THE WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY monday
april 13
2015
Vol. 53, Issue 10
WWW.THENEWSARGUS.COM
Students travel to Kenya to study, research, mentor Veniscia Jones Dysheada Reid @vjones111 @dreid112
Twelve Winston-Salem State students spent their spring break with the WSSU Study Abroad 2015 Program held in Kenya March 6-17. The collaboration with Kenyatta University involved students living in the university’s guest rooms and dorms while taking trips to numerous sites of historical and cultural concentrations in Kenya. “It was life-changing for me. It was so different from what I’m used to. The people were so welcoming to everywhere,” said Emilee Muhammad, freshman mass communica-
tions major from Greensboro. Students not only studied and attended lectures, but mentored elementary school students and young women in Kenya. According to interim chair of the english department, Leonard Muaka, the program aimed to promote the knowledge and understanding of East Africa in a global perspective. It was open to all students, particularly those with a focus on social science and humanities, education and health sciences. The program was originally scheduled May 20, 2014 in conjunction with Kenyatta University located in the capital Nairobi. However Nairobi
NC Labor stats rank WSSU grads No. 1 Courtney Herring Multimedia Editor @cherring111
Among the 16 schools in the UNC system, Winston-Salem State students are ranked No. 1 according to employment data collected by the NC Department of Commerce’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division. At least 79 percent of WSSU’s 2012-13 undergraduates are employed and earn about $37,844 yearly. WSSU earned the No. 2 rank in the graduate degree category because 78 percent of the students are earning at least $60,000 yearly. About 50 percent of those students earned bachelor’s degrees in other health-related programs. Dan Cohen-Vogel, the vice president of Institutional Research at University of North Carolina, said the data is enlightening because it shows that the nursing students get jobs. The N.C. Commerce used the Common Follow Up System to collect the data. CFS provides information on the educational and employment outcomes of participants in publicly supported educational, employment and training programs for planning, policy making, and program evaluation. Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson said he was very pleased with the data and it proves faculty are making sure that students are receiving quality education to prepare them to think critically in today’s workforce. Although the analysis is allur-
ing for students seeking health related degrees, all the graduates were not counted. “If a student becomes employed by the state government, they will be counted in the data, as is the case with local government and private employers,” Cohen-Vogel said. Federal employees and those self-employed were not included in the report. An occupation is not identified unless the person is employed. Graduates are counted as employed regardless of whether the job is related to their degree of study. “So you could be an accounting major working at McDonald’s , or you could be at McDonald’s the summer after graduation with an accounting degree as you’re waiting to start your MBA program. “Both will show up as the same industry and both will show up as employed. Just different wages,” Cohen-Vogel said. Jacqueline Keener, the acting director of the commerce department’s Labor & Economic Analysis Division, said that students take different paths to complete a degree, and that decision may impact employment and wage outcomes. “Graduates can be employed, not employed, or have a multitude of employment while getting further education. “All of these can have an impact on the programs outcomes,” she said.
NUMBER ONE continued on Page 3
was bombed four days before the students’ departure. The bombing was linked to the Somalian terrorist group Al-Shabaab. A travel alert was issued by the U.S. Department of State Travel Warning for Nairobi and Mombasa, the coast of Kenya. The program was reopened for this semester. Gloria Mesa, a junior healthcare management major, was the only student from the first group that decided to give the trip a second chance. “People have this basic cognition about Africa as a whole and I feel that at a historically black college, that should be the first trip you’re trying to go on as a person,” Mesa said. Mesa is a native of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and a resident of Greensboro. Jalissa Brown, senior nursing major from Winston-Salem said,“I wanted to get my own interpretation of Africa since there are so many stereotypes about it.” Students spent five weeks during the spring semester prepping for the 11 day on-site experience. “None of my family has been out the country,” said Tashieka Brown, senior nursing major from WinstonSalem. “They didn’t want me to do it because of the perception that they had because of what they’ve seen in the media,” One experience that every-
one on the trip reflected on was a visit to a Kenyan slum. “I’ve never seen anything like that, it changed my whole perspective on being unappreciative or nagging my mom about stuff,” said Tahera Hargrove freshman from Greensboro. “We went to the slums and when you see people without the basic necessities ... you have so much and you should be thankful for everything,” said Linda Boyd, a junior accounting major from Durham. “Traveling is the best form of education. When you see it for yourself nobody can teach you any better because you’ve seen it with your own eyes,” said Mesa
‘Sittin’ at the round table making boss moves’
Bottom from left: Sports editor, Matt Parmesano; Editor-in-Chief, Katrina Robinson; Social media and special projects editor, Dysheada Reid. Top from left: Graphics and design editor, Sabrina Robinson; 2nd Take team member, Demetrius Dillard; Multimedia editor, Courtney Herring. The News Argus staff racked up awards in February and March. Argus staffers won seven awards at the North Carolina College Media Association Conference at UNC Asheville Feb. 21. The Argus was named Best of Show: Newspaper, and the Argus website --thenewsargus.com -- was named Best of Show: Online News. Editor-in-Chief Katrina Robinson, along with for-
mer editor-in-chief Chelsea Burwell, finished third in News Writing for a story they wrote jointly. Katrina Robinson also took third in Opinion Writing. Staff reporter Demetrius Dillard finished second in Sports Writing. The Second Take team -- Sports Editor Matt Parmesano; reporters Jaquel Horne, Eric Hargrove and Lewis Miller; and Javan Wells -- finished third in the Multimedia Package category.
Sabrina Robinson, graphic art and design editor, received an honorable mention in the Illustration/ Graphic/Cartoon category. Katrina Robinson attended the 23rd Annual NABJ Multimedia Short Course at North Carolina A&T March 18-21. While there, she received an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Reporting Convergence (Online).
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The News Argus
Opinion
Monday, April 13, 2015
www.thenewsargus.com
‘...to protect and to serve...’Who? “Sport hunting and the noise, fear, and predation associated with it causes Katrina Robinson great Editor-in-Chief stress. @krobinson110 It hampers [an animal’s] ability to protect and provide for themselves.” It was a statement written on behalf of “Last Chance for Animals” but I am using it to rename the campaign Last Chance for Blacks. It’s hunting season; only the season lasts 365 days. The predators are not a washed-up organization whose members wear bed sheets, ride horses and burn crosses in the front yard and churches. The predators are not part of an inconsequential Greek organization practicing freedom of speech by chanting, “There will never be a nigger SAE.” Those people make us uncomfortable only. People who are openly ignorant are not a threat to our equality.
I’m motivated to award “Last Chance for Blacks” to our government and law enforcement agencies. Egregious tragedies like the fatal shooting by white police officers of unarmed Black men like Walter Scott derive from systematic discrimination -behaviors and practices that make racialized policing the norm and not the exception. Once that attitude is embedded into an institution, it becomes acceptable. Social media via video cell phones and car cams have exposed the antics of those who are supposed to serve and protect us. But I’m insulted that in order for this issue to be taken seriously, Blacks must rely on a low quality cell phone video. Michael Slager, the police officer would not have dispensed Scott -- who was a son, brother, father and a veteran -if he weren’t deemed dispensable, inferior. To stop police killings, we must change the political culture that threaten Black lives. It has nothing to do with our behavior, or our attire, hair, music – all of which are mimicked by our white contemporaries. They don’t have to worry about getting shot in the back. Their skin color is quite visible.
Campus Crime Blotter Dear Argus Readers, Please accept our sincere apology for not including the popular “Crime Blotter” column in this Argus issue. We were unable to collect the crime reports from campus police because the ONE person who reads us the abridged version of the report has been unavailable. We think Campus Police is violating the Clery Act by not providing the written information and making the reports more accessible. The report, a public document, is in fact available to everyone. We plan to contact the Student Press Law Center for advice. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Victor
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at
thenewsargus@gmail.com
The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Argus Staff
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To see and listen to the complete responses visit www. thenewsargus.com.
DR. JACK MONELL JUSTICE STUDIES DEPT. BROOKLYN, N.Y. We have latitude in what we convey, but we must be cognizant and maintain a level of décor when we respond and convey our opinion.
The University of Oklahoma’s fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon got suspended from it’s chapter for being caught on camera singing a racist song. Many argued that they used their free speech in a reprehensible way. This issue’s Campus Crew question ask...
Do you think our freedom of speech is really free?
SHAQUANA AIKENS SPANISH RALEIGH Our speech is free. It may cause controversy, but that’s life. It causes an uproar and makes people think. It’s what makes us different.
ZACHARY SNIDER SPANISH NEW STRAITSVILLE, N.C. In a metaphorical sense, yes there is freedom of speech. But in reality, there is a consequence for every action you make.
DR. WILLIAM BOONE ENGLISH DEPT. ORANGE, N.J. We have freedom of speech because it’s legislated; however, that freedom is constricted by personal, cultural and historical responsibility
MARCO JETER SOCIOLOGY WASHINGTON D.C. Our speech isn’t really free. If you say something that may effect people, usually on social media, it won’t be said because people are afraid of backlash.
News & features
www.thenewsargus.com The News Argus Page Tuesday, November 2008 Monday, April 13,18, 2015 Page 3 The News Argus www.thenewsargus.com 3
CBS sports correspondent visits Bennett to discuss media diversity
Matt Parmesano Sports Editor @mparmesano112
CBS Sports Correspondent James Brown was the featured speaker at a panel discussion on “Future of Media” at Bennett College in Greensboro March 26. Diversity in media and keys to a successful career were the major themes of the discussion. About 50 people attended the discussion, including The News Argus and media members from FOX8, WFMY News 2, the Winston-Salem Journal. Brown is a three-time Emmy award-winning network broadcaster and “Best Studio Host of the Decade,” according to SI.com. He is the host of “The NFL Today” and “Thursday Night Football” on CBS. He is also a special correspondent for CBS News and has contributed to various programs including “60 Minutes.” Brown conducted a question-and-answer discussion with students and other media professionals. A Bennett student asked him whether it matters which college or university a media student attends and what impact that may have on a student’s success in the industry. “It really doesn’t make any difference where you go to school,” he said. “What matters most is how passionate you are about learning and applying what you learn to the game of life. While in college, you have to be a sponge and absorb everything you can and apply it so that you can become well-rounded and stand out.” A devout Christian, Brown is an ordained minister and has appeared on Christian network television shows including “Praise the Lord,” “Hour of Power” and the “700 Club.” He has ministered at churches and men’s conferences around the country. Brown was asked what it is
like being a Christian in media and working with people who are not. “First of all, I don’t go around trying to beat people over the head with the Bible,” he said. “I try to be an excellent living epistle; it’s just who I am.” Brown told stories about his colleagues, including a humorous account about his first “The NFL Today” appearance with Terry Bradshaw, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. He said that just before the show started, Bradshaw offered lip balm to the analysts, saying it would help them from getting cottonmouth on camera -- but he did not offer any to Brown. Brown asked, “Redneck [Brown’s affectionate nickname for his good friend Bradshaw], why didn’t you offer the brother any?” Bradshaw, a white man, pulled the Carmex tube back out of his pocket, looked at it and said jokingly, “You’re gonna need a whole handful [in reference to the stereotype of African-Americans having big lips].” Brown said he could have reacted negatively to Bradshaw’s joke but stressed the importance of having “thick skin” when it comes to race issues and not overreacting to differences in culture. He said keeping an open mind is the key to diversity in media and the world. He said Bradshaw is one of his best friends in the business. Brown said it is imperative for young media students as well as media professionals to be accepting of not only people of color and other minorities but women as well. When asked about the discrepancies in reporting of stories based on race, Brown said fair representation in media is the key to balanced reporting. “It’s important that we have a diverse newsroom so that people can look at [stories] and filter [them] through a fair and accurate lens,” he said. “People can say they don’t see color, but yes they do
T h e Staff
Katrina Robinson
Editor-in-Chief
Dysheada Reid
Social Media/Special Projects Editor
Sabrina Robinson
Graphic Art and Design Editor
Matt Parmesano
Sports Editor/ 2nd Take Production Manager
Courtney Herring Multimedia Editor
Sheridan Watkins Copy Editor
Dr. Lona D. Cobb Faculty Adviser
*
N e w s
see color. We need to see the strength in diversity as opposed to looking at it as something that’s stereotypically negative. There is more diversity now than when I started out, but we need a significant number of minorities and women in management positions to ensure that diversity continues to grow,” he said. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s more to be done. Young minorities and women as well as current leaders in media need to continue to speak out and stand up for their beliefs and what’s right.”
NUMBER ONE
Corey Walker said,“I am indeed delighted of the truly righteous intellectual work that our students, faculty, and staff have and the just recognition we have received in this study conducted by the UNC system.” Walker is dean of the College
Lewis Miller Demetrius Dillard 2nd Take Team
Jamal Haizlip Photojournalist
Martrese J. Meachum Eric Hargrove
Contributors
of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education. “This report affirms the direction and efforts of all members of our great institution – students, faculty, staff, and alumni – in preparing a new generation of leaders to advance our society and world.”
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YOU SERVE, YOU LEARN It Really Is That Simple.
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Jaquel Horne Lewis Miller Multimedia Producers Veniscia Jones Brandi McIver Social Media Assistants
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The News Argus, the official student newspaper of WinstonSalem State University, is produced in conjunction with two classes in the Communication and Media Studies Department. Any full-time WSSU student is eligible to join the staff or become a contributor. The Argus is published and circulated twice monthly on Mondays during the fall and spring semesters. The Argus is not published during holidays or University breaks. The News Argus online (www.thenewsargus.com) is updated regularly throughout the fall and spring semester. The newspaper is not published during the summer sessions. The News Argus affiliations include: Uloop College Publisher, College Media Advisors, Society of News Design, North Carolina College Media Association, Southern University Newspapers, Associated Collegiate Press, Black College Communication Association
Sports Page 4
The News Argus
Monday, February 9, 2015
www.thenewsargus.com
Corpening: Energetic, friendly, effective leader
By Demetrius Dillard 2nd Take team member
Devan Corpening The Winston-Salem State women’s tennis team, led by first-year head coach Keisha Holmes, is 5-6 overall, and 5-5 in conference as it looks to conclude the season on a good note. Holmes said the team needs to stay focused to finish strong in the CIAA. Thus far, Coach Holmes has enjoyed her time at WSSU, stating that “the experience has definitely been eyeopening.” “I’m just grateful that the girls [tennis team] accepted me well - so that definitely helped the transition work.” Devan Corpening, a 5-foot-8 senior from Granite Quarry, N.C., has been chosen by Holmes as this issue’s recipient for the Coach’s Game Ball. Corpening has greatly improved, moving from the team’s No. 5 player last season to its No. 1 this year. Holmes is impressed by Corpening’s effective leadership and mental ability, guiding her younger teammates to suc-
cess on and off the court. Corpening, along with freshman Aja Grant, has a 6-5 record in doubles matches. They currently rank fourth in the CIAA. Holmes described Corpening as “friendly” and “sociable”, adding that “she’s a very energetic child. That’s why I definitely love her on my team. I’m glad that she was on here as my first year as a coach.” Corpening is a biology major, and is involved in Tri Beta, which is an honors biology club. She also serves as the vice president for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee of WSSU, and is part of an Young Folks Tennis, an organization that teaches children tennis. Argus: When did you begin playing tennis? Corpening: I started playing in sixth grade. I practiced all summer to make the team in seventh grade. Argus: What is the highlight of your career at WSSU? Corpening: Last year was really good because I only lost two or three times [in singles] and I had the best record on the team. I made myself happy because I worked hard and did really well. Argus: In what part of your game have you seen the most improvement? What still needs to improve?
Corpening: The best part of my game is consistency and placementof-ball; what I could work on is my placement-of-ball on my second serves. Argus: Describe the bond that you have with Coach Holmes and your teammates. Corpening: I think we’re like a big family. I know a lot of other teams say that, but we all get along, hangout, and we’re really good friends. Argus: What makes tennis unique? Corpening: Tennis isn’t boring -you’re constantly moving. I like being accountable for when something goes wrong or right. Argus: Which professional tennis player, do you admire? Why? Corpening: I really like Serena Williams. She’s such a great player and handles herself well on the court. Argus: Any wise words you would leave with up-and-coming tennis players? Corpening: I would definitely say practice, practice, practice. If you take time off, it’ll show; hard work and dedication is definitely going to show in the long run. Argus: What are your plans after graduation? Corpening: I’m either going to work in a biology lab doing research or try
Photo courtesy of www.wssurams.com
Senior tennis player, Devan Corpening. to do something in pharmaceutical sales. I’m going to continue teaching tennis and may even coach one day as a side job. Argus: What impact have you made on and off the tennis court throughout your time at WSSU? Corpening: I’ve done community service, helped plan functions, and talk to children at schools about athletics -I believe I’ve had a positive impact on the Winston-Salem community and my teammates.