THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. X, ISSUE 11 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n JAN 25th. 2012 Red Tails Reviewn 4
MLK Service Challenge n2
Interview with Jay Friedman n5
Dr. Lawrence Clark Passes Away at the Age of 78
Photo courtesy of Lawrence M. Clark Center for African American Culture and Learning Dr. Lawrence M. Clark served as an Associate Provost and full time professor in the College of Education. He was instrumental in the formation of various initiatives at NC State University such as the Peer Mentor Program, African American Symposium, and the African American Cultural Center.
This week, the NC State community was saddened to learn the news that Dr. Lawrence Clark passed on Tuesday at the age of 78. Clark was a very influential part of North Carolina State University during his tenure. Clark was born on April 4, 1934 in Danville, VA. He attended Virginia State College where he received his B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics in 1960. He later received his M. Ed. and Ed. D. in Mathematics from the University of Virginia in 1964 and 1967, respectively. Dr. Clark joined NC State University in 1974 serving in dual roles as Associate Provost and full time professor in the College of Education. He also served as the coordinator for all activities related to the university’s Affirmative Action Plan under Executive order 11246. The African American Cultural Center has honored his work each year by hosting the
Dr. Lawrence M. Clark Lecture Series. Clark is credited as one of the founding ‚ “fathers” of the African American Cultural Center, Peer Mentor Program, the African American Symposium, as well as many other initiatives which are still a part of the university today. Dr. Lawrence Clark served as a member of many professional societies and organizations such as the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Delta Pi, the American Association of College Teachers of Education, and much more. After his time at the university, he continued to be actively engaged in the community through multiple local, national, and international activities. Source (Bio): Multicultural Student Affairs
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX! CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF According to Jay Friedman, there are three conditions one must meet before having sex. This week the sex educator will be bringing his lecture performance to campus entitled “The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All” which will answer many of the questions that college students around the nation may have had about sex. The innovative lecture will entertain and educate audience members about important and timely sexuality issues. Jay Friedman is an award winning writer, sex educator, and provocateur. He completed his undergraduate work at Cornell University, and received a Master of Education from the University of Vermont. "Unfortunately, we live in a sexnegative, sex-repressed, and sex-phobic society which has trouble talking about sex and which provides inadequate sex education," Friedman asserts. "My goal is to give a thought-provoking, conversation-creating and perhaps lifechanging performance that breaks the taboos in talking about sex. If people can be more open, I’m sure we’d avoid
the dangers that result from sexual ignorance, and instead enjoy healthy relationships and more pleasurable sexual lives." Friedman has authored intriguing articles regarding sexuality, as well as the curriculum for Cornell University’s male sexuality peer education program entitled How to be a Better Lover. The program is promised to a memorable experience thanks to the combination of Friedman’s expertise as a sex educator, past experience as a DJ, and bright sense of humor. One reviewer stated the “lecture performance a la The Vagina Monologues that provokes as it electrifies the audience about things everyone cares about: sex and relationships.” “People call me a sexual provocateur,” explains Friedman, “My performance is at times personal, philosophical, political and prophetic. The storytelling, the cultural observations, the predictions—they’re all relevant to the students’ lives, getting them to perk up, laugh a lot, and also learn.” In addition to learning about the three
J-SPOT CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Photo by jaytalk.com Jay Friedman has been a sex educator for 27 years. The “J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All “ is said to be a “lecture unlike any other.” Friedman has performed this lecture at many college campuses around the nation.
NEWS
PAGE 2 |JAN. 25, 2012
What’s Happening on Campus
WEDNESDAY
25
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10th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Service Challenge
The J-Spot Issues & Ideas Committee Union Activities Board 7PM - 9PM Stewart Theater Talley Student Center
Thursday
26 Resume Building Event Collegiate 100/Lambda Pi Chi Talley Walnut Room 7PM
FRIDAY
27 Freshman Honor’s Convocation 5:30 PM Talley Ballroom
Monday
30 Love Your Self West and The Movement 6:30 PM-9:30 PM Washington Sankofa Room
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT EDITOR@NUBIAN.NCSU.EDU News Briefs Congratulations to the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. for attaining the highest GPA for all NC State fraternities and sororities for the 2011 Fall Semester.
Shaniqua Taylor | Layout Editor This year marked the 10th Anniversary for NC State’s MLK Service Challenge hosted by CSLEPS and the Pre-Health Minority Interest Group. It was held this past Saturday to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. NC State students and students from Ligon middle school united to live out his legacy by performing acts of service. This years theme was “Respecting our Right to Free Speech” with a focus on health education. The day commenced with a discussion on the theme by Mr. Edward Brown. He delivered a speech that encouraged students to respect the rights of their neighbor. A former NC State student, Derrick Gullick, presented a presentation on peaceful protest and the legacy of Dr. King. Later that day, students made posters and marched around the campus chanting. This years service project consisted of the preparation of hygiene kits and sandwiches which were given to Raleigh Rescue Mission, and Haven House respectively. This event reigned true to the spirit of Dr. King by students celebrating him through service.
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 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
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PERSPECTIVES
JAN. 25 2012 | PAGE 3
Private Prisons Pimp The People
GUEST COLUMN | LAMONT LILLY Here in America, our great “land of the free,” there are approximately 130,000 inmates now housed in privately owned prisons. It‘s a foul stench within a justice system that leads the world in number of persons incarcerated within a state, federal or private institution. Our latest tally of 2 million equates to 25% of the globe’s incarcerated population. This massive waste of human life is commonly known as the Prison Industrial Complex, an oppressive current now being led from the top down by the highly profitable Prison Privatization Movement. Its roots can be traced back to the 1980’s of Ronald Reagan, his “War on Drugs” and tougher sentencing platform. Due to policy makers’ concerns of prison overcrowding at the time, in 1984 the Corrections Corporation of America was contracted to oversee its first facility in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Such transition marked a new federal precedent of complete private control of a correctional institute. Though depicted as cost-saving efficient operations, independent studies suggest the contrary. A lack of regulation enables smaller staff and inadequate training, in turn, producing more violence and consistently unstable conditions among those who seek to “serve time” responsibly. Sustainable medical care has also come into question. Private prisons like the George W. Hill Center, Walnut Grove Youth Facility and New Castle Correctional Institute have garnered a barrage of recent scrutiny
over the deaths of dozens of inmates. And though touted as inexpensively designed, private prisons have proven just as costly to construct as those categorized as public. Even more unnerving, such misguided control sounds eerily similar to the Black Belt’s Convict Lease System of the late 1800’s, a state-run practice throughout the south that forcibly extracted free labor from newly emancipated slaves deemed “criminal.” Just as then, the same companies grossing billions from the capture and incarceration of American citizens (mostly poor, Black and Latino) are the same brokers who donate millions to state senators, school boards, mayors and police chiefs. It’s no secret that private firms such as The GEO Group possess direct appeal to federal legislation like “Three Strikes” and Mandatory Minimum Sentencing. Common sense says such merging complexities spell corruption—political dividends too close for public comfort. Meanwhile, predatory investors like Wells Fargo, American Express and Merrill Lynch reap robust returns on private bond purchasing—the same greed-driven giants literally “banking” on the results of Black boys and their 4th grade EOG’s. (The Children’s Defense Fund details this association through its Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign). As far as the diversity of stock in such regressive investments, additional stakeholders include a slew of corporate sponsors: Nordstrom’s, Microsoft, IBM, Revlon, Target, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and even AT&T, a smorgasbord of some of our
favorite brands. Fact is, we as Americans aren’t committing more crime; we’re doing more time because it pays. In a way, such structural manipulation is almost worse than chattel slavery, considering America’s global claim to moral Democracy at its highest order. We’re talking “Third World” sweatshops disguised as rehab programs! The Human Rights infringement of privatization isn’t punishing someone who does wrong; it’s profiting from the pain of that punishment, exploiting the limited freedoms of inhumane confinement, maximizing such restrictive conditions for capital gain—the same profits that merely perpetuate the incarceration of more African Americans for longer periods of time. I won’t even mention the effects of exploited prison labor on the working class. While poverty in the U.S. continues to plague the general public, highly-skilled positions are going for $1 an hour in the private prison sector. No wonder we can’t find jobs; our furniture and home appliances are being produced by rent-a-slaves, now. I hope this isn’t what Big Business means by “Made in America.” If so, I don’t want no parts of it. [Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by Lamont Lilly. Lamont Lilly is a contributing editor with the Triangle Free Press, who recently served as an organizer with Cynthia McKinney’s, “Report from Libya Tour.” He is also a Sociology Master’s Candidate at North Carolina Central University.]
The Everchanging Facebook KELVIN CARTER | STAFF WRITER
It’s time for another change. That’s right Facebook is about to launch their new interface globally. Starting yesterday it is now mandatory for Facebook users to switch their profile pages to the new timeline. Do you remember the first day you logged onto Facebook? Do you know who the very first person you ever posted a message on their wall? No? Well Facebook knows and now everyone else can too. Facebook allows people to search through people’s posts from the very first time they ever logged onto Facebook. Clicking on your friend’s page the first thing you will realize is the display picture that spreads across anyone’s screen. Each person gets to choose the best picture they think would represent them well. So I suggest you pick a good one that you wouldn’t mind future employers to see. You also have all the features such as seeing your friend’s pictures, friends, and their personal info easily on the top of everyone’s page.
However, Facebook gives users the opportunity to control their own page. For example, if you have pictures from freshman year of you partying hard and you no longer want those pictures seen publicly then you are able to hide those pictures or posts away from the public’s view. This new timeline allows for you to reminisce on your life as well as for friends to remember the fun you had as well as allowing you to stay in control. Personally, the new timeline on Facebook seems to make it easy for people to get access to people’s private lives in ways which have never been considered beforehand. For all the crazy ex-girlfriends, pedophiles, and even parents this could be a way for them to cause more drama in your life. It is highly suggested that everyone go through their own profile and make sure that anything they don’t want posted is no longer available to be seen. Now is the time to be more careful than ever on in the social networking world.
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 |JAN. 25, 2012
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NUBIAN MESSAGE
The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment
BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. Wale ft Miguel - Lotus Flower Bomb 2. Drake ft Nicki Minaj- Make Me Proud 3. Dance - Big Sean 4. Beyonce - Party 5.Rick Ross - You The Boss 6. Jay Z Kanye - In Paris 7. Jeezy - I Do 8. J Cole - Can’t Get Enough
WKNC’s UNDERGROUND Top 5 of the Week 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Kooley High - Dear Raleigh Doomtree - Fresh New Train Dyme Def - Cheers Curt@!ns - “Bodies” Single King Geedorah - “The Fine Print” single
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
Score at the Box Office This past weekend, “Red Tails” came in second place at the box office this weekend securing $19.1 million. The film centered around an entirely African American cast and retold the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. “Red Tails” was produced by George Lucas (Star Wars). Lucas funded the project on his own, because major Hollywood players believed that such a film would flop at the box office.
Photo courtesy of Fox 20th Century Films
“Red Tails Defies the Odds at Box Office” CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF After 20 years, George Lucas’ dream finally came true after he was able to release the movie “Red Tails”, a film about the Tuskegee Airmen. For years, the odds were stacked against the movie that centered around an all African American cast. However, despite the criticism and politics, the movie arrived at theaters around the country and delivered in content and box office numbers. The film was directed by Anthony Hemingway “The Wire,” and screenwritten by Aaron McGruder “The Boondocks” and John Ridley “Three Kings.” Unlike most war stories, “Red Tails” featured an action oriented, comic book like approach to tell the historic story of a group of pilots that were thought to be inferior to their White counterparts. The movie took audience members from moments of excitement to laughter and finally in the end tears of sorrow and joy. In the beginning of the film, the main characters of the movie are riding around bored with nothing to do, being that at the time African American pilots were not sent out on missions like the others. From time to time they would run into Germans who has had bypassed other units, which gave them the opportunity to perform a bit of target practice. In the midst of these trial runs, a power struggle began to ensue between two pilots Lightning and Easy (Nate Parker, David Oyelowo). Lightning is that guy who loves to destroy anything in his path, while Easy is the one who is in control, but has flaws of his own which in this case turns out to be alcohol. An uproar would later arrive in the film that nearly drove these two apart when one of the fellow’s
airmen almost meets death. One of the standout stars of the movie would definitely have to be Tristan Wilds who plays Ray Gannon, a young kid who wants to get out of the shadow of his father and become his own man. Wilds appears to have a bright future ahead of him in Hollywood. Another major aspect of this story is the fact that the Tuskegee experimental program is in danger of being shut down. Many believed the airmen were inferior and therefore were hesitant to send them on missions, but soon were convinced to be given a chance, thanks to the support of an African American higher up played by Terrence Howard. This film also features Cuba Gooding Jr., Ne-Yo, and Marcus T. Paulk. Once given the chance to prove themselves, the Tuskegee airmen show other pilots that they have the ability to succeed on an even level playing field. Even though race is a definite factor in the movie, it is not beaten with a wooden stick. Although, there are several scenes that are heavily weighed by racism. The film throughout is less talk, more action. Red Tails is definitely a film that should be on your schedule for this week if you have not had the pleasure of viewing it yet, especially with Black History Month just around the corner. While I doubt, that it will get many or any nominations for an Oscar, the film goes a long way in proving that movies featuring African American casts can be successful if given the opportunity. This film proves that anything is definitely possible and hopefully in the future we will see more films of this caliber released nationwide.
Rating: 4/5 stars
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LIFESTYLES
JAN. 25 2012 | PAGE 5
J-SPOT CONTINUED ON PAGE 1 conditions of having sex, audience members learn such things as whether men really explode if they don’t have sex, the mysteriously missing sex organ (The G-Spot), How to make condoms feel oh so much better, and much more. “Time flies as Jay tackles a whirlwind of issues—including communication, cross-cultural issues, gender roles, sexual responsibility, and G(ee) spots—in his unique performance style.” Friedman will tackle even the toughest sexual issues.
The program hosted by the UAB Issues and Ideas Committee will take place Wednesday, January 25th at 7PM in Stewart Theater. Various campus organizations will have information tables at the event delivering more information on different sexual health issues. Guests that attend will also be eligible for door prizes.
The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All “The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All” is a lecture unlike any other. Jay Friedman has his finger on the pulse of sexual issues in our society, and tackles the toughest of topics in a refreshingly sex-positive way.” Date: Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 Time : 7PM Place: Stewart Theater, Talley Student Center Sponsored by: Issues and Ideas Committeee of Union Activities Board Several campus organizations will have information tables which relate to various sex issues.
The Nubian Message got a chance to interview Mr. Friedman before “The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All” Nubian Message: So I saw that you have been a sex educator for 27 years. What has been some of the biggest changes that you have seen with college students over the years in the ways that they think of and view sex?
In fact, we have a general taboo in talking about sex in this country. As a result, we don’t always know what’s normal, we don’t know about the prevalence of problems like sexual abuse and sexual assault, we don’t always know that people close to us may be GLBT, etc. And in the bedroom, we don’t know how to negotiate and practice safer sex, and we have trouble expresses our hopes, needs, fears, and desires.
Jay Friedman: Actually, one of the biggest surprises is that I don’t think students’ attitudes about sex have changed all that much. Sure, students today are probably a little more savvy than students from 27 years ago. But in some ways, we’re going backward in this country, as abstinence-only education has crippled today’s students with sexual ignorance. And still the same is that young people feel immortal, as if problems like STDs and teen pregnancy don’t happen to them, but always to “someone else.”
