The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Since 1900
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
VOL. 114 ISSUE 17
Wesley Foundation withdrawn Church officials race to close FAMU facility Tyrone Law Staff Writer The Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry made a decision Oct. 7 to temporarily close The Wesley Foundation at Florida A&M by next Monday. The FAMU Wesley Foundation is a United Methodist organization intended to spread the ministry of The United Methodist Church. The group
also provides spiritual and emotional support to the university community. David Fuquay, interim executive director of BHECM said that although the current director of the FAMU Wesley, Tara Seabrook, worked persistently, the nationwide standard for the foundation to engage at least one percent of the campus wasn’t being met. “The current staff wasn’t able to come up with a viable approach,” Fuquay said. “The purpose of the temporary
close is precisely to come up with a model for ministry that does make a huge impact on campus. We want to involve 50 to 70 students and then grow from there, which obviously requires a different approach.” Cecile Washington, faculty adviser to the Wesley Foundation, said she disapproves of the foundation closing and the organization’s sabbatical is a result of a cultural diversity issue within the United Methodist church. Washington claimed
that because the church is a predominately White Christian denomination, the United Methodist Church isn’t embracing diversity as a whole. “I love The United Methodist Church, but I think they are being culturally insensitive to African-American students,” Washington said. “I don’t think the Board understands how to deal with cultural differences. They claim they want to reach out to African-Americans, but being that FAMU is the
Thousands walk for cause
largest HBCU it doesn’t make any sense to close (the Foundation).” According to the United Methodist Demographic Snapshot found on www.umc.org, the Church’s official website, blacks make up 2 percent of the church as a whole. Fuquay said resources aren’t the issue, and the board recognizes it must come up with a modified strategy to engross students at HBCUs. “I do expect people involved to be disappointed and upset,
NASA Days at FAMU kicks off Oct. 25 in the Student Union Complex with a résumé buildng workshop and Student OnLine Application for Recruiting (SOLAR) briefing starting at 8:30 a.m. There will be workshops until Oct. 27. NASA is interested in students studying business, IT, chemistry, engineering, computer sciences and journalism.
On Oct. 22, 2011 at about 10:50pm, an armed robbery occurred on Academic Way near the Business Building on the north end of Florida State’s campus. A male and a female where walking together when they were approached by two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun.
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for killing his infant son because he bothered him during his video game. Nineteenyear-old Andrew Keith Johnston pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the October 2010 death.
Lifestyles pg.4 Pink bras were everywhere Sunday as the American Cancer Society sponsored Tallahassee’s 8th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Thousands showed up to support family and friends, walking for the cause.
Sports pg.6 The Florida A&M football team deafeated the South Carolina State Bulldogs 27-24 on Saturday. The victory was the first in Oliver Dawson Bulldog Stadium since 1997.
Wesley 3
SBI students bring first place to the ‘Hill’ Jannina Spates Staff Writer
Britney Buchanan The Famuan Breast cancer supporters like Mecca Thornton (above) wore pink bras for the Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday that took place in Southwood.
but the call of all churches is to make disciples of Jesus Christ,” Fuquay said. “We’re taking into account the school’s rich history and current student body make up, and we are looking to draw key United Methodist AfricanAmerican leaders and FAMU alumni to help out.” Fuquay said the foundation will return to campus in 2013 after reassessing outreach strategies. “We plan on
Three students from Florida A&M’s School of Business and Industry accounting MBA program beat competitors from Pennsylvania State University and University of Georgia to win first place at a national competition. Benjamin Evans, 26, from Philadelphia, Antoinyce Eaton, 21, from Raleigh, N.C., and Cianna Reaves, 23, from Prairie, Fla., were announced as the winners at a luncheon Oct. 8. The keynote speaker was singer John Legend. The team spent one month preparing for the competition. The assignment was to construct a business strategy that would help broaden communication efforts at Chrysler. The team competed against 21 universities to win first place in the National Black MBA Case Competition sponsored by Chrysler Group, LLC. The two-day event with more than 10,000 attendees was in Atlanta. “This is a real life application,
and in class we learned a lot of things about the business and how to develop business strategies to help make a company successful,” said Reaves. SBI Professor of Management Joycelyn FinleyHervey meticulously chose the students who would compete. “The key to success is chemistry, and that chemistry is a combination of the team’s preparation, persistence, dedication,” said FinleyHervey. “If you have taken Professor Finely-Hervey’s class before, she knows what type of student you are,” said Evans. “That’s why you must be your best at all times, because your never know who might be watching and for what reason. We were chosen because we performed well in her class.” Evans, Eaton and Reaves received $25,000, which they split equally among themselves. They also had the opportunity to interview with Chrysler. “The professional SBI 3
FAMU student arrested in law enforcement ‘sex sting’
Chavez Marie Eustache Staff Writer Last week, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested and charged 35
Tallahassee men with using a communication service to seduce or solicit a guardian, obscene communication and traveling to meet after using computer solicitation, including one Florida A&M student. Among the individuals arrested were a Florida State English professor, four FSU students, a Jacob’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church minister, an attorney in the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ general counsel office, a football and baseball coach, a corrections officer for the Florida Department of
Corrections and Neil Douglas Chavez, a 19-year-old FAMU student. TPD and special law enforcement agents took Chavez, a second-year graphic design student from Fort Lauderdale, into custody on Oct. 13 after his alleged attempt to have sex with a minor. Chavez arrived at 234 E 7th Avenue, where he thought he was meeting a 28-yearold woman and her 14-yearold sister to engage in sexual activities with the young girl. According to an arrest affidavit, Chavez engaged in a series of e-mail conversations after a
law enforcement investigator posted “sisters of need in some experience” on Craiglist.com. Investigators said Chavez then responded “Hey, I’ll be the one. Hit me up I am serious.” After the investigator informed Chavez of the minor’s age, Chavez was then asked if he was “okay” with that. According to the arrest report, Chavez then sent a sexual explicit photo and a detailed response explaining what he was going to do with who he believed was a minor. Chavez 3
USPS workers fight abrupt university termination Tamisha Hawkins Staff Writer At the typical “9 to 5,“ the best part of the workday usually comes at the end of the shift. For some workers at Florida A&M this summer, however, the end of the workday turned out to be the worst. After several discussions
of budget cuts and the subsequent restructuring of the university by President James Ammons, more than 100 employees were given their walking papers. “A total of 142 staff were displaced as a result of the budget cuts,” said Teresa Hardee, chief financial officer and vice president for administrative and financial affairs. Since the 2009-10
academic year, FAMU received $15.8 million in stimulus dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “Ninety-eight percent of those positions were funded from federal stimulus dollars,” said Hardee. Several departments, including the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, General
Studies and J.A. Mulrennan Science and Research Lab, were impacted the most with the highest number of staff cuts, Hardee said. Although many staff members have recently been laid off due to budget cuts, the decision to lay off employees started much earlier, said William Tucker, retiree and USPS 3
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements
Classifieds
October 2011
October 20, 2011
Housing
The Dynamic Brothers of the Delta Iota Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc., are now accepting applications for their annual Miss Kappa Psi Pageant. The contest is open to all female pharmacy students who are at least a sophomore (PP2-P3) in the program. The pageant will be held in October in the new pharmacy building. Applications are available at www.deltaiota1975.com under the heading ‘pageant.’ They are to be turned in to any brother of Kappa Psi once completed. For more information contact Brandon M. Brown at 850-443-7355.
Her Campus Florida A&M will be having its first general body meeting this Friday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held in the SJGC 3rd floor computer lab. For further comments, questions or concerns please contact Itopia Mills at itopiamills@hercampus.com.
Looking for a non-smoking female roommate to share 3/br/3bth condo. It is walking distance to FAMU. The roommate would share the living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access and water. The apartment is furnished and costs $450. It can be seen upon request. For more information contact Lois at 813-503-6412.
The 2011 Joint Student Research Forum presents “The Graduate Feeder Conference and the Graduate Recruitment Fair.” The event kicks off Monday, Nov. 7 with the Student Research Forum/Poster Contests. On Nov. 8, the workshops on Graduate Education will be held. On Nov. 9, the Graduate Feeder Recruitment Fair Open will take place. The fair is open to undergraduates and graduate students from all disciplines. The recruitment fair will be held in the School of Architecture Atrium. For more information, contact Dr. Renee Reams at reneereams.famu@gmail. com.
October 26, 2011 PRodigy PR Firm is gearing up for the Oct. 28 premier of the Sony Picture film “Anonymous” by hosting a movie night in the SJGC Lecture hall. The firm will be showing the comedy film “Easy A.” Come join PRodigy on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. for FREE fun and laughter. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided.
November 3, 2011 Walker-Ford Community Center and FAMU Elite Dance Squad present Tallahassee’s Rising Star: “Show N Tell” at the Walker Ford Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 3. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call or text 352874-1186.
General BOATWRIGHT BAIL BONDS “This Rattler Has Your Back” Specializing in Student Bonds Bonds for all Offenses Mobile Bonding Services Available Speak to me directly 24 hours/7 days a Week 850-559-2601
To place an announcement in the Calendar, email 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 and e-mail address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to 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.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
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3.news
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DAY FORECAST
Wesley working closely with FAMU alumni to find a new structure and a way to have a significant presence on the FAMU campus. I feel confident that, long-term, we are doing the
Sunny
right thing.” The FAMU Wesley Foundation has been ordered to discontinue operations by the end of the month. The foundation’s facility is located at 1747 South Adams St. Tyrone Law famuannews@gmail.com
High / 74ºF Sunny
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Live, learn, and work
Alvin McBean The Famuan The Wesley Foundation is located on S. Adams Street across from the Foote-Hilyer Administration Building. The United Methodist Church said it has plans to close the FAMU facility by Oct. 31.
with a community overseas. Are you wondering what do after graduation? This is the best time to gain international experience.
SBI training development we receive in the School of Business and Industry and the support we received from SBI really helped us in the competition,” said Reaves. “Before we went to the event, we presented our idea in front of faculty and other SBI students. They gave us feedback that helped make our presentation better.” “Having the support of the faculty and the dean really made this possible,” Eaton said. “At the conference, we learned that other schools didn’t have the support system we had.” FAMU SBI students have competed in and won the competition three times in the last five years, FinleyHervey said. FAMU is the first Historically Black College to win first place in the history of
Peace Corps has assignments in 76 Countries for FAMU graduates. *** Full travel and living benefits included ***
Contact your FAMU/FSU recruiter for more info. Elizabeth Whitton: fsupeacecorps@gmail.com or (850) 645.1352 Special to The Famuan (From left to right) NBMBAA Board Vice Chair Audrey Hines; Chrysler Senior VP Ralph Giles; SBI Adviser Joycelyn Finley-Hervey; Benjamin Evans; Cianna Reaves; Antoinyce Eaton; NBMBAA Board Chairman Bill Wells; and President and CEO of NBMBAA Kimberly Corbin.
the competition, and the first university in the competition’s history to win two years in a row. Finley-Hervey is excited about the accomplishment and what the win says about the school.
“The SBI program at FAMU has the capacity to go toe-totoe with the top institutions in this country, and that tells you that we are a contender,” Finley-Hervey said. “We have a quality program
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Midnight in Paris (PG-13) Fri - Mon 1-3-7:30 Chavez
Chavez said he was by FAMU and asked for directions on how to get to the location, where he was apprehended and taken into custody. Post-Miranda Rights, Chavez admitted to being the person who exchanged emails and phone conversations with the undercover investigator and also admitted to coming to the location to have sex with
USPS
volunteer faculty activist, who is representing 10 employees in their grievance proceeding. On June 28, 10 laid-off FAMU employees filed grievances with Human Resources, arguing that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees procedures incorrectly provided protocol for the layoff of tenured and nontenured faculty. Members covered by the AFSME comprised of groundskeepers, clerical staff, electricians and plumbers. “Around the end of May or
a 14-year-old girl. At the time of his arrest, Chavez had two condoms in his possession. He was charged with using a computer to solicit a guardian for sex with a minor and traveling to have sex with a minor. “We’ve known each other for a long time,” said David Jolicoeur, Chavez’s roommate. “This is sketchy to me.” Jolicoeur said the defendant is trustworthy, makes good grades and had a great future
ahead of him. “I still don’t believe this story,” he said. Mike Phillips, assistant special agent in charge at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said the department plans on conducting these operations periodically. “We know that this type of activity goes on the Internet,” Phillips said. “We just decided to proactively investigate it.” According to Phillips, there
were many individuals who didn’t get arrested because they did not show up to the location; however, law enforcement will be actively monitoring them in the future. “We will be following up on them,” Phillips said. Jolicoeur said Chavez hasn’t been home since his arrest. His bond is set at $25,000.
beginning of June, about 48 people got notices saying that they were being put on administrative leave and they were being laid off, ” said Tucker. After being notified by an employee in the union, Tucker followed up with the 10 and started reviewing the contract for the University Support Personnel System’s collective bargaining unit. “They addressed many concerns, such as contract interpretation regarding USPS personnel and violations of agreement procedures during the layoffs,” Tucker said. The grievance also said the university failed to put forth
the required effort to assist the 10 in finding alternative employment. “And then you didn’t restructure the office…they eliminated the position, but didn’t eliminate the work,” said Tucker. “Most layoffs occur, in labor situations, where the work itself disappears.” Tucker said employees told him they were given an envelope of alternative work options and weren’t told why they were let go. “A Restructuring and Reinvestment Plan” was approved by the University Board of Trustees. “Every effort was made to
keep the university informed,” said Hardee. Since developed, there have been focus group meetings discussing the restructuring plan. And Ammons has held several campus-wide forums with faculty, staff and students. “We’ve noticed that the university has begun to hire back in slots that they let people go, in some cases,” said Tucker. “I’m just about halfway through [the 10 cases]…then the university will have time to write a decision.”
Marie Eustache famuan.metro@gmail.com
Tamisha Hawkins famuannews@gmail.com
Sarah's Key (PG-13) Fri - Mon 5:10-9:35 Cars 2 (G) Fri - Mon 12-2:25-4:50-7:15 Captain America: The First Avenger (PG-13) P.M. Fri - Mon 9:40 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG-13) Fri - Mon 12:15-3:30-6:45-9:25 The Smurfs (PG) Fri - Mon 12:30-2:45-4:55-7:05-9:15 Drive (R) Fri - Mon 12:05-2:20-4:35-6:55-9:20 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) Fri - Mon 12:20-2:40-5-7:20-9:45 Crazy, Stupid, Love. (PG-13) Fri - Mon 12:45-3:45-7-9:30 Colombiana (PG-13) Fri - Mon 12:10-2:35-5:05-7:25-9:45 No Films Showing Today Tue - Thu Monday thru Thursday showtime after 3pm College student Thursday $2 tickets with student ID.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
4.lifestyles
City unites, rallies for ‘pink’ cause
Britney Buchanan Famuan (Above and left) Young children decorated pink T-shirts in support of Tallahassee’s 8th annual Breast Cancer Walk.
Tiana Poitier Staff Writer Women and men donned their decorative pink bras over their shirts, pink wigs and pink ribbon airbrushed tattoos in support of Tallahassee’s 8th annual Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer walk, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Thousands of people attended to show their support toward the cause. The host of pink bras was supposed to symbolize how personal the fight against breast cancer really is. Glenda Thornton, one of the event co-chair was ex-
tremely happy to see the huge turnout. “As a four -year breast cancer survivor, it just feels incredible to see so many people, especially young people, out here to support this cause,” Thornton said. Anna Smith, donned in a pink wig, with an actual breast cancer awareness ribbon tat-
too, enjoyed her first year participating in Tallahassee. “My sister is a 14-year breast cancer survivor,” Smith said. “I’m doing this for her.” Tallahassee has raised $900,000 over the past seven years toward the research and possible cure for breast cancer. “This has to be the most pas-
sionate event I’ve ever seen,” Smith said. Tallahassee’s Capital Health Plan gave away free gift bags, Tallahassee Roller Girls volunteered with parking services and local radio station Blazin 102.3 was on hand to participate in festivities. After a moment of silence, survivors and family members of survivors went on stage and told their stories. Elizabeth Rankin and Sarah Brown, identical twin sisters, spoke cancer in thier family. While on stage, the twins introduced their mother, Lynda White, a 24-year cancer survivor. The emotional White was
overwhelmed with joy.“It’s so wonderful to see so many people fight for this disease. Survival rates are so much better now than when my sister died. I just hope my granddaughters don’t have to go through this,” White said. Lelah Kelly, Miss Tallahassee USA, was ready to walk with her crown and sneakers.“It’s an honor to support something so big,” Kelly said. “Every year, the event grows,” said Thornton. “We’re just excited for next year.” Tiana Poitier famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
DJ raps with students about industry Kiarra Hart Correspondent Dj Donald “Don” Cannon was the center of attention at the School of Journalism Lecture Hall Friday morning. He was the special guest for the hip-hop forum, which was organized by the Red Bull Music Academy and Music Entertainment Industry Student Association. The six-foot-something DJ and has dreamed of playing basketball and working in the music industry since he was five years old. Cannon said he played against Kobe Bryant in high school and knew if he could compete with the basketball great, the sky was the limit. “When I saw that (Bryant) got that championship ring his first year in the league, I knew that I could accomplish anything,” said Cannon. Cannon, a Philadelphia native, held a question and answer panel, answering students’ questions about
