THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE
RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XI, ISSUE 12 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n JANUARY 30, 2013
Sistah Soldiers Christopher Lynn Staff Writer
O
n Jan. 24, a new chapter was opened for female soldiers.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta declared that the military would
Party Promoting 101 How One Group of N.C. State Students Has Turned Partying into a Profession Kierra Leggett Editor-in-Chief
F
our years ago when
media site Twitter (some
Raymond and
might describe this as an
Stephanie Johnson
understatement) the members
watched their son Chase
of Sway Entertainment are all
leave home to attend college
students at N.C. State who host
rescind its ban against women
at N.C. State as a business
and promote parties as a way to
participating in front-line combat
administration major, they
earn extra cash. “A lot of times
roles. This repeal will make more
knew that he would develop
people will ask us, ‘what is party
than 230,000 combat positions
an entrepreneurial spirit. Like
promoting?’ or ‘what do party
available to women that had
most practical parents, they also
promoters do?’ I don’t want to
previously been limited to men.
knew he would attend his fair
just say promoting parties…but
Among the numerous fans of this
share of parties. However, what
it’s exactly what it sounds like,”
change, including members of
the Johnson’s didn’t anticipate
said Johnson.
Congress and female soldiers, is
was their son laughing his way
President Barack Obama.
to the bank— at least not with
President Obama said Panetta’s decision “reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through more than two centuries
earnings made from hosting parties with his promotion team, Sway
Entertainment.
Very prevalent on social
The only party promotion
however does not view these
team at N.C. State, Sway is not
promotion teams as a threat to
in May, Johnson first began
the only group in the area.
their market. “Most of the other
leisurely hosting parties during
Minor Crisis, Next Level and
groups have graduated so they
his freshman year, when he
First Class all host parties
don’t have the younger market,”
lived in University Towers,
in neighboring cities. Sway
said Johnson.
with roommates John “Jay”
of American history and the
Sway continued page 7
indispensable role of women in today’s military.” In speech given at the Pentagon Thursday, Panetta said, “If they can meet the qualifications for the job then they should have the right to serve.” He continued,“They’re fighting and dying together, and the time has come for our policies to recognize that reality.” According to the Defense Department there have been 152 female casualties in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Effective immediately, women can now be initiated into smallto-medium-sized combat forces as pilots and medics. Other line combat platoons will not feature women until commanders can
Who’s University Dining Really Catering To? Amanda McKnight Staff Writer
H
anging above the grill in Clark
than drive. This semester all of the exercise
disorder for several years, finds some
Dining Hall is a sign which informs
classes in the Recreation Center are free
aspects of the One Change program to be
patrons that eating a single cheeseburger
to students and, N.C. State has further
detrimental to progression. “I’ve struggled
will take 8,000 steps or 60-minutes of
jumped on the healthy living bandwagon
with an eating disorder for a very long
walking to burn off the calories consumed
with University Dining’s “One Change”
time, and one thing that I did a lot in high
from that burger. Signs like this can be
program.
school was calculate how many calories I’d
found adjacent to many foods in university dining halls.
According to the University Dining website, One Change is a six-week
Also, now when students go to get
campaign that “encourages participants to
milk from dispensers, the nutrition facts
make one positive change per week, such
are plastered right out in front, listing the
as walking more often or maintaining
serving size, calories, fat, carbohydrates,
proper hydration.”
and protein. The new display of nutritional facts
On the surface this seems like a great way to promote healthy lifestyles changes,
suggest certain units that could be
at N.C. State should come as no surprise,
as college students tend to eat whatever
left open to only men, such as Navy
as America has become more and more
is fast, cheap, and accessible. However,
SEALs or Delta Force commandos.
focused on healthy living. First Lady
despite the good this program may be
Michelle Obama has started her “Let’s
doing, it is also alienating students who are
Move!” campaign for school-aged
dealing with eating disorders.
Christine Cole, a University Housing Community Assistant Coordinator and member of the ROTC, discussed with the Nubian Message her stance on the rescinding of the ban on women in combat.