Nubian Message: I saw you plan to touch on why sex is better in Scandinavia... How do the perceptions about sex differ between American college students aged 18-24 differ from others around the world in your opinion?
Nubian Message: How are you able to continue to connect with a younger audience, being that sometimes college aged students are skeptical about talking about it with others? Jay Friedman: The J-Spot sex lecture is popular because it’s not preachy or judgmental about sex. Instead, it offers a sex-positive approach that affirms sexual pleasure. I use a lot of humor and stories in the lecture, so instead of a doom-and-gloom approach, it’s a fun event that challenges students’ thinking about sex and gets them to talk more openly about sex afterward. Nubian Message: I saw on your blog that you disagreed with the Pope's thoughts about condoms.. Do you ever face conflict from religious groups or any other organizations on college campuses? Jay Friedman: First, let me say that I believe everyone should make their sexual decision-making in the context of their spiritual/personal beliefs. I never try to take that away from anyone. My lecture is exceedingly popular with college students. That said, some people may disagree with some points in the lecture—but that’s the point of coming to college, right? College isn’t for being affirmed in what you already believe, but in-
stead to be exposed to new ideas and challenged by them. Nubian Message: How are you able to keep college students engaged in your lectures after a long day of classes? Jay Friedman: (See #2 above.) I call my event a “lecture,” but it’s more like a lecture performance. Students are amazed how quickly the time passes, and how much they are laughing while they are learning. Part of it is that the lecture covers so many issues in such a short amount of time. The (PowerPoint) slides, stories, and humor illustrate the topics of the lecture, and the content is so pertinent to students’ lives that they find it invaluable. They also enjoy some of the more fun and provocative parts of the lecture, like “how to make using a condom feel better,” the connections between sex and food (I invite students to tell me their favorite foods, challenging me to figure out what that food teaches us about sex), and a clip
from a Scandinavian sex education video that’s essentially censored in America. Nubian Message: What made you decide to become a sex educator? Is it something you were always intrigued with or did you encounter an experience that made you want to start this? Jay Friedman: Being a sex educator is an incredible job. Nobody knows everything about sex, so part of what’s fun about my job is that I get paid to learn while I’m teaching. And I get so much positive feedback from students who say that my lecture was the best “class” they had during their entire stay on campus! Nubian Message: What do you believe is the most harmful sexual taboo with this generation and why? Jay Friedman: One of the most harmful sexual taboos is that sex should be done in the dark, and in silence.
Jay Friedman: As much as people think the United States is sexually open, I’m opening eyes by telling people that we’re actually sexually backward and repressed in this country. Sex sells and is used in advertising, but we actually have very Victorian attitudes when it comes to sex, and this results in a lack of open communication, and numerous sexual problems like high teen pregnancy rates, high abortion rates, and high levels of STIs. Sex education is so much more progressive elsewhere, particular in northern European countries. Nubian Message: What can attendees expect from the show? Would you be able to give a brief preview of one of your topics? Jay Friedman: Students should come with open minds and expect to have a good time. We’ll talk prevention, but even more, we’ll talk pleasure. Some topics: - three conditions before having sex - how to make condoms feel oh-somuch better - why sex is better in Scandinavia - the mysteriously missing sexual organ - "Kegels with Your Bagels" - plus, the Scandinavian sex education video, and connections between sex and food
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PAGE 6 |JAN. 25, 2012
Gingrich Coins Obama “Food Stamp President” SAMPSON BLOH | STAFF WRITER
The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich surprisingly defeated previously presumed front runner Mitt Romney in the South Carolina Republican Primary last Saturday. Newt Gingrich spoke on Saturday night following his victory speech in South Carolina with great emotion, a trick which is popular in political speeches. As the speech continued, Gingrich reverted to a more radical tone, which more so characterizes the famous Newt Gingrich that many of us have come to know. It seemed the writer of his victory speech had reviewed some of President Barack Obama’s speeches before writing this particular victory speech. There is no doubt that I sense the Obama style present in the beginning of Gingrich’s speech. But nonetheless, in my opinion the speech was terrible and the crowd seemed dead compared to other crowds after a victorious election. The continuous radicalism of Newt Gin-
grich is worth mentioning. He conveyed this when he repeatedly called President Obama “the most effective food stamp President in American history.” This is very divisive and could potentially hurt Gingrich with minority populations during the general election in November, if he indeed is named the presidential nominee of the Republican Party. He used the word “food stamp” twice in the speech and in addition to calling the president a food stamp president he stated, “President Obama is so weak that he makes Jimmy Carter looks strong.” Many are making the argument that Gingrich’s recent surge in the polls can be pinpointed to Gingrich’s willingness to go on the attack in response to the Romney Super Pacs. It is also argued that Gingrich’s forceful answers to many questions during last week debate, and the fact that he had been playing to conservative voters by referring to President Obama as the “food stamp President” is another reason for his new
found momentum. The South Carolina loss was so painful to his campaign that “frontrunner” Mitt Romney agreed to publish his tax documents after previously refusing to do so. It is very interesting that Gingrich was so forceful in his speech but it will be even more interesting when the full-scale general election campaign begins to take shape, if he is the nominee. Americans are about to see a tough election season this year, one that could be nasty and filled with more political insults than the 2008 season. Newt Gingrich has found his voice among conservative republicans and is determined to attack Obama however he can, in order to please conservative voters who can’t wait to get rid of the president. The Obama campaign on the other hand should be very prepared for the Republicans who are going to bring nasty attacks, business as usual.
AASAC Organization Spotlight: Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir Uninhibited Praise was birthed out of "New Horizens" gospel choir five years ago. UPGC is not only an AASAC organization, but also a ministry. Our constitutional purpose entails that of "ministering through song, encouraging vocal growth, and creating a positive social environment while winning souls to Christ."
The executive board of Uninhibited Praise encourages all of our members to become a part of other organizations as well, so that God can be lifted up in all areas of the collegiate experience.
Uninhibited Praise advised by Mr. Ron Foreman (faculty adviser) and Charles Hunt (alumni adviser);
President: Jamael Harrison
UPGC currently consists of fifty zealous members, anxious to do the work of the Lord. Uninhibited Praise also has it's own week which starts on the 22nd of April and will lead all the way up until April 28th, which is the group’s annual spring concert.
NUBIAN MESSAGE The Concords “On December 23, 2011, a woman left her two toddlers in a non operated vehicle desperate for the new Jordan's” “Police prepare for deaths and thefts for the new Concords” Someone will buy these to make a Christmas rather it’s something they can or can’t afford 180 dollar Concords Made in Bangladesh Start at 8 a.m. and finish around 2 ish. Not p.m. but a.m. And we stand in Lines and wait sitting at our computer screens Hoping that the white laces and no crease will be enough. To make her blush To get his touch He said, he “just wants a girly girl that owns a rack of Jordan’s but don’t sport em cause she loves her pumps” But it’s always been this way It’s just what we always do Look down to my knees Flairs used to be that jean Now my jeans need to be skinny Now my jeans need to be 90% spandex Now my jeans need to be leggings My jeans will soon not exist. And as we persist It gets deeper Sometimes we place our self worth on material things How can I be confident without this horse on my chest? And ironically I buy my confidence with pieces of paper saying In God We Trust But do I honestly feel that way? A billion dollar industry to a man who doesn’t even know my name Who made it to where he is wearing shoes that cost not nearly as much as his brand’s name This brand game My bag needs a C, an LV, or some random designer’s name So that I can sleep happy as can be As someone else sleeps in a room with 30 people to make shoes to put on my feet #BLESSED Even though I’m slightly blinded by the things I can afford My iPhone and mac with magical cords Which overseas causes the poorest countries to have wars the car I drive, the books we read 25-50 dollar bibles to worship the Lord 100 dollar blood diamond earrings We do it in so many venues because we're so blessed that we say something is to die for not realizing our hyperbole is another’s reality over seas. 17-year-old Steve Terrett 15-year old Michael Eugene Thomas 16 year old Johnny Bates 18 year old Tyreek Jacobs and others Rest In Peace
- Alexis Teasdell
LIFESTYLES
JAN. 25 2012 | PAGE 7
“History Repeats Itself”
African American Hairstyles of the Past Return to the Scene AKUA ADU-NYAKO | STAFF WRITER Have you ever heard the saying “History repeats itself?” well, it’s about that time! Many Black hairstyles that were once deemed “played out” are now back in the spotlight and on the heads of many African Americans. Hairstyles such as dreadlocks for males and the “natural” look for females date back farther than slavery. These styles along with many others have been spotted on NCSU’s campus. Dreadlocks actually had spiritual meaning and people would grow dreads as part of a vow of purity that they entered with God. Rastafarians of Jamaica were one of the first people to wear this look. Dreads were introduced into pop culture by Bob Marley as a way of honoring his Rastafarian beliefs. Since then, Dreadlocks have made their way back into Black culture as a fashion statement. Recently, African American males have been greatly influenced by rappers Lil’ Wayne and Waka Flocka Flame’s dreadlocks. Walking around NC State’s campus, I have spotted many men (and a few women) who have dreadlocks. I have begun to notice that more
females are now wearing the “natural look” leaving behind perms and allowing their hair to become chemical-free. Natural hair has ALWAYS been present in the Black community because of the main fact that we’re born with it, but it has always been suppressed by the perm. Many Black women have conformed to permed hair because it is what is “accepted” in society today. Women now have come to the realization that natural hair is just as professional looking as straight or permed hair. Women nowadays are embracing their natural hair and loving the curls God gave them. Natural hair is so versatile, meaning that there are numerous things you can do to it. Twist- outs, ponytails, wash-and-go, up-dos and mini fro’s, are styles that accentuate curls and have been seen on NC State’s campus. You can even get a press ‘n curl which straightens your hair and gives the allusion that you have a perm. Forget what you’ve heard, natural hair does NOT mean that a woman is too lazy to get her hair done. In fact, being natural is a lot of work and consumes much time but it is a beautiful style that saves a lot of money once you learn how to manage it. People look at the “natural
look” as a trend, but I think it’ll be here to stay. After all, what woman doesn’t want strong, healthy hair? A new style I have seen that is rapidly gaining popularity among Black women is “Senegalese Twists”. Although unpronounceable to many, Senegalese Twists have gained admiration throughout the Black community here at NC State. This look is similar to micros but compared to braids, they are considered more elegant or “fancy” looking. Senegalese twists can be worn straight and long or curled at the ends. They are usually expensive and priced anywhere from $90-$200, maybe even more, because they are harder to do than braids. Black hair has always been a topic of interest. Walking around NC State’s campus, I’ve come across people sporting different types of hairstyles. Whether you have braids, dreads, twists, a perm, or you’re natural, be proud of your hair and rock it. No matter what style you wear, it is likely that you’ll be asked multiple times the everso-popular question from the Youtube video “’Stuff’ White Girls Say To Black Girls”, “Can I touch it?”
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
PERSPECTIVES
PAGE 8 |JAN. 25, 2012
Advice Column Dear Nubian Queen,
The new semester has begun and refund checks have been disbursed. I admit, past semesters. I have not been responsible in regard to financial decisions. Usually within six weeks after receiving my financial aid my funds are already running low. Do you have any suggestions for budgeting? Sincerely, Bounced Check Dear Bounced Check, Recent surveys have found that approximately 50% of Americans do not track their spending patterns each month. Greg McBride, Senior Financial Analyst stated that "budgeting and keeping track of your spending is really the road map toward savings. As we found out in a poll last month, Americans do not have a sufficient emergency savings cushion. And unless you are tracking your spending on a monthly basis, you're setting up obstacles to your ever getting to that desired savings cushion." Money is a means of exchange, provides a sense of security, and sadly defines your success. With that said, it is very important to develop a budget plan as soon as possible. When it comes to budgeting there is no one-size-fits-all but hopefully this will help. It is called the 50/30/20 budget! You begin with your after-tax income or refund check in this case. You set aside 50% for your needs: including housing, utilities, transportation, food, and insurance. Then set aside 30% for your wants. For example, dining out, entertainment and clothes. The remaining 20% issolely dedicated to savings and debt repayment. The 50/30/20 budget is designed to help you live within your means while figuring out exactly what your means are. It makes you take note of how your spending your money and allows room for minor adjustments along the way. This system may not work for everyone, but it is a wonderful starting place and has worked for many people just like you. It is my hope for you,that this budgeting plan will give you the inspiration to spend and save responsibly. Sincerely, Nubian Queen
NUBIAN MESSAGE
SOPA: Not Your Average Bowl of Vegetable Soup KIERRA LEGGETT | STAFF WRITER Sopa- for anyone who’s ever taken an introductory Spanish language class this likely is the term you learned to say soup in Spanish. However, as of October 26, 2011 it is also the acronym used for the Stop Online Piracy Act introduced by Republican United States Representative, Lamar S. Smith. Smith’s proposed SOPA bill would allow copyright holders the ability to seek out legal action against websites and search engines affiliated in any way with copyright infringement. In contrast to current laws that allow copyright holders to simply request their content be removed from websites sharing it illegally, under SOPA, copyright holders would have the authority to shut down entire websites for streaming or providing download links for their content. Search engines including Google, Wikipedia, along with social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube all stand to be affected if the bill
is passed into law. On Monday, January 18, 2012 the largest online protest ever took place with more than 10 million people participating in protesting SOPA. Wikipedia blacked out for the day, redirecting users to a black screen that provided a link to find out more about the proposed act, and also the resources to get in touch with local representatives. Search engine site, Google, responded similarly by placing a censor over their logo. Politicians and celebrities also took part in the action with the White House issuing this statement, “While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cyber security risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovtive global Internet.” On Friday, January 20, Representative Smith postponed the drafting of the bill indefinitely. For those in opposition of the proposed bill, this is a temporary victory, and a true testament to the power of democracy.
Need Advice? If so, send your questions to the Nubian... Editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
# I’m Just Saying This week was the season finale of Love & Hip Hop... The cast finally made it through one show without a brawl
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 Designers 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!
Many unsuspecting victims around the world continue to fail in the new extreme viral trend of the week... The cinnamon challenge... Why anyone would want to eat cinnamon alone is the golden question? Diddy has decided to try to recreate the glory days of BET by creating a a new channel dedicated to African American music. Maybe he won’t ruin this like he ruined the careers of most of the artists that have been signed to Bad Boy. For the past few days blog sites have been buzzing at the fact that Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted at the same club. One even went as far as saying that a fight almost ensued between the “Man Down” girl and Brown’s girlfriend whom he recently got a tattoo of on his own. The pop singer who vowed that he wouldn’t do any interviews in 2012 quickly put this rumor to rest... On a sad note, the story of Terrell Owens proves that you just can’t trust everyone as the former NFL has admitted that he is beginning to run out of money. In other news, a video surfaced on the web of teens trying to party in an empty house... or so they believed... They were barricaded in the house by an unsuspecting contractor who held them in the house until the police arrived.. Some were able to escape out the back door and others tried to jump off the roof... Why they believed they could get away with this is beyond me. Is is just me or has the television show “The Game” been dealing with hard times since moving to BET. I guess funds from Verizon and Nike haven’t been able to pay for better storylines... #I’m just sayin’... The women characters are almost as bitter as the girls described in the “Rachet Girls Anthem” That halfway sums up slightly what’s going on in pop culture this week, but by this time next week most of these things may be as forgotten as “The Devil Inside” which was a travesty to Hollywood.