61.3 Spartan Echo

10.9.13

Vol. 61, I ssue 3

Norfolk Public Schools Stories in turmoil, could Inside affect NSU enrollment

Top

By Melissa Rawls & Krysta Ricks

The women’s bowling team plans to repeat their MEAC Championship.

Photo from Jules Dean.

See page 4.

Joseph Echols Memorial Hall receives upgrades.

Photo from Diane Brame.

See page 5.

Herbert Chavez, the real life Superman?

Photo from Herbert Chavez’s Facebook.

See page 8.

According to data released on Sept. 17, 2013, by the Virginia Department of Education, 59 percent of statewide schools have failed to meet minimum pass rate requirements.

With a 78 percent fail rate and 14 schools not accredited, Norfolk had the largest number of schools in the Hampton Roads area that failed to meet state Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs).

Of the top ten NSU feeder schools, three are in the Norfolk Public School system: Granby High School, Lake Taylor High School and Norview High School. Norview High has been fully accredited since 2011, and Lake Taylor High has gone from being provisionally accredited to fully accredited in the last year.

Granby High, however, went from being accredited with warning in 2011 to provisionally accredited in 2013. Provisionally accredited means the school missed the graduation index by one to four points.

NSU Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Lakeisha Mayes felt students may not be being properly prepared for college when there are inconsistencies in education requirements.

“There appears to be a gap between requirements for high school graduation and firstyear expectations of students on college campuses,” said Mayes.

NSU’s future enrollment numbers could be negatively affected if feeder schools con-

tinue to miss full accreditation.

“If you can’t read, you can’t write [and] you can’t do critical thinking, you can’t come to Norfolk State,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management, Terricita Sass.

NSU’s enrollment and admissions departments are dedicated to ensuring that potential Spartans are prepared for the academic challenges they will face in college courses.

“The key is early and consistent communication to students about life after high school,” said Mayes. “Partnerships between secondary education, higher education and the business sector contribute to students’ understanding of the education to career pipeline.”

Schools that failed to meet federal standards and expectations are required to enforce a state approved plan outlining tactics to improve academic pass rates.

The AMOs serve as Virginia’s means to evaluate both the state’s math and reading Standard of Learning (SOL) exams.

The objectives serve to support the education initiatives outlined in the 2001 No Child Left Behind Law. State AMO’s are to be revised from the 2012-2013 academic year through the 2016-2017 academic year. As a result, the standard pass rate for schools statewide will continue to climb until then. It appears that the Virginia Board of Education is seeking to have all schools reach math and reading scores well over 70 percent.

Newly appointed interim president Eddie N. Moore, Jr. addresses the faculty about new policies during a meeting in the Student Center.

Photo from Jules Dean.

Eddie N. Moore, Jr. appointed NSU interim president

By Danielle Kirsh On Sept. 13, Norfolk State University’s Board of Visitors unanimously voted to appoint Eddie N. Moore, Jr. as the interim president and CEO of the University.

Moore said Norfolk State’s Board of Visitors elected him to “make sure we settle the fiscal issues.”

At the time of press, the Board of Visitors had no comment on the reasoning behind the appointment of Moore as interim president; however, he has a long resume in higher education with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.

Moore, a Vietnam Veteran, served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant and received many awards such as the Bronze star and a Meritorious Achievement Award.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Moore worked for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Department of Accounts from 1985 to 1988.

During that time, he was an Assistant Comptroller in ac-

See NSU interim president, page 3

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

Spartan News

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Board of Visitors, who are they and what do they do?

10.09.13

Enrollment issues at NSU part II: Understanding S.A.P.

By Melissa Rawls

By Danielle Kirsh Elected by the governor through the Secretary of Commerce, the Board of Visitors is responsible for University operations and is recently the subject of controversy for former Norfolk State President Tony Atwater’s termination.

The Board of Visitors Bylaws states that “the Board shall elect its officers from its own body.” The officers, who are unpaid, begin to serve their term on July 1 of the year they were elected.

The Board of Visitors elects a Rector, Vice Rector and a Secretary, who each serve a term of two years. They are elected by an affirmative vote of seven voting members from the Board and can serve no more than two consecutive terms.

The current Rector, Thomas N. Chewning , serves as the “presiding officer, spokesperson, and designated representative of the Board,” in accordance to the bylaws. During a meeting, he ensures that all sides of a question are heard.

The bylaws also state that he is to “maintain the integrity of the Board procedures and facilitate a high level of interest, involvement, and activity among all of the Board members.”

The Vice Rector is Wade W. Perry, Jr. of Suffolk, Virginia.

His duties include stepping in when the Rector is absent

from meetings. He serves as the Board parliamentarian and responsible for presenting Executive Committee reports and tracking and reporting unfinished business.

In addition, the Vice Rector is also responsible for formulating the BOV Operating Budget so it is ready for presentation to the board for approval.

The current BOV Secretary, Lula B. Holland, is responsible for taking and supervising the minutes of an open meeting and has custody of all books and records of the board. The Secretary also supervises the issuance of notices of meetings and represents the board.

The bylaws state that the university president is “appointed by the Board of Visitors and serves at the pleasure of the Board. The president is the chief executive and academic officer of the university.”

The bylaws also state, “The President shall be subject to an annual performance evaluation in accordance with the Board of Visitors’ Presidential Evaluation Policy.”

This evaluation occurs once a year in a closed meeting. If the Board decides to change the president’s contract or terminate the president, it must be done by majority vote from all members of the board.

Students who do not show satisfactory academic progress are in danger of being ‘zapped.’

Graphic from NSU.edu/enrolment-management/financial-aid/sap.

All schools receiving Title IV funding are required by law to have a standard process of evaluating satisfactory academic progress. It is this process that permits the distribution of financial assistance to qualifying students.

During the 2012-2013 academic year over 1,600 Norfolk State University students were placed on SAP for failure to adequately meet academic progress standards. The SAP worthy offenses that put so many students in jeopardy of being able to return included at least one of the following: Students did not meet the required GPA based on academic classification. Freshmen students have to maintain a minimum GPA of 1.7, sophomores require a 1.8 or higher and both juniors and seniors must have at least a 2.0. Graduate level

students are responsible for maintaining a 3.0.

Students were not passing a minimum of 67 percent of all of their attempted classes. This means that students who continually drop, fail, or withdraw from classes put themselves in a position where they are attempting more classes than they are passing and getting credit for.

Students were taking excessive number of hours. Here at NSU students must complete120 hours of program specific coursework to qualify for graduation. Those students that exceed 120 hours of academic study without the completion of a specified degree program bring into question the proper use of federally issued funds.

Taking into consideration that there are personal circumstances surrounding the individual case of every student,

the university offers an appeal process. Every student has the right to one formal appeal over the course of their academic lifetime; this policy is formally referred to as “one and done.”

“If you’re on SAP, you are eligible to do an appeal. Most appeals that are granted come with academic stipulations; these stipulations dictate what students must do to get off SAP. If the outlined academic plan is not followed students will lose their financial aid here at NSU, forever,” said Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Terricita Sass.

Unsuspectingly, the group with the highest SAP offenders is seniors. With over 22 percent of the university’s student population teetering on the brink of successful academic progression, one has to bring into account the amount of individual student accountability.

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

10.09.13

Spartan News

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Norfolk State implements Living-Learning Communities

By Shanay Mosley Have you ever dreamed of attending a university where not only the classes you’re taking are focused on your interest, but your classmates and professors share the same focus? Living-Learning Communities at NSU are providing the chance for students and faculty to do just that.

A Living-Learning Community (LLC) is where students live and learn together. They take the same classes, they live in the same residential halls, and they have the chance to interact with faculty inside and outside the classroom. They share a common bond, whether it be the same major or a personal interest.

Three LLCs were established this year, DNIMAS (Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Science), Leadership Academy and Hope Academy. They reside in both Babbette Smith and Midrise.

The main theme for these LLCs this year is: Leadership. These three are focused on freshmen, but the Living-Learning Com-

munities are opened to upper classmen as well.

Unquestionably, LivingLearning Communities provide students with the opportunity to succeed. “It’s beneficial to the learning experience,” said Diandra Simmons, a LivingLearning Graduate Assistant.

Students will be able to make friends, network, develop study groups and develop a communication with their professors, all enhancing academic and social skills.

“Living-Learning Communities create a sense of community,” said Jonathan Walker, Director of Living-Learning Community.

It gives the student the opportunity to be involved in something on campus. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in a Service Learning Project and they’re even eligible to travel internationally. Students will be more engaged on campus, thus making it more likely that they will graduate. The Living-Learning Community program’s biggest

Norfolk State students are taking advantage of new Living-Learning Communities on campus designed to help them succeed as students and ultimately graduate. Photo by Nicole Gray.

goal is getting more students to graduate.

Furthermore, these LLCs are looking to expand. Faculty are encouraged to get involved and even propose their own ideas

NSU interim president

■Continued from front page counting and reporting and was responsible for ensuring the reliability of the Commonwealth’s accounting reporting system.

From 1988 to 1990, Moore was responsible for maintaining the accounting systems at the College of William and Mary.

After serving as the University Comptroller at William and Mary, Moore was appointed State Treasurer in the Treasury Department of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1990 to 1993. He also served on 18 public boards that were responsible

for overseeing $20 billion of the state’s assets.

Moore became the president of Virginia State University in 1993 and served until 2010. As the president of VSU, Moore was responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of several university affairs like health safety, community services and fiscal affairs.

Because of financial audits and accreditation issues the university faced earlier in the year, Moore said he is “very com-

mitted to the success of Norfolk State” and doesn’t want the university to lose its federal aid. He has dedicated a year and a half to three years as interim president so some of the university’s existing problems can be fixed.

As the Board of Visitors searches for a permanent president, Moore said they didn’t “completely take the idea off the table” that he could apply to become the new president.

“We’ll see how I like it,” said Moore.

for an LLC. If any student or faculty are interested in learning more about Living-Learning Communities, the website is www.nsu.edu/student-affairs/living-learning. Students

can also contact Walker or Dr. Cynthia Burwell, the LivingLearning Community Faculty Liaison, with any questions or concerns.

Interested in joining the Spartan Echo team?

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center, Rm. 344.

ALL majors welcome!

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

Spartan Sports

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10.09.13

NSU bowling team aims to be NCAA contender

By Melissa Rawls Returning from one of their most successful seasons yet, the NSU women’s bowling team is ready to build on last year’s victories and repeat their MEAC Championship status.

At the end of last year’s nationally ranked season, the lady Spartans had won their third consecutive Southern Division Championship and had qualified to go to the United States Bowling Conference National Championship for the first time ever.

“The 2013-2014 roster is made up of seven returners this season,” said assistant coach Aundray Darden.

Of the returning members,

six are academic All-Americans and thanks to their performance the team had the top GPA standing among all the athletic teams at NSU this past year. Maintaining a healthy balance of both academics and athletics, the lady Spartans are ready to put in the necessary work to make this upcoming season a great one.

Not only is the team looking forward to facing off with some of the highly ranked schools in the division, they are also really looking forward to being able to fight their way to NCAA competition this year.

“A larger goal for us is the NCAA Championships which

2013-2014 Bowling Roster. Front Row (Left to Right): Ashley Buck, Delilah Bethel, Thea Aspiras, Courtney Williford; Back Row: Carrie Hickey, Courtney Brown, Kelsea Yarbrough, Nicole Rivera Santiago. Photo fom NSUSpartans.com.

we’ve sort of missed the last couple of years,” said Darden.

It is apparent that team feels confident in its abilities to perform, especially with the return of so many key players from last year.

“This team is pretty much battle tested. We’re establishing a winning tradition here, a winning program. All the young ladies understand the level of excellence they are expected to achieve here,” said

Darden.

The bowling team is set to kick off their season in the Kutztown Fall Baker Invitational on Oct. 9.

NSU football still seeks starting quarterback

By Jason Gill

Sophomore Omari Timmons readies a throw during the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. Photo from Jules Dean.

To say the quarterback situation has been frustrating to start the season, would be an understatement. Through the first two games, three different quarterbacks have seen playing time under center for the Spartans.

Redshirt sophomore Tyler Clark began the season as the starter against Maine, but was pulled late in the second quarter in favor of redshirt sophomore Malik Stokes. Stokes initially impressed by leading the offense to a 68-yard touchdown drive in what would be the team’s only score of the game.

In the next game against Rutgers, Stokes got the nod to start but was then pulled as Clark was given another shot to prove himself. The two alternated possessions throughout most of the game.

Redshirt sophomore Omari

Timmons also saw playing time in the matchup against the Scarlet Knights and showed some positive signs in his limited role.

Against Charleston Southern, Timmons got his chance to lead but was also pulled in the 20-12 loss. Through three games, the trio of quarterbacks has completed just 48 passes for 531 yards to go along with four touchdowns and two interceptions. While many would criticize the poor performance from the position, head coach Pete Adrian looks at the situation as a positive competition rather than a detriment to the team.

“I think it’s more of an opportunity. All three quarterbacks compete well, they’ve all looked well. We just don’t want to make the same mistakes twice. They all understand the offense well. Their

problem isn’t mental; they just have to go out and do it physically,” said Adrian.

The returns of redshirt senior Blake Matthews and redshirt junior E.J. Rodgers to the offensive line from injury will benefit the team immensely, according to Adrian.

“That was the right side of our offensive line, which is our starting offensive line. It can’t hurt to get those guys back; it will definitely make it stronger. The guys that were playing there will also help give us depth,” said Adrian.

Adrian also believes these two will help the quarterback by providing the protection needed and bolstering the run game, which in turn will help the passing game. As the season goes into conference play, hopefully the Spartans can improve soon before another underwhelming season occurs.

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

Spartan Sports

10.09.13

NSU athletics eyes further upgrades

By Jason Gill

Joseph G. Echols Hall was recently renovated in order to enhance fan experience as well as the overall safety of student-athletes.

The first order of business was to remove the bleachers and put seats in the stands at Echols Hall. Athletic director Marty Miller is very pleased and excited about this upgrade.

“I think when the fans come in for the first time since those renovations were done; they are going to be very pleased with what they find. It creates more of a festive environment,” said Miller.

In addition to the seating, they have also refinished the floor to make it as safe as possible. There has also been new lighting installed to brighten up the gymnasium.

Meanwhile, improvements to other sports facilities seemed to go unnoticed.

The tennis courts have been re-paved and had new lighting installed. In addition,

the infield on Marty L. Miller Field has been re-sodded and the sprinkler system has been replaced.

Miller also says there are future renovations that are already in the planning phase.

The athletic department plans to replace the floor completely, as well as install a new video board in Echols Hall. These revisions are expected to take place in summer 2014.

The athletic department also has their sights set on future upgrades that have not yet been put into works. Miller indicated that eventually he would like to build locker rooms at William “Dick” Price Stadium for the Spartans and away teams.

He also looks to enhance the training facility as well as the weight room.

“We have a lot of things on our plate we want to accomplish in order to try and achieve our goals. This is a Division I program and we have to be very representative in what we do to compete,” said Miller.

Joseph ‘Echols’ Hall experiences renovations for the athletes and its visitos. Photos by Diane Brame.

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

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10.09.13

Opinion

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Spartans Q&A

Tough Love

How will you spend your fall break?

“I’m not going to be able to go home for Thanksgiving. Since my family knows it’s my favorite holiday, I’m going to go home for the 2 days in October and my whole family is going to get together and have Thanksgiving for me.”

Kelley Vollmer, freshman hospitality major

“I’m going back home to DC to sleep.

I plan to come back after those 2 days.”

“I plan on just going home and spending it with my family in Richmond.”

Michael Hodge, junior secondary education major

Shatyana Johnson, senior psychology major

“I’m going with some friends to visit NCAT. (North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University). I’m looking forward to just being able to hang out and enjoy having a break from school.”

“I’m going to stay here and get caught up on all my work.”

Xavier Jones, graduate student, masters of music performance

Lauren Robinson, sophomore elementary education major

Students want refund checks sooner An editorial

by Melissa Rawls Over the course of my time here at NSU, I have yet to encounter an experience more frustrating than the process of dealing with financial aid and student accounts in an effort to receive my refund check.

Upon beginning my studies at the university, I was able to identify a number of issues that could stand to be improved-- the constant displeasure of dealing with parking services, the low quality food variety in the cafeteria and the lackadaisical teaching approach of some of my professors.

However, all of these instances simply pale in comparison to the lack luster level of service that I have had the misfortune of receiving from both financial aid

and student accounts in an attempt to collect excess monies that are owed to me.

As a graduate student, I have had my fair share of experiences with the financial aid process. As a result, I have come to both understand and embrace the importance of registering for classes early, completing the FAFSA by the priority deadline and submitting all supporting documents in a timely manner. For this reason, I make sure that every academic year I follow all of the previously stated guidelines.

Regrettably, what I cannot seem to understand is how an institution of higher learning serving all of about 7,000 limited resource students can take an entire semester to process student refund checks.

While completing my undergraduate studies at a PWI (predominantly white institution), it was customary for students to receive refunds as early as the first week after add/drop. To add insult to injury, this university was able to do so while serving a student population of 40,000 or more students!

So does that make the NSU refund check crisis yet another incident that I should classify as standard practice for attending a historically black college or university (HBCU)? I think not. Instead of trying to further propel the stereotypical inferior perception of HBCUs I choose, to try and get to the root of what is causing this inconvenience.

After careful observation and personal inquiry, I have concluded that both financial aid and student accounts are lacking a certain fluency that would ultimately make the lives of so many students easier.

Given the ineffectiveness of current practices, maybe the university should look into revamping and updating its current means of student aid processing. Perhaps a departmental merger with Financial Aid and Student Accounts is in order. By having one primary office, students could avoid the annoying back and forth, inconsistent, manual processing refund routine that NSU is currently synonymous for.

An advice column from fellow Spartans

By DeVanique Riley & Darmani Paramore The class setting should be somewhat professional. We’re not saying business suits and ties are required everyday but show less skin.

It seems as though many females are more about showing skin than anything else during these warmer days. We’ve seen more thighs and stomach than we bargained for.

Males aren’t without fault, in no way do we want to see Hanes or Fruit of the Loom boxers.

Now we’re not saying it’s all male and females on campus, but ‘majority rules.’ We are tired of being distracted in class by lower back tattoos, cleavage and the cartoon themed underwear.

Classrooms are full of future colleagues and potential employers; what if you are introducing yourself with your mid-section exposed and shorts that are more than pushing the ‘fingertip rule?’

Do you think that employer would be interested? First impressions are everything, right?

So we ask: when is it appropriate and when is it not? Sagging isn’t deemed appropriate in a professional work environment, and a classroom setting isn’t the place for it either. It’s not as if the professors are mute about it either.

We’ve heard many instructors tell students to pull their pants up.

Now we are not saying don’t wear the clothes you bought that ‘express who you are,’ but we are saying know what is and is not appropriate in the classroom.

With the change in weather, it’s time to put away the denim panties and crop tops, hi-low skirts and dresses, sandals and tank tops and embrace the ‘sweater weather.’ As for the males, we expect you to do the same. Please put away those cargo shorts, denim shorts and muscle tank tops. Pull those pants up; the belt was invented for a reason. Show, you too, have the common sense to dress appropriately.

Yes, we are also going to miss the warm summer nights, but it doesn’t mean we don’t know when to pull out that bag of winter gear tucked away in our closets, and prepare for the cooler days fall has to offer.

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

10.09.13

Lifestyle

Freshman tip of the month: Beating s t r e s s

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editors Brittany Elmore, Editor-inChief

By Diandra T. Simmons It’s October, and you’re halfway through your first semester, so you know what that means— funds from mom may be running low, you and your roommate may have had your first argument and midterm grades are pecking at your conscience. Instead of stressing, start addressing the problems.

According to Tamar Lewin of The New York Times, stress

“has declined to the lowest level since an annual survey of incoming students started collecting data 25 years ago.”

Making sure you get plenty of rest is essential to achieving a stress free lifestyle. It’s been a common philosophy that, on average, people should get at least eight hours of sleep a night. This may seem unachievable when you have classes to

attend, clubs and organization commitments, your studies and maintaining a social life, but a good night’s rest should be a top priority.

Exercising regularly can take your mind off any situation.

When coupled with healthy eating, you will have more energy throughout the day and a healthier less stressful lifestyle.

If you’re lucky, you may even

miss out on the “Freshmen 15”.

If all else fails, or if you need someone to talk to, visit NSU’s counseling center. According to their website, it, “offers support, new perspectives, and help considering possible solutions.”

Finding your footing as a freshman can be difficult at times, but it’s all a learning experience.

Reviving the fashion trends of yesteryear

By Melissa Rawls ing, multi-layered assembly of outfits that is common practice among thrift shoppers.

“Today’s generation is trying to bring back the 80s and 90s.

That’s why you see so many recycled styles and repeat fashion trends,” said senior mass communication major Julia Jones.

Garnering attention from popular artists like Elle Varner and Macklemore, second hand shopping has now taken over most college campuses as a cool, new, inventive hobby.

Local students are to be drawn to the ease of access and the low priced fashion finds available in a multitude of nearby Goodwill and Salivation Army stores.

According to Community

Relations Manager for Goodwill Danielle Cronin, there are 14 retail stores throughout the Hampton Roads area. Goodwill stores distribute over 1800 new items daily, in an effort to provide a multitude of options for its many shoppers.

“I don’t go thrifting very often, but when I do I’m usually only looking for ties or vest, things like that. As college students we don’t really have money like that, and thrifting is cheap. It’s really cheap,” said junior Zavier Reeves.

Typically, most thrift stores are comprised of donated and slightly worn clothing and goods. Prior to distribution all materials are cleaned and tagged. By carefully monitoring of what items are made

Danielle Kirsh, News Editor

Melissa Rawls, Lifestyle Editor

Thrifting:

Each year, students flock to the local malls and department stores to rack up on all the seasons’ biggest trends and latest styles. In recent years, many of the larger retail chains have seen dramatic decreases in their annual revenue, due in large part to harsh economic times.

Despite these financial misfortunes, Norfolk State students have found a wallet friendly alternative that allows them to revamp their wardrobes without breaking the bank.

Thrifting, the newest craze amongst students, has begun to gather a lot of attention not only at NSU, but nationwide. Students from all likes have taken to the mismatch-

Krysta Ricks, Online/ Managing Editor

available for resale, stores like Goodwill are able to ensure the value of their clothes.

“I like the fact that not only is it cheaper, but it’s the same quality as the clothes you can find in the department stores.” said second year social work major Shelia Boateng.

Boasting an average retail price of $4.99 for clothing items, Danielle Cronin believes that Goodwill is tied to the local community.

“Our thrift stores give jobs to people in the community; they take a load off your wallet and save the environment. Shopping at stores like Goodwill is the ultimate win, win, win,” said Cronin.

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

Dan Adu-Gyamfi, Sports Editor

DeVanique Riley, Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

Jules Dean, Multimedia Editor

Kyna Uwaeme, Entertainment Editor

Spartan Entertainment

8 A. Driver exposes culture in “Sneaks Is Watching”

By Kyna Uwaeme

With the latest cultural phenomenon of killings over popular Nike Air Jordan sneakers, it is a true testament that the latest sneakers have not only become a want to sneaker enthusiasts, but a need. Norfolk native and sneaker connoisseur himself, Amir Driver, decided to illustrate the culture through his music. In his latest project, “Sneaks Is Watching,” shot by NSU graduate Barry Bryant, Driver lyricizes the journey of what one goes through in an attempt to get that popular sneaker that they feel they need. Inspired by Jay-Z’s musical film “Streets Is Watching,” Driver uses his mixtape titled “Sneaktape” as a soundtrack to the film as each song plays as a score for the events that take place.

“For me, it was showing the culture to people who might not understand it, but a lot of it comes from a relevant standpoint. People are like, ‘I can really relate because I was waiting in line Saturday for the Jordans,’” said Driver.

The project features songs like “The Camp Out,” “The Hunt” and “The Restock” all geared toward depicting real-life situations of a sneaker-enthusiast. It ends with “Hype Kills,” where he raps about how the hype surrounding this culture actually kills the significance of the shoe and effort put into getting them. In it, he raps “Burying everything that appeared to be cool/ By overhyping it up and telling theses fools/ That it’ll be the last, the next of the best/After the hype hits what is was is now less.”

“Sneaktape” is available for download on Datpiff.com, and “Sneak Is Watching” can be viewed on YouTube.com.

Entertainment Update

By Steve Austin

10.09.13 Real-life Superman

By Trenton Fouche’

Celebrating their 20th anniversary on Oct. 15, the ‘Crazy, Sexy, Cool’ songstress T-Boz and Chili will be releasing the group’s greatest hits album ‘20’. Following the release of ‘20’, VH1 will premiere the trio’s biopic ‘Crazy, Sexy, Cool’ on Oct. 21 as part of the groups anniversary month.

According to the ladies of TLC, the movie will be promising to their devoted fans for 20 years.

During the pop stars ‘Diamonds World Tour’, Rihanna posted a instagram picture of her with a slow loris (a rare primate).

Local police were monitoring the pop star’s instagram to discover the endangered primate was being peddled by a 20-year-old man and 16-year-old boy. Both were detained by Thailand police and charged with possession of protected animals.

Chesapeake native Markell Clay has hit the BET.com Artist Spotlight with his smash hit ‘Magic’. Since the release of his single, Clay has received outstanding reviews from radio stations and fans as a result from his leading single and success.

Receiving over one millon views for his single on YouTube, he released the video for his spellbinding single Sept. 24.

Herbert Chavez underwent facial reconstruction to look more like Superman. Photo from Herbert Chavez's Facebook.

Photos from facebook.com/OfficialTLC, facebook.com/rihanna, and facebook.com/markellclayofficial.

Pusha T releases new album entitled ‘My Name is My Name’ Oct, 8, 2013. Photo from facebook.com/PushaT.

Pusha T: ‘My Name is My Name’

By Kyna Uwaeme

After numerous setbacks, G.O.O.D Music artist and Virginia Beach’s own Pusha T is finally ready to release his solo debut album “My Name is My Name.” The title was directly taken from a catch phrase used by drug king-pin character Marlo Stanfield from the HBO hit series “The Wire.”

“And if you know anything about his character, he’s young and brash among a lot of heavyweights. But he didn’t care about any of the past or history. He was like, ‘Man, I’m out here to get my money at all costs. No rules, no regulations. I’m here to compete.’ I just felt like that really embodied my presence in the

Rap game,” said Push in an interview with HipHopSince1987.

We were first introduced to Push back in 2002, as half of the hip-hop duo The Clipse, with his brother Malice. The two decided to take time off to work on their own solo efforts respectively, with Malice focusing more on his new found faith in God. Although Malice won’t be featured on the album, he released his own solo debut album “Hear Ye Him” in late August.

Kanye West recently delivered his latest headlining rant at Push’s listening party in NYC, where he praised Push, boasting of his support for him while underlining Push’s credibility in

the hip-hop industry. West, who signed Push to G.O.O.D Music back in 2010, primarily produced the album, along with Hudson Mohawke, Pharell, The Dream and Swizz Beatz. It’s also slated to feature guest appearances with Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy and many others. He recently released “Nostalgia,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, where they rap about the effects of growing up in a cocaine afflicted environment.

“I think I’m going to have rap album of the year. This is a hiphop masterpiece,” said Push in an interview with XXL Mag. MNIMN hits stores Oct. 8.

With the release of blockbuster hits stemming from comic-books, many of us find ourselves wrapped into the special effects and creative designs that go into making these larger than life heroes appear super.

One man has decided to take his interest in a comic book character to new heights.

Herbert Chavez, 35, of Columbia City, Philippines is a real life Super-Man. He has had 19 reconstructive surgeries over the past 16 years in an effort to look like Super-Man. The procedures have included nose jobs, skin whitening, lip liposuction and pectoral implants.

Chaves is seen as a rolemodel throughout his community. He regularly walks the streets dressed in his Superman costume. He looks at it as an opportunity to teach kids good morals and brighten their day.

“I feel like a superhero whenever I put on the costume, but my mission is not to save the world but to help in my own small way and bring a smile to the faces of local children.”

Chavez has not stated if he would like any more surgeries, but he still doesn’t rule out the possibility. Despite replicating the look of Superman, Chavez doesn’t believe that’s all it takes to make a difference.

“Everybody can be Superman because true heroics come from your heart to help, to serve and to give happiness— especially to children. We must fight for truth, justice and the human way,” says Chavez.

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