THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. X, ISSUE 12 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n FEB 1st, 2012 Landmarks on Campus with African American History n 4/5
Review of Hill Harper’s “The Conversation” n 6
Black History Tidbit: Claudette Colvinn 8
Too Black, Too Fast: Uncovering the Past CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF
Too Black, Too Fast, “ Leading By A Nose” Too Back, Too Fast is a multimedia project which highlights the little known history of the African American jockey from 1601-1910. The exhibit will be showcased in the African American Cultural Center exhibit gallery until August 2012.
The history and background of the African American jockey is a primarily unknown to those outside of the industry. However, the history of the horse racing sport is imprinted with diversity and the success of African American horseman. Several artists have joined together to create a multimedia project entitled “Too Black, Too Fast,” which will uncover the memories that were lost and hidden for many years. Too Black, Too Fast is the “heartfelt passion” of Michael J. McBride, an artist who has been involved with the project. In 1991, McBride had a conversation with Yusef Harris, which led an employee from Churchill Downs contacting McBride due to his extensive knowledge with African American literature. Soon after, McBride was contacted by Harris to discuss knowledge of the African American jockey. Unsurprisingly, McBride knew little of
this project and sought out to discover what still today is little known history. African Americans became heavily involved with the sport of horse racing beginning around the year 1607, and dominated the sport until 1910. Many of the riders were slaves, very small in size, and teenagers. Perfecting the techniques of horsemanship is a challenging task, which is interesting due to the fact that around that time the intelligence and abilities of Blacks were highly questioned. “Landowners wagered money, tobacco crops, deeds to farms, slaves, or just about anything else of value” states McBride. “The best master and slave teams were so successful that they resorted to trickery to get opponents to race against them.” One significant story involves the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson. One of the most amazing aspects of the jockey/slavemaster relationship at the time is that “societal and racial” lines were blurred.
TOO BLACK CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Duke Students Upset with Unpublished Research Paper CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF
A group of African American students at Duke University are calling upon administrators to make changes at the university including a better campus climate, as well as to increase financial support for African American students. However, thus far students have been disappointed at the response that they have received from top administrators. Several of the top items on the agenda include the location of the university’s African American Cultural Center and lacking support for the Black student group’s annual events. Fuel was added to the fire a couple of weeks ago, when a recent study that has yet to be published suggested that African American students on campus switch to “easier” majors. Furthermore, the unpublished study by Duke researchers said that over time it appears that in some cases that African Americans GPAs match their White counterparts over time, because they switch to majors that require less study time, with grading structures that are less strict. It has been stated that opponents of Affirmative Action wish to use this study in a case that they wish to take up in the Supreme Court. Students such a Black Students Alliance President, Nana Asante believe that
occurances such as this add to an already uncomfortable environment for students. Asante also stated that they the Alliance is still debating whether they want to meet with the researchers, because of fears that they may increase the legitimacy of the study. The student group wants to create a special task force which will evaluate the campus climate of African American students, as well as an endowment that would increase financial assistance with the funding of special programs on campus for the group. In addition to this, a group of African American students also held a silent protest the day prior to the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday. They also deliver a document entitled the Black Culture Initiative to the President of the university which outlines their demands. The BSA said that this is not the first time that African American students have felt attacked by the university. One of their big events was in danger of being cancelled, and several rumors have been spread about the location of the Black Culture Center. The group would also like to make it clear that they are not fighting against the university. They just would like for everyone to know what is going on in the surrounding community.
* We would like to hear your thoughts on this story... Do you think there are “easy” majors? Do you agree with the research or disagree? Send comments to editor@nubian.ncsu.edu *
NEWS
PAGE 2 |FEB. 1ST, 2012
What’s Happening on Campus
No Gadaffi: What’s Currently Going on in Libya?
WEDNESDAY
1 NUBIAN MESSAGE STAFF/INTEREST MEETING Today 5PM WITHERSPOON 323 Collegiate 100 General Body Meeting 450 Riddick Hall 6:30 PM
Black History Month Begins Thursday
2 FRIDAY
3 Deadline to apply for Multicultural Student Affairs Symposium Counselor Positions Pink Goes Red: Zumba Program 2PM Carmichael Gym (Courts 7 and 8) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
NUBIAN MESSAGE
SAMPSON BLOH | STAFF WRITER
By now even a one year old child knows that the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is dead. Since the Libyan Revolution broke out last year Muammar Gaddafi and Libya had been the news that brought the rating for Americans news stations. If you paid attention to the Revolution in its entirety you would have seen rebels who might have been terrified of Muammar Gaddafi becoming stronger over night due to western help. You would have heard television news cast referring to Black Africans as mercenaries, while ruthless Libyan rebel slaughters them. There is no lie that there were Black African soldiers in Gaddafi’s army, there are Blacks migrant workers in Libya from all over Africa and there are also Black Libyans. But for the media, it was only brutality thats worth being news. If you have watched the news during the revolution you might have seen on the news, Western air strikes as well as retaliation from the Muammar Gaddafi’s men. And after Gaddafi’s death you might have heard news cast and many Americans talking about freedom for Libyans and bashing Muammar Gaddafi in every way that they could. But today, we hear nothing about what is currently going on in Libyan. Why? Because it is not news. Who knows what faith the Blacks in Libya are experiencing in Libyan right now under the control or rebels that we know nothing about? Well, if they are being killed or if they have all been killed you probably will hear nothing about them. Why? Because they
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are blacks, violence against them is not considered news, but when they are the violators it becomes big news, bigger than big itself. My point is that the media was bombarding us with news during the Libyan revolution but stopped feeding us any news because there is no violence. This is not only about Libya even though Libya is the focus of this article. It is about how they treat Africa in general; Americans are constantly fed only violence about Africa and never the good things about Africa. And now, in the case of Libya, Gaddafi’s, the long time Western enemy is gone, there are puppet rebels now to be used and the oil is now America’s. Someone once said that you will never hear about any country unless there is an American benefit coming from that country, well in this case, Libya. But let’s not talk about it lets just steal the oil. During the Libyan revolution there was unrest in Ivory Coast but we didn’t hear about it. I want to challenge you all that you will never hear about Libya ever again unless there is an unrest which I believe will be center on the control for Libya’s oil. N No matter what the media feeds you, western involvement in Libya is not about freedom or human right; it is about oil and other raw material. So now that Libyan is free, is the Libyan oil really for Libyans, or does it belong to the big American oil fat cats who will in turn show the Libyan people their middle fingers? Let’s start this conversation.
Nubian Message Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University since 1992
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 SAMPSON BLOH 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 Wolf Village Apartments
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
PERSPECTIVES
FEB. 1ST, 2012 | PAGE 3
What is Literacy to Our People? JASMINE HARRIS | COPYEDITOR In today's society, literacy has become the essential skill to successful living. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that approximately 50 percent of the nation's unemployed youth age 16-21 are functional illiterate, with virtually no prospects of obtaining good jobs. Also, the National Institute for Literacy reported that more than 20 percent of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level - far below the level needed to earn a living wage. Literacy has much control over the lives of many individuals and has a big influence on the current state of the African American community. Detroit, Michigan is one of the cities in the United States with the highest population of African Americans. Nearly half of that population are functionally illiterate with elementary reading, writing and sometimes even speech competency levels. As with the prison system, the unemployment rate and the high school drop out rate, there is an overwhelming gap between the amount of
literate black and white students throughout the United States. Along with the majority of the unemployed and the incarcerated being black, a great bulk of those people are also illiterate. It is not just out students, but the black community as a whole lacking these essential life skills. Many black children do not see the importance of knowing how to read and write, simply because they are in environments where they are not taught that it is importance. Some of our youth are relying on a career in athletics or music to support them, but they need to be shown that even though they have goals to be the next NBA star or the rising R&B singer, things along these lines are somewhat fantasies and are not reachable by everyone. They need to face the reality that getting as much education as they can receive is the key to how far they can go and life and to always use education as a backup plan. If those that have reading and writing skills outreach to those who can't read and write, there is no reason why the literacy rate in our community can not be increased. Those of us that are literate
should do our best to promote African American literacy. There are several programs around the area that NCSU students can get involved in, including a service-learning course at the university in which you can work directly with youth that are at-risk to lacking reading and writing skills due to the societal factors they face. ENG 455, Literacy in the United States is a course in the English department that offers this opportunity. You can also visit one of the many after-school programs in the area on your own time where you can volunteer to work with K-12 children. The Communities in Schools of Wake County program guides the youth towards high school graduation and postsecondary education. Visit givebacktothefuture.org on information about supporting this program, giving back to the community or volunteering at a center. Many of the centers are very convenient and close to the university's campus, making this a great opportunity for those living both on and off campus to help those in need.
Here is an old riddle: “Take a look at this paragraph. Can you read what it says? All the letters have been jumbled (mixed). Only the first and last letter of ecah word is in the right place:” I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too.
Don’t Forget the Slave History KELVIN CARTER | STAFF WRITER “Freedom becomes a lot valuable when earned rather than given.” ~WOK When it’s February and you hear the name Black History Month, who are some of the first names you think of? Most people think of black idols such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes, or Zora Neale Hurston. However once you have taken an African American studies class at NC State your knowledge of black idols expand. Preferably, in Dr. Denise Heinze’s ENG 248 I have learned of a lot more African American people who deserve more attention then we give them. Have you ever heard of Harriet Jacobs, Victor Séjour, David Walker, or Phillis Wheatly? These are all names of authors who have written slave narratives. Some of these authors were even born slaves here in North Carolina. Reading their life story you will understand that these people have been through a lot more than we realize. These former slaves tell stories of the days and times when freedom was looked down upon but was often fought for. They prove that the civil war was well deserved and that abolition of slavery meant a lot too many people.
As an African American, I wonder how many of my colleagues actually take their freedom for granted. We are privileged to have these wonderful scholars, and I call them scholars due to the fact that they were forbidden to read and write, yet their stories appeared on paper, detailing personal hardships. However some African Americans would rather waste their freedom by committing activities that allow them to become incarcerated, making the slaves fight for freedom worthless. I had a classmate who made a comment in terms such as, “maybe it was beneficial for Africans to be captured and moved to America to become slaves, it’s a lot better than where they were.” That’s when I pose the questions for my black colleagues, would you rather be a product of African Americans who fought for their slavery, or would you rather have Africans remain in Africa never experiencing the fight for dignity as history tells? The best way to answer this question would be to first read the slave narratives of some of these authors. Understand where they have been, what they have experienced, the pain of their whippings, and the emotional pain that came from physical and sexual abuse. So as you begin February and indulge in the culture events of Black History Month, I would suggest you to read a slave narrative. Learn some history and I’m sure you will appreciate this month more than you have before.
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 African-American 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.
PAGE 4 |FEB. 1ST, 2012
NUBIAN MESSAGE
Landmarks on Camp to African Am
Witherspoon Student Center is the only building on campus that is named after an African American. It is also the home to the African American Cultural Center which contains a multipurpose room, an art gallery, a library, and office space for several organizations.
Leazar Hall served the campus as dining hall until 1971. It is now the home of the College of Design. In 1953, NC State hosted a Dairy Farm Conference. Chancellor Bostian declared that African Americans could only eat lunch in the West Wing of the establishment. At the time African Americans could only eat in the dining hall if a seperate room was available.
The West Dunn Building once served the African American population as the 2nd African American Cultural Center on campus. The first African American Cultural Center was officially in the YMCA building which was burned down and sat near the location where Kamphoefner Hall stands today.
CJ Guion In April 2011, NC State started a tradition entitled th guided tour around campus that highlights the rich second installment, NCSU released a mobile app th around campus 24/7. There are many buildings and l ties to the African American community. From the fir ful figures such as Yolanda King, NC State University are significant to the history of African Americans a American History, and it doesn
NCSU Libraries offers an interactive mobile google app for “Red, White, and Black Tour” which leads participants on a campus tour of African American historical landmarks. The idea stemmed from the actual “Red, White, and Black” Tour which was started last year and was co-sponsored by NCSU libraries and the African American Cultural Center
Student Government organized a march to protest NC State’s financial involvement in South Africa. The “anti-apartheid march” began outside the African American Cultural Center (West Dunn) and ended at the Memorial Tower. Approximately 75 students participated in the march.
NUBIAN MESSAGE
pus with a signficance merican History
FEB. 1ST, 2012 | PAGE 5
| Editor - In - Chief he “Red, White, and Black” Tour which leads participants on h history of African Americans on campus. This year after the hat gives participants the chance to go on a self-guided tour landmarks on campus which students don’t realize have close rst African American NC State employee to visits from powery has seen it all. Here is just a taste of several buildings which at NC State University. However, African American History is n’t just occur in the month of February.
Reynolds Coliseum, the former home of Wolfpack Men’s Basketball and current home of the Women’s Basketball team received it’s first African American players Alfred Heartley and William Cooper in 1967. In 1974, a female basketball team was established and two members of the team were African American (Gwen Jenkins and Cynthia Steele).
Winslow Hall served as the campus infirmary. An early employee of the company Ellen McGuire worked for the university for almost 50 years. According to a 1939 article of the Technician, Mcguire was born into slavery.
Holladay Hall is the Office of the Chancellor and Administration. It was the first building on campus and for years housed nearly the entire campus. This building is responsible for many of the firsts of NC State such as the first faculty member Vivian Henderson, the first African American dean James Anderson, and former Associate Provest Dr. Lawrence Clark.
Riddick Hall is important because the first African American graduate students were admitted into the College of Engineering, as well as the first African American undergraduates Irwin Holmes, Manuel Crockett, Walter Holmes, and Ed Carson.
DH Hill is on the list because in 1962, Edward Walker became the first full time staff member at the library; in 1970 William Frazier was hired as the first African American librarian on campus.
Credit: NCSU Libraries
PAGE 6 |FEB. 1ST, 2012 The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment
BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. Drake ft Nicki Minaj- Make Me Proud 2. Wale ft Miguel - Lotus Flower Bomb 3. Beyonce - Party 4. Dance - Big Sean 5. Jay Z Kanye - In Paris 6. Rick Ross - You The Boss 7. Jeezy - I Do 8. Drake ft Wayne - The Motto
WKNC’s UNDERGROUND Top 5 of the Week 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
JOSH LEON A Bottle Of Wine SMALL PROFESSOR spare razor BIG WHISKEY Day In The Life ELIGH AND AMPLIVE Tattoo Song PROE - So Last Year
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 Norman Hutchins - God Is Able Mary Mary - Speak To Me Beverly Crawford - It’s so Anointed Pace Sisters Already Done Fred Hammond - Lost In You Again
The Help Wins Big at SAG Awards Movie “The Help” won awards at the SAG Awards for Best Ensemble Cast; Best Actress for Viola Davis and Best Support Actress for Octavia Spencer at the Screen Actors Guild Awards
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NUBIAN MESSAGE
Hill Harper: The Conversation Book Review
CHELSEA GARDNER | STAFF WRITER
Is it possible to sustain loving relationships in the black community? Does black marriage still exist? These often thought-provoking and challenging questions are given realistic and forthright answers in Hill Harper’s novel, “The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships.” In September 2011, one of the headlines on the front page of Essence Magazine read, “Is Marriage Just For White People? One Man Asks” When I stumbled upon this, I was livid. I could not understand why someone would make such an accusation. But after reading the article, my thoughts began to change. Before winter break, I discussed with my friends what this article could possibly mean. My male and female friends were willing to share their opinions and perspectives on the issue. One of my friends suggested that I read Hill Harper’s 2009, “The Conversation.” I decided to take my friends advice and after break I got the answers I was searching for. Hill Harper did an amazing job of exploring the dynamics of black relationships. He discusses the successes and the failures. He also tackles commitment and communication, as well as divorce and marriage. He confronts the damaging cycles in black relation-
ships from the perspectives of males and females. He did extensive research to format his novel from couples and singles. His research pinpointed communication as the direct hindrance in sustaining a loving relationship. Clearly, communication is still an obstacle in the success of our families. Therefore, I think it is necessary and high time that we start having this conversation in 2012. I really appreciated the way Hill Harper tailored his novel in a way that
allowed him to communicate with audiences from various ages and generations. He offered up questions and ideas that could really benefit our age group. I am reminded of Drake’s verse in the “Unthinkable” Remix.” He starts off by saying “Ugh, Tez keeps telling me he just turned thirty, having dreams of being single forever, he’s getting worried, and I’m scared too…” As a young person listening to these lyrics, we often begin to anticipate these same fears and feelings in our future. Here is Drake, yes somewhat always overemotional, discussing some of the same issues Hill Harper tackles in his novel. Instead of turning to the music to explain things, which is often something, we as young people do. We should, instead, delve deeper into the lyrics and pick up a book. It is necessary for every student to read this novel. It is our duty as the future of America to end a cycle of often-damaged relationships and help build strong, long-lasting ones that our ancestors once shared. Hill Harper gave us a gift with this masterpiece and we must be willing to accept it. Ultimately, he challenged us, as African Americans, to improve our relationships in the black community. Having read the novel, I understand certain aspects of my culture so much better. I often shy away from reading self-help framed novels but Hill Harper took me on a journey with his words. As I watched his growth unfold in the novel, I realized that anyone and everyone could have a sense of enlightenment when reading it. It was brilliant!
TOO BLACK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Many of the jockeys enjoyed the good life, and slave masters had a high level of trust with the enslaved jockeys. Many of the jockeys were able to travel to different races, and carry large sums of money that they had won alone, which would normally be forbidden in that point in America History. However, eventually the Jim Crow laws would successfully deny African American jockeys the opportunity to compete and the history was lost. Most of the Black jockey history takes place around Tennessee and its bordering states. The Too Black, Too Fast project hopes to reclaim the history that was lost so many years ago. The project is a multimedia project which consists of paintings, sculptures, movies, original music, and much more. Major players of the project include McBride, Derell Stinson, former NFL Player George Nock, as well as Carolyn McDonald who hopes to create a movie detailing the history which she hopes Morgan Freeman will star in. The exhibit will be on display in the African American Cultural Center Gallery Exhibit until April.
“Grateful Jockey” , Too Black, Too Fast
* For more information on this exhibit visit tooblacktoofast.com * Photo by CJ Guion On Tuesday, the artists of Too Black, Too Fast conducted a panel presentation in which they explained the history and drive behind the “Too Black, Too Fast” project.
NUBIAN MESSAGE If I Could Change The World... What if I wanted to change the world? Change the world for the better Tear down boundaries and remove any barrier If I could make every young person know they have more potential than Malcolm Remove the discouragement and persecute anybody that doubts them If I could change the system Dream killers would get life Giving life to anyone who thought their dreams weren’t alright I would write down their goals and watch them become accomplished Until my pen and my paper become my Maker’s tangible prophets I would profit from seeing No Child Left Behind Zero lost minds, and students that just shine Village’s developing minds So that missing parents won’t matter Motivation every morning, encouragement and building character I would look in the mirror and stop feeling inferior Heal all the wounds that have shredded my interior Regret, and sorrow, I won’t be a carrier Who passes discouragement along I’ll keep hope and wisdom forever flowing in my song And when each day is gone We’ll see promise in tomorrow Although the day passed That euphemism won’t bring sorrow Youth isn’t temporary in my world Because opportunities will always be new And everyday we’d learn something useful that we never knew Changing the world is something we can do. And when we’re gone no credit will be due We’ll just say we did what God had put us on this earth to do.
- Alexis Teasdell
LIFESTYLES
FEB. 1ST, 2012 | PAGE 7
Tips To Find The Right Apartment SHANIQUA TAYLOR, CJ GUION, & JASMINE HARRIS
It is almost that time of the year when students start deciding, or have already decided whether they want to live off campus next year. We have compiled a brief list of things that students might want to consider when choosing an apartment or house off campus. While there are many pros to living off campus, there are big cons which can put students in a difficult position. There are many things that you must consider before signing a lease. 1.) Make sure the location is within a close proximity to campus. If you don’t have a parking pass paying to park can add up. 2.) Make sure that the complex has a WORKING bus. Often times, apartment complexes have a bus but they run out of commission and then you may be stuck driving. Double check their policy to see what their plans are to accommodate you if this does happen. Even if your apartment does have a shuttle, it is best to find a place that is close to a CAT bus stop, or even better the Wolfline. 3.) Make sure that if you plan to stay there over a year that the next year your rent doesn’t increase; rent should stay the same or go down. Also note any changes such as different management or changes in your lease. After living somewhere for a full term their loyalty should be to you. 4.) Take into account visitor parking. If you plan to have friends over often, throw house parties, etc you are going to need adequate visitor parking or a tow-free complex. 5.) Ask Around! See where your friends have lived and take their experiences into account. 6.) Customer Service can make or break your living experience. If management is proactive when/if a problem arises it won’t be a big issue. If management is uncooperative and slow to fulfill a work order or request then this might not be the smartest place to live. 7.) If you have or plan to have a pet, see if the apartment complex has a no-pet policy or restrictions 8.) Read reviews and ratings for the apartment complex online. There are several review websites where students who have lived in the apartments before have written about the apartment’s pros and cons which may be useful for deciding between apartments. 9.) Make sure you compare the costs of apartments that include utilities in the rent and those that don’t. Also, apartment complexes that include the utilities may charge you for going over the electricity or water usage limit. Ask the apartment manager about these conditions before signing your lease. Cable and internet may also be separate, so make sure you are aware of what these will cost you. Also consider the food bill as well. Research, Research, Research 10.) Be sure to compare the cost and advantages of choosing an apartment that is furnished or unfurnished. If you choose an unfurnished apartment, you may have to purchase or borrow furniture from friends, which takes time and money. It may be easiest to choose an apartment that has furniture, if you feel comfortable with having used furniture. 11.) Consider whether you want an apartment that has an individual lease or not. You don’t want to end up getting an apartment with friends, who don’t end up holding their end of the bill, leading to your eviction, destroying your relationship. 12) Take a tour of the apartment, but remember that some apartments are not exact replicas of the samples 13.) Make sure that you have looked at all options before you sign the lease, because once you do there’s no turning back.
Nubian Message “RISING STARS OF TOMORROW” Do you know a student who is excelling inside the classroom? Do you know a student who is involved in various campus organizations? Do you know a student who has found new ways to give back to the community? Do you know a student who is simply a “Rising Star of Tomorrow”? If so, let us know! On February 29th, in celebration of Black History Month, the Nubian Message will be recognizing various students around campus who are making great strides inside and outside of the classroom. We are leaving it up to the students, faculty, and staff to nominate students who they think fit the bill. We would like to know their: 1. Name 2. Hometown 3. College/Major 4. Academic Achievements 5. Campus Involvement/Community Service 6. Anything else that’s beneficial Send all nominations to editor@nubian.ncsu.edu by February 15th, 2012 at 5PM
NUBIAN MESSAGE
PAGE 8 |FEB. 1ST, 2012
Advice Column
Dear Nubian Queen,
During African American Symposium I met my “Best friend” and we were inseparable for years. We talked about our futures and how we would be in each other’s weddings and godparents to our future children. We are seniors now and things have changed. I have tried to reach out to my friend multiple times but it seems as if my efforts go unnoticed. What do you suggest? Sincerely, Friend or Foe
Do You Know Your History? Who was the first African American to have their poetry published? _______________________________ Who was the first ____________________
Dear Friend or Foe, It is difficult watching your friends turn into strangers. It is also difficult to witness your friendship diminish before your eyes, knowing you can’t do anything about it. Relationships should not be that difficult, especially friendships. It is obvious to you and me both that this person is not your friend. Please do not waste another moment making efforts to reach out to your “friend”; clearly they are ignoring you and your efforts. I know that it is not easy to end a friendship. I think that in this case closure is needed and time truly does heal all wounds. You deserve nothing but the best, and this person is definitely not the best friend that you once loved. Stop holding on to the memories of that person and look at the harsh reality. A friendship is about maintaining the balance between giving and taking and sadly you are the only person giving. First, I suggest that you start to surround yourself with friends and family that love you unconditionally and do not take you for granted. Secondly, do not look at the situation as losing a good friend but as a lesson learned. If you find the lesson within the hardship you will have peace within and come out stronger and more complete. Lastly, make amends. If you feel comfortable talking face to face then go for it. If not, an email or phone call will work just as well. At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason. Although the reason may not be clear now it will be crystal clear one day. It is my hope that you let go of all the negative people in your life that bring you down and I wish you the best of luck! Sincerely, Nubian Queen
African
American
Miss
America?
What building served as the first African American Cultural Center on campus? __________________________________ Who was the first _________________________
African
American
Dean?
This is the only African American to have a building named after them on campus? ______________________________________ This is the first African American to integrate a sports team at NCSU and one of the first African American undergraduates? ____________________ This holiday celebrates the liberation of 250,000 slaves in Texas following the Civl War? _______________________________ Who is the first _______________________
African
American
millionaire?
Who is the first African American to host a network television show? ___________________________________________________ Who was the first African American NHL hockey player? _________________________ Who was the first African American NFL Quarterback? _______________ This building served as the first dining hall on campus? _________________________
Need Advice? If so, send your questions to the Nubian... Editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
Black History Tidbit 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!
Most people belive that Rosa Parks was the first woman to give up her seat on the bus... However, she wasnt... There was a girl by the name of Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955. However, due to the fact that she was a teenager and became pregnant before marriage. Colvin was a student at Booker T. Washington High School. On March 2nd, she was returning from school when she got on a bus. Later, a white woman got on the bus and the bus driver ordered Colvin and two others to give up their seats. Colvin refused and was arrested. However, the NAACP didn’t think she was the icon to appropriately start the movement they envisioned, due to societal views on teenage pregnancy at the time. However, Colvin was still important because she one of the four plaintiffs in Browder vs. Gayle which overturned bus segregation in Montgomery and Alabama. Know Your History!