65.3 Spartan Echo

Vol. 65, Issue 3

Oct. 20, 201 7

President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. bids NSU farewell

by Keona Frasier

Pictured from left to right: Omar Ross, Editor and Chief of the Spartan Echo; Keona Fraiser. News Editor; President and CEO of Norfolk State University Eddie N. Moore, Jr.; and Malik Glaspie, Managing Editor.These Spartan Echo staff members interviewed President Moore on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. Photo by Alexandra Stevenson.

by Marie Johnson

In 1 948, the Student Ambassadors was founded at Norfolk State University. The organization was created under the leadership of Mrs. Michelle D. Marble, former Director of Admissions, during Harrison B. Wilson’s presidency.

Marble sought to begin an organization that would utilize student’s exceptional leadership skills. 69 years later, members are still helping students and the community with leadership, pride,

Norfolk State University President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. announced his retirement Monday, Sept. 25. The announcement was unexpected by both faculty and students, which peaked much of the campus community’s curiosity.

As it happens, President Moore sat down with the Spartan Echo to discuss his forthcoming retirement and reflect on his time as Norfolk State’s President.

First and foremost, President Moore explained that his

“There’s no aspect of a Spartan that I don’t recognize, from the highs to the lows.We don’t represent one perspective...we represent all,” tradition and service.

“There’s no aspect of a Spartan that I don’t recognize, from the highs

to the lows. We don’t represent one perspective...we ...continued on page 3

decision to retire is because the timing is appropriate. He goes on to say that he intends on officially retiring at the end of the year so that he can finish the academic term as president.

We asked President Moore how his administration will prepare the next president for his or her position.

“I decided that it might be a good thing to think about preparing a transition document for the new president, Moore said. “I don’t know who it will be and I don’t know what our face to face

relationship might be.”

President Moore remains optimistic about Norfolk State’s future.

Particularly, he expresses interest in seeing new progressive methods for educational and life skills under the next presidency.

Some of the methods he mentions includes putting emphasis on artificial intelligence, higher enrollment and teaching students how to not only obtain a job, but also vital skills for career longevity.

“I think we should grow our emphasis on ...continued on page 2

The Student Ambassador Organization poses for a photo on the steps of the newly built Business and Humanities Multiplex.These student ambassadors make sure that everyone on campus has the support and resources needed to succeed at Norfolk State. Photo by Alexandra Stevenson.

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

Spartan News

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NSU celebrates Founders Day with Breakfast

On Sept. 1 4, 201 7, Norfolk State celebrated 82 years as an established institute of higher learning with an honorary breakfast event. Photo by Alexandra Stevenson.

by Marie Johnson

During the midst of the great depression, Norfolk State University emerged and offered a way for people to succeed by obtaining a higher level of education.

In 1 935, the door of Norfolk State University was open to the community, with only three classrooms. The founders and faculty members set a mission to give everyone an equal

opportunity to better themselves and their community.

On Sept. 1 4, 201 7, Norfolk State celebrated 82 years as an established institute of higher learning. With this celebration, students and faculty gathered for an honorary breakfast event.

Prominent speakers came to commemorate the event. One of the many special guest

President Moore story

continuing education, so the students who feel comfortable with the Norfolk State experience could continue to stay sharp and learn additional skills by returning, even if it’s online, to Norfolk State,” Moore said.

We also asked President Moore about his experience at Norfolk State. President Moore says that because Norfolk State is an HBCU, there are challenges to find financial resources.

“Most HBCUs, even the state supported, compared to other state

institutions, are underfunded. This is largely because we have a difficult time making friends and raising money from external sources,” said Moore.

Regardless of financial challenges, Norfolk State made an impression on the president because of the university’s accomplished division one athletic program and the emphasis on STEM programs.

Additionally, President Moore asserts that being so engaged with the City of Norfolk and bearing the city’s name are

“Not only as Spartans, yet as African American sons, daughters, students, and American Citizens we must ask ourselves ‘How far have we come?’” speakers was Mr. Bakari Sellers, a political commentator for CNN. “The travel to impoverishment is placed within the new born and elderly alike and escaping that entrapment of impoverishment has become synonymous with the proverbial dog that chases its tail,” Sellers said. “Not only as

Spartans, yet as African American sons, daughters, students, and American Citizens we must ask ourselves ‘How far have we come?’”

Although Norfolk State has come far, there is still room for progress. In a world full of chaos, Norfolk State still serves as a place where students can strive for a better life and future.

...continued from front page special qualities that distinguishes Norfolk State from other institutions.

Although President Moore’s retirement will be final this academic term, the policies and initiatives that were cultivated under his administration will continue to be implemented. Working on programs for the university is something President Moore says he plans to do up until he finishes his presidency.

This is not President Moore’s first retirement; however, he says this will certainly be his last.

Students and faculty may not frequently see President Moore after his retirement begins, as he does not want to interfere with the university’s newfound presidency.

Being president of Norfolk State has been an awarding experience for President Moore.

While serving as president, he’s had the opportunity to impact 40 to 50-thousand students. He says one of the most important parts of his presidency is helping students achieve their goals.

Are you a writer, photographer, graphic artist, editor?

Apply today for an editor position with the Spartan Echo for the spring 201 8 semester! We're looking for section editors, writers, photographers and graphic designers to work with us.

Applications and job descriptions are online at spartanecho.org/ staff, so download the application doc file, fill it out, and email it to seopfer@nsu.edu

before Nov. 1 0.

Everyone who applies will be interviewed.

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

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Spartan News

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Studies link social media usage to poor mental health

by Keona Frasier

Staying connected has been made easier with the creation and mass usage of Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Tumblr.

Keeping in contact with relatives and friends is one of the many reasons why social media is such the pandemonium that it is today.

However, taking pictures and tweeting may not be the only thing social media users are getting from these apps.

Recent studies have shown that social networking sites are one of the worst places for your mental health and well-being.

Sites made for posting pictures or updating people on your life are said to be a source for high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying and

the fear of missing out.

According to Time Health, a survey was conducted on about 1 ,500 young adults, and almost all of them have said that they’ve experienced these feelings when they use social media.

In comparison, social media scored high points in the survey for being a good source of selfexpression and selfidentity. However, several studies also have concluded that people who spend two hours or

more a day on social media are more likely to report psychological pain.

The constant all-access view into other’s lives can evoke feelings of inadequacy. According to the study’s respondents, social media makes many women and young girls feel as if they don’t measure up to the high standards of beauty that media has created, often falsely through editing.

The oversharing and overuse of social media sites have been linked to negative effects on

Recent studies have shown that social networking sites are one of the worst places for your mental health and well-being.

Student Ambassadors pose for a group photo outside during an open house event. Photo by Malik Glaspie.

represent all,” said Student Ambassador President Steven Billy.

Student Ambassadors gives its members political and social insight on Norfolk State’s operations. With many opportunities for advancement, being a student ambassador requires the ability to balance student life with leadership responsibilities.

The organization is involved with certain processes that aid in

Surveys conclude that Instagram currently ranks as the worst social media platform for mental health, According to the Royal Society for Public health. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

mental stability. In addition, excessive use of social media can also affect a person’s quality of sleep. Researchers have suggested decreasing the amount of time spent on social media to decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, low selfworth and self-esteem.

With the instant celebrities that social media makes, there’s an overload, a constant want and need to be seen.

Social media isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon; however, using it in moderation could be beneficial for your mental health.

making the school successful and helpful for fellow students. Not only do they give students assistance, but they also assist their own members.

Student Ambassadors are like a family. They laugh together, they cry together, and they succeed together.

“I joined the Student Ambassadors because it served as an outlet for me to give back to the surrounding Hampton Roads community,” said

Emanuel Perez, a sophomore at Norfolk State.

Without excluding anyone from the group, the student ambassadors make sure that everyone on campus has the support and resources needed to succeed at Norfolk State.

“No matter what you do, you are always being watched and always are mindful that you typically only have one job, to give a good impression or a bad one,” said Billy.

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

Spartan Sports

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Will the Spartans dominate at Homecoming? It’s time!

An editorial by Cierra Singh and Ashlee Jordan

They practiced all summer just to dominate in the fall.

Norfolk State’s football team might have a good turn out after all. As homecoming season approaches, so are predictions on the homecoming football game.

The football team has a chance to redeem themselves from the Labor Day Classic and the upsetting defeat by William and Mary. Our Spartans are going against Savannah State and the outcome should be eventful.

The Spartan Generals are very optimistic about the turn out. When asked about the outcome of the game, Victoria Balogun replied “NSU victorious against Savannah State!”

Even with their record, students believe the Spartans will produce a win.

Senior Jasmine Whitfield said she has faith that her favorite player will continue to the Spartans victory for sure. “#1 5 will defeat!” she exclaimed.

Although many students are hopeful

for the homecoming game, many Spartans are nervous for their football team and wonder if the Spartans will be able to secure the win for the 201 7 homecoming game. The Spartans have the talent to dominate Savannah State University, but only if head coach Latrell Scott ignites the flame that burns within our Spartans and finds a way to bring that talent out at game time. If not, Norfolk State Athletics should really consider putting the team in better hands.

The Spartan football team has many

The 201 7 Homecoming game is Oct. 28 at William "Dick" Price Stadium. Photo from NSUSpartans.com

supporters that show up to the home games, but many also believe the team lacks proper coaching as they look back on the Spartans’ recent seasons.

As homecoming is approaching, let’s cross our fingers and hope the football’s team talent allows us to see victory for the 201 7 homecoming.

Spartans pick up their armor and lead student athletes to battle

Brianna Johnson and Jada Hill celebrate Spartan Cavalry with a "selfie" by Brianna Johnson.

by Ashlee Jordan

The Spartan Cavalry is a student organization that was brought into place to bring spirit and life to athletic and other Spartan events with chants, genuine spirit and all around positive vibes.

This student organization is filled with vibrant members of the freshmen class of 2021 ,

some members of the magnificent Spartan Generals, and many other Norfolk State Spartans. A few weeks into the 201 7-201 8 school year Astra Armstrong, president of the Spartan Cavalry and junior business major, revived the organization and played a role in bringing back school spirit and Spartan Pride.

The Spartan Cavalry is, without a doubt, going to help lead our student athletes to victory this school year.

Due to the Spartan Cavalry, Spartan Pride is at an all-time high for the 201 7-201 8 school year.

The students and the alumni are coming together to support the athletes more than ever.

For several years, the

Spartan Cavalry has been missing in action, but as Fall 201 7 midterms approach, the Cavalry is back and in full force.

The Spartan Cavalry came back just in time to show the ecstatic class

of 2021 the proper way to show their Spartan Pride.

Last football season, the student section was sparsely filled and student support was very low. The Spartans have packed the student section out in William “Dick” Price stadium since the beginning of the 201 7 football season.

The Spartan Cavalry is, without a doubt, going to help lead our student athletes to victory this school year.

This student organization is special because they do not just support Spartan football; the Spartan Cavalry supports all Norfolk State University events were student support is eligible.

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

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Spartan Sports

Spartan volleyball pulls off win in home opener

Forsythe had nine kills during the final two sets and 1 4 for the match to lead NSU to a win in its home opener. Photo from NSUSpartan.com.

by Amsu Warner

Norfolk State Women’s Volleyball team was able to pull out a late victory against Savannah State in the MEAC NorthSouth Challenge on Sept. 22.

The senior Hope Forsythe from Pinehurst, Texas provided NSU with a great boost when they needed it the most coming late into the third and fourth set.

While the Savannah State Tigers managed to

win the first set 25-21 , Norfolk State took the next two. The Spartans pulled even with the Tigers in the second set and even led 9-6 in the third. The Tigers won the next four points, but the Spartans won four straight again for a 1 71 4 edge over Savannah State.

SSU was in need of a timeout while being down 20-1 7 after an excellent ace from the senior out of Warrenton, Virginia, Melvina Brown.

Brown also was a key factor throughout the course of the game. She led the team with 1 7 digs and 7 assists.

“I thought before the

“This is really my last first home game, but I’m glad we won the game for the school and for us.

We needed that win.”

Another era of “Super Teams” for the upcoming NBA season

by Amsu Warner

With the 201 7-201 8 NBA season approaching on Oct. 1 7, there has been a plethora of changes and adjustments to the National Basketball league. With new Nike uniforms for all 30 teams to all of the bogus and unexpected player trades during the lockout, this upcoming basketball season seems to be one for the ages.

With all of the chaos during free agency, NBA organizations are looking to create what are now called “super teams” to somewhat mimic the Golden State

Warriors. This means players will join quicker than ever and teams will make unthinkable trades.

For example, Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets. The Rockets pulled off an extraordinary move this offseason to land Chris Paul to join James Harden in their backcourt, making the Rockets an even better playoff contending team in the Western Conference.

Another example is the Oklahoma City Thunder. After Russel Westbrook’s career and MVP season without Kevin Durant by his

side, The Thunder managed to acquire two great wing players in the league with Carmelo Anthony and Paul George.

Many All-Star caliber players of the Eastern Conference have now joined the West such as Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony, just to name a few. This makes the Western Conference an even bigger and tougher conference than the East.

Lastly, a key trade that brought a combination of tears and joy to many fans was Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isiah

Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Boston fans were utterly upset and angered by this trade and couldn’t believe the headlines.

As the Cavaliers made this dramatic move, they were also able to grab Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade, who are All-Star caliber players.

With Dwayne Wade joining forces with LeBron James once again, many fans are eager and excited to see what they have in store. Yes, free agency is the king of the NBA summer; however, trades with particular players either big or small contain just as much drama.

5

game,” Brown said.

“This is really my last first home game, but I’m glad we won the game for the school and for us.

We needed that win.”

Late in the fourth set, the Tigers were able to erase a five-point lead in front of a rocking Norfolk State crowd. However, NSU gained a 1 5-7 lead in the fifth and final set.

Norfolk State Volleyball is off to a strong start and, hopefully, will keep their momentum throughout the season and on into the MEAC finals.

Don’t forget to visit the NSUSpartans.com website to find out who the NSU volleyball team will dominate next.

Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) had a new home in Los Angeles and the potential for a $200 million contract if he stayed with the Clippers. He also had reason to doubt a championship would ever come there. So he threw himself into the free agency process and ended up in Houston, the subject of a three-part documentary series titled "Chris Paul's Chapter 3" that debuts Thursday, Oct. 1 9, on ESPN. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | (757) 823-8200 | spartanecho@nsu.edu

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Spartan Lifestyle

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NSU alumna creates EDL brand to promote hip hop culture

by Kori Wiggins

Niyah Nelson, Norfolk State alumna and CEO of Everyday Dope Life, has been building herself and her brand since her matriculation from the university with her most recent endeavor, The EDL Festival, a hip hop festival that showcases local musical artists, painters, and clothing vendors, as well as providing musical artists tips in regards to their craft and maneuvering in the industry. We sat down with Niyah to ask her a few questions about

EDL and the festival.

“Writing wasn’t in my plans. I was a part of this podcast located in ODU, and from there I started networking. I met someone that gave me a blogging opportunity and from there it started,” said Nelson when asked about the beginning stages of Everyday Dope Life.

Everyday Dope Life is a media outlet that aims to highlight the different aspects of art, whether it is through fashion, painting, or music. The website launched January 5 and already

has a hefty amount of content ranging from analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s “Cartoons & Cereal” and its impact on music to interviews with visual artists and their visions.

A goal that Nelson has for the website is to reach fame on a level of Complex and make the brand a lifestyle one day.

“I want to create something that contributes toward hip hop culture,” said Nelson.

When asked for tips to help others pursuing

Niyah Nelson, NSU Class of 201 6, Mass Communication major. Photo by Kalin Wiggins.

similar goals, Nelson said “Know what you want, and stay true to that.” The entertainment industry is hard to maneuver in, but the consistency and originality of her brand

has bloomed from the beginning stages and continues to progress.

You can follow Niyah Nelson on social media sites @niyah_nel and visit her blog everydaydopelife.com.

Networking increases your net worth

by Kori Wiggins and Bobbie Johnson

College refines a multitude of skills and talents, and among those skills is networking. Networking is such an important skill to have in any field of work you find yourself in, as it can determine opportunities you may have in your future. For example, networking with your fellow colleagues and professors can provide you with information on different scholarships, events and opportunities catered to your career.

A big asset to anyone’s network is the social media app LinkedIn, a network that

Public Media Panel from 201 7 MCJR Week (from left to right): panelists Barbara Hamm Lee, Grace Douglas, Lisa Godley, and Jae Sinnett. Photo by Alexandra Stevenson.

connects the professionals around the world. According to a 201 3 Shweiki Media survey, 40% of college students use LinkedIn, and the company has released the LinkedIn

Students app, an app tailored specifically for Soon-to-be College alumni. The app uses insights from the company’s database of over 400 million professionals to

pinpoint what jobs best fit your major, companies that tend to hire alumni from your school and paths taken by recent alumni with similar degrees.

Personal social media accounts play a big role in networking as well. A majority of companies are now checking candidates’ social media accounts for derogatory posts. Doing a clean sweep of all social media accounts will benefit you when exchanging info with these professionals.

Attending networking events will help as well.

Applying for jobs is good, but handing a business card, resume, or contact to a company manager is even better. Before

attending networking events, always set a goal for the event as well as researching your target professionals, planning your outfit ahead of time and having work samples prepared.

Finally, build your network. According to an NPR article, job seekers should aim to reach out to 1 00 people a month during job searches. A steep number for one person, but realize that you’ve already cut the numbers down based off of how many neighbors, professors, family, etc. you already have in your network. These people will be a good start when seeking opportunities in the field, or just searching for a job.

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

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Spartan Lifestyle

This black brother wears blue

by Taylor Fuqua

“I always watch my back when I go places looking for people that may stare at me for too long, watching for people I may have pulled over and wrote a ticket to weeks before. I may have forgot about them, but my color, face and uniform makes me stand out as a target.”

Within the past years, headlines have popped up frequently with tragic incidents involving police and African Americans.

With technology evolving, and social media to report major events almost instantly, it leaves a lot to wonder about the root of all the continuous chaos. Is race really the issue? Is it the lack of training within police forces? For one young African American male in a small town, he believes the solution starts with him.

Being one of the youngest on his police force, this young black man, wants to be anonymous, but says he joined his local police force to do exactly what they are there for, to serve and protect.

Growing up in neighborhoods that weren’t the best, this officer saw firsthand the issues revolving around police officers and young

African American Males, right outside his front door.

“I'm from the hood,” he said. “Being from the hood, everyone is similar but so different. Some of us chose to go down the wrong path and pay for it.

Some of us make great decisions and make it out.”

Fortunate to be on a positive path, he did whatever he could to encourage his neighborhood friends to get on the same path he was. With biased feelings toward police officers, the constant harassment in his neighborhood, or getting pulled over almost every weekend, this young man began feeling hopeless.

With all the negative interactions he had with police officers, he learned he had to start thinking smarter and being more cautious, a reality many young African Americans are finding themselves in, whether that was not staying out late to keep unnecessary attention away, driving strictly on expressways where he knew more people would be, and keeping away from backstreets, just in case something was to ever happen.

“My pants had a belt with them and were on

my hip and not an inch below,” he said.

The smallest things such as how loud he played his music in his car, could make him a victim of an unfortunate run in with police officers.

Trying to carefully and cautiously live his everyday life became a nuisance, so he decided to take a more positive approach to the issue he faced. He became a police officer.

He says currently there are 1 2 African Americans serving in his department, but he feels the opportunity for more African Americans to join law enforcement is abundant. He says the police force should be a direct reflection of the communities it serves, but questions how many people would take a stand and make the decision he did in joining.

“How many of us are willing to go into places where people are running away from the situation? How many of us are willing to respond to a call where someone could get hurt? The pool gets smaller when you start to mention the duties and aspects of the profession,” he told the Spartan Echo.

When asked about what has been the most difficult transition in life after becoming an officer, he says it’s like any job: it is hard being a novice and not knowing anything.

“When routine is noticed, there is comfort in saying I’ve seen this before and I know what to do. But some things aren’t so cut and dry or black and white. Being a police officer every day is different,” he said.

Going over many things at once, seeing the worst in people, being lied to constantly, the messenger of bad news, and even writing tickets are challenging.

His goal is to encourage the communities he serves in to be active and aware of what is going on around them.

He says not everything you see on TV is necessarily happening or going to happen outside of your door. He believes he took a step in the right direction for a more active and took an effective approach to the conflict involving his community and police officers.

He encourages everyone else to do the same and “be the change” they want to see in the world.

Get Social with the Spartan Echo!

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

7 Fall 201 7 Staff Omar Ross, editor in chief Malik Glaspie, managing editor Alexandra Stevenson, multimedia editor William Peele, deputy multimedia editor

Keona Frasier, news editor Patience Tait-Morris, deputy news editor

Kori Wiggins, lifestyle editor We have no deputy lifestyle editor.

Help us recruit!

Shareen Nicholson, entertainment editor Janá Reed, deputy entertainment editor

Ashlee Jordan, sports editor Amsu Warner, deputy sports editor Cierra Singh, assistant sports editor

We have no graphic design/layout editor.

Help us recruit!

The Spartan Echo is open to any NSU student and meets every Tuesday and Thursday of the fall/spring semesters at 1 2:30 p.m. in room 344 of the Student Center.

Come build your resume with us!

Be "the Voice of the Spartan Community!"

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

Spartan Entertainment

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Eminem lashes out at Trump in freestyle on BET Hip Hop Awards

In this July 20, 201 5, file photo, Eminem attends the premiere of "Southpaw" in New York. Eminem has released a verbal tirade on President Donald Trump in a video that aired as part of the BET Hip Hop Awards on Oct. 1 0, 201 7. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

by Shareen Nicholson

During BET’s 201 7 Hip Hop Awards, Eminem blasted President Donald Trump in a vicious freestyle that quickly went viral.

The video, titled “The Storm,” was filmed as part of the BET Hip Hop Awards’ traditional cyphers, in which

by Shareen Nicholson

Empire continues to be one of the most popular and acclaimed shows on television and has even been nominated for a Golden Globe. The drama filled series is centered on a family dynasty within the dangerous world of hiphop. The show revolves around the Lyons and their media company, Empire Entertainment.

Season four resumes with an explosive amount of twists and turns, as Empire celebrates its 20th anniversary. This coming in the wake of the explosion in Las Vegas, that brings Luscious (Terrance Howard)

rappers deliver verses among a group.

The video lasted about five minutes and consisted of the rapper accusing the president of racism, hypocrisy, and disrespecting veterans.

He also mentioned the president’s latest responses to the violence in

Charlottesville, VA., the aftermath of the hurricane in Puerto Rico, and the Las Vegas shooting.

Eminem also took shots at his fans who are Trump supporters.

“And any fan of mine who’s a supporter of his, I’m drawing in the sand a line, you’re either for or against, and if you can’t decide who you like more and you’re split on who you should stand beside, I’ll do it for you with this,” he raps, before turning his middle finger to the camera.

This wouldn’t be the first time Eminem has lashed out at the president. Back in August, he told a crowd that he “couldn’t stand” the president and then led the crowd in an anti-

Trump rant. Days before he was spotted wearing a shirt that said “FACK TRUMP” and mentioned him while performing his song “White America.”

Surprisingly, back in 2004, President Trump appeared on an Eminem concert special that aired on MTV. On “The Shady National Convention,” Trump made an open endorsement of Eminem’s alter-ego, Slim Shady.

“Donald Trump is telling you right now Slim Shady is a winner.

He’s got brains, he’s got guts and he’s got Donald Trump’s vote,” said Trump.

Eminem is no stranger to controversy, though, with some calling him homophobic and misogynistic based on some of his lyrics. This

is also not the first time he has tackled politics in his songs. Before he has mentioned Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and George W. Bush.

He is scheduled to release his eighth major album this year, his first since 201 3.

Eminem is not the first artist to target the president in recent months. California rapper YG released a single back in August called “FDT,” which repeatedly curses his name. Kendrick Lamar also mentioned the president in his songs “The Heart Part 4” and “XXX.” Rapper Snoop Dogg found himself in hot water back in March after releasing a video in which he aimed a toy gun at a clown that resembled the president.

Empire returns for season 4

making his first appearance. As expected, this opening episode showed the Lyon family showing their own interests in Luscious regaining his physical and mental capacities.

The season picked up months later with Luscious still unable to remember his past and recovering from the explosion. This includes him having a prosthetic leg as the result of an explosion in an earlier episode. However, the business didn’t stop with the rest of the family carrying on with business as usual.

This season will force Luscious, Cookie, and

their sons to take a hard look at their life choices, in both the past and present, to save their Empire. Amid helping Luscious regain his memory, Cookie must revisit the hardest part of her life, her 1 7 years in prison.

Elsewhere, Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) continues to be blackmailed, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) continues to be seduced, and Andre ( Trai Byers) finds himself overwhelmed with handling Shyne (XZibit).

Season four is sure to be filled with exciting new music, events, and high-profile stars.

Phylicia Rashad returns

Season four resumes with an explosive amount of twists and turns. Photo from the Associated Press.

as Diana Dubois, who, along with her son, Angelo, have launched an elaborate plan to take down the Lyons.

Forest Whitaker will also be joining this season’s cast as Eddie Barker, a music icon and Lyon family friend.

Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong in 201 5, Empire has continued to show their ability to pull in major guest stars and major plots. Tune in on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on Fox.

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