Nubian Message March 28th Edition

THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. X, ISSUE 17 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n MARCH 28th, 2012 BSB/UAB Prepare for Pan Afrikan n 2

The Demonization of Trayvon Martin n 4

“We are Trayvon Martin”

On Monday, many students wore hoodies around campus in support of 17 year old Trayvon Martin who was murdered last month in Sanford, Florida. The death of the teenager has sparked marches and rallies all around the nation, and has reopened a big discussion about race in America. We have more coverage inside...

“We Are TATE”

Interview with LifeKiT n6

NEWS

PAGE 2 |MAR. 28TH 2012

Black Students Board/ UAB Prepare for 42nd Pan Afrikan Festival

What’s Happening on Campus Thursday

29 Applications Due at Noon for Nubian Message Editor Position NUBIAN MESSAGE STAFF/INTEREST MEETING 5PM WITHERSPOON 325

Saturday

31 Reach Out and Touch Charity Powderpuff Football Game 8AM All Night Bash ft. Chiddy Bang 5PM Lee Field

Saturday

31 April Fool’s Day

Thursday/Friday

5&6

CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

The Black Students Board, as well as other organizations around campus are counting down the days until the 42nd Annual Pan Afrikan Festival. The week long celebration of events will take place from April 9th - 15th. The theme for this year’s Pan Afrikan Festival is “It’s more than Culture, It’s Reality.”

BSB Chair Lauryn Collier stated “this theme was decided upon by BSB general body attendees to reflect the modern ideology that African American culture is not something that is solely studied and traditionalized, but something that changes through day-to-day trials and triumphs.”

With a more current-era centralized theme, BSB is trying to do a couple of things different this year by bringing back ideas from the past such as Pan Afrikan Scholarship pageant and the Alumni Blackout.

“The BSB executive board felt the need to have the scholarship pageant to give students the opportunity to showcase their achievements here at NC State and be celebrated by their peers and alumni. We also felt the need to create a scholarship for underclassmen to increase involvement in the community, get their name out within the student body, while doing something productive within the campus.”

The Prince and Princess nominees will not compete in the pageant, but will undergo an extensive process where they will campaign for peer votes and create a service project.

This year the Pan Afrikan Festival will feature various events hosted by the Black Alumni Society, such as the Alumni Blackout which will be held on Saturday April

Spring Holiday

PAN AFRIKAN CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Union Activities Board/ BSB Pan Afrikan Festival Coming Soon April 9th-15th INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT: EDITOR@ NUBIAN.NCSU. EDU

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Photo : Nubian Message Archive Photos (2010) Members of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority Inc. perform in the Annual NPHC Pan Afrikan Step Show.

Nubian Message Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University since 1992

CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGIING EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS: CORDERO SLASH CHELSEA GARDNER SYLENA FLOYD

KIERRA LEGGET YOLANDA RAY ALEXIS TEASDELL

TEVIN BYRD

HIND MALIK

KELVIN CARTER

SAMPSON BLOH

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

MELVIN MOORE

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PERSPECTIVES

MAR. 28TH, 2012 | PAGE 3

Standing Up For Your Beliefs I want to encourage young people to CHELSEA GARDNER | STAFF WRITER stay informed and involved in curAbout two weeks ago, I had the opporrent events. Take heed to Governor tunity to hear some very inspiring words Hunt’s advice and make your colabout leadership from an important leader lege experience memorable. Don’t in our state, Governor Jim Hunt. The most just stand by and wait, but take acimportant take-away message gathered tion! This is our time as college stufrom his presentation was his compelling dents to show that our generation argument on the importance of getting inreally cares. Our generation is not volved in college. He that one of the best so enveloped by technology that we things about his college experience was let it hinder us from taking an active getting involved with an issue that he felt role in society. College is the best passionate about. During his college experiplace to really make the changes and ence, it was the civil rights movement. As I differences in our communities, nareflected on the discussion, I began to wontion, and world. der about the movement for our generation?

I want to look back one day, like At this current moment people are involved Governor Hunt, and tell the future with a variety of movements. We have the generation about how I helped make KONY 2012 Movement; we have the Occupy a contribution to society. I want to Movement; the Vote Against Amendment share a story that will encourage One Movement; and now we have the Traypeople to expand their horizons. I von Martin Movement. We have social, powant to be able to say that I stood up litical, environmental, and economic issues for what I believed in and my voice that students and people from all over the was heard. This is what college is nation are advocating for or against. about, right? It is about insightful One of the great things about college is that Photo by Chelsea Gardner discussions and coming together to you finally get a chance to be around a group support one cause and one purpose. of people who share your same passion for On Monday, students around campus wore hoodies in support of Trayvon Martin. Martin was College is about learning in and out a cause or movement. Governor Hunt would gunned down in Sanford, Florida a month ago by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman has not of the classroom. In other words, use be glad to know that students are getting in- been arrested at the time, and has claimed self defense. your drive and passion to make a volved and paying attention. Recently, North campus and were compelled enough to express their contribution to the betterment of soCarolina State students were called to participate in the Wolfpack for Martin: Hoodie Day event thoughts and opinions in day-to-day conversations ciety. Mahatma Gandhi said it best, “be the change you want to see in the world.” I hope you stand up on March 26, 2012. Even with temperatures near the or social media.

Most people come to college to find their passion for the challenge.

80’s, many students supported the efforts and honored the life of Trayvon Martin. Furthermore, it was and purpose in life. I just want to encourage people clear that people took note of what was occurring on to keep their goals and dreams in mind. Additionally,

“Dark-Complexioned Male”: Students concerned with Crime Alerts CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

On March 20th, Campus Police released a crime alert pertaining to a sexual assault that occurred on March 15th between 6am and 7 am near the intersection of Sullivan Dr. and Dan Allen. The suspect was described as a dark complexion male. Following this crime alert, many students of all races began to question the description of what constitutes a dark-complexioned male; many are calling for more specific details to be released in the future from campus police.

Student Body President Chandler Thompson shared concerns from students with Chief of Police Jack Moorman and they replied with a couple of statements.

University police noted that crime alerts are sent campus wide for two very important reasons. “1. To make the campus aware of a serious crime, in which there may be a continuing threat from the individuals. 2. To aid in the apprehension of the suspect(s).

In the statement released it stated that university police relies on victims to provide them with a description and at times those descriptions can be vague.

Moorman explained a situation that occurred on campus when students mistakenly described a suspect as Hispanic, when he was indeed Asian. In this case, students assumed the student’s ethnicity by just looking at his skin.

University police also stated that the changes in descriptions released stemmed from feedback that was received in the past from African American students, staff, and faculty who said that it could be anyone and created a license for increased suspicion of Black people.

“The university police department is sensitive to how its crime alerts affect public perception of all individuals throughout the university community. When a crime alert is sent to 35,000 plus people, references to one race or another can adversely influence people’s self-awareness, perceptions, and attitudes and may contribute unnecessarily to negative stereotypes.” said Moorman.

“At NC State University, race is a much less useful as a descriptor than in many communities in North Carolina. The university has people of color from all over the world. How can we distinguish between black, brown, white, dark complexion, light complexion and other? In a recent article in the News and Observer, writer Ted Vaden, “pointed to photographs of Barack Obama and North Carolina US Representative G.K. Butterfield. Not knowing their ethnicity, could a reader describe them as black or white?”

“Keith Woods, dean of the Poyner Institute, a development center for journalists in Florida, makes the case that race is ethnic, not descriptive. Ethnicity, he

MALE CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Published by the Student Media Authority of NC State University

The Nubian Message is written by and for the students of North Carolina State University, primarily for the AfricanAmerican community. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial staff and do not represent the university in any way.

The Nubian is published every Wednesday of each month during the fall and spring semester, except during holidays and exam periods. The Nubian Message encourages letters to the editor. The Nubian Message will consider fairly all letters to editor, but cannot guarantee the publication of any.

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PAGE 4 |MAR. 28TH 2012

Photos by CJ Guion A march for Trayvon Martin was held on Monday afternoon in Raleigh. The March began at Pullen Park and concluded at the Wake County Courthouse downtown. Hundreds of people attended the march to protest for authorities to bring charges to George Zimmerman who said he shot Martin in self defense.

THE of TRAYVON MARTIN Details continue to unravel surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin, who was killed last month in Sanford , Florida.

CORDERO SLASH | STAFF WRITER

This week marked the one month anniversary of the the now famed Trayvon Martin shooting and nothing seems to be abating as far as the national coverage and continued outrage is concerned. There have been huge rallies all over the country including those in Raleigh, Miami, Atlanta, LA, and in Sanford FL where the shooting actually took place. President Obama has even weighed in on the situation to the outrage of two out of the four Republican candidates saying: “if I had a son he would look like Trayvon”, which many were thoroughly moved by.

With the national awareness of this case and its implications for the Black community the massive rallies and big name people involved in the debate are not surprising, but what is interesting is the insensitive and audacious attempts by Zimmerman, his lawyer and the Sanford police department at making an all-American 17 year old victim out to be just another common street thug. Another interesting point about these attempts to assassinate Martin’s character is that at least one of the points they are using against him is irrelevant when it comes to trying to defend Zimmerman’s actions on the night of Martin’s murder.

Trayvon Martin was on suspension from school on the night that he was killed by Zimmerman because

an official found traces of marijuana in a plastic baggie located in Martin’s book bag. He has also been suspended on two other occasions, one for missing school or being late and the other for allegedly writing obscene language on a school locker.

Though this is not something that would have any implications on why Martin was murdered or why he potentially “attacked” Zimmerman it was nevertheless leaked in an attempt to hurt Martin’s reputation. Furthermore, this type of information is supposed to be highly classified. This point makes the Martin family lawyers think that the information was leaked by the officers at the Sanford police department in order to give justification for why they did not do their job, and released Zimmerman at his word that his murder of Trayvon was in self defense.

In any case, even if Martin had experimented with marijuana does it give merit for the Sanford police unjustifiably performing a drug test on him after his murder without giving his killer a second thought in terms of potential drug or alcohol use?

The statement given by Zimmerman to the Sanford police also raises relevant questions about the competence of the Sanford police department and about the truth behind the events that occurred the night of Trayvon’s murder. It is reported that Zimmerman told the Sanford police department that young Martin confronted and attacked him as he was re-

turning to his vehicle that night. After words were exchanged Zimmerman states that Martin punched him, broke his nose and afterwards started to bang his head on the neighborhood sidewalk. It seems unlikely that Martin would have been able to do so based on the fact that he has no history of violence, no criminal record as well as no reason to approach Zimmerman and instigate this type of act.

It is not surprise at all that a statement like this was given by the killer because it gives him some justification in the shooting of Martin through the Florida stand your ground law, but what I am astonished by is the lack of evidence to argue Zimmerman’s point.

Where are the photographs that show Zimmerman’s broken nose or bloodied, grass-stained clothes?

Where are the actual garments he wore that night or the hospital records confirming his story?

These blatant attempts at demonizing Martin may make the case for why Zimmerman would have chosen to murder him in his opinion, but in many others it seems he is falsely accusing Martin in order to cover up the killing of an innocent boy who performed no other criminal act than walking while black; and will not be inclined to think otherwise until the incriminating evidence is presented in its entirety. The hearing for this murder is scheduled for April 10th.

NUBIAN MESSAGE

MAR. 28TH, 2012 | PAGE 5

PAF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 14th in the West Campus Amphitheater. Collier says the event will give current students an opportunity to network with alumni, fellowship with friends, and enjoy the festivities before the annual step show that night.

New to Pan Afrikan this year is the 100 Black Affair, which was an annual semiformal event sponsored by W.E.S.T and Collegiate 100 which traditionally took place outside of Pan Afrikan Week.

Nina Scott-Emuakpor stated “The 100 Black Affair is all about celebration. We are celebrating excellence in the African American community. This is a time to get dressed up and really bask in the accomplishments of our people. WEST and the Collegiate 100 are thrilled to have this event be a part of Pan Afrikan week” . Other events for the week include the National Pan-Hellenic Council Pan Afrikan Step Show, a comedy show featuring Lil Duval Events List: Monday April 9th PAKO (PanAf KickOff) Harris Field 2 pm - FREE ***GIVEAWAYS*** Mr. and Ms. Pan Afrikan Scholarship Pageant Talley Ballroom 6 pm - FREE Tuesday April 10th Brickyard Cookout Sponsored by BAS Brickyard 11 am - FREE AATS 15th Annual Fashion Expose Stewart Theatre 7 pm - $$ Wednesday April 11th Black Culture Rocks Sponsored by SAAC Talley Ballroom 4 pm - FREE DanceVisions Spring Dance Concert Stewart Theatre 7 pm - $$ Thursday April 12th Taste of NC State Sponsored by DAB Harris Field 4 pm - FREE

100 Black Affair Sponsored by W.E.S.T. and Collegiate 100 Talley Ballroom 9 pm - $10 singles, $15 for two Friday April 13th Pan Af Comedy Show ft Lil Duval and Benji Brown Sponsored by BSB Stewart Theatre *doors open at 6 pm $5 w/ NCSU ID, $10 others Saturday April 14th BAS Pre-Step Show Cookout and Concert West Campus Amphitheatre 12 pm FREE NPHC Step Show Stewart Theatre *doors open at 5:30 pm - $$ Sunday April 15th Soulfood Sunday Sponsored by BSB Witherspoon 2 pm - FREE Black Finesse Spring Showcase Stewart Theatre 7 pm - $$ Africa Night Sponsored by African Student Union Riddick Hall - 7 pm - $$

“Suspicious” On February 23rd, Trayvon Martin was gunned down in Sanford, Florida allegedly because he looked suspicious... So I wrote this poem which is a compilation of the times when I may have looked suspicious...

Do I look suspicious when I walk down the street and you slide over to the edge of the sidewalk or clutch your purse?

Do I look suspicious when I walk in a store and you ask me repeatedly do I need help, after I said I was just looking?

Do I look suspicious when you proceed to follow me around the store?

Do I look suspicious when I’m walking to my car in the parking deck and you repeatedly double lock your doors?

Do I look suspicious when I’m driving a nice car?

Do I look suspicious when you get yet another crime alert that says a crime was committed by a “dark-complexioned” male?

Do I look supicious because of your misconceptions from TV? Do I look suspicious when you pick every other seat in the classroom, besides the one next to the “black guy?”

Do I look suspicious when I don’t have NC State plastered across my chest?

Do I look suspicious when I’m dressed like Trayvon, but yet get weird looks around campus when I’m dressed in a shirt and tie?

Do I look suspicious, or is it just the color of my skin?

- Anonymous Author

Applications for Nubian Message Editor End Thursday Applications are still being accepted for editor of Nubian Message, the weekly sentinel of the African-American community at N.C. State celebrating its 20th year of publication in 2012-2013. The Nubian Message editor will being his or her term in office the day after the last day of classes in the spring semester and continue until the last day of classes in the following spring.

QUALIFICATIONS The candidate must have been a member of that medium for at least two full semesters.* The candidate must have at least two semesters remaining as an N.C. State University student.*

The candidate must have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average and must maintain a 2.50 semester and cumulative GPA. The candidate must be a fulltime N.C. State University student.