his journey to success or the music industry in general. He emphasized the importance of aspiring artists and producers knowing the music industry is where they want to be, because it requires dedication and discipline. “I remember when artists were first starting out, they slept on the floor of the studio or wherever they could find a place to sleep,” Cannon told students during the session. “I want you all to know for sure this is what you want to do, because much sacrifice comes along with this. There were plenty of times and still are plenty of times when we forget to eat because we are so focused and in the zone.” Cannon advised students to take advantage of people already in the industry as mentors and advisers. “Technology and social networking is amazing right now; you could be one tweet away from your dreams,” said Cannon. “In my day, we didn’t
have twitter and blogs, so I think you all should use it to the greatest of your ability if you are trying to be heard.” The renowned DJ has produced tracks for artists like Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Estelle, Big Sean and Paul Wall, and performed in London and Tokyo. The Clark Atlanta alumnus became well-known in the Atlanta metro area for throwing college parties. Christian Whitaker, a senior computer information systems student, said Cannon helped him learn a basic tutorial on a program he has struggled with. “I’ve started producing myself, and Cannon taught me a few things on Ableton Live,” Whitaker said. “I really hope we have more opportunities like this, because he was very humble and I gained a lot from him.”
Special to The Famuan
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Kiarra Hart famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Proposed fund to aid FAMU sustainability
D. A. Robin The Famuan FAMU and FSU students at Wednesday’s coalition-building workshop discuss ways to put the proceeds from the Student Green Energy Fund to use on their respective campuses.
Tamickqa Johnson Correspondent Students, faculty and organizations are finding different ways to come together for a bigger cause. College students in Florida
are making an attempt to pass a green energy fund. Students at Florida A&M and Florida State have created organizations to rally their student body to support the movement. The fund will require students to pay a fee that will go toward
the green energy projects on their campuses. Southern Energy Network’s Florida organizer Jacqueline Ayala said the green fund is a maximum of $1 and a minimum of $.25 per credit hour, and will go toward projects that
cut carbon emissions. “The fund is enacted by the majority popular vote by students, is controlled by a committee of at least half students, and is voted by the students every three years,” Ayala said. FAMU Green Coalition’s president Alicia Alexander said the organization is partnering with FSU’s IDEAS to promote sustainability. “Both organizations want the same outcome: to educate students and communities about green initiatives and sustainability,” Alexander said. “The majority of universities in the state are working toward it.” Alexander said the fund would allow campuses to invest in long-term projects that will sustain energy, including, solar panels, gravity water sprinkler systems and irrigation systems. Alexander said persuading students is a challenge. “Trying to get students to see past the fact that it’s not just a fee is difficult. A lot of people see it
as a tuition increase and not as a fund that will benefit the universities,” Alexander said. Vice President of FAMU Green Coalition Ariana Williams said the student organizations have more than one goal. “The goals are to reduce carbon emissions and to enact the Student Green Energy Fund on all Florida campuses,” Williams said. “The organization can serve as a catalyst for a communitywide change while building political power in Florida and building strong youth leaders.” Williams said both universities are forming strategic alliances and will be actively engaged. “We plan to be at the Board of Trustees meetings, talk and stay in communication with allies, build up leaders who can help, use the campus image and gain student support,” Williams said. The timeline for getting the fund passed consists of positive vote from the Student Senate in spring
2012, Board of Trustees in fall 2012 and the Board of Governors by 2013. FSU student Alex Saunders said FAMU and FSU are fighting the same battle in different mediums. “Right now, FAMU is doing a great job getting SGA excited about the Student Green Energy Fund on their campus,” said Saunders. “Florida State has already had this passed three times in the SGA, and we are going to try to get it in the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors as soon as possible.” For more information contact members of The FAMU Green Coalition or FSU IDEAS.
Tamickqa Johnson famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
Play conveys important message
Moriah Johnson Staff Writer I had the pleasure of seeing the play “Fabulation or the re-
education of Undine,” twice. The play is an orginal work by Lynn Nottage and premiered in 2004 under the direction of Kate Whoriskey. Fabulation focuses around Undine, a woman in her late 30s, who is at the peak of her career. She is CEO of her own public relations firm, newly wedded and possibly pregnant. She seems to have it going on, but unexpectedly goes from having it all to having nothing. Undine finds out her
husband has embezzled money from her firm. Broke, pregnant and homeless, she returns home to her family in Brooklyn and has to face the trials and tribulations of being a pregnant black woman in a blue-collar society. Even though I caught a few slip-ups between the actors and mispronunciations of words, I have nothing bad to say about the play. I was rolling around laughing throughout the whole
play. Aside from the main character’s funny, sarcastic monologues and punch lines, the play has a deeper message. Undine’s friends were nowhere to be found when she needed help. She completely erased her embarrassing, “lowclass” family from her life. She even changed her name, and, though she had written off her family, they were still there to catch her when she fell. As a child, my dad would say that family will always be there
long after friends are gone. He was right. This is my second year at Florida A&M University, and all those “friends” I had in high school are nowhere to be found when I run out of gas on the street, when I am short on rent or even if I just need some advice and motivation to continue school, but my family is. Moriah Johnson famuanopinions@gmail.com
Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Roscoe Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail. com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Assistant Photo Editor: Alvin McBean Visuals Editor: qjsgraphix@gmail.com Quintavious Shepherd Deputy Visuals Editor Marlon Wilson D.A. Robin famuanlive@gmail.com Multimedia Editor PR Coordinator: famuancalendar@gmail.com Chakiara Tucker Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt
Traveling abroad teaches about culture, life
Jorge Rodriguez Deputy News Editor Isolationism was once seen to be the solution to all of America’s problems, but my travels have convinced me otherwise. You can’t just stick to the States. To be successful by today’s standards, you have to understand that we
function on a global market. Globalization is now the word of the day. Mega-corporations have branches all over the world doing business in a growing number of languages. To make yourself more appealing to companies while applying for a job, it never hurts to show that you have traveled and experienced different cultures. You can never be sure when or where your company might send you for a project, or in my case, a story. The best way to experience the cultural differences is to travel. I understand money is tight because of the economy, but that does not mean
traveling abroad is impossible. As college students, we are eligible for many opportunities to broaden our horizons by traveling abroad. There are many scholarships, grants and internships available to students looking to study abroad. This summer, I spent three weeks in London visiting family. While across the Atlantic, I also visited Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam and Paris exposing my ears and eyes to Spanish, Italian, Dutch and French cultures. I spent long hours in museums soaking in the art of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Da Vinci and other masters. There is no better way to experience cultural differences
than traveling around Europe. Every country is like a different world with different foods, languages and customs. For example, European countries view sex in a much different light than the United States. Sex clubs are open for business in the major European cities, catering to all sexual orientations and fetishes. Yet, Europe is so close to the more sexually-prude Middle East, where someone can be imprisoned for being drunk or having premarital sex in public and eating outside during the holy month of Ramadan. Every European city is unique. Madrid offered flamenco dancing; Amsterdam
– legal pot and prostitution; Paris seduces with the Palace of Versailles and its geometric and symmetric gardens. London had great shopping at Oxford and Piccadilly Circus. After visiting Europe for three weeks, I have changed. The proximity of all the major European cities lends to the understanding that the world has become more of a neighborhood. Reading about a different country is one thing, but to be completely immersed in the culture offers a real-life understanding of life abroad.
Jorge rodriguez famuanopinions@gmail.com
I’m an islander but I’m not Haitian or Jamaican
D.A. Robin Multimedia Editor That’s it. I’m renaming my staff editorials to “Things I Learned in Spanish class.” I was thinking about which aspect of being an international student to discuss today, when my professor’s words rang in my head again:
“Not everybody eats tacos.” A couple of weeks ago, she was talking to a classmate who planned to travel to Spain and made a mistake about the currency, confusing the Mexican peso with the European Union Euro. She corrected him, joking that they are different places. Then I started thinking of something that comes up with me all the time – where I’m from. I was born and raised on St. Maarten, then part of the Netherlands Antilles. I’ve always been just me, but here I’m from “the islands.” Which? Usually, the one wrong one/ group: Jamaica, USVI/The Bahamas. I laugh it off, play the three-islands guessing
game and then usually talk a little about home. But that’s just me. Several friends complain about people mixing up their identities. It’s not just in America. Friends in Europe have the same issues. Someone even made a Facebook page, “No!! I’m not JAMAICAN OR HAITIAN!..there’s other Caribbean islands you know.” It has 11,102 fans by the way. In the Caribbean, identity is important and very much tied to your ancestry. It’s also a great place for stereotypes. Growing up, nobody wanted to “be Haitian.” People just believed immigrants from some islands were crooks or mean-spirited
and so on. Don’t ask me where that started. You can understand why some people aren’t happy to be confused with others. Just the other night at a potluck dinner, one guest, a proud Trinidadian, wore a “Trini to the Marrow” shirt, which though unique to her island, exemplifies that Caribbean pride. Barbados’ motto is “Pride and Industry.” You get the idea. “The islands” are as individual as the people who live there. For instance, back home, 106-plus nationalities share the island peacefully, and crossing the ceremonial border takes you into a different country – all on 37
square miles. That’s one of our nuances. Other islands have their own: the Dominican “bush” and election season in St. Kitts. I actually recommend that everyone take a year off to island hop through every Carnival in the Caribbean/ South America. I haven’t done it yet, but I plan to – sometime after skydiving, which I’m doing either January or February. Trust me, you do that, and you will realize once and for all that not everybody eats tacos. Saltfish, however, is universal.
D.A. Robin famuanopinions@gmail.com
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 Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and 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.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
Rattlers stun Bulldogs Lavante Page’s late touchdown helps FAMU to a 27-24 win
Special to The Famuan Quarterback Damien Fleming received high praises from both his teammates and coaches for his 297 yard passing day in Orangeburg, S.C.
Royal Shepherd Sports Editor Lavante Page’s two fourth quarter touchdowns helped the Florida A&M football (5-3, 3-2 in the MEAC) team seal a 27-24 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-4, 3-2 in the MEAC) on Saturday. The win in Oliver Dawson Bulldog Stadium was the team’s first since 1997. Damien
Fleming led the Rattler offense, going 34-of-40 for 297 yards and a touchdown. He becomes the fourth quarterback in university history to throw 80 percent in a game. Eddie Battle (11-of-11 against the Bulldogs in 2008), Patrick Bonner (30of-35 against Jackson State in 1998) and Curtis Pulley (17-of21 against Winston Salem State in 2009) are the other three quarterbacks to accomplish the feat. The ground attack was
headed by Eddie Rocker, who rushed for 54 yards on seven carries. Page added 42 yards on 12 carries, including his pair of touchdowns late in the game. Al-Terek McBurese, who rushed for 218 yards in the teams last game, had 10 carries for the Rattlers. Lenworth Lennon tallied 70 yards on 13 receptions. Brian Tymes had six catches for 84 yards. Kevin Elliott finished the game with five receptions for 78 yards.
The defense was led by Booby Jackson, who had six tackles including one for a loss. SCSU had built up a 24-13 lead going into the fourth quarter. Page would then punch it in from three-yards out, cutting SCSU’s lead to 24-20 with 8:35 to go in the fourth. The Rattlers then put together a seven-play, 68-yard drive, capped by another three-yard TD run by Page, giving the Rattlers a 27-24 lead with 2:31 to go in the game. SCSU was paced by freshman quarterback Richard Cue, who went 12-for-24 and 121 yards. The team’s leading rusher, Asheton Jordan, garnered 88 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. Tyler McDonald was the top receiver for the Bulldogs as he had four catches for 43 yards. Dominique Ellis was the Bulldogs’ top tackler as he garnered 12 tackle with 10 solos. FAMU will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 5, in the final home game of the season. They will host North Carolina A&T on Senior Day and Youth and Community Day, in a 6 p.m. kick at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
The Florida A&M soccer team has played admirably in its inaurgural season. The team had games on Wednesday and Saturday on the intramural soccer field. The team plays other local squads from the Big Bend area and will continue its quest for recognition. For complete coverage of this team check out thefamuanonline.com.
