Thursday, September 17, 2009
www.msureporter.com
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Living through war to bring peace Sheka Mansaray helps showcase the rich cultural traditions of Africa NICOLE SMITH
editor in chief
wale agboola• msu reporter Sheka Mansaray, president of the African Student Association, left Sierra Leone eleven years ago, during its civil war.
When Sheka Mansaray left Sierra Leone eleven years ago, the country was in the midst of a civil war. In 1998, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) invaded his village, so Mansaray and his brothers were taken to the neighboring country, Guinea, to safety. About a month later, his father, a prominent politician, was killed by RUF. But the despite his turbulent past, Mansaray has made it a priority to illuminate his
rich African culture and show Minnesota State that Africa is dynamic and beautiful — a far cry from the dismal, limiting stereotype of poverty and war. “We want to bring awareness that what is shown on TV is not what Africa is about,” the president of the African Student Association (ASA) said about the group’s mission. “There are individuals who think Africa is all about poverty and AIDS, but is a beautiful place with happiness, too.” Part of ASA’s efforts include showcasing the many traditions of the culture. This year, the group’s
members will come to campus in traditional African attire every Friday. In addition, ASA will plan an event each month to focus on various aspects of Africa, Mansaray said. This weekend, ASA will host a soccer tournament that is open to campus and community members of all ages. The event will take place on the soccer field behind Gage Towers Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Each team will be composed of six players at the cost of $3 per player. In the future, ASA plans to
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MSU student dragged under car receives minor injuries Brainerd man accused of driving while intoxicated REPORTER STAFF
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One man miraculously obtained only minor injuries after he was hit by a car in the parking ramp of the Mankato Civic Center Sunday. Nathaniel John Dietrich, 27, of Brainerd, MN, faces possible charges of one count of felony criminal vehicular operation, two counts of gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation and two counts of gross misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. The incident happened just before 2 a.m. Sunday. An officer responding to the crash found Kevin Smith, a student at Minnesota State, injured on the Editorial...................................4 Voices......................................5 Variety......................................9 Sports....................................12 Classifieds.............................15
ground and Dietrich in the car that allegedly hit Smith. Smith was taken to Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital and treated for a fractured or severely sprained ankle. Dietrich hit several vehicles before he struck Smith. Smith was carried on the hood of the car for 10 to 15 feet before he fell below the vehicle and was dragged for another five feet until witnesses lifted Dietrich’s car off Smith. Dietrich was arrested because the responding officer suspected he was too intoxicated to drive. Smith also provided a urine sample to be tested for alcohol concentration.
Speaking with senators The Minnesota State Student Association held its annual “Meet your senator” day Wednesday. Senators from different academic areas and residences met with their constituents to discuss their issues and concerns. wale agboola• msu reporter Pictured here: MSSA President Murtaza Rajabali, College of Social and Behavorial Sciences senator Dave Meyers and Vice President Bob Dooley.
September is National Addiction Recovery Month
Speaker to discuss Darwinism, Naturalism
Local artist of the week: The Style Biters
Maverick volleyball wins first conference game
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