NSU Police Chief Page 3
Track & Field
NSU in Thailand
David Banner
NSU Alumnus on prime time
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Vol. 63, Issue 6
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Race issues in America seen across college campuses by Shareen Nicholson
The increase in racial tensions on college campus are putti ng the challenges of the black students to the public’s eye. Photo from AP Exchange (Sarah Bell/ Missourian)
NSU mourns the passing of Dr. Ruth G. Jordan by Antonio Garland
Colleges and universities around the country have been experiencing a major increase in race related incidents over the past couple of months. Recently, there have been fraternities and sororities throwing blackface parties. African American students have received threats, warning them to stay off campuses after certain times. A noose was also found hanging around the neck of a statue of the school’s first black student James Meredith at the Uni-
versity of Mississippi. “Race is definitely an issue on college campuses. I feel as though race on college campuses is an issue because college is a smaller scale representation of society as a whole. Therefore, meaning that the social issues in society will be reflected on these campuses,” said senior mass communications major Clinton Jones. Most recent is the racial tension that has occurred at the University of Missouri. After students protested
over allegations of racism at the university, university president Tim Wolfe resigned. Wolfe released a statement asking that school leaders begin an “ongoing dialogue to address these very complex, societal issues.” Later that evening Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin also stepped down as well as various other faculty members. Protests began after students complained and demanded reform in the
NSU faculty member Dr. Ruth G. Jordan passed away on Nov. 8 at the age of 80. Jordan was born on Feb. 6, 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia to Peter A. and Edythe Green as the second of three children. Nurturing from her parents emphasized the
importance of both spiritual and educational development. She was a faithful and active member of the First Calvary Baptist Church where she often did volunteering in various capacities, such as working with the “Woman’s Club.”
Jordan was known as a very energetic person who loved people. She actively sought to be of service to others. She actively participated annually at her family reunions for over four de-
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How to stay safe this holiday season by Richelle Hammiel
NSU mourns continued from front page
Smart holiday shopping can take place through online shopping or bargain hunting at various stores for the best prices & deals possible. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty. File) It’s that time of year again where we make it our mission to shower our loved ones with gifts according to the tradition of giving. It’s also the time where we can look forward to buying more items at cheaper prices. You know these days as Black Friday and Christmas. Although these days offer excellent deals on items, Black Friday and Christmas are the most hectic days of the year. With these great prices come long lines, hectic shoppers and added stress and baggage. Black Friday is the day most people await while looking forward to the year’s hottest items being discounted at amazing prices. These deals offer consumers the opportunity to afford items that may be overpriced or out of their price range. Christmas is the number one moneymaking holiday season, especially as people search frantically in order to
find that perfect gift, even if that means spending large amounts of money. This may sound great, but this also makes stores and the shopping experience during this season even more dangerous. During these days, stores are sure to have massive crowds, which many include rowdy and agitated people that are sure to make any shopping experience unpleasant. With many people all searching for the same gifts, many stores will run out of stock and for those that don’t offer rain checks, this may cause problems. Have fun shopping for your loved ones, but consider the best times to go out because there are ways to avoid the crowds and rush. The days leading up to Christmas may not be as chaotic as Black Friday, but always remain cautious of your surroundings. Enjoy the holidays and traditions, but be safe while doing it!
cades, where she hosted and coordinated events. She began her education at Norfolk Public Schools; however, she wanted to pursue a higher education. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Arts in Urban Studies at Norfolk State University. She obtained her doctrine in Education at Walden University. Her main love was her career at NSU, joining after she retired from WTKR. She strived to help students, from providing guidance to freshmen students to tutoring and mentoring athletes. Jordan also provided housing, food, clothing and financial support for destitute students. After retiring from NSU, she was still seen as a motherly figure to students. She was an active member of the NSU Alumni Association and was the chairperson for Ways and Means Committee of the NSU Retirees Association. She was also a member of Les Gemmes Femmes Social Club and was a great lover of sports. Jordan is survived by her two sons, brother, grandchildren, great grandchildren, four nieces and two nephews.
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Senators and delegates speak out on sexual assault
The panelists spoke to NSU students about creating a better environment that won’t condone sexual assault on any level. Photo by Reginald Thomas, II by Antonio Garland On Nov. 12, a panel of Virginia senators and delegates came to NSU in an effort to acknowledge sexual assaults on college campuses. The panel consisted of Sen. Kenneth Alexander, Delegate Daun Hester, Delegate Joseph Lindsey, Drew Lumpkin who was a rep for Sen. Mark Warner, Dean of Students Tracey Johnson and NSU Chief of Police Troy Covington. “Together, we have the opportunity to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. I commend all those on the campus of Norfolk State University who are working to help strengthen the community and prevent sexual assault,” Warner said. According to Lindsey, sexual assault occurs when a person receives vocalization, touching or bulling in a sexual manner. The panel
all agreed sexual assault can happen verbally and that rape and stalking classifies as sexual assault. “If you’re the person who follows [another] person, making them feel unsafe, making them feel that you may do something harmful to them -- all of that falls into that same category of conduct,” said Lindsey. According to Johnson, most sexual assault cases involved use of alcohol. She said if you’re at a social event and alcohol is involved, wait at least until the next day before you get to know someone sexually. “That alcohol does impair your judgment and your decision making. So, it’s best to wait,” said Johnson. The event was hosted by Virginia21 and was a part of “It’s on Us,” which is a movement aimed at shaping the way others think and talk about sexual assault.
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12.04.15
spartan news
NSU Police Chief mixes safety with tough love by Mahogany Waldon
New Norfolk State University Chief of Police Troy Covington sits on a panel discussion educating students on sexual assault. Photo by Reginald Thomas, II NSU Police Chief Troy Covington knows what it means to be an officer of the law. Chief Covington has over 30 years in law enforcement and military experience. He also has experience working in investigations, the federal government, corrections and he has experience working for students on the collegiate level; he worked for Virginia State University’s police department for a period of time. With such an extensive background in law enforcement, the NSU Spartan family is elated to have such a decorated Chief of Police on campus. Being the Chief of Police involves overseeing the policies of the police department, ensuring that conflicts and issues are resolved and handled in an orderly manner and that all the business of the police department is settled. For most, these duties would be a lot to take in but not for Covington.
“I enjoy a challenge. The position here at Norfolk State seemed like a perfect opportunity for me. The first 30 days are the most challenging,” said Covington. In his first 30 days, Covington had a chance to sit every member of his staff down for a one-on-one conversation discussing the best ways they could achieve the goals of the department. One of Covington’s biggest issues is making sure the Norfolk State Police Department receives accreditation on the state level. To achieve this goal means that the policies of the department have to be sound. “We have to go back to the basics, without a strong policy what do you have to stand on?” Covington said in response to the need for accreditation. Another major concern for Covington is safety. Covington plans on doing more events like the one he had in conjunction with the women’s shelter on dating violence. Covington wants
to ensure students are not only knowledgeable about dating violence and sexual abuse, but he plans on having events to teach students about the laws in place in Virginia. “So many students don’t know the state laws. They come from out of town or they never took the time to learn about the laws in Virginia. So, that is something we are planning as a department -- events on Virginia rules,” said Covington. The department also utilizes the LiveSafe app, that allows students to have direct contact with the NSU Police Department on their smartphones. The app allows its users to report crimes, suspicious behaviors and crises that will go directly to a dispatcher on campus. The university has also made recent improvements to the call boxes on campus which according to a survey conducted by Covington was the students “biggest concern.” With so much to tackle in his new role, Covington also finds time to have fun. Many may have seen Covington at the Scott Dozier dining hall DJ’ing. That’s right, Covington is also a DJ and believes his love of music is one of the many connections that he has with students. “I learned how to DJ in the Army. My roommate had two turntables. From there I used to DJ at a roller rink in Petersburg. It’s something I do in my spare time, but I also use it to build a rapport with students. For many of us music is an escape,” Covington said.
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Time, Einstein and the coolest stuff in the universe by Antonio Garland
Nobel Prize award winning, American physicist Dr. William Daniel Phillips paid a visit to NSU to display his brilliant work in Physics. Photo from Flickr.com/photos/nsu_spartans/ On Nov. 14, physicist and Nobel Laureate Dr. William Philips visited NSU to talk about time, Einstein and the coolest stuff in the universe. “The great pleasures of doing research in this kind of environment is that we get to benefit from the experience and knowledge of people from all over the world,” said Philips. According to Philips, Einstein is most remembered for his theory of relativity which he came up with just by thinking of how light behaves. It shows that the speed of light is constant and physics doesn’t change when it moves at a constant velocity. Observers once believed space and time was an unchanging platform. However, Einstein taught that [space and time] was a part of the action. Einstein said
that “time is what a clock measures and the oldest clock is the rotating Earth.” Philips believes ancient people told time by using the sun. When they became more sophisticated, they began using pendulums that provided tickers for clocks. However, Phillips said that the best clocks are atoms, which not only tick, but have energy levels that correspond to frequencies used for clock ticking. “Every atom of the same kind is absolutely and perfectly identical to every other atom of that kind in the entire universe as far as we know,” said Philips. “It’s just a matter of who makes the clock. If they’re using cesium, they can be guaranteed that the ticking rate is going to be the same no matter where they are.” “This stuff is really, really cold,” said Philips. According to Philips, the lowest calculated temperature for atoms is 240 micro degrees above absolute zero. However, he said it may be possible for temperatures to get to 300 thousand times colder than liquid nitrogen. In order to contain such atoms, Philips said researchers are currently working on storage units that contain no material by magnetism. In the end, Philips said it was just the beginning as there is always something new to learn and discovered. “Science is fun and useful,” said Philips. “That’s the most important thing.”
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12.04.15
spartan sports
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Former Spartan living the dream of playing for hometown team by Davonte Smith
Norfolk State Alumni Kyle O’Quinn suits up for his 4th season in the NBA with a new team, the New York Knicks. Photo from fb.com/NYKNICKS
In his fourth season in the NBA (National Basketball Association), Norfolk State alumnus Kyle O’Quinn is enjoying the opportunity to play for a new team, the New York Knicks. Kyle is from Jamaica, New York. “Being in the home locker room, putting on the white jersey, it felt good,” O’Quinn said. He came to the Knicks in a sign-in-trade with the Orlando Magic this offseason. Kyle received a four-year, $16 million deal from the Knicks.
The Orlando Magic drafted O’Quinn in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. In his three seasons with Orlando, he averaged 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15 minutes per game. This season the Knicks are giving him a real shot on contributing to the team with increased playing time. “It definitely says a lot and it makes you feel good as a player,” O’Quinn said. At Norfolk State, Kyle O’Quinn averaged 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds
per game. He also won MEAC Defensive Player of the Year twice (2010, 2012) and MEAC Player of the year in 2012. Everyone remembers O’Quinn leading the Spartans to a stunning NCAA Tournament upset of the second-seeded University of Missouri Tigers. “Finally like a dream-to-reality type thing. My family was all excited. It was comfortable getting into a new situation, getting new opportunities on a long-term deal,” O’Quinn said.
