Black Lives Matter p. 2
Clinton v. Pokémon Go Trump p. 4 p. 3
Freshman Tips p. 6
Vol. 64, Issue 1
Which candidate really cares about your HBCU? by Carman Chatman Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump are running to be the President of the United States. Many people may ask “Why should I care who gets elected?” Some people may feel they don’t understand politics well enough to make a valid vote. If you attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), then you might want to consider their positions on HBCUs. Clinton has personally set out a plan to make college more accessible. In this plan, it allows low income students, like many of those who attend public HBCUs, to enroll at community colleges for free without the hassle of taking out loans. “I believe one of the single biggest ways we can raise incomes is by making college affordable and available Cornell Wilson carries a Hillary sign in front of supporters of Republican presidential canto every American,” says didate Donald Trump during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, Pa., Friday, July 29, 2016. (Alex Driehaus/PennLive. continued on p. 3 com via AP)
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The Every Student Succeeds Act supports education equality An editorial by Omar Ross The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is an education law that replaces the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This new law will ensure that students who need additional resources are able to receive them. It is also implemented to make sure that every student is given the opportunity to be successful and not be left disadvantaged due to their financial circumstances. Government officials along with students, teachers, parents and negotiators have spent many days deliberating the issue of whether poor schools should get just as much state and continued on p. 2
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Why support the Every Student Succeeds Act? continued from front local funding as wealthier schools. This decision is one of the most important parts of the Every Student Succeeds Act because it can help schools create and maintain programs for low-income students. The Department of Education tackled the problem and proposed that “school districts should have the responsibility to make sure that students who need the most resources get them, and that federal funding is very supplemental for these students.” Unfortunately, finances are an issue that hinder this act. Studies show that low-income students do benefit from the financial resources allocated to the schools.
Poorer schools get about $1,200 less per student than wealthier schools. Schools with disadvantaged students need up to 50 percent more funding to keep their programs in place. Because of the deficit in funding, students are not able to receive all of their needed resources. which puts some of these schools at a disadvantage. Although the problem of properly aiding public schools is challenging, it can be solved. If states and districts increased their spending on public schools by just 1.5 percent and gave the money to the schools who need it most, the divide between wealthy and poor schools would close. There are many opposing opinions about the funding dispari-
ties in schools. While some think that the Department of Education should leave it up to the states and districts to address, others think that the Department of Education should take on the issue and make sure that schools are getting equitable funding for their low-income students. With the Every Student Succeeds Act, disadvantaged students will be able to get the resources they need with more funding. This act focuses on a clear goal of fully preparing students for success in college and their careers. With the help of educators, communities, parents and students, this education law will make a positive difference for In this Dec. 10, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama school districts. signs the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” a major education law setting U.S. public schools on a new course of accountability. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Understanding Black Lives Matter
In this July 8, 2016 file photo, a man holds up a sign saying “black lives matter” during a protest. Black social media users are nearly twice as likely to see posts about race and race relations as whites, according to a report released Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, by the Pew Research Center. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
by Carman Chatman “Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter!” Does that seem familiar? You can find this phrase almost everywhere. From the hashtags and photos on social media to the paraphernalia with the phrase covering it, the movement has created a social justice phenomenon. There have been many misconceptions of what exactly “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) stands for. Some generalize those leading the movement as a terrorist group, others say they are the Black Panthers of today’s generation. The best way to know BLM for what it really is, is to gain understanding from the source itself.
