THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, NC n VOL. X, ISSUE 3 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n SEPTEMBER 14th, 2011 Shaunie O’Neal Blasted on Twitter n3
9/11 Dedication n5
Miss Black North Carolina n7
President Obama to Speak on Campus Today
Photo by Peggy Boone/Student Media 2007
Presidential candidate Barack Obama addresses a crowd of 3,200 at North Carolina Central University in Durham. Obama addressed a number of hot topics including health care, the war in Iraq, and the energy crisis, and expressed his frustrations with the current administatrions’s shortcomings in these areas. HIND MALIK | STAFF WRITER It is the talk of the town – President Obama is due to visit NC State University today at approximately 12:55 PM at Reynolds Coliseum. Tickets for the event were distributed to students on the Brickyard yesterday morning on the basis of first come, first served. Tickets were also distributed to the general public at Carter Finley Stadium yesterday at noon. Many students camped overnight the night before in the Brickyard hoping that they would be the first to receive the limited number of tickets available due to the high demand from both NCSU students and the general public. Anticipation is high among attendees who wish to be part of history. In his latest visit to the Tar Heel state, President Obama will be speaking at Reynolds Coliseum to promote his job creation bill, the American Jobs Act of 2011. Already facing high unemployment and stagnant economic growth, the president’s new job bill is intended to re-energize the economy by creating new
jobs in infrastructure redevelopment projects such as renovating schools, bridges, and highways. According to independent economists the bill, if implemented, would create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Economists in general, however, disagree to what extent this job bill will reduce the overall national unemployment rate, currently standing at over 9 percent. The $447 billion jobs bill includes $25 billion earmarked for the building and modernization of public schools, including a renovation and technology upgrade. According to the White House, the bill, if passed by Congress, would modernize at least 35,000 schools. However, the bill is already facing stiff opposition from House republicans in Congress who say the bill costs too much and only adds to the deficit. They argue that the new spending should come from spending cuts. Analysts believe that even if the bill is passed by Congress, the president’s bill would not survive in its current form - thus reducing the probability of more funding for schools, including public schools like NC State.
PMP continued on pg. 4
CJ Guion/Nubian Message Students waiting outside in line hoping to get tickets to see President Obama.
Photo by Megan Farrell Some students spent the night. Students showed up with tents, sleeping bags, chairs, and even futons for their overnight stay and kept themselves busy with friends.
NEWS
2 |September 14th, 2011 What’s Happening on Campus
What to Expect from the President’s Visit?
TODAY - COLLEGIATE 100 BLACK MEN GENERAL BODY MEETING Tomorrow - Annual Peer Mentor Program Cookout 4:00 PM Harris Field Tomorrow African American Textiles Society Cookout 6PM - 7:30 PM College of Textiles Building SEPTEMBER 19th - K 97.5’s Salute to Higher Education
Things to Note: Doors Open at 9:30 AM to the public Private Apartment Shuttles will pick up/drop off at Scott Hall which is beside DH Hill Library * Wolfline Transit will be detoured for the entire day - no service to Dunn/Jeter, Carmichael Gym or Faucette Drive stops. * The Coliseum Deck paylot will be CLOSED and users will be directed to use the Carter Finley Park and Ride Lot (Rt. 6 - every 15 minutes; service to the Scott Hall/Founders Drive area) or to park in a signed area in Greek Village (walk or ride Rt. 9). * No parking on Morrill Drive after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. (This includes the “RE” spaces on Morrill Drive next to Derr Track). Displaced “RE” vehicles would be directed to park in the West Deck or designated Greek Village parking. * Students are encouraged to walk to the event
NPHC WEEK 2011 September 19-25th NUBIAN MESSAGE STAFF/INTEREST MEETING TODAY 5PM WITHERSPOON 356
Students should be prepared for traffic delays starting at 10:30 AM Students who plan to attend should park/arrive no later than 11:00 AM Students not attending have been asked to avoid walking around Reynolds before and during the event to avoid unncecceary congestion.
TODAY - NSBE GENERAL BODY MEETING 7:30 PM PARK SHOPS 201 INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT EDITOR@NUBIAN.NCSU.EDU
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Want to share your thoughts about the speech? Post them on Twitter and use the hashtag #obamancsu
Didn’t get a ticket to hear President Obama speak? We’ve got you covered... WKNC 88.1 FM will be airing a live telecast of the speech.