Sistah continued page 7
A senior set to graduate
children and Jennifer Hudson is the face of Weight Watchers. On Hillsborough Street and around campus there are signs encouraging people to walk or bike rather
Molly McDonough, a freshman majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies who has been dealing with an eating
eaten for the day and then figure out how far I needed to run to work that number off; there were several months where I was ‘consuming’ around negative 100 calories a day,” said McDonough. McDonough continued, “I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who eats in Clark who’s had similar experiences. Seeing those signs triggers a lot of disordered feelings and behaviors in me when I see them. It’s dangerous and irresponsible to teach students that food is something you consume simply to work it off again. Health is so multi-faceted, and nutrition, which is just one part of it, is complex and different for everyone. Being fat is not inherently unhealthy, and knowing exactly how far you need
Dining continued page 2
News
2 |January 30th, 2013
Upcoming Events Jan. 30 |
nubian message
Dining continuedfrom page 2
Gun Control, Gun Rights
Are you safe on campus ? Come discuss why or why not. 7:11p.m. Sanfoka Room, Witherspoon 126 Jan. 30 |
Tickets $3 in advance from any W.E.S.T member. $5 at the event. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success Triangle 7:00pm, Talley Ballroom Feb. 2 |
Above: Sign on milk dispenser Left: Photo of sign hanging above the grill in Clark Dining Hall
50 Shades of Red: the 3rd Annual Date Auction
Pink Goes Red
Go red for women and join in the fight against heart disease with a cardio workout. Be sure to wear red. Hosted by Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2:00 p.m., Carmichael Gym Court1 Feb. 6 | African American Read In What Black is, What Black Aint: Perspectives on Post-Blackness. A student panel discussion on Toure’s Who’s Afraid of Post Blackness 6:00p.m. Sankofa Room, Witherspoon 126
to walk to work off a piece of pizza
on how long it will take to work
with allergies and other special dietary
isn’t going to stop students from
of a meal could be harmful. This
needs. Eberhart, who in 2012 won
being fat- it’s only going to teach us
issue is especially critical for the age
the Governor’s Award for Excellence,
to associate food with guilt even more
of patrons the dining hall serves.
says that University Dining has not
than we already do.”
The National Institute of Mental
overlooked students with eating
Health reports that the average age
disorders. “When it comes to eating
for a person to develop anorexia
disorders, I don’t mark calories at the
nervosa is 19 and bulimia nervosa,
point of sale, so the calories that cause
20. According to the South Carolina
some populations anxiety are not right
Department of Mental Health,
in their faces, literally. But, the calories
95 percent of people with eating
are always accessible,” said Eberhart.
For students dealing with an eating disorder, the new signs could serve as a trigger, encouraging them to start counting calories on their plates, or go out of their way to work out. One way to deter these behaviors could be as simple as placing a flap over the current signs. Excessive exercising is also a symptom of many eating disorders and giving people exact numbers
disorders are between the ages of 19 and 25.
She continued, “A new thing we do have is MyFitnessPal. It is a free online
The One Change creator and
food diary and app. Most of the N.C.
University Dining dietitian, Lisa
State Dining foods are in there and it
Eberhart, has been very invested in
makes it simple for students to keep
working to accommodate students
track of their diet and exercise.”
Nubian Message
Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University KIERRA LEGGETT | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF DEERRICKA GREEN | MANAGING EDITOR
STAFF WRITERS: CHRISTOPHER LYNN RYAN BARNES DESTINY MCNEIL AUSTIN GREEN SHAWN MURRAY AMANDA MCKNIGHT KALI SCURLOCK AARON THOMAS DEVONTE KEITH ALFRED ANDERSON TRAVIS GATLING ROBERT MARSHALL
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness. COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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325 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE Facebook.com/NubianMessage
News
nubian message
January 30th, 2013| 3
The Year of The Black Quarterback
Colin Kaepernick
Kelly Darden Staff Writer
2
Russell Wilson
Robert Griffin III
012 marked a darker era for the National
Francisco 49ers as they take on the Baltimore Ravens.
Footlball League, quite literally.
If the 49ers come out victorious, Kaepernick will make
you become and these quarterbacks are no exception.
history as the second black quarterback to hold a Vince
Such is the case for Wilson and RG-III who have both
Lombardi trophy, awarded after each Super Bowl.
had their “blackness” questioned.
This season, the NFL featured a dominance of
black quarterbacks, which hasn’t been seen in years.
Kaepernick walks in the shadow of trailblazer Doug
Every Sunday fans were tuning in, not just for the Tom Brady’s, Peyton Manning’s and Ben Roethlisberger’s, but a new wave of younger and browner faces. Among these faces were Robert Griffin III, N.C. State alumnus Russell Wilson, and the now Super Bowl featured, Colin Kaepernick. This trio of new starters was impressive, not only because they played at the highest position, but also because they did it well. Combined, Griffin, Wilson, and Kaepernick completed a total of 72 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and finished the regular season with a record of 31-161. RG-III finished third and Wilson fourth only behind Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning for the highest quarterback rating of this season. Kaepernick in particular plays a special role in this year’s Super Bowl. He will be the face of the San
Aaron Thomas Staff Writer
F
The higher you are in power, the more of a target
Both men have faced public ridicule for their
Williams, the first African American quarterback to
relationships with white women. Russell’s wife is
play in and win a Super Bowl game. Williams secured
white and Griffin is engaged to a white woman.
this place in history with the Washington Redskins in
ESPN’s “First Take” has even featured a segment on
1987; the team’s current black quarterback, RG-III,
the issue, where analyst Rob Parker eluded to the idea
wasn’t born until three years later.
that Griffin may be a “cornball brother” and not “down
In an interview with Jim Corbett of USA Today,
with the cause.”
Griffin spoke on the role his race plays in his career.
While we still have an uphill battle against racial
“I am an African American in America,” said Griffin,
views from other ethnic groups, we cannot afford to
“That will never change. But I don’t have to be
have the same come from within our own community.
defined by that. We always try to find similarities in
“Blackness” should not be defined by whom you
life, no matter what it is so they’re always going to
marry, how you behave or any other trait, but by
try to put you in a box with other African American
the fact that you are accepting of who you are as an
quarterbacks… [But] that’s the goal. Just to go out and
individual.
not try to prove anybody wrong but just let you talents speak for themselves.”
Good or bad, athletes and other public figures serve as unelected representatives of the face of the
Though Griffin does not want to be defined by his race, it can’t be overlooked, as it makes him unique.
black race. When fans and commentators alike praise them both on the field and off field, their value to the community is always higher than most recognize.
Triple Cheeseburgers and Insanity
ull-course loads, part-time jobs,
agement. “Eating out is much quicker
suffering from high cholesterol. “I have
starting point for a healthy lifestyle, “Find
internships, and participation
than actually making something at
high cholesterol because of genetics, so
a workout that consists of something they
in multiple organizations are
home.”
that shaped my dietary habits early,” said
enjoy.” “The gym offers a lot of classes
Miller. Not a fan of fried foods, Miller
that target certain interests and make
cooks his own food whenever possible.
working out fun,” said Edwards.
demanding aspects of college that often limits the time students have to prepare nutritious foods, forcing them to the drive-thru windows of Cook Out and McDonald’s for $5 Cook Out trays and$2 triple cheeseburgers. With the start of a new year, many students have resolved to lead healthier lifestyles, promising to adopt better eating habits and indulge in more physical activity. While many have made these resolutions, many will end up giving in to previous unhealthy habits of past semesters. “It’s so easy to slack off and just get some McDonald’s [or something],” said Arthur Freeman, a junior in sports man-
Despite giving into fast food temptations from time to time, Freeman commits to working out, four days a week. “I like to do a mix of strength training, cardio, core workouts and more cardio,” said Freeman. Aside from busy schedules, students should take into account their current health lifestyles and how their decisions will affect them long-term. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels are prevalent health problems in the African-American community. John Miller, a sophomore in psychology and an arts entrepreneurship minor, is one of the millions of African Americans
“I’m big about having a healthier balanced meal that tastes great.” In addition to healthy eating habits,
While there are ample opportunities for students to start a program and stay committed via Campus Recreation, the
Miller stays physically fit as a dancer for
African American Cultural Center is
the Panoramic Dance Project, DanceVi-
sponsoring month long series of Insanity
sions, and Koffee Dance Company, get-
Thursdays in February. For $15, students
ting a good workout in five days a week.
can participate in four one hour-long
“When I picked up dance seven years ago,
sessions of Insanity. Insanity is a workout
I just ran with it.”
routine emphasizing “max interval train-
Conscious of her fitness habits because both her grandmother and aunt are diabetic, and also because of her position on the N.C. State Dance Team, Ebony Edwards, a junior in Biology recommends that students struggling to find a
ing.” Every Thursday in Feburary there will be an Insanity training at 6 p.m. in 356 Witherspoon, the perfect way for N.C. State’s African American community, to do its part in making insane health disparities within the black community, a thing of the past.
4 |January 30th, 2013
Perspectives
nubian message
Parking Wars Chris Brown Strikes Again
Cartoon by: Rachel Jordan Shawn Murray Staff Writer
I
t seems like in today’s music
and his crew as Brown and his entourage
of respect. But, you are the company
industry, beef is on everyone’s
had already left the scene. Studio
that you keep, and I place blame on
situation, these are facts people, deal
entrée, though it is more
security cameras caught some of the
the associates of both groups. To them
with it. Why instigate trouble over a
commonly associated with rappers
scuffle, but only the last half of it. Also,
they may see it as a sign of protecting
parking space? Why claim that it’s “ my
rather than singers. The most recent
the tape only shows the feuding singers’
a member, but this situation could’ve
studio” when really its a studio for all
helping of beef comes from R&B
cliques fighting.
easily been avoided.
artists to work in?
crooners Frank Ocean and Chris Brown, who allegedly got into a brawl outside of an LA studio parking lot over something that a lot of urban dwellers hold dear, a parking space. Reports say that Brown was attempting to leave the studio where he was working with another recording artist, but when he got to his car, Ocean’s entourage had blocked him in. Several then said, “This is my studio, this is my parking spot.” Supposedly Chris then reached over to shake Ocean’s hand as a gesture of friendship and this is where
but still, all this trouble could have
“diva moments” that many artists are
painting was a depiction of Jesus on the
been over looked. Brown was in the act
exhibiting. Have entertainers become
cross, and the caption under it read,
of leaving, therefore none of Ocean’s
that childish and petty to fight over
“Painting the way I feel today. Focus on
money and valuable studio time would
something as trivial as a parking space?
what matters.”
have been wasted. The way I see it,
Though I find the fighting petty and
as though he is being crucified in the
with Chris Brown, who is serving a
media due to his past mistakes.
domestic dispute with on again-off again girlfriend Rihanna. While the media keeps bringing up his past with Rihanna, Brown has been trying to make it clear
move past.
Ocean’s associates attacked Brown,
I also applaud Brown, in seeing that
but TIME reports that one of Brown’s associates attacked first. Police arrived at the scene only to meet up with Ocean
YOUR VOICE
}
The message is clear; Brown feels
incredibly immature, I can sympathize
which he has accepted and is willing to
The LA Times reports that one of
Granted he did pay for studio time,
one of his paintings on Instagram. The
that he has made a mistake in his life,
things get muddy.
Brown recently posted a picture of
am tired of hearing about these little
five-year probation sentence for his
new sources have reported that Ocean
{
I, as an avid listener of all music,
Ocean was the clear bully in this
Ocean pretty much just wasted studio fees by fighting over that parking space that he held near and dear for some reason. My theory is that Ocean just
While the focus is mainly on Brown, I feel as though the media is not putting enough attention on Ocean. Although Brown does provide a bigger story due to the fact that his probation is in jeopardy (and he could face jail time if charged), Ocean remains a secondary character in the reports. No questions or statements have been made towards
he took the high road and made the
or about the Odd Future crooner except
gesture to shake Ocean’s hand as a sign
that Ocean is seeking to press charges.
wanted to prove to Brown that he runs it when it comes to parking spaces. In the midst of it all, fans of both Chris Brown and Frank Ocean remain eager bystanders as this tornado of drama flies around the room. Information on the fight has been pouring in literally by the hour and I’m sure fans of both Grammy nominated artists are ready to see the outcome.
What can Chris Brown and Frank Ocean do besides fight, to help the black community? “To promote black unity, I think they have to accept each other’s differences. They’re not seeing the other side, which I think is immature.” Krystopher McRae Senior Mechanical Engineering
“I think they should make a song together to squash the beef. Chris gets into a lot of fights, so maybe he needs to address that issue. He washed over I with the whole Drake incident.” Tevin Byrd Senior Graphic Design
Perspectives
nubian message
Letter to the Editor: Fleeing to The Retreat Is Not ‘White Flight’ L
ast week, an article was published in the Nubian entitled “’White
Flight,’ A Result of New Student Housing Complex,” that discussed the flight of white students fleeing from other student apartments to the new apartment complex The Retreat. In this article Wolf Creek was a subject of comparison due to its high population of minority students, as well as the close proximity to The Retreat. In the article, the author partly notes a life of luxury and race as factors in why white students have left student apartments such as Wolf Creek behind. Even though I feel as though the author made many valid points in his article, I believe that there are other underlying issues, which have caused flight from Wolf Creek Apartments. While Wolf Creek Apartments offers
Months after moving out of Wolf Creek Apartments, I received a call from a collection agency in Texas that notified me that I supposedly owed the complex $575. The funny thing is when I moved out on July 31, a representative told me that I owed them nothing at all. I never received one notice from Wolf Creek in regards to the charges. After digging deeper into the situation, I discovered that Wolf Creek sent my final account statement to New Jersey, after clearly noting an address in North Carolina on my intent to vacate. While I understood how one could make the mistake, management did not take responsibility for their actions. Included in the list of charges was a carpet replacement charge, for a carpet that they failed to clean prior to my moving in. It took an interview with a local news
overall experience is pretty much equal
outlet to get them to clean up their act
to those rates. As the old saying goes,
and they reversed the charges. However,
you get what you pay for.
it should have never gotten to that point. Putting that with other horror stories
Apartments my last two undergraduate
I’ve heard regarding management, it’s
years at N.C. State. I terminated my
no surprise that they would choose to
lease six months ago, and until just two
leave. While students might prefer a
weeks ago, I was still dealing with the
high level of luxury when deciding
management.
upon where to live, I believe that the
During my two years as a resident there, management seemed to come and go like a revolving door; electricity overages were through the roof; and
Things to Know Before Signing a Lease List by: Cj Guion
Do lots of research… Look at review sites, talk to friends who
have lived at certain places, and if you can take a tour ask to see an actual apartment as opposed to the model
occurred in the recent past.
one of the best rates in the area, the
I was a resident of Wolf Creek
January 30th, 2013| 5
environment, as well as the competency
Make sure to have choices, and don’t just pick the first one you visit
Don’t sign or renew solely because of an incentive… Incentives are only temporary in most cases.
Read the lease… In most cases, the day you sign is the only time you look at it until an issue arises. Don’t just initial and sign before you really know what you’re getting into
When you move in, make sure to note every single instance of damage in the apartment, even if you think it’s minor
Take pictures and make sure they have a timestamp Request maintance work in writing… It allows you to keep
a paper trail, and usually things get fixed quicker
When paying rent, if you can request a receipt. When preparing to move, make sure to give notice in writ-
ing
Clean the apartment well, and leave it in the same or better condition as when you moved in
If you are able to, request a final walkthrough with the
apartment staff when your apartment is assessed for damage. If you do happen to get any move-out charges, request receipts and explanations for any replacements
level of management can send one running for the hills as well. If anything, luxury more than likely
the apartment complex always liked to
has more to do with the flight away
find a way to come up with an excessive
from Wolf Creek than race. If the intent
charge. The actual physical living
of the students really was to separate
environment of Wolf Creek wasn’t too
themselves from one population, I
bad, aside from one big shooting and a
don’t think they are trying very hard by
couple of alleged break ins. However,
moving next door. I believe the issues
that could happen anywhere. My choice
run deeper than what appears on the
to live there is one thing that I would
surface.
Do you disagree with something that was published in the Nubian Message?
probably take back, looking at what has
Cj Guion Editor Emeritus ‘12
Send a letter to the editor at editor@nubian.ncsu
6 |January 30th, 2013
Perspectives
nubian message
I Just Be Chilling Though Vernon Holman Contributor
W
What Grinds the Gears of a Freshman Student
hile chilling in the cut, I decided there were a couple of things about
freshmen on campus that need to be addressed. After attending the BSB program “A Fly in the Milk” last week I felt compelled to speak on the Peer Mentor program, which I refer to as the “Big Homie Program.” This program was praised and almost forced onto my peers and I at Symposium. Held at the beginning of the year, Symposium was put in place to bring the black students together so they could get to know other freshman and to meet a few upperclassmen that were supposed to help us along the way. We were almost charmed into a sense of solidarity among blacks on campus, with the idea that upper class students would be helping guide us through our first year at a Predominantly White Institution(PWI). We gladly signed up for the program and honestly, 80 percent
of us found ourselves bamboozled. Ideally, the Peer Mentor program seems to be a practical idea. A simple concept that upperclassmen can help us freshmen keep from making the same mistakes they did and guide us along the right path so, hopefully in the future we
tension between the upperclassmen and
acknowledges that I am the freshman
the freshmen, some of who were mentors
who he is supposed to mentor, and says
during Symposium. I thought I was just
“what’s up” when he sees me. Only one of
being paranoid until the other freshmen
my friends seems to have a mentor that
that I met there said they felt the same
is good as well.
way I did. On another occasion my friends and
These other mentors seem to have only signed up to put something on
will become good mentors ourselves. All
I were outside of a club when one of
their resume, and to not truly give back.
of this is pushed by a false sense of unity
my friends who went to lunch with her
However, it never fails that these bad
between us.
mentor two days before was completely
mentors will push their parties on us
ignored by her mentor. My friend walked
freshmen so they can get our money.
up to her and said “hey” but she couldn’t
I’m always getting told about some party
even have the courtesy of getting a “hey”
they are throwing where they can take
back. Her mentor clearly went out of her
my money, but the freshmen can’t even
way to act as if she was oblivious to her
get a “hey” or a text saying “how are you
existence. Isn’t that disrespectful?
doing?” That’s just foul.
However sound this idea may seem, it is almost completely false. Most of the “mentors” never even contact their assigned freshmen. Even worse, after Symposium the love that was felt seemed to quickly fade away. The love was replaced with mean mugs and attitude. I remember the “Chill And Grill” during Welcome Week where everyone was supposed to converse among one another. Upon arrival I immediately felt
I know several people who text their
If someone asks me if the blacks on
mentors and don’t even get responses.
campus are divided, I would say yes and
Some people switch mentors to have the
it’s our fault.
same experience over again. Now, I’m not bashing every mentor. I have a good mentor who makes sure
Take my words how you want, it doesn’t matter to me because I just be chilling though.
I’m doing good in class for the most part,
Safety’s On One N.C. State Student Weighs In On The Gun Control Debate Javada Hunter Contributor
I
n the wake
Great. I hope this process would deter
of the
people from wanting a firearm for
Sandy Hook
unnecessary reasons.
Elementary school
As I said before, people argue their
shooting, gun
individual protection as a need for a gun
control has been
and of course The Bill of Rights grants
a hot topic in the
you the right to bear arms. I can buy that,
United States.
however flexing that right for individual
President
gain accomplishes nothing for the
Barack Obama
availability of dangerous firearms, their
of their family and assets as a means to
betterment of society; I feel as though this
has developed four subsections for each
ammunition and mental health will be
purchase, I feel as though there is an
is a major part of the problem concerning
of his recommendations on the subject.
the most beneficial for the nation.
agenda for destruction in buying semi-
gun control.
However, the National Rifle Association (NRA) remains firmly opposed to the President and has suggested implementing armed security on school campuses as a solution to this problem. I’ve never been a fan of politics, but I couldn’t agree more with the President at this time. In my opinion, of all the President’s key subsections, focusing on the
Many people would argue that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” This is an idea I am willing to agree with, but only to a certain extent. The ability for the general public to purchase assault rifles and ammunition is more than detrimental to the Nation’s safety. Although many may argue the safety
automatic handguns and assault rifles if one is not in the military.
Across the nation, Americans should consider the results of the Sandy Hook
Comparatively, I believe assessing an
Elementary School shooting and other
individual’s mental health and running a
tragedies such as the Aurora, Colorado
background check prior to allowing the
Movie Theater shooting, the Virginia
purchase of a firearm are great strategies
Tech shootings and the recent shootings
since “people kill people.”
at Lone Star Community College in Texas
Of course, this practice would upset several people and make the process of purchasing a weapon more difficult.
before taking a stance on the issue.
Lifestyles
nubian message
January 30th, 2013| 7
Sway continued from page 1 Lewis, Justin Ferguson, Aaron Wise and
party on the last day of class during the
Ryan Wilson. The quintuplet referred to
fall 2011 semester, at Champion’s Bar
themselves as “G5” because they were all
located in the Mission Valley Shopping
from Greensboro, N.C.
Center. A bar frequented by a primarily
“Freshman year my roommates and I would invite people over, turn the lights off and play music over speakers from about 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.,” said Johnson. “University Towers is wild and we used to pack it out.”
Caucasian crowd, the cost of renting out the Champion’s Bar venue was nearly one third of that of Talley Ballroom. Also, there were fewer rules to comply with at Champion’s. “[Champion’s] was a bit of a struggling business so they were looking to make money. They didn’t know how
Though profit is now a major point of consideration, when the G5 crew began hosting parties in 2009 it was all about having a good time. “We hosted parties [then] because we felt like it,” said Johnson. “People go to parties because they’re bored, we knew if we were bored, other people were too.”
black parties worked or what to expect, said Johnson, “we made a fair amount of money.” While the idea of party promoters and party promotion often carries a negative connotation, Johnson and the members of Sway Entertainment try to disassociate
Quickly outgrowing the dorm room party scene, G5 hosted “The Takeover,” its first fee-entry party in October 2011, with AASAC organization, Collegiate 100. The price for the party’s Talley Ballroom venue was $2,500 and maximum capacity was 825 people. Tickets for The Takeover were five dollars for women and $10 for men. Thanks to the public relations skills of G5 and Collegiate 100, the party sold out, and according to Johnson “was a very large success.”
themselves from this stigma. “We try and stay away from that [association],” said Johnson. “There may be more money in appealing to ratchet crowds, but our motto is ‘It’s not a party, it’s an experience.’ If you have a bad experience you’re not going to want to come back.” Typically planning its parties around major events such as Homecoming and big basketball or football games, Sway also tries to plan parties during spans without any events.
Following the success of The Takeover, G5 decided to expand its marketing power by merging with other students on campus who hosted parties, thus creating Sway Entertainment.
Like any business, advertising and marketing plays a major role in it success, which is why Sway is always looking to add members to its promotion team. “We are always trying to reach larger markets and we do this by adding people to our
Ironically, Sway hosted its first
Sway Members at a recent party
but everything went well at the first party,”
promotion team,” said Johnson.
Though there are many people
“We try not to [spam users] but
affiliated with Sway, not everyone walks
at times we can be overzealous,” said
away with a cash profit. “The people who
Johnson. “If we do notice a promoter
put money into the party, they are Sway.
getting caught up, we’ll text him and be
Then there’s the promotion team, they get
like ‘you’re doing too much.”
into our parties for free and also get to enjoy the camaraderie,” said Johnson.
Admittedly overzealous, the members of Sway Entertainment are professionals
As a part of the promotion team,
on the nights of their parties as it is very
Sway affiliates are expected to tweet,
important to them that they do not mix
text, and draw patrons to Sway parties
business with pleasure. “Regardless of age,
through word of mouth. “Promoting our
we have a no drinking policy for Sway
parties is really just common sense,” said
members at our parties,” said Johnson.
Johnson. “We all have Twitter. We all have
“We might dance once or twice, but we’re
Facebook. We all have friends. That’s how
not out turning up. If anything, we’re up
we promote our events.”
walking around making sure there are no
Some social media users don’t
issues at the door.”
particularly care for the online promotion
Though many attempt to discredit the
tactics of Sway and other party promoters.
viability and lucrativeness of the party
Christian Faucette, a junior majoring in
promoting business, Johnson is quick to
International Studies said, “I am annoyed
support that it is. “People look at it as just
by party promoters all the time because
hanging out but, it’s a job. The same way
nine times out of ten I’m not going to the
people go and work, we do too. There are
parties. I am mostly annoyed by party
plenty of times that I have had to come
promoters because if people want to go to
back in town because we are having a
a party, they already know about it.”
party. It’s a good job, but it’s still a job.”
Sistah continued from page 1 Nubian Message (NM): Before this, did you think women were
you fighting?
NM: How do you think this will
interest more women to join the
And for those who say that
affect the draft, if any?
armed forces, or the opposite?
women are not strong leaders,
limited in their duties?
Cole: Well, considering that I am the first in my family to serve in
Cole: I personally do not foresee
Cole: I do not know for certain
Cole: Most definitely. Granted,
the armed forces, I know for a
a draft-taking place in the
if I would say that I believe this
women had the opportunity to
fact that my family, particularly
near future. I strongly believe
will interest or encourage more
serve on air and gun crews, they
my mother would be against the
that the draft will only remain
women to join; however, I can
were unable to serve in infantry,
idea.
functional if it is composed of
say with confidence that I do not
those who really want to serve.
believe that it would deter women
NM: Do you think there will be
What many individuals do not
to join.
people who oppose this?
NM: What do you think of
Cole: Of course, there is always
those who say women aren’t
going to be a counter argument.
as physically capable as men,
What people who oppose this fail
or those who say they aren’t as
to realize is that this integration
strong leaders?
is something that is scheduled
armor, or (field) artillery. Many women strongly believe that it is their duty to serve on the front lines. NM: Do you want to fight in active combat, or was that never
NM: How do you think women with children will be affected? Cole: Having a family in the military is hard alone, and with both parents serving, it makes
an issue for you?
it that much more difficult.
Cole: If I received such orders,
children at younger ages may
I would not have a problem
not understand exactly what is
fulfilling my duties.
going on, but it seems like as
NM: How do you think your family will handle the thought of
However, I definitely agree that
children grow older, they develop an appreciation for their parent’s contributions.
know is that up until the 1960’s, ROTC was mandatory for all students. Personally, I am glad this compulsory ROTC was abolished. Forcing students to do something lowers the overall morale of the unit. I would much rather participate in a program in which I was surrounded by individuals who wanted the same thing as I do. NM: Do you think this will
Cole: I believe this statement is false. It takes a strong woman to be in the military, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I personally know women that can out perform men in any sector.
I pose a challenge: Ask several enlisted Marines about any of their female Drill Instructors (DIs). I guarantee they will speak very highly of them.
to happen over a certain period of time. This process is not scheduled to happen over night. Although we are taking baby steps, I am grateful that we are taking steps in the right direction; it’s all about progressing.
8 |January 30th, 2013
Arts & Entertainment
nubian message
Hate Sleepin’ Alone
There She Goes
By: Alfred Anderson
By: De-Kia Battle There goes the girl, who you thought had it all. The one who was placed too high on the pedestal, so high, she was bound to fall. You see, she has a reputation as a beauty, maybe the brightest star of all,
She hates sleepin’ alone; yeah she
shame and everyone’s down for a
However, regardless, we keep
hates sleepin’ alone.
cause.
moving…
But I won’t be here for long, can’t
All the women I used to love…
Every night’s a different city,
take the blame if things go wrong.
would love to love me now.
different women, same liquor,
And we all know that a house
But love doesn’t exist in the place
isn’t a home if a man is not
that I’m in now…
committed...