In 2012, after the death of a 17-year-old African-American boy Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, the Black Lives Matter foundation was built. Established by three African-American women, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors, BLM was created into a national chapter-based organization. These women are working towards constructing and uplifting the value of black lives and they are committed to working towards justice for all black people. The organization continues to vigorously practice justice and peacekeeping in the United States and throughout the world. Ever since this organization has come about, they
have received a lot of support, but also a fair amount of hate. The movement is said to be “selfish” or “anti-white” by those who oppose it because of the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” and has even been counterattacked by the phrase “All Lives Matter.” Posted on blacklivesmatter.com, Alicia Garza explains that Black Lives Matter stands for “the need of improvement in the black race and community due to the unjust circumstances of systematic setbacks and oppression.” “When we say Black Lives Matter, we are talking about the ways in which black people are deprived continued on p. 3
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Which candidate really cares? continued from front Clinton. “So today, I’m laying out a plan to do just that.” Clinton’s “The New College Compact” demonstrates her understanding of college prices and the tendency to keep rising. On the other hand, Americans annual incomes have been stagnant for some years, making it seem almost impossible to
get a college education. “So we need to make some big changes. We need to transform how much higher education costs — and how those costs get paid,” says Clinton. As for Donald Trump, he has not revealed a plan for the advancement of HBCUs or any other colleges. According to www.studentdebtrelief.us, Trump has
made many comments about Student Loan forgiveness and has set out a plan to stop students from eventually being in debt. He believes that by creating more jobs and getting rid of minimum wage, students will be able to get themselves out of debt by selecting from the new jobs he plans to create. “I don’t want to raise the
minimum wage. I want to create jobs so people can get much more than that, so they can get five times what the minimum wage is,” says Trump. Trump’s ideas are not as specific or as rooted with a solid foundation as Clinton’s plan for college affordability, but he makes a general and traditionally Republican argument that a rising
economy, like the tide, “lifts all boats” as Ronald Reagan argued when he was President. Clinton and Trump have very distinct values. Their plans or intentions can only be put into place by the votes of the people. Your vote matters, and you should vote. Do not wait; register to vote now and make your voice heard in November.
Clinton vs. Trump: Views on Higher Education who is the GOP presidential candidate, however, has a different point-of-view. “Unequivocally no” to Democratic tuition-free, debtfree college plans, Donald Trump believes higher education affordability is a small part of a larger argument about improving the overall economy. “Every Student should have the option to graduate from a public college or university in their state without taking on any student debt,” says Clinton on the campaign trail. This is one of the factors in Clinton’s plan for higher education. Clinton feels that the college costs should not have to be a headache or overly expensive to the point where it is unaffordable for anyone to
attend. Her plan is that by the year 2021, families with incomes up to $125,000 will not pay tuition at in-state, four-year public colleges and universities. From the beginning, every student from a family making $85,000 a year or less will be able to go to an in-state, four-year public college or university without paying tuition. Hillary Clinton’s plan would be a college student’s dream to be able to go to school free, but this would mean that taxpayers would pay more money to support it. Donald Trump has a different outlook on how higher education should be handled. He feels that the federal government should not profit from student
loans and that student loans should go back to being handled by private banks. He wants to cut the Department of Education way down and Common Core to lower spending, but will not cut services for students. Trump proposes that education should be handled on a local level and not a federal level. Trump’s plan for higher education could help the educational system become more cost effective, but many people may not agree because it’s not as direct and targeted in its approach compared to Clinton’s plan. Both candidates have interesting ideas on how to improve higher education, but only one plan will go into effect next year. Who will you vote for?
they should be deemed as equal. This movement is to improve the lives of the tactic to (re)build the Black ones left behind and, in their liberation movement.” purpose, they plan to regain BLM supports all people, structure and pride in their but they believe that blacks race as a whole. are specifically targeted as a “And, perhaps more imthreat to a community where portantly, when black peo-
ple cry out in defense of our lives, which are uniquely, systematically, and savagely targeted by the state, we are asking you, our family, to stand with us in affirming black lives,” said Garza. So, the next time you hear “Black Lives Matter,” read
a hashtag, or even purchase a shirt with the logo, make sure you understand what this group stands for. Educate yourself in the events that are taking place around you and stand for what you believe in.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, left, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, right, in these 2016 file photos. Clinton and Trump offer voters distinct choices this fall on issues that shape everyday lives. by Omar Ross “Let’s make debt-free college available to everyone. And let’s liberate the millions of Americans who already have student debt,” said Hillary Clinton.
Clinton, who is the Democratic presidential candidate, has a solid plan to make college education affordable to all Americans and to make student debt a thing of the past. Donald Trump,
Black Lives Matter continued from p. 2 of our basic human rights and dignity,” Garza said. “It centers those that have been marginalized within black liberation movements, it is a
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Pokémon Go takes the summer by storm by Malik Glaspie What a time to be alive for the 90s babies as this summer brought a rebirth of the beloved Pokémon franchise in the form of an app called Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go is a free-toplay app released on July 6, 2016 for iOS and Android devices, developed by an American software company named Niantic and The Pokémon Company. Ever since its release, the hype for Pokémon Go has been a nation-wide, non-stop train of euphoric memories for young adults who grew up off of the trading cards, Gameboy games, and the original anime series “Pokémon.”
Whether they want to admit to it or not, almost every Pokémon fan has always dreamed of being a Pokémon master. To battle gym leaders and earn badges, to go out into the world and collect different species of Pokémon—hopefully, the rare ones. These experiences that were once fiction have now become semi-reality. It’s safe to say that the children of the 90s decade have been training for this moment their whole lives. In a matter of a week, the app had a very positive affect on players like getting them physically active. One of the app’s features include that it is location-based, meaning that it uses geo-data from
the player’s mobile device in order to find real life settings in the game. This feature is used by players to actually walk around their real life vicinity in order to reach the destination in sight. The destinations are usually a “Pokestop” were you can go to restock on supplies or a Pokémon gym were players go to challenge gym masters and earn badges and other rewards. While the game has had many positive effects, it also has shared some negative results as well. Sergeant Scott Merce of the Virginia Beach Police stated “The game is more distracting than walking or driving while texting.”
The app has a discliamer reading “remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings.” One thing is for certain, Pokémon Go will be remembered as one of the hottest sensations of the summer of 2016. The Pokémon hype has not only been picked up by children and young adults, but people of all ages worldwide.
In this photo taken Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016, Ringo Salzer, 38, of Roseville, Mich, charges his phone as he plays “Pokemon Go” at Wahby Park in St. Clair Shores, Mich. (Salwan Georges/Detroit Free Press via AP)
A Norfolk State student pushes for more black entrepreneurs
Photo from Blair Cunningham. by Tiana K. Allen On Norfolk State’s campus, many students have decided that instead of graduating and working for someone else, they would
rather take the lessons they have learned in their classes and apply them to their own business plan. Unfortunately, many African Americans have not
taken the jump needed to create their own businesses. According to African Globe, African Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, but only own 7 percent of the businesses. Blair Cunningham, a Norfolk State senior nursing major, has begun her journey to pursuing her dream of owning her own natural colored mascara line named Isle of Calypso. Majoring in nursing has convinced Cunningham to create this line because her products pertain to health. By using her studies, she has combined natural ingredients and colorants with no artificial preservatives to create a mascara that is long lasting and promotes eyelash growth. When asked about how she feels about black
businesses and the support they get, Cunningham said, “Why settle for being just a worker-bee when you can be the queen of your own hive?” She gives credit to Norfolk State and her accounting class for aiding her in her business choices. Her courses have given her insight on book keeping, finances, double checking, and not relying on someone else to get her job done. “The most difficult part about this process would be marketing, getting myself out there, and deciding what to do to get the spotlight on my product,” said Cunningham. She has used her social media platform as a way to share her line, however, like all businesses, she needs more support from her
community. According to the New York Times, black people spend less money in black-owned businesses than any other racial and ethnic group spends in businesses owned by members of their race and ethnicity. However, networking with other Norfolk State students has aided Cunningham to building her brand and supporting fellow black entrepreneurs. It is projected that the black buying power will reach $1.3 trillion within the next few years; however, only a small portion of that money will go towards black-owned businesses. Sadly, without support from our communities, blackowned businesses may fall behind in the market.
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Virginia author fights for disabled students by Tiana K. Allen Ronnie Sidney is an author who knows a thing or two about the difficulties of being different from others. When he was a young boy he was diagnosed with ADHD and was ashamed of it. Although he felt different and was treated differently by his peers, he did not let his disability stop him from pursuing his education and dreams. Now, as a published author, he uses his platform to not only encourage disabled youth to accept their disabilities and not let them get in their way of being successful, but he is also teaching family, friends and peers how to be a support system for those who are disabled. His book Nelson Beats the Odds is a semi-autobiography of his life in school. The book’s main character, Nelson, is a reflection of Sidney and even portrayed a likeness of him in his youth on the book’s cover. Although the book was made for children, it still is applicable to college students. According to the National Council on Disability, approximately 11 percent of undergraduate students have a disability. This equates to about 2 million students nationwide. “I would definitely encourage (disabled students) to take advantage of the different services that colleges and universities offer to students who have been diagnosed with any disability,” said Sidney. Sidney worked in the student support system at a community college and endorses the similar units as a great tool for disabled students. He stated that
ity is necessary for many disabled college students because they will not only be your support system, they can also help with proper accommodations when family is not around. For any person with a friend who is disabled, Sidney encourages you to just listen. Often, people are not looking for solutions, they just want someone to listen and affirm their truth. “Their reality has already been affirmed for them,” said Sidney. Do not judge, listen with open ears, and give feedback when they ask for it. On the entrepreneurial side of his message, Sidney encourages students with disabilities to use their Photo from Rodney Sidney. talents as a way to enforce social justice and help othstudents can look forward to find accommodations within Knowing his history and building a personal relation- themselves because they did who he is a person was Sid- ers. He encourages writers, artists or anyone with a ship with the administration not want special treatment. ney’s key to success while knack for communication and gaining help on their In Sidney’s other book, pursuing his higher educaway through the college Tameka’s New Dress, the tion. Learning about leaders to teach people about issystem, improving their topic of bullying as well as all over the world that were sues that many do not know about and communicate to study habits, getting tours of family problems is covered. not mentioned in history different places and adapting The National Center for books, who were of African a different part of the brain. He stated that increasing to the college culture. Educational Statistics states descent, embedded pride in Although it is federal law that about 22 percent of his heart. He grew to believe their visibility through social media, attending events and for universities to accommo- students have reported being that black is beautiful and date those with disabilities, bullied during the school that African history does not networking could reduce the the job is not always done. year. begin with slavery. Holding lack of understanding that For example, unlike Norfolk Sidney stated that his on to that knowledge is what many have with disabilities. “The times we’re living in State, not all universities low his self-esteem began empowered him to want to now, we need artists to come have elevators in their build- because of how others perlearn. to the forefront and bring ings. Sidney remembered ceived him. He even admit“The first universities befriending a young woman ted that having a ringworm were built by black men and awareness to issues,” Sidney said. in one of his undergraduate pushed him to growing out women,” he stated. Norfolk State offers proclasses who had cerebral his dreadlocks to cover it. He felt that there was a lot grams such as O.A.S.I.S., palsy. She felt that she was He encourages those who for him to unlearn in order a program that promotes unaccommodated in most are put into bad situations for him to accept himself. cases. He also befriended and are teased to stand up For anyone with a disabil- the academic success of a man who had a hearing for themselves in an asserity that they are ashamed of, students with disabilities. O.A.S.I.S. has educational impairment who found tive way. He works with Sidney stated that having assistance, seminars, workways to continue to persecourt-involved students who a book like his or a similar vere despite his challenges. often get in trouble in school platform is truly helpful and shops and training, as well as assistive technology for Befriending those individand sees the affects that bul- can get necessary converany student in need. You can uals helped Sidney to look lying can have on youth. sations going with family at his biases and witness “You can’t fix everything and friends. Communicating find O.A.S.I.S. at the Lyman B. Brooks Library- Suite how others with disabilities with violence,” Sidney says. with a friend about disabil1023.
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Don’t worry freshmen, you got this! by Kori Wiggins Many people who have attended college can agree that their freshman year was filled with a lot of adjustments that took some getting used to. Adapting to different cultures, balancing work and school, and still having a social life can be hard at first, but the Spartan Echo has some tips that should assist the rising class of 2020! Be you! Freshmen will see and analyze many different cultures, habits and personalities when entering college. Learning good traits from others is conducive to your growth, but remaining yourself is vital. Being yourself, rather than putting on a false front, is well respected. Avoid procrastination.
This is more of a cardinal rule than a tip. College students are granted time, but how they use that time is up to them. Procrastination can result in a lack of quality when handing in your work, as well as a ton of stress for a student. Be resourceful. A college student should take advantage of their campus resources such as tutoring, internships, networking and staff. Ask for and make use of any opportunity. Norfolk State’s Spartan Success Center as well as STARS Tutoring are two of the many major assets that students should utilize. Get involved. Norfolk State’s campus has many organizations and oppor-
tunities that will benefit a student. Norfolk State has major, religious and public service based organizations, as well as several other genres of organizations tailored to a person’s interests. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and flourish. Communication is key. Keeping contact with your peers, professors and others is important for your success. On days that you are sick and miss class, a fellow classmate may be the link to you finding out your latest assignment. Make use of your professor’s office hours. Take advantage of every encounter you come across on your campus and do not be afraid to speak up.
Have fun. When done right, college can be the best years of a person’s life. Yes, students run into stressful situations when dealing with their newfound responsibilities, but they should never forget that college is also a time to make friends and enjoy themselves. Take a break and go out with your friends. If you work hard, you deserve to play a little too. Be organized. Sorting out your notes and notebooks, keeping your room
clean and having a planner or a calendar are some of the many ways a student can keep themselves organized. Stay on top of your assignments so that you do not have to experience the gut-wrenching feeling of facing your professor with empty hands when they are collecting your class work. With these few tips, navigating your way through your freshman year should be a bit simpler. Welcome and good luck to the Norfolk State class of 2020!
Norfolk State improves dining facilities by Briana Hudnall
Freshmen, as well as other students, can access needed resources and important information quickly through https:// www.nsu.edu/current-students<https://www.nsu.edu/current-students/index>. Screenshot from https://www.nsu. edu/current-students<https://www.nsu.edu/current-students/index>
Tropical Smoothie, will continue to be located in the For the 2016 fall semester, Student Union. Norfolk State has decided to The West Dining Hall and undergo numerous changes the Bodega will be closed to its dining facilities. These due to renovations for the variations will help to meet Fall 2016 semester. The dinthe food preferences of all ing facilities will no longer students, including those of include Pizza Hut, Austin different nationalities and Grill Express, Market Carvethnicities. Director of Auxery and Spartan Subs. iliary Enterprises and SerThere have been adjustvices Davida Harrell-Wilments to all dining meal liams stated that there would plans, too, including meal be a “total change for the plans for commuters. Thirty dining program and dining minute extensions to Scott experience, having the latest Dozier Dining Hall and the and most updated trends.” Student Center have been These improvements made. The meal plan time include food choices such for Scott Dozier Dining Hall as Be Right Burger, Legion has been extended until 8:30 Diner, Saparuta (Japanese p.m. Also, the meal plans Steakhouse), Spartan Seaduring the weekday for the food Shack and a campus Student Center will now food truck. Two campus close during the weekday at favorites, Chick-Fil-A and 9:30 p.m.
This semester will allow students to have the opportunity to participate in a naming contest for the campus food truck. For the Fall 2017 semester, students can look forward to renovations within the Scott Dozier Dining Hall that will soon have booth seating. Students involved with different organizations will be able to partake in a catering expo that will give them the chance to taste test the various entrees that will be available for purchase for their student events. Harrell-Williams, who was awarded NSUAEOP Administrator of the Year in 2007 stated, “Everybody has different taste buds and we wanted to have a variety for all tastes.”
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The progression of black hair: from relaxers to the fro
Natural hair can have many types of curls, even on the same head of hair. Photo by Spartan Echo staff. by Tiana K. Allen There are several methods on how Black women can obtain sleek and straightened hair. The memory of getting burned by a hot comb as a little girl is something that almost every Black woman can relate to.
Hot combs, flat irons, and blow outs, however, have not been the only way that women have fought to keep away from their natural curls. Hair relaxers, can date back to 1910. The chemical invention is credited to
Garett Augustus Morgan, who was also the creator of the traffic light. Chemical relaxers were created to break down the disulfide bonds found within the cortex layer of curly, kinky, or coiled hair. In recent years, the desire for chemically altered hair has shifted towards a more twisted route. The natural hair movement has made a lot of Black women appreciate their natural curls and want to keep away from relaxers, and rightfully so. Although relaxers have been giving Black women straight hair for over a century, it is hard to deny the damage that it has done to Black women, both physically and emotionally. For years, women have sacrificed having hair breakage, hair thinning, lack of hair growth, scalp irritation, scalp damage, hair loss, and sometimes being diagnosed with alopecia for the chemical-based lotion. According to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), hair straighteners along with hair dyes have been in the top of their consumer complaint area. Emotionally, many Black women feel that they have been trained to “need” the relaxer in order to be considered socially acceptable. There has been reports of Black women being told that their natural hair is “unprofessional” in the business world. According to Ebony, news surfaced back in 2013 that the dean of Hampton University School of Business had placed a ban on dreadlocks and cornrows in the classroom during 2001. Unfortunately, the dean of that historically Black university felt that that was the best way in assuring that Hampton’s students could land corporate jobs. As of recently, many Black women have decided to put their relaxers down and to embrace the natural hair follicles that are growing from their scalps.
According to the market research firm, Mintel, it is estimated that the sales of hair relaxers will decrease by 45 percent by 2019.The natural hair movement has not only empowered many Black women to rock their curls, but has also pushed them and many Black men to flaunt off styles such as dreadlocks and cornrows without the concern of being “socially acceptable.” In fact, non-Black people have dabbled into the natural hair movement by adopting styles such as dreadlocks, box braids, cornrows, and more. The progression within the Black hair world is evident. The adaption from being ashamed of natural curls to flaunting them off has created a frenzy in the hair industry for several ethnicities and hair types. Still, many Black women feel that our hair follicles have come a long way, but will never truly be understood or accepted by everyone.
Our President’s Schedule Wednesday, Sept. 7 2-5 pm Student Office Hours (Student Center Room 331) Friday, Sept. 9 2-5 pm Faculty & Staff Office Hours (Student Center Room 331) Wednesday, Sept. 21 2-5 pm Student Office Hours (Student Center Room 331)
If you wish to meet with Norfolk State University President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. to discuss items of your concern, then please fill out the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9NRQ38Q well in advance of the dates listed below.
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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Labor Day Classic is back and better by Jessica Toliver Norfolk State University Athletics Director Marty L. Miller announced in the fall of 2015 that the Labor Day Classic football game will return to the Spartans’ schedule for fall of 2016. The action-packed event will run for a four-day period. The Labor Day Classic is an annual American football “classic” that takes place on Norfolk State’s campus. Traditionally, the classic is an annual event, but for the past four years, it has been on a hiatus from our campus. Starting Sept. 1, fans can look forward to a Principals and Counselors Luncheon that will be sponsored by NSU Admissions. A blood drive, health screening, and testing will be taking place. The following day, the public can get active with the Spartans if they register for the NSU Baseball Golf Tournament. Norfolk State pride is expected to be flaunted during the pep rally as well as the block party. Friday evening will be filled with music and excitement with the Battle of the Bands, where the Spartan Legion will flaunt their talents from both their veterans and new members against Elizabeth City State and Virginia State University. Spartans can wrap up their day of Spartan pride with the 45th Anniversary All-White Affair. As if the Labor Day Classic isn’t already filled with enough events to make you yell “Behold the green and gold,” Sept. 3 will include live entertainment, games, and other activities with the Spartan Fan Fest, Picture You @ NSU, and Classic Tailgate followed by Nor-
folk State’s football team facing Elizabeth City State. Students can look forward to an after party at Joseph G. Echols Hall. Norfolk State was unable to play non-Division I competitor Virginia State University on Labor Day weekend the last two seasons because of NCAA bylaws governing the first permissible start date for Division II football programs. However, the Spartans will be facing Virginia State on September 2, 2017 and September 1, 2018 in the future Labor Day classics. This Labor Day classic game will be the first game since 1996 that Norfolk State University will play against Elizabeth City State University. Athletics Director Marty Miller stated “I am extremely happy to be able to finalize arrangements to return the Labor Day Classic to Dick Price Stadium. I want to thank both Elizabeth City and Virginia State Universities for agreeing to accept our invitation to bring back one of our most successful football weekend activities. This is a winner for all of our programs, student-athletes and fans.” Fans who purchase a tailgating space for the Labor Day Classic will be able to access their assigned spaces beginning at 10 a.m. All fans who wish to enter the tailgating area must present a football game ticket upon arrival. Tickets can be purchased on campus Monday- Friday 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the ticket booth located across from Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall. The ticket booth will be open two hours prior to kick-off on game day.
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