Have pictures you want to share with Nubian Message and other student media outlets? If so, send them to photos@technicianonline.com
Have fun and take something from this historic experience! Source: Student Government
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Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGIING EDITOR STAFF WRITERS: MADAVIA JOHNSON JONATHAN KIM HIND MALIK KIERRA LEGGETT YOLANDA RAY SHALIESE HARDY ALEXIS TEASDELL TEVIN BYRD COURTNEY PREISTER CHELSEA GARDNER KAREEM WILLIAMS SHAKIL JEFFERSON LAKESHA ALEXANDER 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.
Locations Avent Ferry Complex Brooks Hall Caldwell Hall Harrelson Hall DH HILL LIBRARY Witherspoon Student Center Wolf Village Apartments
372 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
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Septebmer 14th, 2011| 3
The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment
BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. Cheers (Drink To That) Rihanna 2. How To Love- Lil’ Wayne 3. Mirror- Lil’ Wayne feat. Bruno Mars 4. SuperBass- Nicki Minaj 5. Give Me Everything- Pitbull feat Ne-Yo 6. Marvin & Chardonnay- Big Sean feat. Kanye West and Roscoe Dash 7. Love On Top- Beyonce 8. Otis- Jay Z and Kanye West
WKNC’s UNDERGROUND Top 5 of the Week 1. LITTLE BROTHER - I Got Work For Ya 2. NOTTZ- I Do It For Yawl 3. SKYZOO- Wikipedia Rap 4. MOBB DEEP- Animal Instinct 5 . STAT- The Emcee Listen to Underground Radio on WKNC 88.1 FM... CHECK WKNC.ORG FOR AIR TIMES
IN THEATERS
Lion King 3D
The Lion King returns to movie theaters this weekend for a limited time in a special 3D format Credit: Disney
Photo Courtesy of VH1Press
Shaunie O’Neal: Are The Critics Too Hard On Her?
CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN CHIEF For the past couple of weeks, Shaunie O’Neal, the ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal has been under attack regarding controversial reality show “Basketball Wives.” The reality show which has been on VH1 for four seasons follows the daily triumphs and struggles of the ex-“girlfriends” and wives of NBA basketball players. Many critics of the show feel that it perpetuates constant negative stereotypes that have been cast upon African American women. It has become common knowledge that Shaunie O’Neal is an executive producer of the show, so
it’s clear to see why she would be the prime target of such attacks. In August, during several interviews with the media, O’Neal mentioned that she was embarrassed by some of the images that have been showcased on the show. However, she stressed to the show’s fans that good things would be coming soon and that in the future she hoped that the show would spotlight her costars in a better light. Relationship experts and celebrities have made it their responsibility to hand out public lashings to O’Neal via Twitter. Tiona Smalls of reality show “What Chili Wants” posted a tweet
which simply said “Shaunie makes it her business to embarrass people on the show, because she is the ‘executive producer’. “ The show which was shot and produced in Miami for the first three seasons premiered a spin-off which takes place in LA. The first episode of the show featured a fight between Lauryn Govan and Malaysia Pargo. This is not the first time that fights have taken place on the show as the previous season features fights, most notable a fight inside a nightclub between co-stars Meeka Claxton and Tami Roman. Claxton has since been removed from the show.
