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NUBIAN MESSAGE

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY n RALEIGH, NC n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n 10 | 15 | 14

Emerging Artist, Alum shares latest collection with the Pack J. STACY UTLEY USES ART TO BRING ATTENTION TO GENTRIFICATION, P. 4 ACTIVIST, CONGRESSMAN, NOW AUTHOR VISITS N.C., P. 3 ONE-ON-ONE WITH HISTORIAN DR. KELLEY, P. 10 Chadwick Constructed architectural prototype, placed in an urban context and photographed. | J Stacy Utley

2 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com

What’s Inside

NEWS 4 EMERGING ARTIST, ALUM SHARES LATEST COLLECTION WITH N.C. STATE

6 BLACK PANTHER PARTY

ANNIVERSARY, FOUNDED BY STUDENTS

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FEATURES 10 ONE-ON-ONE WITH HISTORIAN DR. KELLEY Photo Spotlight: Raleigh Stu-

dent Pushout March

VIEWS 7 ARE BLACK TEACHERS NEEDED FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE

8 PHOTO SPOTLIGHT: RALEIGH STUDENT

11 Alumni Spotlight: Raleighwood to Hollywood Tensie Taylor | Kornelius Bascombe

PUSHOUT MARCH

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CHRIS HART-WILLIAMS editor@nubian.ncsu.edu @CHartWilliams MANAGING EDITOR | NIA DOAKS @nia_kayee

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.

NEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com •

NEWS

Rep. Lewis signs his co-authored book, March at “Durham Remebers Together” | Kelly Darden

Activist, Congressman, now authour visits N.C. STAFF REPORT

The youngest member of the Civil Rights Movement’s big six visited Durham to speak about the movement and his book March on Oct. 5 for “Durham Remembers Together.”

Civil and human rights activist Congressman John Lewis is legendary. He is the sole surviving civil rights leader who spoke along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 rally in Washington, D.C. where he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.

“It was historical,” said President of N.C. State College Democrat’s Ben Stockdale. “Being a young person it means even more.”

Stockdale said he is inspired by Lewis because he did so much at a young age.

“It was phenomenal,” said Torisha Dozier a junior in political science.

Dozier said she enjoyed reading March, a series of three books Lewis co-authored last year as well.

“Its not the typical book,” siad Dozier. “It reaches to the younger audience.”

The March trilogy has a comic-book like style.

Independent Weekly, calls March “a lyrical, impressionistic work based on Lewis’ memories of his early years and the Civil Rights Movement.”

The event took place in Durham’s historic Hayti Heritage Center.

Hayti District was founded by a community of African-Americans after the American Civil War.

Torisha Dozier meets Rep. Lewis

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Triangle Business Journal recognizes Vice Provost Joanne Woodard AARON THOMAS | Staff writer

Every so often, the Nubian Message likes to recognize accomplishments within the African-American community on the campus of N.C. State, as well as the surrounding community.

This week’s issue highlights Vice Provost Joanne Woodard for being awarded the 2014 ‘Leaders in Diversity’ Award by the Triangle Business Journal.

Woodard was recently featured in the Triangle Business Journal, a source providing information about local businesses and events in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill areas. The journal credits her for leadership skills as Vice Provost for the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

According to the journal, the award “recognizes the accomplishments of Triangle businesses, individuals, and nonprofits as they strive to reflect the rich tapestry of our community. The winners have demonstrated respect or inclusive treatment of others, advocacy for underrepresented groups and multicultural marketing.”

In the journal, Woodard credits the employees she works with in the office for their ability to foster diversity and equity throughout the university.

A luncheon was held on Sept. 11 at the Cotton Room in Durham to recognize Woodard. She, along with 12 other people and 10 organizations, were recipients of the award.

4 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com NEWS Emerging Artist, Alum shares latest collection CHRIS HART-WILLIAMS | Editor-in-Chief

E

Artist and Architect J Stacy Utley at the AACC Gallery where his collection “Any City AMERICA” is on display | Chris Hart-Williams

merging artist and alum J. Stacy Utley highlights an economic and political issue currently facing cities throughout the country.

Utley’s latest collection is inspired by Gentrification and currently on display in the African American Cultural Center Gallery in the Witherspoon Student Center. His collection is entitled “Any City, AMERICA,” it opened on Monday, Oct. 6.

Gentrification is illustrated in the pieces that make up Any City, AMERICA, through the placement of structural models in different urban settings.

Utley’s work is a exhibition of his background in both art and architecture.

“I hope people walk away with a better understanding of Gentrification,” said Utley.

Utley was introduced to Gentrification and its impact firsthand after begining his career as an architect after earning a B.A. in Architecture from

the College of Design at N.C. State.

Utley said he began to see his job in development redesign differently, because the impact new projects would have on current residents.

Such as what happened to the people and where they would go became concerns of his and since he has wanted to spread awareness.

“I don’t see it ending anytime soon,” said Utley.

“But I do see more noise being made about it.”

The artist and architect said the white miniature houses represent something new and are easily identifiable said Utley.

“I wanted something simple everyone could identify with,” said Utley. “It’s familiar and foreign at the same time.”

He said he left them white because it’s ambiguous, and foreshadows something new.

The center and the College of Design also hosted a lunch and learn event where guests discussed Gen-

trification and Utley’s start as an architect.

“We are really proud of what he’s done,” said Dr. Carol Love, former N.C. State associate dean and professor.

According to Love while in high school Utley won two of 7 UP’s art contests, the monetary winnings paid for his first year’s tuition cost at N.C. State.

In addition to his architecture degree from the College of Design, Utley has an an M.F.A. in Visual Arts from Lesley University, College of Art and Design (formerly the Art Institute of Boston) in Boston MA. He has also earned a second B.A. in Environmental Design from the College of Design at North Carolina State University.

More about Utley, his latest collection and other works can be found at jstacyutley.com.

NEWS

Dr. Love shares her memories of Utley and his past work at the AACC and College of Design’s Lunch and Learn

OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com •

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6 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com VIEWS

VIEWS This day in history...

CASLLEE SIMS | STAFF WRITER America, releasing every incarcerated African-American, and calling for compensation monetarily for

newspaper, The Black Panther Newspaper, that dissem-

centuries of exploitation by white Americans.

inated news and information its producers thought was

Though the Black Panther Party shared certain philosophical ideas with other contemporary Afri-

O

n this day, October 15, in the year

The Panthers were also in control of their own

relevant to African-Americans communities.

The legacy and influence of the Black Panther Party

can-American culture groups, it eventually set itself

assumed a sort of character that often went beyond their

apart. The Panthers outlined a Ten-Point Program

support groups and programs. After the mid-1970s the

that served as guidelines the organization faithful-

‘80s, the Party began to recede. J. Edgar Hoover was

ly operated by. For example, whereas other groups

successful in his COINTELPRO efforts but the real

named all whites as oppressors, the Panthers believed

demise was due to the dissolving of the party’s leaders

1966 two college students, Huey P.

that there were in fact non-racist whites, and they

either due to reasons such as death like Huey P. Newton

Newton and Bobby Seales echoing

looked to ally themselves with those people.

and Fred Hampton, exile like Assata Shakur or deciding

the words of rapper Rakim, “think-

The Ten-Point Program’s platform was composed of

to become a member of groups un-associated with the

ing of a master plan” formed the Black Panther Party for

two sections, the first of which expressed what the Pan-

Self-Defense.What later became known simply as the

thers immediately wanted from those they deemed as a

“Black Panther Party.”

racist hindrance to the success of African-Americans, or

going struggle of everyday people to achieve complete

else. In all, the program expressed what the organizers

and uncompromising justice and human rights. Lessons

organization’s main was to advocate the success of the

believed, such as believing that the racist government

such as the need for economic parity and attainable

African-American community. The college student

robbed them.

education for all are relevant today.

From 1966 to 1982 the paramilitary-style political

group aimed to create social programs for those aforementioned Americans in the wake of continued racial discrimination. It was the late 1960s and Jim Crow was still in full effect.

The Panthers lived by a code of Black self-determination, anti-capitalism and looked to achieve equal

Panthers like Eldridge Cleaver.

The Black Panther Party’s trials represent an on-

At the height of its influence, the organization’s membership was estimated to be 10,000 members.

FBI director J. Edgar Hoover declared the organization the greatest threat to national security and began his infamous Counterintelligence Program, COINTELPRO faction to infiltrate and destroy the organization.

rights by the same principle contemporary and fellow

Don’t be misinformed, the Black Panther Party

activist Malcolm X taught, “by any means necessary.”

sought to leave a positive mark in the African-American

They eventually became known as a Marxist revolution-

community through aforementioned social programs.

ary group, which calls for followers to essentially over-

Newton and the Panthers started programs like the

throw outdated principles by force, in other words, they

founding of the Oakland Community School, which

aimed to overthrow the fundamental laws of Jim Crow.

provided high-level education to 150 children who

These teachings led to a mass arming of African-Amer-

resided in forgotten impoverished neighborhoods. Their

icans, refusing to enter the military if drafted, disas-

Free Breakfast for Children Program children offered

sociating oneself with all sanctions of so-called white

dances and training in martial arts.

Black Panther Party founders Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton standing in the street | Wikicommons

VIEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com •

Are Black teachers needed for black excellence?

ANDI GIBBS | CORRESPONDENT

It’s no surprise that with growing numbers of diverse students in public

Hunt brought up a little debated but significant point that just sharing

schools the need for teachers from every background is growing as well. With

cultural background is not a magic pill for helping to close the achievement gap

only two percent of all teachers in American being African-American males there

between majority and minority students. Great teachers are often great because

is solid evidence that this need is not being met especially for minority students.

they not only encourage and share a high expectations of their students but are

In response to the Huffington Post’s article “Black Teachers May Not Be the

also great at teaching their material. If this is the case does a teacher have to be

Best for Black Students, Study Finds”, although most educators agree that there is

the same ethnicity as their student to make a significant impact in their school

a lack of diversity in the field there is little research saying that having a teacher

and life success? As this topic continues to be researched and discussed we should

from the same ethnicity as a student is the primary reason there’s an achievement

all take a moment to think about our best teachers and mentors and what made

gap between majority and minority students. In theory the benefits of having a

them so great.

teacher from the same background is that they can relate to students culturally, building trust and encouragement to build academic achievement.

Walter Hunt an education researcher commented in the article stated, “In this particular study, I was surprised to see that the campuses with more African-American teachers did not have the highest African-American student achievement. This just goes to show that having a positive impact on students is a complex, multi-layered process,”

Wherever you go, NUBIAN goes with you.

Get the NCSU Student Media App Visit studentmedia.ncsu.edu/web/mobileapp

N.C. State Student Media is the official app for the Student Media department at North Carolina State University.

The app features the Nubian Message, the Technician, WKNC 88.1 FM,Agromeck, & Windhover.

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8 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com VIEWS

Photo Spotlight: Raleigh Student Pushout March PHOTOS BY: CHRIS HART-WILLIAMS

Student demonstrators marched from Raleigh’s Washington Elementary School to Central Prison on Friday to illustrate what organizers call the “school-to-prison pipeline.”

Students of color in area schools are suspended at higher rates than other students, according to the organizers of the march NC HEAT, Youth Organizing Institute and the Education Justice Alliance. Friday was the group’s third annual march to raise awareness.

Editor-in-Chief Chris Hart-Williams wrote “Wake County School System’s School-to-Prison Pipeline” in March which details suspension statistics of Wake County Public School System students. View the article on our website.

VIEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com •

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10 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com FEATURES

One-on-one with Historian Dr. Kelley Professor & New Assistant Dean in CHASS

D

r. Blair Kelley is a woman of many endeavors. Re-

her brave attitude and

cently named Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary

outspokenness, yet she

Studies and International Programs for NC State

continued to fight for the

University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr.

rights of African-Amer-

Kelley has been at NC State since 2002. She is also an associate

icans.

professor of History.

She embraces the transition into the Assistant dean position

Kelley also appreciates North Carolinian Ella

because she is able to take her experiences and observations

Baker’s efforts to organize

from her years in the classroom and apply it to making

the Civil Rights Move-

improvements for the college. Describing her position is an

ment throughout the

interesting new change, and she acknowledged that it is her

South. Baker helped lay

honor to serve at NC State.

the groundwork for the

An expert in history, specifically African American Studies,

QUIANNE’ HOLMES | Correspondent

movement by recruiting

Dr. Kelley received her B.A. from the University of Virginia

new members to the

and her M.A. and Ph. D. from Duke University. Her first book,

NAACP in the 1940’s,

Right to Ride: Streetcar Boycotts and African American Citi-

helped Martin Luther

zenship, won the 2010 Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Book

King Jr. to found the

Award from the Association of Black Women Historians.

Southern Christian Leadership

N.C. State provides.” Often times students don’t take advan-

However, despite her academic and professional achieve-

Conference (SCLC), and encouraged the students who sat-in

tage of all the resources available on NC State’s campus. Many

ments, she counts her greatest accomplishment as striving

at lunch counters throughout the South in the spring of 1960

times, African Americans don’t study abroad due to financial

to balance between being a mom, wife, a professor, Assistant

to form the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

constraints which can limit opportunities to explore differ-

dean, along with volunteering in her community. Dr. Kel-

(SNCC). Dr. Kelly admired Baker for her tenacity and her

ent cultures and learn new languages. If African-American

ley has a lovely family with two children: an eleven year-old

willingness to work without the national spotlight for the good

students don’t become involved with student organizations,

daughter, a two year-old son and a husband of thirteen years.

of the movement.

their participation in the advancement and improvement of

Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Studies and International Programs Dr. Blair Kelley

She tries to create balance between home and work life by

​Kelley’s inspirations have shaped her into the historian she

making sure she dedicates enough time and effort into every-

is today. Her poise and drive are reminiscent of a modern day

movement comes from support, and impact comes from the

thing she does. In the community, she enjoys participating

Ida B. Wells. Kelley steps outside of the box with her writings

strength behind a voice.

in her church and providing resources from her professional

and especially in her podcast, Historical Blackness. She speaks

background to help keep people involved and engaged in the

about race, blackness, and social hierarchies in the American

How will you use the resources on the campus to help you

community.

context and with her discussions has noticed that there are

take on a new opportunity? What ideas do you have to help

a lot of people outside of the academy who are interested in

improve conditions at NC State? North Carolina is a school for

two important people whose efforts had a positive influence

hearing information about our current situation and history.

academics but it is also a network for innovating and diverse

on the Civil Rights Movement. Ida B. Wells and Ella Baker

Of course, everyone who has opinions receives backlash and

creativity.

are two historic African-American women admired most by

Dr. Kelley understands this and knows that despite negative

Writer’s message:

Kelley.

commentary, her work has a meaning and a purpose.

With my best regards, it was my honor to interview such a

Dr. Kelley is not only inspirational but she is also inspired by

the community is nonexistent. Change starts with one person,

What will you do to impact North Carolina State University?

