NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM |WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Breaking down barriers: Diversity in action, not words p.2
Actress Laverne Cox visits N.C. State
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THISISSUE 3 Weekend Debate Review
4 Disturbed it took athletes to influence change at Mizzou COVER PHOTO: NC State students pose in solidarity to show support for the University of Missouri students who gained national attention last week after their activism on campus in regards to incidents of racism resulted in the university’s top administrators resignation. “The purpose of the Blackout was to do a visible campus demonstration in solidarity with students around the country who are experiencing racism on their campuses, in light of what’s been going on at the University of Missouri, said the organizer, Jasmine Cannon and senior in women and gender studies. “It was a very intentional event created for students in a highly traveled place on campus, but also a chance for university administration to see some of what students are passionate about and identify with. The activism on the campus of Mizzou and other colleges across the country has ignited dialogue regarding race and diversity at PWIs. Photo by Cristina Wright
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7 Five Steps to Snag & Enjoy that ideal date The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992. Editor-in-Chief Christopher Hart-Williams 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.
Managing Editor Nia Doaks Design Editor Lica Mishelle
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 | 3
Breaking down barriers: Diversity in action, not words jillian Smith | STAFF WRITER zoe wilson | correspondent
The United States does not have the best track record when it comes to accepting people of different ethnic backgrounds, however, there has been a greater effort recently to heal the racial scars left by our history by embracing diversity. Mckalya Wabalas, a freshman studying communication, was surprised to learn in her freshman orientation class that diversity was more than just merely having the presence of multiple identity groups. “I realized that the most important part of diversity is the cooperation and mutual respect between different racial groups. You can’t have true diversity without everyone agreeing to work together towards a common goal,” Wabalas said. Different men, women and other identifying students of unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds represent NC State. One way to effectively educate students about the importance of accepting every race is by explaining what diversity truly entails. “We must create an atmosphere where individuals experience educational freedom and are comfortable learning and exploring,” Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement posted on the NC State website. “In order for this to be achieved, it is absolutely necessary for us at NC State to understand the importance of diversity and the role it plays in
our lives.” Although information regarding diversity is readily available for students, it is more difficult to see this information in action. The real difficulty when it comes to diversity is using the knowledge to actually create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and equally accepted. Comfort is key to diversity according to student diversity coordinator Joe Johnson. “People need to be comfortable with themselves to want to engage someone else who is different,” he says.
ilar people,” he counters Putnam’s argument saying that “repeated cross cultural dialogue will allow you to be more comfortable with diversity because it gives you an opportunity to look beyond the visible identities and ask about the hidden identities where you could find a shared likeness.” NC State has an incredibly diverse campus. There are people from different areas of the state, people from different states and people from different countries all inhabiting the same space. Each person has their own experience, their own story
“People need to be comfortable with themselves to want to engage someone else who is different.” According to social scientist Robert Putnam’s survey of 30,000 Americans, there is a strong positive relationship between interracial trust and ethnic homogeneity. This essentially means that Americans who live in more ethnically diverse communities reported being less likely to trust others. Putnam argues that, “diversity is turning us into a nation of turtles, hunkered down with our heads in our shells.” While Johnson agrees that “people with shared experiences are likely to feel more comfortable around sim-
that they bring to this campus, but simply celebrating and promoting diversity is not going to break down natural, psychological barriers we each have. “Being aware that we all have biases and that they impact our ability to interact with each other at times,” is what Johnson considers the first step to becoming a truly diverse group of students. We all place people into stereotypes and categorize each other based on appearance, which is completely natural. It is important,
however, to not let these categorizations to influence how we treat that person. That is the definition of prejudice and discrimination. While America has come a long way in fostering diversity, but we still have a long journey ahead until true systemic change can happen. Carrying out systematic change We first need to identify the problem according to Johnson. Today’s problems with race are not overt and outright such as the pre-Civil Rights Jim Crow laws of the South and segregation. The problems we identify are the prejudices left behind by that period of time that lead to micro-aggressive behaviors, as well as systematic biases against minorities. There are various ways to be proactive, but according to Johnson, the best way to do so is to “be willing to ask your fellow classmates to ask about them and look beyond the visible identities and ask about the hidden identities because there you might find shared likenesses,” he said. As stated before, being aware of these biases is the best way to fight them. This recognition has to happen on a personal level. What we can do as a collective, however, is make a commitment to have a proactive attitude, rather than waiting for a problem to react to.
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Showing of historic Native American film informs campus of past plight threa almontaser | correspondent The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosted two showings of the film “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” in Witherspoon Cinema Thurs. Nov.12 and Sat. Nov. 14, which depicts Native American people’s lives in the mid-1800s. The showings are a part of a series of events that honor indigenous cultures for Native American Heritage Month. This historical film is a personal look at the human pain and suffering experienced by Native people who were forced into American assimilation in the mid-1800s. Director Yves Simoneau explored the plight of westward expansion on these individuals in a very powerful mixture of unique characters and engaging visuals. “I think it gives a good perspective of Native people. It’s an incredible story that hasn’t really been told like this before and needs to be heard,” said Farrah Saleh, a junior studying business marketing. The story begins with the Sioux victory at Little Big Horn. It later interlocks with the main characters: Charles Eastman played by Adam Beach, Sitting Bull played by August Schellenberg, and Senator Henry Dawes played by Aidan Quinn. The first is a Sioux doctor, the second a proud Lakota chief, and the last works in the government policy for Indian affairs. Humane treatment is lobbied for, a prophetic dance that promises the end of suffering is expressed, and a massacre is undergone. The film depicts the widely popular book by Dee Brown published in 1971. His works document the oppression of American Indians during the late 19th century. The butchery of the Sioux may be considered one of the most significant carnages in United States History. Assistant Director of Native American Student Affairs, Brittany Hunt said, “‘Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,’ was selected as a film choice because it truly illuminates the reality of the treatment of Native people in America not only during the mid to late 1800’s, but throughout the course of colonialism.” The movie is significant because it portrays a history that
was almost removed by not only media, but public school system’s curriculum as well, according to Hunt. The film shows “the systematic and violent eradication of Native culture and traditions at the hands of the US Government,” she said. These ideas are now brought up in the front of campus awareness. “November ending and Thanksgiving passing doesn’t mean this work will cease,” Hunt said. “The spirit of the month will fuel our strides on this campus to create a historically accurate depiction of Native history, as well as to provide opportunities for all students to learn of America’s truths.” Hunt credits Hannah Fennell, Chair of the Union Activities Board (UAB) Films Committee, for a successful partnership. “Fennell and the entire UAB team did an amazing job and have been helpful since we approached them with this idea back in September,” Hunt said. The Office of Native American Student Affairs (ONASA) at NC State created a distinctive curriculum that endorses student achievement with an emphasis on Native American students. According to their website, “The programs and services expand students’ cultural horizon while honoring their respective cultural experiences.” A few of these include Native American Heritage Month, annual POW WOW, and Native American Symposium. For more information, the Office of Native American Student Affairs can be found in the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs.
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Weekend debate Review jillian Smith | STAFF WRITER
Republican Debate Highlights
Democratic Debate Highlights
-The Fourth Republican Presidential Debate took place on Nov. 10, 2015 in Milwaukee, WI. -The eight candidates facing off were business mogul Donald Trump, neurosurgeon Ben -Carson, Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), former Florida governor Jeb Bush, former HP executive Carly Fiorina, Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Rand Paul (KY). -The focus of the debate was the economy with minimum wage, tax reform, economic growth and foreign affairs taking precedence. -The first question was about the demand to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. -This was posed to Trump, Carson and Rubio, all of whom said they would not raise the minimum wage. -Kasich was certainly the most talkative of the night, often commenting on other candidates questions and responses, and ignoring moderator’s requests to let the other candidates speak. Whether it was the aggressive nature of his interjections or the lack of merit they held, he was not well-received by the audience. -Rubio preached the ideal of the American Dream repeatedly, also advocating for more vocational training as well as more affordable secondary education for young people. -Trump fell flat. He made no outrageous statements that grabbed people’s attention and coupled with a lack of real policy platform, he seemed truly out of his league for the first time. -Bush was relatively boring making more memorable statements about why Hillary -Clinton should not be president than why he should be. -Fiorina had some sharp ideas and powerful bipartisan statements, but each led back to her t main points: a zero-base budget (refreshing the budget annually without reference to the previous year) and a three-page tax code. -Facebook was the source used for most statistical data on voter opinions and concerns. -Best phrase of the night: “That is an excellent question and let me begin by answering it,” Marco Rubio
-The Second Democratic Debate took place on Nov. 14, 2015 in Des Moines, IA. -Candidates for the Democratic nomination are Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders and Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley. -John Dickerson was the moderator and was slated as the “winner” of the debate due to sharp, poignet questions as well as stringent control of the debate. (POLITICO) -CBS News significantly reworked its plans for the Democratic presidential debate to focus more on issues of terrorism, national security and foreign relations after the deadly attacks according to the New York Times. -The debate began with an opportunity for each candidate to express their thoughts on Paris. -Sanders cut this question short, saying two sentences on the tragedy of the attacks and how disgusted he is, he quickly dove into his domestic economic platform, again revealing his foreign policy weakness. -Both Clinton and O’Malley used this question to address their foreign policy plans, especially in dealing with “the undoubted evil,” of ISIS as O’Malley put it. -Sanders defended his belief that climate change is a root cause of unrest in the Middle East and one of our most prominent threats to foreign security. He believes global climate change leads to food, water and land shortages and therefore increased violence. -Clinton was very careful not to say “islamists” when discussing the Middle East and terror attacks. Her coined phrase was “radical jihadists.” -Both Clinton and Sanders advocated for stricter gun control laws and closing the “gun show” loophole. -Twitter was the social media of choice with real-time tweets using #demdebate and constant monitoring of which candidate was receiving the most tweets -Honestly, Martin O’Malley killed it, he brought strong, real answers, humor and honesty.
Winner: Marco Rubio (POLITICO) Loser: John Kasich (POLITICO)
Mixed results on who was the winner of the debate. Some called it a tie. Clinton is still leading overwhelmingly in the polls. (The New York Times)
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Opinion: Disturbed it took athletes to influence change at Mizzou Chauncey Bowden | Correspondent
Undoubtedly many people have heard what happened at the University of Missouri. Whether it’s the photographs of colleges students around the United States voicing their support for the African-American student body and the abundance of the “Concerned Student 1950” hashtag. The University of Missouri, or Mizzou, is showing just how powerful black activism can be. Or is it? While Mizzou has recently been in the spotlight for demanding the resignation of their president, Tim Wolfe, racism at the institution is nothing new. An article written by Matt Ferner and Nick Wing of the Huffington Post highlighted just a few of the highly offensive, and sometimes violent threats uttered openly and privately by White students at the University. These offenses include racial slurs towards students and professors; swastika symbols smeared on a dorm bathroom in human feces; and terrorist threats via the social media app, Yik Yak. Even after President Tim Wolfe announced on November 9 that he would be resigning, the threats made on Nov. 10 by a white male named Hunter Parks, illustrated that the University still has quite a ways to go in combating racism. Despite this, many rejoiced at the progress made by the students at Mizzou, and celebrated their tenacity. In spite of all the joy that comes with such great strides, there is still a constant question lingering in my mind - would this success have been possible without the protests of student athletes? Racism at Mizzou has long existed and students have long advocated for a change. From protests that directly confronted Tim Wolfe, to a hunger strike led by masters student, Jordan Butler.
Yet, it wasn’t until student athletes intentionally became a part of the protest that change actually occurred. Wolfe resigned from his position as president less than 48 hours after several African-American football players threatened to boycott their game against Brigham Young University; this game would have allegedly cost the university $1 million if it was canceled. It’s no surprise that sports bring money into universities. According to the Triangle Business Journal NC State allocated $70 million towards an athletic budget for the 2014-2015 school year. This figure is up $10 million from the budget two years ago. There are numerous ways NC State generates the revenue for such a budget, including a fee of $232 per student. Such a large budget indicates just how profitable athletics are to universities, with NC State being no exception. Business came to a near halt when approximately 30 black men decided to boycott a football game. One football game forced a president of a university to resign. Even after students blocked Tim Wolfe’s car, it wasn’t until these athletes became an active part of the struggle was he forced to resign. If it appears that I’m saying the same thing three different ways, then you’re correct. Yes, it is incredible that this small group of men were able illustrate the power of civil disobedience. But does anyone else think that it was slap in the face to the numerous students who had been protesting for months, if not years?
