THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE
RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XIII, ISSUE 13 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n FEBRUARY 6, 2013
Writing The Lion’s Tale Elders of N.C.State’s African American Community Honored with New Art Gallery Exhibit
Adinkrahene greatness, charisma, leadership
DeErricka Green Managing Editor
T
Dr. M. Iyailu Moses enjoys a caricature of Dr. Witherspoon in the “Lion’s Tale” exhibit- Jasmine Jack.
he Peer Mentor Program. The African American Symposium.
On Jan. 31, the African American Cultural Center celebrated those legacies with the debut of “Writing the Lion’s Tale: The Lives and Work of Dr. Augustus
The African American Cultural Center. The first two programs and the center itself represent only part of the legacy that trailblazers Dr. Lawrence M. Clark and Dr. Augustus Witherspoon left for N.C. State students. Credited as “founding fathers” within the African American community on campus, Witherspoon and Clark gladly assumed multiple roles – as community leaders, professors and mentors – that ultimately transformed the campus climate for students of all backgrounds.
Witherspoon and Dr. Lawrence M. Clark,” an exhibit that celebrates the influence these men used to open doors.
students, faculty and staff.
Thanks to Clark, many important
Witherspoon came to North Carolina State University in 1969, pursuing a
Civil Rights figures, including Rosa Parks and C.T. Vivian, came to the University to hold workshops for faculty, staff and
master’s degree in Botany. When he
students of all backgrounds.
graduated two years later, he became the second African American to earn a
“Dr. Clark and Dr. Witherspoon were
doctoral degree from the University. Later,
not only engaged in the African American
he became the University’s first African
community,” Dr. Sheila Smith-McKoy,
videos and interactive pieces painting
American professor and the only African
Director of the Cultural Center, said.
the timeline of each man’s life. A part of
American with a campus building bearing
“They were engaged in a campus-wide
the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the
his name.
endeavor, working on numerous projects
The exhibit features photographs,
University, the exhibit will remain open in the African American Cultural Center Art Gallery until Aug. 1.
to make the University a more inclusive
Clark soon followed, joining the faculty in 1974 as Associate Provost and a professor in the College of Education.
and diverse institution.” The exhibit also highlights the
“The Lion’s Tale” focuses especially
He proved instrumental in breaking down
commitment of Witherspoon and Clark to
on the determination of Witherspoon
racial barriers and pushing the University
education. They believed in knowledge’s
and Clark to broaden the perspectives of
to talk openly about race.
power to change lives and felt a duty to
Lion’s continued page 3
NCSU BAS Calls For Renaissance of “Black Unity” on Campus Kierra Leggett Editor-in-Chief
M
embers of the NCSU Black Alumni
#NCSUBLACKUNITY needs to happen,” and
NCSU’s BLACK STUDENT’S BOARD no
Society are dissatisfied with the current
“AA peer mentors, have you called, texted, FB’d,
longer existed?”
status of black unity on N.C. State’s campus. This dissatisfaction was expressed last Wednesday in a series of rabble-rousing
Sankofa return and get it
or even tweeted your mentee today...this week... this month...THIS SCHOOL YEAR?!” Norman jostled students with hypothetical
When Norman tweeted NCSU alumnus and legendary music producer, Patrick Douthit, also known as 9th Wonder,
tweets sent from the BAS Twitter page by BAS
situations and questions tweeting, “How do
asking him how he would feel to know that
Treasurer, Anthony Norman.
you think Dr. Augustus M. Witherspoon would
“#NCSUBLACKUNITY is truly questionable
feel about the state of #NCSUBLACKUNITY
right now,” Douthit responded, “I don’t have
or Tony Williamson?” and “What if I told you
enough characters on Twitter to explain it. You
Norman tweeted, “ The #RENAISSANCE of
Unity continued page 8
News
2 |February 6th, 2013
Letter From The Editor
Upcoming Events Feb. 6-9 |
nubian message
Blu MagiK Week Continues
Support some great programs hosted by the Mu Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. and the Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. For more information, check out: @MuXiZetas_NCSU, or @KXiNupes.
Dwennimmen humility, together with strength
Feb. 6 | What Black is, What Black Aint: Perspectives on Post-Blackness A student panel discussion hosted by the African American Cultural Center, on Toure’s Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness? Sankofa Room 6:00 pm. Feb. 9 |
HK on J March
T
o All My Nubian Brothers and Sisters, What’s Up? I’m so excited to present to you, the first Nubian Message of this year’s Black History Month. My staff
and I have thought long and hard about how we could do our
Assemble with our chapter of the NAACP to participate in a march to end poverty and economic injustice. Meet outside of Witherspoon Center at 9:45 am. Feb. 6 | Crimson and Cream Week The Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. presents Delta Through the Decades. Support some great programs, including the Mr. Crimson and Cream Pageant. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. See members for tickets.
part in contributing knowledge about Black History that is often overlooked.
Adjacent to every article in this week’s Nubian, you will notice an Adinkra that in some way relates to the content of the article it is beside. I challenge you to challenge yourself, and figure out why we chose to use the adinkras we did. I also challenge you to find an adinkra that speaks to you and your core values and principles. For me, that adinkra is
After much consideration, we decided that for each week of February, we would come up with a different theme for the Nubian Message This week’s theme is “Respect Your Roots!” Within this issue, we have tried to incorporate articles and topics that resonate with the early aspects of African American culture and its origins to the African continent. One way in particular that we have tried to do this is through the use of adinkras. Adinkras are picture symbols that represent various principles of West African culture.
Dwennimmen. It is a symbol of humility and strength— two traits that I think are necessary for success and which I strive to exemplify in my everyday life. If you find an adinkra that really speaks to you, please tweet us @nubianmessage and let us know which one it is and why! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this week’s issue and be on the lookout for next week’s paper, which will be the Renaissance issue. - Kierra Leggett
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 CHELSEA GARDNER 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 2013 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Locations Avent Ferry Complex Caldwell Hall DH HILL LIBRARY
engineering building ii
Harrelson Hall Witherspoon Student Center Wolf Village Apartments
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
nubian message
News
February 6th, 2013| 3
Photos From Writing The Lion’s Tale Exhibit By: Jasmine Jack
Mrs. Irene Reynolds-Clark and family visit the exhibit on its debut night, Jan. 30.
A wood carvng depicts Dr. Lawrence M. Clark, one of the “founding fathers” of the African American Cultural Center.
Left: Relative enjoys pieces from the exhibit.
Lion continued from page 1 pass on that knowledge. “Dr. Clark’s favorite poem was ‘When I Know the Power of my Black Hand’, by Lance Jeffers,” Toni Thorpe, the cultural center’s program coordinator, said. “He and Dr. Witherspoon always felt it was their duty to run their leg of the race, teaching students the power of their black hand. Then, they would pass the baton. Dr. Clark would say to me, ‘Prepare the students to pass the baton when it’s time for them to run the race.’ ” During a time of cultural separation, Witherspoon and Clark played a critical role in helping to improve the climate for the entire N.C. State community, fighting to open the doors of inclusion. Their legacies live on through projects such as the Peer Mentor Program, Witherspoon Student Center and Lawrence M. Clark Lecture Series. Today, with the efforts of Thorpe, Smith-McKoy and others, students of all races are prepared to carry the A wood carvng depicts Dr. Augustus M. Witherspoon, one of the “founding fathers” of the African American Cultural Center.
Patron admires exhibit artwork.
baton and continue what Witherspoon and Clark began.
4 |February 6th, 2013
Perspectives
nubian message
McCrory’s Words Cut Liberal Arts Deep
Nea Onnim No Sua A, Oho He who does not know can know from learning
Bryan Sperietzer Contributor
G
Gov. Pat McCrory and his remarks regarding liberal arts education at North Carolina public universities. - Graphic By: Trey Ferguson
ov. Pat McCrory has come under a firestorm of criticism for his recent critical remarks regarding liberal arts education at North
Carolina’s public universities. His comments have undermined the value of a liberal arts degree and cast a negative light on philosophy and gender studies courses. In a radio interview last Tuesday, McCrory questioned whether state taxpayers should support gender studies courses. “That’s a subsidized course, and, frankly, if you want to take gender studies, that’s fine. Go to a private school and take it, but I don’t want to subsidize that if that’s not going to get someone a job ... It’s the tech jobs that we need right now.” Such statements have students and teachers in liberal arts communities cringing. Liberal arts proponents find such comments especially frightening because the governor used them to support his proposed higher education “reform.” In essence, McCrory would redirect funds from more broadly focused humanities courses into courses offering vocational training. Clearly, many jobs within our modern society require a practical focus for our more technically driven industries to thrive. The governor is right to assert that our public education system should foster a thriving market of technically savvy graduates who can compete
for jobs in these evolving industries.
and Women’s and Gender studies who also takes part in service-based extracurricular activities aimed
The governor fairly cites our state’s unsatisfactory
at combating social injustice. Outside of class, she
employment numbers in advocating for stronger
participates in Students United for Reproductive Justice
vocational education.
(SURJ), Feminist Students United (FSU), Students for Students International (S4Si), and she volunteers with
That said, however, McCrory makes a great mistake
Orange County’s Rape Crisis Center.
to try shifting higher education’s focus to more techoriented classes at the expense of humanities courses.
“What McCrory said was very upsetting because
Considering this point in our history, we have an even greater need those well versed in a variety of liberal arts to influence and offer solution to seemingly intractable problems – in local communities as well as our nation and world. Today, America and our global society are beset with of firmly rooted problems: war, genocide, social inequality, racial discrimination, gender bias, business fraud, moral decay and wide economic disparity. The ability of the liberal arts to observe these problems and propose solution argues strongly for our generation to pursue a degree or career in the liberal arts. People in these fields of study are justified in feeling alienated and insulted by the Gov. McCrory’s remarks. McCrory’s position unnerves UNC sophomore Isabella Higgins, a double major studying Sociology
What can you do with an Africana Studies Degree? According to the NCSU Career Center •Foreign Service Officer •Media Relations Specialist
Women’s and Gender studies has been incredibly valuable to me. Women’s and Gender studies has helped me to develop a perspective that looks at all aspects in which an individual could be oppressed including race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.” In essence, when McCrory says public institutions should not teach gender studies, he is saying that illuminating gender inequalities within our school systems is not a worthy goal of the state. A governor that is so far detached from minority interests seems nearly incomprehensible. What else does he not value if he has also shown disinterest in subjects such as Swahili and philosophy? Would he also single out Africana Studies in his rapacious attempt to cut culture from education? Pat McCrory’s recent comments regarding plans for higher education “reform,” place the future state of liberal arts in North Carolina on a knife’s edge.
•Travel & Tourism Coordinator •Community Mobilization Director
Perspectives
nubian message
February 6th, 2013| 5
Yes We Can, But We Haven’t Yet Epa law, justice, slavery
Taurean Brown Contributor Taurean Brown is a community activist and freelance writer based in Durham, N.C. Follow him on Twitter @TheBlackVoice or visit blacksankofa. wordpress for more of his writing.
W
hat a powerful moment in time we find
Sadly, I believe that
ourselves in this nation with the re-
too many people are
election of the first African American
under the impression
president. In this time we find poverty rising, extremism
that their responsibility
coming from all ends, minds being brainwashed on a
to change is now
massive scale, etc.
accomplished being that we re-elected
For many people, these factors seem like a new situation, however ibelieve we find ourselves in a very familiar position, particularly for black people.
resonated between both parties on the election trail. In the black community, you saw individuals pushing to get others registered to vote and actually going out to the polls. On TV and social networking you saw celebrities and others get involved, talking about making your voice heard and exercising your right to vote. The people made their voices heard and they selected the Barack Obama for another four years as the leader of the nation. Now that the election is over, what change is really going to happen and what part will the people play in
“The dream will never be accomplished as we remain on the sidelines and do not get activelly involved in the change of our own people and community.”
the Internet you see the familiar pictures
Through this election season the theme of “change”
this change?
President Obama. On
of President Obama with MLK or Malcolm
defining moment. My father’s generation went to the
X in the background saying that the “dream” has been
streets fighting against brutal violence, stanch racism,
accomplished or something close to that point.
and unjust segregation to end in America. What will our generation be known for?
Go into the homes of many African Americans and pictures of Black Jesus, almost characterizing him as
change for our people and the nation as a whole, so how
a savior. As a proud black man in America, I am very
do we make this change? We make this change by first
proud to see our President look like me, however I would
decolonizing our minds and filling our minds with truth
be foolish to believe that the “dream” is accomplished or
and knowledge. We must infuse our people with self-
even close to being finished.
pride and love. Teach our children that there is nothing wrong with being exactly how God made you. We must
The dream will never be accomplished as we remain
as a people. One of the main tactics used to take over our
change of our own people and community.
people was “divide and conquer”, so in order to combat
Yes we must remain involved politics and vote regularly for all elections both local and national, but the change we really seek will not take place in the halls of place in our minds, our homes, our schools, our streets,
have plagued us for many decades, such as: youth violence, unequal education, high unemployment, poor healthcare, police brutality, and neighborhood destruction. The list goes on and on.
unify our people and dispel all the things that divide us
on the sidelines and do not get actively involved in the
Congress. The change we want to see as a people will take
The black community faces several problems that
We have the awesome opportunity to bring forth real
you will see pictures of President Obama right beside
our barbershops, our hangouts, and our communities. For far too long black people have accepted watereddown freedom that has been passed down by the United
this tactic we must unify and conquer. As a unified proud educated people we will then be able to stand up against the social barbed wire that has kept our people in this stagnant state. We must let the nation know that we will no longer tolerate injustice, unequal education, unequal representation in government, the War on Drugs, and many other things that destroy the fiber of black life in America.
States government, hoping and praying that one day real change will come. Well its time to stop hoping and
As black people in America we must take our freedom by any means necessary.
actually get out and make that change happen. The time for change is always now. Each generation has had its
Do you disagree with something that was published in the Nubian Message? Send a letter to the editor at editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
6 |February 6th, 2013 d
Perspectives
nubian message
N.C. State Students: Progressing or Forgetting
O Mmere Dane change, life’s dynamics
Amanda McKnight Staff Writer
n Jan. 30, W.E.S.T (Women
Alumni Twitter account began to ask the
N.C. State’s campus however. For example,
Empowering Society Together)
question of why black students are so apathetic
worldwide people were “planking” for fun
sponsored their 3rd Annual Date
to the issues affecting us. They are wondering
on the internet. “Planking” is a term that is
Auction in Talley Ballroom. 25 percent of
why we don’t care as much as they did when
associated with the North Atlantic Slave Trade
proceeds from the event were contributed
they were undergrads. Our generation has
specifically, because that is how human cargo
to Dress for Success Triangle, a charity that
been criticized for not caring and being very
was transported in the bottom of slave ships-
helps disadvantaged women transition into
reactionary rather than proactive to issues that
by lying flat on top of one another. Then all
employment by providing them with business
arise. Are we too passive, or are we following
of sudden people were laying down flat on
attire.
the path to a “post racial” America?
surfaces for a few laughs. Not to mention the
The black community on campus was abuzz
As young adults of the late 1980’s and ‘90’s,
arguments that are started about the use of the n**** in music and television.
with discussion about who was going, who
we are almost two generations out of federal
was entered into the auction, and how much
laws mandating segregation. While many of
individuals were willing to spend. There were
us still encounter bigotry, we do not have the
anymore. Do we all have to really be so
also discussions about whether having any type
experiences that our parents and grandparents
hyper aware of things relating to slavery and
of “auction” organized by a black organization
had to endure to motivate activism. No longer
constantly “black check” ourselves before
was irresponsible.
are we fighting in the streets and protesting
enjoying something? That is all a matter of
the way that was needed in previous years. It
opinion, but as students we should be aware
can be argued that our perceived apathy has
of what is really going on our campus. Our
allowed for people to feel as though they can
Alumni are calling us out for a reason. They
act any way towards the black community
know what it was like to be a student at N.C.
without our outcry. Anyone who has been at
State; they worked hard for what we seem to
N.C. State has encountered bigoted drawings in
take for granted now.
Is an auction with men and women standing before a crowd to be bet upon a little too close to our history to be okay? WEST’s event has brought up a conversation on campus about what we in the black community are willing to take part in.
The question is whether this really matters
the Free Expression Tunnel.
On that same afternoon, the NCSU Black
This issue is not just concentrated to
Creme in the Coffee One N.C. State Student Brings Diversity to the NCSU Chapter of 100 Black Men Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu democracy, unity in diversity
Christopher Lynn Staff Writer
s
Seth Reavis eth Reavis is used to being the
changed the organizational name to
NM: Do you consider it an honor that
I was there.
“token white guy” amongst his
acknowledge its integrated membership,
theorganization changed its name from
NM: Since you’re so immersed in black
was as easy as walking across the
“100 Black Men” to “Collegiate 100”
culture, has anyone ever referred to with
Brickyard.
because of you?
a derogatory name or racial slur?
allowed Reavis, a Sports Management
Nubian Message (NM): How did you
R: I’ve been called the ‘n-word’ and I’ve
major, to answer in the affirmative
feel about being the first white guy in
R: I never thought of it as an honor.
when asked about joining the N.C. State
Collegiate 100?
friends.
It was this sense of familiarity that
chapter of 100 Black Men, an auxiliary organization to the 100 Black Men of
Reavis (R): I had the same reaction you
America, Inc.
did. [laughs] I was in the brickyard and
With a mission aimed at “helping to develop the social, educational, emotional, and physical needs of young black males”, joining the group might seem intimidating for men, such as Reavis, that fall outside of its traditional racial demographic. However, for Reavis bonding with the collegiate brothers, who have since
I saw Aaron Wise and Chase Johnson holding up a sign for “100 Black Men.” They asked me if I wanted to join, and I asked, ‘Can I?’ My roommate was in it, and I heard good things about it, so I decided to join. Growing up in Durham, I was used to being the ‘token’ white guy.
I found it comical at first, and then it became real. After I went to the first meeting, I came back to the second meeting and they said, ‘We’re officially changing the name.’ I never considered it as an honor; I found it to be a way to be more diverse. NM: When you first joined, did some of the members question why you were allowed to join? Was it awkward?
That basically gave me the comfort join
R: The first meeting felt kind of
[Collegiate 100].
uncomfortable but after that everything was cool. Nobody really questioned why
been called a “whigger”, I hate that word. All of my friends tell me I’m not white, just light-skinned. But really, I’m just being me, just being real.
Lifestyles
nubian message
February 6th, 2013| 7
Black Ink Student Harbors Positive Energy From Symbols of the Motherland
Amira Alexander
Above: Some of Amira’s tattoos
Ananse Ntontan wisdom, creativity
Chelsea Gardner Staff Writer
A
mira Alexander feels inspired, and
symbols and their history in West Africa. She
like many members of the Millennial
decided to get tattoos of all the adrinka symbols
explained. “In the end, God is it. Period. He is
Generation, shows her inspiration to
in two to three years.
the beginning and the end.”
the world – through body art.
Her first tattoo – the shape of the African
“The meaning is that God reins all,” she
Alexander uses the tattoos of the symbols to
Unlike many others, she credits her tattoos –
continent outlined in red, with a green heart in
help her remember where she came from. She
the symbols of her West African heritage – with
the middle – adorns her spine. After that initial
takes pride in them, and feels they reiterate the
giving her energy. She currently has 11 tattoos
experience, she was able to get five tattoos in
importance of sankofa, a West African belief that
and plans to add two more in the future.
one sitting.
says, “It is not wrong to go back and fetch that
“My main thing is we’re all African, and
Alexander planned each tattoo with intricate
even though I consider myself a Jamaican…
drawings and then had them placed in areas on
we’re all African. [Africa] is the source of all
her body that, she believes, enhance the meaning
life, and that is where my strength comes from,”
of the symbols.
she said.
“The tattoos that I have are where my energy
Alexander, a sophomore in Nutrition Science,
which you have forgotten”. “You can’t get anywhere in life without knowing what was there first,” she said. Ultimately, Alexander feels her tattoos define her, and she takes pride in them. “A lot of my
comes from, so there’s power of love, peace and
tattoos you can’t even see, but they are a part of
has expressed herself through body art since she
harmony. So when I am down or overwhelmed,
me. They are not an addition. They are me.”
turned 18.
I remember where my source of energy comes
Growing up, she has always had a profound sense of history, traditions and ideals, fueled by her Jamaican roots. She first encountered
from and where my source of life comes from and that’s from the symbols and Africa.” Her favorite tattoo graces her ankle – in the
the term “adrinka” her senior year of high
shape of an anklet. It is her Gye Nyame tattoo,
school while reading an African-inspired novel.
which symbolizes the supremacy of God, and is
She Googled “adrinka” and was drawn to the
the head or center of the anklet.
Alexander has big plans for her next tattoo – a large mural that will encompass a lion, phoenix and butterfly. “Tattoos need to be relevant to you, and this is personal for me,” she said.
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8 |February 6th, 2013
nubian message
Unity continued from page 1
may need to do a forum on campus.” He continued, “I’m not very surprised; what cultural art form do they have as a model? We were lucky we had “A Different World.” Though he graduated in 2000 with a B.S. in both Accounting and Business Management, Norman has remained active in the N.C. State Community. His activism on campus as a member of BAS and the Alumni Mentor Program led to his call for the NCSU Renaissance of Black Unity. During the most recent AMP meeting on Jan. 29, it was brought to the attention of BAS members that black unity on N.C. State’s campus is lacking. “Leaders of black organizations who put on different productions, functions, and programs shared with us that there has been poor turnout at programs aimed at African American students,” said Norman.
Norman felt that it was the ideal place,
generation so that we can follow suit
primarily because of the accessibility it
and thus become a better cohort,” said
provided. “With Twitter, we were able to
Harrison.
gauge [student] responses to the things we were putting out there,” said Norman. Students responded not only to the
Norman acknowledged this saying, “ The BAS can help begin this renaissance in two ways. One thing we could do is
BAS’ tweets about black unity, but also
spark the conversation and put it in the
to Nubian Message contributor, Vernon
forefront. The second way we can help is
Holman’s article “I Just Be Chilling
by making ourselves available to campus.
Though.” In his article, Holman singled
We’ve already run the course; we are on
out the Multicultural Student Affairs,
the other side. What’s important is that
Peer Mentor Program and the students
students can continue.”
involved saying, “Mentors seem to have only signed up to put something on their resumes, and not to truly give back.” “That article was an overreaction of some freshman who’s mentor didn’t say ‘hey’,” said Davis. Norman and other members of the BAS didn’t share Davis’s sentiments. “Wednesday’s tweets were prompted by a couple of things,” said Norman.
Former BAS President Stephanie out, that’s the role of any child – parent or mentee- mentor relationship.” Cogdell who during her time as an N.C. State student served as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Council credits a change in the caliber of students to what some have perceived as a lack of black student unity.
peer sponsored events, Norman feels that
at the AMP dinner and discussion were
students lack knowledge of administrative
reciprocated in the article by Vernon. That
in now have a higher standard; they are
happenings within the NCSU black
combination of things gave birth to those
more competitive.”
community, which is “chipping away at
series of tweets.”
Norman’s tweets from the BAS
“We were smart, but students coming
Cogdell attributes the privileges currents black students have inherited,
of black unity mentioned in his tweets
such as the African American Cultural
Twitter account generated a great deal
would consist of, “A revisiting of the spirit
Center and Africana Studies to the
of response on and off the social media
of camaraderie.” He would also like to
perceived lack of black unity as well.
site. Ashley Davis, a senior majoring in
see students revisit the “entire spirit that
political science and President of Women
was apparent when students fought for
Empowering Society Together (W.E.S.T)
the Nubian, a bigger space for the African
was not a fan of the BAS’ tweets. “ I think
American Cultural Center, and the peer
there were other ways that the issue of
mentor program.”
black unity and a renaissance could have been initially addressed. Alumni could have come to campus to talk about it,” said Davis. While some students questioned
Though he is not opposed to the idea of a renaissance of black unity on campus, Jamael Harrison, a senior majoring in communication thinks it is a movement that should be spearheaded by alumni.
the BAS and its decision to initiate a
“ I think it is the responsibility of the
renaissance of black unity via Twitter,
older generation to inform the younger
• Founded in 1979 • President: Emma Norman •Free to join
the African American Student Advisory
“What the Black Alumni Society heard
According to Norman the renaissance
The NCSU Black Alumni Society
Cogdell said,“ As alumni, we need to reach
Along with the decreased turnout to
things that prior students established.”
Fast Facts:
“We had a lot more to fight for,”
•Offer scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students •Provicees mebers with Business Marketplace to advertise jobs •Follow them on Twitter @NCSUBlackAlumni Whether or not students are quick to rally, or catch on to the idea of a
said Cogdell, “ The struggle brings you
renaissance of black unity, Norman and
together.”
the other members of BAS simply want
Norman mirrored Cogdell’s assertions saying, “Struggle causes unity and…
current students to gain the most of their undergraduate experience.
students just need a cause to rally around.
“Ultimately we (BAS) want
If something were to happen like blatant
current students to have a positive
cuts in African American funding
experience at NCSU,” said Norman. “A
or racism, I think the black student
positive experience in school prompts
population would be quick to rally.”
participation as alumni after school.”