THE STUDENT VOICE OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Hudson makes case to students
VOL. 112 ISSUE 30
Shift the powers that be
Students take on Washington D.C.
NEWS BRIEFS UNIVERSITY
MATTHEW RICHARDSON SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR William Hudson Jr. stands as the only in-house candidate for the Vice President of Student Affairs position. So far, two of the three candidates have been interviewed, Hudson being the second. Hudson was first interviewed by faculty members and was most recently interviewed by students in the Student Government Association’s senate chamber. Students had the opportunity to listen to Hudson’s bid for the position and why he is the best choice to lead the department. “I think that we have a lot that we can do here at Florida A&M University,” Hudson said. “We have a brand that we have to reestablish. We have things that we need to do to push forward because if we don’t do it, someone else will dictate it for us.” Hudson, directs the Office of Retention, is serving as the interim VP of student affairs and admitted to the students that he was not initially interested in acquiring a permanent role. “Honestly, at first, I didn’t want this position but as I was asked to be the interim, my mind started to change,” Hudson said. “One of my adages is ‘if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ so how can I complain about things within student affairs if I’m not willing to spearhead it and make things better. I think I have done that somewhat to an extent now, but the vision that I have for this division, I think that we can be one of the top schools in the nation.” SGA President-elect Breyon Love hosted the interview and encouraged students to inquire about Hudson’s plans for FAMU in the midst of intense
STUDENT AFFAIRS 4
D. A. Robin The Famuan Power Shift 2011 in Washington, D.C. held dozens of seminars and workshops.
ROSCOE THOMPSON AND URSULA IBLE STAFF WRITERS WASHINGTON, D.C.- Beginning Friday, the Walter E. Washington Conference Center in Washington D.C. became a place for 10,000 young people to share ideas on how to create a sustainable environment. Power Shift 2011 kicked with over 100 workshops, panels and training sessions supporting the growing movement of climate
change and clean energy policies, with 40 FAMU and FSU students in attendance. Conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers including former president Al Gore, environmentalists Bill McKibben and Van Jones, along with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and others. “We have to take action to prevent our country and the world, putting a price on carbon is the goal of cap-
and-trade plans and other proposals to ensure emissions cuts, but such measures face gigantic hurdles in the current Congress,” Gore told the crowd at Friday night’s opening plenary. Van Jones, who served as the green jobs advisor in the Obama administration in 2009, spoke passionately during his keynote address, expressing the need to “shift the power” and “help lead POWER SHIFT 4
Brinson’s murder remains unsolved MATTHEW RICHARDSON SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR When Brandon Brinson was found shot at the corner of Pensacola Street and White Drive one night last April, many were curious about what happened. Friends and family members mourned the Florida A&M student’s death and questioned when justice would come. One year later, the case is still unsolved and the Tallahassee Police Department is not saying much. But one thing they are saying is that Brinson, 19, could have been a victim of the city’s narcotics activity. “As this remains an active and open investigation, only limited details can be released,” said Tallahassee PD spokesman Derek Friend said in an email. “At
this point in the investigation, it appears the incident leading to the death of Mr. Brinson was drug related.” A FAMU freshman from Jacksonville, Brinson was pronounced dead on April 14, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was taken by friends after he was shot. At the time, FAMU Police Department Lt. Angela Kirkland said Brinson was apparently shot on the corner of Pensacola Street and White Drive. While Friend said Brinson’s death was drug related, the slain student had other runins with the police before his untimely death. According to Kirkland, Brinson was involved in an altercation with two other students at FAMU’s cafe in January and he
The Supreme Court of Florida has released it first-try bar exam results for Feb. 2011, which was administered in Tampa. The average pass-rate for all law schools in Florida was 79.5 percent. Ave Maria Law School had the lowest pass-rate. Florida A&M’s College of Law first-time passrate dipped slightly after to ascending in 2010, at 53.8 percent. SOURCE: THE FLORIDA BAR
TODAY’S ONLINE CONTENT: “Anti-abortion group returns fire” by Michael Schrimser “Florida State basketball player goes pro” by Spencer Henderson
WEATHER Today The Famuan Archive Brinson’s murder is beleived to be drug-related
was arrested and charged with one count of disorderly conduct. Kirkland downplayed any possible connection between the fight and the shooting. Just as Tallahassee PD is BRINSON 3
86 59 Tuesday
89 63 Wednesday
89 59
Judgment day for former FAMU officer JORDAN CULVER EDITOR IN CHIEF Byron Whitaker’s situation was complicated. His phone was in one hand, engaged in conversation with Leonard Deshazier, 38, a man who is pegged by federal investigators as a provider of powdered cocaine and marijuana. In his other hand, Whitaker gripped a police receiver. After Whitaker responded to Deshazier with a simple “yeah,” The Famuan Archive the receiver provided further Investigators say Whitaker sold drugs from his patrol car. confirmation of Whitaker’s
occupied status. Through the receiver, a female voice could be heard saying, “Signal four, no injuries involved.” Whitaker responded again, this time to the receiver, and went back to his job as a uniformed officer with the Florida A&M police department. Today at 1:30 p.m., Whitaker, 32, will appear in front of Chief Judge Stephan P. Mickle to be sentenced after pleading guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and making false statements to a federal agent. The court accepted his plea of guilty Jan. 12.
Opinions
Lifestyles
Opinions editor Khristanda Cooper discusses recent robberies and reminds us to be safe.
Valerie Walker advocates for student environmental involvement at the Power Shift 2011 conference in D.C.
Opinions|5
Lifestyles | 6
He faces up to 10 years in prison. According to a statement filed by U.S. Attorney Pamela Marsh, the investigation into Whitaker’s dealings with Deshazier spanned March 9, 2010, through May 19, 2010. During that time “approximately 27 contacts between Whitaker’s Verizon cellular phone and the target telephones were the subject of pen register orders as well as Title III intercept authorization.” Title III applications include WHITAKER 4
2 Calendar
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements The Florida A&M University Department of English invites students, faculty and staff to join us in honoring the winners of our Spring 2011 Writing Contest. The program takes place Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Writing Resource Center, Tucker Hall 124. For more information, contact melanie.abrams@famu. edu. The University and Cintas are sponsoring a Launch and Fashion Show for FAMU’s Online Store! Wednesday, April 20th come out to the Set at 12:15 P.M. to experience COLLEGIATE COUTURE- “Famu Swag with an Ivy League Tag”. The fashion show will feature models from Epicurean! Fashion Experience, Faces Modeling Troupe and Images Modeling Troupe! Music, food, giveaways and more! Relay for Life applications for the 2011-2012 school
The
year are now available upon request. If you are interested in applying for a chair or co chair position, please email joy1.williams@yahoo.com to receive an application. The deadline is TODAY (MONDAY) at 5 p.m.. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Joy M . Williams at 773-251-8285 or at the email address above.
To place an announcement in the Calendar, e-mail your submission to famuancalendar@gmail.com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number will be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
Classifieds Non-smoking female roommate to share 3 br/3 bth condo. Walking distance to FAMU. Share living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access & water. Furnished $440. Can be seen upon request. Call Lois at 813-503-6412 Attention Students! Need storage space for the summer? Reserve Now Great rates-air conditioned or Regular storage-Call now for details. Economy Storage West, 3005 West Tharpe Street, 576-6108 Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call 800-965-6520 ext. 189
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Corrections April 13 edition: the African/ Caribbean graphic was created by Nakia Boothe; not Booker.
News 3
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Big Bend comes ‘out’
The Famuan Archive LGBT residents celebrated PRIDEFEST 2011 this weekend.
JORGE RODRIGUEZ-JIMINEZ STAFF WRITER Tallahassee PRIDEFEST 2011 ended Saturday with a daylong celebration of the LGBT community in Kleman Plaza. “PRIDEFEST offers good exposure, both for The Family Tree and the groups available in town,” said Joseph Ballard, memberat-large for The Family Tree Board of Directors, and Big Bend Cares which offers free
HIV testing and educates the community on how to prevent the spread of HIV while also helping those with the virus. Guests packed Kleman Plaza to see the live shows and patronize business booths that lined the sidewalks. Florida A&M’s Pride Student Union (PSU) was in attendance with a table of brochures for visitors to take with them educating them on HIV. “We hope to get some
more visibility,” said Tia Gilmore, vice-president of FAMU Pride Student Union, about attending PRIDEFEST. “It is [FAMU Pride Student Union], a safe place like a family environment. If you need someone to relate to, someone to talk to just like you.” Among the different booths was an exhibit by Sean’s Last Wish, Inc. A non-profit organization, SLW aims to educate people on how prejudice, bullying, hate, violence and religious beliefs lead to violent crimes. “We also talk about the gaps in the law because my son’s murderer only served 359 days. That’s all he received, as a penalty for murder,” said Elke Kennedy, founder and chair of Sean’s Last Wish, Inc. “I believe that it is education that’s very important and through education we’re going to change hearts and minds.” “I’ve been coming for about four years,” said Mark Wool, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “It’s bigger than I expected. We didn’t make it last year, the first year it was down here. Kind of overwhelmed with how big the community is.” A mix of sounds, including a DJ and live music entertainment filled Kleman Plaza throughout the day. Children played in a space-walk and slide on the plaza’s lawn. Local artist 8 fifty Redeyez performed her new song “A Song For Her” featuring Ice. When she was first coming out, 8 fifty Redeyez found help in The Family Tree, hosts of
PRIDEFEST. “I’m here at PRIDEFEST to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning community, show support,” said 8 fifty Redeyez. “Florida A&M’s PSU came to my attention, and when they came at the offer I jumped on it. I don’t turn down any opportunity for people to hear my music and spread the word.” As the day came to an end, “PRIDE in the Plaza” became PRIDE After Dark.” For the first time since PRIDEFEST became a weeklong celebration, PRIDE After Dark was held in the Plaza. The plaza lawn filled with people sitting on blankets waiting for a drag competition. Six contestants competed for the title of Mrs./Mr. PRIDEFEST 2011. The top three finalists then went to Paradigm for the final showdown before the crowning. “Today was awesome,” said B.J. Nelson, who was at PRIDE After Dark with her partner and young son. “They did a good job, a lot of kids. That was really cool, it was very inclusive. A lot of mixed couples, straight and gay, it was great.”
Check out video and pictures from PRIDEFEST 2011, visit thefamuanonline.com
JORGE RODRIGUEZ-JIMINEZ FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.COM
Panel ‘hollas’ at teens in forum PURHNEL MEEK CORRESPONDENT The Palmer-Monroe Community Center hosted a panel for Tallahassee teens to discuss taboo issues on Friday. The College Reach-Out Program teamed up with Florida A&M’s Student Social Work Association to host “Let me holla at you” a panel of mentors and college students that led a discussion with middle and high school students. Approximately 60 teens attended, responding to questions presented by the panel. Katisa Donaldson, member of the FAMU SSWA was a panel member. Donaldson opened up the discussion with a few key concepts such as respect and self-worth, how to know if a relationship was healthy, and domestic abuse. To the shock of the room,
a 16-year-old stood up, grabbed the microphone, and confessed to her peers that she had previously been involved in an abusive relationship. Her precocity was evident as she stood and gave a heart-felt soliloquy. “Stand up, don’t back down” she urged the teens. “If you’re in an abusive situation, get out of it…Now!” A sense of empowerment filled every corner of the room as teens began opening up about their experiences. “That is what this event is about” said Donaldson, who has served the community at FAMU DRS and the Walker Ford Community Center on the city’s south side. “We want to give our teens the chance to vent without worrying about being judged. This is their vehicle to express themselves and learn how to love themselves before they love someone else.” Many of the mentors
in attendance have been involved in the teens’ lives for five years or more. Many of the teens look at the mentors as extended parts of their family. In many cases, the watch them grow from teenagers to adults and this is what solidifies the bond between them. The event was not limited to dismal recollections of the past, it had a lively portion as well. The issues turned fiery when the room was divided by gender. This is when many of the teens became most vocal. The panel asked the question, “What does trust mean to you?” At least eight teens jumped out of their seats to dash for the microphone. It became clear that each gender had its own definition of trust because the female section was howling at the male section in disagreement. The disagreement was resolved when the female
section made the response: “Trust is a two-way street that both sides have to walk on.” Now more than ever, teens seem to be placing their trust in the superficial. They hardly recognize they are being mentally penetrated by television, music, and societal influences, according to Donaldson and other panel members. “With so many teenagers dropping out of school and being raised with a lack of positive role models, events like this are essential,” said Isaac Morgan, a CROP student advocate. “These kids just need someone to talk to, that’s what I’m here for.”
Legislative roundup JOBS
HB 1355
SB 700
The March jobs report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed Florida’s unemployment rate has decreased by a full percentage point to 11.1 percent. Despite the drop in unemployment, the Agency for Workforce Innovation classified 8.5 percent of Florida’s unemployed as “discouraged,” or those who have given up looking for full-time employment., settling for part-time jobs.
House Bill 1355 might change the way elections are carried out in Florida. The bill co-sponsored by W. Keith Perry (R-Ocala), and (R-Ft. Myers) would require those registering to vote on election day to cast a provisional ballot. The bill would also create a shorter deadline for voter registration groups to turn in voter applications, in addition to expanding the Secretary of State’s power as supervisor of elections.
A bill that would permit student-led inspirational messages, including prayer at school events passed the Senate K-12 Education Committee Thursday. Sen. Gary Siplin (D-Orlando) wants to allow school districts to adopt resolutions allowing prayers of invocation and benediction at secondary school commencement exercises and other noncompulsary student assemblies.
SOURCE: U.S. BLS
SOURCE: MYFLORIDAHOUSE.GOV
SOURCE: FLORIDASENATE.GOV
PURHNEL MEEK
FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.COM
BRINSON
The Famuan Archive Family members and FAMU officials reflect on Brinson’s life at a vigil last spring.
searching for new leads in the case, it’s certain that family members are still looking for justice as well. “All I was told by the police is that the guy who picked him up said he hadn’t seen him all day and went looking for him and found him in a parking lot,” said Brandon’s father, Thomas Brinson, while at his son’s memorial service held on FAMU campus last year. “I think there are some holes in that story and the person knows more than he’s telling. I think, in my heart, the person is afraid to incriminate himself.” Police said Brinson’s body was found at 1:45 a.m. and that’s a piece of the story that Brinson’s father can wrap his thoughts around. “Anybody that knows Brandon knows he didn’t walk to where he was. He was off this campus,” Brinson said. “1:45 in the morning? He ain’t walk. Somebody carried him there. He’s got a lot of friends he rides along with. He didn’t walk too many damn places. Somebody knows something.” The on-campus vigil held last year for Brinson was emotional, as Dean of Students Henry Kirby, then-vice -resident of SGA Calvin Hayes as well as friends and family of Brinson spoke of encouragement and good thoughts of the general studies student. Tallahassee PD is asking that anyone with information about Brinson’s murder should call TPD at 850-8914200 or Big Bend Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS. MATTHEW RICHARDSON
FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
News 4
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WHITAKER
POWER SHIFT
interceptions of forms of electronic surveillance. In more basic terms, the application included phone surveillance. The instance when Whitaker could be overheard discussing a potential deal while juggling police duties occurred on March 27, 2010, at 3:02 p.m. The federal investigation into Whitaker was aided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who confirmed Whitaker was, at the time, employed by Florida A&M’s police department. Whitaker was a veteran of nearly five years with FAMU PD. Whether or not Whitaker sold to students at either Florida State or FAMU has not been determined. Whitaker’s dealings with Deshazier and subsequent arrest played like a movie. Marsh’s statement of facts detailed Whitaker’s contacts, his false statements to federal agents, which indluded him saying that he did not have direct knowledge of Deshazier’s drug trafficking, even the code language Whitaker used when dealing with Deshazier. Whitaker would use benign phrases like 850 – Tallahassee’s area code – instead of a direct dollar amount for marijuana prices. Deshazier and Whitaker would talk about “Reggie” as if he were a person. Reggie was in fact a name they used for “mid-level” grade marijuana. After Deshazier’s arrest on a cocaine charge on May 20, 2010, federal agent’s contacted Whitaker via Deshazier’s phone number. When confronted by special agents, Whitaker denied “seeing, receiving or purchasing any narcotics from Deshazier on any occasion.” Today he will find out the price for his dealings and his attempts to cover them up. The Famuan will continue to follow Whitaker’s sentencing and provide updates on the case.
the clean power revolution. You have to be wise enough to hold both parties to high standards, while they’re stuck on stupid in D.C., your generation is rising,” said Jones. “Listening to these powerful and influential men talk to us not as politicians but as caring people who want to see a nicer environment, means so much to me,” said Jaden
Capitol. “Students need to be engaged,” said Green For All Campus Ambassador Jomar Floyd, a senior health care management student from Orlando. “ It’s important to involve students - especially in civic engagement and during the legislative session, because that is when policies are being decided on- we need to make sure our voices are being heard.” Trained facilitators hosted workshops, such as “Sex &
JORDAN CULVER FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Jordan Bullock The Famuan Students learned skills and initiatives that they would be able to take back to their own community, building towards a greener economy.
Sporks, a third-year environmental science student at the University of Central Florida. Among other things, students learned grassroots movementbuilding skills to activate sustainability in their communities. Students also got to experience activism first-hand by having the opportunity to lobby elected officials and participate in a peaceful climate rally amongst thousands outside the
VP AFFAIRS budget cuts. Hudson answered the question with ease as he focused on taking advantage of FAMU’s technology. “Leveraging technology is going to be the most Courtesy significant aspect of the 2020 To The plan as far s restructuring Famuan and reinvestment because I think that our services are not up to par because we are not automated,” Hudson said. “We’re doing a lot of things manually and when you’re imputing things manually, you’re taking a long time to get services done and a lot of it can be automated.” The next interview with final candidate G. David Moss, a Florida State graduate, will be on Wednesday. Moss is the assistant vice president of student affairs at the University of Notre Dame. The VPSA position has been vacant since
last June, when Roland Gaines retired. He worked for FAMU for 36 years, with a six-year stint as vice chancellor of student affairs at North Carolina Central University as the only interruption. “It just so happens that there is a time to leave, to relax and chill out and enjoy life,” Gaines said. The search committee started looking for Gaines’ replacement in September. At the time, Hudson, who headed the initial search committee, was considered the front-runner for the job. Henry Kirby, FAMU dean of students, was one of three finalists interviewed for the job last October. However, none of the candidates was recommended for the position. In December, a group of “student leaders” publicly backed Kirby for the job. A committee later resumed the search, leading to the selection of Hudson and the other two.
MATTHEW RICHARDSON FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Sustainability,” “The Black Caucus” and “LGBTQ Allies,” to teach conference participants about all facets of the movement. The objective of the summit was to focus on a vital step of the clean energy movement: cultivating the next generation of green leaders and encouraging them to be proactive at their local campuses. Environmental organizations, leaders, and nonprofit groups will host educational
TheFamuan Monday, April 18, 2011
panels and workshops to teach students skills on building an inclusive green economy. “I am pretty excited to see activism in progress and get some cool leadership development skills. I want to bring back what I learn to teach people,” said Carlie Sattler, a junior psychology and communication science disorder student at FSU. While learning about the benefits of a green economy, conference participants learned how they can support the Clean Air Act, which in the last 40 years has saved many lives by regulating the pollution from big industries. Students also shared ideas to address their concerns around being a sustainable community and solutions on how they can create real change and initiatives at their local campuses. “It’s about empowering our world,” said Reamonn Soto, a senior physics student at Florida A&M from Tallahassee. “Sustainability should be at the forefront of our everyday conversations; it will reduce poverty and create jobs.” One way to encourage the community to practice sustainable habits; for instance, could be through student-led educational workshops that teach water conservation methods at home, ways to be energy efficient as well as, promoting reusing, recycling and reducing individual waste generation. “Addressing the climate crisis is the most important issue facing human kind,” said LaRae Donnellan, adviser of the FAMU Green Coalition. “We can all help people connect the dots between the environment and their lives.” Like many others, Alex Sanders, a FSU student was empowered by the weekend’s events. “I just want to be a better leader. There is so much energy and action already going on in Tallahassee and we got to get the ball rolling between FAMU and FSU,” said Saunders, a third-year media production student.
ROSCOE THOMPSON FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Monday, April 18, 2011
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: copydeskchief@gmail.com Julian Kemper
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
Top summer activities for you and your friends to do FAMUAN STAFF THE FAMUAN
1.
Sleep: We a r e in college and sleep deprivation comes w i t h t h e t e r r i t o r y. Time to get all those missed hours back.
Opinions 5
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A letter from the editor in chief knowing how to read. Take a moment and imagine you have a reading assignment after a full day of class. Imagine that reading assignment being full of errors, typos and misused phrases. Now try and make some kind of coherent sense out of that mess while trying to maintain the integrity of the original writer, who obviously has never written before but wants to break into your field. Now read it again. It makes a bit more sense now, but it needs another rewrite. Now read it again. Better, but you need to call the writer, this time to make sure he spelled every name right. Now read it again. You’re as close to done as you’re ever going to be. One story down, 23 to go and it’s 11:30 p.m.
I am the first one to admit that this newspaper makes mistakes. During the past four months we have had misspelled names, forgotten headlines, misidentified people and missed important information. There has not been a single mistake in this newspaper that I have not read and kicked myself for. This semester, mistakes and the insults I receive for making mistakes, have become an integral part of my life. Typically, I enjoy fielding the accusation that I do not read the newspaper. Some people accuse me of not reading the content before it goes to print. Others will say I let it go to print and then never worry about it again. My favorites are the people who accuse me of not
If you can do this, alone, without missing a few transposed letters, our office is in room 3081 of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. We’d love to have you and applications are due by the end of this week. My other favorite insult is that I’m trying to push some kind of agenda using the newspaper as a mouthpiece. Seriously? What agenda does a 20-year-old non-Greek who is not affiliated with any group other than the newspaper have? This paper has been a part of my life for more than two years. The paper is my agenda. A couple of groups have questioned the paper’s “agenda” lately, the agenda of our opinions section in particular. The opinions page
is an outlet for students to speak on various campus groups, problems and issues. They can be lighthearted or serious or – in the opinion of others – bad opinions. Commissioned 2 Love was the only group with a valid argument. Michael Bryant, a student who has a history with the group, had no business writing an editorial about them. I was not aware of the history and the article was able to sneak into the paper. Let’s think for a moment though. If someone has an invalid opinion, that’s your opinion of them. Write a rebuttal; don’t just talk about it. My job is not to stifle the opinions of others, including yours, but to give them and you a place to voice them.
Political Takeout
6. I n t e r n s h i p s : Internships look good on your resume. Summer is the perfect time to get started. 7. Hobby: Pick up a hobby to occupy your time. P h o t o g r a p h y , painting, sewing anything. The possibilities are endless. 8. Soul searching: Find out who you are. That simple. Do some yoga or pilates to help get you to that place of “nirvana” if need be. 9. Volunteer or get a job: W h y s i t a r o u n d a l l d a y ? Vo l u n t e e r at your local Boys and Girls club. Or try to get a summer job somewhere. As hard as that may be... But the point is… Find someway to make yourself useful.
FAMUAN STAFF FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
COPY DESK: famuancopydesk@gmail.com Julian Kemper
DEPUTY COPY DESK: Fernesha Hurst
SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR: famuannews@gmail.com Matthew Richardson
DEPUTY SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR: Simone Wright
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR: Aaron Johnson
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
3. Exercise: S o m e of us enjoyed the advantage of having schedules that made it possible for us to go to the gym.The rest of us… didn’t. So why not take this chance to hit up the gym or go jogging around the neighborhood to get that beach body back. Speaking of the beach.
5. A m u s e m e n t parks: T h e s t a t e o f Florida has many amusement parks for your every need. Wa t e r p a r k s , a n i m a l parks, movie parks. Just take your pick.
EDITOR IN CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
METRO NEWS EDITOR: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence
2. Eat: Good home cooked meals are within reach. No more fast food, café food or Orange room food…until fall s e m e s t e r.
4. Beach: With all the beaches in Florida, and other states, why not take advantage of them with friends or family. Get some sand between your toes and some sun in your life.
F U
THE
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
PHOTO EDITOR: famuan.photos3@gmail.com Keenan Doanes
DEPUTY PHOTO EDITOR: Jasmine Mitchell
Notice the man being jacked for his wallet...yeah... so did we.
Bill Schorr, Cagle Cartoons
We encourage everyone to remain safe
With robberies on the rise, citizens need to be more aware KHRISTANDA COOPER OPINIONS EDITOR Recently, there have been a string of robberies in the area. Because of such acts many of us are scared and wary of going anywhere at night by ourselves or even in groups. It is shocking the lengths a person will go to for a quick buck or because he’s desperate for cash for food or other amenities. We watch shows like World’s Dumbest Criminals, Most Shocking and Bait Car and see people do stupid things for money, cars or just because they think can possibly get away with it (most cases they don’t). We sit and laugh with friends and family about how stupid these people are . But unlike these TV shows, no one here is laughing. It’s true; some of us walk around without a care in the world thinking, “It won’t happen to me.” I’m sure that’s what those people who were robbed thought too. It did, and all we can do is feel sympathy for them and hope that it really doesn’t happen to us. It is imperative that in these times of
desperation that we are more careful. What we may think is just some bum on the street could be the man that is planning on taking your wallet, earrings or your life. It is a scary thought knowing that while you are laying comfortably in your dorm room or apartment, just down the street a friend or classmate is being robbed at gunpoint because someone thinks that a life of crime is the way to go, in times of need. Of course, our town is not the only one going through this. Robberies happen every day and, according to Crimedoctor. com, every minute a robbery has occurred. Walletpop.com states that in 2010 Florida ranked No. 6 on a list for most dangerous states. The list was comprised based on an average of assaults, burglaries, murders, motor vehicle thefts, rapes and last but not least robberies. As alarming as this is, it’s unlikely that you are going to be a victim of robbery. However, if you aren’t aware of what is happening around you there is an equal chance that you will. When crimes like these happen, the perpetrator is rarely caught. And the victim who either lives to tell the tale and is scarred for life, hurt or well…you know. Florida A&M Univeristy police department have been on the case of many
of these robberies around campus. But due to lack of proper equipment things are moving slower than they should. This is in no way meant to scare you, that is far from what I am trying to do. It is to remind you to always be aware of your surroundings. Our parentssome of them anyway- always told us to be careful when we go out, and to always wear clean underwear, just in case. That should be something that stays in our minds even in our adult lives. Unfortunately, what may appear innocent is simply a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and you and what you have are the prey. Someone is probably scoping you out to determine if you are going to be their next victim. Even in the daytime people are being robbed or mugged. And yes, robbing and muggings are two different things. So, Rattlers and everyone else out there, protect yourself and be aware of your surroundings. Go to thefamuanonline. com to comment on this story and more from the opinions section.
KHRISTANDA COOPER FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
GRAPHICS EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Kenya Mawusi
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR: famuanlive@gmail.com D.A. Robin
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR: famuancalendar@gmail.com Byron Johnson
PROGRAM ASSISTANT: Valerie McEachin ADVISER: Andrew Skerritt
FAX 850.561.2570 EDITOR IN CHIEF 850.561.2569 SECRETARY 850.599.3159 NEWSROOM 850.599.3011/ 561.2569 The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press 2003 Pacemaker Finalist, is published Monday, Wednesday and online only on Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
Are you aware of your surroundings? A) Always. B) Sometimes. C) No, what for?
Lifestyles 6
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Empowerment shifts in D.C.
Jordan Bullock The Famuan Valerie Walker was one of 40 students who attended the 2011 Powershift conference in Washington, D.C.
ASHLI DOSS STAFF WRITER Valerie Walker, a timid sociology student with a
passion for animals a love for Spanish determined to attend 2011 Powershift with goal in mind: to share
and was the one her
love for environmentalism and help students realize the imporantce of maintaining a sustainable campus and lifestyle. “Open your eyes and look to the sky to see what really matters. We regular folks don’t benefit from those billows of smoke disappearing into the distance, but the impacts they last longer than those folks are willing to pay. Open your eyes and arrive,” are lyrics to the original song “Open Your Eyes” by Walker, 21. Walker said the song is one of resilience. “Writing music is an outlet for me to express my frustration due to the apathy of those in my community when it comes to environmental issues,” Walker said. The Tallahassee native said her favorite pastimes include visiting her grandparents’ home in rural Alabama where she experienced farm life and was able to make a connection with the nature around her. Spending time in her grandmother’s garden is where she developed a general understanding of the impact global warming had on what she loved so much: the outdoors. Walker spent her freshman year at Tuskegee University in Alabama, where she studied clinical laboratory science and the analysis of human blood and body fluids with the intentions of attending medical school after graduation.
Throughout her studies she discovered a passion for environmentalism and activism, and applied to FAMU. “I want to be able to deliver babies in a clean, inverted world, one that isn’t destroyed by natural disasters that we could have avoided if we worked together,” Walker said. Walker, a Center for Global Security and International Affairs Scholar, joined the FAMU Green Coalition to be around like-minded individuals and further grasp environmental issues plaguing the black community. Krista Cabret, a secondyear biochemistry student, said her first encounter with Walker was during the Powershift Conference in Chinatown in Washington, D.C. at a live fish market. “I could feel Valerie’s passion in her voice when speaking to her about environment,” Cabret said. Walker said she uses her foreign language skills and her sociological training to be a stronger advocate for uninformed minorities. Walker’s vision is to see more students attend trips like “Powershift” and spread the message of the importance of environmentalism not only to peers but to community members. “I was impressed with her interest in environmental issues, seeing as she was a Spanish major,” Katrina Herrera, a first-year environmental
science student at Florida State University, said. “Her natural love for animals and the environment overshadowed my assumptions.” Walker said by the end of the four-day conference, she was able to fulfill her goal of changing the culture of FAMU through learning more about the environmental issues minority students face. “I’m looking forward to helping our people understand the true value and worth of looking into climate change and understanding how we can reverse its effects and make it less of a threat to our future,” Walker said. “I couldn’t fathom anyone else leading our students on a mission of sustainability other than Valerie,” Micka Chavre, a first-year pre-pharmacy student, said. “She has brought to my attention issues I never knew existed.” On July 4, Walker will be spending her 22nd birthday in Brazil, where she will be studying abroad and taking on yet another foreign language. “This will be my first non-traditional birthday,” Walker said. “No fireworks, no Independence Day celebrations; just me and my mother, Earth.”
ASHLI DOSS FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Big laughs for Hart Students walk for injured professor
Courtesy To The Famuan Kevin Hart rocked the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center for one night only.
JASMINE JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
K e v i n Hart, from Philadelphia, is recognized by critics as one of the most successful stand-up comedians in the circuit. His combined total of 4 million followers on Facebook and Twitter has made him a phenomenon. In movies like “Not easily Broken,” “Soul Plane” and “Death at a Funeral,” Hart had supporting, yet funny, roles. Stand-up comedy is his thing. His famous catch phrases like, “You are something else” and “Say it wit’cha chest” from
“Seriously Funny,” reveal Hart’s ability to get laughs out of the audience. Maybe it is his short stature? A fully grown man standing at 5’4 is kind of funny. Maybe it is his high- pitched voice? Whatever his trick is, Kevin Hart is hilarious. He capitalized on his status as an actor/ comedian and started a career a rapper with the alter ego “Chocolate Drop.” His sense of humor is definitely highlighted in his third stand-up titled “Laugh at my Pain.” Three comics performed onstage before Hart to hype up the crowd with a whirlwind of jokes and laughter flowing. When he finally came onstage, there were
screams coming from everywhere. Hart covered a wide variety of topics: crack heads, his father’s struggles with being addicted to crack, his recent divorce and even his mother’s funeral. He even used lines from his old performance to explain its relevance in the new performance. This thrilled the audience even more. Even though his time on stage was somewhat short, there wasn’t a moment when the audience wasn’t laughing. Even at the moments when Hart told the crowd not to laugh it was hard for them to hold their composure. Hart came to please and he definitely delivered. Of course his material was fresh and funny. If you didn’t make it to see his show, you missed a good one. Hopefully this stand-up will make its way to DVD soon. Until then if you are not following him on Facebook or Twitter you need to, ‘Alright Alright Alright!’
F o r audience reactions from Kevin H a r t ’ s performance “Laugh at my Pain,” visit www. thefamuanonline.com.
JASMINE JOHNSON FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL. COM
Courtesy To The Famuan Students walked in honor of Professor Owusu-Ansah Agyapong to fundraise for the injured professor’s hospital fund.
MOYA JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT On a dark, wet and rainy Saturday morning, the mood was anything but somber as students and faculty surrounded the Pete Griffin track. A prayer vigil kicked off the morning as more than 200 people participated in a walkathon for FAMU Professor Owusu-Ansah Agyapong, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident Jan. 24. The sociology and criminal justice department organized the event to show support and raise money for Agyapong’s medical expenses. They collected $2 donations from students and $5 for faculty, staff and alumni. “When the accident first happened, all I could think is we have to be strong,” said Jacquelyn Perkins, internship director for the sociology and criminal justice department. Perkins said she wrote a song titled “Be strong,” which was inspiration for the walkathon.
However Perkins explained the positive spirits and giving will not stop there. The department has an account established with Wachovia bank specifically for donations to the Agyapong fund. Narayan Persaud, chair of the sociology and criminal justice department, said the most important aspect of the walk was rallying support for Agyapong and his family. “Agyapong is a positive spirit,” said Persaud. “All of this positive energy is just being returned to him for all he has done over the years.” A website will be made in honor of Agyapong featuring videos, pictures and testimonies. All videos and pictures of the event will be sent to Agyapong in Atlanta, where he is undergoing extensive rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center, a hospital which specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury or brain injuries. MOYA JOHNSON FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
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7 Lifestyles
Students unify and go green
Special to The Famuan For full multimedia coverage from Powershift 2011, including live footage, blogging and photo essays, visit www.thefamuanonline.com.
D. A. Robin The Famuan Students from across the country met in Washington, D.C. during the conference to discuss difďŹ cult topics about global climate change and its effects on minorities.
Sports 8
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Monday, April 18, 2011
School first
Men’s Tennis
FAMU produces athletes who graduate at a high rate
ANTHONY MURDOCK CORRESPONDENT Florida A&M students may have a better chance of graduating if they are student-athletes. FAMU athletes are beating the general student population in graduation rates, records show. Forty-four percent of FAMU student-athletes graduate compared to the student body’s 41 percent. Strict polices set by the NCAA and FAMU are a part of why student-athletes are graduating more than the rest of the student body. “When you take a look at how they have to meet the mark that is set each year, it pushes them toward getting a degree,” FAMU Athletic Director Derek Horne said. With coaches and the athletic department watching student-athletes, they may have an advantage over the general student population. Antonia Bennett, a 6’1” guard/forward for the FAMU women’s basketball team, said there are many resources provided and rules that she and her teammates must follow to be successful academically. She explained how the coaches keep a close eye on the team to make sure players are on the right track academically. “Tutors are offered, and when we’re on the road everyone is required to study,” Bennett said. “We have to submit progress
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Chidi Gabriel, Levan Clark, Takura Happy, and Maurice Wamukowa were all granted allconference honors. Gabrial, Clark and Happy were all named to the first team, while Wamukowa was named to the second team. Happy, last season’s MEAC rookie of the year, headlined the class of Rattlers with his 18-4 record (2-1 in the MEAC) The men’s team was eliminated from the conference tournament in the championship game.
Graphic by Kenya Mawusi Athletes are more prone to graduating than the general population.
reports every other week with our grades and any comments from our professors.” Head coaches make it mandatory that their teams study. Study hall is where student-athletes go to complete their hours of studying. Each sport has a policy on how many hours athletes are required to complete. In her experience, FAMU softball coach Veronica Wiggins said that going to study hall four days a week has been effective for her players. Faydre Hawkins-Brown, assistant athletic director for academics, said meetings with student-athletes are held every semester
and provide them with knowledge to help them stay on track to graduate. “If someone asks how many hours a student-athlete has left to graduate, that athlete should know,” HawkinsBrown said. Closely watched by coaches, and with the mandatory progress reports and studying, HawkinsBrown said student-athletes don’t have an advantage over the general student body. “They have to practice, and figure in study time. If they missed days due to road games, they have to find the notes, and still find time to enjoy their college career.” Horne played basketball for the University of Mississippi
from 1983 to 1986 and said that many policies have changed to increase studentathlete graduation rates. Student-athletes now have the 20-hour rule, which limit coaches to 20 hours per week to workout for their sport. “It’s important that student-athletes graduate because sports have short shelf lives and their career will have a longer one,” Horne said. “Student-athletes’ eligibility will expire but they still have a life to live, and we need to make sure that they are prepared for it.”
ANTHONY MURDOCK FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Heading for the final hole TERRON BOLLING STAFF WRITER
The only tournament left for the Rattlers is the National Minority Championship. The Rattlers began the season in the Frito-Lay/AT&T Intercollegiate in Philadelphia, Miss. The team finished 12th in the tournament. FAMU played in the Bethune-Cookman Invitational in Daytona Beach, only four days after returning from Mississippi. The team finished a very close competition in fourth place. The Rattlers faced tough competition in the following tournament, the Seminole Intercollegiate, at Southwood Golf Club in Tallahassee. The tournament featured some of the top 50 golf teams in the country, including 17th ranked Arkansas. FAMU finished 17th in the tournament. Florida A&M traveled to Jacksonville Beach, the day after finishing the Seminole Intercollegiate to play in the Don Benbow Inviational. The team was not able to participate in the tournament’s practice round. The team
Softball
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The Florid A&M softball team held the North Carolina A&T Aggies scoreless in a MEAC double-header. In game one the team defeated the Aggies 5-0 and in game two 8-0 in six and two-third innings. The Rattlers maintain the No. 2 position in the southern division of the MEAC with a 22-20 record (5-1 in the conference). The team is only one game back for the division lead, which is held by Bethune-Cookman University. The team’s next game will be against Stetson on Wednesday in DeLand, Fla.
Women’s Tennis
Gina Cherelus The Famuan The golf team has had an impressive run this season, but is down to itslast tournament.
finished eighth in another close tournament. FAMU returned to Tallahassee to host the FAMU Spring Invitational at Southwood Golf Club. Once again, Florida A&M played in another tournament only a few days after finishing one. The Rattlers finished third in the tournament, but members of the team believed they played better in the Seminole Intercollegiate. Florida A&M traveled to
Savannah, Ga., for the first MEAC Golf Showcase after a three week break. All of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference golf teams except for Maryland-Eastern Shore competed in the tournament. FAMU finished third in the tournament. Coach Marvin Green stressed the need for the team to be consistent in an interview after the FAMU Spring Invitational. FAMU had the highest score on the first day of the
Tennis players Alexis Brown and Kathline Durden were named to the 2010-2011 All-MEAC team. Brown was awarded first team honors after finishing the season with a 12-7 record (3-1 in the MEAC). She accumilated a grand total of 11 wins in the No. 2 position in singles play. Durden made the second team. She finished her season with a 12-7 record (3-1 in the MEAC) in the No. 3 singles position. The Lady Rattlers put up a fight, but saw their dreams of a championship cut short during the MEAC tournament.
Seminole Intercollegiate. The team’s score improved in the second and third day of the tournament. The final tournament of the season for FAMU is the PGA National Minority Championship. The tournament will be held at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. FAMU finished eighth in the tournament last year. TERRON BOLLING FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
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DSU Hornets double Rattlers in hits to secure 13-8 win LAMONT WILSON STAFF WRITER Florida A&M’s baseball team was bested at home against the Delaware State Hornets at Moore-Kittles field this weekend. The Hornets took the series between the Rattlers 2-1 behind superior hitting of Trey Derouen and Scott Davis. The Rattlers fall to a record of 14-27 and a Mid-Eastern Athletic Cconference record of 3-6 and the Hornets climb to a record of 17-18, 6-2 in the MEAC. The Rattlers hitting was a factor in losing the three game series to Delaware State. The team was only able to hit eight times and left eight runners on base.
Gina Cherelus The Famuan The baseball team struggled to get hits.
“We have to relax at the plate, that’s what everyone has to do,” first baseman Reginald Grant said. “We just have to
forget about it. It’s in the past we need to get ready for whoever we play next. We just got to play through it.” The Rattlers gave up an eighth inning they would like to get back as they had four defensive errors that lead to the Hornets taking and holding the lead. “We need to savor this moment and take it out on the next opponent we play,” pitcher David Duncan said. “We are going to practice and hit some ground balls, get some reps in and get ready for the road. We did show that we can smash the ball, they have the lowest era in the country and we showed that we can hit the ball.” Ratters look to take this weekend as a learning process, as they prove they can hit the ball with the best of the MEAC.
“There’s some positive and negative you can take away from this weekend, it’s some stuff we need to this game is all about repetition,” Coach Brett Richardson said. I am a pitching and defensive type of guy if the other team can’t score they can’t win. We are going to tighten up our defense and look to get back on it.” The team sits in the fifth spot in the conference and looks to jump the fourth seed in the next few games. The Rattlers will be playing in a double-header against the fourth ranked Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday and Saturday in Princess Anne, MD. LAMONT WILSON FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM