THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. X, ISSUE 10 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n NOV.30th, 2011
19
YEARS OF SERVICE
On September 24th, 1992 many students gathered in the Brickyard to protest an editiorial that was written in a previous edition of the Technician. In the months prior many students lobbied for a free standing African American Cultural Center on the campuses of NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. In the editorial Steve Crisp called the protesters of the cause racists which drew much criticism. So on the morning of the 24th, students gathered in the Brickyard and burned copied of the Technician and called for the creation of a newspaper that would give African American students a visible voice on campus and would later be coined “The Nubian Message.” 19 Years Ago, the first issue of the Nubian Message was released to the public. From that point on the publication promised to be the Sentinel of the African American Community at NC State. This photo was featured in a 1992 edition of the Technician
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What’s Happening on Campus The Nubian Message wishes you the best on your upcoming exams and hopes that you will continue reading the publication in 2012. It has been a successful year thus far and we hope to continue that into the next year.
The History of the Nubian Message
Keep up with the Nubian Message 24/7 at TheNubianMessage. com
The Nubian Message serves as the voice of the African American Community at NC State. It was created in 1992 after a huge dispute regarding a controversial article printed by a writer from the Technician. This article criticized rallies that were occurring during this period at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State regarding the demand for the creation of African American Cultural Centers. The writer depicted the activist as racist for lobbying for a center that was meant to educated students about African American Culture. Students at NC State combated this article by standing up for what they believed in. On September 24, 1992, over 200 students rallied in the brickyard protesting the unjust article and burning copies of the Technician. These students sought for their voices to be heard and their courage and determination lead to a publication that would make a lasting impact on the campus.
SHANIQUA TAYLOR | LAYOUT EDITOR
NCSU chapter of NABA Fall Fundraiser When: Dec. 5th & 6th, all day Where: Moe’s Southwest Grill (Cameron Village) Mention NABA and 20% of proceeds will be donated to NABA at NCSU
The first edition of the Nubian Message was published on November 30, 1992. Students managed to publish the first article without the help of the University. They did not receive any funding from the university nor were they allowed to use any of their equipment. Students were even forced to work on the paper at North Carolina Central University. Thankfully, organizations such as the National Panhellenic Council, Society of African American culture, National Society of Black Engineers and the Student Mentor Association helped the Nubian with funding. The Nubian Message was formed to offer the black perspective and allow students to express, learn, and engage in their culture through this publication. Tony Williamson, the first editor-in-chief, expressed that this was a dream come true for himself, other students, and more importantly future African American students. He stated, “The Nubian Message should and will be the voice for African-Americans at N.C. State,” he wrote. “It will be a publication in which people can learn about different aspects of our culture, as well as find out useful information about campus.” It is imperative that we continue to support the Nubian Message. While the paper is still being successfully printed each week, there is always room for new people on staff that will be dedicated to carrying on the vision and dream of individuals like Tony Williamson.
Nubian Message Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University since 1992
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT EDITOR@NUBIAN.NCSU.EDU
CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGIING EDITOR SHANIQUA TAYLOR | LAYOUT EDITOR
STAFF WRITERS: MADAVIA JOHNSON HIND MALIK ASHLEY GAIE KIERRA LEGGET YOLANDA RAY ALEXIS TEASDELL TEVIN BYRD CHELSEA GARDNER KELVIN CARTER PHOTOGRAPHERS: KAREEM WILLAMS MELVIN MOORE 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.
Locations Avent Ferry Complex Brooks Hall Caldwell Hall Harrelson Hall DH HILL LIBRARY Witherspoon Student Center
325/326 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 Facebook.com/NubianMessage
NUBIAN MESSAGE
NUBIAN MESSAGE TOP 19 TOPICS OF THE PAST
NOV. 30TH, 2011 | PAGE 3
1. Students Protest Proposed Changes to African American Cultural Center - In 2001, A proposal was made to move the African American Cultural Center to the 2nd Floor of Witherspoon in order to make space for Student Governement, UAB, and an expansion of Student Media. The proposal received a lot of protest from Students and Faculty, and the change did not take place. 2. On Saturday, April 1st, 1995 the Student Annex Center was renamed after Dr. Augustus M. Witherspoon. He is the first African American to have a building named after him on campus and the second African American to attain a doctoral degree from the university. 3. Uniting for a Common Cause - Over the years the Nubian Message has highlighted the beautiful moments when the university is able to unite in times of tragedy and sorrow. Examples of this have been evident during events such as the Tsunami in Haiti, the Tornado of 2011, 9/11, and much, much more. 4. Student Appropriations - On October 20, 2004 200 African Americans participated in a sit-in protesting the decision that was made by Student Government regarding Appropriations. African Americans organizations discovered that out of $40,000 granted to student organizations, only $755 was awarded to African American organizations. 5. AASAC gives NC State an F - In 2006, the African American Student Advisory Council gave NC State an F when it came to the universitis ability to enroll, retain, and graduated African American students. The grades also were based on the population of African American faculty and the amount of African American students who had received the Chancellor’s Leadership Award. The university has received the same grade in 2002.
6. Honoring those who came before us: On October 18, 2006, Faculty, staff, and students came together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first African American undergraduates admitted to the universary. Former students honored at the event inlcluded: Robert L. Clemons, Hardy Liston, Jr., Edward Carson, Manuel Crockett, Jr., Irwin Holmes, Jr., Water Holmes, and Norma Wright Garcia. 7.. September 5th, 1998 - Aggie/Eagle Classic - For many years the rivalry game between North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina Central University was held at Carter Finley Stadium. Each year many students and alumni from the respective schools gathered at the stadium to enjoy the series. The game in 2002 was reported to have pumped $3.28 million into the triangle’s economy. 8. Fight Against Hate - Over the Duration of the Nubian Message, many racial incidents have struck campus. In 1994, Students discovered racially charged remarks in the Free Expression Tunnel next to an event advertisement by the Society of Afrikan American Culture “Another Jigaboo Event: KKK Sponsored” Also in the same year, a student reported being racially discriminated in a class by a professor. Another major racial incident occurred in 2008, when racially charged language was found in the Free Expression tunnel targeting President elect Barack Obama, the morning after elections.
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9.
Pan Afrikan Festival - Each Year the Nubian Message hightlights the annual event that celebrates African American history which is hosted by the Black Students Board
10.
Barack Obama Wins Election - On November 2nd, 2008 Barack Obama became the First African American President of the United States. Many Students marched to the Belltower in Celebration of his victory. He recently visited the campus in September to discuss his plans to increase jobs in America at a time when the economy is in a bad state.
11.
HK on J March for Equality: Each year since 2007, a march has taken place in Downtown Raleigh hosted by the NAACP in it’s fight for equality and endorsed efforts of anti-racism, antiwar, and anti-poverty . Historic Thousands on Jones Street
12. The Debate on HBCUs vs PWIs - Over the years a debate on the benefits of PWIs and HBCUs has shown up from time to time in the Nubian Message. Some students have felt in the past that they may be missing out on the social atmosphere that is available at HBCUS around the country while others side with PWIs which offer in some levels a higher level of diversity. While each school has positive and negative aspects, most would agree that both have the ability to offer students a quality education.
13. Jena Six - In 2006, a group of six African American students were accused of attacking a white student at a high school in Jena, Lousiana. Many citiizens around the nation protested the injustice for many months until all six students received reduced charges.
14. Prominent Figures Visits to Campus - Over the past couple of years North Carolina State University has been graced by the likes of many prominent African Americans such as Melvin Van Peebles, Yolanda King, Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Mya Angelou, and a host of others. The African American Cultural Center also invites talented African American scholars around the nation to speak at events such as the annual Clark Lecture.
15.
Fight on HIV/AIDS - Over the past couple of the years, many articles have been featured in the Nubian Message regarding the fight on HIV/AIDs. The paper has also tackled issues that dealt with awareness of STDs in the African American community as well as ways to prevent them. Rates of HIV and other STDs are in disproportionate numbers among the various racial and ethnic groups. Triggering great concern.
16.
. Battle of the Sexes - With any publication there are always the times when there are issues which draw much controversy from opposing sides. The struggle for males and females to understand the psychological process of their counterparts has been no exception.
17.
Budget Cuts: Throughout the life of the university has faced many issues regarding the budget and rising costs of tuitions. While it has been an issue that students have dreaded, University officials have worked hard to make sure that it is able to provide the most affordable education as possible.
19. Athletics - The Nubian Message has tackled many
18.
The Justice System: Over the years the Nubian Message has witnessed many justices, as well as injustices in the judicial system. From OJ Simpson to Troy Davis, the Nubian has witnessed it all play out before our very eyes . Staff writers have not been afraid to voice their opinions on the outcomes.
issues dealing with athletes in college and beyond. Whether it be peformance in the classroom, victories of UNC, or dramatic coaching changes, it’s been covered throughout the years.
One for Good Luck: African American Culture: From Day One the Nubian Message has promised the NC State community that it would try it’s best to cover the ins and outs of African American life at NC State and in the surrounding community and we believe that it has done a pretty good job of being the Sentinel of the African American Community and hopes that it will remain that way for many years to come.
NUBIAN MESSAGE “Gye Nyame” The Supremacy of God Under which our talents lie to grace the covers of pages with thought provoking lines to question, challenge and praise the ways of our college campus the Sentinel of the African American Community They hear US The promotion of literacy The devotion of critical thought the commotion of frustrations that continue to hit the heart The celebrations of our community the reflections of where we’ve been 19 years on the stands to take a stand for our brilliant women and men. The Editors and Chiefs, photographers and writers the questions of the week and all of our supporters The Nubian Message has made a stand for 19 years strong and by the grace of God our impact will be life long. - Alexis Teasdell
The Department of Multicultural Student Affairs
NOV. 30TH, 2011 | PAGE 5
To All My Nubian Brothers and Sisters – “What’s Up?” Originally printed November 30th, 1992 By Tony Williamson, The Founder and 1st Editor in Chief of the Nubian Message I am proud to present to you the first issue of “The Nubian Message,” NCSU’s first African-American newspaper. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally here and yes, we’re here to stay! Despite the enthusiasm most of us have regarding the newspaper, there are many people, all different racial groups, who either do not understand the purpose of the newspaper, or are simply totally against it. Realizing that we can’t please everyone (nor will we ever attempt to), I hope that I can reach some of these people by explaining briefly the reasons for creating and the purposes of “The Nubian Message.” As many people know, African American students across the country have been speaking out against what we feel to be unfair conditions on our campuses. At N.C. State, one of our main concerns has been unfair and unjust media coverage of the African American community on this campus. As hard as we have tried, our cries for justice have not been heard and our proposed solutions to our media problems have not been accepted thus far. Rather than sit around and wait for some fair coverage by that other paper on campus, “The Nubian Message has been created to represent the African American community at NCSU totally, truthfully, and faithfully. In doing so, we shall cover every aspect of African-American life at NCSU. The vision I have for this newspaper, which is shared by everyone involved with it, is ambitious, but not unrealistic. “The Nubian Message should and will be the media voice for African – Americans at N.C. State. It will be a publication in which people can learn about different aspects of our culture, as well as find useful information about State’s campus. With the concentrated efforts of our people, this vision can become a reality very soon. Finally, it is important that every one realize that this newspaper is not a racist publication. We are not seeking superiority, nor segregation; all we want is an equal voice on this campus and with the The Nubian Message, the door is open for us to have that voice.
1996 - The Nubian Message becomes a weekly publication
Recognizes, Congratulates and Thanks
Nubian Message For 19 years of service to NC State University and the African American community.
Congratulations Nubian Message Staff for 19 years of success!
Standing on the shoulders of those that came before you! A special Tribute to the Founding Editor & Chief of the Nubian Message
In Loving Memory of our classmate Tony K. Williams (1971-1994) Dawn Gordon Charleston Donald Davis Eric Midder Tracey Ray
Stacey Stallings Carlton White Cayne Zimmerman
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Let us Begin to Value Us KEITRIS WEATHERSBE | EDITOR IN CHIEF EMERITUS
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 in 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 is 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 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. [Editor’s Note: This article was published on October 5th, 2004]
October 23rd, 1999 - The Nubian Message is charged for plagiarism. The publication was suspended for two months
Why You Should Support the Nubian? KELISE TAYLOR | STAFF WRITER [Editor’s Note: This article was previously printed in the December 7th, 2000 edition of the Nubian Message.] With every interesting and informative article that is published with every photo that is taken to capture the essence and significance of each article, one is unable to see and fully understand the hard work, devotion, and untiring dedication that takes place behind the “Nubian Message” scenes. Students do not see the seemingly indefatigable publish and production staff working until the wee hours of the morning or the editors meticulously scrutinizing every sentence of each article in order to produce a paper that closely resembles a mistake-free one. Most, importantly, one is unable to see the passion of our staff as we do all we possibly can to carry out the legacy of the “Nubian Message.” We, the staff (though few in number) are devoted to producing more than a once-a-week paper; rather, we are devoted to keeping the hopes and inspiration of those before us forever vigilant. The “Nubian Message” is more than just another printed paper circulating on N.C. State’s campus. Instead it serves as an illuminating symbol of the struggles that those before us had to endure in order that we, as a black people, might have our voices heard on this campus. Each “Nubian” edition is dedicated to those resilient spirits of our predecessors who fought great battles and endured many hardships in order that this paper might come to
life at N.C. State. One such individual was the late Tony Williamson, who started a petition in hopes of getting a black newspaper circulating on campus. He felt that the time had come for blacks to freely express themselves through print and that the administration needed to accept and adopt the proposed idea of a black newspaper. If N.C. State were to ever live up to its goal of diversifying the campus, it could surely do so by laying the foundation for the publication of a black newspaper. The tireless efforts of Williamson and others paid off, for on November 30, 1992, the first edition of the “Nubian Message” was published, and the struggles of our people paid off in an incredible and mighty way. Brothers and sisters, there are critics and skeptics waiting anxiously for the day in which our newspaper will run out of funds or sufficient staff members and thus, be forced to cease operation and production. We CANNOT allow such destruction to take place! It is our unfailing duty and responsibility to show respect and honor to Tony Williamson and other initiators by joining the “Nubian Message” staff. Don’t let our predecessors dreams and efforts die. Let your voices be heard, and make a positive impact on the N.C. State community by serving as writer, editor, production manager- any area your heart so leads you. When you decide to be a part of the “Nubian Message”, you are doing more than creating a more efficient and productive staffing group, but rather you are proving to our founders and initial supporters that their wishes shall not be in vain and that we care enough to continue with their precious legacy.
NUBIAN MESSAGE Do you have a passion for writing? Are you an outspoken person looking to voice your opinion about issues that you care about? Are you a photographer, poet in the making, or good with design? If so, consider joining the Nubian Message which has been the “Sentinel of the African American Community at North Carolina State since 1992.” We are in our 19th year of production and are a part of NC State Student Media. We are always looking for new talent. If you are interested shoot us an email at editor@nubian.ncsu.edu Open positions: Staff Writers Photographers Copy Editors No experience needed as Student Media is compiled of students from all colleges around campus. There are also opportunities to make a little extra change on the side.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
Keep Up with the Nubian Message on Facebook and Twitter: Like Our Fan Page: Facebook.com/nubianmessage Follow us on Twitter @nubianmessage
NUBIAN MESSAGE
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Two Voices Formed From The Same Struggle WKNC UNDERGROUND 88.1 FM
You may have noticed that this semester the Nubian Message has been partnering with WKNC to provide some of its content, and a few older readers might even remember that this is not the first time it has happened. For those of you that don’t know, WKNC 88.1 FM is North Carolina State University’s (our) student-run radio station. It was founded in 1922 under WLAC with a 2,000 watt transmitter. The station underwent many changes but the call letters weren’t changed to WKNC until 1958. WKNC has always focused only playing the newest and best music and strives to be a paragon for music taste in a sea to top 40 bull$&#*. Catering to a mix of musical genre’s, 88.1 has provided quality music to the community, but needed a push to support more generically ‘Black’ stylings. Magic 88 was the first ‘Black’ music format played by WKNC. It had little support, unfavorable hours, and because of this became subject to controversy. Students protested the lack of Black DJs and accessible airtimes for their format. As a result of the pressure on the 1992-1993 general manager, Rebecca Reising, Underground was formed. May 1993, five months after Black students protested Steve Crisp’s column in the Technician resulting in the first printing of the Nubian. Underground and the Nubian Message’s beginnings are a result of the same socially aware and politically motivated class. And thus, in a sense, we share the same birthday. Happy Birthday. Underground has since been refined to playing just hip hop, and currently staffs 10 DJ’s. If you want true underground music there really is no other station to turn to. We play what Chuck D, KRS One, and others decried will not be played on the radio. In addition, we also like to spotlight local talent. This is a great area for hip hop, just check out Kooley Highs new video for their track Skyview for a taste.North Carolina is definitely getting some respect and established artists put us on the map. Just going through backlogs of this newspaper I found documentation of freestyle competitions held at Talley Ballroom. The competition was featuring then a young upstart named Phonte, who is now a Grammy nominated and well known hip hop artist, and emceed by DJ Flash. We give people a solid out from the commercial, so they can listen to the newest tracks and solid throwback jams.
Nubian Fact: On March 9th, 1994 The Nubian Message became a full fledged member of the Student Media Authority
About the Black Alumni Society The Black Alumni Society (BAS) , an affinity group of the NC State Alumni Association, was formed in 1979. The Black Alumni Society serves as an irreplaceable tool for allowing fellow friends of old and new to come together and network with others. BAS strives to foster opportunities for alumni,
Gye Nyame: “except for God”
students, faculty, staff and university friends to
A symbol of the supremacy of God. This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply relighious character of the Ghanaian people. Official Symbol for the Nubian Message
become actively involved in enriching NC State now and in the future. We serve as a conduit for increasing alumni interactions with their alma mater through communication, outreach, education and events.
What We Do •Promote the growth, progress, and general welfare of alumni and students of NC State University •Foster among current and former students a sentiment of regard for one another and a continuing attachment to their alma mater •Provide outreach, information and services to alumni, students, faculty and staff
Endowments •Black Alumni Society Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment (established in 1986) •A.M. Witherspoon Graduate Scholarship Endowment (established in 1990) •.African American Cultural Center Endowment (established in 1990) •Irwin Holmes Black Alumni Society Conference Room at the Dorothy and Roy Park Center
Student Resources •Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP)
•Develop chapters of the Black Alumni Society in locations across the United States •Increase the number of undergraduate and graduate scholarships
$5 OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT
PROMO CODE: C5FIRST
•Increase the Black Alumni Society financial contributions to the African American Cultural Center •Support efforts of the NC State Alumni Association
www.ncsublackalumni.org
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Happy 19 Birthday Nubian Message! th
Congratulations on 19 years of serving the NC State Community “Be the Change you want to see in the World” -Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Tracey E. Ray Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
www.ncsu.edu/oied
Happy 19th Anniversary to the Nubian Message Staff, past & present!! “Until the Lion Tells His Own History, Tales of the Hunt Will Always Glorify the Hunter” -African Proverb NC State Black Alumni Society www.ncsublackalumni.org
The Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students (ACAAGS)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Nubian Message
Please visit us at our website: http://clubs.ncsu.edu/acaags/
Happy 19th Birthday, Nubian Message! ~ from ~
www.ncsu.edu/csleps
Happy Birthday, Nubian Message! Nubian Message Happy 19th Birthday!
Best Wishes for Your Future!
From the Departments of the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity • African American Cultural Center • Diversity and Inclusion • Equal Opportunity and Equity • Multicultural Student Affairs • GBLT Center • Women’s Center • Disability Services