Royal Shepherd famuansports@gmail.com
Team creating a new family Janay Cook Staff Writer High fives and laughter echoed in the halls of Gaither Gym as Florida A&M baseball players greeted their new coach with hugs. Seasoned players have said coach Willie Brown has brought a sense of unity among players. With his family-orientated and humane approach, it is easy to notice the new unbreakable bond. Jarryd Reid, 22, a secondyear business administration student from Tampa, said the team is more focused, disciplined and fearless. “This year, the team seems more aggressive and competitive,” Reid said. “Coach Brown set a higher standard and, by doing so, I think he gave us higher aspirations.” Practice starts with animated conversation and ends in hard work. The players laugh as a family as well as push one another to their full potential. Team utility player Cory Franklin, 21, a fourth-year criminal justice student from
Jacksonville, admires the change in the team‘s attitude. “Before coach came, the team wasn’t close,” Franklin said. “Players slacked on workouts and practice. His coaching methods are the same as other coaches, but he wants us to be more of a family.” Coach Brown said his past coaches have helped inspire and model his coaching style. First baseman and pitcher Dylan West, 19, a second-year business administration student from Tallahassee, said the team needed a coach to lead and be a friend. “Coach Brown promised he would lead us if we follow him, and that’s exactly what we have done this fall,” West said. During homecoming, the team participated in “Run for Lawson,” a 5k run to honor Lawson Mayfield, an 18-yearold who died September 2009 from bacterial spinal meningitis. The team raised $1,000 in donations. They also volunteered with Tallahassee residents to provide medical care and clothing for the homeless.
Special to The Famuan The baseball team has a newfound camaraderie, thanks to the family-like atmosphere brought by head coach Willie Brown. Brown is in his first season.
Upcoming community service events include a food drive for the Salvation Army. Brown gives all credit to the team for the increase in community service this semester, but said he wants to see his players become better men, friends and teammates. As a family, the team is sticking together through difficult times.
This year, the team hopes to increase game attendance and gain student support. Players from the tennis and softball teams fill the empty bleachers to show their support.
Janay Cook famuansports@gmail.com
The Florida A&M basketball team got to work early Saturday morning in the Al Lawson Center, for the team’s first official orange and white scrimmage of the 2011-2012 season. “The scrimmage I think went quite well,” said Coach Johnson. “I am very pleased with what I saw today.” “We need to work on shooting,” he also said. “There were a lot of open shots that was missed, and forced shots. I can correct the force shots; it’s just the open shots have to go in the basket.”
Craddock follows his own rules Leland Hall Correspondent
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Degion Craddock works hard at a sport that became his love late in his athletic career. Basketball was his original sport.
Degion Craddock embodies his favorite quote: “The harder you work, the harder it is to quit.” “Degion is a very hard worker, very team oriented, and does whatever he has to do to be a help to his teammates. He is focused and very committed on the track and in the classroom,” head coach Wayne Angel said. The business administration student from Queens, N.Y., has only been running for five years, but has become a vital part of the team’s success. Craddock said balancing academics and athletics takes time and dedication. “It’s not an easy task. You lose a lot of sleep because we
have morning practices. You just have to stay consistent and create a schedule for yourself and stay strict with it,” Craddock said. “Set standards for yourself, like whether or not you go to parties knowing that you got practice tomorrow.” In high school, Craddock was told by his basketball coach if he did not run track, he could not play basketball. That ultimatum changed the course of his athletic career. Craddock said he was originally upset with this decision made by his coach but forced himself to deal with it in order to continue playing his true love of basketball. Craddock started winning every race in high school and instantly excelled at the sport.
He said the best part of his decision was track gave him the opportunity to come to Florida A&M. Coach Wayne Angel anticipates on Craddock being one of his top runners this season. Craddock has maintained a 3.0 GPA. He is also involved in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), where he is on the fundraising committee, a member of the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) as well as the Northeastern Vibe Organization (NVO). This season, Craddock is looking to improve in the 800-meter run, 4x8 relay, the DMR (Distance Medley Relay) and his favorite event, the 4x4 relay in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s
track and field finals for the Rattlers. Craddock said his competitive nature should help him better prepare for his goals. “I love competition,” Craddock said. “Even if I know the person is ten times faster than me, just knowing that I’m going to race somebody fast gets my adrenaline pumping.”
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Leland Hall famuansports@gmail.com