native Vol. Virginia 62, I ssue 1 makes NFL history | Page 5
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March | Page 3
An intense look 08.29.14 at history | Page 8
Vol. 62, Issue 8
02.13.15
VP Biden's NSU visit announces $25m
cybersecurity grant By Danielle Kirsh
Vice President Joe Biden visited Norfolk State on Jan. 15 to announce a $25 million grant to go toward cybersecurity programs and training at historically black colleges and universities around the country. NSU will be one of 12 HBCUs to be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy who will supply the natioal security programs with $25 million
over the next five years under NSU’s lead. The grant money will provide cybersecurity training to students and faculty, better computer labs and learning facilities, and better research labs. National security utilizes two-thirds of the national budget, according to Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz who accompanied Biden
during his visit. We have “a lot of secrets to keep,” said Moniz. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott joined Biden in the cybersecurity discussion and said that there’s a “new generation of leaders in cybersecurity” and that cybersecurity is the “most important national security.” The grant is intended to
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Brynn Anderson | AP Photo Norfolk State outside linebacker Lynden Trail (97) catches a ball during practice for the Senior Bowl, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
NFL Combine brings light to H B CU Ath l et i c s By Derald Frazier
Photo courtesy of NSU Communications and Marketing Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sandra DeLoatch engages Vice President Joe Biden in conversation during his visit to NSU.
The National Football League (NFL) season doesn’t conclude after the final whistle of the Super Bowl. The first event of the offseason, the NFL Combine, is an invitation-only showcase for the top draft-eligible college football prospects as they look to find a home on an NFL roster. While the big names from the premier programs in the country get most of the at-
tention, scouts cannot afford to overlook prospects from football championship subdivision (FCS) schools as well. The NFL Combine serves as a gateway to the pros for many NFL hopefuls from smaller programs. Playing at the highest level of college football gives players exposure that cannot be found at the lower levels. However,
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Famous Cuban artist Salvador visits NSU By Antonio Garland
Antonio Garland | SPARTAN ECHO World renowned Cuban artist Salvador Gonzales Escalona paid NSU’s campus a visit.
World renowned Cuban artist, Salvador Gonzales Escalona, who goes by his artist name, Salvador, visited Norfolk State University to share his knowledge and insight and to learn about Afro-American culture, bridging its connection to the Afro-Cuban culture and find inspiration for his future works. A native of Cuba, Salvador’s work style is known as “Afro-Cuban” and contains a fusion of cubism, surrealism and abstract art. He has been creating murals and sculptures since 1990, which have been shown at various exhibitions around the world, including Norway, Denmark, Puerto Rico, Spain, Mexico and the United States. During his visit, Salvador traded his knowledge with the students for a cultural exchange, creating contacts with students to receive information to help with his cultural work, including his newest mural, El Sueno del
Tambor (The Dream of the Drum). It will be exhibited in Petersburg, Virginia at the invitation of NSU alumnus Tim Reid’s Legacy Media Institute, which refers to a time when black people couldn’t exercise their cultural rights. Salvador believes the mural will reflect the memories of those people who were brought over from Africa to America and will be a way to preserve and perpetuate those memories for the next generation. “I would say that students can always relate to me,” Salvador said. “As an artist, as a human being who respects traditions, my work deals with the African culture throughout the Americas and with the experience of living in Cuba as a black man specifically.” Salvador hopes NSU students will continue to study abroad in Cuba and enjoy the wonderful experiences and warm people who are quick
to communicate regardless of language barriers. “The Cuban people like to talk, party, dance, and [have] cultural events,” he said. “We also have many spectacular architectural wonders in Havana.” He talked about exhibits in Havana, Cuba, including renaissance and modern artwork, art deco styles, uniquely designed buildings, all of which, he said, makes Havana “an electric architectural city.” For those fortunate to visit Cuba, Salvador expressed the hope that they will visit the historical sections of Havana, which date back to the 18th century and contain several museums that display art that students will appreciate. He is holding a workshop for art students at NSU and consulting on future programs in Cuba with the Office of International Studies and Service-Learning.
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02.13.15
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Sophomores find middle ground in the LLCs
By Antonio Garland
College should be more than just simply attending classes. The Living Learning Communities (LLC) are residential hall organizations that assist students both inside and outside the classroom. However, as freshmen become sophomores, different Living Learning Communities (LLC) become available. Four LLCs were created specifically aimed at the sophomore community to promote growth and education, EMPOWER, Platforms, Food (in) Security and Globetrotters. While there’s a lot of focus toward incoming freshmen and graduating seniors, sophomores tend to become lost in the shuffle of what’s happening. It’s a time where one is exploring options, but making harder decisions of what to study. EMPOWER is pointed toward students in social work and focuses on issues related toward social justice. It allows students to examine social and economic justice through a number of advocacy and leadership activities. Food (in) Security’s goals are to adopt healthy nutrition and eating habits in the NSU
community, help in areas which may not have access to good grocery store choices, allow food studies and perform activist work in the community. This particular LLC is opened to all majors. Platforms is pointed toward computer science majors in their sophomore year to provide critical direction and enrichment. It allows exposure to professional development activities and sharpens technical communication skills. Globetrotters combines international and comparative perspectives in courses, co-curricular activities and service projects. It exposes students to world affairs and global trends. Dr. Andrew Arroyo, head of Food (in) Security, spoke of the opportunities presented and expressed to sophomores to take advantage while the options are still available. “It’s a chance to just throw yourself into the college experience, and, in a way, that’s going to be productive for you,” said Arroyo. “A lot of students say, ‘OK, I want to get involved in the college experience.’ But then all they do is attend some events that
Photo from | NSU.edu
One of the Sophomore LLCs is Empower, which deals strictly with social work and economic justice for NSU Spartans.
seem interesting to them here and there or they’ll go to a party.” Arroyo said that college is a time in which students are formed as individuals and intellectuals. In that sense, the LLC provides an avenue like no other. He also said success in life is achieved based on who you know. While some rely on just their resumes to get a job and hard work to keep a job, those who participate in an LLC will have relationships to draw from.
“It’s a great opportunity for extending your learning beyond the classroom....” -Dr. Kirsten Ericksen
Through the LLCs, a student will meet people, from professors and other students, to community speakers, creating relationships for years to come. “It’s a great opportunity for extending your learning beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Kirsten Ericksen, head of EMPOWER. “It’s fun. You get to connect with people who are alike minded, who have similar ideas as you.” “I’ve had great experiences,” said Larry Whitaker, a sophomore social work major and member of EMPOWER. “Being in the LLC has helped me learn more. I am closer to my fellow classmates.” Living on campus is not a requirement to be a part of an LLC. All LLCs are free for students to apply.
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NSU celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy By A G ntonio
On Jan. 15, Norfolk State University (NSU) sponsored its commemorative MLK march to celebrate the life, achievements, legacy and sacrifices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor those who struggled in the fight for equal rights. Dr. King, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders, used his brilliant and unique abilities to prioritize the civil and human rights of African-Americans, sacrificing his life comforts and spending time away from his family. One of his most effective skills was the power of persuasion, which he used as an instrument to help and motivate others. Norfolk was a hotbed for civil rights activity and in the struggle, became involved in the country wide civil rights movement. NSU itself was born from sheer struggle and sacrifice as African-Americans in Norfolk and Portsmouth worked to establish a school for their children when many other schools closed their doors to them, one of which being Old Dominion University. Many Americans celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by visiting Washington, D.C. and helping their communities reflect on the freedom achieved during the civil rights movement. “We are Dr. King in this family and we pause to retool, to remember who we are, where we need to go, how we get there and how we never leave anyone behind,” said Larry Whitaker, a sophomore social work ma-
arland
jor. “This is the purpose of our march, this is why we remember Dr. King, while we engage in the ritual of the march, healing and…remembering who we are.” “I encourage [everyone] to use the acknowledgement of MLK day to pause and consider the work, social change and educational opportunities for all,” said Mildred K. Fuller, Vice Provost/ Accreditation Liaison. The event was honored by the appearance of Federal District Judge, Arenda L. Wright Allen, who described Dr. King’s works as good, kind and compassionate. From his eyes, she learned to create a change; one must be the change they want to see. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that,” said Judge Allen, quoting Dr. King. “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Judge Allen believes Dr. King wanted to reach out to children and inspire them to follow their dreams despite life’s challenges, injustices and obstacles. “Faith is taking the first step, even if you can’t see the whole staircase,” she said. “If you can’t run, than walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” The purpose of Dr. King’s legacy was to ensure equal rights for everyone. Today, we celebrate his accomplishments by following our paths and striving to become better at what we do, regardless of what may stand in our way.
• Continued from front page help bring more job training to women and minorities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. A lack of cybersecurity, according to Biden, is “as dangerous as a bomb.” “We can’t afford to have a giant chunk of the population women and minorities - left out of this opportunity,” said Biden. “[The] jobs are there, so is the
talent.” Biden also said that only 3,000 out of 3.3 million STEM students were African-American, and that is why they are at NSU. He said the African-American community is “historically not engaged in STEM fields.” “I’ve never been more optimistic [about the condition of America],” said Biden.
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Leon Carter named Editorial Director of new ESPN Site By KAZAHnA JoYCe ESPN will be launching a new site on sports, race and culture in the near future and a former Spartan Echo staff member will serve as the Vice President and Editorial Director. Leon Carter will be assisting Jason Whitlock by overseeing all of the editorial content, staff, and making sure the vision of the site will be carried out to its viewers. This website will give an inside look on how race and culture go hand and hand with sports. “Race has always been an issue in society and sports have always played a role, like the ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirts,” Carter said. Prior to being named vice president and editorial director of the new site, Carter had
been the executive editor of ESPNNewYork.com. Upon his arrival to ESPN in 2010, he was a contributor for other local ESPN sites in Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. As a student at Norfolk State, Leon Carter wrote for the Spartan Echo, worked with the campus radio station, WNSB, and also maintained an internship with The Virginian Pilot. Soon after graduating, he got a job with the Louisville Courier Journal. From 1994 to 1999 he worked in sports with the New York Daily News. From 1999 to 2010, Carter led the New York Daily News to various national awards as their sports editor. Diversity in the newsroom is something that has
been high in importance in Carter’s life. Aside from being a glorified editor, he has dedicated his career to mentor young journalists, mainly women and minorities, making him a good candidate for the Vice President and Editorial Director for the new website. The Sports Journalism Institute (SJI) is one of the many initiatives Carter has taken to achieve his goals. “The SJI put a dent into an industry that lacked people of color as editors, reporters, analysts etc.,” Carter said. The name and release date of the new ESPN site is set to be revealed later in the year.
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• Continued from front page one can earn an invitation to the combine with a good highlight tape to prove you can hold your own against better competition. Several players from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) have gone on to have success in the NFL. The NFL considered HBCU programs as a goldmine for overlooked and underexposed talent. 28 former NFL players currently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame played their college ball at an HBCU, including three in 2014. NFL legends like wide receiver Jerry Rice and defensive end Deacon Jones are alumni of HBCU schools. Norfolk State defensive end Lynden Trail received an invitation to the 2015 NFL Combine. Trail, a transfer from the University of Florida, is one
of the most heralded prospects from an FCS program. His ability to play multiple positions along the defensive front has scouts clamoring about his NFL potential. “There’s no such thing as a small-school guy, in my opinion,” Trail told reporters prior to participating in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. “The only difference between us and a major Division I school is the money. At the end of the day, everybody has to play ball, throw their helmet on and hit somebody.” With a good showing in the Senior Bowl, Trail now turns his focus toward the combine as he inches closer to perhaps becoming another player in a long line of highly successful NFL players drafted from HBCUs.
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02.13.15
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African-American Sports History and Milestones By DeralD Frazier
•1908- Boxer Jack Johnson becomes first the first African-American World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Tommy Burns. •1936- Track sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens becomes first Olympian to win four gold medals. •1947- Jackie Robinson debuts for Brooklyn Dodgers breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. •1956- Tennis player Althea Gibson becomes first African-American woman
to win the Wimbledon by defeating Darlene Hand in the finals.
become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history at the age of 20.
•1966- Texas Western University debuted the first all-black starting lineup in NCAA championship history.
•1987- Quarterback Doug Williams leads the Washington Redskins to a 4210 victory over the Denver Broncos, becoming the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
•1975- Tennis player and Virginia native Arthur Ashe becomes first African-American man to win the Wimbledon by defeating Jimmy Connors in the finals. •1986- Boxer Mike Tyson defeats Trevor Berbick to
•1997- Tiger Woods becomes the youngest (21years old) and first African-American to win the U.S. Masters.
•2002- Los Angeles Sparks Center Lisa Leslie becomes first female to dunk in a professional basketball game. •2004- Soccer player Freddy Adu becomes the youngest player to sign a major league contract in 115 years. •2006- Shani Davis, American speed skater, becomes the first black athlete to win a gold medal in an individual event at the Winter Olympic Games.
can-American head coach to win the Super Bowl as the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Chicago Bears on Feb. 4. •2012- Gymnast Gabby Douglas becomes the first African-American to win the individual all-around event. She also won a team gold medal for the U.S. at the Summer Olympic Games.
•2007- Tony Dungy becomes the first Afri-
Virginia native Russell Wilson making NFL history By Kazahna JoYCe
Seattle Seahawks quarterback (QB) Russell Wilson has made history in the National Football League (NFL). In just three years, Wilson made his second start at QB in the Super Bowl. After a tough 28-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship, Russell Wilson became the first African-American QB to make back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl. The Richmond native has proven in his three-year career that he has the arm strength, accuracy and clutch gene necessary to lead his team to wins, and more importantly championships. In the third round, the Seattle Seahawks used the 75th draft pick to get the undersized QB. Early on, people doubted Russell’s ability to see over the pocket to make plays. So far in his NFL career he has completed 794 passes for 9,950 yards and 72 touchdowns. He has even shown
the ability to run the ball, gaining 1,877 rushing yards, and crossing his opponent’s goal line 11 times. Needless to say, he’s proved all of his critics wrong. After the win over Green Bay, ESPN’s Skip Bayless described him as “a small man with big moments.” Aside from his athletic ability, Wilson also has one of the highest football IQ’s in the league with leadership qualities most players lack in their third year of pro football. His success is nothing new to those who followed him in high school and college. As a junior at Collegiate High School, Wilson threw for 3,287 yards and four touchdowns. He was also named the Richmond Times Dispatch Player of the Year twice in his high school career. Not only was he a standout in his city, but he also stood out nationally, catching the eyes of Sports Illustrated for his performance in his team’s state
championship game. Russell Wilson’s athletic ability wasn’t only showcased on the gridiron; he also emerged as a baseball star. In 2007, the Baltimore Orioles selected him as the fifth pick in the 41st round. Despite the opportunity, Wilson decided to continue with his education at NC State and pursue a football career. Looking into Wilson’s family history, it is apparent that athletic ability and leadership was bound to run through his veins. His grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson, was an honor student and star athlete at Kentucky State University. He later became Norfolk State University’s president, and held his position from 1975-1997. He also was one of the most favored football coaches in Jackson State University’s history. This season, Wilson led his team with 285 pass completions, 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also rushed
for 849 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. In the post season he delivered 29 completed passes, 14 of them occurring in his struggling performance against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship. He has already left his imprint in the history books by becoming the first African-American QB to make
back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Seahawks were unable to win Super Bowl XLIX due to a rough start and bad play calling in the final seconds of the game. Wilson would have become the first African-American QB to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
DAVID J. PhILLIP | aP Photo
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson drops back to pass during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.