The candidate must be free of active disciplinary sanctions, subject to the review of the Office of Student Conduct.

The candidate must agree to attend all required training.

For the University regulation for undergraduate student leadership, consult regulation 11.55.6. * The board may decide to waive this requirement.

For more information visit: www.ncsu.edu/sma

MALE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 writes, does not tell you what a person looks like. “All IrishAmerican don’t look alike. Why then, accept a description that says a suspect was African-American?”

Some students share a difference of opinion. Lvi Diggs, a Sophomore stated ““I don’t think it’s clear because as you can see there are a lot of different races on our campus. And, the first person people think [in my opinion] about is a black person, but there are also Indian and Latino races that can be dark skinned as well. ‘Dark skin’ is a very vague and ambiguous phrase. I think it makes people more cautious of dark skin black males [at night].”

Paul Vandergrift, a Freshman said ““It’s a little unfair but then again you’re describing someone. So, you have to be as simple as possible. It’s unfair because they say dark-skin male and that’s a huge population of our campus. Would we still feel the way if it were light-skin or white male? Has there ever been an alternate phrase? So far it’s always been a dark-skin male. If it is crime, it is a crime. What point does it even matter? It paints a very dark color for a whole population of people and it sucks. If there weren’t any injustice we wouldn’t have to worry about it?

As an African American male, it is pretty disheartening.”

Ashley Davis, a junior in said ““I don’t think it’s clear because as you can see there are a lot of different races on our campus.

And, the first person people think [in my opinion] about is a black person, but there are also Indian and Latino races that can be dark skinned as well. ‘Dark skin’ is a very vague and ambiguous phrase. I think it makes people more cautious of dark skin black males [at night].

Moorman said that campus police is always looking for feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and has even agreed to attend a campus town hall forum where students will have the chance the voice their opinions.

PAGE 6 |MAR. 28TH 2012 The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment

BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. Starships- Nicki Minaj 2. Wild Ones- FloRida feat. Sia 3.Take CareDrake feat. Rihanna 4. Turn Me On- David Guetta and Nicki Minaj 5. Young, Wild and FreeSnoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars 6. The Motto- Drake feat. Lil Wayne 7. Rack City- Tyga 8. International Love- Pitbull feat. Chris Brown

WKNC’s UNDERGROUND Top 5 of the Week 1 BROTHER ALI - I Can’t Wait 2 THEESATISFACTION - Enchantruss 3 BOWTIE SLIM - “Hip Hop” [Single] 4 NINJASONIK - Turned Up 5 ROC MARCIANO - Reloaded Self-Released Listen to Underground Radio on WKNC 88.1 FM...

Sunday 12 - 2AM Sunday 10PM-12AM Monday 8PM - 12AM Tuesday 12-2AM Saturday 10PM-12AM

Inspirational Songs of the Week James Fortune & Fiya - Still Able Earnest Pugh - I Need Your Glory William McDowell - I Won’t Go Back Donald Lawrence - Spiritual

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NUBIAN MESSAGE

Interview with LifEKiT In their humble dwellings of Durham, North Carolina, a small group of diverse thinkers conceived a global movement of self-discovery and collective growth. The principles Love, Energy, Knowledge, and Time guide their collection of jewelry, apparel, and an assortment of other enjoyable extras; all of which aim to arouse a progressive and genuine conversation in the hearts and minds of those willing to be the change they wish to see. - LifeKiT Lifestyle Co.

INTERVIEW BY LAMONT LILLY/GUEST COLUMNIST Lamont Lilly: From what I understand, you three gentleman have founded an apparel and accessory brand called LifEKiT Lifestyle Co. So what is LifEKiT? What’s the LifEKiT brand all about?

LK: LifEKiT Lifestyle Co. is an apparel and accessories brand founded right here in Durham, North Carolina. It actually stands for Love, Energy, Knowledge, and Time. These are the acronyms that represent the brand—the principles in which we choose to enforce LifEKiT’s messages through social media, and other things we do to promote the business as a whole. We thought those four principles were important because they’re something everyone can identify with. Love, Energy, Knowledge and Time are elements we all need in life.

Lamont Lilly: When was LifEKiT founded and how did the group come together?

LK: During a rather uneventful spring-break in 2008, two of us began designing alternatives to the growing fad of Rosaries and “Jesus Heads” necklaces. Instead of using religious symbols we designed beaded neckwear with the use of more “universal symbolism.” The initial designs were aimed to capture the imagination of the wearer and provoke selfreflection. Then we started a blog that featured our designs and provided commentary on the “soft urban” culture beginning to take momentum in the fashion industry.

At the time, Austin was just coming back from an internship in Kenya. It was the perfect time to develop a brand that was not only fashion forward, but socially conscious. This led to the incorporation of LifEKiT in 2009.

Lamont Lilly: I heard you all recently exhibited at one of the world’s largest fashion conventions in Las Vegas this past February called The Magic Show. How did you do? How was the brand’s showing?

LK: Well, our first two shows were in Brooklyn and D.C., but they were trunk shows. Great prep! But with Vegas being our first tradeshow we really didn’t know what to expect, so we went as hard as we could, Bear-Head and all. We had a strong team that worked the crowd. We as founders, manned the both and handled wholesale orders. Initially, it was a challenge explaining the brand to someone who’s never heard of you before but we soon got the hang of it. We met some amazing people, made long-term industry contacts and had the chance to see what it takes to be a “Big Dog” in the game. The drive from Raleigh-Durham to Sin City was well worth it.

Lamont Lilly: Wait a minute. Did you say you all drove from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to Las Vegas, Nevada?

What was that trip like?

LK: Mildly uncomfortable…but we made it a blast! We rented a 15-passenger van, packed it with enough food and supplies to last us two days and rolled out. Five interns and our elder-statesman helped us make the drive and navigate our way through America’s prairies and mountain ranges.

Good music, good laughs and excitement for the show kept

our spirits high. And of course we would’ve made the trip without visiting the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. It was Life Changing!

Lamont Lilly: Let me ask you something; when someone wears an article from your brand, what are they receiving from the experience? I mean, how does LifEKiT connect with people?

LK: Our story is the people’s story.

LifEKiT is merely a reflection—a reflection of a generation that aspires to be great, one that demands true social change. Products are inspired directly from our personal experiences and daily observations.

This allows customers to connect on a more intimate level. LifEKiT is a voice within a culPhoto by LifeKIT Lifestyle Co. ture of influencers, visionaries, and game changers.

Lamont Lilly: What’s this “Stay Humble” campaign about?

I’ve been seeing it everywhere—on buttons, on stickers, on t-shirts. It really seems to connect with everyone.

LK: Our goal of the Stay Humble Campaign is to spread empathy, encourage social awareness and the giving to those less fortunate. It’s no secret that the ego is at the basis of all human interaction and reasoning. It’s our contention that if we all strive to “stay humble” and minimize some of the negativity that derives from our ego the world will be a better place, by all means.

Lamont Lilly: Is LifEKiT in retail stores yet?

LK: We’re actually in the process of solidifying wholesale contracts with both domestic and international retailers. The goal is to develop a reputation for quality and proficiency that allows us to secure long-term retail opportunities.

Lamont Lilly: So how do we get some LifEKiT? LK: Currently we operate an online store at lifekitlifestyle. com where really our products are just a click away. You can check the blog at lkallday.tumblr.com and Follow us via twitter @LifEKiT. And of course we’re on Facebook.

Lamont Lilly: What’s next for LifEKiT Lifestyle? Where do you all see the company in say, five years?

LK: Actually, that’s the 11 million dollar question. We have a vision in our heads that we move towards every day. We plan on making Raleigh-Durham our home for a while, but of course travel as often as possible on our trade-show and pop-up shop tour. However, in the next five years we see ourselves as a leader in the industry and a trusted voice of our generation. With this voice we hope to be a catalyst for conversations that lead to a more benevolent yet stylish civilization.

Lamont Lilly: Thank you for your time, brothers. To join the LifEKiT Movement, once again, you can plug in at www. lifekitlifestyle.com. For additional articles, interviews and commentary Follow me via twitter @LamontLilly. Peace and God bless.

LIFESTYLES

NUBIAN MESSAGE

MAR. 28TH, 2012 | PAGE 7

CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN CHIEF AND JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGING EDITOR

Zydeco

Have you ever had that moment when you got tired of going to the dining hall, got tired of going to the Atrium/Talley, and just wanted a good home cooked meal at an affordable price. Only problem is you didn’t know where to go? Here are a couple of options around Raleigh that you may want to check out when you get a chance.

Zydeco Downtown is a New Orleans style Jazz Lounge and Restaurant located in downtown Raleigh near Moore Square. It is owned by former New England Patriot and Superbowl champ Antwan Harris. The restaurant features live entertainment and music for your soul on Wednesday-Saturday evenings with musicians such as Marcus Anderson and the Capital City Steppers. There is also an Apollo Night and Sunday Buffet for customers to enjoy. Along with the entertainment, the restaurant has some of the best Cajun based Southern cuisine you can find in the area.. Zydeco is highly recommended and a great place for a date, to enjoy a family dinner or to celebrate your birthday with your friends in style with delicious food and a classy, yet chill atmosphere that you'll absolutely love.

208 Wolfe Street Raleigh, NC 27601

D&S Cafeteria

D&S Cafeteria was established in 2010, when K&S Cafeteria went out of business. D&S promises to take great pride in it’s homecooked quality and value. If you come to D&S with an empty stomach, you will leave pretty “full” as they offer reasonable portions of food at a very affordable price. From looking at the parking lot and the full house, it appears that D&S must be doing something right.

1177 Buck Jones Road Raleigh, NC 27606

Larry’s Southern Kitchen

Larry’s Southern Kitchen which is located off of Tryon Rd, near the Walmart on Fayetteville street is a restaurant you must try. While there one of the cooks was quoted saying “This is the food that will make you want to go to sleep,” after eating. Larry’s offers a soulfood buffet at $9 with offerings such as fried chicken, bbq chicken, chicken & dumplings, collard greens, stewed potatoes, cabbage, and the list goes on. The Restaurant also offers a take out buffet as well, as regular menu items. If you’ve been missing a home cooked meal, Larry’s is definitely the place to check out.

330 Tryon Road Raleigh, NC 27603

Lee’s Kitchen

Lee’s Kitchen promises that it is the best kept secret in town. The restaurant has been said to offer “tantalizing and delicious” jamaican and southern cuisine. The biggest items on their menu is their oxtails, fried chicken, curry chicken, ribs, macaroni & cheese, and yams. Lee’s Kitchen says that it offers customers a fresh taste, quick service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Lee’s might be a restaurant that you want to try out if you are ever in the Capital Blvd. area.

4638 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27604

Jack’s Seafood and Soulfood

Jack’s Seafood is another option for ou to try out. They offer a variety of different foods that promise to meet your needs. One downside of Jack’s seafood is that there was not a lot of room to sit down. However, the restuaruant does offer reasonably priced food in a “relaxed, welcoming” setting.

1516 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, NC 27610

Keep up with us 24/7 at TheNubianMessage.com “Let Your Voice Be Heard”

PAGE 8 |MAR. 28TH 2012

Advice Column Dear Nubian Queen, This is my last semester at NC State and I hope to obtain full time employment after graduation. I have my first interview in two weeks and I want to be prepared and make sure that I am selling myself in the most positive light. Please help me with any ideas you think would help during the preparation process.

Sincerely, Interviewee Dear Interviewee, Congratulations! I know that this time can be extremely stressful as you prepare to begin your professional career. Many people go to interviews unprepared and as a result do not receive an employment offer. However, with preparation, practice, and proper interview etiquette the offers are sure to come. I have learned that the key to a successful interview is to know what the employer is going to ask before they ask it.

The first suggestion that I would like to make is to research the organization in advance. It will benefit you substantially to take the time to visit the organizations website and take note of their culture, values, goals, and strategic initiatives. If you display your knowledge about their organization during the interview and incorporate their values and goals into your responses it will enhance your overall chance of success. Also, make sure that you are familiar with the position in which you are applying by using job descriptions and know how your knowledge, skills, and abilities align with the position. In addition, my professor informed me of a website called glassdoor.com. This website is an amazing resource that helped me on my past interviews. Once you make an account you will have access to countless organizations and their salary information. Most importantly, the interview questions that the employer has asked in the past to hopeful candidates.

Secondly, I suggest that you practice selling yourself in the interview. Define the opportunities that you want in a career, be honest, and realistic. It is important that you anticipate questions that the employer may ask and practice. Be prepared to talk about your resume, career goals, and know how to answer behavioral interview questions. For example, “Tell me about an experience where you discovered a quality problem with a product or service. Describe what you did to correct the problem and highlight any processes or procedures you developed to prevent reoccurrence?” That question can be tough if you are not prepared. Before you attend the interview recall recent situations that showcase your customer service skills, leadership, teamwork, and conflict management skills. While preparing your description of each situation make sure to highlight the situation, task, action, and result.

Lastly, make sure that you dress to impress and follow-up. Women should wear a dark suit, light colored shirt, and dark shoes. Be modest and of course no cleavage! Make up should be mild and accessories should be minimal. Men should also where a solid color dark suit accompanied with a nice shirt and tie. If you have your ears pierced please do not wear earrings to the interview. I repeat, men do not wear earrings to an interview. You only have one opportunity to create a good first impression. After the completion of the interview send a thank you email or letter to each person you interviewed with. Basically, this is another opportunity to remind them of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. I hope this helps with your interview and good luck!

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Excellence ALEXIS TEASDELL | STAFF WRITER

What is excellence? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, excellence is "the quality of being very good of its kind". To me excellence is more than that. Excellence means to exhibit greatness in one’s field and to be outstanding amongst all.

I analyze the definition by Merriam-Webster, and I question, what is my “kind”? Is it Female? Is it African-American? Is it American? Looking at history, those who were excellent defied the boundaries placed on them by these “kinds.” Phillis Wheatley, a worldrenowned poet defied the odds placed on her by being female as well as a slave. She was a published author in a time when African Americans were viewed as subpar and treated as less than human by society. Many women were uneducated and many African Americans were not allowed to be literate. Despite these odds she excelled to be greater than many of the white male authors who wished to have their work published and were unsuccessful. She was excellent because she was good of all kinds.

In July of 1969, Americans, Neal Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, were excellent as they were the first of man to step foot on the moon. In a time where there was fierce tension between the United States and Russia to be academically smarter and more technologically advanced these men exhibited excellence. By doing what was once viewed as impossible they surpassed all other country's men and were good amongst all kinds.

Then my question would be, what is “good” and how can one attain it? It is not easy to be “good of all kinds” if your “kind” is what society views as an obstacle. Society can be a great supporter as well as a blindfold to one’s greatness. Excellence will not come from laziness, and hard work will not come without motivation. But, when society sometimes accepts mediocrity, terms such as, “You’re doing too much” or “All of that isn’t necessary,” may be present to the pre-excellent mind. This can blind the trailblazer of their true destiny; to be excellent. Excellence should never be viewed as “doing too much.” Excellence should be viewed as doing what is habitual. When one has become determined to defy the odds placed upon them by society, peers or even one’s self, they have begun to fulfill what they have been placed on this earth to do. To be great.