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Vol. 64, Issue 1 2

National debt: Will it continue to rise or decrease?

President Trump and his administration are working on their first budget proposal; the plan involves new spending and tax cuts. Fiscal conservatives would like to see a deficit reduction In this April 1 2, 21 07 file photo, President Donald instead of more Trump speaks during a news conference in the East spending. The United Room of the White House in Washington. (AP states depends on its Photo/Evan Vucci, File) foreign investors for most annual deficit went up of our goods and by Omar Ross services. Asking foreign The U.S. national debt following the 2008 investors to help finance financial crisis and has expanded tremendously over the budget analysts predict, the U.S. national debt would raise questions on past decade. As a result, that without reform, the state of the federal government spending the U.S. economy’s budget has been under will continue to put us vulnerability to foreign intense examination. The more and more in debt. governments or shifts in

investor sentiment. In the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S. deficit and debt went up for several years as the federal government collected less tax revenue and increased spending to try and make ends meet when there was no way to do that. According to National Public Radio, the 201 6 budget deficit was $600 billion, with federal government spending at $3.9 trillion, while taking in $3.3 trillion in revenue. This comes to about three percent of gross domestic product, down from ten

percent in 2009. Three percent has been the average over three decades. Trump hasn’t filled out all the details of his administration’s budget plans and funding for the current fiscal year, which runs out on April 28. Based on his campaign pledges and promises, many analysts think Trump’s policies would significantly widen the budget deficit. •Trump has promised to not make any cuts to entitlements or welfare spending, which includes

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Senator Warner discusses bipartisan proposals, President Trump and the Russians

by Malik Glaspie & Omar Ross

On Monday, April 3, the Spartan Echo spoke with Senator Warner (D-VA) via telephone conference to discuss issues in education as well as foreign relations. Sen. Warner was elected to the U.S. Senate by Virginia voters in Nov. 2008 and re-elected to a second term in 201 4. The Senator told the Echo his new bills allow

the financial burden of graduates the flexibility student loans to they need to work with diminish. Warner also employers to secure lower offered his views on the interest rates and pay part President Trumpof their student loans back Russian wiretap story, tax free. This is an the power of millennials obvious win for graduates, and financial advice. but it also helps Sen. Warner businesses attract and immediately dove into retain talented his new bipartisan employees,” Warner said. proposals and how they A collaboration between will positively affect Senators Mark Warner college students and Marco Rubio (R-FL) struggling with student resulted in the Dynamic loan debt. Repayment Act. By continued on page 2... “Our bill would give

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., speaks to reporters following a briefing on Syria on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, April 7, 201 7. Amid measured support for the U.S. cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base, some vocal Republicans and Democrats are reprimanding the White House for launching the strike without first getting congressional approval. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan News

2 by Malik Glaspie

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NSU raises tuition and fees for next school year

Recommend Approval Norfolk State of the Internal Audit University's Board of Charter Visitors assembled on o Motion to Friday, March 1 0, to Recommend Approval discuss and vote on of Fiscal Year 201 7tuition and fee rates for 201 8 Tuition, Fees, the 201 7 to 201 8 Room and Board academic school year. o Motion to The Board approved all Recommend Approval of the following at of Promotion, Tenure, Friday’s meeting. Sabbatical, Academic o Recommend Approval Leave and Professor of the Board Budget for Emeritus Candidate 201 7-201 8 According to a o Motion to statement released by Recommend Approval of the university, “the First Day Success board approved a $1 60 Delivery Model increase in tuition and a o Motion to $1 38 increase in

mandatory fees for resident undergraduate students. The tuition for graduate students increased $850 and mandatory fees increased $1 38.” In addition, a $376 increase for room and board was approved. The new rates will take effect on July 1 . Norfolk State still strives to be and remains one of the most affordable fouryear higher education institutions in Virginia. The next Board of Visitors meeting is set to be held on May 5.

According to a statement released by the university, "the board approved a $1 60 increase in tuition and a $1 38 increase in mandatory fees for resident undergraduate students. The tuition for graduate students increased $850 and mandatory fees increased $1 38." Photo by Omar Ross, news editor.

Senator Warner discusses bipartisan proposals, President Trump and the Russians

...continued from front outdated and often leaves encouraging greater participation in incomebased repayment plans, the bill would help college students avoid problems of debt. Income based repayment would become the default option when dealing with repaying college loans. “Our current federal student loan program is

students and college graduates burdened with a significant amount of debt. As someone who once owed more than $1 00,000 in student loans, this issue is personal to me, and I will continue working to simplify this complex and bureaucratic student loan system,” Sen. Rubio said in a statement.

Sen. Warner suggested that this has always been an option for students, but the reason it is not fully utilized by students is because enrollment processes are confusing and burdensome. However, he believes the bills will make sure students have affordable payments and stronger borrowing protections. “Student loan debt has a ripple effect in our economy, preventing people from taking chances that will benefit them, and the economy, in the long run. We must do more to help younger borrowers, most of them at the beginning of their careers, manage their student loan debts better. And we should allow businesses to consider offering a new employee benefit to help their employees pay-off their student debts,” Warner

said. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act, also introduced by Senator Warner, along with John Thune (R-SD), agree that their bill will help those with student loans by allowing employers to contribute up to $5,250 pre-tax money to their employees’ student loans. During the interview, Warner easily dove into one of politics’ biggest current topics, the President Trump-wiretap conspiracy. The Senator agrees that the Russians are at fault for the hacking of both political parties and was one of the main reasons for President Trump’s win in last year’s election. “I’ve been very involved in the Russian wiretap investigation and what Russia did to our country and whether there were any collaborations with

the Trump administration. What we know they did, and I honestly am very surprised there is not any more outrage about this, and I don’t care what political party you are, it’s been really wild what the Russians did. Not only did they hack into both sides of the political bases, but they ended up totally releasing on the Democrats, that are John Podesta and others, to help Trump win,” said Sen. Warner. With the details of the bipartisan proposals explained, it gives students of higher education hope that their financial cries will finally be answered. In the meantime, while putting forward his two new education bills, Warner will not let up on his investigation into Trump and Russian influence.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan News

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National debt: Will it continue to rise or decrease? ...continued from front •Infrastructure is another area in which Trump has Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. promised major spending, Entitlements make up floating the idea of a $1 trillion plan. He has said both the largest and fastest-growing chunk of that the vast majority of that would come from the federal budget—nearly half of all private investors, incentivized by tax breaks spending—and economists project that that could total $1 37 failing to reduce their rate billion. Another administration priority is of growth will be the biggest contributor to the building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, which deficit in the coming estimates put between decades. $1 2 billion and $25 billion. •Defense spending •The tax reform plan totaled $584 billion in Trump released during the 201 6, and Trump has promised to “rebuild our campaign includes cuts to military” by adding fifty both corporate and individual taxes and, thousand soldiers, expanding the Navy’s experts say, it is likely to fleet, and adding planes significantly increase the to the Air Force. He has deficit. Trump, like some other Republicans, says not released cost estimates.

that cutting taxes will boost growth and, thus, increase government revenue. Analysts including the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, however, estimate that even accounting for accelerated growth, Trump’s tax plan would increase the deficit by $2.6 trillion to $3.9 trillion

over the next decade. With the expanding national debt, should millennials worry about repayment from their wages, or will that debt continued to be financed by foreign investment? Time will tell as all eyes are now on Trump and Congress going into the next fiscal cycle.

by Omar Ross and Malik Glaspie

"We have exceeded the expectations of NBS on this university's campus. We're hoping to leave a legacy for the next generation," National Broadcasting Society President Johnnie Maples told the Spartan Echo. This year the organization has come a long way from what it used to be. Norfolk State

