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The “real” deal: An exclusive interview with Phaedra Parks by Shareen Nicholson On Wednesday, Feb. 17, attorney and reality television personality Phaedra Parks came to Norfolk State University as part of NSU’s L.E.A.D. Speaker Series. She came and discussed goal setting, entrepreneurship and how individuals can live out their dreams. In an exclusive interview with the Spartan Echo, she
went more in depth about herself and how to be successful. Spartan Echo: How did you transition from working behind the scenes in TV to being right in the face of it all? Phaedra Parks: I’ve been in TV for several years. People that have followed my career have seen me as a commentator for cases
as big as Michael Jackson’s trial as well as reality shows such as “Tiny and Toya” and “Being Bobby Brown” (as well as) several court shows that I helped produce as well as worked on. Pretty much I’ve done every job behind the scenes, as an attorney and a producer and then, of course, the opportuniPhaedra Parks is an entertainment attorney, television show ty presented itself to be in producer, and reality TV star. Photo from http://www.phaecontinued on p. 2 draparks.com.
Beyoncé’s ‘Formation’: A black power anthem by Tyeka M. Bailey
Beyonce’s Superbowl 50 Halftime performance is met with a lot of controversy. Photo from http://www. facebook.com/NFL/photos_stream.
Of course by now you’ve heard Beyoncé’s new song “Formation,” as well as seen the politically-charged music video. In a surprise move, she released the video the night before Super Bowl 50. As in usual Beyoncé fashion, the song has caused a stir throughout the United States. The song has been a
trending topic ever since. The song embodies the significance of being black in America. It’s a call for African-Americans to embrace their black identity, their roots, history, and their future. The video addresses many issues such as police brutality, and the aftermath of what happened after continued on p. 3
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An exclusive interview with Phaedra Parks continued from front page front of the camera. It’s just basically coming around full circle. Unlike most people, I know pretty much every job in television land when it comes to entertainment from the paperwork aspect to storyboard to being the actual creative to being the person in front of the camera, the talent. Spartan Echo: Do you like working behind the scenes or do you like where you are right now? Phaedra Parks: I still work behind the scenes. I’m an attorney. I represent several entertainers, reality stars as well, (and) still produce shows. I still do both of
them. The jobs are definitely very different, but both of them present different challenges and, obviously, different rewards. Spartan Echo: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs? Phaedra Parks: Advice that I would give to any entrepreneur is to know your trade. The second piece of advice is to do something that you’re passionate about because what’s popular will not last, but if you’re passionate about it and you actually love what you do, you will more than likely become successful. Spartan Echo: Do you offer any internship opportunities?
Phaedra Parks: I offer internships every year… every semester. If you want to apply for an internship, I’m very traditional. So I like a good cover letter on some nice paper with a true letter that shows that you put some sort of research into the actual job. There is a difference between receiving a blind copy that says “Hello, please see attached resume” versus “Dear Steve” or “Dear Latoya Cooper, I’ve researched your firm and noticed that you offer internships. I am whoever. This is what I present. I would like the opportunity to work for you.” Something that’s individualized and a customized letter because then I think in wake of technology...I’m not offended by an email, but when it’s just a blind copy that you’ve sent to 50 companies, I know that because of the way the letter reads. When it speaks to me personally like “I followed your career. I know this is a
company that specializes in this type of practice” or “I want to be on the Phaedra, Inc. side,” which is the entertainment side, “And I realize that you work with this entertainer, you worked with this one,” I know instantly that you’ve researched. There is a definite desire and you’re not just sending it out to me and 50 other employers. Spartan Echo: How could anyone that’s interested go about applying? Phaedra Parks: You can go to our website, www. PhaedraParks.com. Spartan Echo: How do you manage all of your different business ventures? Phaedra Parks: Effective time management. Realizing that Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t accomplish everything in a day. I’m very much so focused on work/life/job/career/family integration. So, as a mother of two children, I like to try to integrate family and work together as much as possi-
03.04.16 ble because I am a working mother. I’m a single parent, so it is very important for me to be a good, effective parent, but it’s also important for me to be an effective CEO and an effective boss. I have to be very cognizant of making sure that I’m paying attention to my parenting responsibilities as well as the different jobs and the different projects that I undertake. I tell people Sheryl Sandberg wrote a book called “Lean In,” and she talks about that there is no true balancing act; it’s about knowing...prioritizing, basically, and knowing that whatever is most important that day, that’s what gets done. If you have to put something on the back burner, then tomorrow it will still be there. I think as women, in particular, sometimes we become overwhelmed because we try to do so much. We are all striving for perfection and in that struggle you can somewhat lose yourself.
Need experience and work product to show a potential employer? Get it at the Spartan Echo! The Spartan Echo is accepting applications now for all editor positions. Editors will serve during the fall 2016 semester and may receive a performance grant for their service. Amounts vary by position and funding availability. Some work-done from home-will be necessary during the summer break to prepare for the fall semester. Please see the Spartan Echo staff page at http://www.spartanecho.org/ staff for more information. Applications are available online from Student Activities. http://www.nsu.edu/Assets/websites/student-activities/Student-Publication-Forms/Spartan-Echo-Publication-Application.doc Applications will be accepted via e-mail at seopfer@nsu.edu through March 25th. All potentially qualified applicants will be interviewed by the faculty adviser and must supply work samples at that time. Follow-up interviews and grammar testing may apply. Positions are awarded after the current spring semester final grades are posted. SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
03.04.16
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Our anthem is 85 years old, but words and song much older by Tyeka M. Bailey
An American flag flies outside a polling place for the New Hampshire primary, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Nashua, N.H. (AP Photo/David Goldman).
“Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light” were the words created by Francis Scott Key and you’ve more than likely heard those words before. While being held on a ship, American lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombing of Fort McHenry and, upon seeing the American Flag still flying over the fort, Key wrote a poem, which was titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” On September 14, 1814, the poem became a song and it is now heard all over the nation as “The Star Spangled Banner.” Many people believe that the Revolutionary War was
the spark in the creation of the “Star Spangled Banner,” but it was actually written during the ongoing war of 1812. Following the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem which is now known as the United States of America’s national anthem. On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a bill officially making “The Star Spangled Banner” America’s official anthem. The song is so popular that it has been translated into many languages including Spanish, Polish, French, Italian, Hebrew, Yiddish, Latin and Native Hawaiian. It has been noted that the very first event to ever hear
“The Star Spangled Banner” sung as a song was at a baseball game in 1862 in Brooklyn, New York. The national anthem is a symbol of honor and integrity. The song symbolizes the strength and struggles this country fought through to keep its independence and history as a nation. It represents liberty and the concept that America will remain free. The national anthem is more than just a song. It helps inspire Americans to be courageous and proud of their country. It’s about the freedom that Americans have as well as the freedom that men and women fought and died for.
“Proud of the Blues” invited anyone who was offended by her performance which they called “race-baiting” to attend. The protest brought out only five anti-Beyoncé protestors and hundreds of Beyoncé supporters. Saturday Night Live released a parody video surrounding the release of “Formation.” The video which is hailed as being “the day that shook the whole white world,” has went viral. This video might be one of the greatest SNL skits to come out, alluding to how many Americans finally realized that Beyoncé is in fact, black. Alongside the negative feedback, the singer has
gotten a lot of support from her fans, support from other celebrities, and support from her sister Solange. It has been said that “Formation” may be her most political song. “Yaaaaaaaaaasssssss! Someone catch me! Queen B Beyoncé!! Ps. I love my son’s Afro too,” actress Tia Mowry said. In addition to the controversy that Beyoncé’ knew this song would cause, she seized the opportunity to announce a world tour immediately after her performance. Who can sing about social issues, and cause such a stir? Only Beyoncé, and that’s how you slay.
Beyoncé’s ‘Formation’ continued from front page Hurricane Katrina. She also endorses the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The video itself opens up with Beyoncé sitting on top of a police car that is submerged in water. There are many symbolic messages throughout the video including statements on social injustice, a little boy dancing in front of a police squad, and the unmistakable “shade” that is thrown at the New Orleans Police Department. Although the song has received positive feedback from fans, many weren’t pleased with her Super bowl performance, especially the police. Beyoncé’s back
up dancers wore afros and black berets, which many believe was a reference to the Black Panther Party. During the performance they transitioned into an “X” formation and later gave a salute. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party. The reactions to Beyoncé’s song proves that the world was not ready for such a statement. People have gone as far as to calling the singer a racist. Reports say that the song was so controversial that it has even gotten her banned in the United Kingdom. According to The Mirror, an online tabloid in the UK, they reportedly demanded staff to remove
the video of the Super Bowl 50 performance from every company owned website. In what is being called the
“Yaaaaaaaaaasssssss! Someone catch me! Queen B Beyoncé!! Ps. I love my son’s Afro too,” actress Tia Mowry said. worst protest in history, anti Beyoncé fans held a protest outside of the NFL headquarters. A group called
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03.04.16
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Sauce walk takes over by Aegious Perkins
The newest dance is taking popularity all over the Hampton Roads, and is slowly moving its way throughout the state. Photo from http://www.facebook.com/mykahlraphael/photos.
because Traynum, at that time, had already begun There is a new dance that an independent music is sweeping across the East career. And, before one of Coast called the “Sauce his shows, he thought they Walk.” Students at schools should make up a dance. all over, from Virginia “We need a routine, someUnion to North Carolina thing that’s new, kind of hip, A&T, have began to do this and still has that old school dance that was created by feel,” said Chapman. Norfolk State’s very own They described one inGerell Traynum (Junior) and Ka’Sean Chapman (Senior). spiration as being like the dances from “House Party” “We didn’t really make it and wanted to create a new to get as far as it has gotten, line dance. we were just having fun” Around Thanksgiving of said Traynum. last year, things seem to The dance seemed to take have taken off. NSU sophoff to other places a little omore, Kenji Mitchell, and after Norfolk State’s 2015 another student posted a Homecoming. video of them doing the Chapman explained that dance on hover-boards. That it all began in 2011 when video went viral and gained they attended Granby High celebrity attention. That viral School in Norfolk, Virginia
video ended up on ESPN, after basketball star Shaquille O’Neal reposted a version of the video with his face as well as Kobe Bryant’s over the student’s faces. Obviously, the success of this dance will continue to grow. After being dubbed “Sauce Walk” University, many high school students have expressed interest in attending the university. Traynum and Chapman also recently released a single related to the song, as well as a music video. All in all, this dance is clean, fun, and easy to do. Hopefully, it will spread further and these NSU students will get the credit they deserve for sparking the new fad.
Beyoncé announces ‘formation’ world tour by Jayla Lewis
If you were among the millions who tuned into the Super Bowl 50 half time, then you were in for a big surprise. A day before her planned performance at the game, Beyoncé released a new single, “Formation,” along with a music video that screamed “Black Pride.” “Formation” was announced on her Instagram and music streaming service Tidal. Tidal, owned by Beyoncé’s husband Jay-Z; has been offering free downloads and free trials for its site. This came after Tidal released Rihanna’s “Anti” album a few days prior. Beyoncé’ performed her
new single during half time alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars. Beyoncé, also known as “Queen Bey,” is known for her galvanizing performances. Many watched as she almost fell during her performance but quickly recovered without missing a beat. The misstep sent social media into a frenzy with her devoted fans known as the “Bey Hive” coming to her defense. Along with a stunning performance, Beyoncé announced that she would be doing a world tour via an ad after the show. The tour, titled after the song “Formation,” will kick off on April 27. The tour will consist of 40 shows, throughout Cana-
da and the United States. Along with announcing her tour, Bey revealed that part of this tour will be to help relief efforts concerning Flint, Michigan’s water crisis. “True to her life’s work of always giving back, fans will be given the opportunity to participate in Beyoncé’s #BeyGOOD initiative supporting local United Way programs and the continued work surrounding the water crisis in Flint, Michigan,” a press release stated. Why not invest into a performance of a lifetime? Beyoncé never disappoints and you never know what she has in store. The tour will start at Marlins Park in
Miami and will end in Brussels on July 31. Listed are Beyoncé’s closest tour dates to the Hampton Roads area, so pick one and go enjoy the show.
Beyoncé Formation World Tour Dates and Locations: May 3: Raleigh, N.C. (Carter-Finley Stadium) June 10: Baltimore, Md. (M&T Bank Stadium)
Beyonce’s new song “Formation” now available on Tidal.com. Photo from http://
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03.04.16
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Rihanna Album Review: ‘Anti’ in stores now last album, Unapologetic, has been released. It was If you’re wondering if Riassumed that the long break hanna’s new album ANTI is was a good thing, that her worth buying or download- next album would be epic. ing, then the time has finally The album soared to the top come for you to experience of the charts. it yourself. This new album Although some true reminds everyone exactly Rihanna fans may not have why she’s such a bad gal. thought this album was as Rihanna’s new album hot as it could be, the album donned 1.47 million downstill peaked on the Billboard loads worldwide in only 15 Charts as number 1 for hours. The album has 16 Top Album Sales. It is well tracks featuring rock ballets known that every album and a variety of creative seems to reflect a different stretches. time period in her life and She has definitely become her music reflects a girl that fiestier, and carefree. Howis transitioning from sweet ever, this new album’s release and young, to disturbed, and has revealed a new side to carefree. Rihanna, ANTI Rihanna. This album is great in a Rihanna fans, also known sense that she gave her fans as the Rihanna Navy were different shades of her. One on edge in anticipation of song entitled “Considerthe new album. On Jan. 28, ation” has a neo-soul flow 2016, fans got their wish that anyone can easily vibe when she released her eighth to, whereas “Love on the studio album on Tidal. Brain” is an excellent display The buzz around this of her vocal range with an album was out of control; it’s orchestra melody. been three years since her “Work” featuring Drake by Jayla Lewis
which is probably the most popular song from the album was definitely a radio hit, definitely a carefree song that’s super catchy, and laced with island grooves and even a little Caribbean patois. Rihanna was highly criticized over this song for speaking “gibberish” but the patois (language spoken in many island cultures) is part of her Bajan culture (Rihanna is from Barbados.) “Kiss it Better” is a love rock song that would make someone want to recreate the famous moment of standing outside someone’s window blasting the song from a boom box. This album will definitely take you through a range of emotions. The album is compressed with melodies of country, retro, island and upbeat tempos that gave the fans another side to her. In other words, Rihanna’s ANTI album is definitely worth a listen.
Rihanna performs “Say You Say Me” at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision).
In case you missed the wave: the breakdown of the Kanye vs. Wiz Khalifa dispute by Kori Wiggins Kanye released his new album “The Life of Pablo” on Feb. 14, 2016, and the world has been going crazy over it. However, “The Life of Pablo” didn’t always have this name. Kanye initially changed the title of his album from “Swish” to “Waves.” Unfortunately, Wiz Khalifa didn’t approve, which resulted in a twitter feud.
“Please don’t take the wave,” said Wiz. “Max B is the wavy one. He created the wave. There is no wave without him.” The main reason for Wiz’s comments, stem from the title being too close to Max B’s “wavy” trend. Max B is a Harlem-based rapper, who is nicknamed The Wavy One. However, Wiz wasn’t the only one speaking up other rappers chimed in as well,
including Chase N. Cashe. “Don’t even play yourself by stroking your own ego tryna claim the wave. Max B. is the only curator of the wave we’re all followers of him” said Chase N. Cashe. Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose have also contributed to the ongoing dispute. Kanye West used to date Amber Rose before she began dating Khalifa, and those two ended up having
a baby together. West is now married to Kardashian, and the two just had their second child together. The fire was reignited a few hours later when Kanye took offense to a tweet from Khalifa. “Hit this kk and become yourself ” tweeted Khalifa. West apparently took this as a reference to his wife, whose initials are “KK.” It didn’t take long for West to go on a tirade.
“Like, oh that’s Ye and I can put his wife’s initials on my twitter @Wizkhalifa,” Kanye tweeted later that morning. After an endless number of tweets insulting Khalifa, West eventually deleted all his mean tweets, claiming that he needed peace and positive energy.
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Spring Break On a Budget by Tiana K. Allen Spring break is right around the corner for many colleges, but with travel expenses rising many students may not be able to afford an enjoyable break because they’re surviving on a budget, but that doesn’t mean they have to stay local for spring break this year. Here are some tips that could help you save money while also having a great spring break. Book your trip in advance. Booking in advance can save students money. Vacation hotspots have become aware of the times when most colleges have their spring breaks and they price accordingly. Websites such as Hotwire, and Groupon, offer discounts and deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Budget accordingly. Plan to vacation within your means. Everyone should anticipate spending more money than they would like, so save extra. Also consider all-inclusive package deals, which can save you money in the long run. Many websites offer deals that include round trip airfare, all-inclusive hotels, and sometimes food and drink will also be included. Car Pool. Driving to your destination can cut down travel cost. Not only is this option cost-efficient but it also can be fun. Grab the aux cord, chip in some gas money, grab some snacks, and hit the road. Pack Everything. If you think you’ll need it, then pack it. Bring everything that you might need to avoid having to spend money
when you reach your destination. Remember it’s better to over pack than under pack. Bring your student ID. As we all know many places offer discounts to college students. Cook more, eat out less. Consider going grocery shopping instead of eating out during your trip. Many areas tend to have higher priced food since they are located within a tourist area. Look into hotels that offer microwaves, and complimentary breakfast, they can cut down on costs. Although budgets may be tight, with these tips a fun and affordable spring break is right around the corner. Planning and budgeting are the key steps to ensuring a fun break that won’t break the bank. Photo by Tyra Whitney.
Workout 101: The perfect summer body by Tiana K. Allen
Don’t let the cold fool you, summer is right around the corner! So for those of you who would like to get your bodies summer ready, take note on the do’s and don’ts. Eat Healthy. It is important to eat healthy foods. It may be difficult, but stay away from junk foods. Pizza, chips, desserts, and take out food can hinder you from your goals. Eat foods that are high in protein and fiber. Try to eat 3 to 4 meals a day, but keep your portions small. Don’t starve yourself. Starving
yourself can hinder weight loss because it slows down your metabolism and drains energy. Drink Water. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid drinking juice and sodas. Avoid “diet” drinks as well because they can interfere with weight loss as well. Substituting water can lower your calorie intake. It is recommended that everyone drink about 2.2 liters of water a day or the equivalent of nine cups. If you’re over 21, which we all know is the legal drinking age. Avoid drinking any alcohol, it has
more calories than you may think. Get More Sleep. Sleeping can play a key role in the weight loss process. Sleep deprivation causes your body to produce the glucose and insulin levels of some diabetics when you do not get an adequate amount of sleep. You are less likely to want to work out when you aren’t getting enough sleep. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. The greatest form of exercise is cardio. Not only does cardio burn calories, it builds up your stamina and gets your heart rate going at
a healthy beat. Try running for half an hour a day for two weeks or even ride your bike around the neighborhood. The easiest form of exercise is walking. Studies show that walking 15 minutes a day can potentially increase your lifespan by three years. Try taking a different route to class, taking a longer route, or even just take a trip to the mall and walk and shop. Set a routine. Lastly, make a summer-body-ready workout routine. Make sure to always stretch before you work out; it prepares your
muscles for the work you’re about to put in. Aim to do 50 crunches. Make sure to do a proper crunch for the best results. Push yourself with push-ups. Try doing leg lifts and aim to do 20 reps on each side. Push yourself to do as many arm curls as you can. Increase your weight once you start to feel no burn. More than anything, love your body regardless if you feel that it is “summer ready.” Take the time to appreciate yourself and your beauty.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
03.04.16
spartan lifestyle Beauty on a budget: How to do acrylic nails
Acrylic nails first originated in the Ming Dynasty. Photo from http://www.facebook.com/jodsacrylicnails. by Tiana K. Allen Great news ladies! You don’t need a cosmetology license in order to do your own acrylic nails! Often times, we can find ourselves wanting to have our fierce claws on, but our wallets beg to differ. However, here is a step-by-step guide for those who want to save money by doing their own. Buy Acrylic Nail Supplies. For beginners, a kit
may be the best road to go down. A kit has everything that you need to create your acrylic nails along with detailed instructions on how to achieve the polished look. If you want to go down the more professional route, you may want to purchase your supplies separately. You can purchase the supplies at your local beauty store. These supplies include: acrylic nail clippers and
files, acrylic liquid and powder, an acrylic bowl, and an acrylic brush. Getting your nails ready. How do you get your nails ready? Simple. Remove your old polish, trim your nails, file the surface, push back your cuticles, and use nail primer. Now, you’re ready for action! Apply the acrylic. Don’t be nervous, relax and channel your inner diva as you get ready to primp your nails. You begin by finding the correct sized tips for your nails and filing them until they fit perfectly. You then dab a bit of glue on the tip and apply to your natural nail. Hold your nail down for about five seconds to secure the drying glue. While your nails finish drying, get your materials ready by pouring the liquid acrylic into your dish and pouring the powder into a separate dish. Make sure to always do your nails in a well ventilated area.
Next, dip your brush into the acrylic dish to moisten your brush, but dab off excess liquid on the side of your dish. Then, you run your brush through the acrylic powder until a moist ball is on the tip of your brush. Next, you apply the mixture onto your nails. It’s as simple as if you were painting your natural nails. Flatten the acrylic ball over the bottom edge of the acrylic tip and then smooth the mixture between your acrylic tip and natural nail. Don’t forget to give your acrylic time to dry. Finish your nails. Shape your tips by using your clippers and file to shape your nails to the style that you desire. Use a buffer to buff and smooth out the surface of your nail. Lastly, pick out your color and paint your nails. After two weeks, your nails will grow out and it’ll be time to start again.
Want to meet with President Moore? Tuesday, March 15, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Friday, March 18, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Faculty & Staff Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Wednesday, March 30, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331)
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editors
Shareen Nicholson Editor-in-Chief
Mahogany Waldon Managing Editor
Tyeka Bailey News Editor
Meleah Holmes Lifestyle Editor
Aegious Perkins Entertainment Editor
HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT
Appointments to meet with President Moore can be requested by completing the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM 2015-2016 form (LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BLH9CZY). Identify at least two (2) dates and times at least 48 hours in advance of your preferred date and time. The request will be forwarded to the President’s Office for review and scheduling. Confirmation of the appointment or an alternative date or time for the appointment will be offered within three (3) business days of the request. Meetings are 30-minutes in duration. Meetings will begin and conclude on-time. Individuals arriving late for a scheduled meeting are asked to contact the President’s Office at 757-823-8670 to reschedule at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date and time.
Tyra Whitney
Multimedia Editor
Sarah Jefferson Deputy Graphic Design/Layout Editor
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Amber Brown’s miraculous recovery by Shareen Nicholson
In this March 9, 2015, file photo, Norfolk State’s Amber Brown moves the ball against Delaware State. (The’ N. Pham /The Virginian-Pilot via AP, File).
Norfolk State’s very own junior forward basketball player Amber Brown has been released from the hospital after spending more than a month in medical care. She suffered seizures and brain swelling and was placed in a medically induced coma after being found unresponsive in her dorm room on New Year’s Day. Miraculously, she pulled through and has been welcomed back to Norfolk State with open arms. After spending a lengthy amount of time in the hos-
pital, she couldn’t wait to get back and promptly attended a basketball game just a day after being released. Brown attended the home basketball games in which the Spartans played against the Bears of Morgan State University. After Saturday’s game, the NSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee presented her family with a check for $5,836.52. Donations were collected at home basketball games throughout the month of January. A GoFundMe account started for Brown had raised more than 8,000 since the incident.
“We are thrilled to see the remarkable progress that Amber has made over the last few weeks. The fact that she has improved so quickly is a testament to her own strength, the support and care of her family and medical professionals, as well as the prayers from the countless individuals who have been touched by her story. We are so glad to see her out of the hospital and on the road to recovery. She has been truly blessed by God” said NSU athletic director Marty L. Miller. Amber along with her mother later released state-
ments of gratitude for all the support, prayers, and love. “I thank God for blessing me with the love and support of so many friends, family, individuals and groups of people. There are not enough words in the world to say how thankful I am for everyone supporting me and giving back to my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” said Brown. Welcome back Amber, you were truly missed. Your Spartan family will continue to support you on your road to recovery.
ODU to pay stipends to athletes by Justin Bell Old Dominion University’s new three game deal between Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia will allow them to start paying athletes a stipend. The schools have yet to meet on the field in football and the new deal pledges to bring in more revenue for ODU as they are set to play the big schools in 2018, 2020, and 2022. With the new deal in place, ODU is set to gain roughly $400,000 per game for the two trips to Charlottesville. UVA will get nothing for their trips to Norfolk. All of this transfer of money is slated for the new stipend program that ODU has set for its athletes. The stipend will cover costs for cell phones, entertainment, and travel expenses, none of which is covered by traditional scholarships. This new program will cost ODU
about $800,000 per year. It would seem that ODU has found a loophole in the most debated subject in college sports, but colleges have been paying athletes a stipend for some time now. Schools in the “Power Five” (Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12, and Pacific 12) have been paying athletes a stipend ranging from $1,400 to $5,600 regularly now. ODU has not decided on how much to offer its athletes and will not until later this year. But athletes are looking to receive the stipend beginning when the new semester starts in August. All of this is coming from ODU’s move to Conference USA, which means they have to pay the stipend from fundraising and not from student fees. They have to raise an additional $600,000 a year to pay the full sti-
pend. That still includes the $400,000 contribution from Conference USA. Depending on the amount to be paid to athletes, it could add an additional $250,000 to $750,000 in costs to their athletic program. Other schools, such as Marshall and Virginia Commonwealth University, have already decided to pay the full cost of the stipend, with VCU paying $4,100 per student. Power conference schools like Auburn pay out nearly $6,000 per student in stipends because of bigger and more lucrative TV contracts. This could spell trouble for some schools as some students could be committing to schools for the wrong reasons. Some schools have the ability to offer more than other schools, so commitment to those schools based on stipend payout over educational advancement could
become a problem in the near future. ODU is waiting until the summer to make the final decision on how much it will pay out in athlete stipends. But with hopes of playing big games against UVA and VT, ODU can further their athletic program and find a way to alleviate those costs in the near future.
Old Dominion running back Ray Lawry, right, avoids the tackle from Norfolk State’s Leroy Parker, left, during an NCAA college football game in Norfolk, Va. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot via AP).
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