BBW Continued on pg. 8
Album Review : Blu Jesus WKNC UNDERGROUND 88.1 FM Underground Californian emcee Blu came out of nowhere with his newest effort entitled Jesus. A few months ago, a mysterious artist who referred to himself a 'B' released Jesus on bandcamp, was quickly recognized to be Blu, and soon after disappeared. The internet was abuzz with speculation and the viral stunt did a great job to generate interest in the release. The album is now back under the correct moniker and is credited as a collaborative effort from hip hop favorites Madlib, Hezekiah, and Alchemist. Surrounding the album is controversy regarding individuals interpretations of the purposeful or perhaps unfortunate, omission of mixing and mastering. The quality of the vocal tracks is without a doubt subpar and at times is really disappointing. However, the effort comes off as a low-budget, gritty, underground, and potentially classic. Jazzy and soulful samples mixed with classic boom bap are integrated to create a host of solid songs, but tracks Lucky, Jesus, and, my personal favorite, Doo Whop will most definitely have rotating positions in my playlists for a long time. Lucky is produced by Blu and shows off his creativity and willingness to break from the typical mold. The light strings and Blu's stream of consciousness de-
livery give the track an airy feel. Jesus, produced by Madlib, of Madvillain and Jaylib fame, features soulful guitars and samples of Baptist hymns. The result is a song on love and women that gives the listener a spiritual feel and its position as the second to last track on the album probably serves as a catharsis for both Blu and the listener. Doo Whop, produced by Alchemist and featuring Planet Asia and Killa Ben, is the strongest track off the album. The beautiful background warbling is best contrasted by Planet Asia's deep voice and the lyricism on this track shines past all others. Overall, I enjoyed the effort and could look past the obvious shortcomings. Multiple songs were recorded using one or very few takes and the entire album was completed within an impressive two days. Small and frequent releases just seems to be Blu's style and with his ongoing success i doubt he will stop them anytime soon. Despite this, having only eleven tracks could underCourtesy of Nature Sounds standably make potential buyers wary of paying full retail price. The album is officially available in physical cd form as of recent, and the vinyl is out the 13th of September. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
4 |September 14th, 2011
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How is My Resume? A resume is an important document. It is essentially the first impression of the work that you will do for whatever it is that you are applying for. If it is neat, professional and organized, the odds increase that your work will be neat professional and organized. If the resume is sloppy, half-done and messy than your work most likely will be sloppy half done and messy. When writing a resume it is important to keep a consistent format, a basic font, and to try to keep the information down to one page. One piece of advice is, keep a resume on file that has everything that you have done on it, rather that be one page or ten. Then, when it comes time to submit a resume, select the information that would pertain more to the job in order to fit it onto one page. Also, feel free to use an online template to make sure your resume is up to par when it becomes time to submit it.
At the top there should be your name, and some way of contacting you. Some people put their home address, phone number and e-mail and others add their campus address as well. There should also be an objective at the top of your resume. This is where you can write what it is that you wish to gain. The objective can read, “Objective: To receive a (job goes here) with (Company goes here) to further my (reason you want the job goes here).”
EMAIL Use a professional email address and not one such as sexylady23@ gmail.com
Now, as far as finishing touches are concerned, a nice add to a resume is the type of paper used. It is not mandatory but it has been said that if one’s resume is on thick professional paper than it stands out. This paper can be picked up at an Office Max or Office Depot.
GPA Only list it if it’s 3.0 or higher in most cases
KEYWORDS Use words that are directly listed in the job advertisement MOST RECENT OR MOST IMPORTANT Depending on the job, you can organize your resume by your most recent experience, or most important which ever one ranks higher
SKILLS List most important skills first so that they are easily visible to the eyes of the employer
Organization is also important. On many resumes there are different sections (i.e. Work Experience, Extracurricular, Field Experience). The list goes on. A resume that has a long list of information about you with no order reflects badly upon your preparation and organization. Keep the various information in your resume organized and then place them in order within their categories. As you list your accomplishments or experience put the information in chronological order starting with the present and you can even place dates next to the things you have done.
It is also important to be specific when writing your resume. Although you may know that N.A.A.C.P stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or that A.A.A.S.E stands for the Association of African American Student Educators (both are organizations found on NC State’s campus) an employer may not know. Be specific with acronyms to make sure that all of your work can truly shine.
Overall, the resume isn’t the most important aspect of landing a job. The most important aspect is what you bring to the table. It is nice that you can fabricate small tasks into big ones but don’t be afraid to be a leader in clubs and step up. Don’t always run for small positions because you feel like you won’t get the larger positions. You also, don’t have to run for positions in clubs or volunteer just to add something to your resume. The best leaders are the ones who step up when they aren’t being asked to. Be a leader without the title. If you aren’t elected continue to be active in the club. Focus on the impact being made when you volunteer instead of how many hours you have put in. When character is built success comes. Although your resume is important, don’t let it run your life. It is not beneficial to be apart of 50 clubs and attend zero meetings. And sometimes if someone gives one or two clubs 100% that is better perceived than holding leadership roles in a ton of clubs. Make sure that your resume comes second and your work comes first and soon both will be exemplary.
Want more tips and suggestions to polish your resume? If so go to Multicultural Student Affair’s Success Series Workshop on Resumes September 21st...
Septebmer 14th, 2011| 5
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A Grad Student’s Internship Experience at Deloitte GUEST COLUMNIST | LAVANYA MOHANAN “We were young, but we had good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm” – Bill Gates, Young, Good Advice, Good Ideas and Abundance of Enthusiasm are the traits which best describe a consultant. Consulting is the process of providing advice to a client based on impartial analysis and expertise. Delivering optimum solutions for difficult business challenges is what consultants do! The summer of 2011 presented me a glimpse into the consulting world. I had the role of a consultant for technology with system integration as my service line. Deloitte Consulting LLP is a part of Deloitte & Touche USALLP. Deloitte Consulting LLP is a major firm which offers consultancy services in Technology, Human Capital and Strategy & Operation. Deloitte is ranked as the “#1 Place to Launch a Career” in 2009. It has made to Fortune‘s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list in 2010 for the eleventh year. Gartner ranks Deloitte as #1 in North America, #1 in Europe and #1 Globally in Consulting Market Share. The scope of my summer internship included consulting as a Business Technology Analyst (BTA). As a consultant for technology, the work expectation is to serve clients across the entire software lifecycle. They have to strategize, plan, design, build and sustain. The typical career path with Deloitte gives you a kickstart as a BTA, then a consultant, followed by Manager and later up the ladder as a Principal / Director. These milestones present an opportunity to build consulting experience, build proficiency, demonstrate proficiency and apply proficiency. I had an opportunity to build an understanding of the clients business and also develop technical solutions for their business. System Integration, a service line
in technology, is about providing advice and delivery support on complex technology systems. As a consultant for system integration, I was expected to structure, manage and assure delivery of a custom and tailored system. Working in such diverse roles gave me a complete insight to project management. One of the most laudable characteristic of a consultant is networking. I had a prospect to build a support network with numerous practitioners amongst the seniorities and the peers. Building a network and an earnest apprenticeship culture boosts career development. Deloitte believes in giving back to the society and this was demonstrated on Global Impact Day. On the Impact Day, all the employees were expected to take time out from their schedules and participate in a community volunteer work. Our team of interns were allotted to a site as Saggamore Hills Elementary School for restoration activities. I had taken up the task of staining picnic tables and park benches. As a part of events for the intern networking, there was a summer conference organised for the interns from all the offices in US in Orlando. This conference gave us an opportunity to interact with 250 summer interns. On the lighter side, we attended a Braves baseball game, a tennis game, a pool party and a Persian Dinner. Consultants are continually challenged to grow and develop new skills and capabilities. There are many exigent scenarios in this career but this internship experience sustained with my technical expertise leads me to the decision of pursuing the field of technology consultancy as my career option. Deloitte will also be making a presence on campus for the Engineering Career Fair on 4th October, 2011 and also at the COM Career Fair on 17th October, 2011. You can also connect with Deloitte at www.facebook.com/YourFutureAtDeloitte, http://twitter.com/ lifeatdeloitte , www.deloitte.com/yourfuture .
9/11 Dedication
On sunday at 2 p.m. September 11th, NC State held a 9/11 ceremony in remembrance of the tragic terrorist attack on the New York World Trade Center ten years ago. The speakers included Chancellor Randy Woodson as well as Student Body President Chandler Thompson. Later in the ceremony, a wreath was lain by family members of Eric Cranford, an alumnus of NC State, who sadly passed away during the attack at the Pentagon. And as a final gesture the ceremony concluded with a flyover by two F-15 fighter jets.
Photos/Caption by Kareem Williams
6 |September 14th, 2011
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Minority Engineering Program Welcomes New Interim Director! ASHLEY GAIE | STAFF WRITER A few months ago Dr. Tony L. Mitchell, Assistant Dean of Engineering Student Services and Director of Minority Engineering Programs, announced his planned retirement as of August 2011. Dr. Mitchell leaves behind a legacy of support for underrepresented students in the College of Engineering. Although we are saddened to see Dr. Mitchell go, we welcome a familiar face as the new interim Director of Minority Engineering Programs. Angelitha L. Daniel, loved by many as “Ms. Angie,” has officially been announced as of Sept 6, 2011 as the new interim Director of MEP. Elaine Chavis, a junior in Industrial Engineering and active student with MEP was elated by the news and shouted “Miss Angie IS MEP! She cares about her students and she does her job.” Daniel received her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998. In June 2003, she accepted the position as Assistant Director of Minority Engineering Programs. Her duties included but were not limited to: Overseeing support programs for underrepresented students. Planning and implementing the Summer Transition Program (STP). Advising minority engineering organizations such as the National Society of Black. Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Serving as instructor for E144 & E145. Not only retaining students, but making sure they graduate from the University. As the Interim Director of MEP, Daniel’s list of responsibilities becomes greater as she now oversees the budget for MEP, and is responsible for interacting with corporate sponsors. She will also be working with the university’s National Minority Engineering Programs Advisory Board. Daniel plans to take what she has learned from Dr. Mitchell and continue the success of MEP. However, she stresses that she does not want to lose the connections she has with her students. She plans to keep her door open
for those who choose to enter while staying aware of her new responsibilities and said, “I love interacting with students; you all keep me young and hip.” Daniel also plans to continue working with NSBE, SHPE and AISES and hopes to achieve more collaborations between the minority organizations. She plans to continue the community-feel that the Multicultural Student Affairs Office, African American Cultural Center and MEP Office have worked hard to create. She also hopes to make sure that all minority groups are addressed, needs are met and equal attention is given. When questioned about her passion for working with students, Daniel reminisces about the IMPACT program at the University of Pittsburgh that she was once a part of. Through the IMPACT program, similar to the mission and goals of NC State’s MEP, Daniel realized she enjoys helping students academically and in life. Not only is Daniel congratulated by her staff, but by her students as well. The news of Daniel’s promotion was close to a trending topic on Twitter and “liked” by many on Facebook. Students had nothing but kind words in regards to Daniel’s promotion. Kalynn Chambers, a sophomore in Civil Engineering, gladly remarked that Daniel’s promotion finally states on paper what we already knew. Students expect her to excel and have high hopes for the program under her new direction. Robert Greene, a junior in Civil Engineering, hopes that the program becomes more established on campus, and that “not only are people aware of the program but become a part of it.” Daniel stressed that she wants to stay connected to her students and stated, “I really wish every minority student stays in contact with our office. Even if you leave the College of Engineering don’t lose contact with me or our office. We want you to use us as a resource.” Daniel will serve as Interim Director until a new Assistant Dean/MEP director is appointed.
Unity in the Community Day YOLANDA RAY | STAFF WRITER On Saturday, September 10, 2011, at the North Carolina Fairgrounds, award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams and the light 103.9 FM had an amazing fun filled day, promoting health and wellness at Unity in the Community. Attendees had the opportunity to receive free screenings, information, consultations with medical professionals, product samples, eating, exercise tips and more. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in Holy Yoga and Gospel Zumba. This event featured live performances by Earnest Pugh, Jeff Majors, Maurette Brown-Clark, Micah Stampley, Troy Sneed, LaShun Pace, and Myron Butler. The event was also free to the public. Believe in Healthy BP is a community outreach program implemented to help raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects thousands of African Americans and is becoming a serious epidemic. As African Americans we are more likely to develop complications associated with high blood pressure including stroke, kidney disease, blindness, dementia, and heart disease. 41% of blacks have high blood pressure, compared to 27% of whites. Many experts believe that combinations of genetic and environmental factors are attributed to this dramatic difference. Diets high in salt, family history and being overweight are a few factors, which make the issue that much more difficult for the African American Community. Yolanda Adams is an advocate for health and wellbeing and hopes to affect the lives of many by sharing her own personal physical and emotional experiences. She conveyed the message that, “A personal commitment to health and spirit is key to a person’s sense of well-being.
AASAC Organization Spotlight: Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. started on November 3, 1988 at Morgan State University. Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. first made it’s presence on the campus of North Carolina State University in the Fall of 2007, with two of it’s first charter members, Stephen Jones and Kyle Alston. Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. was officially charted as the Upsilon Chapter on the campus on April 23, 2010.
The mission of the fraternity is to minister to the needs of the whole person, spirit, soul, and body, and to promote and attitude of academic excellence. As well, the fraternity takes pride in giving back to the community through volunteering their services to different places, in and outside of the Raleigh area. Also, the Fraternity uses stepping as a tool of ministry to capture the attention of today's audience. When conducting programs on the campus, it is the mission of the organization to target issues that are relevant to students on campus, to promote christian principles, as well as teaching the tools needed to develop strong christian character in college students. The main focuses of the Fraternity this year are to become more diverse, and to collaborate more with other student organizations around the campus. Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is well prepared to take on AASAC's motto, "Unity in the Diversity".
President: Darius Hunt
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Victory I don’t care rather or not I finish in first place. I just want to finish. Anyone can finish a race that they have mastered but to finish a race where humps seem like mountains and puddles feel like oceans reveals a true champion. I may never hold a gold trophy but to hold the knowledge and lessons learned from falling, and from failing and from feeling inferior until I configure success is the ultimate prize Even if I cross that finish line and see that there are nothing but street lights and crickets I’ll know that I finished my race with the tools God has given me and walked the path He has set for me. I’ll know that without Him, I would have given up like the average contestant and that with Him I have reached a place that I never thought I’d be. With God I stand victorious in the midst of what looks like a loss Without God I sit in a world with no ground blowing in the directions of others perceptions of me to never truly understand the feeling of victory.
- Alexis Teasdell
Lifestyles
Septebmer 14th, 2011| 7
Miss Black North Carolina Overcomes The Odds bose-Gibson provides viewers with an unguarded look at her battle to Today at 6:30 PM, North Carolina’s find inner peace with her baldness, first bald pageant queen, Sandra Duand the struggle to rebuild her selfbose-Gibson will be at Cameron Village esteem. The film poses the question Regional Library for a screening of her to its viewers “What would I do if I self-documenting film, “Project Liberalost my hair, and who would I be?” tion, My Alopecia Story.” At 37 years Only 25 years old when she old, Dubose-Gibson, the mother of two, was given her diagnosis, in the 12 wears her bald head just as proudly as years that have since then passed, she wears her crown, banner, and title of Dubose-Gibson has made momenMrs. Black North Carolina 2011. tous strides toward bring awareness Wednesday night will mark the beginto the disorder, and encouraging ning of Dubose-Gibson’s eight city film women to be confident in their own tour, fitting, since September is Alopecia skin. Dubose-Gibson asserts, “My Awareness Month. After being diagmission is to be the catalyst that ennosed with Alopecia in 1999, Duboseables women to heal the experiences Gibson has made it her mission to share that have eroded and challenged her story of triumph and tribulation Sandra Dubose-Gibson was crowned Mrs. Black North their self-esteem. I am here to help with as many people as possible, all in Carolina in 2011. She made history when she become them see the beautiful human beings hopes of inspiring women to find their the first bald beauty queen in the state. Her platform they truly are and boldly celebrate focused on Alopecia awareness and the promotion of “inner strength and true beauty.” that beauty and strength from the inAn auto-immune disorder that attacks good self-esteem for women of all ages, with hair or side out.” hair follicles, Alopecia Areata typically without. While Wednesday’s screencauses round patches of hair loss in the ing of the film “Project Liberation, scalp, but can lead to total hair loss in Photo contributed by Sandra Dubose-Gibson My Alopecia Story,” will be free and various places on the body. While the open to the public, registering is the cause of Alopecia Areata is unknown, some people have been only way to ensure a seat. Sponsored in part by The North known to develop the disorder after experiencing illness, a Carolina Public Libraries, Sandra Dubose-Gibson film tour major trauma, or as in Dubose-Gibson’s case—pregnancy. In will make stops in Greensboro, Wilmington and Winston Sathe United States alone, about 5 million people every year lem. For more information about Dubose- Gibson and her are diagnosed with the non-discriminating disorder that is upcoming appearances, be sure to check out http://www. commonly seen in men, women and children. While it is not projectliberationmovement.eventbrite.com/. contagious, heredity is a possible developmental factor. In her film, “Project Liberation, My Alopecia Story,” DuKIERRA LEGGET | STAFF WRITER
The Bell Curve: Society’s Inequality in Public Schools ALEXIS TEASDELL | STAFF WRITER In America, there is this concept that if one works hard, they can become successful; the concept that regardless of where one started economically, that that individual has the opportunity to be just as successful as the richest man. This concept, the American Dream, starts within schools. According to Horace Mann, “Education is the great equalizer,” but what if the education received isn’t equal? According to Karl Weber, author of the novel Waiting For Superman based on the well known documentary, in America the top 150 colleges receive a freshman class with 90% of the students coming from the top-half of the United States annual income statistics. Approximately one in two African-American and Latino Students will not graduate from high school. Could this mean that there is inequality in America’s public schools economically, geographically, or racially? According to Weber, people with college degrees, on average, earn 73% more money than those who graduated with just a high school diploma over a lifetime. If students are put into a zoning system based on neighborhoods (which is common), they will attend a school that is near their home. Many have said that this leads to low income families attending low-income schools, just as high-income families will attend high-income schools. Kalenberg report-
ed, students in low-income schools do not perform as well as those of highincome students. He found that lowincome schools have, “lower teacher test scores, less experience, less training and lower expectations.” There is also less demanding coverage of information in low-income schools than that of higher income schools according to William H. Schmidt author of, "Equality of Educational Opportunity: Myth or Reality in U.S. Schooling?" Education is the “great equalizer,” but the education being received isn’t equal. It is also found that statistically, lowincome schools are 24 times less likely than middle class schools to be consistently high performing. The Coleman report even said that next to the family of a student, the socioeconomic status of the school that the child attends is the “single most important determinant of academic success.” What about facilities? Are the facilities in which students in public schooling equal? With the No Child Left Behind Act, sanctions are placed on schools if certain students don’t demonstrate proficiency on certain exams. This leads to schools that need funding because of their inability to serve the students, not receiving it. As Schmidt says, students with higher socioeconomic status score higher on the exams that determine funding. It has even been said that socioeconomic status has more of an impact on a student’s success today than
schooling. Weber believes that students of lowincome and minority groups are falling behind, demonstrating an example of how schools are increasingly unequal. Only 51% of African Americans and 55% of Latinos in the United States graduate from high school while 76% of Whites in the United States graduate. Considering that it is irrational to believe that the color of one’s skin can determine rather or not one can be successful suggests that there is an inequality lying somewhere within the education system. Overall, schools struggle to close this continuous “achievement gap.” Rather or not public schools in America are equal, this is something to consider. It is also important to be aware that regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity each student has the potential to fulfill any dream possible. We also must remember that as a community, teachers or not, we have the power to make differences by example as well as reaching out and volunteering our time. Just as Chief Justice Warren of the United States Supreme Court, during the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, said, “it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.”
8 |September 14th, 2011 Perspectives
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NC Proposed Anti GLBT Bill passed by House, Senate.. Up For Vote in May
may stir even more people away from living and working in the state. Democratic lawmakers and black clergy had clashing Lawmakers met last Tuesday, September 6, to discuss the views on the amendment, mainly because of religious and March 2011 proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay racial standpoints. Several black pastors made statements marriage, unions and partthat there is a need nerships in North Carolina. for this amendThis amendment, if passed, ment, because it would make marriage beprotects the tratween a male and female ditional marriage the only legally domestic and that gay rights union in NC, so that relaare not civil rights. tionship recognition of any This stems from kind would not be given to the viewpoint that same-sex couples. Over the race is unchangepast few days and throughable, but sexuality out the state, there have can be changed. been vigils and rallies for Others in opposithe GLBT community and tion believe that its allies to stand together carrying out this in opposition to the amendbill and putting the ment. One was held by amendment on the Equality NC and featured ballot is just an atcountry artist and memtempt to get a largber of the GLBT commuer voter turnout of nity, Chely Wright. Those conservatives. Adagainst the changes were Protest Rally held Tuesday afternoon downtown ditionally, many also encouraged to contact their state legisla- Photo contributed by Paul Cash believe this is a ploy to appeal to mator and to show as much support as possible. jority Democrat churchgoers, much According to Equality NC, the legislature’s plans to en- like the black clergy, to vote Republican, since most possess act the amendment are redundant because there are already Anti-GLBT beliefs. This is similar to what former president North Carolina laws prohibiting gay marriage. Equality NC George Bush did in 2004 by endorsing an Anti-GLBT constiand democratic opponents in opposition also say that amend- tutional amendment, and even, according to the New York ment is also detrimental to business in North Carolina. This Times, meeting with several African American and religious means that state-operated health care providers could refuse leaders about the endorsement. As said on TheHill.com, to give domestic partner benefits due to those unmarried re- “Conservative activists say it could become as big an issue lationships not being recognize. This would also make any in 2012 as it was in the 2004 presidential election, when Reprivate employer benefits, which have in the past recognized publicans pushed ballot-initiatives banning gay marriage in domestic partnerships of any kind, void. It would also affect several states. That effort was seen as helpful to Bush’s reelecthousands of public employees, regardless of sexuality, by tion because it mobilized socially conservative voters.” GOP stripping the government of the right to extend the domestic presidential candidates for the upcoming election have also partners of employees these benefits. endorsed the amendment. The amendment is also said to give the general image that Regardless, many members of the GLBT community emNorth Carolina is “not welcoming of the diverse creative phasize that discrimination of any kind is wrong and as workforce that we need to compete in the global economy.” citizens their rights should be protected. Despite of the rise Several University of North Carolina School of Law profes- against the amendment, Tuesday, September 12, the House sors made statements on the amendment, saying it “certainly of Representatives passed the bill, 75-42, to have the gay marwill spur litigation, discourage same-sex and opposite-sex riage ban on the May 2012 primary election ballot. The Senate unmarried couples from living and working in North Caro- would need three-fifths majority vote for it to be placed on lina, adversely affect the ability of North Carolina businesses the ballot. to attract talented employees, and encourage individuals For more information on the proposed bills and how it may seeking to undo their legal obligations to flock to North Caro- affect the rights of yourself and others, visit EqualityNC.org. lina courts for relief.” There is also the possibility of same-sex couples not being protected in domestic violence situations, and not being able to enroll their children in school, which
Question of the Week Do You Think There Should Be a Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage in North Carolina?
JASMINE HARRIS | COPY EDITOR
Nia Singletary, Freshman, Human Biology “I think that it shouldn’t be banned because everyone has their own opinion and if someone wants to get married they should”
Nadia Howard Freshman, FYC I disagree, because I think that if someone is in love then they should be able to marry whoever they love.
Victoria Hale Freshman, FYC “I disagree because my brother is gay and I believe that he should be able to marry anyone he wants to”
BBW Continued from pg. 3 What’s most ironic about the title of the show is the mere fact that the majority of the stars on the show were never married to a basketball player and some might say that they are using the fame of their relationships to make money. View Co-host, Sherri Shepherd has also weighed in on her thoughts regarding the show as well, however she like most viewers keep watching to see what happens next. “I got physically ill watching Gloria Govan and Malaysia fighting like animals. Resolution via fighting?” Shepherd tweeted. She continued by stating “How do you teach young girl 2 have respect & self-esteem, by showing her thru UR actions that you’ll pop someone in the mouth?” Only time will tell as to whether things will get better on basketball wives, but I’m sure people will continue to watch. My thoughts: Basketball Wives is a horrible representation of African American women. Each and every week
we see women bicker and argue about petty issues, but yet they claim to be women of high class and distinction. However, what woman with class and dignity would mooch off of the fame of a man who she was never married too and make money revealing the details of a personal relationship which did not work out. There are girls out there who believe that shows like this have no affect on the way that they are perceived in the public eye, but it really does. Imagine that you have an interviewer who just happens to surf the web the morning before you have an interview, who just so happens to see a scene of this show. Would he have a good perception of you if this is one of the only encounters that he/she has had with African Americans? It’s something to think about. What do you think?
Do you feel that Basketball Wives portrays African American women in a positive life? Do you think it has an effect on your day to day interactions with the outside world? Let us know what you think at editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
Mark Gray Sophomore, Sports Management “I do not have an opinion about the topic because my life is not affected by homosexual marriage. I feel that it is not fair to them but at the same time I have no control over rules.”