Message from the editor
“Ferguson, my heart goes out to you.”
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC
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Celebrating 22 Years
Students stand in silence in memory of Mike Brown | Chris Hart-Williams
WANTED
The Nubian Message has an open (paid) position for layout designer. Our 12-page, bi-weekly publication, which has been on State’s campus since 1992, is looking for a layout designer for the spring semester.
Interested? The requirements are as follows:
-Strong InDesign and PhotoShop skills -Past experiece laying out a publication is preferred -Availability to commit 3-4 hours Mondays and Tuesdays before the paper is produced
The designer will be paid biweekly. Anyone interested should e-mail a resume, cover letter and portfolio pieces to editor@nubian.ncsu.edu.
The Sentinel of the African American community at NC State since 1992 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.
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WHAT’S INSIDE Nubian Message
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Wednesday, December, 2014
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“Ferguson, my heart goes out to you.” A letter from the Editor-In-Cheif.
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November 30 was our anniversary- the Nubian Message is celebrating
22 years with a look back at past stories.
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Nine study tips for how to prepare for exams. A letter from the
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Managing Editor about better utilizing our resources.
“Hands up, walk out”
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Students stand in silence to honor Mike Brown
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Kwanzaa Celebration
NEWS & VIEWS Nubian Message
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Wednesday, December, 2014
A Message from the Editor
Ferguson, my heart goes out to you. Living in the residue of systematic racism finally took its toll and you have had enough. To be honest, America wasn’t ready, the media wasn’t ready and not even I was ready. We all weren’t ready for you all to take a stand, and demand your voices be heard -- at least at first. As I’ve seen even on this campus many have heard you loud and clear. I challenge NC State and and other hamlets full of the upcoming leading generation to remain active and aware. I can say since I was old enough to understand the movement for civil rights beginning in the late 1950s. The generation many college age adults represent is seen as a silent and all to often considered ungrateful generation. I didn’t understand until later people in preceding generations tend to expect a lot from those coming after them. In recent days we’ve seen acts of protest and so-called defiance. It has been the behavior of the Ferguson and Missouri state officials that has contributed to the uproar. If we are to accept every word of officer Darren Wilson’s account then why did it take so long for the police department to reveal what happened? If Brown’s story is just an outlier of the so many that are far too familiar then I really don’t understand the Ferguson police department’s actions following the shooting. Why didn’t Wilson cry victim, then? They’ve just been shady. Wilson didn’t come out of the shadows till hours after he dodged indictment. I don’t understand. But what I do understand is a reason to bring attention to the deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of those who have pledged to protect and serve. Of all places, I was stopped as a suspect on campus just weeks before Mike Brown was shot to death after being stopped by Ferguson police. I was told by a Raleigh Police Department officer I fit the description of an unidentified suspect. He claimed who he was looking for was Black and wearing a purple shirt according to the victim. I was wearing a purple shirt and, yes, I’m
CHRIS HART-WILLIAMS | Editor-in-Chief
Black. But the way he said purple shirt, till this day, makes me doubt that particular claim. I believe he was just looking for a Black male so he stopped me. After leaving the library where I went to meet my summer class Spanish partner I walked through Hillsborough Street and cut on to Clark street where my car was parked. On my way to my car I could feel someone looking at me. Soon I looked up and noticed a cop car headed in my direction. I saw it but didn’t pay much attention to it especially when it went passed me and kept going. But I did feel uneasy but that’s not unusual-cop cars often give me a sense of unease. I kept waking for about half a minute till I reached my car. When I went to put my remaining leg in the the car a cop car pulled up behind me flashing his lights. “Is there a problem?” I said. The officer in the car approached, and that’s when he told be I matched the description of a man he was looking for. Seconds later another officer arrived, and then one and 5 more. Soon blue, red and white lights lit up the street. By this time so many thoughts were running through my mind and I just wanted it to be over. I really could and still to this day can’t believe it happened to me, but I can say I’m happy it did. I had to give an ably and recite my day and what I had been doing minuets before I was stopped. The second officer was rude and
disgusted me when he arrogantly asked me what the name of the library was as if I didn’t know it was D. H. Hill. I know about former librarian Mr. D H. Hill and would have gladly given the rude officer a history lesson. Passerby’s stared at the scene of police cars and a lone suspect standing anxiously outside of his vehicle. I felt judged to say the least. A black officer passed through the street and he looked at me with a face of disappointment. I’ll never forget that moment. I thought to myself that, even to him, I’m guilty until proven innocent. It wasn’t until they had me stand in front of a patrol car containing the victim of whatever alleged crime had taken place that I was free to go. The officer who originally pulled me over, describing himself said,”If I was searching for a tall White male with short blonde hair I would pull him over too.” That statement right there says something. The fact that he felt he had to say something of reveals lasting issues in our country that exist outside of Ferguson.
Students stand in silence in honor of Mike Brown QUIANNE’ HOLMES | Staff Writer
On Monday night, November 24th, at 8 p.m., the announcement of the Mike Brown verdict was made. The jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for killing Mike Brown. Following the televised announcement, there was an uproar of social media posts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram from all over the world. In particular, N.C. State students voiced their opinions on the injustice of the failure of the jury to indict Officer Darren Wilson. Rather than just using our words, tweets and instagram posts quickly spread a plan of action on campus for the next day. Flyers stated that there would be a #BLACKOUT for Mike Brown in the Freedom Expression Tunnel at 12 pm. Many students advertised on social networks to inform others quickly. This was just the catalyst to faculty, students, and even
news stations coming to NC State’s campus to participate in a greater cause. On Tuesday, students and faculty dressed in all black gathered on different parts of campus to walk together to the Freedom Expression Tunnel. Once at the Freedom Expression Tunnel, participants stood in silence for four and a half minutes to represent the four and half hours that Mike Brown laid dead in the street. Why did you choose to participate in the #BLACKOUT? Participant Statements: “I came here because I heard about this through a representative of Student Involvement and I thought it was really important that students organized something so quickly. It’s such a huge issue that does affect us and sometimes we act like things that happen outside of NC State don’t matter but they do. I think the whole
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campus should of been here or recognized that things are happening that impact students. It may not impact all students in the same way but it affects our world and the nation that we live in. I think it is very important to support all initiatives as a staff and faculty members on campus we should show that we care about these things just as students do. Today wasn’t a rally or protest, but we acknowledged that something has happened and created a safe space to demonstrate our concern.” -Jasmine Omorogbe, Multicultural Student Affairs Assistant Director “I’m here today because I feel like besides it being a racial issue, it could have been anyone’s child. We have people getting twenty-three years for killing a dog, but we have killers of African American walking free.” - Margaret Peebles a freshman in English. “I’m here because for some reason after 300 years of slavery,
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Wednesday, December, 2014
Cosby’s family image fades CASLEE SIMS | Staff Writer
Bill Cosby, one of the more prominent figures in the eyes of many Americans and one of the most relatable figures in the eyes of African-Americans due to his popular sitcom “The Cosby Show” among other things, has gotten himself into trouble once again. As you’ve heard, probably, there have been a string of allegations, mostly telling the similar stories of Cosby engaging in sexual abuse and even rape with a number of women who were reportedly seeking career guidance. If you turned on any television in the 1980’s into the 90’s, Bill Cosby’s “The Cosby Show” would probably be what you’d see in the primetime slot at 8 p.m. The Cosby Show revitalized the sitcom genre and its theme was something we all could enjoy. Dr. Naeemah Clark, professor of Communication at Elon University, knows the impact The Cosby Show had on the world of American television. “There was not really a program that depicted an African-American family
that was middle-class, living on primetime television. The Cosby Show was much different from its contemporaries such as Good Times, shows that had African-American families as their main characters, but they had bad luck hanging over their heads,” said Clark. In that sense, that’s what made the Cosby Show so relatable to many, much more than other African-American shows. The show depicted a traditional American family. “The Cosby Show had a mom, dad, house, children and a working household. That’s what made it normal and relatable because that’s what I personally saw in my house”. The Cosby Show, as Clark puts it, was full of good humor, good writing, good casting, it was just a “really good show”. Bill Cosby and his show brought a lot of money to its home network, NBC and changed how TV programming was done, due to its economic success. The show also gave many African-Americans something to be very proud of and something to look forward to when it was in syndication. But now and even during The Cosby Show’s existence, Bill Cosby aka Dr. Huxtable has been the subject of these many allegations of sexual abuse. Several women claim that Cosby drugged them or even just tried to entice them forcefully. These allegations are anything but new; the first formal accusation came in the year 2000 when actress Lachelle Covington alleged that the comedian
and actor took her hand and moved it toward his mid-section. To no avail, those actions were deemed consensual and no charges were filed. But recently, a string of allegations surrounding Cosby, which has basically cost him his good name are now coming to light as well as newer ones. The scandal doesn’t surprise many, especially people who are aware that this is nothing that just happened. His alma mater, the University of Mass.-Amherst has since cut ties with him with many of his sponsors following suit. Clark agrees that these allegations are really not surprising. “Men with power, like Cosby are susceptible to things like this, so that itself doesn’t make it surprising,” Clark said. “These women have came looking for nothing, no monetary benefit, I don’t think this is one of those times; this didn’t come out of nowhere, there are too many women with similar stories.” Cosby has supporters, though. Among many, singer and actress Jill Scott has come out to say that she needs the cold hard facts of this situation. She recently tweeted, “U know Bill Cosby? I do child and this is insane. Proof. Period.” At 77, Cosby has never been convicted of anything, but these women have tried to convict him in their minds, and as of now has put the comedian and TV star’s immediate career at a standstill.
Brown cont. 50 years of Civil Rights Movement, you still see injustice in the news and you see people hurt. 12 shots should be worthy of trial or an indictment, but in the end we got injustice. It’s 2014 and it’s time for a change.”-Vernon Holman, a junior in Textile Technology Management “I’m here to support. It’s our duty to stand up in what we believe and stick with it. Even if you have a different opinion you can stand up for what you believe in.” -Destinie
Statum “I’m here today as an African American man in America. I had to come out here today because honestly it could have been me. I know that it is a cliche statement but it literally could of been me. I want someone to stand up and take a stand for me if it happened to me. I chose to speak today as an artist, a hip hop and r&b artist, because it’s my responsibility. People listen to us and it can be very influential. I just decided that I was aspired to speak and say
something to the crowd. I was very pleased with the turnout today.”-Rizzio “I think one to show my support for the verdict that just came down and for the students. Even as a faculty member we are also active citizens in the world and events like this affects us. I believe that this is just a start to a ripple of more events.” -Darryl Lester
Organizers Walk Out on campus NIA DOAKS |Managing Editor Students led a demonstration to show their continued support and solidarity for the citizens of Ferguson Monday. In coordination with the numerous walkouts that were taking place at various universities and high schools across the country, N.C. State organizers planned to stage their own walkout to protest the acquittal of Officer Darren Wilson. “As a college student, I feel unsafe. Being a black female I feel like my life isn’t valued,” said Myrick Clark, a junior in political science. “I think that the turnout for this event was good for it being so short-notice.” Students walked out of class at 1:15 in the afternoon and met in the Court of Carolinas with signs that had messages such as, “Hands up, walk out. #Shutitdown for Mike Brown” and “Love & support, Raleigh for Ferguson”. The group of students who participated in the walkout expressed their respect for the Brown family and discussed plans for future demonstrations.
going on in Ferguson. “I hate having to walk out in fear that maybe my boyfriend, brother, father or someone would be predisposed to getting shot just because they’re black,” said Mariah Pleasant, a junior in social work. “I love that a lot of different races are supporting a very big cause that means something to me and the rest of the Black community.” On Wednesday, December 3rd from 1 to 3p.m. , the Wolfpack Chapter of the NAACP will host a demonstration centered around the non-indictment of Darren Wilson in Ferguson. The event, “Last Day of Classes, Last Day for Justice”, will be held in Wolf Plaza. Students and organizations are invited to speak, recite poems, sing songs, etc. related to the situation in Ferguson. This event is a way for students to express their opinions and will end with 4.5 minutes of silence. “The Ferguson decision shows us that we have to do a lot to make change,” said Clark. “I think that it will ignite a lot of change in our country.”
The group also marched through campus to the Brickyard, chanting and holding a banner that said “Black lives matter”. The students remained in the brickyard for an hour or so to draw attention to the issues
Demonstrators walking through the Court of Carolina on Monday.
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NEWS
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Wednesday, December, 2014
Students gather for Kwanzaa celebration QUIANNE’ HOLMES | Staff Writer
King and X meet in a play titled “The Meeting” during the Kwanzaa event in Witherspoon. | Jasmine Jack
The Sankofa West African Proverb, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch that which has been forgotten”, represents the main theme of the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration hosted by the Department of the Multicultural Student Affairs, the African American Cultural Center, the Union Activities Board-Black Students Board and the NCSU African Student Union. Students, faculty, staff, and others joined together to watch a wonderful presentation of the seven Nguzo Saba principles of Kwanzaa, a dance performance from Botewa, “The Meeting,” a play depicting a fictional conversation between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, and finished with a beautiful feast with fellowship. The seven principles are Umoja, Kujichaguila, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. Umoja means unity and in order to reach success we need unity in family, community, and race. Kujichaguila means self determination and this applies to having responsibility for ourselves and our own destiny. Ujima means collective work and responsibility to help those within your community. Ujamaa means collective economics which contributes to
having our own stores, businesses, and establishments. Nia means purpose in order to restore African American to their traditional greatness. Ultimately to be responsible for those who came before us and those who will follow. Kuumba means creativity and it is hoped that you use your creativity to help better the community that you inherited. Lastly, Imani means faith and having it in your families, educators, and leaders. Botewa dancers promptly graced the stage giving the audience an enticing performance. They used melodic instrumentals and music that engaged the crowd and they definitely committed all their energy as they danced all across the stage. Finally, it was time for the “Meeting,” a play that everyone was anxious to see. A meeting between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, two civil rights leaders who were seen to have two different perspectives on the same issue. This was something that most people have thought about but never had a physical representation or enactment to actually occur. Before the play started, the audience was asked what specifically did they know
about Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X’s styles of addressing Civil Rights. Ultimately, the question would hopefully be easier to answer after witnessing this act. During the play, all eyes remained glued on the actors as they grabbed the audience with facts and wit. At the end of the play, the audience seemed to have a newfound understanding of who Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were besides the image portrayed in history books. After the play, the wonderful Kwanzaa feast allowed the actors to have a personal intimate fellowship with audience members. Most of the audience came to take pictures, talk, and congratulate them for their performance. All of the actors were so humbled and proud to see such a receptive and interested crowd especially from a college campus. In all, the annual Kwanzaa celebration was a success once again.
Celebrating 22
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Wednesday, December, 2014
Twenty-Two: Messages from the past
Nubian separate and racist? Editorial by the “Talented Tenth”, Nubian Message Editorial Board Published: February 1, 2005
“Why does there need to be a separate paper for black students?” Define separate. Nubian Message is no more a newspaper specifically for black students than Technician is a newspaper specifically for white students. The production of both Nubian and Technician is funded by fee money generously contributed by the same students. Writers for Nubian and Technician come from the same student body. Events covered by Nubian and Technician are conducted by the same campus community. Nubian and Technician sometimes even cover the same events, though in very different ways. Define separate. Just as there is no “black student body” or “white student body” on this campus, there is neither a “black” newspaper nor a “white” newspaper. There are two newspapers, one of which focuses more closely on events in the African-American community than the other. The only segregation that exists on this campus is in the minds of some readers. We all came here to seek a higher education, and part of the process
of becoming educated requires us to step outside our comfort zones and come to grips with the realities of the world around us. In the real world, racism still exists. Racism exists when one person looks at another and thinks she doesn’t belong here because her skin is a slightly darker hue. Racism exists when a person from one socioeconomic class ridicules another because he can’t afford to buy all his clothes from Abercrombie. Racism exists when a black man with advanced degrees and ten years of experience in a given field discovers the job he applied for was given to someone who was just starting out with a little more than a diploma to his name. Why? The black man was “overqualified.” Racism exists when one group attempts to deny another its right to free speech. Rather than look at the Nubian Message as a “black versus white” issue, perhaps we should ask ourselves why there is still a need for the Nubian. Nubian was founded because students at N.C. State a little over a decade ago felt Technician was giving their events short shrift. Did you know there are programs and events going on every day in the African-American Cultural Center? Events planned and executed by the fifty or so black organizations on campus?
Of course you do, if you read the Nubian. Nubian is available in green bins right next to Technician all over campus. There are no security guards standing watch over the boxes slapping away hands whose hue doesn’t meet the readership criteria. On Wednesdays Nubian’s editors spend hours in the Brickyard handing papers to whoever will take them. Many do. And they are not all of one color. So define separate. We produce a newspaper each week that has no pretense of either racism or elitism. The fact that we just so happen to cover more events at which more African-Americans are present that white is just about as coincidental as the inverse situation at our sister publication; but here, it is borne of our roots and declared focus. We all live in a world where there continue to exist divisions, often unspoken, between people who are otherwise the same. Shall we allow the problems to persist by pretending they don’t exist, or should we evaluate the merits of the claims made by those calling attention to the issues and react accordingly? Freedom denied one is freedom denied all.
Let us, begin to value “us” by Keitris Weathersbe, Opinions editor and former EIC Published: October 5, 2004
When you look into the mirror every morning, what do you see? If your answer is like mine, you see a reflection that represents something, or maybe someone. You represent your ancestors that came before you and who laid the foundation of this country in which you live. They fought hard to gain the opportunities that others had. They stood together when faced with adversity, and lifted each other when one cradled the ground. Yet, do we represent our ancestors well? Do we honor and respect their traditions and ways of life? Do we take into consideration the struggle that was needed in order for us to exist? Or do we lack the understanding of the importance of “community” or “togetherness”? Take the time to ask yourself these questions, and maybe you will realize how important these areas were to our ancestors. The same should still be important today. Take the time to explore those with which you coexist. Especially your “sisters” and “brothers”. We need each other, especially now, when our country is on the path to elections, and when the fate of African Americans are at stake. The empty promises which those in high political offices push our way should only bring us closer together as
African-Americans. Instead of degrading each other, we should uplift. How many of us have seen each other out in public, and for no reason decided to degrade them. Of course, I am guilty of it, and plenty of you are too. My point is, when we see one of our own being successful, we should congratulate and appreciate, instead of the contrary. That’s why we develop enemies within our own race. Simply because we won’t take the time to appreciate our people. Valuing “us” will bring our community to the place it should be. Less of our men being seen in prison, and more in the classroom. I am not at all putting our African-American brothers down, I am just pointing out the fact that some value needs to be placed in our community. Despite all the hardships that we as African Americans have had to face, I think there is one remedy to the issues that plague us here in America: we must value “us”. I know you’re probably tired by now of hearing this phrase, but it is important that you listen and take heed to it. This phrase could save our community. This phrase could bring us closer together, even though we are very close to being torn apart. This phrase could even allow us to become first instead of staying last. So, take value in your African American community. If you don’t, no one will.
Check out these archive articles on our website: Students question appropriations at sit-in, October 2004
Comic from Nubian Message Archives, 1993
Benefits of being a minority, September 2004
Meet the Pack’s newest leader: Ashley Eli
NIA DOAKS |Managing Editor
Ashley Eli, a Junior majoring in Industrial Engineering, was recently named Leader of the Pack. This is one of the highest honors a student can receive at N.C. State, and she is the first athlete to be awarded this scholarship. We sat down with Ashley to find out a little bit more about her and what it took for her to achieve this award.
happened- I originally didn’t know about it and did it as a “shot in the dark” and just kept going further and further… It’s just amazing. I think this really shows that anything can happen if you really just take the first step. Apply for something, put yourself out there- you never know how far you can go. This was a really eye-opening experience.
NM: Let’s start with talking about basketball. What has your favorite moment been as part of the Women’s Basketball Team? Ashley: We went to the Bahamas over Thanksgiving- we were in the Bahamas from Tuesday to Sunday. We got to do a lot of fun things like ride jet skis, swim with dolphins… And we had two games, it was just a great team bonding experience NM: What do you think has been a defining moment for you during your undergraduate career? Ashley: I think just the whole last season. We had a really good season and went to the NCAA tournament, and that was my first year going there. It was a good experience to understand what we worked for and where we [had the potential] to go.
NM: Having this title, what are your future plans? Are you required to do anything? Ashley: I don’t know exactly everything that I’m required to do- I know that the student who won Leader of the Pack last year was very heavily involved with the whole application process and he was the one who handed me the trophy at the game. I’m sure I’ll step into that role [next year], but I know that I have a couple of meetings in the future about responsibilities I have and things of that nature.
NM: What was the process like to become Leader of the Pack? Ashley: At first I didn’t even know about the application process. My academic advisor in athletics told me to apply, so I did. I had to write about [various topics, such as] community service events that I took part in. After writing the essays, they narrowed it down to twelve people. We had to interview with a committee and give a presentation about ourselves- talking about what we do and what we stand for. After that, they sat us down to ask us questions about things that we said in the speech. The speech was cool because we actually got to say what we wanted to say instead of them asking questions about things that may not be relevant to what you do. After that they narrowed it down to six, and then I became a finalist- at that point it just came down to the student body vote. My teammates and I went around with lollipops and started talking to people and encouraging them to vote. That was really the fun part for me, because I got to go out and actually talk to students and kind of get to know people around campus that I wouldn’t have been able to talk to otherwise. It was a great experience. NM: For your personal speech, what kinds of things did you talk about? Ashley: I talked a lot about the community service events that I’ve done since I’ve been here. Our athletic program, we try to do a lot of community service with kids… We run a lot of camps, and we also have this thing called the Wolfpack Leadership Academy that atheletes
NM: If there was anything that you could possibly improve about N.C. State what would it be? Ashley: I just want to get out there all the service opportunities that we have. I think that some people think some service events are small- but I don’t think anything is small. Just going to an elementary school and talking to one class of kids could make an impact on somebody. I try to do little things around the community that may impact even one person.
Ashley Eli, new Leader of the Pack scholarship recipient and member of the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Team. |Photo of Eli Courtesy are involved in where we have different workshops to become better leaders and do different group activities. I also talked about what I’m trying to do in the future and things that I’m looking forward to after undergrad. NM: How do you feel about this new title? Ashley: I’m still kind of in shock about it- I’m still getting a lot of feedback from it, positive comments from family and friends. I really can’t believe it
December graduates prepare for the future
Aaron Thomas | Staff Writer
Arthur Freeman remembers his freshman year like it was yesterday. From moving into the residence hall to meeting new friends in class, the senior in sports management looks back and realizes how much has happened as a college student. “It’s funny how fast it goes by,” Freeman said. “When I look back, it’s all one big blur.” This is Freeman’s final semester at N.C. State. Instead of taking the expected four years to graduate, he took an additional semester to plan out his future. “I felt it made more sense for me to stay,” Freeman said. Another semester at N.C. State is coming to an end. While some students are using the upcoming winter break to wind down, others are preparing to graduate. Taking more than four years to earn a bachelor’s degree is a growing trend among college students. Many are led to believe that it will take only four years
to complete their field of study, but unexpected factors, such as financial strains, causes students to stay longer than expected. Freeman said doing an extra semester allowed him to stay on track academically. “I could have graduated last spring, but that meant I would have had to have taken four summer classes [last year], Freeman said.” A report shared in The New York Times on Tuesday found that the majority of students attending American public colleges do not graduate on time. The report, coming from a nonprofit group called Complete College America, said only 19 percent of full-time students earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. Senior Chelsea Hayes understands that not all students are alike. “Everyone moves on their own path,” Hayes said. “As long as you get out is what’s important.” The senior in sociology has a busy schedule: she
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work’s a part-time job, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and an intern for N.C. State Greek Life. Taking an extra semester to graduate helped her balance academics with extracurricular activities. “I was able to lighten my course load and focus on my studies,” Hayes said. “Since I changed my major, I didn’t want to take 18 credit hours each semester.” Freeman and Hayes share similar reasons to why they needed the extra semester to complete their studies. Other situations, such as transfer credits not counting for a degree program or students taking too few credits a semester can extend the stay in college. With more students taking longer than usual to complete their studies, education experts are starting to use six years as the standard amount of time it takes to earn a bachelor ‘s degree. Taking more than four years to graduate usually has a negative stigma, but nowadays it’s becoming the status quo. Freeman doesn’t think it will have a negative
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“Everyone moves on their own path” - Chelsea Hayes a senior in Sociology impact on his career plans. “I had more time to fine-tune my résumé and search more jobs,” Freeman said. Hayes, who plans on going to graduate school next fall, said the extra semester is good for her transition process. “[After graduating], I’ll have more time to get myself together while applying for graduate schools,” Hayes said. “It’ll be a long break—not long enough to be complacent, but just enough time to prepare myself and rest.” Both seniors may have taken an extra semester to finish their studies, but they’ll still have the opportunity to walk across the stage and earn their degree like the students who graduate on time. cont. on page 10
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Dr. Easley, not the typical proffessor JESSICA STUBBS | Correspondent Despite all of his academic and professional endeavours and accords, Dr. Easley is our very own campus celebrity. Going by his stage-name RaShad, he’s performed at Packapalooza and the CNR 85th Anniversary Celebration so far this year. Coming from a musical background, it was only right for Easley to follow in the family footsteps. Easley is the Director of the Community for Diversity for NC State University’s College of Natural Resources and teaches an University Success class within the College of Natural Resources. A man of many hats, Easley has been at NCSU for 10 years. In his professional career, he has received numerous awards; however, the award that means most is one in which he earned alongside Edward Brown, the University Diversity Mini Grant in 2011 and held the campus’ first Diversity Retreat entitled UMOJA Diversity retreat. For the Umoja conference, which means “unity” in Swahili, they were able to bring together 21 students from around campus and did a two-day retreat away from campus. During this retreat they dealt with sensitive issues of diversity and it resulted in a network (family) being developed, that upon return to campus every participant got involved in some aspect of campus activism in diversity. “My reward is when I see others engage in activities that they otherwise would not have if they had not been through a transformative experience,” said Easley. Easley was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 4th. He graduated from Alabama A&M University with a B.S. in Forest Science, a M.S. in Forest Genetics from Iowa State University and an Ed. D from N.C. State. Easley has worked with the United States Forestry Services and other non-profits where he worked as an urban forester. Easley cites his uncle, Reverend James E. Orange, as one of his
Can I get a RT? As of late, Twitter has been for the most part silent in regards to it being one of the most racially diverse social networking platforms on the Internet. Recently, companies have began to use the diverse nature of the Twitterverse as a means to market their companies. However, as a newly public corporation, Twitter seeks to take advantage of their wide and very diverse user base in order to increase revenues and keep shareholders happy. In November, Twitter hired seasoned marketing veteran Nuria Santamaria to serve in the new lead position of multicultural strategist in which she will spearhead targeting efforts on users of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American backgrounds. It has been thought that these groups comprise over 41 percent of the Twitter user base, thus the need to engage these future consumers is absolutely critical--especially for a company’s bottom line.
major influences. Reverend Orange was an aid to Martin Luther King, Jr. His 1965 arrest in Alabama is considered one of the catalysts for the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march. Rev. Orange joined the civil rights marches led by Dr. King and the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy in Atlanta in 1963. Soon after, he became a project coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, bringing young people into the movement. Rev. Orange was organizing a voter registration drive in southwest Alabama in early 1965 when he was arrested in Perry County on charges of disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of minors. At age 32, Easley was in a rap group called Dr. Easely speaks at the 2014 Symposium | Kelly Darden DIEVERCITY when he received an online digital we believe that we have more ‘free’ time than to know what to do deal from DefJam First Look and Tunecore.com. He also has a with it. If you learn nothing at all in your classes, time managedeal with Easleybranch, LLC, his own business. ment will be a lesson that you will learn while here on campus. Musically, his biggest influences are Nas because of his smooth For more about Dr. Easley, check out the website for a short delivery, Lupe Fiasco for being an experimental artist, and Andre one-on-one Q&A. 3000 for doing whatever he wants to do. Canton Jones more importantly because he is a Christian like himself and he still keeps Writer’s note: I would like to say how much fun it was to interview making great tunes and giving God the glory through his talents. Dr. Easley. With the utmost respect, he is one of the coolest professors Being a man of many titles, Easley tries to create time between I have met this year. It was inspiring to interview a humble and being a professor, advisor, pastor, musician, and community leader modest professional African-American male that many students simply by staying organized. He lives by his own philosophy of look up to. It is amazing to see all that Dr. Easley has contributed recognizing that he cannot do it all-a problem a lot of college kids to promoting diversity within his career field, the College of Natural have a problem with. Resources, and his community. I highly encourage students to take “For myself, I have to take care of myself and love myself more the time out and have a conversation with Dr. Easley. I guarantee to be able to do more,” Easley said. that you’ll leave with a lighter heart and a better outlook on your He also says that he intentionally uses his time. For many of us, situation (and I’m not just saying that because he is my professor).
AALIYAH SINGLETON |Staff Writer
In regards to African-Americans, it is widely believed that collectively African-American consumers have a buying power of over $1 trillion. Utilizing the influence of Black Twitter, Ferguson protesters and activists went on to orchestrate BlackOut Friday as a way to mobilize the Black dollar in an effort to show the economic and political power of disgruntled African-Americans on the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. While successful, had all those--Black or otherwise--refused to shop on Black Friday, or rather refused to shop in any establishment other than those owned or operated by Black management, the economic consequences would be immediately evident as the financial industry would be forced to acknowledge the economic impact of millions of disgruntled people of color. Over the course of the year, companies have been striving to harness the power of ‘Black Twitter’ by appealing to their audience’s needs. Take for instance, Allstate’s “Give It Up For Good” community initiative, which is part of an ongoing effort to reach black
consumers. Allstate dedicated a Twitter handle and a Twitter-centric website to the initiative and placed advertisements on Twitter with the aim of encouraging African-Americans to share positive and uplifting stories about the community. Most recently, Allstate unveiled “HBC I Owe U” in tandem with these efforts in which Twitter users can vote for their favorite Historically Black College or University, HBCU to win a $50,000 scholarship as a way to give back to these important fixtures in predominately African-American communities. As these companies begin to delve deeper and deeper into your Twitter feed to find out more about you as well as the communities in which you identify yourself with, just realize that while these efforts are greatly needed and warranted, never forget their immediate endgame is more revenue for their companies. It is not necessarily the rebuilding and stabilizing of a community, just something to consider while scrolling through your Twitter feed.
Grad cont. Often times, students are over the headache that comes with colleges, specifically the extensive research papers and lengthy exams. Even though there is a rush to graduate, Freeman suggests students who need extra time to graduate to appreciate it. “Don’t be discouraged,” Freeman said. “You have an extra chance to enjoy the college rush.” Hayes holds a similar attitude. “View this as an alternative route, not a road block,” Hayes said. “You’ll have your degree just the same and it’ll mean the same thing.” N.C. State’s Fall University Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 18th at 9 a.m. at PNC Arena.
9 Tips for slaying those finals I practically rolled out of bed to get to my computer. It finally feels good to have a home-cooked meal in my stomach instead of eating Tuffy’s everyday (they don’t beat my mother’s mac n’ cheese!) Alas, the time has come. We’ve all been dreading these next three weeks as soon as classes started at the beginning of the semester, even more when midterms came around, and now that it’s finally here every library on campus will be so packed that you’ll start to question whether or not some of the people in there even attend NC State. It’s exam time; FINAL exam time. Prepare for long lines at Port City Java or Hill of Beans, all nighters, study groups, and maybe even a few skipped classes to sneak in a nap. Most importantly, be prepared to read all of those notes, chapters, powerpoints, and reading materials that you were suppose to read but never really had a chance to ever get around to reading. So buckle up my fellow colleagues, here are 9 tips that’ll help you survive Finals Season. 1. Stay In There are so many distractions around campus that it is easy to get caught up and misuse your time. Try to get a head start on your studying a month in advance, the latest. Finals season is not the time to go out to frat parties or clubs. If you have a few free days, don’t waste them! Use them properly: catch up on sleep, relax, or do some more studying. 2. Study Breaks It’s time to stop studying within 12 to 24 hours of a test. As many professors will say, “If you don’t know it the day before the test, then you don’t know it.” Most experts advise to study in hour-increments. Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10 minute break. Use this time to get up and move. By doing this you’re making yourself just as effective as your studying. 3. Music Listening to music is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood during finals season. No I don’t mean turn up “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled, but more like “Begin Again” by the Piano Guys. Here’s a little science behind it: Non-lyrical music is processed by the right side of your brain while writing is processed by the left side of your brain. Stimulating both sides of the brain causes it function better as a whole. Lyrical music distracts your brain from processing your notes/ reading material because the life side of your brain is trying to decipher both the lyrics and your writing notes/reading material. 4. Food “When you study, your brain consumes glucose (sugar),” says Ted Dorsey, author of Tutor Ted’s Guide to the SAT. “Take a five-minute break every hour to let your body produce more fuel for your studying...have a healthy snack (almonds, fruit, and yogurt are good choices).” In general, you have to eat right during finals week. That means NO Ramen. Eat food like fish, peanut butter, and eggs that boost concentration.
JESSICA STUBBS | Correspondent 5. Figure Out What’s Covered It is very important for you to know what material will be on your exam. Is it cumulative or only on material covered after the midterm? Is it on the lectures or reading material? Knowing what format the is given is also helpful. Is it multiple choice, essay, fill in the blank, or maybe all three? Knowing the extent (and the limits) of the exam along with the format will make it much easier to organize and structure your studying. 6. Study Buddies Friends are a great resource during finals week. They can keep you motivated and concentrated and on track by making a study schedule that you all can follow to avoid procrastination. We also make them our study buddies, which could be a problem. If you know your friend gets distracted easily and cannot stop talking, chances are you’ll both end up so far off task you’ll forget what the note cards were for. Many of us also make the common mistake of thinking that study groups and study buddies are always advantageous: more brain power plus peer pressure to crack the books. This works well when your study buddies are at least as smart as you. Hopefully your friends will understand. 7. Work Out Studies show that exercise boosts memory and cognition. In 2013, the New York Times wrote an article about a study conducted at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany that showed that vigorous exercise helps prime the brain to learn new information. Your schedule will more than likely jam packed to the hour, but hitting the gym for 30 minutes instead of taking a hour long nap isn’t a waste of time. Rather, it will help you study more effectively (and you’ll look good and feel good afterwards). 8. Sleep Do NOT stay up until 3AM studying for your Bio final. “Eight hours is ideal for the night before an exam,” says Dorsey. “It may be tempting to stay up late studying, but remember: you’re going to need energy and focus while you’re taking your exam.” There’s a brain trick to late night studying or cramming: studying the things that you don’t understand and when you feel like you’ve got it under your belt go to sleep. Sleeping helps your brain create and strengthen a roadmap you’ve made for this new information. 9. Deep Breaths For many of us, exams give us more anxiety than an alcoholic at bar. But it’s okay, you can do it. You’ve survived final exams before, and you’ll survive them this time too. If you’re feeling nervous when you sit down to take the test, take five long breaths over a one-minute period. This will put your body at ease. And don’t forget, you’ve been getting ready for these tests all year long.
A letter from the Managing Editor NIA DOAKS |Managing Editor
The African American Cultural Center, Multicultural Student Affairs and other offices on campus provide a multitude of great resources for our students. About two months ago, an email was sent out through MSA’s listserv providing information about a Diversity and Leadership Conference that was going to be held at the end of November and inviting students to express their interest in attending. Because it seemed like a great opportunity to grow and learn more about leadership, I attended along with our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Hart-Williams. I signed up expecting to see the faces of many other AASAC and student leaders on campus in attendance as well. Throughout this conference, which was all-expense paid by MSA, we were able to attend various sessions regarding the intersection of diversity and leadership and how we can improve this type of communication within our respective
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organizations. We were able to meet other student leaders and faculty and discuss relevant issues encountered when talking about diversity. Unfortunately, I was wrong in my previous assumptionit seems as though not many people took the opportunity to go on this conference. The MSA office expected to have at least fifteen students attend, and the group that ended up attending didn’t reach that capacity. As student leaders and educated college students, it is vitally important to take advantage of these types of programs. This is not only for our personal development, as students, but also for the development and growth of our community as a whole. I understand just as much as the next student what it means to have a busy schedule- we may not all want to read through e-mails that we receive from various listservs; however, by disregarding we may pass over great opportunities
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offered by different parts of our campus. The offices here at N.C. State do what they can to offer us these opportunities and resources, and it is up to us to follow through and take them. On the other hand, the case may be that announcements of these types of opportunities aren’t always reaching our community. If this is the case, how can we help MSA keep open communication channels with our students? If anyone has any suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact Jasmine Omorogbe at jjomorog@ncsu.edu or anyone else in the MSA office. This office in particular has future opportunities planned for students, so let’s be sure to support these and other programs on campus that are meant to benefit and cater directly to us.
Wednesday, December, 2014
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NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC 12 | 3| 14
Illustration by Travis Gatling
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