University’s chapter of NBS has exceeded the usual number of members by 45 people. The chapter was founded by Dr. Stanley Tickton 41 years ago in 1 976. Dr. Paula Briggs was the adviser for over 32 years until her retirement in 201 6. Coadviser Lateef Gibson then took over as head adviser. Since then, the number of members and achievements of

Spring 201 7 Staff Editor in Chief Tiana Allen Managing Editor Richelle Hammiel Deputy Managing Editor Malik Glaspie Graphic Design Layout Editor Brianna Menchion Multimedia Editor Shammah Waller Deputy Multimedia Editor Yao Hunt Assistant Multimedia Editor William Peele

FILE - In this April 1 2, 21 07 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

National Broadcasting Society has record year

National Broad casting Society is a nation wide organization based in America, that helps college students get scholarships for there video work, and Norfolk State currently has a chapter.

NBS have grown drastically under the leadership of the current chapter president. NBS's most recent achievement was winning multiple awards at this year's NBS national convention in New York on March 22. The average number of students taken to the convention in past years were approximately four to eight members. Last year sixteen members of NBS attended a convention in Hollywood, California, where they were recognized as “Most Improved Chapter.” This year 25 members of NBS attended the New York convention. The success of this year’s convention was outstanding. The

chapter made major accomplishments and was recognized as the “Model Chapter” for 201 7. NBS also received “honorable mentions” for community service and Alpha Epison Rho member of the year Jasmine Graham. In addition, Davonte Smith and Naiya Brooks were inducted into AERho. For many years, the NSU chapter has been known to win the on-the-spot competition at the convention. In 201 6, Storm Calder tied for first place and Jaylen Hobdy tied for second place in the on-thespot competition. Although the NSU chapter did not place in the on-the-spot competition this year, the chapter is still striving to do better and build on this year’s success.

News Editor Omar Ross Deputy News Editor Jazmine Wiggins Lifestyle Editor Kori Wiggins Deputy Lifestyle Editor Jessica Toliver Entertainment Editor Shareen Nicholson Deputy Entertainment Editor Toloria Gray Sports Editor Quenten Crider Deputy Sports Editor Ashlee Jordan Student volunteers also serve as reporters, photographers, videographers and graphic designers. Staff meetings are every Tuesday and Thursday of the academic calendar year from 1 2:30 p.m. to 1 :1 5 p.m. in room 344 of the Student Center.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Entertainment

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Isaiah Rashad’s “Lil Sunny Tour” visits the NorVa by Keona Frasier

Shortly after the release of his sophomore album “The Suns Tirade” last September, Isaiah Rashad of California based hip hop label Top Dog Entertainment announced his “Lil Sunny Tour.” The rapper came to Norfolk, Virginia, for the first time to perform at the NorVa on March 30. The show opened with a set by DJ Rory Behr. DJ Rory quickly gained favor with the crowd starting his set with an energetic mix that featured tracks from Asap Rocky, Travis Scott, 21 Savage and Kodak

Black. Before announcing Isaiah Rashad to the stage, DJ Rory finished the set with a mix of music by Rashad’s label mates as a treat to the crowd who were eagerly anticipating Rashad’s appearance. Rashad then appeared on stage and announced his DJ, Chris Calor. He opened his set with the track “A Lot” to which to which the crowd excitedly responded. Before continuing to the next track, Rashad stopped to ask that the crowd to be respectful to ensure a good time for everyone.

For the duration of the show, he alternated between tracks from “The Suns Tirade” and his debut album “The Cilvia Demo.” Isaiah kept the crowd entertained performing upbeat tracks that included “Free Lunch” and “Tity and Dolla;” however, he would smoothly transition to soulful tracks. Among them were “Rope Rosegold” and “Stuck in the Mud” making sure to serenade the crowd. Rashad ended the show performing a fan favorite track “4 Da Squaw” before surfing the engaged crowd.

Isaiah Rashad is a rapper famous for an EP titled Cilvia Demo, He later got signed to Dawg Entertainment record label and went on tour with famous stars like Smoke DZA and Juicy J.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

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Spartan Opinion

Letter from the editor: It’s not goodbye, but see you later

Tiana K. Allen served as the editor in chief of the Spartan Echo throughout her senior year. She graduates from Norfolk State University this May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

an editorial by Tiana K. each and every one of them. Thank you for Allen I remember my freshman year move-in day like it was yesterday. My father and grandmother helped me move in and, although they were beyond excited for me, I was so nervous. There I was, 1 7 years old, about to start a chapter of my life that I had no idea on how it would play out. All I knew was that I was 600 miles away from home and knew no one. Coming to Norfolk State has taught me a lot about myself. Being born and raised in New York, Virginia’s vibe was a lot different to me and added to the list of new things I needed to get used to. Luckily, I made some incredible friends who have helped me navigate my way throughout college. I am beyond grateful for them because we have all seen each other through the good, bad and ugly, but we still love each other unconditionally. I would like to say thank you to

being my shoulders to cry on when I was homesick, for always giving me those gutbursting laughs, for helping me study for exams, for encouraging me to follow my dreams and for giving me a second family while mine was miles away. I love you all deeply. Academically, Norfolk State has given me lessons and connections that I will hold close to my mind and heart forever. The staff at Norfolk State genuinely cares about your future, as long as you do too. I would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Steve Opfer for being one of my biggest supporters. Mr. Opfer, without you, I probably wouldn’t have half of the mindset, knowledge, connections or opportunities that I have now. Thank you for seeing my potential and pushing me to grow, no matter how much I veered off. A thank you is

also owed to Dr. Morgan Kirby. Thank you for getting to know the real Tiana, pushing me to stay away from mediocrity and for keeping it real with me, no matter how hardheaded I could get. Both of you helped mold me into the journalist I am today. Culturally, Norfolk State has instilled a pride so deep in my heart that it makes me bleed melanin. Being surrounded by black excellence all day really made me proud of my skin. My parents have always raised me to love my blackness, but Norfolk State helped enhance it by surrounding me with history.

"I can’t say that I didn’t struggle throughout college, but I will say that my parents raised a fighter."

I walked into college with relaxed hair and now I’m walking out with my natural curls thanks to my fellow Spartan sisters who helped me embrace my ‘fro. No one will understand what an HBCU will do to you until you attend one and experience the history, the people! HBCUs are striving and expanding, and it’s so beautiful because, at one point, they were all we had. NSU will forever be more than a university to me, it is MY HBCU. I can’t say that I didn’t struggle throughout college, but I will say that my parents raised a fighter. Without my parents, I can confidently say that I would have given up on college a long time ago. I am so thankful for a loving mother, who is also my best friend. She, even if only through the phone, is the first person to cheer me on when I’m doing great and the first person to make me smile when I’m feeling down. I am also thankful for a pro-black and successful father who never let the thought of giving up or settling for mediocrity cross my mind. Since day one, he’s taught me that God has a big plan for me and that I should never doubt myself. My love for my parents is incomparable. Finally, I would like to thank my Spartan Echo staff. I’ve been a part of several organizations including the Public Relations Student Society of America, Resident Hall Association and the Spartan Generals Peer Mentoring Program, but I feel that my on-campus home is the Echo office. I’ve watched each and

5 every one of you grow into great journalists, photographers and graphic designers. Yes, we’ve had our issues throughout the year (forgive the pun), but the great memories outnumber everything else. We’ve truly become a family and I love you all so much. Thank you for allowing me to guide you all and thank you for helping me become a better leader. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you all, except for your definition of a deadline. I think that it’s safe to say that my success here at Norfolk State is due to a conglomerate of reasons. Here I am, 21 years old, about to start yet another chapter in my life, but this one is a bit of a mystery for me. Fortunately, I have life lessons, family and friends from home and from Norfolk State to help guide me further into my future. I am proud to say that I am a Spartan graduating with honors and with the title of Editor in Chief of the Spartan Echo, a nationally award winning university newspaper. The next time you see me on campus, I’ll be an alumnus, but I will still yell at the top of my lungs “BEHOLD, THE GREEN AND GOLD!” If you'd like to work for the Spartan Echo, come to any staff meeting; they are open to any Norfolk State University student. The meetings are every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 2:30 p.m. in room 344 of the Student Center.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Lifestyle

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Beating the heat: Healthy summer skin care

protected and, to do that, with cool or cold water to you’ll need sunscreen. cool off the skin and bring Although those of a darker some moisture back into skin complexion are naturally your pores. more protected from the sun’s Now that your skin is rays, all skin types can burn or protected and clean, it is be adversely affected by UV imperative to provide rays. Using sunscreen moisture to your skin. Apply products that have some type a body cream or lotion while of SPF in them are great for your skin is still damp. any and all skin times during Applying a moisturizer while the summer season. still damp really allows your Photo taken by Shammah Divine Waller, in When coming in from a hot skin to soak up the moisture March 201 7. Some ways to keep skin healthy is summer day, many people from the product. to drink plenty of water, eat organic foods, and enjoy cooler showers and this, With sun exposure being so use natural skin products. in turn, actually benefits the high during the warmer With that being said, it is skin. In many cases, taking a months, those with skin by J. Ashlee imperative that some Harsh sunrays, active hot shower after being discoloration or marks will sweat glands, chlorine from extra steps are taken to exposed to the sun can often see their scars worsen ensure your skin remains the pools, our skin goes actually cause skin to dry out because of the sun. To through many challenges healthy. quicker. Instead, when counteract dark spots getting during the summer months. Overall, skin needs to be hopping in the shower, rinse darker, using organic cocoa

and shea butters help to fade marks and discoloration. Just as important as the outside is the inside when it comes to skin care. Fruits, foods and drinks that are high in Vitamin A and C help to ensure your skin is at its best. Simply making a smoothie can do wonders for your skin. The tip to obtaining that great summer skin is water. Throughout summer, have a steady and abundant amount of drinking water. Water flushes toxins and keeps you hydrated on the inside, which transfers to the outside.

Taking care ofyour hair: Protective summer hairstyles by Kori Wiggins

With the temperature fluctuating outside, many woman have been adopting different hairstyles to prepare for the upcoming weather. These range from faux locs, Box braids and others. The benefits of using protective hairstyles range from retaining growth, keeping hair soft during the process of growth, and changing up your look while giving your hair a break from heat and styling products. Here are some styles to get you through the heat this year! Box braids are a universal style that most women use. The braids are individual plates that are usually divided by small squared off parts or boxes, hence

the name. They can be of any width or length, but are usually complimented by synthetic or natural hair to the braid, adding length, thickness and fullness. The look is also favored by many due to its 90s inspired looks and is co-signed by celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz, Tia Mowry and Beyonce. Senegalese twist is arguably one of the most popular of protective styles, easy to install and lasts for at least 2-4 months. However, to ensure the longevity of the twist, oil your hair several days a week followed by wrapping it each night with a silk head wrap. And don’t put it in tight buns and ponytails because it causes unnecessary

stress on the scalp. Faux locs are locs that come in a semipermanent form in which natural hair becomes wrapped with yarn, synthetic or human hair. The hair style usually lasts up to three months and is light and looks similar to authentic natural locs. Traditional faux locs are created with synthetic hair and are much heavier and have a shiny, silkier look to them. Flat twists are the easiest style you can do. It is basically twisting your hair against your head using an easy twist technique that wraps two sections of hair around each other, creating a seamless, twisted look. The flat twist is similar to corn rows; however, the method used to create

them is much different. And the last style is Cornrows . It’s a traditional African style of hair grooming, where the hair is braided very close to the scalp by using an underhand, upward motion

to produce a continuous, raised row. This style can only be worn by using your natural hair, or with the help of extensions, and--when cared for properly--the style can last up to ten weeks.

Photo taken by Shammah Divine Waller in Orlando Florida, in early April of 201 7, photo of Aubri. There are many ways to take care of hair for example applying oil regularly helps it to not dry out, also avoiding extreme heat, and washing two to three times a week helps keep hair healthy, and vibrant.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

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Spartan Lifestyle

Here’s your perfect summer playlist An editorial by Kori Not for Sale, Vol. 1 ,” Wiggins and J. Ashlee California is the seventh

Summer seventeen is track on the album and is here and the music we’ve produced by Polyester the been getting has been Saint and provides that great. But with all this sound you can kick it to. music out, what songs are Culture by The Migos is those must-plays in the definitely a must add to car? The summer playlist your playlist, and we has to project the sounds mean the whole album, of the season: fun, not just the first song. We energetic and memorable. say this because this These songs exemplify album is nothing but a just that. compilation of hits across Crew by Goldlink is the the board. Tracks like Ttenth track off Goldlink’s Shirt, Bad and Boujee, album “At What Cost.” Slippery and Call Casting Produced by Teddy provide the soundtrack for Walton and featuring D.C. a hype night of partying. native artists Shy Glizzy Slide by Calvin Harris is and Brent Faiyaz, the one of the more song is a perfect blend of interesting tracks for the each artist’s styles into a playlist. Produced by stellar party track for the Calvin, the track features season. hip hop and R&B Blem is the seventh superstars Migos and track from the Toronto Frank Ocean, with Frank superstar, Drake, off his opening the song with his critically acclaimed More verse and him serenating Life playlist. The track the chorus as The Migos continues the Caribbean deliver the last two sound of the playlist verses. The production of alongside tracks such as the track explodes with a “Madiba Riddim” and “Get positive, fun-loving vibe It Together.” Blem is that makes you want to definitely a must for your get up and move! playlist this summer. HUMBLE by Kendrick California by Dom Lamar is another mustKennedy is one of those have track as well. With “vibe-with-friends” tracks. crazy piano riffs and From his latest album banging percussion, this entitled “Los Angeles Is easily will bump through

the summer heat. Incredible by Future has a mellow beat and a singing Future: with all that, nothing can go wrong. As they continue to bring the music world hit after hit, we can’t forget a Migos track, so of course T-Shirt is a must. Sunroof by Boogie, featuring Dana Williams, is one of those songs you can vibe to with friends. The LA rapper brings to life the sunny vibes of the West Side to life on this track. Money Showers by Fat Joe and Remy Ma, featuring Ty Dolla Sign, brings a smooth sound to the playlist. With Ty Dolla Sign serenading the chorus and the 1 991 sample of Ralph Tresvant “Do What I Gotta Do,” the track proves to be a summer hit. Déjà Vu by J. Cole is another summer track with sampling from the popular 90s hit “Swing My Way” by K.P. & Envyi. The track bumps on any speaker and encourages that summer love. Location by Khalid is a sensual R&B ode that puts a romantic spin on Google Maps.

Get You by Daniel Caesar, featuring Kali Uchis, provides listeners a track with an insane replay value. The track is coated with serenading tones that will easily mellow your nights. And finally, referring

back to the Toronto rapper and his recent playlist release, we have

Teenage Fever.

Produced by Hagler, who used a sample from Jennifer Lopez’s “If You Had My Love,” the track gives the listener the track to seal the playlist.

Photo taken by Shammah Divine Waller, at Norfolk State's Babbette B. Smith, South Dorm, during a spoken word event.

Photo taken by Shammah Divine Waller, in the student center during an activity hour, in early march 201 7. Activity hour is a place where students get to hear new music and old music and it is a great place to find new songs when creating your summer play list.

Share your thoughts with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Also, get the latest entertainment news, as well as news from around the world and around the block, at SpartanEcho.org, where you can also watch Spartan Echo TV or the latest Associated Press videos, or download a copy of one of our past print editions.

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Sports

Talent as feet, flavor as hands

by Ashlee Jordan

Iverson. Hampton Roads, Allen Iverson is a Virginia, has been the Hampton native who home to many wellattended Bethel High known entertainers. School. Although Iverson Among these well-known is known for his people is Allen Ezail tremendous basketball

Allen Iverson's business continues as he launches a 3-on-3 basketball league with former rapper and actor Ice Cube. This new league is bringing some of the biggest and hottest retired names to the game. Photo from Allen Iverson's official Facebook account.

Iverson's impact on the game was so strong with the 76ers that the team retired his number "3" in his honor. Photo from Allen Iverson's official Facebook account.

career, he excelled in all sports. Allen Iverson, 6’0 and 1 65lbs, is so special because his small stature does not scream basketball player, yet he still went on to make history in the NBA, known as one of the shortest players to ever grace the NBA floors. On Feb. 1 4, 1 993, Iverson was involved in a serious altercation with other youths. 1 7-year-old Iverson allegedly struck a woman with a chair, which contributed to the arrest of him and his other black friends. Young Iverson was charged with an adult felony and acquired a 1 5year prison sentence, but the judge suspended 1 0 years resulting in his fourmonth stay in a correctional facility. Iverson’s prison sentence forced him to leave sports behind at Bethel High school and complete high school at Richard Milburn High, a school for at-risk youth. Despite him not being able to compete in the sports realm his senior year of high school, Iverson was still offered a full basketball athletic scholarship at Georgetown University. As a true freshmen, Allen Iverson won Big East Rookie of the year and led his team to the NCCA tournament where they lost to the 201 7 NCCA tournament champions, University of North Carolina. Before being drafted after his second season at Georgetown, the Hampton native was given the title First Team All American averaging 22.9 points per game. Allen Iverson made history by being the first

player under Coach Thompson to leave the college early to play for the NBA. Allen Iverson brought talent and style, or better known as swag, to the league. His swag and attitude made a notable mark in NBA history. Iverson’s appearance made quite an impression on the NBA and, initially, it was not a good one. Iverson’s braids, tattoos and clothing violated many dress code rules within the NBA, but that did not stop him from wearing and doing what he pleased while being an active member in the league. This swag and attitude was seen the night Allen Iverson crossed Michael Jordan. That one move allowed Iverson fans to argue that Iverson is one of the greatest players to ever grace the floors of the NBA. The small in stature NBA player put his entire heart into the game of basketball and he landed himself a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Iverson’s incredible and unforgettable talent made his colligate years extraordinary and his impressive hand and footwork made for an impressive NBA career to follow up behind his colligate career. The shooting guard was the first round pick in the 1 996 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. His impact on the game was so strong with the 76ers that the team retired his number “3” in his honor. Since retiring, Iverson took the time, late last

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year, to give back to Newport News, Virginia, by visiting the Boys and Girls Club with gifts and meal handouts. This particular Boys and Girls Club was so special to Iverson because he spent time there as a child. That same evening Iverson spent time with the victims of Hurricane Matthew in Portsmouth, Virginia. The former Philadelphia 76er guard is bringing a National All-Star Game to Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. This National All-Star Game holds significance to Iverson because he was not able to participate in a similar game during his high school reign due to his legal trouble. This game will include talent from all over Hampton Roads and the country to participate and give local basketball fans a show they will not forget. Allen Iverson’s busyness continues as he launches a 3-on-3 basketball league with former rapper and actor Ice Cube. This new league is bringing some of the biggest and hottest retired names to the game. In this new arena, talent and swag will come to together to give the players and spectators an extreme basketball experience. This league is adamant on giving fans the ultimate basketball experience. Let’s just hope they deliver!

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu