, graduated in spring 2009.

At the service, Williams read a poem he wrote in tribute to Roberson that said in part: “Your unselfish acts of kindness and love will be the most radiant pages in the biography of your life.”

NCCU’s current SGA president also spoke at the service.

“I remember telling Ms. Roberson that I think I want

to be SGA president,” said history junior Dwayne Johnson.

“Ms. Roberson looked at me with that eye and said, ‘You have to claim that thing!’”

Johnson remembered that Roberson would often say that if you want something, you have to make it happen.

He recalled her encouragement of “This campus is yours.”

Roberson was born and raised in Durham. She attended Hillside High School and studied at NCCU, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health education and recreation administration in 1972.

In 1982 she earned her master’s degree at NCCU in recreation administration and special education.

At NCCU she held such positions as assistant program director, assistant director of development, coordinator of student activities and SGA adviser.

During October’s homecoming, the SGA will dedicate the wall of SGA presidents to her, in honor of her work and dedication “She will be considered a true Eagle, for her legacy continues,” said Torren Gatson, history senior and student activities board president.

Constance B. Roberson died of breast and spinal cancer on Sept. 6. The director of the Alfonso Elder Student Union had worked at NCCU for 30 years.

Courtesy of the Office of Student Affairs

Suicide seminar focuses on warning signals Outreach coordinator is concerned that someone commits suicide every 17 minutes in the U.S.

BY MATTHEW BEATTY FROM STAFF REPORTS

On September 17, N.C. Central University launched its Suicide Awareness Program.

The program provides factual information about suicide that students may not be aware of.

Even the date itself is significant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 17 minutes in the U.S. someone commits suicide.

Counselor Service and Outreach Coordinator .

Angela Lee is one of the many advocates who helped organize the program.

“We had been planning the program for about a

month and expected a large turnout,” said Lee. The program, which was supposed to be held at the bowl during the 10:40 break, was rained out and moved to the student union.

The event was a success nevertheless, with more than 100 students showing up to write affirmations for a later “upcoming project

still in the works.”

The program taught students that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people 15-24 years old. Students also learned some of the warning signs associated with suicide.

These signs include feelings of hopelessness, feeling like they have no reason to

Bring this ad for a 10% Discount with a NCCU ID!

live, rage, anxiety or panic, and withdrawal from peers and family.

People who give away possessions or talk of the future as if they will not be a part of it are also characteristics of someone who may be suicidal.

“There is no need for a person to be ashamed if they have mental health con-

cerns,” said Lee. “The one thing that someone should know if they do have mental health concerns is that there is someone to talk to.”

Students can learn more about stress, alcohol, depression and suicide on October 8 at the Booze and Blues Festival Fair during the 10:40 break.

Campus

4 NO

R T H

C

C

A R O L I N A

E N T RAL

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

UN

IVERSITY

Speaking about race

59 years of nurturing

Annual student speech contest Oct. 21

Child Development Lab on campus since 1940

BY ASHLEY GADSDEN

This year’s University speech contest will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in the B.N. Duke Auditorium.

The topic of this year’s contest is “From Shepard to Obama: Have We Achieved a Post-Racial Society?” The University speech contest began in 1989.

Charmaine McKissickMelton, associate professor in the department of English and mass communication, said she selected the topic because she feels that many white Americans think race is no longer an issue since the election of the nation’s first African-American president.

McKissick-Melton described race as “the most significant issue” and she said she wants to tie the contest topic to the role of HBCUs in America’s current racial environment.

“You have to research these speeches. If you want to speak, come with your best game,” said English

BY KANISHA MADISON

“We want the best and brightest students to participate.”

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

ECHO STAFF REPORTER

MINNIE FORTE-BROWN INSTRUCTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND MASS COMMUNICATION

instructor Minnie ForteBrown, an organizer of the contest.

According to ForteBrown, the speech should be persuasive and last from 6-8 minutes. Six finalists will be selected from preliminary tryout rounds held Sept. 2930.

“We want the best representation for the University ... we want the best and brightest students to participate,” said Forte-Brown.

Forte-Brown said the topic was selected to make students critically analyze where we are as a nation in connection to our centennial year as a Uuniversity.

Speakers will be judged by representatives of the University and the community.

The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $300. Prize amounts for sec-

ond and third places have not been decided yet. In addition to cash prizes, winners will be recognized at the University’s awards program. [WHEN?] Last year, biology senior Naima Stennett won the contest examining the role of hip-hop in American society.

“I think the speeches benefit students in that it helps them to develop skills which will aid the student in communicating with others ...,” said Stennett.

Stennett, who described this year’s topic as “relevant to what’s going on in today’s society,” said the judges look for a number of things in addition to the content of the speech, including attire, delivery, length and eye contact.

She said an important criteria was “how well you capture the audience.”