Spartan football program has reason for optimism going forward by Jason Gill
The Spartans ended their 2015 campaign on a positive note with a 17-10 victory on the road over Morgan State University. Although the victory capped off a second consecutive fourwin season, the Spartans seem to be heading in the right direction as a football program. Under the tutelage of new head coach Latrell Scott, the Spartan offense showed the creativity and versatility needed to rid NSU of past scoring troubles. Last season the Spartans averaged just 11.7 pointsper-game (ppg), which was good for just ninth in
the conference. This season, NSU’s scoring average jumped to 16.73 ppg, with their highest scoring output coming on Oct. 24 when they lost a shootout to Bethune-Cookman University 59-49. The consistency of junior transfer quarterback Greg Hankerson was a key factor in the Spartan’s offensive resurgence. On the season Hankerson completed just over 51 percent of his passes for 2,052 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 423 and another three touchdowns. Defensively, the Spartans took a step back from where it finished last season when
they ranked no.2 nationally in overall defense among football championship subdivision (FCS) schools. Although NSU finished outside of the top-50 this year a very bright spot on the defensive side of the ball was senior linebacker Deon King. King, who led the entire nation in tackles this season with 163, has been named a finalist for the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year award. The 163 tackles are also the second-most in a season in NSU’s Division I era. The only other Spartan continued on page 5
NSU Football finishes Sparta strong in a season that surprised many people doubting their abilities. Photo by Reginald Thomas, II.
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12.04.15
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Men & Women’s Track & Field teams prepare for indoor season by Davonte Smith
A mix of new and returning talents promises to heat up the NSU Men’s and Womens Track & Field Indoor Season this winter. Photo from nsuspartans.com With Norfolk State’s cross country season concluding last month, the coaching staff realizes the indoor track and field season is right around the corner. The men’s track and field team were young last season but competed hard. After helping the men’s team on a successful season, there are a few student athletes that took their op-
portunity by storm. Romero Hines, a redshirt-sophomore, who run sprints and jumps in events and Steven Coles, a senior, who run sprints, were two standouts last year. In his first track meet last season as a Spartan, Hines recorded a long jump of 23 feet, 1.75 inches, which was one of four top-five finishes in the Cristopher Newport
Spartan football to account for more was Kevin Tall in 2003. NSU’s season began with a rough start to say the least. The Spartans faced three tough football bowl subdivision (FBS) opponents all on the road to start the season. The closest the Spartans came to victory in those first three contests was a 24-10 loss to cross-town rival Old Dominion University.
University Holiday Open. Hines then set a new personal-best in winning the long jump title at the Vince Brown Invitational hosted by Christopher Newport University to cap the indoor season last year. He later recorded his personal-best in outdoor competition by leaping 7.51 meters (24 feet, 7.75 inches), to top the field of 40 athletes in the Penn Relays. Steven Coles set a new PR (personal record) in the 400 meters at the Morgan State Relays last season. He placed second, but was the top collegiate finisher with a time of 47.20 seconds. At the Hampton Relays, Coles’ winning time of 20.76 seconds in the 200-meter dash was one of five first-place finishes for the NSU men. That was also the fastest time in the MEAC last season. On the women’s side, they’ve lost eight seniors from last season. This year,
a few ladies that had great seasons last year are looking forward to taking that next step this year. Senior Kiara Howell, sophomore Briana Hayes and senior Jasmine Vaughan are three ladies that had great seasons and will be looked upon for even more production. Kiara Howell posted a slate of strong performances last season in the throwing events as she placed third in the college javelin throw at the Penn Relays. Howell’s effort earned a seventh-place finish in the discus as well. Howell’s best discus throw traveled 48.25 meters (1583). She came into last season as the MEAC’s No. 1 ranked athlete in both the discus and javelin. Howell also recorded a season-best throw in the shot put, with her best effort going for 45 feet, 6.25 inches, the third-best mark in the conference. Briana Hayes cleared 5-4.25 to claim sixth place in the high jump at the Morgan
State Relays last season. It was Hayes’ personal-best record that ranked third among MEAC qualifiers. Vaughan finished third in the 100-meter hurdles with a 15.06 second finish at Fred Hardy Invitational in Richmond. She also placed sixth in the 400 hurdles with 1 minutes, 5.35 seconds, which was her first time running that event last season. Vaughan set a new PR in the 100-meter hurdles at the MEAC Championships as well. She clocked a time of 13.74 seconds to finish as the runner-up in that event, her highest finish ever at a conference championship. With some experience returning and quite a bit of experience being gone, both the men and women’s track and field teams may have the right balance needed to make some noise in the MEAC once again this season.
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The Spartans were then able to beat archrival Hampton University in their first home game of the season. This was the second straight season that NSU came out victorious in the annual Battle of the Bay Game. After the win over Hampton, the Spartans were only able to secure three more victories for the rest of the season, including a win on
homecoming day against Savannah State University. Although the Spartans just completed their fifth straight losing season and have now not won more than four games for the fourth straight season, the level of optimism for the future of the program has not been this high in a very long time. With his first season as head coach of the Spartans
under his belt, coach Scott will now turn his attention to the 2016 recruiting class. The return of key offensive players, along with the experience gained this season, should have NSU in a prime position offensively going into next year. Lets just hope the defense will be built back to its usual dominating ways going forward.
The Spartan Echo welcomes any and all majors to join us! Previous journalism experience is not a requirement. Our meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the Student Center, room 344 at 12:30p.m.
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Race issues in America continued from front page way that school administration handled racial matters. One graduate student at the university went on a hunger strike until the former president announced his resignation. Members of the University of Missouri football team also protested, stating in a tweet that they would “refuse to play until Wolfe was gone.” This initiative began with about thirty players, but increased with more support by team members both black and white, which ultimately became backed by head coach Gary Pinkel. Colleges and universities have become more and more diverse over the years, but that has not decreased the amount of racial incidents happening across the nation. Although this may seem like a new trend, experts say these incidents have been happening for years now. According to a 2012 study conducted by UCLA entitled “The Climate for Underrepresented Groups and Diversity on Campus,” minority students at schools with less diversity tend to experience more incidents of discrimination and stereotyping. “It’s important that colleges are aware of their campus racial climate and the specific challenges that their underrepresented students face,” said Sylvia Hurtado, director of the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA. The U.S. Department of Education recorded 146
cases of racial harassment on colleges and university campuses this year, which is less than the 177 cases from last year. “I do think race is an issue. Based upon who you’re interacting with and their views on race and ethnicity. There’s racism everywhere so of course there will be a prevalent amount shown on PWI (predominately white institute) campuses. Collectively, African Americans and other races need to join together and held fix the problem no matter who the hate may be geared towards,” said senior mass communications major Nadia Avery. Social media has played a major part in spreading the word on these incidents rather quickly. Across the country there are students speaking up about the way that administrative leaders handle racial matters, and are now taking things to the next level. In response to the University of Missouri incidents, schools across the nation especially HBCU’s have stood in solidarity with those African American students. The hashtag “#westandwithmizzou” was the top trend on Twitter and Instagram for many days. On Nov. 12, students here at Norfolk State gathered outside of the Student Center, dressed in all black and chanted “We Stand with Mizzou.” Like other schools the photo of those students who took part has circulated across many social media platforms.
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NSU student benefits from study abroad opportunity in Thailand by Antonio Garland
During this winter’s Study Abroad program, students will get to experience Thailand’s big city of Bangkok, as well as the island of Koh Samui & its events for two-weeks. (Scott Keeler/The Tampa Bay Times via AP) Cynthia Davis, a student double majoring in history and social science, spent her summer studying abroad in Thailand. This once in a lifetime trip allowed her to become the first African American, non-traditional student to attend Thailand’s Mahidol University International College. Davis traveled to several exotic locations, such as the city of Chiang Mai. While there, Davis visited a training camp where elephants were taught to lift heavy logs and draw paintings.
An admirer of elephants, Davis was ecstatic when she received the opportunity to ride one. “I was just so happy to be there with the elephant,” Davis said. “It just looked like every time I took a picture of the elephant, it was smiling every time.” In class she bonded with students and wanted to contribute by teaching them English. She had previously taught herself to speak Thai. While out, she saw how creative the locals were and discovered that there was no
homelessness due to their innovation and entrepreneurship. “They opened their hearts to me,” she said. “They made me feel welcome.” The locals were sad to see Davis leave. Davis said if she had the opportunity to travel back to Thailand, she would. “Now that I’m familiar with the Thai language, it would be a good journey to take upon again,” said Davis. For those debating on studying abroad, Davis said to take a chance and to keep an open mind. “You won’t know what’s in the world until you experience other lifestyles of other people, their customs and their traditions. You want to be able to learn other aspects in life. When you visit other countries, you learn their cultures, currencies, language, their way of life,” said Davis. Norfolk State University offers various study abroad programs throughout the academic year. To find out more about the study abroad program at NSU students can visit the International Studies and Service Learning Department in Bowser.
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12.04.15
spartan lifestyle Freshman Tip: Spring Admits by Shareen Nicholson
Coming into a new school during the spring semester can be difficult. However, knowing how to easily adapt to Norfolk State can make all the difference and make for an easy transition. Attending New Student Orientation is the first step in getting to know the campus. This is when new students register for class, get their Spartan card, and get a hands on look at all that NSU has to offer. Following these steps can make your new semester here even easier. Attend events. Attending the various events on campus will allow you to avoid spending too much time alone in your room. Getting out to meet new people is
important because having a solid social group will make your time here more enjoyable. Get to know your department. Interact with those in your department, especially your academic advisor. They are here to help you with anything you may need and can help keep you on track academically. Most departments also offer clubs and organizations that can also help you socially, and professionally. Networking is very important, and you never know what opportunities may arise. Get involved. Getting involved is the key to enjoying your college experience. College is what you
make it and the more you get involved, the more fun you will have. You will meet many different people, take trips, do community service and develop into a wellrounded person. There are people from all different backgrounds here, and you never know who you’ll meet. Develop good study habits. Develop a work ethic that works for you. Experiment with different locations on campus and decide which location provides the best place to study. While studying in your room may work for your roommate, studying in the library is always a great place to go for peace and quiet. Also, develop a time to get all your work done. While having
fun is important, staying on top of your work and maintaining good grades is key. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people on campus that will help you. Whether you are lost or just need someone to talk to, don’t be scared to ask a fellow Spartan for directions or spark up small talk. The Dr. Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center, is always available to help with your academic needs. While attending a new school may seem nerve-wrecking, Norfolk State is a family and everyone is willing to help you. Welcome to the family new Spartan, and enjoy your semester!
Visit from rapper David Banner enlightens NSU students by Malik Glaspie
Rapper, poet and activist David Banner joined NSU as their L.E.A.D Series speaker for Homecoming 2015. Photo Photo from Norfolk State University. On Oct. 3, NSU’s L.E.A.D. Speaker series brought David Banner to NSU’s L.
Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center to kick off the third day of NSU’s 80th anniversary homecoming. David Banner is a rapper, producer, poet and activist from Jackson, Mississippi. He has also served as an actor with minor roles in notable movies such as “The Butler,” “Ride Along,” and “This Christmas.” As an activist, Banner has been in numerous blogs, magazines, and has also spoken at a countless number of universities. Banner has also made appearances on several networks including CNN, PBS and BET. With an opening speech from NSU’s SGA president
Twain Davis, Banner proceeded to touch on several topics involving the black community. He gave an emotional and thought provoking speech on the African American community. Throughout his speech, Banner engaged the audience and kept the attention of everyone in attendance from start to finish. “The secret that they’ll never tell you about is that everything you need to know is inside of you,” Banner said. The rapper spoke about his life before rap and the early stages of his rap career. He also addressed the current state of hip-hop and dis-
cussed why “conscious rap” doesn’t sell or get as much promotion as “mainstream rap” and why he decided to take a step back. “I learned that if I wanted to change the world, I would have to change myself first.” After his speech segment, Banner allowed members of the crowd to come forth and ask him questions on a variety of topics. He kept the crowd filled with laughter from his satirical remarks towards society and also kept the crowd on their toes with priceless wisdom. Banner also discussed his latest album, “The God Box,” which is set to release sometime next year.
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editors Danielle Kirsh Editor-in-Chief
Chantelle Polite
Online/Managing Editor
Richelle Hammiel News Editor
Shareen Nicholson Lifestyle Editor
Jason Gill
Sports Editor
Mahogany Waldon Entertainment Editor
Storm Calder
Multimedia Editor
Sarah Jefferson 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
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From HBCU to prime time TV: NSU alumnus is in hot pursuit of acting career by Mahogany Waldon
NSU alumnus Warren Jones is tackling his dreams of becoming an actor in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo from Facebook. com/warren.jones.1656/photos After graduating from Norfolk State University’s computer information technology program in 2015, Warren Jones, an aspiring Hollywood actor, knew that seeing his name in lights was his destiny. The 24-yearold had a successful tenure as a Spartan. From being a member of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to learning photography and camera operations in his spare time, Jones left Norfolk State with the idea of making his break in the world of acting. Although his calling differs from his degree plan, Jones is in hot pursuit of his dream life. Breaking into this unconventional career field
is not an easy task. After graduation, Jones moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Since being in Atlanta, Jones has utilized his craft and culture to get through the challenges many black actors face, including a lack of diversity in Hollywood where most actors aspire to go. “Atlanta is the black Hollywood. It’s an upcoming city. Even though there are a lot of opportunities in Atlanta, Hollywood doesn’t really take actors from Atlanta seriously. Acting is not a traditional job. It’s based off who you know and learning the business. You have to pay to play. You have to study your craft,” said Jones. Jones has appearances on TV One’s “Fatal Attraction,”
the Investigative Discovery’s “Homicide Hunters,” and has also starred in some independent short films. Since being in Atlanta, Jones has taken classes with the Pinch N’ Out Acting Agency. Although he is limited in skills, Jones does seem to have the qualities of a good actor. “I have stage presence. I have done modeling. I can do photography and camera work. I have the personality for acting and the look,” said Jones. Jones became aware of his knack for acting through his days of modeling and an opportunity to be on NSU’s television segment “Let’s Talk.” Aside from the exposure at NSU, being able to go into this career with a close friend and fraternity brother of his that he met during his time at NSU has helped to ease this long, hard road into the entertainment industry. Jones’s fraternity brother Everett Johnson is also in Atlanta pursuing a career in wardrobe/costume designing and styling for celebrities. While being in Atlanta, the two NSU grads were able to star on an episode of “Homicide Hunters” together. The opportunity to work alongside a friend has also been a great opportunity for the two. Johnson said, “It has been dope. We’re both on the same page and we both have the same mindset and goal in life — to be famous.”
12.04.15
YouTube Red gets added to the long list of ad-free streaming services by Mahogany Waldon Since YouTube’s founding 10 years ago, users have been able to have the pleasure of watching beloved music videos, stream tutorials and have seen a splurge in “viral sensations.” YouTube has been a one-of-akind service and now it can add another notch in its belt. The new service YouTube Red offers an ad-free video streaming service. Every YouTuber has tried to access one of their favorite videos only to be bombarded by ads. While annoying, these advertisements are one of the ways in which the sites and YouTubers makes money. With YouTube Red, users can now stream the site ad free. Many are elated about the idea, yet others don’t like the idea of having to pay a fee of $9.99/month for the services.
YouTube is not the only company with changes in streaming. Netflix’s main plan was increased by $1.00 making the plan $9.99/ month for new subscribers. For existing Netflix users the change won’t be made effective until October 2016, but new subscribers will have to pay the new price. According to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, the change is to “help bring new content to its users.” As for YouTube Red users, YouTube’s goal with its Red subscription is to enable content producers to have more freedom with their channels. It all seemed so much simpler when things were free, right? With the changes in these two very popular streaming sites, the future of video streaming seems to be just a swipe of the credit card away.
Ad-free, new original shows and finally capable of playing background music, YouTube Red is a new monthly subscription service for only $10 a month. Photo by Richard Vogel/Associated Press
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