The voice of the Spartan community Vol. 58 Issue 10
SpartanEcho.com
3.18.11
NSU RETENTION RATES
72% 67%
By MAYRENES FIGUEREO Echo Correspondent Since April 2010, the students at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) have been protesting the recent budget cuts made to the university. The termination of over thousands of public workers has also lead to large peaceful protest demonstrations over the past year, one in which over 100,000 protesters turned out for support. About 26,000 workers
have been laid off. The protesters are also against the government for warning and trying to shut down the university FM radio station, and for attacking the Puerto Rico Bar Association. On February 9, the students organized a peaceful demonstration in the form of a paint-in, in which they painted messages of protest on an area on the street in front of the main library, without interrupting classes. The students
were protesting against UPR’s Chancellor Ana Guadalupe’s orders of prohibiting any type of protesting, which were also orders from Governor Luis Fortuño, who ordered armed police officers to enforce those orders upon students. Students were immediately attacked by the police and the armed SWAT and Riot Squad teams. The peaceful protests that have been met with police violence Story continued on p. 3
The Spartan Echo is accepting applications now for all editor positions. Editors will serve during the fall 2011 semester and receive a scholarship for their service. Amounts vary by position. Some summer work will be necessary to prepare for the fall semester. Contact the faculty adviser at seopfer@nsu.edu or 757-823-2444 for more detailed information. Students with previous professional or student media experience are strongly encouraged to apply, but previous experience is not necessary. Applicants, however, must be a current full-time student. Applications are available online from Student Activities and Leadership. http:// www.nsu.edu/studentactivities/documents/SpartanEchoPublicationApplication.doc FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 3
2009
University of Puerto Rico student protestors attacked by police
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RICARDO ARDUENGO| ASSOCIATED PRESS Riot police confront protesting students inside the University of Puerto Rico.
GRAPHIC BRYON SUMMERS| SPARTAN ECHO Retention rates at NSU have fallen five percent in two years.
Retention rates are decreasing at Norfolk State By BETHANY CARTWRIGHT Students are finding it harder to stay enrolled in a university. Since 2007, retention rates have fallen 5 percent for fulltime, degree-seeking freshmen, making retention for fall 2009 freshmen 67 percent. While retention rates for fall 2007 were at 72%, the highest in the past 6 years, drop-out rates increased for that class in following years. And while none of the students have graduated, almost half of the 2007 freshmen are no longer enrolled in the university.
Mildred Fuller, Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Dean of Graduate School, believes that the decrease in could be attributable to poor student performance, financial constraints and lack of connection with the university. Norfolk State is actively trying to research why students are not staying enrolled in classes. 22 non-returning student volunteers from the fall semester of 2009 did a telephone survey, answering questions about their involvement on campus and their opinion of the quality of service. Story continued on p. 6
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spartan editorial
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editors
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The voice of the Spartan community addresses needs in new president
DEBRA GOODE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JALIZA BRAXTON MANAGING EDITOR
KEONA PRUDE NEWS EDITOR
DAN ADU-GYAMFI SPORTS EDITOR
BETHANY CARTWRIGHT STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
KESHARA COX ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
QUAMÉ HAMLIN MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
BRYON SUMMERS LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR
BRYON SUMMERS | SPARTAN ECHO The Spartan Echo looks for a president that will be proactive in and around the NSU community. The Spartan Echo staff believes we must look for a President who recognizes that high visibility is expected, endured and practiced. We want to be able to recognize this person at any given time and not just at special campus events. We need someone who is not afraid to shake hands with the students and make the connection on the spot - not just from a podium at Fall Convocation. Someone who is present and can be seen as accessible and concerned with everything that goes on with the university from state funding, to parking, to dining, to the staff, and other small but important things, bring value to the individual contribution a President can make to the university family. The Spartan Echo staff wants someone who is aware and in tune with the issues and the people of the community on and off this campus. Our slogan, “The voice of the Spartan community,” speaks of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and others who form our NSU community. It speaks of those who live on and off campus, who attend classes day and night. It speaks of the alumni, the community around us and much more. The NSU President should be the face
of a friend and a leader of our community and recognized not simply because of their picture posted in the administrative offices of Wilson Hall. The NSU President should be a person who is not afraid of the media or of the negative criticism that NSU so often receives, and who will stand, alongside with the rest of the NSU community, in the face of adversity and will proudly defend its name and what this community stands for. Our new president must understand what sets NSU above all others when it comes to the spirit of us, the Spartans. We want a President to be someone who will help and encourage the student body to defeat the odds of adversity, a person that is sensitive to the reputation the students have about their institution and someone who makes a conscious effort in addressing those issues. We need someone who listens to the current student concerns , not just the alumni. Our next president should also have a clear vision of the future of NSU and a clear vision for all of its students from undergraduate to graduate, from traditional to nontraditional, from part-time to full-time, and from residential students to commuters.
With the loss of our past president and the reassignment of our provost, NSU seems to be losing its identity. Either a new set of traditions must be created to meet changing needs or old traditions need to be resurrected. We need a President who will demonstrate class and education, and someone who we can proudly emulate and feel comfortable having a personal connection with. We welcome a President who will put students high upon the list of priorities, who does not oppose an open door policy, such that the President’s Office is also a place where they can expect to sit down and have a conversation. It is certain that the resume would include the innumerable particulars of degrees and experience; however, with that, the person should be warm, receptive, intuitive and available. We especially need someone who understands that a connection with the students is essential to success as President of this institution and the university itself because it unifies the community. That makes us stronger and makes everyone involved appreciate the relationship they have with their fellow Spartans and the institution and traditions of Norfolk State University.
3 spartan news Puerto Rico student What’s the relation between protestors attacked oral sex and oral cancer? HPV 3.18.11
Continued from p. 1 has caught the attention of civil rights activists. This has also raised the question, among other students like Calvin Nellum, a sophomore Mathematics major, of whether the students of UPR should continue to protest or not, and if they are carrying out the protest in an effective way against the government. “It’s young minds getting together and recognizing there’s a problem and acting on it in a very ineffective way to bruise the government’s power; that won’t really create an overall solution to their problems. Although they are very courageous, it’s not the smart way of trying to find a solution to the problem,” said Nellum. The protests have increasingly become violent as students have been limited from speaking out against the Puerto Rican government. The students have reportedly been beaten, sprayed with mace, shot at with rubber bullets, and some female students were sexually
assaulted, groped and harassed. These actions have been caught on video as proof of the police officers’ violent attacks on the students. The police have also used immobilization methods on the protesters, which have been classified as torture by civil rights groups. Ten of the eleven campuses have been shut down due to the violent confrontations between students and the Puerto Rican police. Governor Fortuño and the legislature have de-certified the Puerto Rico Bar Association, the oldest institution in Puerto Rico. On February 10, Osvaldo Toledo, the president of the Bar, was incarcerated for not paying a fine for counseling Bar members who have been charged with a restraining order made to keep them from taking advantage of their freedom of speech. The Bar warned William Ramirez, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) of Puerto Rico, that in fear of arrest, he may not be able to express himself against the restraining order.
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
All potentially qualified applicants will be interviewed by the faculty adviser and take a grammar and editing test. Follow-up interviews and testing may apply. Positions are awarded by the Student Publication Board after spring 2011 grades are posted, contingent upon GPA and full-time enrollment in the fall. Minimum Qualifications for All Positions - pre-registered as a full-time NSU student for fall 2011 - 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher after May 11, 2011 - agreement to adhere to journalistic standards - ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines - time and dedication to perform staff duties Graphic Design Editor: - Photoshop/Adobe In-Design experience Multimedia Editor: - photography/videography experience Section Editor: - ability to gather information accurately from authoritative sources - ability to write journalistic material in Associated Press style - ability to edit copy according to Associated Press style
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Applications will be accepted via e-mail at seopfer@nsu.edu through April 1, 2011. Attach your best work sample to the e-mail along with the completed application document.
By KEONA PRUDE According to the Center of Disease and Control, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer and over 8,000 deaths occur each year. We know that oral cancer can be caused by cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking, extreme alcohol consumption or the use of smokeless tobacco. However, mounting research in the United States and Europe links the growing number of neck and head cancers in men to human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that contaminates the genital areas, the mouth and throat of both sexes. For years, doctors have encouraged young girls to get vaccinated against HPV, now they are saying young boys should be vaccinated as well. Dr. Beverly Withers, clinical director of NSU’s Spartan Health Center, believes that being vaccinated is one of the most important steps to prevent oral and genital HPV infections. “Most people who have genital HPV don’t know they have it. There are often no symptoms, and it goes away on its ownwithout causing any serious health problems. Although, vaccinations are recommended for all girls and women between the ages of 13 and 26, studies are being done to find out if the vaccine is safe and effective for boys and men,” said Withers. So how does one contract HPV? Doctors believe that having multiple sex partners, becoming sexually active at a younger age and particularly oral sex are contributing to the oral cancer epidemic. According to a
Minimal Position Qualifications Editor-in-Chief: - leadership experience - administrative experience - student organization experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy
study published by the American Association for Cancer Research, 50 percent of oral cancers are related to HPV, whereas 20 years ago only 20 percent of oral cancers were related to HPV. Cancers of the throat, base of the tongue and tonsils can be deadly. Unfortunately, more and more young men are becoming a part of this epidemic. There are over 100 strains of the HPV virus. Some strains can cause genital
These risky behaviors make the individuals more susceptible to catching HPV warts, while other can change cells and become cancerous. HPV strains are identified by numbers. The numbers for oral and cervical cancers are HPV sub-types 16 and 18. HPV can also cause cancer in the vagina, penis, vulva and anus. There is evidence that HPV has been linked to esophageal and lung cancer as well. Gardasil, the recommended HPV vaccination that protects against four types of HPV, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of young girls in 2006. In 2009 the FDA approved the vaccination for the treatment of genital and anal warts in young boys. “HPV can be transmitted orally in the same manner as other STIs. The use of dental
Managing Editor: - leadership experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy
dams (condoms for oral sex) decreases the risk associated with transmission of STIs during oral sex. One way of decreasing risk is by observation of sexual organs to ensure that there are no potential signs of STIs obvious. However, dialogue between sexual partners remains the best way to ensure that one knows the sexual health status of their sexual partner,” said Withers. According to a study in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases report, oral sex has become more ordinary. People are having more sex partners and they are having sex at an earlier age. These risky behaviors make the individuals more susceptible to catching HPV, which can ultimately lead to oral cancer. Dr. Kevin Cullen, director of University of Maryland’s Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, doesn’t believe oral sex is the only thing to blame for oral cancers. “It’s hard for me to believe sexual behaviors have changed that much in 15 to 20 years,” he said. “It may be that as happens, epidemics get enough people infected and an infection begins to take off, and that may have happened with HPV at some point,” said Cullen via an article on abcnews.go.com. Being educated about the risks of oral sex is a sure way to prevent HPV and oral cancer. Practicing safe sex and being tested regularly are the best ways to not become infected with an STI. For more information about oral cancer, please visit www. cdc.gov. For information about oral sex or getting tested please contact the Spartan Health Center at (757) 623-3090.
Preferred Qualifications for All Positions (in order of importance) - previously published as a journalist - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - leadership experience - ability to re-apply and continue service through spring 2012 - WordPress experience - ability to take photographs and transfer them electronically - social media experience - knowledge of HTML - ability to shoot and edit video - Adobe In-Design experience
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AP PHOTO | LANCE MURPHEY From left, San Antonio Spurs’ George Hill, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are apart of a successful franchise built up around future hall of famer Tim Duncan.
AP PHOTO | MATT SAYLES From left, Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen joined forces to rebuild the Boston legacy of basketball championships.
NBA committing to excellence By DAN ADU-GYAMFI Many people look to the NBA today and see that the elite players do not want to play in small markets and would prefer to control where they play. If you look closely to the history of the NBA, you will notice that it has always been this way. The LeBron James free agency spectacle began the concern for the future of the NBA. Many analysts felt that James took the “easy way” of winning a championship by joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. They fail to realize that the tradition of superstars moving to other teams in pursuit of a championship is commonplace. Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the San Francisco Warriors to the Philadelphia 76ers, and from the 76ers to the Los Angeles Lakers in his legendary career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left the Milwaukee Bucks to join the Lakers in the mid 1970s. Magic Johnson, who was one of the legends who criticized James, once said in an interview that if the Lakers did not win the coin toss to draft him first overall, he would have went back to college because he did not want to play for the Chicago Bulls. Charles Barkley did not like his situation with the 76ers so he received
his in 1992 when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns and from there to the Houston Rockets. During this season, Carmelo Anthony made it clear that he wanted to be a New York Knick, so the Denver Nuggets traded him there before the trade deadline was over because they did not lose him in free agency for nothing in return. It is the team’s responsibility to draft great players and surround them with talent and a good coaching staff so that they can compete for a title. If this is not done, most likely they will leave when it is time for them to be a free agent. Anthony saw what the Knicks were building when they signed fellow all-star Amare Stoudemire in the off-season and he wanted to be a part of it. Some markets like Cleveland, Memphis, New Orleans and Toronto cannot attract the big free agents, so their fans complain that if something is not changed, the NBA can become similar to the MLB where only teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees get all the top players. Free agency is a right that cannot be taken away by the owners. If they want to attract the top players in the league, then they have to show them how serious they are.
AP PHOTO | LYNNE SLADKY Dwayne Wade, left, and LeBron James joined forces this season. Wade is looking for his second NBA title, James is pursuing his first. Fans are expecting a quick championship.
AP PHOTO| BILL KOSTROUN Carmelo Anthony, left, and Amare Stoudemire both joined the New York Knicks organization this year with hopes of reshaping the historic team back to it’s winning era. The San Antonio Spurs are the perfect example of how an organization should run in professional sports. In 1997, they drafted future hall of famer Tim Duncan. They surrounded him by drafting international stars Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker and other good role
players. With a front office that understands how the league works; they have won four NBA championships with Duncan and have shown the rest of the league which blueprint to follow on how to be successful. If the owners, front office and coaching staff can select
the best players and show them how hard they will work to bring a championship to their respective city, then players will not leave. On the other hand, if they do not show any interest in contending for a title then players will continue to go elsewhere to attain it.
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DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
AP PHOTO | MICHAEL CONROY Former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton works out during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis.
NFL COMBINE: UNDERAPPRECIATED OR OVERHYPED? By ANTHONY IRABOR Echo Correspondent The NFL Combine is an annual event where college players go to work out, get poked, prodded and analyzed by general managers, coaches and team personnel. Millions of dollars are made and lost during this week long event. A lot is solely based on numbers, but it doesn’t account for the way the players actually perform on the field. The NFL Combine has given “workout warriors” a chance to be picked higher than they deserve. Players that are picked high and don’t live up to their expectations, cost franchises a chance at recruiting elite players because they didn’t meet the prototypical standards. Is it emotionally fair to prospects that everything they left on the field in college be thrown away off a bad workout? The drills they do by themselves do not show what they did and could do for a team. Football is played in pads, not a tight muscle suit. The marquee event at the combine is the forty-yard dash. It is overhyped because Hall of Fame players like Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith were considered slow by many. Aside from skill
players in the open field, when will players be able to run in a straight line with no ball in hand in a game situation? Although occasional players like Chris Johnson set the NFL combine record with a 4.24 forty-yard time, many of the fastest players don’t succeed. Darrius Heyward-Bey ran a 4.25 forty-yard dash in the combine and the Oakland Raiders took him seventh overall over Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. HeywardBey hasn’t panned out while Crabtree and Maclin have been productive for their teams The perfect example of a combine flaw is Tom Brady. He didn’t run fast or throw very well in the workout, but on film he was a solid prospect. Brady fell to the sixth round and was the 199th overall pick. Now he is a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Super Bowl MVP and two-time regular season MVP. The combine is needed, but it should not overshadow the player’s accomplishments. Yes, the combine is responsible for some players making it and for some it may be their only shot, but let’s remember in football there are three things you can’t measure--heart, competiveness and the desire to win.
BRYON SUMMERS | SPARTAN ECHO The 6-10, 240 pound forward/center has blossomed from a little known prospect that picked up basketball late in high school to becoming one of the premier players in the MEAC. By LEONARD FAIRLEY Echo Correspondent Many successful division one basketball players have spent years sharpening their skills that allow them to compete at such a high level. However, junior Kyle O’Quinn does not fit that profile. The 6-10, 240 pound forward/ center has blossomed from a little known prospect that picked up basketball late in high school to becoming one of the premier players in the MEAC as a result of his hard work and dedication to the game. “When I came to Campus Magnet, I was one of the tallest in the school, so it’s kind of like I had to do it, not saying I had to, but I walked into it,” said O’Quinn. “I walked into being a basketball player, and I walked into a starting spot my senior year.” To develop into an AllMEAC performer like O’Quinn, one must have a superb work ethic and a willingness to continue to learn the game. “The key to Kyle’s growth and development is his workout. He works out four times a week and works very hard in the off-season and during the season,” said assistant coach Larry Vickers. So what is the strongest part of Kyle O’Quinn’s game? Is it his variety of moves in the
post, his sweet shooting touch from the perimeter, or even his defensive domination in the paint, redirecting every layup or shot attempt within his grasp? There really is no one answer to this question because he does all these things well. “The best part in Kyle’s game is his passing, his shooting and post moves and defense all developed during his time here, but passing is a natural instinct for him and a skill he already had,” said Head Coach Anthony Evans. O’Quinn has also become a leader and a positive locker room influence for the team. He has shown more maturity and leadership in addition to elevating his game this year. O’Quinn is encouraging to teammates and makes sure that they are doing their jobs and is vocal during practices and games. “His maturity as a player and as a person has allowed him to become the player he is now because he is now realizing his potential and growth,” said Evans. “Now he is also looked to more by his teammates as this season has gone on.” The Jamaica Queens, NY native has stepped his game up in conference play. His signature game was on January 31 in a 110-108 double overtime win against Coppin State in which he totaled 37 points, 19 rebounds
and six blocks, all season highs. In addition, he hit two free throws with 4.5 seconds in the second overtime to seal the win. “At one point, I looked up and I saw that I had a lot of points, and I was like, ‘Man I might be having a good game tonight.’ But then it sunk in that if we don’t win this game, then all those points mean nothing, so getting the win was most important. Having all those points and losing means nothing on the bus back home,” he said. One other very noticeable aspect about O’Quinn is his vibrant personality. He is very humorous on and off the court. “His personality is good. With my personality,” said senior guard Aleek Pauline, “people say I’m very serious about the game of basketball, but Kyle is mellow. He’s always in a joking mood, always trying make people laugh and so on. His personality is real good off the court, but you know, this year he’s handling business on the court as well.” Like every other great college player O’Quinn has pro aspirations after his last season at NSU. “God willing, I’ll play in the NBA when I’m done here. If that doesn’t happen, then I could go overseas or anything like that, but finishing a good career here would be great,” O’Quinn said.
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Decreasing retention rates Continued from p. 1
QUAMÉ HAMLIN | SPARTAN ECHO Funding from First Lady Michelle Obama’s study abroad initiative will create opportunities for American students.
Study abroad program to aid universities by 2014, focus on relationships with China By BETHANY CARTWRIGHT In support of the President’s “100,000 Strong” Initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to over a thousand students in Washington D.C. in January about the importance of students studying abroad and building relationships with their peers around the world, especially in China. According to the U.S. Department of State website, President Barack Obama announced the “100,000 Strong” Initiative in November 2009 to dramatically increase the number and diversify the amount of American students studying in China. First Lady Michelle Obama believes international studies are more than a career advancement opportunity. “Studying in countries like China isn’t only about your prospects in the global marketplace,” said Mrs. Obama. “It’s not just about whether you can compete with your peers in other countries to make America stronger. It’s also about whether you can come together, and work together with them to make our world stronger.” Director of International Programs and history professor William Alexander agrees that students will have more than a resume-building experience when studying abroad. “There is the respect for other peoples that emerges in a
considerable way; students often make long-term friendships with their hosts,” said Alexander. The First Lady announced more than $2.25 million in private sector pledges in support of the initiative, which will increase the number of students studying in China by 2014.
The Chinese government has offered 10,000 “bridge” scholarships for high school and college students studying in China Many efforts under the “100,000 Strong” Initiative were highlighted by the First Lady in her address to young people in Washington D.C. Many of these efforts affect colleges and universities around America, including a letter sent to different institutions and organizations by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encouraging their member organizations to increase the number of their students who study abroad in China. 324 institutions answered in support of her invitation, including the 47 public Historically Black College and University members of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the 39 private HBCU members of the United Negro
College Fund and the 199 U.S.based Hispanic-serving members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Alexander thinks that the initiative will be beneficial to Chinese and American students. “Given the increasing global roles of China, and the growing interest of students in Chinese culture, that tendency (of increasing students studying in China) is unavoidable,” said Alexander. “College study abroad is a mushrooming phenomenon, and China will definitely benefit from this.” The Chinese government has offered 10,000 “bridge” scholarships for high school and college students studying in China, which will cover all in-country costs. The U.S. Mission in China has also recently re-launched its “EducationUSA” program to ensure that Chinese students and their parents receive trustworthy information about studying in the United States. While Alexander agrees that funding is important for international studies, he believes that initiatives like “100,000 Strong” should not be limited to China. “I would hope that the Obama administration will increase funding of all foreign study programs, not just those to China. China and India are expanding as study destinations, but Europe and Latin America have long been popular. And interest in Africa is a growing phenomenon.”
“The gathered data indicated that several students planned to return to NSU. Some students from out of the local area were continuing their education at an institution closer to home as a cost saving measure. Others had decided to work and save money for school at a later date,” said Fuller. Other efforts include a university-wide retention plan that will examine the issues in academic advising, student learning, effective teaching and campus life. Cory O’Neal, a sophomore biology pre-professional major, believes that students are dropping out because of lack of purpose. “Some are just going to college because someone said it was the right thing to do,” said O’Neal. Biology major Ana Rubi Iglesia is classified as a sophomore, but she first came to Norfolk State in 2007 and had to drop out for financial reasons. “Basically, we were paying out of pocket; no scholarships,” said Iglesia. “We couldn’t afford the tuition.” While some universities seem to be suffering the same
fate as Norfolk State, like Virginia Wesleyan College at 63 percent retention, the retention rates at some community colleges are actually rising.
some students from out of the local area were continuing their education at an institution closer to home
Tidewater Community College has seen an increase in retention rates on almost all of their campuses, with their Virginia Beach campus rising 6 percent for fall 2009 freshmen. Fuller believes this isn’t simply because community college is a less expensive option for secondary education. “Not all enrolled students at TCC intend to pursue an academic degree. The back- to- work initiatives, for example, allows students to complete certifications for employment in a short amount of time,” said Fuller.
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spartan entertainment
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3.18.11
Nat. C: An artist representing life, liberty and music By KESHARA COX “When I see these rappers... and they’re getting back to that message of music and their image is portraying that it is cool to be educated-and it should be. I believe that,” said Nat. C. Nat. C is a student determined to use his education and life experiences to take hip hop in a new direction. Born Nathaniel Chisholm, the hip hop newcomer is a Norfolk State University 2009 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He has since returned to NSU, and is currently pursuing a master’s in criminal justice. “Learning different things [help] because it expands my vocabulary so I can create new ideas or a new story,” he said when describing how school has helped him. As an aspiring artist, he wants his music to show that he is a “change agent,” a lyricist straying away from the “bubblegum” music we are used to bumping to. Influenced by hip hop classics like Nas, Common and A Tribe Called Quest, Nat. C is an emcee that wants his music to move you. “One of the key messages that I try to send to people is hip hop is so creative,” he said. “I want people to be emotionally charged when they hear my music. So I try to make music that can fit every emotion.” He credits his inspiration to become an artist from his family and said, “I always just liked music. I always
Passing all of my classes at midterms #winning! Got a new boo over spring break #winning!
PHOTOS RICKY LAWRENCE | ECHO CORRESPONDENT Influenced by hip hop classics like Nas, Common and A Tribe Called Quest, Nat. C is an emcee that wants his music to move you. Nathaniel Chisholm, a 2009 NSU graduate.
loved music and I always wanted to express myself.” Nat. C’s inspiration is quite multifaceted because even as a hip hop artist he is inspired by R&B and alternative music too. “I try to be very visual with my music. It can be [about] anything dealing with life chances, relationships, politics
I try to be very visual with my music.
with anything abstract, just life in general,” he said. “I don’t promote fakeness.” He is currently putting the finishing touches on his
first mixtape, The Meal Plan, scheduled to be ready for release in the early spring. Once released, Nat. C will be performing locally to promote his musical endeavors. He has hopes to become “one of the best artistic thinkers to do music, especially hip hop music, best lyricists, best performers” he said, “become a legendary MC.” If you want to catch a glimpse of him you can check out his videos on websites such as YouTube, Vimeo or follow him on twitter @therealnatc.
NSU Players’ “Fool for Love” tells the twisted story of love and incest By TYQUAN PUGH Echo Correspondent The NSU Players showcased their second play of the school year, “Fool for Love,” in the historical Little Brown Theatre. Sam Shepard was the playwright and it was directed by Clarence W. Murray, Jr. and Brando Lindsey. The play tells the story of two lovers, May and Eddie, who share a high level of love and intimacy. Later, the two learn that they are half brother and sister facing the dilemma of trying to part because of their genetic ties. They have no luck falling out of love because their feelings for one another are too deeply entrenched, but they are faced with ongoing conflict. Throughout the play,
the audience sees Eddie’s past faults... he has not been faithful to May. Infidelity, in addition to being siblings, proves that aside from being too much alike their love is a constant battle. The leading actors in “Fool for Love” were Michaela Rogers as May, Yao Dogbe as Eddie, Corey Brown as Martin, and Shawn Bostic as the lovers’ father. Michaela Rogers, a senior from Newport News, Va., gave an excellent portrayal of May. She said she would describe May as “an emotional and real character...blinded by the love of Eddie.” Although only a supporting role, Corey Brown gave an exceptional performance of Martin. Brown, sophomore from Norfolk, Va., was actually the last to receive the script and had
only a month to prepare. His character, Martin, is not the most intelligent, but in his ignorance and innocence really loves May.
aside from being too much alike their love is a constant battle
He uses May as bait to get Eddie jealous and is successful in doing so, yet Eddie cannot stand to see someone else having feelings for May. In order to pull of
the performance, Corey Brown put some of his past experiences into the role. “I had to become the character and put myself into being Martin,” Brown said. Unsurprisingly, May chooses Eddie as they pour their hearts out to each other at the end of the play. She blames their father for their twisted love because he knew they were his children, but abandoned them with their two different mothers. Eddie agrees, bringing them together at the end of the play. This unique story depicted the taboo subject of incest, and when love is involved you will never be sure of the outcome. Be on the lookout for the NSU Players next play, “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” coming later in the semester.
That email stating I am cleared for graduation #winning! #Winning with this fly,
new spring wardrobe.
Only two more months of campus life #winning! A new web cafe coming to the Spartan Station #winning! I still have #refundcheck money left over #winning! Getting that acceptance letter I’ve been waiting on #winning! Knowing someone that works at Foot Locker just in time for the Pewter Foamposites #winning! Spent my spring break in Miami #winning!