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
8
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
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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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