THE STUDENT VOICE OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
“The Number 1 HBCU Newspaper” According to the Black College Communication Association
66
www.TheFamuanOnline.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
NEWS BRIEFS INTERNATIONAL
VOL. 112 ISSUE 22
Warning: Cuts ahead
Former FAMU officer pleads guilty ELLIOTT KIADII CORRESPONDENT
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) —One year after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the island nation of Haiti, the country is still waiting on the aid it was promised. Americans donated $1.4 billion to private organizations to help survivors, but only 38 percent of that money has been spent on recovery efforts. Since the quake, only 5 percent of the rubble has been removed .
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOCAL An attempted robbery left one man dead on Monday night. The shooting occurred at Bill’s Mini Mart on South Magnolia Drive around 10 pm. Authorities say 23-yearold Andrew Hale demanded cash from the store clerk, who then proceeded to shoot Hale with a personal handgun. An accomplice is believed to be involved in the incident.
SOURCE: TALLAHASSEE.COM
NATIONAL AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —Former U.S. House majority leader Tom DeLay was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday. DeLay was convicted on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors believe that DeLay could be free for months if he appeals. SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
WEATHER Today
49 21 Thursday
48 21 Friday
51 21
Daune Robin The Famuan President James Ammons holds a discussion in Lee Hall on the restructuring project.
NI’TAVIA JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT President James Ammons summed up the tough decisions the university would have to make in the light of the state’s dire economy and impending budget cuts.
On Monday, Ammons held an open session discussing the restructuring plan for the university and what’s to come. He said enrollment, growth and tuition are the major factors that will help keep the university afloat.
“This process will be challenging since we have already reduced our budget by more than $30 million,” said Ammons. “The only control we have is over tuition and how we grow the university.” MEETING 4
Proctor flips switch on city KRISTIN BRONER CORRESPONDENT County commissioner Bill Proctor bellowed into a microphone his outrage at the city of Tallahassee overcharging its utility customers in his district Tuesday morning. He demanded the city reimburse the $8 million it collected in fees and overcharging its customers. Proctor stressed that the city has $100 million in an account earning interest, but has not made an attempt to compensate the citizens of District 1. “This city is imposing plain sharecropping and plantation practices. The tenant sharecropper never keeps the records or books,” said Proctor
Keenan Doanes The Famuan
Proctor voiced his disdain for the city overcharging for utilities
in his speech at the Renaissance Center on Macomb St. “The owner will keep $8 million dollars worth of overcharges from the customers. This is classism
because the city has a utility system that is regressive. Poor citizens pay more per square foot COT 3
A former patrol officer with the Florida A&M Police Department pleaded guilty to federal charges on Monday and could face up to 10 years in prison. According to the U.S. district attorney’s office, Byron Whitaker, 32, pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and making false statements to a federal agent. Both charges carry a potential five-year maximum sentence. Whitaker is released on bond. During the plea, Whitaker admitted that between January and May of last year, he purchased marijuana from a local drug supplier for distribution. At the time Whitaker was employed as a uniformed officer for the university’s police department and he “negotiated a purchase while on duty in his patrol car,” the release said. “I am very, very, very disappointed by the conduct by someone who has sworn to uphold the law,” said FAMU Chief of Police Calvin Ross. “It’s even more disappointing when one of your own crosses the line especially in the manner which he did.” No evidence has surfaced proving Whitaker sold drugs to students, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Rhew-Miller. Before his dismissal Whitaker had been employed on the force for seven years. He did not have any previous police experience before working for the FAMU police department and was dismissed in December of 2010 when information was
first
announced.
POLICE 3
Haiti anniversary
Relatives connect amid disaster KIMBERLY DANTICA CORRESPONDENT A year has passed since the earthquake that rocked Haiti. Since then I have discovered American Book Award Winner, Edwidge Danticat, is my relative, and have added a new branch to my family tree. Who knew that in the face of a historic disaster, a family connection could be found. I had never met her before, neither had we spoken; but we learned of each other after the disaster struck Haiti. The most I knew about her was The
Dew Breaker, a novel I read for an English class assignment. Before January 12, I had one slightly famous relative. Danticat was sometimes mistaken as my godmother, Aunt Evelyn, who is a broadcast journalist in Canada. “I heard when I was older, over 24, that Evelyn was a radio personality,” Danticat said. “People used to think I was Evelyn.” My aunt knew more about Danticat than I did until after I spoke to my cousin Cristelle after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck. I couldn’t believe our
Special To The Famuan There will be a vigil marking the 1-year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake held at the Eternal Flame today at 6 pm.
HAITI 9
Opinions
Lifestyles
Florida lawmakers flirt with the idea of connecting the state’s major cities with a high speed rail system.
Student Tineisha Sulker chronicles her return to FAMU after a semester of chemotherapy, battling Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Opinions |5
Lifestyles | 8
2 Calendar
TheFamuanOnline.com
The Famuan
famuancalendar@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements On Sunday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m., the English Department of Florida A&M University will host a Retirement Celebration in honor of Dr. Willie T. Williams. The event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel, 101 S. Adams St. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.willietwilliams.com. Payments may also be mailed before Jan. 14, 2011, to Dr. Veronica Yon, Retirement Celebration Co-Chair, Department of English, 446 Tucker Hall, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla., 32307-4800. The Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society will hold an interest meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. in the Writing Resource Center (124 Tucker Hall). Membership is open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. For additional information, please contact Dr. Veronica Yon at 850412-7697 (veronica.yon@famu.edu) or Ms. Krishula Edwards at 334-300-2028 (krishula1.edwards@ famu.edu). The FAMU Chapter of the Hip Hop Congress and The Cravings Truck presents “Munchers Delight” Fundrai$er Luncheon on Friday Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. across from Perry Paige. If you
have any questions, contact Athena Griffith at famuhiphopcongress@gmail.com The FAMU Chapter of the Hip Hop Congress will host a General Body Meeting on Wednesday Jan. 19 at 7:00 p.m. in B.L. Perry Room 300. The meeting is opened to all students who have a love for hip-hop. For more information, contact Athena Griffith at famuhiphopcongress.com. The Electoral Commission is now accepting volunteer applications for the Campus Spring Elections. Applications are now available in the Office of Student Activities. All applications are due by Friday January 21, 2011 by 5pm to the Office of Student Activities. If you have any questions, or would like to be sent an application feel free to contact the Electoral Commission at famu. ec@gmail.com. Orientation for Educator Advocates, Mentors dedicated to helping students at FAMU DRS! This session is for new and interested members at the New FAMU DRS Media Center, Thursday Jan. 13, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Meet in front of the main office. Bring a photocopy of your drivers licenses and birth certificate to complete enrollement paperwork. For more information contact Dr. Dozier Henry at drodh1@gmail.com or Trilauni White at trilauni2@hotmail.com.
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 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.
Classifieds Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call (800) 965-6520 ext. 189
The Royal Ladies of Eternal Legendary Queens, Inc. will be hosting an interest meeting for prospective members on Oct. 13th from 7:09 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in B.L. Perry room 205. For more information contact De’Ronye Thomas at 708-662-0350 or via email at elq_famu2005@yahoo.com
Religion Directory
Bethel AME Church “Called to make a Difference.”
Jacob Chapel Baptist Church “The Blue Print.”
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SECOND SERVICE
PRAYER MEETING SUN. 6:30 p.m. TUE/FRI 11:30-12:30
SUN. 11:00 a.m. THURS. 7:30 p.m.
COLLEGIATE MINISTRY WALKING DISTANCE SHUTTLE
BIBLE STUDY
TUE 7:00 p.m.
SUN. 9:30 a.m.
SUN. 7:45 a.m.
SUN. 11:00 a.m
WED. 6:30 p.m.
TUE. 12:00 p.m. WED. 7:00 P.M.
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SUN. 7:30 a.m.
SUN. 11:00 a.m
THURS. 7:00 p.m.
WED. 7:00 THURS. 6:15 p.m.
YES YES YES
Cathedral of Faith Ministries “ The Family Church Serving the Family of God.”
FIRST SERVICE
NO YES YES YES YES YES
SUNDAY SCHOOL
ADDRESS Elder Joseph P. Manning 2122 Poppy Street (850)574-5605 www.cofmcogic.org
Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister 501 W. Orange Ave. (850) 576-7501
Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr. 2333 Lake Bradford Road (850) 574-3150 www.jacobchapel.org
We Deliver!
*
Carry-Out Additional Toppings Available
Large Pizza Cheese or Pepperoni Order 3 or More, We’ll Deliver!
Two Regular Oven Baked Subs
FREE FLAVORED PIZZA CRUST! Original • Butter • Butter cheese • Onion • Cajun Garlic Herb • Ranch • Sesame
SERVING FAMU AREA
1496 Apalachee Pkwy. next to Blockbusters Video
Plus tax & delivery. At participating locations.
942-6800
Call (850) 599- 3159 for ad inquiry
Corrections For corrections please email Famuancalendar@gmail.com.
Call 850•599•3159
101863
*Delivery Extra
TheFamuanOnline.com
TheFamuan Wednesday, January 12, 2011
famuannews@gmail.com
News 3
Senators focus on restructuring MATTHEW RICHARDSON STAFF EDITOR The university’s restructuring process isn’t one that requires input from just Florida A&M’s faculty, but from students as well. With the academic focus group meeting that was held on Jan. 7 and President James Ammons holding a forum on Jan. 10, it was no surprise that the restructuring plans were among the main focus points at the Student Senate’s first meeting for spring 2011. Student Senate President Iman Sandifer explained to the senate and the gallery how important the restructure is for the university and if not properly handled, some valued programs could be cut. “Basically, Ammons explained where we’re going in the next year and where his plans are and where we have to go based on money issues dealing with the cuts we’ve been getting at the state and federal level,” said Sandifer. The history education major, in which Sandifer is currently pursuing
COT of their residence than others.” M. Michelle Bono, assistant to the city manager and city commissioner Andrew Gillum attended the press conference to respond to Proctor. Bill Proctor Gillum and Bono concurred that while the city does have $100 million on reserve, the money is saved for emergency circumstances. “Fifteen years ago one generator at the [city] plant cost $100 million dollars…today if this generator needed to be replaced where would the money come from?” Bono asked of Proctor. “Should we bill utility customers and let them know we must charge them more because we need money for a generator? Or should we use the money in reserve and take care of the issue? Because that’s where all extra money goes: not
a degree, has been discontinued from undergraduates and shifted over to become a graduate program. “Of course the program was cut from me because I am an undergraduate,” said Sandifer. “But from my understanding, I will be able to complete my major since I came in under it, but the next set of students that had that aspiration of going into that major, won’t be able to.” As a means to express the urgency of student input for the restructure, Sandifer has implemented a student focus group that will meet twice this week in FAMU’s grand ballroom. The first meeting will be held Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The second will be on Friday at the same time. At the academic focus group held Jan. 7, a few students were present but Sandifer said he was somewhat disappointed to not see so many other students in attendance to discuss the future of the university. “If I remember, this is the first time I’ve seen the faculty push to hear what students have to say in a focus group,” said Sandifer.
“It’s very important we get students out there to give their opinions and to listen to the administration and see what is realistic and what is unrealistic.” Before addressing the senate about the restructuring process, SGA Vice President Breyon Love proposed adding on to the television lounge to create a dining area with more of a variety of food offerings for students outside of the cafeteria. Love also mentioned a more tangible, upcoming advancement: proposing a new student fee to the Board of Trustees to pay for the upgrading of FAMU’s student union. “I think that it’s really important for us to be really proactive and think into the future,” Sandifer, said. “Yes we will raise an additional fee for students, but it’s for a good cause. It’s for students to be able to enjoy their college experience a little bit more. It isn’t a fee that’s a crazy amount of money.” The proposed fee will be discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting.
in our pockets nor does it sit to collect interest…that is money on reserve in case an emergency ever occurs,” said Bono. Proctor continued his conference defending his beliefs and the citizens of his district. As an additive, he used a piggy bank and a bagged lunch to make the point that, “$34 per household may seem to only be $34 to the city; but $34 to a family in District 1 or anywhere in Leon County could pay two weeks worth of lunch for a child in school.” Gillum also disagreed with Proctor. “The city has spent $23 Million dollars in programs for citizens all over Tallahassee on being more energy efficient,” said Gillum. “Why would the city just want to take money from citizens when all monies goes toward benefiting the citizens all over Tallahassee?” The issue first arose last month when Proctor sent a letter to the commissioners and the city manager. The letter, dated Dec. 23, requested a $6
million rebate for city utility customers in District 1, which includes the neighborhoods of Frenchtown, South City, Springfield and Bond. Thee $6 million rebate is based on the $8 million in overcharges collected by the city. Gillum said a meeting was held in Proctor’s district in December discussing tips on energy conservation and how to save money. He noted that while hundreds attended the meeting, Proctor was absent. Despite opposition from Bono and Gillum, Proctor proceeded to make his case for the citizens in his district. He suggested that customers have money credited to their accounts or even have hard copy checks mailed to hem. “That money was not the utility companies for the taking and therefore should be returned,” said Proctor. He made the analogy that the city of Tallahassee is a “big bully taking the lunch money of citizens all over District 1.” Proctor also informed those in attendance that the city of Tallahassee
POLICE “When there is an officer that tarnishes his or her badge, they will be dealt with just as any other criminal,” Ross said. “But this is no reflection on the quality or integrity of officers of this department.” Last August after federal agents had identified Whitaker’s suppliers by name and questioned Whitaker, offiicials said he lied, saying he had not personally seen the supplier with drugs and had not received or purchased drugs from the supplier on any occasion. Whitaker turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee in November, Rhew-Miller said. “Evidence was developed against him as part of a larger drug investigation.” she said. U.S. Attorney Pamela Marsh commended the joint operation that led to Whitaker’s indictment. “When public officers violate the trust of our community, we will take every step to fairly and uniformly bring them to justice.” Whitaker is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on March 21, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
MATTHEW RICHARDSON
ELLIOT KIADII
FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
is tax exempt, which means it doesn’t pay taxes on any of their purchases. Resident Angel Williams was disheartened to hear that the city had allegedly overcharged its customers. “I just moved from Dayton, Ohio, and I cant understand why my bill is so high especially since I have been gone for about two weeks, and I turned everything off even unplugged appliances,” said Williams. Williams said that she now has to turn to a program funded by city of Tallahassee to help pay her bill. To mitigate the issue of utility overcharging, which Proctor says he has been addressing “since 1994,” Proctor believes that a citizen’s utility board should be established that will help set utility rates and provide oversight for the city’s electric and utility operations. The city says it has no plans to refund any of the customers in Proctor’s district. KRISTIN BRONER FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Global Opportunities Within Your Reach ACS, a Xerox Company, is hiring for a variety of positions that need your professional skills. Be part of our Fortune 200 company and join 130,000 employees worldwide who are supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries. Jobs currently available in Tallahassee, Florida • Technology Managers • Developers, Entry Level to Management • Quality Assurance - SQA and Test Automation • Experience in Oracle DBA, C++, C#, Java, .Net, Linux and UNIX Competitive pay • Professional growth • A solid career track! Click-to-Connect acs.gsg.jobs@acs-inc.com www.acs-inc.com Drug screen and background check required for employment with ACS. EOE/AA.
News 4
TheFamuanOnline.com
TheFamuan
famuan.metro@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
FAMU ZIP code among poorest
Google Maps Satellite imagery of the 32307 zip code, home to FAMU’s campus
FOLAKEMI OSOBA CORRESPONDENT The 32307 and 32313 ZIP codes in Tallahassee are listed as two of the 100 lowest income ZIP codes
in the United States for 2009. The directory is based on data collected from Internal Revenue Service figures pertaining to salaries and wages. The IRS releases tax statistics that offer descriptions and
measurements of the U.S. tax system. In order to obtain the results of the 100 lowest income ZIP codes, the IRS evaluated adjusted gross income, number of returns filed, salary per return and income per return. The 32307 ZIP code is home to Florida A&M’s campus and a small number of households. According to a 2008 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, the ZIP code is home to a mere six households; compared to only five in 2000. “I think the results are a combination of both students living in the area as well as residents,” said Aaron Clinkscales, 22, a professional MBA student from Corona, Calif., and secretary of the SGA Department of Economic Development. Fault cannot be placed upon the supposed apathetic residents of these ZIP codes, whom most would assume fail to report their income to the IRS. In fact, many of the ZIP codes listed are not residential areas, but are home to college campuses and regions heavily populated with businesses. Such is this case for the 32313 ZIP code located at the intersection of South Monroe Street and East Jefferson Street in the downtown area. The ZIP code is not home to any businesses or households and is difficult to pinpoint by geographic information software such as Google Earth or software used by the U.S. Census Bureau. Other Florida ZIP codes also made the list. The 32612 ZIP code in Gainesville is a business depot with a few apartment complexes targeted towards students and the 33965 ZIP in Fort Myers is
that of Florida Gulf Coast University. In addition to the 32307 ZIP code, others were listed that house very few, if any, residents. The 80841 ZIP code home to the U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. and the 29225 ZIP code, home to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. are included on the list. FAMU’s ZIP code had only 101 returns filed, which includes the few households located in the ZIP code and tax returns filed by the university. Since colleges are required to file taxes, the size of both USAF and USC must be considered in analyzing the data; both schools are larger than FAMU. For example, the 101 tax returns filed in the 32307 ZIP code is a relatively low number in comparison to the USAF Academy, which filed 2,391 returns. Juanita Gaston, a member of the geography department faculty and director of the FAMU Census Information Center, believes this IRS statistic is slightly misleading. “There are not many permanent residents within the FAMU ZIP code, so it’s not really an accurate representation,” said Gaston. In addition to drafting a list of the nation’s poorest ZIP codes, the IRS compiled a list of the ZIP codes with the highest reported salaries. The 32306 ZIP code, home to a portion of Florida State’s campus made the list with 53 tax returns.
FOLAKEMI OSOBA FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.COM
Search for student activities director begins NI’TAVIA JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT Saundra Inge, former director of student activities, retired last semester and the position has yet to be filled. In order to carry on business, Robert Carroll Jr., director of campus recreation, is currently serving as interim director. According to Henry L. Kirby, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of Students, Carroll was selected because of his past experience and knowledge of student activities. “We are confident in his ability to carry out the duties of the position until we find someone to permanently fill the seat,” said Kirby. A search committee will meet today to review applications and begin the process of interviewing candidates for the position. The search committee consists of Ed Willis, Pamela Tolson, Thomas Canvano, Adria Crisp, Shelby Chipman, Marlon Honeywell, John Cotton, Felicia Barnes and Mattie Trawick. Also a part of the committee are three student leaders, Kashif SmileyClark, Marissa West, and Aaron Waters, who were recommended by the Student Government Association. The committee is responsible for narrowing down the list of applicants to at least three finalists
MEETING Ammons said in order for FAMU to accommodate more growth, its expansion will need to be more focused. “Enrollment drives our funding. This year we have the largest enrollment of students out of other traditional colleges,” Ammons said. “The worst thing that can happen is that we lose enrollment and lose state appropriations.” Ammons said the challenge is to reduce costs by about 15 percent or more than $13 million, including $6 million from academic affairs and $2 million from administration and finance and $2 million from OPS, which includes student employment on campus. To cut costs, the university might outsource certain services, eliminate one session of summer school and reduce the number of schools and colleges. Some programs would be realigned after a review of academic productivity. In light of the fiscal climate, students may see a 15 percent increase in tuition. However, this would only apply to in-state students. Ammons said that the university may have to market rate tuition for certain programs, which will more than
for recommendation. Afterwards, the committee will send its recommendations to William Hudson Jr., interim vice president of Student Affairs, and to Kirby for final selection. Committee member Smiley-Clark, 24, said within the past five years campus morale has gone down and the new director should have innovative ideas of how to incorporate activities that will bring excitement back. “We need someone who will help students matriculate through college better, and I would like to see Set Friday back on the Set and not down in the Rattlers Den,” said Smiley-Clark. “I think that will help boost campus morale.” “I had a lot of fun freshman year, but by junior year campus spirit didn’t feel the same,” said graduate student Martesha Williams, 24, from Fort Lauderdale. The new director will be expected to bring his or her vision to the position and to implement goals in an effective and timely manner. “We have a pool of experts on campus that would be willing to share their knowledge to students for no cost. That will help us save money as a university and also help the students become more connected with professors and employees on campus,” said Kirby. He also emphasized that he would
likely be the professional programs. “If you compare the tuition rates of the university’s professional programs against other schools, you will notice a significant difference,” said Ammons. The intention is to centralize those functions and have them carried out by a smaller group using technology. “Those programs that will help carry FAMU into the future, we will be expanding those,” said Ammons. President of the Student National Alumni Association, Alger Studstill Jr., said his concern is that as enrollment grows, whether the university will be able to accommodate those students and what will happen to the students that are in programs that will get cut. “I understand that enrollment means more money for the university, but what about those that are already here in programs that potentially may get cut,” said Studstill. The university has yet to determine which programs will be phased out but students enrolled will have the opportunity to finish the program and attain their degree.
NI’TAVIA JOHNSON FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Famuan file photo The university has formed a search committee to replace the now retired director of student activities Saundra Inge.
like the new director to improve the implementation of workshops and seminars held for students on campus. “[Inge] did a great job and will be missed. We wish her well with her retirement from more than 30 years of service to
FAMU and the student body,” said Kirby. “Whomever fills her position has big shoes to fill.” NI’TAVIA JOHNSON FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Highlights of President Ammonsʼ Restructuring Proposal At a Glance: Guiding Principles for the restructuring: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Reduce administrative costs. Eliminate low productivity programs. Reduce duplication in course offerings Reduce duplication in administrative processes Reduce energy costs Implement private sector expertise where appropriate.
Guiding Principles for the restructuring: Academic Affairs. Admin. & Finance Student Affairs EIT
$6 million $2million $833,000 $735,000
Areas for investments: • • •
Enrollment growth and retention Increased research funding Increased fundraising
OPS Vacancies Other Divisions
$2 million $2 million $ 250,000
Restructuring Timetable: • Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom for students • Friday, Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom to address technology issues. • On Feb. 9-10, Ammons will update FAMU Board of Trustees. • March 2011 – Strategic plan review and reorganization will be finalized. • April 2011 – Reorganization plan to be presented to BOT.
Opinions 5
TheFamuanOnline.com
TheFamuan
famuanopinions@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
One year later, misery continues
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com
On this day exactly one year ago, a vicious earthquake struck approximately 35 miles west southwest of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. It devastated the whole nation. The quake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and an aftershock measuring 5.9 left a catastrophic path of destruction. The Haitian government estimated that 200,000 people died, 300,000 were injured, and over 1,000,000 were made homeless. A year later, there is still much work to be done. More help is needed and humanitarian effort is still
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
Dressed for the hood, Political Takeout not the Hill
in effect. Millions remain homeless in a lackluster effort to rebuild homes and the weak infrastructures that remain. Tens of thousands of tents now remain, leaving occupying survivors deprived and waiting for aid. Last fall, a Cholera outbreak spread through out Haiti, as a result of the extremely damaged water and sanitation systems. Nearly 3,000 people died of Cholera and more than 100,000 were infected. Although it is mind blowing to see millions of people suffering, someone has to be held accountable for the delayed response.
The Haitian government failed to create immediate solutions and was disorganized in its efforts. The November elections were a failure: thousands who died were still on the rolls, and survivors were turned down due to lack of organization and fraud. Most candidates condemmed the vote due to violence and voter intimidation. No leader has yet emerged. Despite setbacks, Haiti recieved international relief through donations. The United States sent $120 million to a reconstruction
fund and provided about $200 million in debt relief. President Obama called it “one of the largest relief efforts in U.S. history.” According to The Chronicle Of Philanthropy, U.S. relief groups have collected more than $97 million in donations. With the increasing support from worldwide aid and a developing government mending broken policies, Haiti is destined for improvement. Better leadership and organization is necessary for a complete turnaround. Aaron Johnson for the Editorial Board.
Follow Twitter
us
on @
FamuanOpinions to share your thoughts on our other columns.
ERICA EUBANKS FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
EDITOR IN CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: famuancopydesk@gmail.com Julian Kemper
SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR: famuannews@gmail.com Matthew Richardson
METRO NEWS EDITOR: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence
ERICA EUBANKS COLUMNIST
As I make my way past C o l e m a n Library on a breezy day, I hear from my right, “Aye Red!” As I slowly turn with a look of displeasure on my face, I see that the young man whose mouth this came from is casually dressed in a white tank top, gray briefs, sagging jeans -with no beltand Jordan slides on. As I study this gentleman in front of me, I can’t help but wonder: “How in the world can you dress like this at an institute of higher learning?” We have no dress code here at Florida A&M, and we shouldn’t. We are all adults and masters of our own fate. I think, however, given those responsibilities, these young men should know better. But does that make them any less deserving of a degree? Our country’s First Amendment gives us freedom of speech, does freedom of dress not apply? Although I am one who is quick to stare these students down, I do not believe that their intelligence is considered to be any lower than the young men who stroll around campus in three-piece suits or those who don Sperrys and khakis on a regular basis. Being from South Florida, many would think I would be used to this attire since it’s quite common in Fort Lauderdale, but I believed that once I came to college, fads, such as the sagging jeans, tank tops, etc., would be a thing of the past. Apparently, I thought wrong. But at a school where excellence and fashion reigns, are we more concerned about the fact that these young men seem like they might not appear capable of a 4.0 GPA? Or is it the fact that their personal style is taken to be seemingly offensive on a campus full of scholars who look like they just stepped out of Jet magazine? At the end of the day, many of these “thugged out” young men are still on track and have not let their personal attire hinder their academic excellence, so why are we so bothered by it?
F U
THE
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR: Aaron Johnson
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
DEPUTY SPORTS EDITORS: Cameron Daniels
Bob Englehart The Hartford Courant, Connecticut If this were true Haiti would have been rebuilt and fully functional by now...
High-speed rail could spur progress JASON LAWRENCE STAFF EDITOR Florida is moving closer to the long awaited dream of many of its citizens to construct a high-speed rail system. The Feds awarded the state $342 million last month in addition to $1.025 billion in federal stimulus funds and an $800 million grant from the Federal Rail Administration. The proposed project, with a speculated price tag of $2.6 billion, would connect Florida’s largest metropolitan areas in hopes the system would bolster the state’s ailing economy and improve overall transit for residents. Indeed, if Gov. Rick Scott backs a decision by the state legislature to begin construction of high- speed rail or HSR for brevity, it could yield desirable economic growth and kill several of the state’s nuisance birds with a stone - at a speed not exceeding 120 mph. That is, if the project is done right...the first time. In 1976, a study on HSR’s feasibility was mandated by the state legislature. The maverick idea went into limbo for over 30 years while several additional studies were conducted and proposals brought forth to ensure that an HSR system was right for Florida. It wasn’t until 2000 that 53 percent of the state’s voters finally acted in favor of an amendment creating the Florida High Speed Rail Authority, an entity within Florida Department of Transportation. The vote also designated the construction of a system, which was to begin in 2003. Unfortunately, the wishes of the electorate were thwarted that year as then-governor Jeb Bush vetoed funding for the system. State officials have flirted with the idea
of a HSR for decades, but in 2011 the courtship of innovation and sound public policy may blossom into something more than a staple in EPCOT’s “Future World.” Scott isn’t completely sold on the idea. Still, there is much for his administration to consider. Basic economic principles teach us that the fluid movement of capital and labor is essential for a robust economy. If Scott is serious about a plan to create 700,000 jobs within seven years, then he need not look any further than HSR. True, the initial construction of a system would create several thousand jobs at best. That would pale in comparison to the 12 percent of the state’s unemployed workforce. But its long-term benefits will realize a viable state economy Scott touted in his inaugural address. Florida is a large state and its major cities are separated by vast distances. Travel times between these areas exceed one hour via four main intrastate highways. Building a system that connects them would significantly reduce statewide travel times allowing for the rapid movement of human capital. With HSR, an unemployed individual in Jacksonville could travel to a potential employer in Tampa in just over an hour, whereas before, the daily 196-mile commute wasn’t fathomable by car. The new commute can be equated to a drive from southern Dade County to the northern extreme of Palm Beach County in the same area at peak traffic hours. For readers unfamiliar with this area, that’s a north-south distance of roughly 100 miles at a travel time of an hour and 42 minutes at its shortest distance. In addition to reduced travel times, comprehensive HSR could offset increased traffic volume on the state’s existing transit infrastructure.
This becomes even more crucial as Florida attracts even more residents. HSR seems desirable on its face, but there are still kinks to be ironed out of the proposal before billions of taxpayer dollars are funneled into the project. The most of obscure of these details is the exclusion of Jacksonville from the corridor as proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The current plan connects Tampa to Orlando and will eventually connect the Miami area. And although Jacksonville will supposedly be connected to another interstate HSR system, no plans exist to connect it to Florida’s other large cities. This is clearly misguided and no further moves should be made on HSR until a plan is implemented to connect the state’s largest city, with its counterparts. Opponents of HSR have expressed great concern over its long-term costs to taxpayers. However, privatization, travel incentives HSR users, and innovative design championed by the products of engineering programs at the state’s “world-class” universities, could ease this apprehension. Most Floridians are anxious to see HSR pull out of the station. Service from Tampa to Orlando could begin in 2015, according to Florida HSR’s website. Despite Scott’s skepticism toward the plan, it shouldn’t be completely abandoned, but it shouldn’t be rushed into either. And if Floridians don’t see HSR until the beginning of the next decade, at least we would have ensured that this innovative feat was done right the first time.
JASON LAWRENCE FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
PHOTO EDITOR: famuan.photos3@gmail.com Kennan Doanes
DEPUTY PHOTO EDITOR: Jasmine Mitchell
VISUAL EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Jeffrey Morris
GRAPHICS EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Kenya Mawusi
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR: famuanonline87@gmail.com Bilal Hatim
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.
Does Florida need to implement the High Speed Rail?
A) Yes. B) No. C) What’s that?
6 Comics
TheFamuanOnline.com famuancomics2011@gmail.com
TheFamuan Wednesday, January 12, 2011
7
TheFamuanOnline.com famuannews@gmail.com
TheFamuan Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Lifestyles 8
TheFamuanOnline.com
TheFamuan
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
J. L. Evans The Famuan Tineisha Sulker returns to the ‘Hill’ after being diagnosed with and beginning treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma.
TINEISHA SULKER COLUMNIST It wasn’t what I expected. The very first thing I noticed on my first day back to school was the different comments I received about how good it was to see me and how great my hair looks. Even without the locks, those
compliments gave a newfound sense of confidence that I never thought possible and eased my anticipation of what was sure to be a long day. My spirits began to lift and fears about the transition back to school began to fade as s classmates greeted me with smiles and hugs and words of
encouragement. Although it was a hectic first week trying to organize my schedule, hunt down access codes, remove all holds and meet with my professors, my classes are finally set in stone. I thought taking a semester off would be too overwhelming. However, I chose to try and return and get right back on track, especially while still continuing my chemotherapy treatments. My mind and body just wanted to stay on vacation and in the arms of my family. I was scheduled to have another chemotherapy treatment during my vacation, but making it back was going to be a problem. No rides were available to bring me back early enough, so rescheduling was the only option. I didn’t give the situation too much consideration, and counted it as a blessing that I would be able to have a stress-free, chemofree vacation. The hospital called me on my first Friday back for a 9 a.m. treatment. The uneasy, squirming feeling in the pit of my stomach only grew worse as I got dressed, ate breakfast and waited for my ride. As I rode to the hospital, my nerves turned me into a ball of anxious energy. The doctors noticed my nerves, and told me to relax, that everything would be fine, even after returning from such a long break. I listened. The nurses hooked me up to an IV and I tried to make myself calm by picturing myself at home with my family. After the first couple
of pumps from the medicine, my stomach began to churn and groan and I immediately notified the doctors. Just as they placed the bag in my hand I began to throw up. That’s never happened before. I’ve never gotten sick during treatment. The worst-case scenario had been the effects would begin to kick in later on that night after the treatment. Feeling a little better after throwing up was a good sign, or so the doctors told me, but that uneasy feeling was still lingering. I’m just hoping that all of this was not because of one missed treatment over my vacation. The nausea stayed with me even after the first few days of treatment, but I’m determined to still attend class and remain focused. It was not an easy decision to come back to school this semester while still receiving treatment, but I hated the feeling of letting the world go on without me. Staying in one place, feeling helpless and unproductive, is just not the right decision for me. Fighting is just half of the battle, but keeping my head up and a smile on my face is all I have left. We’ll see how far it takes me. Editor’s Note: Tineisha Sulker was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer, in the summer of 2010. She has a bi-weekly column chronicling her battle against the disease. TINEISHA SULKER FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
helps to wash away old doubts
New semester
‘Game’ over on new network premiere CLARECE POLKE STAFF EDITOR WARNING: Spoilers! Empty, forced laughs and awkward dialogue punctuated what should have been one of the biggest comebacks since Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA. BET’s small network vision and even smaller budget became more excruciatingly obvious with every passing minute. The sex scenes with Malik and his boss’ wife, as well as Tasha and her new, much younger boy toy were so extreme and detailed they bordered on tasteless, especially when compared to the formerly fun and sexy scenes often seen between couples on the show. When we last saw Tasha, she and
Rick Fox were in the midst of a pursuing a relationship What happened with Rick Fox, when she became a poster child for Black and Milds and why she can’t find friends her own age are just a few of the questions that come to mind as I watched her sloppily making out and throwing temper tantrums like the 25-year-old she’s not. Kelly’s close-propped, greasylooking hair, myriad tattoos and slinky, unflattering outfits made her resemble a washedup, bitter divorcee’ rather than an independent, wealthy, single mother with her own reality show. It was Malik, however, that took the cake, as he takes the word “player” to an entirely different
level. His childish and conceited games reach an all-time low when he has an affair with his boss’ wife and best friend, TiTi’s, girlfriend. Last but not least, there’s Derwin and Melanie. The out-of-control rollercoaster that made their relationship comparable to icons like Bonnie and Clyde and Bobby and Whitney, took viewers for a completely ridiculous loop. The new “wifey” status just isn’t enough for Melanie, as she’s still haunted by jealous insecurities of Derwin’s relationship with his son. Consequently, Melanie has a friend perform a paternity test on “baby DJ,” only to discover the baby isn’t Derwin’s. But, wait, it gets better…after Melanie tells Derwin, she receives
a phone call from her friend confessing she made a mistake on the test. While the show maintained the swagger and spunk that made its fame, BET packed entirely too much drama and too many plotlines into one episode. In a mad race to get to the top, it left a wake of faithful viewers in the dust with the confused looks on our faces stemming from plot holes and unanswered questions, rather than curiosity as to what’s next. The moral of the story, as stated by a fellow editor and former Game fan: Don’t cut Kelsey Grammer out of your black television shows. CLARECE POLKE FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Company shows Tallahassee a contemporary style AMANDA LEGROS STAFF WRITER There is only one ideal Amy Leach, Artistic Director of Showdancetell, instills in all of her students: each movement needs to express the dancer’s innermost feelings, creating an emotional connection to movement. Leach, 31, is originally from Raleigh, N.C. and received a degree in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina. She has been dancing since age seven, and choreographing and teaching dance for over 10 years. Leach has been a featured dancer with the Queen City Jazz Company and performed with the U-Turn Dance Company. In 2007, Leach migrated to Tallahassee and began working with the Young Actors Theatre,
where she currently teaches jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip-hop. Smalls left a few words of inspiration to those aspiring to dance professionally as well. “Study the craft very closely. Take all the classes you can and always work towards ways to improve,” said Smalls. Her experience and drive manifested into her new dance company, Showdancetell, which fuses modern dance with various other styles of dance. The company’s repertoire will be primarily modern based, but will incorporate ballet, lyrical and hip-hop into different pieces. Leach is aiming to have anywhere from 10-15 dancers for the first year, although she has only chosen six dancers for production. Among these dancers, two have close ties to FAMU. Cofounders of Essence Dance
Theatre, Tarran King, 31, from Mobile, Ala. and FAMU alumna Kimberly Smalls, 28, from Greensboro, N.C., have continued their dance education at Showdancetell. The flexibility and focus of talent in Showdancetell appealed most to the dancers. “She is very passionate, and this is evident in the short time we have worked with her,” said Smalls. Leach has had a great impact on both women and, even with a busy work schedule in addition to her dance career, King looks forward to working with Leach at practice. “Her tenacity and enthusiasm for the craft gets me energized even after a long day of work. She makes me want to get better every time I go to practice,” said King. The company will have a
Amy Leach The Famuan Amy Leach, the Artistic Director of Showdancetell, will have a debut concert with FAMU alum.
debut concert in August at the Turner auditorium at TCC. For future audition dates and concerts, interested experienced dancers are encouraged to
visit the company’s website at showdancetell.com. AMANDA LEGROS FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Lifestyles 9
HAITI family was so petite in size and near extinction. Crying in the front of my fellow rattlers while my cousin, born and raised in Haiti, told me she didn’t know what she would do if something happened to our family, was impossible not to do. “We are all the family we have,” Cristelle said while crying. I started out trying to answer a question: Was there any relation between myself, Kim Dantica, and Edwidge Danticat? I contacted a representative for Danticat’s literary agency, owned by Nicole Aragi. He gave her my email and my family history. She responded and we both
began piecing our family tree together. “When I was older, my uncle said he had a cousin named Perez who worked at either the phone or electrical company,” said Danticat. “They were not close but they knew they were related.” Papa Perez worked for a monopoly telecommunications company known as TELECO in Port-au Prince, Haiti. We realized that both my grandfather and her uncle had very similar names and we questioned if they were truly cousins or brothers. “Interesting, that they were both Joseph,” Danticat said. “I wondered if Nozial, my grandfather, was both their fathers.” Rootsweb.ancestry.com
TheFamuanOnline.com famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
traces our lineage back to her father, uncle and my grandfather. All their names were listed as frères (brothers). The branches were being found, but where to connect them was the problem. Wouldn’t brothers know of one another, whereas cousins sometimes don’t? “My dad, André Miracin Danticat never knew him,” Danticat said. Papa Perez’s baptisté (birth certificate) stated his father’s name as Dorcéus Dantica, and his mother as Sidenie Rosemé Dantica. Danticat’s grandfather’s name is Nozial Osnac Dantica and her grandmother is Lorvana Dantica. This detail meant they were not brothers. Another confusing detail
TheFamuan Wednesday, January 12, 2011
that separated our family, was the “t” placed at the end of Danticat’s last name. “Only my dad spelled his name with the t; I have met other folks who spell theirs Dentika,” Danticat said. “I suspect errors were made by the persons who made out birth certificates sometimes spelling the last name phonetically.” The Dentika family can trace their lineage all the way back to France and definitely back to Haiti, despite the loss of historic documentations. “Most of the Dentikas I met live in Guadeloupe, but say they come from Leogane too, especially Beausejour,” Danticat said. I then discovered my family was larger than I thought. Distance in Haiti also
separates our families. The family I’ve always known is rooted in Delma in Port-auPrince, Haiti. Her family’s leaves fall in Bel-Air in coastal Leogane, 20 miles west of Port-auPrince and also in hilly Beausejour in Northern Haiti. “I suspect my branch were the country relatives, and yours the city relatives,” Danticat said. There are still some branches missing, but after a year, I’ve discovered Danticat is a distant third cousin to me. In three months, I will add on to the tree myself: I’m six months pregnant.
MATTHEW RICHARDSON FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Sports 10
TheFamuanOnline.com
TheFamuan
famuansports@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Despite win, Rattlers tired of road Getting some love from home will hopefully spark team
File Photo The Famuan Tameka McKelton is the leading scorer for the Rattlers. She has helped lead the team during their rough road stretch.
JORDAN CULVER STAFF EDITOR Since third-year head coach LeDawn Gibson took over in the 2008-2009 season, the Florida A&M women’s basketball team is 1928 away from home, including a 3-7 mark this season. Last season the women managed to take down out-of-conference foes like
the University of Florida and University of South Florida on the road. The team is extremely capable of winning on the road but eventually wear and tear sets in and being away from home starts to take its toll. For example, let’s look at the threegame losing skid the Lady Rattlers went through from Dec. 12 through Dec. 20. Western Kentucky, Long Beach State and North Carolina State, all on the road, with the losses getting progressively worse.
Looking past the three-game slump, since the Lady Rattlers rolled over the Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats, there have been nine back-to-back road games. The Lady Rattlers have only won three of those games. The first was against Savannah State, a team the Rattler women had already handled once. The next was against East Carolina and the Pirates haven’t won a game since. The last one was an 81-72 victory Monday night against Norfolk State.
Turnovers plague Rattlers FRANK PETERMAN III STAFF WRITER The Rattlers committed 20 turnovers on Monday as they lost to Norfolk State. Turnovers have plagued the team all season long. The team has more turnovers (252) than it has assists (140). The consistent turnovers have slowed down the flow of the offense. Turnovers can take away momentum from the team and demoralize a team mentally. Consistent turnovers over a period of time can wear away at the will of a team and keep them out of rhythm. Norfolk State exploited the Rattlers offensive inefficiency on Monday night. The team struggled to run effective offense. Norfolk State compounded the Rattlers turnover problems by running good offense of their own. Norfolk State lead by as many as 24 points in Monday night’s game. Norfolk was not the first to force the Rattlers into turnover problems. The Rattlers have committed at least 14 turnovers in each of the last 6 games. The team has been on a six game losing streak and has fallen to 10th in the MidEastern Athletic Conference standings. The team contradicted it’s own trend by turning the ball over 28 times (a season-high) in a win against Allen University on Dec. 13. The turnover problem has gotten
CORRESPONDENTS After more than a month spent waiting to see two highly touted offenses, the Tostitos BCS National Championship game between the No. 1 Auburn Tigers and the No. 2 Oregon Ducks brought mixed reactions from fans at Florida A&M. “I wanted the Ducks to win the game and see an outstanding performance by Cam Newton, but that ain’t happen,” Justin Davis said. Davis, a junior linebacker on FAMU’s football team was hoping to see the teams combine for 41 points, which is less than both team’s season average. Expected to be a high scoring shootout between the undefeated Tigers and Ducks, the game delivered a low scoring, defensive contest. Oregon, led defensively by linebacker Casey Matthews, provided numerous stops for the Ducks. Auburn’s All-American and Defensive MVP Nick Fairley
JORDAN CULVER FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Coach displays passion to excel ROYAL SHEPHERD STAFF EDITOR
File Photo The Famuan The Basketball team has had their share of turnover problems. Problems that could be solved with time.
worse as the season has gone on. The turnovers per game have increased steadily. The Rattlers started the season off averaging about 10 turnovers per game and now has an assist to turnover ratio of less the one (.55). Being short-handed has not helped the Rattlers turnover problems. The team is playing with eight players right now because five players are either hurt or ineligible. Among these players not playing are senior guards Rasheem Jenkins and Chris Walker. The struggles that the team is having with turnovers are nothing new. It is actually a progressive trend. The team
has struggled with turnovers for the last three seasons. The team has averaged at least one more turnover per game each season since the 2008-2009 season. They have not won more than 10 games the last three seasons. Turnovers have been a problem for the Rattlers for some time now. This problem will continue to bother the Rattlers until they start running a more cohesive offense.
FRANK PETERMAN III FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Defensive struggle not expected by fans CHARMAINE PETERSON & DONTAE DAVIS
Norfolk State has not won a conference game since Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 against South Carolina State. Gibson said after the team’s last home game against Bethune-Cookman the road ahead (no pun intended) would be tough. Even the battle-tested veteran coach must be thinking it’s time for a nice home stand by now. As the Rattler’s head coach, Gibson is 19-8 at home. She’s only lost one out-ofconference game at home. The team must be marking off Jan. 22 on its calendar like it’s the second coming of Christmas. There is nothing like playing on your floor. The home crowd is nice, but there is a certain type of magic, a certain spark, on a team’s home floor. Coming back home, if nothing else, is backed by at least one obscure stat for the Lady Rattlers. Under Gibson the team is 7-9 in the first game home after an away game. Not bad right? It’s certainly something to look forward when the Lady Rattlers finally return after more than a month of road battles. Gibson said it best, right after the team’s last home game: “If we come out and do the simple things, do what it takes just to win a basketball game we’ll be fine.” True enough, but the comforts of home, especially after the gauntlet the Lady Rattlers (6-8, 2-1 in the MidEastern Athletic Conference) have had to travel through, will be a great addition to her winning formula.
spearheaded the Tigers defense with five tackles, three for losses, and one sack. “Nick Fairley showed that he could be a high NFL draft pick this year with his performance last night,” Amare Green said. Green, a 21-year old senior economics major from Boston, wanted to see another great game from Cameron Newton, but was highly impressed with the speed and talent of the Auburn defense. Momentum changing plays made by Matthews and Fairley came against Heisman candidate LaMichael James (Oregon) and Heisman trophy winner Newton (Auburn), respectively. James, the nation’s leading rusher was limited to his least productive game of the season by Fairley and Auburn’s defense. He rushed for 49 yards on 13 carries. “This game was not won by just Cam Newton, it was won by the Auburn football team,” Auburn head coach
Gene Chizik said during the ESPN postgame interview. “It was a great game and the athletes from Auburn really changed the complexion of the game,” Lonny Lockett Jr. said. Lockett, a sophomore running back on the Florida A&M football team, thought although Auburn won the game, the gameplan for both teams provided the thrill that led to the 22-19 ball game. Auburn fans can also thank freshman running back Michael Dyer and his knee that never touched the ground. With the clock at 2:08 in the fourth quarter and the game knotted at 19, Dyer collided with his would be tackler and bounced up on the other side to yells from Auburn’s sideline to “keep running!” Dyer rushed for 37 yards to position the Tigers for the gamewinning field goal. CHARMAINE PETERSON & DONTAE DAVIS
FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
“Strong,” “tough” and “excellence,” are the standards Wayne Angel holds his teams and himself to. The first year head coach of Florida A&M’s men’s cross country/track and field teams from Rantoul, Ill. has already instilled a culture of winning. A culture that starts in the classroom. “One of the big directives of Derrick Horne is to have great student athletes, so we can improve our APR (Academic Progress Rate),” Angel said. “My goal is to have students to come here and walk across that stage with a degree.” Shuaib Winters, a junior team captain, acknowledged Angel’s desire to help students excel in the classroom. “If we have to do a project, he’ll allow us to miss one of the races. He understands, and preaches, academics before athletics.” Winters said. The 20-year coaching veteran’s background began in the high school ranks, where he led his teams to three conference championships and four regional championships. Angel’s collegiate accolades provide insight to the level of success that he breeds. Through four coaching opportunities, Angel produced Olympian level athletes. One trend that the coach has continued with Florida A&M, is his run of having a conference champion every year of his collegiate coaching career. His coaching resume includes but is not limited to: two Olympians, two national record holders, two national champions, 2 regional champions, 17 All-Americans, and sprint coach at two world scholar athlete games. “The opportunity to share the things that I’ve learned, and the things that I’ve done and to give back, were the reasons I started coaching.” Angel said. “From a teaching standpoint, I feel that I’m an educator first and then a coach.” His message of hard work has been received by his athletes. Lamere Buchanan said Angel’s influence extends beyond the track “If you follow him, you can become what you want to become. Shuaib always wanted to become MEAC champion,” Buchanan said. “We just stayed committed to what he was doing with us and it happened.” Mike Smith, associate athletic director, was the interim AD when Angel was recruited. Along with President Ammons, they created a plan for the growth of the track and field program. “When Dr. Ammons first hired me we talked about building a great program,” Angel said. “I want to be the best educator and coach that I can be at FAMU. I want to be worthy of the legacy and tradition of this great track and field program.” Angel said ROYAL SHEPHERD FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM