New Student Organization S.A.U.C.
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Spartan Spotlight
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Bigg B ignites encouragement
Battle of the Bay
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“Justice or else”
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Vol. 63, Issue 3
10.02.15
Black Lives Matter by Shareen Nicholson
Norfolk State students join the movement in letting the world know that Black Lives Matter. Photo by Reginald Thomas.
Black Lives Matter is the activist movement that began after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin back in 2013. This movement was designed to help aid campaigns against police brutality in the United States. They have advocated and protested for several unarmed African-Americans who died at the hands
of law enforcement including, Tamir Rice, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Michael Brown and Eric Garner. This movement was co-founded by three black activists: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. Black Lives Matter started as a hashtag and has since turned into a nationwide organization with 26 chap-
ters in the U.S., Canada and Ghana. Their website states that Black Lives Matter is “a unique contribution that goes beyond extrajudicial killings of black people by police and vigilantes.” This campaign has come under fire lately as some who claim to associate themselves with the organization have placed the name under scrutiny. Activists interrupted a rally continued on p.7
President Moore confident probation will be lifted as enrollment slowly increases by Danielle Kirsh
Norfolk State University remains to be caught up on issues that led to its probation in Dec. of last year while Interim President and CEO of Norfolk State Eddie N. Moore Jr. is still confident that our probation will be lifted as enrollment slowly increases. NSU’s reports were sent
to the university’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and were filed and received on Sept. 4, four days before their Sept. 8 due date. In an exclusive interview with the Spartan Echo in May, President Moore said
that from the SACSCOC point of view, “we fell behind.” The probation placed on the university last Dec. has had a lasting effect on the university. Enrollment has declined at NSU since the probation was placed. As for enrollment this
semester, the official headcount is 5,088. President Moore said our enrollment numbers are “slightly above estimate.” Freshman enrollment is only off by 15 students and transfers are “significantly below what we expected them to be” at approximately 125 off of the esti-
mate. When the university does not meet enrollment requirement, some faculty and staff do not get signed on for another year. The departments that lost most faculty members were in the freshman courses. About 20 staff members continued on p.3
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Kicking-off October with domestic violence by Richelle Hammiel
Even though we may not see domestic violence or hear of it occurring often, it is a growing issue that can take over and destroy lives. This is something that every individual should be cautious of because it is not focused on one gender or race. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Because people are often unaware of the signs of domestic violence (DV) or the triggers of domestic violence, so many cases go unreported. There are programs and shelters that can be found online where victims can both go learn about domestic violence and seek help for abuse. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, or NCADV, is just one of the programs that supports those affected by domestic violence. This program can also be found online. Oct. 7 initiates the Domestic Violence Kick-Off where NSU students will come face-to-face with the concept and details of domestic violence. This is the initiation of domestic violence awareness. “The DV awareness month purpose is to spread awareness to the campus about dating and domestic violence. After experiencing this program, students will be able to identify the risk factors and warning signs, respond to a friend who may be experiencing DV, tap into their power of control of their situation, understand that not only women experience DV but it can happen in the reverse
role or within a LGBTQ relationship & how to seek assistance,” Division of Student Affairs Coordinator ReNecia Thornton said. When many people hear domestic violence, they leave it at physical abuse. However, that is not the case. “Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse,” the NCADV reported. That being said, if anyone has experienced any of these tragic events or have seen them being done, seek advice from a professional or confide in someone who is close to receive help as soon as possible. One of the most important things to remember is that the victim is never to blame. In room 138BC and 149 in the Student Center from 6 p.m until 8 p.m., the Domestic Violence KickOff will be kicking off with words from our speakers as well as two interactive events, including Walk in Her [His] Shoes and a Silent Witness Memorial. Representatives from the Samaritan House, NSU Counseling Center, NSU’s Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students Tracci John-
son, representatives from Housing and Residence Life and Fraternity and Sorority Life will be speaking and providing the students with information. According to Thornton, Walk in Her [His] shoes is an interactive exercise so participants can go through the steps of a dating/domestic violence situation. Students can see firsthand how to identify DV and why it’s important to step up and say something and not be a bystander. The Silent Witness Memorial serves as an outlet for those who have fallen victim to domestic violence. Students are always encouraged to come out and tell their stories, but only if they feel the need to and feel comfortable enough to express themselves. “Those ages 20 to 24 are at risk for domestic and sexual violence, including experiencing nonfatal intimate partner violence. Young women age 20 to 24 also experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, followed by those 16 to 19. People under the age of 18 and 19 experience the highest rate of stalking,” Thornton said. It is the mission of the Domestic Violence Kick-Off to warn our students as well as to provide them knowledge about the seriousness of domestic violence. Upon attending the Domestic Violence KickOff, students will learn to recognize the red flags of unhealthy situations or relationships.
10.02.15
African Americans seeking “justice or else”
by Shammah Waller
“Justice or else!” Those are the words that are being heard all over America. Oct. 10 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, a movement designed to seek justice and peace for African Americans. Minister Louis Farrakhan, a keynote speaker for the Million Man March, called for this year’s anniversary in Washington, D.C. The Million Man March was first initiated on October 16, 1995 and was led and directed by Minister
Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan is an African-American leader of the Nation of Islam who wanted to gain reparations for African-Americans so that they would one day be able to govern themselves. In getting people to join his efforts in the Million Man March, Farrakhan called out to people from all over the world. The main civil rights organization that supported continued on p. 3
Justice or Else may help create change in cities across America. Photo by Reginald Thomas.
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“justice or else”
President Moore
continued from p. 2
the Million Man March was the National African-American Leadership Summit, or NAALS. Farrakhan framed this march as a ‘Holy Day’ of atonement and reconciliation to connect our spiritual inner beings and to redirect our focus to developing our communities, strengthening our families, working to uphold and protect our civil and human rights, empowering ourselves through the spirit of God, effectively using our dollars and exercising our power to vote. The march was a symbolic success and generated positive coverage, even in the mainstream media. It inspired many black
men to become more engaged with their communities and to speak out against oppression. NSU senior and author of “Political Palace Original Hebrews Were Black” Garland Wright said that black Americans have had their gains reversed over the last 15 years. “The reality is that since 1965, black Americans have never had so many of their own in jail in terms of absolute numbers or as a percentage of our overall population. [I’ve] seen more good jobs disappear. [I’ve] been sicker, experienced a wider income gap within our community and, most important, seen more of our material gains
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reversed than we have over the last 15 years. This is true in almost all areas, including housing, educational outcomes, widening of the income gap and representation in trade unions,” Wright said. Wright believes that this march will be a historical event. “I missed the first one but I will be there this time. The march 15 years ago was so powerful, it inspired women to organize their own march, which took place Oct 25, 1997, where an estimated 300,000 black women gathered in Philadelphia.”
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were let go over the summer and another five to six administrators were not rehired. This means that their contracts ended and were not renewed. Our retention rate has also gone up, which means there are more students who are returning to NSU for another year. “Our returning students came back at a higher rate than expected,” said Moore. “We hope that turns into a higher graduation rate.” The university is also dedicating more financial aid to upperclassmen students to entice them to stay. “Initially, our financial aid was sort of skewed toward
the freshman class, but now we’ve readjusted that,” said President Moore. According to President Moore, an estimated $1 million in grants and scholarships is being made available to upperclassmen. The university is also taking steps to make sure students are safe on campus. New emergency phones replaced the old ones on campus and university police officers are now riding their bikes on campus instead of always riding in a police car. “We’re going to heighten our emphasis on your security,” Moore said.
Bigg B ignites fires of encouragement by Antonio Garland
Norfolk State University alumnus, radio personality, DJ and motivational speaker Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman participated in NSU’s Leadership, Education, and Development (L.E.A.D.) speaker series to encourage, motivate and inspire. Hickman called the college experience “sharpening your sword” to prepare for the outside world. Students’ main purpose is to learn and strive to the next level of education. One component is being able to listening to those more experienced, such mentors. He said humbling one’s self is a key factor to staying focused on what should be done verses what one wants to do. However, there will be times when a student’s schedule will be
conflicting. “The test of a man is how he stands in adversity, not when it’s okay but when it’s adversity. How do you stand inside of that,” said Hickman, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hickman said to keep trying until your success strikes. From his experiences, setbacks will happen, but you have to keep striving if you want to be successful. He encouraged others to find new ways of achieving goals and to stand out from others. “Go outside the box. Don’t do the same old raffle, don’t do the same old bake sale. Do a bake cook off and let the people pay to get into it. Do something different,” said Hickman. According to Hickman, to
have good connections and build relations, one must be social and speak to as many people as possible. He said that being social also helps with stress. “You have to be in the community. That’s what’s going to sell you. You have to be a personality,” said Hickman. Hickman strongly feels the reason he obtained his success and is able to motivate others is not because he came to NSU, but because he attended an HBCU, and everyone who attends should be proud of that fact. “You can’t explain the feeling,” he said. “I just can’t explain what HBCU means. You just have to come and see it. You know what it is? It’s the pride.”
As inspiring as he is talented, L.E.A.D. speaker DJ Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman encourages students to be original and innovative. Photo from NSU.edu.
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10.02.15
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Former Spartan makes NFL roster on final day by Davonte Smith
Former Norfolk State defensive back Keenan Lambert was claimed off of waivers by the Oakland Raiders and added to the team’s 53-man roster for opening day. After the NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks picked up Lambert to give him a shot to make the roster. In the preseason finale against the Oakland Raiders, Lambert led the team in tackles with 7. Lambert was limited to just two preseason games with the Seahawks due to an injury. Seattle cut Lambert after the preseason finale, but Oakland made him their one and only wavier claim out of the final cuts available. Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio liked
what he saw in Lambert and also was in need of a safety to replaced Brandion Ross. Ross was injured in the preseason finale and placed on injured reserve. “Effort-filled guy that made some plays in the ball game,” Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s trained in our system, something similar. He’s got at least some of the language with what defensive coordinator, Ken [Norton, Jr.] brought down, so there’s some of the language that’s similar. So we feel like he’s a young, aggressive safety that is worthy of a spot right now,” said Del Rio. Lambert was a first-team All-MEAC performer for the Spartans as a redshirt
senior last fall, helping NSU rank No. 2 nationally in total defense among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams. Lambert started 40 games and played in 47 over his four years on the field in an NSU uniform, amassing 206 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and eight interceptions. Lambert is the half-brother of Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor. Keenan Lambert is a product of Maury High School here in Norfolk. He joins Detroit Lions safety Don Carey as the only two Spartans on opening day NFL rosters. The Houston Texans released former All-American linebacker Lynden Trail on the final day of roster cuts.
Former Norfolk State Student-Athlete, Keenan Lambert, was signed to the Seattle Seahawk earlier this year as an undrafted free-agent, but will now be playing under the Oakland Raiders for the regular season. Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahawks.
Spartans’ improved offense earns season’s first win over archrival by Jason Gill
Spartan Gerard Johnson, RB, runs for a gain against Hampton on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the 2015 Battle of the Bay. (Photo by Mark Sutton, courtesy of NSUSpartans.com).
The Spartan football program used a much-improved offensive attack to earn its first win of the season over Hampton University in the 53rd annual Battle of the Bay game. After being down by seven at halftime, NSU rallied in the second half by outscoring HU 17-0 on their way to a 24-14 victory. Junior running back Gerard Johnson rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, while junior quarterback Greg Hankerson Jr.
threw for 176 yards and a touchdown as the Spartans won their first home game of the season after opening the year with three straight road games. Through the first three games the Spartans are averaging 13.5 points-pergame (ppg) which is an improvement of nearly two ppg when compared to last year’s average of 11.7. That number figures to go up even more now that NSU has played its toughest competition early.
New head coach Latrell Scott has brought a much more diverse offensive approach to a team that struggled to score points all last season and finished ranked 9th in the MEAC among 11 teams. The passing game has also opened up much more as Hankerson has looked very comfortable throwing from the pocket. The Spartans now get set to face Howard University on the road this Saturday in Washington, D.C. at 1 p.m.
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10.02.15
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Spartan Spotlight: Jessica Johnson by Davonte Smith
With the Norfolk State volleyball team’s season halfway over, standout student athlete Jessica Johnson continues to impress. Johnson plays the role of an outside hitter that hits and blocks on the frontleft side of the court. Ever since she stepped on campus, Johnson has made an impact for her team. With her leadership and team play, she has managed to make everyone around her better. Johnson has had a remarkable career so far for the Lady Spartans. Her freshman year in 2012, she played in 30 matches on the season and started 22 of them, competing in 103 sets. She finished second on the team with 217 kills, an average of 2.11 per set. Over the last 10 matches of her freshman season she averaged 2.75 killsper-set. She also compiled 184 digs and 21 blocks, averaging 1.79 and 0.20 per set, respectively. Johnson added 35 service aces, leading the team with 0.34 per set in her first season. She ranked ninth in the MEAC in service aces per set and also totaled 18 assists. Johnson’s sophomore
Senior Finance Major Jessica Johnson kills it on the court and the classroom.” Photo by Reginald Thomas. year was even better as she played in all 29 matches and started 28, appearing in 108 of the 109 sets on the year. She was also named to
the all-tournament team at the Spartan Classic. In her second season she ranked second on the team with 231 kills, averaging
2.14 per set, and hit .095. She posted 193 digs, an average of 1.79 per set, while also registering 25 service aces, 21 blocks and
nine assists. That season she had 12 matches with 10 or more kills and seven matches with 10 or more digs. By the time her junior year came around, she had established herself as one of the best in the MEAC. Johnson played in 20 matches and made 10 starts, leading the team in kills with 206. She was named to the all-tournament teams at the Panther Classic and the Carolina Classic in the third and fourth weekends of the season. Johnson ranked fifth in the MEAC in killsper-set and ninth in points (3.26) 03 per set in 68 sets played last season. Jessica Johnson is also an outstanding student. She has made the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll three times and was a 2-time MEAC All-Academic team member. The goal for Johnson and the team is to win the MEAC and earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament in her final season. Johnson ranks sixth all-time at NSU with 654 kills and fifth in attacks at 1,869. Johnson, a native of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, is majoring in finance with a minor in business.
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10.02.15
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Virginia21 urges students to vote Richelle Hammiel
In this generation, we are all viewed as the future of today, which means that it is up to us to make decisions that will only benefit the future generations. The first step in doing so would be to become more politically engaged. After all, politics makes the world go round. “Political engagement increases our knowledge of what is going on, not only on campus, but in the state,” President and campaign director of Virginia21’s NSU chapter Danielle Campbell said. Virginia 21, which is currently active on our campus, gives us this opportunity to get involved in politics. “Virginia21 is a nonpartisan action tank that coordinates advocacy on
the issues most important to young voters,” Campbell said. These issues include guns on campus, campus sexual assault, voting rights and college affordability. We are currently coping with two of these issues as we speak. Our voting rights are generally given to us at the age of 18 years old and as college students, majority of us have already met this requirement. Sadly, Virginia21 has been lacking the votes of our students, which affects our college affordability. The two tie into each other significantly. We are now forced to consider the recent tuition increase that we have received for this year. Consequently, increased tuition equals more student debt
Virginia 21 is a non-profit organization taking the initive to inform college students about various issues effecting them. Photo from facebook.com/VA21.TakeAction. for those relying on financial aid. For those students paying out of pocket, that means there’s less money to spend. “Personally I would not leave NSU, but I would have to find a job and start pay-
ing on my tuition because I wouldn’t have enough financial aid to cover my balance. The balance would be so outstanding that I wouldn’t be able to stay on campus and the reason I would stay is because I’ve spent so much time here,” junior biology and pre-professional major Brittany Livingston said. According to Campbell, the lack of our student votes as well as low enrollment has taken its toll on tuition and if we don’t become more active, it will continue to rise. She acknowledged that this was due to those deciding the budget for our university thinking we don’t care about what goes on with the university when we don’t involve ourselves in
the voting process. One goal the program has set in place to increase the amounts of participation in this year’s election is to get a polling place on campus to increase votes. Even if we are unable to get the polling place in time for this election, there will still be voter registration set up in the Student Center where the students can use TurboVote and cast their votes in a matter of 5 minutes. Though National Voter Registration Day took place on Sept. 27, the registration deadline isn’t until Oct. 13. Even if there are still some people who decide against voting, any and all efforts contributed to assisting Virginia21 prepare for the Nov. 3 election are appreciated.
Our President’s Schedule HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Friday, Oct. 16, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Faculty & Staff Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331)
Appointments to meet with President Moore can be requested by completing the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM 2015-2016 form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ BLH9CZY. Identify at least two (2) dates and times at least three (3) business days in advance of your preferred date and time. The request will be forwarded to the President’s Office for review and scheduling. Reasonable efforts to provide a confirmation of the appointment date/time or an alternate within 48 hours of the request will be made.
Student Office Hours: Current students can request a 30-minute appointment with the President in his satellite office at the Student Center. Faculty and Staff Office Hours: Current employees can request a 30-minute appointment with the President in his satellite office at the Student Center.
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10.02.15
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World of Australia, from study abroad by Antonio Garland
Many students are unaware of the travel abroad program available here at Norfolk State. Those who do, are cautious of whether or not to partake in it. For those debating on taking the risk, just ask Ramarro Thompson, who recently had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia. Thompson looked forward to learning about different cultures in conjunction with his goals of learning more about Australia, graduating and looking for internships. He left in Feb. where he stayed for four months to take classes at Deakin
University. He learned about Mandarin Australian law, studio painting, art techniques and a variety of subjects that includes what it means to be human and building of one’s self. “It was very exciting,” said Thompson. “There was a lot of activities I had never done before, like riding on an international plane by myself, going to another country without having my friends or family around. But I knew I was going to have fun and I was going to learn much from the different cultures.”
During his stay, Thompson visited the Central business district in Melbourne, which hosted weekly festivals from different cultures. He also visited the Toolangi State Forest, climbed mountains and went to Supernova Pop Culture Expo, where he met several celebrities and directors. One of his favorite stops was ‘Lentil as Anything’ restaurant, which is run on donations and customers could pay as much as they felt was appropriate. He also visited national Australian art galleries. Thomas has expressed
interest in returning to Australia, after having made several connections and receiving a job offer. While being in school in the U.S., the possibility of being able to travel seemed difficult. Through NSU’s study abroad programs, Thompson was able to fulfill his traveling dream. For those wanting to travel, Thompson’s advice is to to do research on your intended destination. “It’s a life changing experience,” he said.