When she smiled, it was as if a sunshine lifting a cloudy sky,
And if a man is not committed, he will surely sin again.
But behind that smile and inside her mind, she’s asking why?
I’m with friends, and they brought friends…
Why her, and not someone else?
And they brought women and they
Her intelligence, her beauty, doesn’t stop her
brought friends
struggles not to fail.
They say: “We’re havin’ a Orgy
Let alone, she’s not remembered at all,
party and everybody’s invited in.”
But then God said, he gave his one and only begotten son. So that she can prevail.
crowded bus… And the women that’ll risk it all just to spend some time with us… It’s the rush, it’s the lust and it’s everything we’ve ever dreamt of… This can’t be life, this can’t be… maybe it’ll be over in the mornin’. I was wrong, it’s the crack of dawn
I’m not used this, I can’t handle
and there are women moanin’ and
this, first there was fame and now
others groanin’.
there’s this.
Through all the trials and tribulations,
These crowded clubs, this
There are no rules; there is no
same movement... I say: “I’m sorry, I know I’m wrong, I know you hate sleepin’ alone. But I won’t be here for long, can’t take the blame if things go wrong. Can’t take the blame if things go wrong. Can’t take the blame if things go wrong. Can’t take the blame if things go wrong. …I just hate sleepin’ alone.
This is a not a dream, no, this is real…even a little surreal.
She’s truly the girl who has it all.
My Sister’s Keeper By: Yuri Powe Don’t talk about my sister I’m sick of you slinging slurs and obscenities at, above and around her name. Like how she’s so torn, tattered, beaten down, and abused And her life will only be riddled with unavoidably being misused. I know you know. Every once and a while you tend to snatch her legs from beneath her and spread them so far a part that it doesn’t even feel right for her not to use that as an excuse as to how she’s become who she is. So she decides to crawl in the gravel and lay there for a while.
After the chemotherapy stripped
See before you drown her in
soul behind so I become guilty by
the tears she cries seem to always
her of one of her most prized
stereotypes, rumors, and popular
association when I decide to place
roll down her cheeks in the same
womanly features,
beliefs
my sisterhood and femininity on
place.
And don’t you dare put that price
Try realizing that she has enough
tag on her tail.
mess to swim through without
And though she may be oblivious
of disguise, merely existing in
Even though its already one
you clouding the waters too.
to glares and hate stares.
the residue of the shadows and
return her suit tomorrow
Stop speaking about my sister.
Your looks, they speak volumes
And pray for the job so her
Every negative manifestation of
hanging there because she has to
my shoulders.
to me.
upon her trickles from her
or remark you consider letting
And I really want you to silence
head down into her heart and
slip out your mouth reconsider
your laughter when my sister
circulates through her blood into
your remarks to mold my sister
walks by and her shoes are so
to my body because we... We are
into a positive reflection of ideas,
But I don’t even have to look at
thoroughly worn that the soles of
one.
instead of what society would
her to know she’s there.
the shoes are the soles of her feet. She walks so far to and from work that she’d rather sacrifice those pumps for a petal she can tap once and accelerate and cruise to
Or at least that’s how it seems. That’s really why I’m mad. You’ve weighed so many of
have her to be. Stop talking about my sister. Ain’t she a Woman?
my sisters down with the same
The only thing other than God
shackles that were supposed to
who can create a human life, and
You see, she’s saving.
have been broken over 100 years
you have the audacity to tear her
ago that you would think she’s the
down.
So conceal your comments before
one who bared the cross.
Don’t you dare place a label on her forehead just because her hair came with one.
Hiding beneath your mis-
children can eat next week.
All the dirt you’ve dug up and
Stop talking about my sister.
greater than her.
So for every ignorant assumption
her job.
my sister to an early grave.
footprints left by women way
your own thoughts you bestow
She’s so used to it.
thrown right back on her has sent
Even though she is a master
you try to use them as weapons
If you could just scrape away
My sister, she’s beautiful. And even though her make-up
Because last time I checked
every belittling ideology you’ve
you don’t have a license nor
molded her body with.
is applied so skillfully that you’d
I’ve never been one to leave a
formed on her face from where
permission to carry those types of opinions.
never see the valleys that have
formulated theories because those laws say she won’t be seen unless she shows everything.
And I know how low those valleys go because the tears that fill them taste the same on every woman’s face and she will never know she possesses the power to build nations. If the one nation she knows is no longer under God, but has placed itself above him including her too if she believes in Him and she does. But I will be one to say stop talking about my sister because I am her and she is me.