Transmission Rapair and Service • Brakes • Exhaust and Mufflers • Shocks, Struts and Suspension Service • Cooling System and Radiator Service • Air Conditining • Maintenance Tune-ups • Factory Recommended Maintenance

AAMCO RTP The Complete Car Care Experts 5116 S. Hwy 55, Durham, NC

919-493-2300

Sustainable Development, Democracy, and Peace: A Critical Link

please recycle

Nobel Peace Laureate

Thursday, October 1, 2009 7 p.m.

SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo photography editor

vide a nurturing environment,” said teacher Latitia Liles.

“We use a lot of redirection and model perfect behavior that we want our children in the classrooms to use.”

Liles is a 2003 NCCU graduate in early childcare education.

The cost for a child to attend the Child Development Laboratory is $560 per month.

Payment options include private payments as well as assistance from the Durham Alliance of Childcare Access.

The alliance, a subsidy program that funds childcare for working parents, is located at 1201 South Briggs Ave. in Durham.

Kemp said there is a waiting list for the laboratory.

“There are 10 on the list in the 3-year-old class and 21 on the list in the 4-yearold class,” said Kemp.

More information on this and other childcare options in Durham, is available at the Durham Alliance for Childcare Access at (919) 560-8300 and online at www.co.durham.nc.us.

the new Campus Echo Online campusecho.com

McIver Amphitheater, Meredith College Free and open to the public Visit www.meredith.edu for event details Sponsored by Meredith College and The Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture Fund

Bridget Perry-Kemp, director of Child Development Laboratory

now appearing on a computer near you

Wangari Maathai The Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture

Cubbies, foam lettering, bright colors and smiling faces describe the atmosphere of N.C. Central University’s Child Development Laboratory, which is used by students, faculty, staff and members of the community who are parents of 3- to 4-year-old children.

The laboratory, located on campus in the Dent Human Sciences Building, was established in 1940 by NCCU’s department of human sciences.

When the center first opened its doors, there were five children at what was then known as The Practice Cottage and Nursery School Program.

Back then, the doors were open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. By 1944, enrollment was up to 15 children and by 1989 enrollment was at 40 children.

The center is nationally accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Education Program and has a five-star license, the highest rating a child care institution can earn.

According to its mission statement, the laboratory is designed to prepare students to work with young children and provide a setting for students and teachers to “observe, interact with and study pre-school children in an environment which utilizes varied teaching strategies and methods to assure developmentally appropriate experiences.”

Bridget Perry-Kemp, director of the development laboratory, said 33 children are currently enrolled; six of these are children of faculty, staff or students.

The remaining children are from the community.

“Our teacher-to-child ratio is 1 to 8 in the 3-yearold class and 1 to 9 in the 4year-old class,” said Kemp.

“Our main goal is to pro-

•multimedia•complete share & bookmark features (Facebook & more) •online adver tising•free student, staf f & faculty classifieds•news updated daily •archives & search from 2000 to present •comment options •news tip e-mail link The Campus Echo Online is optimized for the Mozilla Firefox web browser.

What’s on your mind about Shepard Library?

Take the LibQUAL+ survey anytime between Oct. 12-30.

Help us serve you better.

Watch your NCCU e-mail for a link to the web-based user survey.

In the survey you will be able to tell us what you think about Shepard Library’s • resources • databases • book collection • customer service • research support • computers • facilities & building • and more.

We encourage the entire NCCU community to participate.

Survey participants will have a chance to win prizes!

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus

Get involved with Campus Ministries today!

Michael D. Page Campus Minister

Y-STAND Women’s Ministry Retreat, Saturday, Oct. 24 Contact Campus Ministries to sign up

For more information contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu

Beyond NCCU

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

NO

GOP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 president who embraced their “pro-family, pro-life” values.

“There’s a reason that partisans are quick to throw the racist charge out there, because they know that, unresponded to and undefended, it not only damages Republican chances with minority voters. But it also damages the party with millions of white suburban voters who, like most of us, desperately want racial reconciliation and believe that is what the country has to do to survive long term,” Bauer said later.

At least two prominent conservative AfricanAmericans were featured in the program of the “Values Voter Summit” — author Star Parker, a former selfadmitted welfare cheat who now rails against big government and entitlement programs, and former Ohio secretary of state Ken Blackwell.

The debate over race poses dangers for both parties.

Obama, not wanting to alienate whites, has tried to distance himself from any allegations of racism against conservatives. Even civil rights activist Al Sharpton told CNN that Carter's remarks had been blown out of proportion.

All of the potential Republican presidential candidates who appeared at the weekend meetings _ including Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney — avoided the subject of race.

A spate of racial incidents has not helped the GOP's image.

This spring in Tennessee, an assistant to a Republican state senator sent an e-mail titled “Historical Keepsake Photo” that featured thumbnail portraits of all 44 American presidents — Obama's image was two white googly eyes against a black background.

In California, the Republican mayor of Los Alamitos sent an e-mail depicting the White House lawn as a watermelon patch, with the caption “No Easter egg hunt this year.”

Bauer said Republicans need to find the right balance, telling “what I believe is a dwindling number of racists in America that conservatism is not a home for them,” while assuring minority voters that conservatives share their pride in the historic nature of Obama’s election even as they fight his agenda.

now featured on a computer near you

the new Campus Echo Online campusecho.com Optimized for the Mozilla Firefox web browser

R TH

C

A R O L I N A

C

E N T R A L

UN

5

IVER SITY

SEEDS sprout in NECD Urban garden program welcomes volunteers

The SEEDS educational garden is an oasis located in the historic Cleveland-Holloway neighborhood.

BRANDI MYERS/Echo staff photographer

BY CARA OXENDINE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Less than two miles from N.C. Central University sits a hidden gem, an organization called SEEDS, South Eastern Efforts Developing Sustainable Spaces.

It’s a non-profit organization that serves Northeast Central Durham (NECD) by transforming neighborhoods and lives through gardening.

NECD, or the historic Cleveland-Holloway neighborhood, consists of 302 blocks in Durham’s most troubled and neglected neighborhoods.

SEEDS, a leading light in the community, needs volunteers to keep it moving.

Since NCCU students are required to complete 15 hours of community service

every semester, this seems a likely fit.

“We would love to have more of a relationship with North Carolina Central and have more volunteers from there,” said Jessamine Hyatt, SEEDS volunteer coordinator and SEEDlings co-coordinator.

Hyatt doesn’t know of any NCCU students currently volunteering, but said they have in the past.

“We need a lot of tutoring in our afterschool program and also volunteers to help in the garden on weekday mornings and on Saturday mornings,” said Hyatt.

“We are a diverse organization working with a diverse group of young people and adults here at our garden in NECD,” said Hyatt.

The afterschool program

runs from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., but SEEDS can use volunteers earlier in the afternoon.

Hyatt explained that Durham Inner-city Gardeners (DIG) and SEEDlings are “central to what we do.”

DIG allows local youth to experience business aspects of food production by growing produce, herbs and flowers to sell at the Durham Farmers Market every Saturday.

SEEDlings is a free afterschool program for 1st through 5th graders in the community.

“Garden experience is a plus, but as an educational garden we are adept at getting novices started in the field,” said Santos Flores, DIG and Community Garden coordinator.

Gardening activities include planting, propagating, pruning and weeding.

Youth activities include tutoring and garden-based learning.

“We offer small garden plots and resources for the community to come and grow vegetables for their own economic development,” said Flores, “not to mention it stimulates social interaction, self-reliance, reduces crime, and conserves green space.”

Matt Daniels, a business junior at N.C. State University, is in his first year growing a garden.

“It’s a good source of recreation and it’s saved me a lot of money,” Daniels said.

“It’s something everyone should give a try.”

Dr. Sheila Allison

• general gynecology • abnormal PAPs • emergency contraception • hormone imbalance • bioidentical hormones • in office procedure • menstrual irregularities

In office procedure for sterilization and heavy periods.

6216 Fayetteville Road, Suite 105 Durham, N.C. 27713 919.405.7000 Fax: 919.405.7006

6

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

Classifieds HOUSE FOR RENT

Introductory offer: Free online classifieds for students, faculty & staff

4br House 613 Dunbar near NCCU's O'Kelly-Riddick football field. $900/Month Updated and move in ready.

Huge Kitchen, Covered porch, off street parking, laundry hook-ups. You pay utilities, owner maintains yard.

That’s right. Shoot us an e-mail from any NCCU.edu e-mail address and we’ll post your classified online for two weeks.

Just put the words “NCCU classified” in the subject line and sent it to campusecho@nccu.edu. Keep it under 35 words and be sure to proof read your copy.

To see call Cherry Realty 4779659, or Tricia 247-3771

A 2” x 2” classified box in the print edition costs just $10 for anyone.

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

Walk-ins welcome, appointments prefered Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm Wednesday 9 am - 6 pm Friday 10 am - 2 pm Room 339 ~ Farrison-Newton Communications Building 530-7554 writingstudio@nccu.edu

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

Home Screening for Bacterial Vaginosis to Prevent STDs (The BRAVO Study) Nationwide research study with approved medication to see if more frequent testing and treatment for bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection that is not an STD, will help to reduce the chances of women getting gonorrhea and chlamydia.

After the initial visit, swabs are collected at home and mailed, every 2 months for a year.

Qualifications: female, ages 18-25, no vaginal symptoms at time of first visit, and other criteria.

Testing & treatment at no cost, compensation will be provided.

please recycle

Please call: UNC Clinical Research Staff in DURHAM Karen Lau, FNP: (919) 560-7849 or Adriane Osborne, FNP: (919) 560-7850

PREPARING FOR THE GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT? ATTEND A STRATEGY SESSION WITH THE PRINCETON REVIEW SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009 THE MARY TOWNES SCIENCE COMPLEX CORNER OF CONCORD & LAWSON STREETS NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY Seating is Limited COST: Free!

Registration is Required GMAT, GRE and MCAT participants will meet on Saturday, October 10, 2009, 10 am 12 noon, in the Mary Townes Science Complex. Please take the practice test at Review.com and print and bring the scoring report to the strategy session LSAT participants are asked to make a two day commitment. This includes a practice LSAT, 9 am 1 pm on Saturday, 10/3/09 in 1233 Mary Townes Science Complex, and a two - hour session on Saturday, 10/10/09, 10 am 12 noon ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER BY Friday, October 2, 2009 in Room 3209 Mary Townes Science Complex FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Leon B. Hardy, Test Prep Program 3209 Mary Townes Science Complex, NCCU, Durham, NC 27707 (919) 530-5109, lhardy@nccu.edu Sponsored by the Test Prep Program, NCCU, a Title III Activity

A&E

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

N

O R T H

C

C

A R O L I N A

E N T R AL

7 UN

Slappin’ God Gospel musical explores the betrayal of Christ

IVER SITY

Passionate painter McIver gives art for scholarships

BY CANDESS CARTER ECHO STAFF WRITER

Theatre junior Jeffrey Miller commands attention during rehearsal.

MICTHELL WEBSON/Echo Staff Photographer

BY DESIREE BAILEY ECHO STAFF WRITER

N.C. Central University’s theatre department recently held auditions for the first major production of the year, “Slappin’ God in the Face.”

“The production is a high-spirited gospel musical that captures the buzz of suspicion stirred by the salutary ministry of Jesus Christ and the stinging acts of betrayal that led to his crucifixion,” said Stephanie “Asabi”Howard, theatre professor and director of the production.

The auditions were held on the 1st and 2nd of September in the Green Room, the theatre departments’ fellowship and waiting space.

The prospective actors and actresses were expected to prepare a oneminute monologue, sing 32 bars of a song, bring sheet music, read from the actual script and learn a dance rou-

tine.

Asabi said her vision for the play is to portray the ministry and persecution of Jesus Christ in a way that is authentic to the biblical account, but also give opportunity to the imagination.

“That’s where I take my “artistic license,” said Asabi.

I aim to use that impact and significance that have been historically established to evoke thought, emotion and artistry to the story of Jesus Christ.”

Ideally, NCCU’s theatre department traditionally opens the season with a musical. With that in mind, Asabi originally wanted to direct “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” an AfricanAmerican Broadway Classic debuting in the early 70s.

“Unfortunately, we could not acquire the rights for that show, so I decided to simply write a musical with

the same “feel” as the aforementioned show,” said Asabi.

Asabi reiterated that the story is based upon biblical accounts and research, but it is also filled with anachronisms and fabrications.

“I don’t want people to take every little detail to heart,” explained Asabi.

“The storyline of the play is as somewhat mentioned, captures a glance into the ministry of Jesus Christ and His influence on people; the bashing and attacks of the chief priests of Jerusalem (in particular); of course, His crucifixion and resurrection; and lastly, the after effects of the same.”

“Slappin’ God in the Face” will premiere Oct. 2.and end Oct. 11. The performance will be held in the University’s theatre. The tickets are $10 for non-theatre students.

Go to nccu.edu for more information.

Sun Ra: a music carnival of art

BY KATHERINE WHITFIELD ECHO STAFF WRITER

Sun Ra Arkestra and Mingus Big Band will perform in Duke University’s Page Auditorium Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m.

The exhibition will celebrate and pay homage to Charles Mingus and Afro-Futurist Sun Ra. N.C. Central’s University’s WNCU 90.7 FM will broadcast the concert live.

Sun Ra was born in segregated Birmingham, but told the world he came from Saturn.

Using a universe of cow bells, Chinese gongs, burning sax figures, and the piano lines he’d learned in church, Sun Ra turned the mixed-up lore of space and the Bible into a liberated sound the world had never seen: Ra’s massive, always-evolving Arkestra — that’s arkestra, not orchestra — turns the master’s charts into a carnival of otherworldly art: 15 tone scientists in robes, driving home a swing born in the cosmos.

Led currently by saxophonist Marshall Allen, the Sun Ra Arkestra has continued to tour internationally and release albums to critical acclaim.

Sun Ra Arkestra Courtesy of Duke Performances

Several long-time veterans remain in the ensemble.

The work explores the byways between many traditions of music: ragtime, swing, bebop, free jazz, electronic music and blues.

The Mingus Big Band was formed to honor and continue the legacy of Charles Mingus, one of the most

Kid Cudi Man on the Moon: The End of Day Motown

3out of 5 on the black hand side

12345 1234 123 12

?

Wet dreams Sweet dreams Day dream Nightmare Nightmare on Elm St.

respected composers and bassists in jazz.

Praised by the New York Times for their “muscle, affection for history, guts and soulfulness,” the Mingus Big Band performs some of the most compelling jazz to arise from the rich era of 1960’s and 70’s,when the band’s namesake mixed hard bop, gospel, collective improvisation and free jazz.

Over the last 15 years, the Mingus Big Band has released more than a half-dozen albums that have received both critical and popular success.

This will be the ultimate evening in massive modern big band music,” says Aaron Greenwald, director of Duke Performances.

“We’re making an event out of it because there is no other way to celebrate Sun Ra and Mingus than to have it be spectacular.”

This once-in-a-lifetime double bill has epic sweep: a full set from the Mingus Big Band starts at 7 p.m., followed by a beer and wine break.

After that, the Arkestra plays a full set.

NCCU students will receive a 10 percent discount.

For more information and ticket prices, go to dukeperformances.org.

The reigning king of tight jeans and self promotion, Kid Cudi’s style makes people talk.

And his first album, “Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” will definitely give the hipster-haters or lovers more to talk about.

The concept of this album is dreams and nightmares, a look into Cudi’s mind.

And he didn’t hold back, this album shows how open he is as an artist, it is clear he is not afraid of who he is.

Narrated by Common, “Man on the Moon: The End of Day” holds strong in the beat category with production from Kanye West, Emile Haynie and Ratatat. The album’s beats alone are beyond satisfactory.

However in some cases Cudi doesn’t do the beats justice lyrically and there is

As many may already know, N. C. Central University has a new addition to its art department.

Renowned artist Beverly McIver joined the staff of NCCU to continue to spread her love and passion to students who are interested in learning the amazing techniques of art.

“I was inspired to paint by artists who I studied with whose names are Richard Mayhew and Faith Rienggold who I knew when I taught at Duke University,” said McIver.

McIver is a Sun Trust Endowed Professor and the receiver of numerous prestigious awards and honors over the years, including the John Simon Guggenheim award and the Creative Capital award.

She received an Honorary Doctorate from NCCU in 2007.

“Being a Sun Trust Endowed Professor means that Sun Trust is paying for all of my expenses, like art supplies and my travels,” said McIver.

McIver has paintings in the North Carolina State Museum of Art’s permanent collection in Raleigh.

She also has work displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Crocker Art Museum, and The Scottsdale Museum of Art. A native of Greensboro, McIver earned her bachelor’s degree at NCCU in 1987 and her master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1992 After arriving at NCCU, McIver noticed the differ-

ence between NCCU and Duke University students.

“Students at NCCU are less fortunate to have the money the students at Duke University are able to have,” said McIver.

“NCCU students also do not have time to draw on canvases because many of my students work, as at Duke University many of them [the students] do not work.”

This observation caused McIver to create the Ethel McIver Foundation, named in remembrance of her mother. The foundation gives scholarship money to a well deserving college freshman.

“I just want to give a gift to a student that is as excited about art as I am, because art is peaceful,” said McIver.

To fund the money for the scholarship, McIver is auctioning off a self portrait entitled “Finding Peace,” valued at $9,600.

“This piece of artwork was about finding peace and sharing the peace that I have with art to others,” said McIver.

There are raffle tickets that are available for purchase for $50 at the art department, but they are mainly geared towards faculty, staff, and alumni.

According to Melvin Carver, art department chair, less than 100 raffle tickets have been sold so far, but it is still “very early” in the process.

The announcement of the winner will take place at the NCCU Art Museum during a reception after the homecoming game on October 31.

Self-portrait by Beverly McIver Courtesy of NCCU Art Department

something missing.

There also seems to be a lack of versatility. He sounds the same on most of the album.

And due to the concept, a lot of the album carries a melancholy tone.

The “lonely stoner” will definitely find a portion of his audience in those who use drugs to escape the pain of their reality.

One of the best tracks on the album is “Hyyerr,” fea-

turing Chip Tha Ripper. The most upbeat track, “Poker Face,” features Lady GaGa, Kanye West and Common.

The last track on the album, “Up Up & Away” is a

happy ending to a bad dream, but Common chimes in to remind the listener that the end is never the end, but that more challenges await.

“Man on the Moon: The End of Day” is not an album everyone will enjoy, but can be considered enjoyable if you understand what you’re experiencing.

What can be gathered from the album is people are different. We all have our own internal battles, our vices.

Life is not easy. Once you get past one rough spot, there is still another headed in your direction.

But it’s all about the individual and how you choose to handle it. You can either keep dreaming or live a nightmare.

— Joanna Hernandez

8

Fix it. Ride it. Save gas.

N

O R TH

C

A R O L I N A

C

E N TR AL

UN

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

IV E RS ITY

Photo & story by Chi Brown

s,

ks n The entrance to the Carrboro-based ReCYCLEry sees up to 80 do-it-yourselfers pass its threshold each Sunday.

hile the economy continues to place a strain on commuters, Sunday afternoons at the ReCYCLEry in Carrboro have people looking to make cycling an option when venturing out on the town.

It’s a bicycle shop unlike any other in town.

The not-for-profit organization teaches

W

anyone how to maintain their own bicycle, fix one up for themselves, or donate one for a good cause.

Each year, the non-profit gives away about 100 bikes.

“People come in, volunteer with the ReCYCLEry for 15 hours and in the process of learning bike mechanics, they earn one of our bicycles,” said Chris Richmond, the

ReCYCLEry’s director.

The ReCYCLEry’s repair classes are held on Mondays from Spring to Fall and inspire riders to share knowledge with other cyclists.

Over the last nine years, the ReCYCLEry has had to move three times. But once again, it will need to find a new location by December.

“It’s a pretty well-used resource so we need a space so we can focus on programming to boost ridership around Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the Triangle,” said Richmond.

“Everywhere else, you take your bike to be fixed and you drop it off like you would if you were dropping off your dry cleaning. At the ReCYCLEry you’re there hands-on, learning about the bike.”

A do-it-youselfer works to repair the axle on her bicycle’s front wheel. ReCYCLEry’s director, Chris Richmond, answers questions while others search the tool boxes.

Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

9

Eagles left dazed and confused NCCU FALLS TO MOREHEAD STATE 13-10 IN 2ND OVERTIME

BY AARON SAUNDERS ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

Saturday afternoon marked the third time in as many tries that the football team walked off the field in heartbreak, despair and disbelief.

NCCU had just lost its home opener to Morehead State in double overtime 1310.

Morehead place-kicker Rainer Duzan drilled a 45yarder through the uprights to win the game after a costly interception at the start of the second overtime thrown by sophomore quarterback Michael Johnson.

Missed opportunities all game led to the NCCU Eagles defeat at the hands of the Morehead State Eagles as they seemed to never be able to connect for the big play. Several big plays down field were either dropped or overthrown.

Perhaps none bigger than the second play of the game when junior running back Tim Shankle ran for a long touchdown only to have it called back on holding.

“We had a lot of dropped passes today and we left a lot of opportunities on the field,” said head football coach Mose Rison.

NCCU outgained Morehead 328 yards to 265 yards in total offensive yards and seemed to have a glaring advantage in team speed as they constantly beat Moreheads’ defensive backs down field all game.

“Offense played poorly today, we just did not execute,” Rison said.

The NCCU offense was red-shirt freshmen wide receiver Geovonie Irvine who led the eagles with 7 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

“He is an unbelievable talent,” quarterback

NCCU running back Tim Shankle breaks away only to have the touchdown brought back.

SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo photography editor

Michael Johnson said.

“I just knew I had to make a play… big plays make everyone excited,” Irvine said.

The NCCU defense only allowed Morehead state one touchdown all game despite being put in bad positions at times with fumbles and a bad punt. The Eagles’

defense forced two interceptions and kept NCCU in the game.

“We played alright after giving up a few big plays, but I can’t say it was the best game we’ve played as a defense,” junior defensive tackle Teryl White said.

Rison was also not pleased with the intensity

that his team showed throughout the contest. “It’s puzzling to understand how we came out flat,” Rison said.

Rison also stated that Tuesday and Wednesday were not good practices either so it was not a good week for the team.

“Sometimes you underes-

timate your opponent and this is what happens,” Johnson said.

The Eagles’ have found it hard to put their best game together so far this year.

“They just played a better game than we did today,” White said.

The loss puts NCCU at 0-3 heading into next week’s

Bull City Gridiron Classic against Duke University, the only Football bowl subdivision team (Formerly D-IA) on the schedule.

“It’s a great historical event for the city of Durham and both Universities,” Rison said.

Now in the sack with MEAC NCCU pulled out of MEAC in 1979 BY

ASHLEY GRIFFIN

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

The next time Blake Murray takes the baseball field, he believes he’ll be competing for more than a win.

“I am excited because I will be a rising senior and finally will be able to compete for something meaningful,” said Blake Murray, junior first baseman.

“I look forward to playing better competition.”

N.C. Central University will rejoin the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in fall 2010, with the ability to compete for national championships in 2011.

The MEAC is a Division I conference comprised of most of the historically black colleges and univer-

sities along the east coast.

Established in 1969, the conference’s original members included Delaware State College (now Delaware State University), Howard University, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University and NCCU. The MEAC currently has 13 members with the hope of adding one more school.

Athletes, as well as coaches, are excited about the move.

“I feel good about it ... when you are in a conference it makes things a lot easier,” said Georgette Crawford-Crooks, head volleyball coach.

“I’m so excited, we are already playing schools in

Your beauty and relaxation is our business.

1912 Hwy 54 East Durham, NC 27713 www.maneemotions.net 10-7 Tue thru Fri, 7-3 Sat, Mon by appointment

•Online booking • Complimentary beverages • Wi-Fi • Proud distributor of Influance, Sebastian and Nouritress products • Reasonable, Quality Service

We offer a serene, professional atmosphere.

Our qualified stylists specialize in first, healthy hair care, precision cuts, custom & corrective coloring, undetectable weaves, Brazilian blowouts, lacefronts & restorative hair replacements.

Call us at xxx.xxx.xxxx????

a conference, but to officially be in it is exciting.”

NCCU left the MEAC in 1979 when the conference moved to Division I because the University felt it didn’t have the money to stay competitive, said Kyle Serba, athletics spokesman.

The Eagles joined the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), a Division II conference.

Before leaving the MEAC, the Eagles won nine MEAC championships, including football conference titles in 1972 and 1973.

University officials decided to apply for Division I status in 2005 to promote the school through athletics, Serba said. This

was evident in the 2008-09 men’s basketball schedule, where the team’s away games included trips to Utah, Iowa, Michigan, Texas and Kansas.

“It is a great way for the university to market itself thru its athletics on a more national scale and we are trying to align our academic offers like other universities and a lot of schools in CIAA weren’t,” said Serba.

NCCU enjoyed success in the CIAA, including men’s basketball 1989 NCAA Division II National Championship and multiple conference championships in track and field and volleyball.

Playing Division I schools has been a challenge for the Eagles.

The football team went

4-7 last year and men’s basketball only won six games in 2008-09.

“We knew the wins and loses would be part of the transition, but the athletic administration is going well,” Serba said.

“The staff has grown, more scholarships are available and student-athletes have more academic support.”

Even though NCCU won’t be eligible to com-

pete for any NCAA championships for a few years, the Eagles will begin playing a MEAC schedule this fall, which is exciting for Murray.

“Although we can’t compete for an NCAA title, being in a conference, there is still something to play for whereas before there wasn’t,” he said.

“It also shows that we are moving forward in the NCAA and that’s good.”

EAGLELAND T-shirts sweats polo shirts decals license tags tote bags license frames baseball caps buttons mugs caps car flags pens pencils pennants pom poms bags ceramic eagles towels NCCU framed print, and much more.

Serving N.C. Central University If we don’t have it, we will get it.

If we can’t get it, it’s probably not worth having!

We have the best prices on Earth.

We do custom orders.

And we deliver on occasion!

Marvin Bass, Owner 2501 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707

919 956-5393 www.eaglelandonline.com

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

Residential Services is currently looking for Direct Support Professionals to work in our group homes for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Entry-level positions available, no experience necessary!

Gain valuable experience beyond the classroom and make a difference in the lives of others.

Part-time ($10.10/hr.)and full-time positions ($10.20/hr.) available.

Apply online at www.rsi-nc.org

Opinions

10 N

O R TH

C

A R O L I N A

C

E N TR A L

UN

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

IVER SITY

I agree, Kanye is a ... just finished reading a news article on Yahoo lambasting President Barack Obama for calling Kanye West a “jackass” in the aftermath of his outEddie burst at Moore the MTV Video Music Awards.

First let me say, who cares about the VMAs? I’m appalled at the number of people who seemed to center their lives around the senseless drama and antics of the proverbial cult of celebrity.

At some point, we should all wake up and realize that the people we tout as our society’s “elite celebrities” are just ... people.

Apparently since West’s disrespectful interruption of Taylor Whats-her-name was the beginning of a global

I

meltdown, there’s no way around giving this tomfoolery some attention.

Clearly, America’s hegemony — and define this reference however you like –– is building its case for election 2012, with the definitive agenda of establishing reference points from which to argue that Barack Obama, a black man, is an unfit president.

The overarching impetus behind all the minutia-driven hoopla is of course, racism, though its subscribers will never own up to it. I absolutely love that the mere presence of President Obama is forcing America to unveil itself.

It is not my belief that everyone is evil. It is my belief, however, that there are evil people among us, and unfortunately they are so deeply immersed in it, they cannot see themselves.

The issue at hand —

The issue at hand — he said West is a jackass. I’m glad he said it. he said West is a jackass.

I’m glad he said it.

I’ve never been a West fan. His oversimplified rhymes about absolutely nothing of any social merit have never been impressive.

His parade around the ever-ogled and objectified Amber Rose — where did this woman come from, and why is she a celebrity? — is a clear overcompensation for ginormous insecurity.

Yes sir, you do indeed have a big ego for no reason.

His famed histrionics and temper tantrums are amazingly profound classic examples of attention-seeking behavior, which our society has encouraged and celebrated.

His attempt at political relevance – re: “George Bush don’t care

about black people” — was mere asinine embarrass, ment for African Americans everywhere, rather than the defense it was intended to be used for.

Clearly West is a guy suffering from “just don’t know how to act in public / I can’t take you nowhere” syndrome.

And yet he remains a pop icon that thousands of youth admire, emulate and patronize. How sad.

I gladly support the president’s denunciation of this over-the-top character as a jackass.

Is it presidential to say so? Some would argue that it is not, preaching that a president should maintain a standard of graceful professionalism that does not allow such talk.

I disagree. I believe it is the job of our first African-American presi-

dent to set a new standard for Black America.

Our youth have been in desperate need of a new iconic hero, who embodies intentional excellence.

There are quite enough examples of sagged pants, bedazzled skinny jeans, ridiculous 80s fashion and unintelligible speech about absolutely nothing. It is high time for the emergence of a new standard in America.

If it takes the President saying, “He’s a jackass,” for just a few impressionable kids to wake up and see this side of hip-hop culture for what it really is — embarrassing — I applaud his candor.

Rather than criticize him for denouncing this type of ignorant behavior, perhaps America should celebrate the fact that he has the potential to single-handedly exterminate the cultural pollution in our nation. And he can do that, just by being Barack.

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question:

How long would you wait for a late teacher and why?

“Depends on the teacher. No more than 10-15 minutes, just to be polite.”

— Joey Squire

Daycare nightmare he thought of being a new mother brought a feeling of excitement and mystery to my mind.

I was so ready to start school and put my son in daycare, so that me and my fiancé Kanisha could Madison work.

I thought that it was going to be easy to find daycare for a 7-month- old, since we had already picked out the center that we wanted him to go to.

The only problem was that we were still waiting on the daycare assistance.

I have been on a waiting list for assistance since April. I have friends that have

T

already received assistance for childcare, but I am still waiting.

This is a program that helps working parents and also parents who are attending school full-time.

It is for low-income families who can’t afford to pay for childcare out of their pockets.

When signing up, I told the office assistant at Durham’s Alliance for Child Care that I would be attending school full-time, and that my fiancé would also be working a fulltime job.

It is going to be very difficult to switch shifts in order to watch my son, when we should be able to find a reliable daycare that can watch him while we are at school and work.

People who don’t even attend school or

work already have daycare provided by Durham’s Alliance.

Apparently, the reason that it is taking me so long to receive assistance is that my fiancé signed my son’s birth certificate.

It seems as though more support is given to single parents than a couple that actually wants to be together.

I didn’t know that signing a birth certificate would cause me so much trouble.

Therefore, they are expecting us to provide the payments for daycare until I receive assistance.

Some parents have been waiting for almost two years for assistance and still haven’t received anything.

I called the office in charge of distributing childcare assistance, and was told no funds

were available.

There was only one time that I received an answer that was actually beneficial, and I took a deep breath when I received it. I found out that I may be next to receive my funds.

If there are no funds, then how are other parents receiving help for childcare?

It all just makes me wonder if I could have received assistance as a single mother that was not trying to pursue an education.

My experiences with the local department of social services have been both good and scary at times.

Without safe and reliable daycare, I am still trying to figure out how I am going to pursue my bachelor’s degree and how my fiancé is going to keep his job.

Letters Johnson not re side nt of Campus Crossings Dear Editor-in-Chief Carlton Koonce, I am writing a response to your article “A Poet Falls Silent,” published on September 9, 2009. Campus Crossing would like to extend their condolences to the family of Lance Johnson.

We know this must be a difficult time for you.

We would also like to take this opportunity to state the facts. Lance Johnson was not a resident of Campus Crossing, and his unfortunate passing did not take place at Campus Crossing Apartments.

We will keep the Johnson family in our prayers.

Thank You, Adrian Myers Community Manager Campus Crossings Apts.

“Fifteen minutes and no longer. If we can be on time, the teacher should be too. We shouldn’t have to wait. ” —Daniel Harrison

“Ten minutes, because I feel that if we should be able to come within 5-10 minutes of starting time, then why should they come later than that?”

—Chervae Garner

Because of production problems in our 9/9 issue we are re-running Brandon Murphy’s cartoon.

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Carlton Koonce - Editor-in-Chief Joanna Hernandez - A&E Editor & Assistant Editor Britney Rooks Aaron Saunders Savin Joseph Erica McRae Mitchell Webson Mike DeWeese-Frank Roslyn Matthews Roddrick Howell Jerry Rogers Lakela Atkinson Amanda Chambers Jean Rogers Stan Chambers Ninecia Scott Matthew Beatty Jabari Blackmon David Fitts Ashley Roque Chasity Richardson Amarachi Anakaraonye Kanisha Madison Dwayna Clark Chris Hess Chioke Brown Chanel Laguna Brandon Murphy

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

now appearing on a computer near you

the new Campus Echo Online

campusecho.com

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

Letters & Editorials The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be about 575 words. Include contact information. The Echo reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, vulgarity, typos and miscellaneous grammatical gaffs. Opinions published in the Echo do not necessarily reflect those of the Echo editorial staff.

E-mail: campusecho@nccu.edu Web address: www.campusecho.com Phone: 919 530 7116 Fax: 919 530 7991 Fall 2009 Publication dates: 9/09, 9/25, 10/07, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18 © NCCU Campus Echo/All rights reserved The Denita Monique Smith Newsroom Room 348, Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg.

NCCU, Durham, NC 27707

•multimedia•complete share & bookmark features (Facebook & more) •online advertising•free student, staff & faculty classifieds•news updated daily •archives & search from 2000 to present •comment options •news tip e-mail link

The Campus Echo Online is optimized for the Mozilla Firefox web browser.