attention has many people asking just how much longer will Black Lives Matter last? The Student Government Association here at Norfolk State held a Black Lives Matter walk on campus Sept. 9. “I think it’s important to keep this movement alive because we are an HBCU and our foundation is the black community. It’s also important that we are aware of the disparities and oppressions that take place on a day to day basis. Not only when people are being killed but as students we should be aware of everything that is happening in our communities. Standing together and being informed will help us accomplish more as we come together as one,” said Student
Danielle Kirsh Editor-in-Chief
Chantelle Polite
Online/Managing Editor
News Editor
Shareen Nicholson
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com), “Black Lives Matter affirms the lives of black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, black undocumented folks, folks with records, women and all black lives along the gender spectrum.” Texas Sheriff Ron Hickman also criticized the movement after one of his white deputies was shot and killed at a gas station; a black man has been charged with the murder. He believes that the shooting may have been spurred by anger over the killings of black men at the hands of police. Co-founder Alicia Garza said in an email interview that any attempt to link Black Lives Matter with any killings of police was “racist and ridiculous.” All of this negative media
editors
Richelle Hammiel
Black Lives Matter right before Bernie Sanders, a Democratic presidential candidate, was about to deliver a speech. Following that interruption, Sanders canceled the rest of the rally and went on to say, “I was really disappointed because on criminal justice reform and the need to fight racism, there is no other candidate for president who will fight harder than me.” Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson has also spoken out about Black Lives Matter, but believes that the organization needs to add the word “all” to its name, asking for a broader examination of which black lives actually matter and who does the organization stand for. However, according to its website (blacklivesmatter.
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Lifestyle Editor
Government Association President Twain Davis. More than 100 students attended the event which consisted of a march and chant session that began at the clock tower and went around Park Avenue and ended in the Student Center. Students held signs and also sang songs in solidarity. Along with others, we are students who are empathizing the importance of the lives of those who look just like us. We must stand for something or else we’ll fall for anything,” said senior Andranise Flowers.
Jason Gill
Sports Editor
Mahogany Waldon Entertainment Editor
Storm Calder
Multimedia Editor
Sarah Jefferson Graphic Design/Layout Editor
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NSU Dance Crew traditionalizes dance in a non-traditional way by Mahogany Waldon
10.02.15
New organization S.A.U.C. plans to unite students
by Mahogany Waldon
Urban Control fuses various expressive styles to come together as a group. Photo by Reginald Thomas. On many HBCUs, dance crews incorporate unique modern dance styles with classical styles to showcase their talents. One group on NSU’s campus, Urban Control, fuses heritage, tradition and new techniques to establish a dance culture at Norfolk State that is unlike any other. Dancing is a quite miraculous art form. Dancers use their entire bodies as instruments to create rhythm and other dynamics. One of the most essential uses of dance is to tell a story, especially when various aspects of dance come together to create one piece or performance. Sean Thompson, the
founder of Urban Control Entertainment is gifted in many ways. Not only does he dance, he is also an actor, an athlete and a rapper. Thompson says that the “goal of Urban Control is to bring together all talents to relay a positive message to the community.” The group has members that specialize in various talents, the most noted being hip-hop street dance. From the California “crumping” dances that are performed as a type of “praise dancing,” to Memphis-style “Juking,” Urban Control has given many people a chance to showcase their individualized dancing styles.
“We have so many people within the group from different places and we don’t turn away any style of dance,” Thompson said. The tradition of many of the dancing styles featured in Urban Control has connections to African roots. Much like “stepping” which has been made famous by the Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities, many hiphop dancing styles have origins from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa and the Caribbean. Along with dancing, Urban Control has departments within all of the arts including poetry, acting and singing.
Spartan Artists United for Christ (SAUC) is a new organization on campus centered around uniting students who have artistic talents on talent. The goal of the organization is to provide a Christian based atmosphere for students to showcase their devotion to Christ as well as their creativity. Demetria Keesee, a senior Elementary education major, had the idea to create the group after serving in the Spartan Legion Band on the Accent auxiliary dance squad. After noticing that there were not many options for Christian students to express themselves, she saw an opening to create a group with that purpose in mind.
“I want the students here to experience a praise and worship atmosphere where they are unashamed to lift up their hands and give God all the praise, glory and honor that He deserves. I also want to involve members in the study of the Bible and its practical applications for Christian life because Christianity is a lifestyle. I plan on engaging the students here with real experience on what it’s like to live for Christ,” Keesee said. The program will feature bible study sessions, rehearsals and showcases. For information on how to be a part of SAUC, email Keesee at d.n.keesee@ spartans.nsu.edu.
Spartan Artists United in Christ is a new organization that combines entertertainment platforms with their love of Christ. Photo by Storm Calder.
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