Yes, these men should be applauded for using their privilege for the greater good but we must acknowledge that it is privilege nonetheless, privilege that most African-Americans do not possess. I came across a column on Twitter that celebrated the power of the black male athlete and it is extremely problematic. The events at Mizzou seem to imply that blacks are only important to a university because of their athletic abilities and as a result are only as valuable as the revenue that they bring to schools. This is nothing more than an incredibly backhanded compliment. The events at Mizzou are eerily reminiscent of Kanye West’s “All Falls Down” when he states, “Cause they make us hate ourself and love they wealth.That’s why shortys hollering “where the ballas’ at? Drug dealer buy Jordans, crack-head buy crack. And a white man get paid off of all of that.” I know plenty of incredibly talented black students at NC State who don’t play a sport. These students should be regarded with the same care and concern as any student on this campus - black or white, athlete or not.
Opinion
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 | 7
five steps to Snag & Enjoy that ideal date Stephanie tate | Correspondent BeN Assefa | Correspondent
Hi friends, we hope that everyone is doing well and that your semesters are wrapping up smoothly. With the winter approaching it seems as though more and more students around campus are getting “booed up”. We know that you’re probably trying to reach the next level with that boy or girl in your calculus class, and we here at the Nubian are here to help. Here is a five step outline to help you get the ball rolling on your cuffing season. DISCLAIMER: This five step outline for how to ask someone out is contingent upon you getting to know them first. PLEASE DO NOT PRACTICE THIS ON STRANGERS. 1. Initiate Convo: Guys, there’s no reason to “slide” in the DMs. We live in a day and age where there are a plethora of ways to get into communication with an individual. Alternatives: Actually walking up to a human being. Spark up a conversation. Nothing wrong with a little small talk. Receptiveness is key. 2. Figure out mutual interest: Build off that. This development can lead to a much higher success rate at getting a first date. Tips: Folks, please, keep in mind “Expectations vs Reality.” Wherever you go, make sure you know it’s somewhere you’ll both like and somewhere you don’t have to take another student loan out. 3. Date Time: Mutual interest has been built. Date and Location has been set. What to do next? Determine if you’re gonna meet there or carpool. Keep some small talk in mind, beforehand. You’d rather be over prepared than under prepared. Here’s where you can really get to know the person across from you. Not feeling the setting? Be spontaneous. Just leave and head somewhere else. No reason to crash and burn.
4. The date is concluding. Hopefully you’ve both had a good time and the possibility of a second date is in the near future. Mention another spot you think might be enjoyed by the both of you. Go for subtle. Not pushy. 5. The date has concluded. Hopefully you’ve both had a good time. But, now, here is where you must gauge for yourself. Contact is essential to keeping things active and not completely throwing away all the progress we’ve just made following steps 1-4. So, give it some time, allow for breathing space (because who wants to be suffocated, am I right?). Keep the conversation light and casual and between Date1 and the hopeful Date2. Here’s where you can go for something a little more than subtle, but still definitely not pushy. Hopefully some of these tips are helpful and the winter isn’t as cold as you thought it’d be. Below are a few cool places to consider. All very “cost affordable” (most even free).
CREATIVE DATE LOCATION IDEAS Off Campus: Pullen Park Museum Of Natural Science First Friday Lake Wheeler Lake Johnston Farmers Market -Trampoline Park -Oishi Restaurant on -Sushi Nine -The Pit
On Campus: -JC Raulston Arboretum -Witherspoon Cinema -1887 Bistro -Picnic at the Court of Carolina or the Belltower -Craft Center classes -Acapella Concerts -Smoothie U