Nubian Message August 31st Edition

THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, NC n VOL. X, ISSUE 2 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n AUGUST 31st, 2011 Harambee 2011 n5

VMA Takeover n8

Meet Charles Holt n2

Celebrating 30 Years of the Peer Mentor Program CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Peer Mentor Program on campus. It was the brainchild of Thomas Conway and Elwood Becton. The program started in 1980 as a formal mentor program in which African American students were paired with faculty and staff who made contact with and provided assistance for students.

During a campus telephone survey in 1981, students made it clear that they preferred an upper-class mentor as opposed to a faculty and staff member.

This led the Peer Mentor Program into a brief evaluation and review period. Elwood Becton, Thomas Conway, Augustus Witherspoon, Lawrence Clark, and a host of others were instrumental in the planning and advisory process.

In the fall of 1982, the concept of the peer mentor program shifted to “students helping students” and never looked back.

The primary objective of the program is contributing to the advancement of first year students by aiding in their academic, social, and emotional adjustments to college.

Felicia Broussard, the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, said that the goal of the Peer Mentor Program is to increase retention rates of African American, Native American, and Hispanic Students.

“The whole idea of the program is to match a freshman with an upperclassmen who has already made the transition from high school to college. It’s nice to have a big brother or sister who can give freshmen guidance from a student’s perspective. They become a friend and a guaranteed support system. When students get to NC State, they at least know they have at least one person that they can Peer Mentors and Mentees meet for the first time at the Peer Mentor Convocation count on. If students CJ Guion/Nubian Message are successful in their first year, they have a better chance of increase the success rates of minority groups on cambeing successful,” Broussard said. pus such as a counseling graded course for mentors, Since its inception, the Peer Mentor program has a fall convocation, and a spring Freshman Honors undergone many changes. Multicultural Student Af- convocation (which recognizes first year students of fairs has introduced supplement initiatives for the color who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher). program to improve the mentoring experience and According to Felicia Broussard, the graduation rate

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State of NC State: A Leadership Summit about issues facing our campus. Students wonder why tuition has risen, and why construction is continuously going on while our Tonight, the Xi Zeta Chapter of Phi school is suffering from budget cuts.”

Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Traditionally, around the start of the school College of Humanities and Social Sciyear CHASS-MAS and Phi Beta Sigma, Fraences – Multicultural Association of ternity Inc. co-host “Learning the Ropes”, a Students (CHASS-MAS) will be hostprogram comprised for freshmen; however ing a program entitled State of NC this year the two hosts have decided to take STATE: A Leadership Summit, which a different path. Shana Moore, President of will examine and tackle detrimental CHASS-MAS said, “we decided to re-concepissues facing the NC State commutualize the program, because as of late freshnity. men are not the only ones misinformed about The issues of diversity, Talley’s changes on campus. It can be confusing to any construction, and budget cuts will student.” be part of a list of various topics for Ashley Moore, Vice President of CHASSdiscussion. A roundtable of panelists MAS, believes that programs such as “LearnPhoto illustration by Shakil Jefferson will lead the discussion; however stuing the Ropes” no longer serve the purpose dents will be able to receive answers that they use to, primarily due to the fact that to their questions from the guest panstudents generally attend African American elists which includes: AASAC president Mario Terry, Assistant Vice Provost for Symposium before classes start, and eventually all the advice and information Student Diversity Dr. Tracey Ray, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Dr. Thomas becomes redundant.

Stafford, as well as Nubian Message Editor CJ Guion and various other hosts.

Ashley Moore states, “In the mist of the recent budget cuts and all of the uniAs Eric Laws, a brother of Phi Beta Sigma stated, “The purpose of the program versity changes I feel that it is very important that all students, no matter their is to inform primarily, but not limited to students who have issues and concerns classification, should attend. It is especially important for freshmen because they KAREEM WILLIAMS | STAFF WRITER

STATE continued on pg. 6

NEWS

2 |August 31st, 2011 What’s Happening on Campus

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Meet Mr. Charles Holt

TODAY - STATE OF NC STaTE : A LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 7:14 PM RIDDICK LOUNGE

This past Sunday, Charles Holt kicked off his annual Empowerment and Leadership Keynote Series here at African American Cultural Center as a guest performer at PEACE Church. Today, at 7 PM in the Washington Sankofa Room of the African American Cultural Center, Mr. Holt will present “The Promise of Genius.” Thursday, September 1st, Mr. Holt will close out his series of programs here with special workshop entitled “Finding Your Voice.”

TODAY - COLLEGIATE 100 BLACK MEN GENERAL BODY MEETING

He has received outstanding reviews from students and college deans around the world and he was also featured at the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in San Francisco, California.

TODAY - WOMEN EMPOWERINGSOCIETY TOGETHER INTEREST (W.ES.T) MEETING (TALLEY GREEN RM) 6:30 PM

Mr. Holt is a renowned actor, broadway performer, musician, and author. He is the founder of Charles Holt Productions with the intent to deliver a message about a higher level of consciousness and awareness to communities around the nation. The company tours various places with the intent of inspiring and uplifting others though theatrical performances. For more information on Mr. Holt, you can visit his website at www.charlesholtproductions. com.

NUBIAN MESSAGE STAFF/INTEREST MEETING TODAY 5PM WITHERSPOON 356 TODAY - NSBE GENERAL BODY MEETING 7:30 PM PARK SHOPS 201 TOMORROW - W.E.ST. INTEREST MEETING BRAGRAW ACTIVITY ROOM 6:30 PM INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT EDITOR@NUBIAN.NCSU.EDU

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Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGIING EDITOR STAFF WRITERS: MADAVIA JOHNSON JONATHAN KIM HIND MALIK KIERRA LEGGETT YOLANDA RAY SHALIESE HARDY ALEXIS TEASDELL TEVIN BYRD COURTNEY PREISTER CHELSEA GARDNER KAREEM WILLIAMS SHAKIL JEFFERSON LAKESHA ALEXANDER 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.

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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 Facebook.com/NubianMessage

PERSPECTIVES

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August 31st, 2011| 3

Adjusting to Life at NC State: A Freshman’s Experience

LAKESHA ALEXANDER | STAFF WRITER

SCARED. EAGER. CONFIDENT. Those were the steps I went through while transitioning into life in the “city of red.”

Initially I was secretly terrified of the journey I was soon to embark upon. I didn’t tell everyone, but the fear was certainly there. The thought of leaving the comfort zone of my high school community, and separating from those I’ve grown to love, cherish, and trust was all but welcoming. It was somehow put into my mind that I was going to become just another body roaming the campus rushing to class.

However, as the countdown to move-in began, my fear soon turned into eagerness. I began marking the days on my calendar, packing clothes, and most importantly school shopping. My move-in day was August 10th for African American Symposium, and my cloud nine instantly dissipated when I opened my dorm room door only to find maintenance working on the walls and painting. They told me my room would not be ready for another day. My heart dropped as I turned and looked at all of my boxes sitting in the hallway. It was a feeling of frustration, and thoughts of “What am I supposed to do now?” This was undoubtedly not the way I had foreseen move-in to play out. Luckily for me, my housing director allowed me to switch rooms with someone that would not be here until the weekend, and I must admit I felt much better.

With that out of my way, I was able to focus on meeting the others in my residence hall, getting to know my way around, and what exactly I needed to know or do to be successful in the Wolfpack community. It was the next phase in my transition. I had my confidence. I was greeted with a smile or welcoming gesture everywhere I turned. The best booster to my confidence was attending orientations and interest meetings; it forced me to meet others outside of my major, and outside of my door. From these activities, friendships and connections have begun to bloom. The friendships that have originated since I’ve been here are ones that I can tell I will need in this four-year journey and maybe even life; the ones who are down to study at noon, or at 11pm. The ones who write you friendly reminders on your doors, or even the ones who offer that silent hug when you truly need one.

The confidence I gained has spilled over into my classes, my problem sessions and even just trooping across campus.

I can look back on these few weeks and know that these steps were necessary in my transition to college. I had to stop being afraid of what was to come, and embrace it with an optimistic attitude. I had to take the good with the bad, and keep smiling through it. Last but certainly not least, I had to come out of my shell, and stay out of my shell if I wanted to be more than just a number. I had to embrace being Lakesha Alexander, instead of a nine-digit ID number.

Experience of Fasting Ramadan

Question of the Week Did you watch the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAS)? Best/Worst Performances?

Alexandria Tindall Junior, Communication- Public Relations “I’d say my favorite performance was Chris Brown because of his choreography. He was very interactive with the crowd.”

Kellie Cook Freshman, Elementary Education “I liked how Beyoncé announced her pregnancy. She did it like a diva on the VMA’s right after she performed. Oh, and I loved Lady Gaga.”

Many gather for Eid Al-Fitr, a holiday which follows Ramadan, a month of fasting Hind Malik/Nubian Message HIND MALIK | STAFF WRITER Yesterday Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Al-Fitr, a holiday that follows Ramadan, the month of fasting. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the month during which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohamed by Allah (God). During the month Muslims fast or abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse along with others things from dawn till dusk or during daylight. As challenging as it may sound, the physical aspect is the least challenging of the fast. Rather, Ramadan is more about spirituality as Muslims are encouraged to practice discipline and self-restraint thereby purifying their thoughts and actions. For example, they must refrain from gossip, backbiting, or use of profanity which are traits discouraged in Islam hence Ramadan works as an intensive practice period that helps rid individuals from such negative behaviors. In return fasting develops an individual’s power of will.

Most importantly, Ramadan is an intensive period of worship in which Muslims devote more of their time to

prayers and recitation of Quran in a way to reflect on the greatness of Allah, seek forgiveness and observe the blessings bestowed upon them including the gift of food and water that we most often take for granted. Lack of these two and other luxurious indulgences during Ramadan has another benefit as it makes the rich equal to the poor. In another word, it helps people sympathize with the less fortunate from a place of experience. Hence you find that during Ramadan people are more charitable.

However, increased charity is also due to the belief that the reward of charity during Ramadan is seventy times greater than any other time during the year.

As a student, this Ramadan was exceptionally challenging once classes began on the seventeenth day of the fast.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and so each year Ramadan shifts back eleven days. Therefore, this year Ramadan happened to fall amid the long hot days of summer. With the new load of classes along with the regular campus commute to and from class, the library and parking lots; it was extremely difficult to stay hydrated.

Hunger was never an issue to me but it was tempting and unbearable at times

watching other students enjoy their cold drinks during class. After night fall and the breaking of the fast my energy was often depleted and it became a challenge to complete assigned homework.

However, these challenges are what made the experience of fasting more rewarding and beneficial. Aside from the spiritual benefits I found the hardship I endured as minor compared to the thousands of starving Somali refugees in Dadaab which is currently the largest refugee camp in the world. Enduring a day without food and water brings me closer to understanding their suffering.

Through the practice of observing the fast I began to understand that without greed we can all survive consuming the least of necessities and only then would resources be equally available to all and shameful global disasters like the one in Somalia and others around the world would be eliminated.

At last, I say to you “Eid Mubarak.”

These are common words Muslims exchange during Eid wishing one another a blessed holiday. Try and use it if you see one of your Muslim friends around campus today.

Brooks Artis Freshman, English “My favorite performance of the night was Adele. She has such a powerful voice and a classy presence on stage. She should have won at least one award that night. I think she was robbed.

Kenny Blacknall Freshman, CommunicationMedia “They should have gotten someone else to close the show. The ending was horrible.”

Photos and Question of the Week by Chelsea Gardner

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Let Us Come Together: Harambee 2011 ALEXIS TEASDELL | STAFF WRITER On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, the African American Cultural Center once again celebrated Harambee. Harambee, which translates to “let us come together” in Swahili, is an event that the Cultural Center puts on annually to introduce the incoming students to faculty and upperclassman, as well as to celebrate members in our community.

The event is very traditional based, which is what makes it so special. It is an opportunity to learn about our culture and traditions even though minority students attend a Predominately White Institution. By opening with the djembe drum, and having the amazing Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir perform, everyone knew that Harambee had started. When walking into the Washington Sankofa room students see a room full of beautiful people coming together to learn from one another, and catch up on the experiences of the summer.

After a few performances the event moved to the second floor of Witherspoon Student Center to view the newest exhibit in the Art Gallery, “Women Empowered: Inspiring Change in the Emerging World.” This exhibit featured the work of award winning photographer, Phil Borges, who highlights the “plight and promise” of women around the world. This was not your ordinary exhibit however. To enhance the exhibit for Harambee, there were women of different nationalities speaking in their native tongue.

Each woman would speak their native language and then translate it into English. The purpose of this was so that the community can understand how it feels to have someone speak to us in a language that is unfamiliar. It was a beautiful sight to see people go from person to person learning about various cultures.

Afterward, students were signaled to return to the Sankofa room by the djembe drums to continue the program. Students were instructed by the adults to sit in the front of the room in honor of the people who came before us who were not allowed to. That is one of the things that the Cultural Center enforces that makes the university special. The older leaders teaching and molding the future leaders into productive citizens and role models. It is no coincidence that most of us chose this university for the friendly atmosphere and excellence exhibited by alumni and even present students. It is a personal belief that some of that excellence is due to the incredible work of the cultural center.

After settling down poetry was performed by a few amazing poets and leaders across campus. Dayna Principe, a senior in Political Science, performed her own written piece entitled, “Skin Deep.” In her poem she discussed how people view her in comparison to who she is. The power of the poem stemmed from the realism and pride exhibited when she spoke. After her, Jeremiah Kilimanjaro, junior majoring in Business Administration and Carizma Thomas, junior majoring in Communications, recited a poem entitled “What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black,” by Margaret Burroughs. This poem demonstrates pride and hope as well as it presents the negative perceptions of “black,” and then presents the hopes of a triumphant overcome in the future. All of the poems left a sense of pride in the Sankofa room.

As the program concluded students and others all came together, holding hands in a circle to participate in Harambee. The group all said “Harambee” as loud as possible seven times and held the last “Harambee” for as long as they could. Then everyone all fellowshipped and ate with one another like the family that this community truly is. If one misses Harambee he or she has missed something special. It’s definitely something that one must attend every year.

Students and staff participate in the closing of the Harambee ceremony in which all attendees join hands and chant Harambee seven times.. On the seventh chant it is held as long as possible CJ Guion/Nubian Message

Uninhibited Praise performs at the annual Harambee event CJ Guion/Nubian Message

PMP Continued. from page 1

Jaeln Wilkerson meets his mentor, Anthony Holmes for the first time at the convocation event CJ Guion/Nubian Message

of students who become peer mentors is 93%. She also said that the Peer Mentor Program is an “intentional system of success.” “It starts with Symposium, leads to the Peer Mentor Program, and ends in graduation.”

Aaron Wise, a junior in Business Administration serves as a peer mentor and believes that it is a very important program for first year students. “A lot of minority students who come to NC State came from schools where they were the majority and adjusting to a school such as this where they are no longer the majority can be hard. Having a big brother there for you can be very helpful. I decided to become a mentor after my experience with the African American Symposium where I learned a lot of new things, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to find a way to give back.”

Wise also said that it was good to have “someone that looks like you and can relate to you in ways that others may not be able to.”

Teyara Hudson, a Freshman in the First Year College believes that so far the Peer Mentor Program has been a good experience. “As a freshman, you don’t know the ins and outs of college and it’s great to have someone to talk to.”

Today, the peer mentor program continues to tackle the task of “fostering the advancement of students of color” here on campus. The program continues to serve African American students and now includes Native American and Hispanic students.

