60.4 Spartan Echo by Spartan Echo

Spartan Echo The Voice of the Spartan Community

Vol. 60, I ssue 4

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Stories Inside

10.24.12

SpartanEcho.org | 700 Park Avenue. Norfolk, Va. 23504

NSU CAMPAIGNS FOR SAFER BEHAVIOR AS TEEN VIOLENCE RISES IN HAMPTON ROADS By Krysta Ricks

See how the debates of legalizing Marijuana continues to make headlines. See page 3.

Photo credit: DeVanique Riley|Spartan Echo

Three teenagers were gunned down in the Hampton Roads area in the past two weeks. Almost every city in Hampton Roads has fallen victim to the violence that is claiming teen lives. President Atwater has created an initiative called “High Risk Behaviors: You Can Live Without Them” with goals that coincide with the Hampton Roads area’s charge to reduce teen violence. Reports of young murder victims used to be a rare topic on the nightly news but this has become normal in the area.

Read how the women’s tennis team warms up for their upcoming season. See page 5. Photo credit: DeVanique Riley|Spartan Echo

Of the 98 homicides listed in the homicides in Hampton Roads for 2011 on DailyPress.com, 16 fatalities were citizens aged 19 and under.

President Atwater’s initiative, “High Risk Behaviors: You Can Live Without Them,” was launched on Oct. 1 just as the teen violence in Hampton Roads began to increase. The campaign is NSU’s effort to inform young adults of ways to have safe fun. |Photo credit: Norfolk State University

“If we do nothing about it, it’s just a matter of time before it ends up on your front door,” said Norfolk

Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot in an interview with Channel 10, WAVY-TV. Burfoot also told WAVY-

TV that in order to stop the violence, all resources need to be pooled. He believes

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INCREASING OBESITY, LESS SLEEP CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES TO DEVELOP IN YOUNGER PEOPLE By Krysta Ricks View the Student Life section for a highlight of NSU Alumni. See page 6. Photo credit: Sharon Elcock

A 2012 study by the Neurology journal says an increasingly obese population is to blame for health issues such as stroke and type 2 diabetes in younger people.

“Stroke rates among African-Americans ages 2054 increased from 83 per 100,000 [people] in 199394 to 128 in 2005,” said the Neurology journal study.

According to the American Stroke Association, about 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. Diet and exercise are key factors. Researcher

Matthew

Brady says that sleep deprivation is another factor that increases young people’s chances of developing health issues. Sleep deprivation

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan News

NSU CAMPAIGNS

FOR SAFER BEHAVIOR AS TEEN VIOLENCE RISES IN HAMPTON ROADS

10.24.12

Visit Spartan Echo’s mobilefriendly site by using your phone to scan the QR code below, then bookmark us for quick, easy access.

■ Continued from front page that a collective approach coupled with discussing the issue at all council meetings is a strong start to battling this growing trend. On Monday, Oct. 1, the “High Risk Behaviors” campaign was launched in the New Student Center. Seminars and workshops intended to inform students of behavior that could put them in danger have been implemented in the multi-year campaign. Other tools include posters, an interactive website and public

service

announcements.

and unsafe sexual behavior.

“As a college president, I am obligated to educate the next generation of leaders on behaviors that could place them at risk,” said President Atwater in an NSU press release.

“I’m secure in how I handle things like that [high risk behaviors], but some people really do need a reminder,” said Hurdle.

One question on the lips of some NSU students is “Will this work?” Some students like sophomore nursing major Ryan Hurdle are comfortable with their current behavior and feel that the campaign will do more to help those who struggle with vices such as substance abuse

The interactive website includes some intense photos depicting the lifestyle many young people live now and the possible consequences of that lifestyle. For more information on the campaign and tips for avoiding risky behaviors visit http:// www.nsu.edu/HighRiskB ehaviors/main.html.

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INCREASING OBESITY, LESS SLEEP CAUSE

HEALTH ISSUES TO DEVELOP IN YOUNGER PEOPLE ■ Continued from front page leads to weight gain which causes diabetes and stroke.

weight gain,” said Brady in an interview with USA TODAY.

With less sleep, fat cells’ ability to use insulin properly is decreased.

According to the American College Health Association, 29.2 percent of college students were reportedly overweight or obese in 2011. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise and a substantial lack of sleep throughout the week contribute to that figure.

“Insulin promotes release of leptin, so if your fat cells are less insulin-sensitive, you will make less leptin, which is associated with an increase in food consumption and

“I barely get enough sleep as it is,” said senior biology major Christian Ezeagwu. “When we’re at school, it’s worse. I probably sleep about five hours per night and pull two to three all-nighters a week.” Ezeagwu has a very strict workout regimen and eats fairly healthy foods

throughout the week. He says five hours is enough sleep to last through the day. NSU offers a variety of activities on campus to keep students active. Zumba, pilates and intramural sports are just three of a list of Spartan Happenings scheduled weekly and emailed to every NSU student.

Participation in those activities that encourage students to stay active coupled with a healthier diet and exercise plan can aid in reducing the number of health issues developed at a young age and ensure healthier, more productive lives for future generations.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

10.24.12

Spartan News

U.S. MEDICAL MARIJUANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

‘LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA What class is this again? WILL HELP GROW ECONOMY’ Off-topic religion and philosophy discussions creep into core classes

By Ashley Clarke

An editorial by Ashley Clarke

The subject of legalizing Marijuana is a steady conflict that raises much controversy. Photo credit: Tony Batchler, Jr.|Spartan Echo

The movement for the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S. is steadily gaining momentum. Seventeen U.S. states and the District of Columbia have already legalized medicinal use of the plant cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana. Sandra Olanitori, advisor and recruiter for the NSU Department of Nursing and Allied Health, believes that although medical marijuana is helpful in some medical cases, it is not necessary. “Marijuana has some medicinal effects,” said Olanitori, naming caner and glaucoma patients as examples. However she believes that marijuana is still a disposable asset in the medical field. “I think we have other medications in the medical/nursing area that could help [patients] just as well or better than marijuana,” said Olanitori. According to See Chase Strategy, an independent financial news and information firm, the national market for legalized medical marijuana was worth $1.7 billion

in 2011 and has the potential to reach $8.9 billion in approximately four years. The United States Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce (USMMCOC), an organization founded in Sept. 2011, believes that legalization of marijuana will help grow the U.S. economy by creating jobs and taxing a pre-existing, approximately $18 million black market for marijuana. “The USMMCOC will solve 40 percent of the unemployment problem in the United States,” claimed the USMMCOC’s website. “Consumption of Medical Marijuana and Cannabis products will be legal for anyone over the age of 18 with a Physicians recommendation and a permit from the USMMCOC,” says the bill proposed by the USMMCOC. Olanitori said that she was leery of the USMMCOC’s claims. “The black market is not going to go away,” she said. “A lot of people are misusing painkillers and antidepressants. The people

who want the marijuana can’t get a prescription because they have no physical ailment that requires it.” Olanitori believes the black market will not falter with the addition of USMMCOC’s proposed bill. She feels that they will continue to seek black market drug dealers to meet the demand because black market consumers will not be able to obtain the desired amount of marijuana legally. In the proposed bill, the “patient” must have a valid driver’s license, must not have any pending criminal charges and must not have a medical history of drug abuse, among other requirements. The USMMCOC proposes that severe fines be implemented for those who do not adhere to the guidelines. According to Olantori much time and effort would be needed to enforce the system. The bottom line is that there is no way to perfect it. “There are a lot of stipulations. It’s going to take extra personnel,” she said. “You’re not going to find a 100 percent foolproof system.”

Ever had a logic teacher who seemed to want to teach philosophy or a history teacher that seems to want to teach religion? If you have been at NSU for more than a semester, you have probably been in a classroom and felt like the professor forgot what class he or she was teaching. Students find themselves sitting in a class and hearing a lecture that they never signed up for, and gain less knowledge on the actual subject matter of the class. We cannot blame the professors who try to enlighten us on these subjects because they may feel that we will not learn anything on the topics of philosophy and religion otherwise. Norfolk State does not offer these classes, so the topics seem to pop up at random. Our neighboring school, Old Dominion University, offers a bachelors program in philosophy. ODU students also have the option of taking religious studies as a minor. Surely, they actually talk about logic in their logic classes. The quality of our programs is at stake when our core classes are off topic because of topics that should be discussed elsewhere.

I love the topics of religion and philosophy and hope that they will exist at NSU in the near future. Many students love the intellectual debates involved in such classes but wish they were offered separately in a controlled setting. The partiality and biased nature of the professors who initiate philosophy and religion debates (especially religion) in their classes is also enough to drive any college student insane. Christianity is the punching bag of nearly all religion conversations, and anything supported by Obama is the gospel truth according to what seems to be NSU’s unwritten class discussion rulebook. Best wishes and my most sincere condolences to anyone who thinks differently than their classmates. Classes like religion and philosophy stimulate critical thinking and logic skills, making them great tools to help college students learn how to think independently. For this reason, it would be exponentially beneficial to our student body to have official, impartial philosophy and religion classes.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Sports

4 BEYOND THE BALL WITH

AJ ROGERS

AJ Rogers, a Spartan Echo correspondent and a forward on the NSU men’s basketball team, details NSU athletes’ lives once the clock stops.

In addition to passion, dedication and drive, faith is also needed in order to succeed as a student-athlete. Quineshia Leonard, sophomore center for the women’s basketball team, understands this very well. As a student-athlete, Leonard feels the pressure of trying to maintain good grades while devoting the required amount of time to basketball. She feels that her religious beliefs keep her on track. “I think it takes a whole lot of faith because it gets hard juggling school and your sport. You have to have faith that you can do it, or you’re going to give up,” said Leonard. Though she believes in God and herself, there are still times when balancing school and basketball gets a little crazy. At those times she also relies on her faith to get her through. “When things get hectic the first thing I do is start to pray and ask for guidance,” said Leonard. Throughout the season, Leonard’s time is limited and she cannot always attend church. “I try to find time to go to church, but I also go to FCA meetings on campus once a week,” said Leonard. FCA is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a group that allows Christian athletes to meet and study the Bible. “I feel good because I know that if I can’t make it to church, I can get the Word there,” said Leonard. Leonard’s religion is the back bone of her faith. She feels that once God gives her a purpose, it is her job to fulfill that purpose. “My religion helps me because I believe God will get me through. This is what He gave me to do, so I’m going to do it,” said Leonard.

Armstead and Eagles steadily

soaring, breaking records By Marian Brooks

10.24.12

RUNNING BACK

BRENDON RIDDICK A BREAKOUT STAR

IN THE MEAC By Leonard Fairley

Charlotte Armstead cheers on teammates in a game against Howard, Saturday, October 7, 2012. Photo credit: Keith Offutt |Spartan Echo

Senior volleyball players Charlotte Armstead and Noelle Eagles are playing at a high level, displaying their exceptional skills in their respective positions. Armstead, who will arguably be one of the most powerful hitters in NSU history, became the program’s all-time leader in kills against South Carolina State. Becoming the all-time leader was just not enough for Armstead. A few games after the South Carolina State match, Armstead became the first NSU player to surpass 1,000 career kills in an astonishing win against the tribe of William and Mary. Armstead humbly credited the play of her teammates when she broke the record. “It could not have been done without my teammates. They set the ball well and help put me in the position to break the record,” said Armstead. She felt privileged to be put in a position to break the record. Achieving it was an honor and a goal she

could cross off of her list. “It felt good to break the record because it was a goal of mine. Now I’ve left a lasting impression,” said Armstead. Against Hampton, redshirt sophomore libero Noelle Eagles broke the school record for digs in a match with a total of 31. “Sitting out last year and staying healthy was my motivation,” said Eagles, “and I actually set the record I broke.” Eagles set the dig record with 30 twice in 2010. “Coach knew I was close, but I didn’t want to think about it,” said Eagles. “I just try to dig as many balls as I can.” Eagles takes pride in her role as the defensive specialist and fulfills it through her intense play. Eagles and Armstead are game changing players for the Lady Spartans, and their ability to encourage their fellow teammates through their impacting play will definitely be needed in this last stretch of games as their season comes to an end.

Most football players are quite versatile and every so often a player may change his position to something he is more suitable for or something to better the roster. Immediate breakout success on the field after the position change is a very uncommon result. Redshirt freshman running back, Brendon Riddick has been one of the biggest surprises on the Spartans’ roster this season. He has garnered welldeserved recognition by quickly becoming a key factor in the Spartan offense. Riddick came to Norfolk State as a quarterback but decided to switch to running back in the offseason. “I had asked my coach if I could give it a try because I was very interested and I wanted to get on the field as soon as possible,” said Riddick. Not only did Riddick gain early playing time, but he also made his presence felt early this season. He is the team’s second leading rusher with 279 yards, leads the team with 5.7 yards per carry and leads the team in rushing touchdowns with five. He also adds a receiving touchdown and seven catches for 56 yards as well. “My ability to run hard carried over to the running back position because I was a tough physical runner as a quarterback in high school,” said Riddick. “I also learned the

offense well because I was a quarterback.” This success did not come overnight as Riddick well prepared himself for this season by adding strength, speed and quickness. He also has a strong support system of coaches and teammates, especially fellow upperclassmen running backs Takeem Hedgeman and Randy Maynes. “My coaches were patient with me and made my transition as easy as they could,” said Riddick. “My teammates like Takeem and Randy helped a lot by teaching me the position and helping strengthen my weaknesses.” Statistically, Riddick has been the Spartans’ most productive offensive player. He leads the team in touchdowns with six and is second in total yards from scrimmage with 335. His average yards per game is 67. After rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns against Liberty, he was mentioned in an ESPN article about rising stars in the MEAC. However, he remains humble and hardworking to make this success last the rest of the season. “I am going to make this a successful season by continuing to run hard and taking my time to learn my position and understand the game the best I can,” said Riddick.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

10.24.12

Spartan Sports

BEHIND THE SCENES OF TRACK AND FIELD By Mariah Goodrich There is much to do with being a member of the track team but outsiders cannot see what happens off the track. The team members have full schedules with very few hours between school and workouts. Before the track meets, each athlete has to be prepared physically and mentally. A common preparation method among all of them is listening to their favorite music to help them focus before their event. “At meets, I stay to myself and listen to music to get in my zone so I’m ready when it’s time to run,” said senior Champagne Bell.

“We hype ourselves up by listening to music and try not to get psyched about the competition,” said senior Keith Nkrumah. Music helps clear the mind, but warming up the body is an essential part of preparing for the events. “We always try to get a good warm up so we don’t pull a muscle,” said senior Kenneth Smith. “While I warm up, I run through my race in my head.” Off-season workouts primarily consist of heavy conditioning while in-season workouts focus more on fine-tuning their specific events. Each athlete has spe-

“

cific target times to reach as the season progresses.

We hype ourselves up by listening to music and try not to get psyched about the competition...

”

-Keith Nkrumah

“Right now, we are doing a lot of hard 600s to build up our endurance,” said Bell. Indoor track and outdoor track are completely different. Indoors tracks are only 200m with six lanes while outdoors are 400m with eight lanes. “Indoor track warms you up for outdoor track,” said senior John James. “It gets you used to it all instead of going straight to outdoor.” Indoor track is also more competitive. “To make it to Nationals, you have to make the top

15,” said Nkrumah. “You won’t go if you are sixteenth, which is what happened to me last year.” According to these four seniors, both the women’s and men’s track and field teams have promising seasons ahead of them. “This year the girls’ team will be better than last year so hopefully we can bring home that championship,” said Bell. “The track team should do amazing things this season because we’ve been working harder than before and trying to build up our success,” said Nkrumah.

Women’s tennis trying to mesh By Marian Brooks The Norfolk State women’s tennis team opened its brief 2012 fall season at the Liberty Classic and recorded a pair of wins over its Virginia Tech opponents. The team also competed at the Longwood Classic in Farmville, Va., and recorded another pair of wins. The Lady Spartans have had a chance to compete against North Carolina Central, James Madison, Appalachian State, West

Virginia State, Morehead State and Radford throughout these tournaments. Having a total of four matches on the fall schedule allows the team to get a feel for their strengths and weaknesses. There have been some inconsistencies in play, like failing to close out some matches, but that is why they compete in the fall. “Our season actually starts

in the spring, and we will have a lot of matches then,” said junior Maryna Kariuk. “Our goal is to keep a positive attitude throughout the season and show others our best tennis to win MEAC of course.” As the Lady Spartans train and work harder to prepare for the spring, they are already looking for more support from team NSU.

“Well, it has been kind of frustrating to see only few fans out there during our home matches in previous seasons,” said Kariuk. “The reason is because our sport is n ot promoted enough on campus and some people don’t even know that NSU has a tennis team or when the home games are.” Sophomore Laura Gutierrez agrees.

“Home matches are supposed to be easier with fan support,” said Gutierrez. Those extra cheers of excitement can serve as more motivation for the home team and a method of intimidation for their opponents. Both girls hope that more NSU students go out to the team’s matches this season to show support and cheer them to victory.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

10.24.12

Spartan Student Life

NSU’S

GO-TO GUY

GOES INTO BUSINESS By Amanda Chambers

NSU ALUM SHARON ELCOCK TA L KS S U C C E S S O V E R S E A S By Amanda Chambers Norfolk State University alumnus and freelance project manager from Queens, New York, Sharon Elcock graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication/news & public affairs. Previously, Elcock was a model booker/sittings editor for magazines such as Essence and Parent magazine for over ten years. When she was laid off from the magazine she decided to redirect her career path to another calling. Elcock believed it was time to improve the lives of the improvised in Africa. "I parlayed my career as a successful magazine editor into a freelance coordi-

nator/project manager for New York-based non-profit companies in Africa," said Elcock. Today, the non-profit organization with which she does freelance work oversees development for new global businesses in Rwanda and Ghana. "I’ve recently returned from a summer in the Western region of Ghana, where I taught English as a second language, art, drama and dance in various schools. It has inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education. It is my plan to be bicontinental between the United States and Africa," said Elcock. Elcock believes that stu-

dents should take advantage of their youth after graduation and experience the world. "I would implore my fellow Spartans to travel outside of the United States for at least a year upon graduating. Don't be in a hurry to be tied down to a 9-5 job. Consider doing what you love, even in communications/publishing, in another country. You are young and single and the world is yours for the taking,” said Elcock. Sharon Elcock is certain that students will be successful by helping others. “Do something meaningful. Improve the lives of others. Uncover your passion," said Elcock.

ALUMNI RETURN TO NSU TO CELEBRATE HOMECOMING By Tempis Askew Creative director of AntUnltd, Anthony Tillman takes his experience at Norfolk State into his own hands by starting a successful business.. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/antunltd

Many Norfolk State students know Anthony Tillman as the “go-to guy” when it comes to taking glamorous pictures on or off campus. He is the guy many go to for breathtaking photos that would capture a moment for a lifetime. Tillman’s amateur photography business was so successful that in December of 2011 he decided to make his photography company official. He became the cre-

ative director of AntUnltd (pronounced Ant Unlimited). Tillman credits his experience at Norfolk State as a factor in his success. “NSU gave me perspective; it gave me the chance to control my destiny,” he said. The 23-year-old alumnus graduated in May of 2011 from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

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Every fall semester, NSU celebrates homecoming with a week of festivities. The celebration begins on Oct. 29, and NSU welcomes alumni as well as current students to the land of the Spartans. Students of various organizations, teams and clubs showcase their purposes as well as commitment to the Spartan community. Current students normally view homecoming events as a way to socialize and attend campus events at a discounted cost. For alumni, home-

coming week has a completely different meaning. “Homecoming is a time for friends, family and unforgettable memories, said Alexis Jay, a 2008 mass communications graduate. A former on-air personality of Hot 91 and member of Delta Sigma Theta, Jay uses homecoming events to reunite with former colleagues and sorors. Currently in constant travel from Virginia to New York as a Digital Manage-

ment Consultant for public figures and small businesses, Jay says the highlight of homecoming to her will be the celebrations of the Epsilon Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta’s 50 years of service, unity and sisterhood, as well as celebrating her fifth year anniversary with her line sisters “Nothing compares to a Spartan homecoming,” says Briana Jackson, a 2010 fine arts graduate. While work-

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

10.24.12

Spartan Student Life

HOMECOMING EVENTS ANNOUNCED AMIDST CONTROVERSY By J ason Baker At the start of the school year, there were rumors circulating that Norfolk State’s homecoming budget had been cut by about $50,000. Controversy was stirred up around campus amidst rumors that the homecoming committee, student activities and Student Government Association would have very little resources to put together a homecoming that would meet the expectations of the alumni as well as the student body. “The budget was never cut,” said SGA president Leah Bradshaw. “We just wanted to use funds

provided by the school more wisely, make sure we managed it correctly throughout the year and still have a successful homecoming.” The theme this year is “Fantastic Voyage 2012.” It was announced on Oct. 4 that R&B singer Tank and rap artist Future will be headlining the annual homecoming concert on Thursday, Nov. 1. Another point of controversy surrounding the 2012 homecoming is that there will be no comedy show; however, numerous events are scheduled to unite homecoming’s past, present and future.

NSU’S

GO-TO GUY

GOES INTO BUSINESS ■

Continued from page 6

His company is based in Hampton Roads but business is conducted predominately online. Tillman is always eager to gain more clients. “My vision is that I would expand and network to be a prominent resource targeting all different businesses, whether in the modeling world or the education world,” said Tillman. Not only is Tillman quickly building his brand but he is also building a reputation of helping some his clients gain success in

their modeling careers. When asked what advice he has for current students, Tillman recommends that students take control of their own situations. “If you really want something, go after it. DO NOT make excuses for anything,” said Tillman. For more information on Anthony Tillman’s photography company, AntUnltd, visit his Facebook page www.facebook.com/ anewtouch or email him at antunltd@gmail.com.

SGA’s administrative assistant Bianca Lascano is excited about the concert as well as the National Black in Wax museum, a traveling exhibit. “As a rising senior this homecoming concert will be the next best from 2009 when we had Fabolous and Trey Songz. The wax museum’s educational spin is different, but I feel it will be very informative and worth coming to,” said Lascano. Saturday’s football game between Norfolk State and Savannah State will be followed by the King

and Queen Ball. The worship service on Sunday, Nov. 4 will close out the homecoming celebration. Other alumni events scheduled for the week include a meet and greet at the Patrice Stith Alumni House, the Golden and Diamond Luncheon, the crowning of Ms. Alumni, Spirit Fest, a jazz concert and the NSUAA Annual Golf Tournament. “I’m very confident that everyone will be pleased with this year’s homecoming, and I’m just as excited as everyone else is to get started,” said Bradshaw.

ALUMNI RETURN TO NSU TO CELEBRATE HOMECOMING ■

Continued from page 6

ing off campus during college, Jackson discovered that several of her coworkers were fellow Spartans. Now residing in Las Vegas in pursuit of a career in fashion merchandising, Jackson says she is ecstatic to reunite with former classmates and coworkers at this year’s homecoming festivities. “Tailgating is a time for food, friends and catching up. I have lots of Ve-

editors Krysta Ricks Editor-inChief

Bethany Cartwright Managing Editor

Ashley Clarke News Editor

Brittany Elmore Student Life Editor

Marian JonesBrooks Sports Editor

Keith Offutt Multimedia Editor

gas stories to tell my lovely ladies,” said Jackson. The Spartan family continues to grow annually as students enter Norfolk State with a dream and exit with a newfound outlook on the world. Whether it is bundling up in green and gold attire to watch the game or watching the city unite in the legendary parade, all students, current and former, are proud to say they are Spartans.

Briaun Rooks Entertainment Editor

DeVanique Riley Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Entertainment

SPARTAN

WATCH

Echo r e v i e w By Briaun Rooks

Homecoming week is quickly approaching and one question is on everyone’s mind: what is planned? The 2012 homecoming’s theme this year is “Fantastic Voyage 2012.” The festivities will be held from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3. Rapper Diggy Simmons is branching out into other industries and taking his talents to acting. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/ diggysimmons

Young rap phenomenon, Diggy Simmons, has reached new heights in the media world. He has made a name for himself in hip hop and is now working on making a name in film. He has an untitled movie set to be released on BET in summer 2013. The film is about a kid named “Blake,” played by Simmons, and his life as a blogger. The film also stars Allen Maldonado playing the role of “Manny,” Simmons’ character’s best friend, and actress Bria Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s daughter. Diggy, who has a strong fan base, has many eyes waiting for this performance. Hopefully, Simmons can give a great performance.

ECHO MAKES BYLINE CORRECTION

In Volume 60, Issue 3 of the Spartan Echo, the entertainment section featured a story entitled “T.J. Holmes enlightens Black America on BET” with an incorrect byline. Entertainment editor Briaun Rooks’ name was printed beneath the article, but the byline should have read “by Kyna Uwaeme.” The Spartan Echo apologizes for this misprint and greatly appreciates Kyna Uwaeme’s efforts.

Monday, Oct. 29 – Bonfire

The Norfolk State style bonfire is going to be held near the NSU softball field. There is going to be food, games, music and a celebration for our football team. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. It is sure to be a great way to kick off homecoming.

Tuesday, Oct. 30 – Fashion Show

Couture is coming to NSU and students will have front row seats. The fashion show will feature Norfolk State students as models and it will be free. It will begin at 7 p.m. and will be hosted in the NSC rooms 138A, B and C. Seating is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

Wednesday, Oct. 31 – Gospel Show

To add variety to the festivities, homecoming week will feature a gospel show. Norfolk State’s very own Gospel Choir will participate, as well as many others from the surrounding areas.

Thursday, Nov. 1 – Concert

In the tradition of homecoming, there will be a concert with some of the biggest names in hip hop and R&B. With the collaboration of rap artist Future and R&B singer Tank, the concert is sure to be one to remember.

Friday. Nov. 2 – Step Show

The 2012 Greek Step Show will be like no other. Come watch the returning champions fight to keep their title as the other organizations give them a run for their money. Also, an element that has been missing for years will return with a bang.

Saturday, Nov. 3 - Echols Dance

The Echols Dance is a party to which NSU students are no strangers, but the “Fantastic Voyage 2012 Echols Dance will be different. This will be an all-black upscale event. Joseph G. Echols hall will be transformed into a ball room. All black is required and semi-formal attire is desired.

10.24.12