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WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 9| 2011
February 9, 2011
NUBIAN MESSAGE
ISSUE 14
SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE SINCE 1992
WWW.NCSU.EDU/NUBIAN
A Read In with Langston Hughes
Elvin James and Terrence Nelson, member of the Xi Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma frarternity Inc. and Toni Thorpe, Program Director of the AACC enact a poem by Langston Hughes.
Alexis Teasdell
Guest Speaker Dr. Jason Miller
A slide show illustratingLangston Hughe’s life and achievments Photos by Jasmine Chadmon
upbringing, the meaning behind some of his poems and went on to answer questions about himself in Thursday, February 10th, the African American relation to Langston Hughes and Langston Hughes Cultural Center and the Xi Zeta chapter of Phi Beta himself. He inspired many by saying that Langston Sigma fraternity, Inc hosted a Read-in to promote Hughes was a renown poet at the age of 19. He literacy and awareness. The topic of the night: Let’s even informed, by telling the story of the Scottsboro Talk About Langston (Langston Hughes). The pro- boys and how Langston Hughes reacted in his writgram opened with a welcome done by Mr. Cameron ing. He went on to even tell how Langston Hughes Johnson followed by a description of the purpose of found a way to continue to speak his mind after be“Read-Ins” and a little history on them. There was ing censored, through stories he wrote and by disan awesome singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” tributing his work in other countries. by Mr.Trevon Nelson as well as a selection sung by The night concluded with cake and a book signing. Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir titled, “Even Me”. While selling the books at a student rate, Dr. Miller After a wonderful prayer by Mr. Elvin James, food answered more questions and met with many stuwas served. Among the food being served was, rice, dents. A glimpse of Langston Hughes character, as black beans, macaroni and cheese, chicken, punch, well as his talent shined that night. The read in was and much more. It was truly an outstanding meal. a phenomenal event that is surely something to look Proceding, guest speaker Dr. Jason Miller, an NC forward to next year.-State professor, discussed his book, Langston Hughes and The American Lynching Culture, which is available in the bookstore. Poems such as “Mother to Son,” “A Dream Deferred,” as well as “Dreams” were read passionately throughout the presentation. Dr. Miller went in depth to describe Langston Hughes’
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Mubarak Quits W.E.S.T Presents: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating Sampson Bloh | Opinions Writer
About 302 Egyptians have died and thousands have been wounded since the beginning of this 18 days unrest. The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak quit office on Friday February 11. It was a historical and emotional moment for many Egyptians when the Vice President Omar Suleiman announced this decision to the nation. It was touching and joyous for the people in Egypt’s capital who waved their flags and rejoiced. For others, this meant the beginning of a new Egypt. Since the resignation of President Mubarak, Egyptians have gathered in squares and other places all around the Country and world celebrating what many consider a successful revolution. Egyptians are showing a continuous enthusiasm for what they consider the rebirth of their country. The streets of Cairo, though not as packed or noisy as it was during the pre-Mubarak resignation time is still packed with happiness in contrast to the anger we saw earlier in the revolution. Lives in the Egyptian capital are back to normal but the celebration of Mubarak’s departure from the position of presidency still continues. But for many Egyptians, the loss of their fellow countrymen and women was not in vain. They believe that they have accomplished their purpose. For Egyptians this is not just a revolt against President Hosni Mubarak but a revolution to liberate the country from a 30 years dictatorship.
image courtesy torontospeeddate.com
Yolonda Ray | News Writer
image courtesy http://www.thehotjoints.com/2011/02/11/ mubarak-resigns/
At 7:00 P.M. in the Talley ballroom Hosts Jorodd Henry and Marika Walker welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and participants to “The Do’s and Dont’s of Dating,” a speed dating and date auction event presented by Women Empowering Society Together. W.E.S.T was established in the fall of 2007 and their purpose is to promote the success and awareness of African American women in the following areas: education, health and wellness, mentoring, tutoring, and socioeconomic development. This organization has grown tremendously and is making a positive impact within our community. This events main focus was to have a fundraiser, in which 50% of proceeds would go to InterAct of Wake County. InterAct is a private, non-profit organization that provides awareness, and safety to victims and survivors of domestic violence. This United Way agency continues to lend a helping hand to those in need through volunteer work and generous donations from organizations like W.E.S.T.
In the first portion, the audience had the opportunity to engage in a series of 45 second speed dates. During this time participants could tell of their ideal first date, and their personal do’s and dont’s of dating. For example, “Do be on time”, “Do be yourself ”, and “don’t move too fast”. This session was fast paced and many were disappointed they had to leave their partner when they heard switch. In the second portion of the event 27 of N.C State’s finest women and men were auctioned off for a date in the form of paddle bidding and silent bidding. The hosts reminded the anxious audience that there was a $3 minimum and that 50% of the proceeds were going to InterAct of Wake County. Bids ranged from $4 to $60 and many were competitive in nature. At the conclusion of the event, Marika Walker, a senior in textile engineering exclaimed that, “It was an extremely difficult event to plan, but ultimately we had a great turnout and it was successful.” Sophomore Regina Stepney agreed stating that, “the event was a lot of fun and very interactive.” This is W.E.S.T first speed dating and auction event, and many individuals hope that it will not be their last.
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February 9, 2011
Ambitious Guy In my mind I’m playing Ambitious Guy. I just want you in the front of class maybe with a raised hand. with a powerful stance chest out habits of a man. I cant understand why you’re in the back row with your feet up Is that really how you act though Hat on, pants sagging I’m not even trying to attack you But you’re potential is beautiful I see so much potential in you It’s in the depths of your mental But these groupies have you crippled They give in so fast So now waiting is annoying They’ve got you balancing multiple girls So now exclusive is boring I’m not asking for a hubby to be I just want you to study with me Be a buddy to me and although there are gender differences I don’t need another judge of me You’ve made it to university Educational varsity I don’t mean to add pressure Just please strive for your destiny But don’t let destiny put in all the work Because we’re all rooting for you When you don’t try is when we hurt Not when you fail Because we’ve all fell That’s what makes our story so interesting to tell Ambitious guy. And I know that y’all are out there. And I want to remind y’all that we do see you and we do care Because although it may seem like we don’t see Ambitious man, everyday you inspire me From your faith and your discipline Your drive, your attention span I heard you may feel like the world’s against you and But I want you to know that you’re more than just your average man And please speak up because I’m interested in everything you’re saying Don’t give in to this stigma of what the world says you’ll probably be even if they challenge your future statistically because there’s never been another like YOU and there never will be Yes I’m attracted to your muscular arms And the seriousness in your eyes But what separates you ambitious guy Is something I cant describe So I’m hoping this inspired you And I never want you to feel that we’re tired of you Because the biggest success story could really be a reflection of you.
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This Week In Black History Feburary 14th
1867- Morehouse College Organized in Augusta, Georgia, moves to Atlanta
Feburary 15th 1968-Henry Lewis becomes the first African American to lead a symphony orchestra in the United States
Feburary 16th 1857- Frederick Douglas elected President of Freedman Bank and Trust
Feburary 17th 1952- Huey Newton born. He would go on to meet Bobby Seale and form the Black Panther Party in 1966
Feburary 18th 1865-Rebels abandon Charleston, South Carolina, Union Troops to enter city is an all black regiment.
Alexis Teasdell Arts and Entertainment For more facts visit www. blackfacts.com
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Question of The Week
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by Jasmine Chadmon
“For people with darker skin.” Aliyah Hakima Graduate Student Communication Rhetoric Digital Media
“For anyone who reads the newspaper.” Jamel Lawson Junior Electrical Engineering
“Nubians?” Ash Lopez Junior English
“All diverse groups but mainly minorities pick up the paper.” Juana Hernandez Junior Crimonology
“Primarily the African American community or anyoe interested in African American culture.” Rob Mcdonald Junior Political Science
Who do you think the Nubian Message is for?
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February 9, 2011
NC State Students Making the World a Better Place… One Idea at a Time Madavia Johnson | Opinions Editor Reach out and Touch is a new organization on campus that focuses on public service and peer involvement. It was established by a few of our Fellow NC State Students who attended a sophomore trip to LIA, which inspired them to get involved. They consulted with each other and one idea led to another great idea; they were sure to include peer involvement. With the help and consultation of Ms. Toni Thorpe Reach out and Touch were on their way of establishing a constitution and becoming a n official NC State University organization. Reach out and Touch meets once a month and, has a rapidly growing membership of nearly 45 people showed up to their first general body meeting. This new organiza-
tion has been getting a lot of hype around NC States community. This is not an African American based organization, however the E-board is predominately Black. They encourage people of all races to attend and be an asset to the community. Reach Out and Touch build its principles off of civic responsibility and service; which is why they chose not to charge their members, but they welcome any donations. One of their upcoming events will have Mr. Nick Cooney as a guest speaker to reflect on “The Importance of Being Involved” I think everyone should attend this event and become more active on campus. It is one thing to make good grades and another to be involved; jobs are looking for well-rounded people. Reach Out and Touch have wonderful future plans of Adopting a family, Service Raleigh, Tutoring, Feeding the Homeless, Shoe Boxes of Love, MLK service
day challenge. They have plenty more events to add to help them fulfill their civic duties. You can keep a look out for this organization by adding them on Orgsync: Reach Out and Touch, Twitter: ReachOutandTouch and Facebook: Reach Out and Touch. I am glad to see that African American students at NC State University are getting involved and becoming leaders around campus. Through the years people have tried to oppress us and demean our intelligence, but as a race we shall move mountains and become leaders and carry ourselves as the Kings and Queens that we are destined to be.
inspirational quote of the week BODY AND SOUL, BLACK AMERICA REVEALS THE EXTREME QUESTIONS OF CONTEMPORARY LIFE, QUESTIONS OF FREEDOM AND IDENTITY: HOW CAN I BE WHO I AM? JUNE JORDAN
Public Service Announcement: Leggings are NOT pants
Kierra Leggett | Opinions Writer A blend of Lycra, spandex, nylon, cotton and polyester the popular leggings of the 1980’s have made a sudden and overwhelming reemergence into the current fashion scene. Available in almost any color, texture or style, leggings are a fashion staple found in the closets of women throughout the country and beyond. Not only are they fairly inexpensive (depending on what brand/style), but almost unanimously, it can be said that leggings are one of the most comfortable items of clothing to ever be engineered. While I am a big fan of leggings, in the recent years I have consistently found myself aggravated, irritated, and just downright disgusted by the influx of females who seemingly cannot comprehend (or instead choose to ignore) that leggings are not, I repeat, are not, pants. A great substitute to tights and stockings underneath a dress or skirt, leggings are only a suitable replacement for denim or regular pants in instances
in which the top worn with them is long enough to cover ones entire derriere. Not everyone needs to know exactly how much (or in some instances, how little) junk is in your trunk. With leggings, nothing is left to the imagination. Every dimple, every bump, and every curve is accentuated (and not in good way). If you’re wearing underwear, or if you’re not (especially if you’re not) the entire world is able to discern when leggings are the only thing covering the bottom half of your body. Furthermore, if leggings were meant to be worn as pants, that is exactly what they would be called—pants. While the male population (and obviously a large population of females—hence this article/ public service announcement) may be a fan of the garish trend of wearing leggings as pants, I proudly stand by my opinion that when worn as a substitute to pants, leggings look trashy, tacky, and cheap. Unsurprisingly, there are others like me out there. A trending topic on twitter, and an issue warranting a Facebook fan
page with more than 400,000 supporters the Leggings are not Pants movement is slowly but surely gaining momentum. There are also numerous online blogs and website that addresses the issue of leggings being worn as pants. To those of you out there that have fallen prey to the leggings worn as pants epidemic, it is not too late to gain control and take back your life. The first step in overcoming this monstrosity is to admit and acknowledge that you have a problem. Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek assistance. The next time you find yourself reaching into your dresser to grab a pair of translucent leggings to wear to your 9:10 English Lit class, keep in mind that not everyone wants to say “Hello” to your Hello Kitty underwear and that despite the old saying, less is not always more.
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Egyptian Military has Dissolved its Parliament and Suspended its Constitution Sampson Bloh | Opinions Writer The Egyptian military, following the Friday resignation of President Hosni Mubarak has dissolved the Parliament and suspended the Country’s Constitution. The military which so many people heavily respected has moved from professionalised to behaving like a dictator. This change is very irresponsible and it will diminish the respect that many have for the military. The military is now in complete control of the country. Of course, the military has announced that it will only run the country for six months in order to promote peaceful transition to elections. But this act seems more like a military coup. I would not argue with anyone who would call this an intentional military take over. It is similar to what many dictators have done in the past when they came to power, getting rid of important national documents. Since the president has resigned, the armed should empower the Parliament and support the appointment of someone to form an interim government, then promote a transition to a popular election. This is what should be done in order to allow the creation of a democracy. The people have successfully carried out a peaceful revolution, forc-
ing out a man who was in power for 30 years, since 1981. Suspending the nation’s constitution and getting rid of the parliament is the last thing that the military should be doing. This is not promoting the democracy they revolted for these past eighteen days. A Parliament and Constitution are the signs of a nations unity, civilian control, law and order. You do not suspend or dissolve them, you promote them. But at the same time, the suspension of the Constitution may not be a bad thing, if and only if, the military will allow for a rewriting of the Constitution, which would usher in a democratic form of government, give basic rights to the people, and go back under the civilian control. What the Egyptian military has done is a sign that it has gotten out of control; the military should be controlled by the parliament not controlling the parliament. Things have been getting back to normal since the resignation of President Mubarak. But many are warning of more demonstration if the military does not quickly move the country to democracy. That by itself is a bad sign because no one knows how quickly or slowly this will happen. The dissolving of the parliament and the suspension of the constitution makes it seems ap-
pear that military is in a power struggle. Lets not forget that Mubarak is a former Air Force Commander. You basically can say that his 30 years in power was a military rule. There for his resignation and the prospect of the Muslim brotherhood or any non-military-allied government could mean a loss of power for the military. If this is the case, then the military’s control of Egypt at this moment is the same as Mubarak’s control. And this means that the military does not deserve to be praised because nothing had changed. The event in Egypt is serious to many people around the world. In the United States, there are those who are anxious to see who will be the next president and how he will promote and honor the strong existing relationship between Egypt and the United States. In Israel, many people want to know if this will mean a bad relationship between themselves and Egypt. Also, this is an economic issue as well. Stability in Egypt is very important because of the Suez Canal, a vital (time and money saving) short cut for ships since the trip around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope is a long trip. The military has made it clear that Egypt will continue all existing relationships and will honor all current international treaties.
Will Republicans Take Back the White House in 2012? Sampson Bloh | Opinions Writer The Republican Party believes it can take back the white house in 2012. It does not matter what changes the Republican Party has made, there is no way that Republicans can take back the White House. First, their agenda is ridiculous, especially while the nation is in a recession. They want to get rid of The Health Care Reform, cut taxes for the wealthy. Their agenda is not in the interests of the American people. It has only been about the destruction of the presidency of Barack Obama. This agenda became more radical with the rise of the Tea Party movement. This is selfish, instead of trying to work with the president to solve the country’s economic problems
the Republicans’ motives are to win elections. The Republican Party will not take the White House in 2012 because they are hurting themselves by trying to destroy the Obama Presidency. Republicans need to understand that they can only take over and keep the White House by trying to fix America. Of course, the Democrats did horrible in the 2010 midterm elections. But we should all accept the fact that this trend is continuous in American politics, the party in power often does bad in the midterm election. Plus the country is in a recession, which by itself is a Republican gain against the Democrats. I am certain that the recession will be completely over by the middle of next year. Already, the nation’s economy is beginning to come back to normal even though the unemployment rate is still
down and people are still struggling. As for the unemployment rate, if it is still unchanged by 2012, it could give a big boost to the Republicans. But that by itself is not sufficient enough because there is no clear and worthy figure to challenge the president in 2012. We should not forget that even though many Americans might not approve of president Obama’s job on the economy, they still have not forgotten that the republican agenda is not a good agenda. Second, the Republican Party at this point faces a presidential candidate crisis. Sarah Palin and others now seem to be at their lowest point of strength for the Republican Party’s nomination for presidency. Of course, Sarah Palin would help the Republican Party through her appeal to the Tea Party movement and to many conservatives,
but her being a presidential candidate would be a disaster for the Republican Party. Many believe that Sarah Palin is not presidential material. In fact, lately, she has not not be receiving the attention she enjoyed earlier (when she burst out on the scene as a republican). This is a clear proof Republican leaders do not believe that they can win the white house with Sarah Palin. Yes, many do believe that she would bring out the vote for Republican Party, but they don’t see her as an important party leader. A recent Straw Poll on CNN shows that Ron Paul is at the top of the list for prominent presidential candidates in 2012, in the poll, he topped Palin and other top dogs.
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Tea Party: Bad for the Republican Party? Sampson Bloh | Opinions Writer The Tea Party has given the Republican Party a boost since it emergence in 2009. The movement started as an anti-Obama force and supported many protests against the president and the Democratic Party. This pro-Republican movement strengthened the Republican Party by giving them ground to stand on against the president who came into office with high ratings. It’s support weakened President Obama and the Democratic Party and made the Republican Party more competitive. But the Tea Party as we all know has been taken onthe most radical form of conservatism in the United States. The Tea Party is bad for the Republican Party despite the tremendous success it has given the party since its emergence. Many claimed that the Tea Party was an independent movement but it is clear that the Tea party has completely endorsed the Republican Party since its emergence. From the very beginning, anti-Obama doctrines are what this movement has promoted and supported. From the “Birther” ideology which claims that President Obama is not a U.S. citizen, to Obama and other Democrats being called communists claiming that the Health Care Reform is Obama’s aim to shut down the old, the sick and the vulnerable. Clearly the Tea party has swam continuously in the circle of radicalism. It is true that not everyone in the Tea Party move-
Studying is essential to succeed on a college campus. But where is a good place to study? Where can I find computers, a quiet area, and books for leisure reading as well as scholastic? There is a fantastic library right in central campus. On the second floor of Witherspoon there is a library that has computers, free printing, video libraries, as well as autographed books. The student staff is always helpful and the quiet environment is perfect for studying. Between the quiet environment and the location, Witherspoon’s library is ideal. From the moment students’ walk in, a librarian and even candy, greet them on each table. The empowerment and inspiration from the African-American Leaders posted around the room is amazing. Posters of Langston Hughes and Madame CJ Walker along with others can give students the true feeling of a history maker. The hours of operation are from one to nine o’clock, Monday through Thursday and one to five o’clock on Fridays. There are so many dorms located right around Witherspoon, that this is the perfect library. Being less than a five-minute walk away from the Tri-towers, Sullivan and Lee, as well as Tucker and
Adinkras
Symbols of West Africa
ment believes in this radicalism. But from what I have observed, it is reasonable to say, that these are the same anti-Obama people from the 2008 presidential era. The same people who were calling, then Senator Obama a monkey and using other racist remarks to demean his authority. The National Republican Association has supported the Tea Part’y radicalism from the very beginning, finding every possible ways to claim that the acts are freedoms of speech but now it is trying to separate itself. Despite the fact that the Tea Party helped the Republican Party in the 2010 midterm elections, it is a short term movement. The Tea Party is too radical for the Republicans. Even though it is a strong force in the conservatism movement and has a big slice of the republican vote, it is turning many Americans off. There seems to be a division between the Republican Party and conservatism as a result of the Tea Party and this will weaken the Republican Party in the future. Many Republican Party leaders realized in order to win the White House they will have to win the minds of the Independents, especially during this time of recession. As a result of this, the Republican Party could collapse and completely split in two, the tea party would become a separate entity and America would be force into a three or a multi-party system
Looking for a Place to Study? Alexis Teasdell | Staff Writer
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Owen, this is the place to study. Students from as far as North Carolina Central University, Shaw University, as well as Peace College, come to Witherspoon’s library. Along with studying, Witherspoon’s library is the perfect place to check out books that are truly interesting. Books range from non-fiction novels such as, By Any Means Necessary, a compilation of Malcolm X speeches, to fiction novels such as Up at the College by Michele Andrea Bowen. Even reference magazines and magazines such as “Essence” and “Sports Illustrated” are available. What’s even better is the easy process of checking out books. The process is just as simple as a high school media center. Once a student is in the system, it takes less than a minute and you can check out up to four books at a time. This makes the process of checking out one of the over 5,000 books, that much easier. This library also has many books that D.H. Hill doesn’t even hosts a book club. Witherspoon’s library is an outstanding resource that should definitely be taken advantage of.
SANKOFA “Return and Get it”
BI NKA BI “No one should bite the other”
DENKYEM “Crocodile” symbol of adaptability For more adinkras visit adinkra.org
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Adinkras
Symbols of West Africa
WANNA MAKE A
DIFFERENCE eic@nubian.ncsu.edu
photographers
919.515.1463
writers
ADINKRAHENE “Chief of the Adinkra Symbols” symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership
reporters
FOFO “Yellow Flowered Plant” symbol of jealousy and envy
Locations Avent Ferry Complex Brooks Hall Caldwell Hall Harrelson Hall Talley Student Center Witherspoon Student Center Wolf Village Apartments
MATE MASIE “what I hear, I keep”
A symbol of the wisdom, knowledge, and prudence. The implied meaning of the phrase “mate masie” is “I understand”. Understanding means wisdom and knowledge, but it also represents the prudence of taking into consideration what another person has said. http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/mate.htm
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Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University Mario R Terry | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madavia Johnson OPINIONS EDITOR DARIUS DAWSON | LAYOUT
JASMINE CHADMON | COPY EDITOR Shekiah Jones MIND, BODY, & SOUL EDITOR JASMINE HARRIS | COPY EDITOR
372 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness.
COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.