She described Ida B. Wells as a “brave journalist,” whose

​Dr. Kelley’s advice for a college student: “College is a unique

ideas and courage were so modern even though she began

opportunity, never in your life will it feel like this. Enjoy your

historian on NC State’s campus has such an influence in the Col-

her career more than a century ago. Kelley also suggested

adventure because once time moves forward things get set and

lege of Humanities and Social Sciences and in the community, it

that Wells’ efforts to balance her roles as a wife, mother, and

the likelihood of having such unique opportunities again is

is a reflection of what I aspire to be. I encourage all students to

journalist was very admirable and before her time. Dr. Kelley

very limited. So travel, read, take classes that challenge your

take time out of their schedules just to have a conversation with

highlighted the ways that Ida B. Wells received backlash for

thinking. Don’t sit back, take advantage of what resources

Dr. Blair Kelley. It will be a worthwhile experience.

modest professional African American woman. To know that a

FEATURES

OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com •

Alumni Spotlight:

Tenise Taylor: Raleighwood to Hollywood

T

11

NIA DOAKS | Managing Editor

ensie Taylor, a 2009 graduate of N.C. State, has been steadily achieving success and making strides since her time at the undergraduate level.

Along with earning her master’s of education and moving

to California, Taylor has had the opportunity to network with many A-list celebrities, be on the Wheel of Fortune, and work in higher education.

Taylor majored in communication with a minor in psychology. While at N.C. State, she was active in many organizations and worked as a Resident Advisor and a Chancellor’s Aide.

“This has history to me, because both my brother and sister attended State and were Chancellor’s Aides,” Taylor said. “I continued a legacy, and this really opened me up to how determined I was as an individual. I was able to interact with the Chancellor’s guests and really network.”

Throughout her undergraduate career, Taylor held four different internships in corporate America. During her freshman year, she was a corporate communications intern for Nortel Network. The other internships that she held as an undergrad were a marketing consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield, a technical writer for IBM, and a marketing

Most recently, on October 9, Taylor was featured as a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune. Taylor has hoped for a chance to be on the show since she was five years old, and she applied for the show every day (365 times) in 2013—to no avail.

“I was determined to be on Wheel of Fortune,” said Taylor. masters, but I still applied every day in 2013 and heard nothing.

Seven days into the new year, 2014, I got an email saying that I had been selected to audition.”

After several rounds of auditioning, Taylor was selected to be a contestant on the live show, which receives around 15 million viewers per night. She was able to meet Pat and Vanna, and

Currently, Taylor is the manager

came in second place. “I think that

of the Black Alumni Association at the

I could’ve easily won, but it’s all a

University of Southern California. She

game of chance,” said Taylor. “I was

also occasionally assists with hosting

one wedge away from a million

Red Carpet events.

dollars, and then I hit bankrupt. I

“I got involved with that because of

was disappointed that I wasn’t a big

networking,” said Taylor. “When I get Taylor posing with comedian Kevin Hart

I met a woman [in the industry] at an event, and I reached out to her. She asked me if I wanted to attend events and do press releases for her, and [it continued] from there.”

Taylor has met a number of A-list celebrities, including Magic Johnson, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealey, and Angela Bassett.

“Even though education is my passion, I wanted to get into the entertainment industry,” said Taylor. “If I get more status, I could really be a voice and help others.”

Taylor hopes to start a school and various internship and scholarship opportunities for students in the future in order to give back to her community.

Kornelius Bascombe’s Journey to VH1

“When I moved to California I was focused on completing my

consultant for Progress Energy.

someone’s business card, I follow up.

Taylor with actress Christina Milian at a red carpet event

winner, but I still got to take home what I won and got the chance to

be on national T.V.” Taylor enjoys mentoring others and hopes to be able to give back to the community of higher education in the future. She stressed the importance of networking and perseverance.

“Never give up, be persistent, and be patient,” said Taylor.

“This applies to everything in life- don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. If I had listened to the negativity and the doubters I would have never reached my goals. There will be a lot of doubters and naysayers, but use that as motivation to prove them wrong.”

Photo courtesy of: Rachel Jordan, N.C. State- B.A. in Architecture

Kornelius Bascombe, T.V. personality and 2012 graduate of N.C. State, is continuing to make progressive strides after graduation. In 2010, Bascombe got 4th place in Oprah’s Your OWN Show competition and was able to host a show for Time Warner Cable’s “Born to Shine” competition.

Kornelius is currently auditioning to be a guest reporter on VH1. In order to make it to the next stage of the auditioning process, Bascombe has to get a high volume of votes before October 27. To vote for him, be sure to visit his Instagram and click the link for VH1. Individuals can vote once per day.

Instagram: korn4s

12 • OCTOBER 15, 2014 • theNUBIANMESSAGE.com

Hottest Songs of the Summer T

ALFRED ANDERSON |Staff Writer

he summer was long and busy in the world of Hip-Hop-a wave of new artists flooded radio stations and in addition to tracks from old artists.

There were a lot of memorable songs that took over and dominated the summer air waves; however, only a few can be awarded the title of hottest songs of the season. From Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” to Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone”, here are the Hottest Songs of the Summer.

1. Fancy - Iggy Azalea Feat. Charlie XCX: Australian born Hip-Hop Artist Iggy Azalea stormed on to the Hip-Hop scene in 2011, after gaining buzz from songs like “Pu$$y” and “Two Times” went viral on YouTube. Azalea released Fancy, featuring singer/songwriter Charlie XCX, scoring her biggest hit to date. Fancy rocked Radio stations through the United States, reaching the number one spot on Billboards Hot 100 and established Azalea and a potential Hip-Hop Superstar.

/NubianMessage

the dance. This dance included him tossing his hat in to the air and bopping to the beat. The song has become an instant club hit and has left audiences wanting more music and more dance moves from the 20-year-old Shmurda.

4. Anaconda – Nicki Minaj: The self proclaimed “Queen of Rap” reintroduced herself to audiences over the summer, after a onslaught of freestyles and freebies for her fans, an even a guest appearance on Beyoncé’s “Flawless” Remix. This summer, Nicki Minaj released a single for her upcoming and highly anticipated album- The Pinkprint. The song, “Anaconda”, received mass acclaim for it’s ode to Sir-Mix-A lot’s “Baby Got Back” and proceeded to become a party starter for clubs across the nation.

2. No Flex Zone – Rae Sremmurd: We first heard from the rap duo Rae Sremmurd last winter, when their first single, “We” debuted via Atlanta super producer Mike WiLL Made-It. The group consists of it’s two members, brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy. Rae Sremmurd delivered perhaps the club hit of the summer with “No Flex Zone”, an infections anthem about what it means to be authentic in a world full of “flexers”. The duo recently released a follow-up single, titled “No Type”, which has the potential to be just as popular as its predecessor.

5. Believe Me – Lil Wayne Feat. Drake: After a relatively quiet winter for the New Orleans Rapper, Lil Wayne burst backed on to our radios with the first single from his upcoming album, Tha Carter V. Teaming with his Young Money label mate, Drake, the two emcee’s traded verses over the Vinylz and Boi-1da production, reminding fans of why he’s been a Hip Hop mainstay for well over a decade and generating more and more buzz for what is slated to be his final album of Tha Carter Series- the series that launched him into the prime of career. Wayne followed up the single with another strong effort, “Grindin’”, also featuring Drake that promises to live up to the hype of “Believe Me” and lead into the release of Tha Carter V.

3. Hot N*gga – Bobby Shmurda: New York native Bobby Shmurda unleashed a new dance craze, the “Shmoney Dance”, which is essentially a glorified version of P. Diddy’s “Diddy Bop” and rose to Hip-Hop stardom after a vine surfaced of him doing

Summer was great for Hip-Hop music, with hits coming at an all time fast pace. It will be interesting to see how these artists and their songs continue to dominate radio stations and clubs across the nation and the world.

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