August 31st, 2011| 5

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A Preview of Our New Website The Nubian Message has a new website! We’ve been working hard over the summer to create a site that can better serve the readers of our publication: We have many new features such as: • A new slider on the homepage which features our top stories of the week and late breaking news.

• Keep up with the latest events • Easily connect to our social networking sites • Looking for a the Nubian? Utilize our new map that details distribution locations

Join the experience at thenubianmessage.com

The African American Cultural Center Presents Mr. Charles Holt Charles Holt, renowned actor, Broadway performer, musician, and author, founded Charles Holt productions with the intent to spread a message about a higher mind set of consciousness and awareness to local, national, and world communities. This company tours various places inspiring and influencing others through the use of theatrical mediums to empower the individual, embrace the brilliance of the self and the diverse brilliance of others for the greater good!

AUGUST 31

Washington Sankofa Room, African American Cultural Center Disabilities Statement: if you are a person with a disability and require any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact toni thorpe at 919.515.1451 during the business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations.

7-8:30PM

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State continued from pg. 1 can learn what has taken place just recently and what is in store to come. It is important for upperclassmen because some of them may not even be aware of some of the things happening. This also gives everyone a chance to ask questions to NC State leaders who they may not be able to talk to any other time.”

Shana Moore believes that it was an amazing idea to work with Phi Beta Sigma, Inc because both organizations were founded on service and are highly committed to helping students with on campus issues.

The program commences tonight in Riddick Hall Lounge promptly at 7:14 PM.

In the Spotlight:

Here is a couple of interesting tidbits and frequently asked questions that NC State received from students and staff.. These may also be questions that you may have.

How much of our budget is expected to be cut?

15 percent, which equals about $80 million dollars for NC State How is the University’s budget funded?

42 percent from state appropriations 19 percent from contracts and grants 18 percent from tuition and fees 15 percent from auxiliaries (including a wide range of activities such as dining and parking) 4 percent from gifts and other sources 2 percent from federal appropriations State funds make up approxiamately 70 percent for educational efforts How will a 15 percent reduction affect my tuition? NC State has already addressed tuition increases for next year. However, remember that the state legislature reduced state appropriations for the state’s universities last year in favor of allowing a tuition increase. Our ultimate goal is to ensure our continued position as one of the nation’s best values, combining quality and affordability to deliver a very strong return on investment for our students.

When considering possible majors and minors for elimination, how will you define NC State’s unique mission within the UNC system? NC State’s mission is already clearly defined. As a land-grant university, we are strongest in science, technology, engineering, math and agriculture. We have built capacity in management, design, veterinary medicine and the arts. We will adhere to that mission.

Credit: NCSU Budget Communications 2011 http://cnr.ncsu.edu/alumni_friends/support/documents/2011_ncsu_ budget_qanda.pdf

Mark Gray also known as Markus Aurelius is a sophomore majoring in Sports Management. Born in Greensboro, he grew up with a fascination with urban lifestyle and music. His music is primarily composed of varius different fashions in order to best connect with a greater audience and fan base. Markus’ major influences include Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, J. Cole, as well as Miguel. As an artist Markus Aurelius strives to approach music in an intellectual and simplistic manner.

Are you doing something great that you want the world to know about? If you want to be in the spotlight, email us at editor@nubian.ncsu.edu.

AASAC Organization Spotlight: Collegiate 100 The Collegiate 100 is a mentoring/community service organization for African American males on college campuses across the country. The NCSU Chapter of Collegiate 100 of 100 Black Men America, Inc. was formed in 2006 with the help of Mr. Tony Jefferies, Dr. Paul Bitting, and DJ Hardy (the first president of the NCSU Collegiate 100 Chapter). "When the first informational meetings for those interested in joining the Collegiate 100 were held, there was a large group of freshman who wanted to get involved in the organization. Due to their inexperience, Dr. Biting and Hardy introduced the Freshman Academy" to keep them involved in the organization.

The purpose of the organization is to assist the 100 Black Men to "develop the social, educational, emotional, and physical needs of young black males who are in need of positive role models."

Photos contributed by Collegiate 100

President: Aaron Wise

Lifestyles

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Roads Traveled He said he hold’s the house down I said “It’s really all on you?

I can’t imagine Just imagine the great things you’ll do.

I can’t count out you even though they count on you. so I decided to write a poem that’s solely about you.

I mean look at you.

You hold so much potential Front step kid because nobody ever gets you traffic on your brain bad influence can never get through one track minds never had appeal to you But you’re going places.

I see it in your drive you’re headed to the top I wish you’d see the signs.

Just keep your eyes on the prize, while others may lag behind I hope you find what you’re looking for whatever is on your mind and while you are on the rise don’t ever forget the way people will learn from the things that you are learning today and don’t ever forget to pray just let Jesus take your wheel as you reach your destination and I’m knowing that

Grown, Sexy Not the New Business Casual KIERRA LEGGETT | STAFF WRITER During at least one point in everyone’s collegiate career, there will come a time when they are required to dress in business casual attire. Given that for many students the only type of dress code they’ve ever had to comply with is “Grown and Sexy” for Thursday nights at the club, it can be a daunting task trying to determine what exactly is considered business casual. For certain however, “Grown and Sexy” is not it.

A staple in the world of business casual attire is a versatile pair of khakis. They are not as polished as a pair of dress pants (which are also a worthwhile investment) but they are still dressier than a pair of jeans. For men pairing a polo styled shirt with khakis is an appropriate business casual look for an outside event or warmer weather. Women can pair a blouse that reveals no cleavage with their khakis along with a nice pair of wedges, heels, or cute ballet flats.

If you want to turn your business casual look up a notch, a nice pair of black slacks will do just the trick. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters ladies, if you have VPL (Visible Panty Line) your pants are too tight. Dress pants are not supposed to fit in the same manner that your denim jeans do. There should be a little wiggle room in dress

slacks; also they need to be the appropriate length. While you do not want to look as if you are preparing for a flood, your pants do not need to drag along the ground. If you are petite or tall there are many dry cleaners and alteration shops that can accommodate all of ones needs.

While pants being too tight are an issue for women, pants fight too loosely is a topic of concern for men. Fellas, of course you don’t want your pants to look like they came straight out of your girlfriend’s closet, you also do not want to look like an extra for the next Wacka Flacka Flame video. Pants should rest nicely at your waist with a nice belt helping to hold them up.

Just because you are dressing for a more corporate world, it does not mean that you still cannot add your own flair and personal flourishes to your wardrobe. Spice up your outfit with accessories that are not too flamboyant but still show of your uniqueness. There is nothing worse than a workplace full of employees all donning the same bland and standard uniform of black dress pants and a white button down shirt.

While Business Casual doesn’t necessary equate Grown and Sexy, it also doesn’t stand for bland and boring.

GLBT Center Holds Community Rally

nity feels welcomed, loved, and accepted. Therefore, students can act against and speak out against events in the tunnel The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Rave that do not show respect to all the members of the NC State was held on Friday at 6 PM at Talley Student Center. The rave community. Students should also stand up against everyday was a social opporsituations of someone being mistreated tunity as well as an because of their sexual orientation.

The goals of the GLBT Center are to: opportunity for stuI recently heard someone say that peodents to know about ple who are part of the GLBT community the GLBT Center. • should not have full rights. I told him Justine Hollingshead, he was wrong and that all humans reDirector of the GLBT • gardless of anything about them should Center, said that the • have full rights because they are human staff of the GLBT Cenbeings. Hollingshead said that "GLBT ter "wanted this to be • community members do not have equal a social opportunity rights. There is not equality for the GLBT for new students to • community in areas such as marriage, meet with our returnemployment, and adoption." Hollingsing students." She head also said that "as a human being, I also that she wanted "first year students to have something deserve rights that all humans have. The U.S. Constitution to do on the weekends." If you missed the GLBT rave, it was does not say that only heterosexual people should have full an excellent chance to meet new and returning students. The rights. The U.S. Constitution says that we are all to be treated event was sponsored by the GLBT-CommUnity Alliance with equal." We, as human beings who are supposed to be a comsupport from the GLBT Center. munity that thrives when each member feels welcome, have Ms. Hollingshead said that the overall goal for the NC State a responsibility to stand against these harmful thoughts and GLBT community is for them "to feel like they are welcome words. How do we change these thoughts and words of hate? and to feel that they are part of NC State." She also said that Hollingshead said "that the best way is to sit down and have the goal for the entire community of North Carolina State a conversation with dignity as adults. It is possible as long as University is to create opportunities for people to become that person is someone who is willing to listen and willing more aware of sexual orientation and gender identity. She to be exposed to different people." She also said "that people said that the goal is to help the entire NC State community need to have a mutual respect" for this conversation to take to understand what it is like to be a member of the GLBT place and for the conversation to succeed in providing a percommunity on the college campus of North Carolina State spective on what members of the GLBT community feel. HolUniversity. lingshead also said that "it’s hard to change someone who Hollingshead believes that the members of North Carolina believes they are extremely right."

State University have come far in respecting and accepting Students can also become part of a larger group that is the GLBT community. However, she believes that "there is standing up for respect for all community members. Students still more work to do." For example, "there are certain com- can attend a program or event hosted by the NC State GLBT ments in class or on the campus of NC State" concerning the Center that will help students to learn about the GLBT comGLBT Community that students find demeaning. What can munity. This will also help students to "learn what it is like to students do as individual students to support the GLBT Cen- become a member of the GLBT community and what a GLBT ter and community? Students can become more aware of how student feels." sexual orientation and gender identity in North Carolina are Hollingshead said "we look forward to people coming to not included as projected classes. Students also are personally our events. responsible for making sure that the entire NC State commuJONATHAN KIM | STAFF WRITER

you will”

Alexis Teasdell

August 31st, 2011| 7

Dates to Remember * Tuesdays: GLBT Community Alliance Meetings

*Thursdays: Coffee Talks

*September 20th Program repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy

*September 24th: North Carolina Pride Day Duke University (Durham)

*October: GLBT History Month

For more information on these and other events hosted by the GLBT Center, visit their website at ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/glbt/index.php

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment

BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass 2. Liil Wayne - How to Love 3. Otis - Jay Z and Kanye West 4. I’m On One- DJ Khaled (featuring Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne) 5. Best Thing I Never HadBeyonce 6. Trey Songz - Unusual 7. Marvin’s Room - Drake 8. Quickie- Miguel

WKNC’s UNDERGROUND Top 5 of the Week #1 MF DOOM “Gazillion Ear” [Single] #2 CANNIBAL OX Angels & Insects #3 JEDI MIND TRICKS Put Em In The Grave #4 PETE ROCK & C.L. SMOOTH “I Get Physical” [Single] #5 ACTUAL PROOF “Get It Done” [Single] Listen to Underground Radio on WKNC 88.1 FM... CHECK WKNC.ORG FOR AIR TIMES

IN THEATERS

Shark Night 3D

Credit: Realitymedia Seven friends who are spending a weekend at a lake house discover the waters are infested with sharks.

Kanye West and Jay-Z perform “Otis” at the VMA Awards Courtesy MTV/PictureGroup

VMA Takeover TEVIN BYRD | STAFF WRITER On Sunday night, some of music’s biggest stars gathered in Los Angeles, California for the 2011 Video Music Awards, which aired on MTV. In past years at the VMAs, some of the most iconic performances and outrageous moments have occurred. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking medley of hits performance in 1995 to Lady Gaga’s blood-gushing rendition of ‘Paparazzi’ in 2009, the award show celebrates and basks in the flair, craziness, and flash that other shows heavily avoid. After a slew of crazy moments from the past such as the Britney Spears and Madonna kiss or the Kanye West and Taylor Swift incident that no one can forget (“I don‘t mean to interrupt you, but Beyoncé had the best video of all time!”), there is no way that this years VMAs could entertain like in the past, right? Think again.

What immediately set this years VMAs apart from the past shows was that for the very first time there was no host. After receiving mixed reviews about last year’s host Chelsea Handler, MTV decided to let the stars take over and they wasted no time. Lady Gaga opened the show with an eye-twisting

performance of her latest single “You and I” that had people saying, “Wait, who is that?” In ordinary Lady Gaga fashion, she pushed the boundaries and dressed/performed as her alterego, Jo Calderone. Other performances included Chris Brown, who flied high in the air during his intricate dance ensemble, Adele who beautifully moved the crowd by singing her song ‘Someone Like You’ and The Throne (Jay Z and Kanye West) who blasted onto the stage by performing their song ‘Otis’.

Other performances included ’How To Love/John’ by Lil Wayne and ‘Give Me Everything’ by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo. Also during the award show, MTV had a tribute set up for the late Amy Winehouse, who was found dead on July 23rd. The soulful and talented singer was paid homage to by singer Tony Bennett and Bruno Mars, who performed Amy‘s song ‘Valerie’. There was also a tribute to Britney Spears by a group of talented young dancers. She received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her iconic videos and performances over the years and was introduced by one of her peers, Lady Gaga. Together, they introduced the next performer who provided the

most shocking and memorable moment at the VMAs. Beyoncé took to the stage and before performing ‘Love on Top’ said, “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me.” At the end of her sensational performance she threw her mic down and revealed a baby bump, letting the world know that her and her husband Jay Z were expecting. After years of pregnancy rumors, Beyoncé is finally having a baby which caused her to make history on Twitter, when almost 9000 tweets per second were made about her and her pregnancy.

The big winners of the night were Katy Perry, who won 3 VMAs including Video Of The Year for her song ‘Firework’ and Adele who also won 3 VMAs. Tyler The Creator won Best New Artist and other winners included Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Foo Fighters. The stars weren’t the only winners of the night however. The 2011 VMAs took over television, bringing in 12.4 million viewers, making it MTV’s most watched telecast ever! The night was full of talent, fun, and entertainment but now that the VMAs are over, the wait for the Grammys begins!

A Review of The Help KIERRA LEGGET | STAFF WRITER Chocolate pie, front yards full of commodes, a little drama, and a lot of maids— these are just a few of the ingredients that have made Kathryn Sockett’s The Help one of summer’s biggest blockbusters. Set in 1960’s Jim Crow south, The Help chronicles the lives of several high society white women and their black housemaids. When one of these high society women, Skeeter, convinces maid Abilieen to help her write a book, full of personal accounts of the other maids on what it is like to work in the homes of white women, juicy secrets began to be revealed.

Once the book is published, it doesn’t take long for word to spread around their small southern town, where everybody knows everybody that the book is about them. Every white lady within the town is reading the book and trying to determine who each story is about (as the book uses aliases in order to protect the maids and keep them safe during a time when race relations are already strained).

Cast to star as the movies leads are Emma Stone as the unconventional Skeeter, Viola Davis as loving Abilieen, Octavia Spencer as the sass mouthing Minny, and Bryce Dal-

las Howard as the prim and proper Hilly that everyone loves to hate. Given that in most of today’s black films the same actors and actresses (Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry etc.) seem to walk away with all the leading roles, it was nice to see a fresher faced cast execute their roles so beautifully.

Generally speaking, film adaptations of books leave much to the imagination and are not nearly as captivating.

This however, is not the case for The Help. While the film deviates just slightly from the main plot of the book, it is still absolutely phenomenal. Movie goers will leave the theater having experienced a plethora of emotions ranging from rage and disbelief to joyfulness.

Thus far The Help, which debuted in theaters nationwide on August 10, 2011 has grossed more than $96 million dollars and is still in the number one spot going into its third week on the charts. Already this fantastic movie is generating Oscar buzz, and it is well deserved. So, if you haven’t done so yet make your way out to your local theater and check out the movie that critics everywhere have deemed a hit.