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02.13.15
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Such great and elderly wisdom By Malaun House
Everyone has those elderly family members that seem to know any and everything about family history and things that occurred in the past. These jewels of the family are often overlooked or considered less important and knowledgeable because they are older; however, in many instances, the oldest member of the family often has the most wisdom. “My grandmother acts like she knows everything there is to know about life. I love her so much because she always has a story for me or something inspiring and uplifting for me when I need it the most,“ junior sociology major Kelsey Casey said. In Africa, many communities have what is called a Griot, which is the oldest member of the tribe or family. The Griot has been said to hold the most wisdom and share stories with the younger generation, passing down traditions, beliefs and lessons. “The oldest person in my
family is my 93-year old grandmother. She talks to us about all of our family history and keeps their stories alive. I try my best to put into practice what I learn and show my great appreciation for other cultures as well as my own,” senior chemistry pre-med major Jasmin Flowers said. Some people believe that as the younger generations grow, they should allow themselves to be taught by those who have come before them. One of the easiest ways to learn about life is through understanding another person’s experiences, downfalls and triumphs. “I try my best to learn and listen to my elders because a lot of the things they tell me aren’t just for my own good; it’s so I won’t make the same mistakes. I always felt like if I was given the opportunity to do better than those that came before me, why not do better, ” senior building construction technology major Chad Allen said.
A black history spotlight:
Innovators & inventions
Photo from | Facebook.com
editors Jason Gill Editor-inChief
By Sierra Rodgers
There are many African-Americans that have contributed to the inventions and extensive use of today’s machinery. Many people were not recognized for their inventions until after their deaths. Granville Woods was born April 23, 1856 in Columbus, Ohio. He stopped going to school at the age of 10 to begin working in a machine shop. His invention is a combination of the telephone and the telegraph, named the telegraphony; it was patented in 1885. Woods worked diligently until his death in New York City, New York on Jan. 30, 1910.
Danielle Kirsh Online/ Managing Editor
Antonio Garland News Editor
Malaun House Lifestyle Editor
Patricia Bath was born Nov. 4, 1942 in Harlem, New York. She attended Hunter College and went to medical school at Howard University. She was the first black person to complete a residency in Ophthalmology. In 1981 she invented the Laserphaco Probe, which is used today to treat cataracts.
Kazahna Joyce Sports Editor
Chantelle Polite Entertainment Editor
Richard Spikes’ birth and personal life are unknown because he was not recognized for his work until after his death. He invented a great number of automatic car devices such as the automatic car washer (1913), the automatic gear shift (1932) and the automatic safety break (1962). He began to lose his vision and died soon after the creation of his last invention in 1962.
Like the tree stays in touch with it’s roots, most students maintain knowledge of their African American roots by enriching their relationships with elders in the family.
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Tykhari Coles Multimedia Editor
Mario Lawrence Graphic Design/ Layout Editor
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02.13.15
Take a look at Oscar wins by African-Americans By C P hantelle
olite
Feb. 1 begins Black History Month and Feb. 22 is the night of the 87th Academy Awards. It is not uncommon knowledge that African-Americans are not the primary winners of these awards. However, when they do win an Oscar or are even nominated for putting on unforgettable performances in films during the year, it is always important that their hard work is acknowledged beyond the two minutes they get on the Academy Award stage. Best Supporting Actress Hattie McDaniel for Gone With the Wind (1939) Best Actor Sidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field (1963) Best Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. for An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Best Supporting Actor Denzel Washington for Glory (1989) Best Supporting Actress Whoopi Goldberg for Ghost (1990) Best Supporting Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. for Jerry Maguire (1996) Best Actor Denzel Washington for Training Day (2001) Best Actress Halle Berry for Monster’s Ball (2001) Best Actor Jamie Foxx for Ray (2004) Best Supporting Actor Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby (2004) Best Actor Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland (2006) Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls (2006) Best Supporting Actress Mo’Nique Imes-Jackson for Precious (2009) Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011) Best Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years A Slave (2014)
Selma
By Chantelle Polite The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of The 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act outlawed the discriminatory measures used to keep minorities from voting in the southern states after The Civil War. Directed and written by Ava DuVeray and Paul Webb, “Selma” offers a look into the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his fight for equal voting rights for all races, all while trying to push President Lyndon Johnson to stand for the rights of the poorly treated African Americans politically and socially. The film takes a soulful and heart-wrenching approach to deliver powerful events in our nation’s history in the journey to Civil Rights. The film opens up with cringe-worthy moments in history such as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing which resulted in the death of four little girls, Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) is denied her voting registration after being asked difficult questions and Dr. King is receiving his Nobel Peace Prize. The senseless murder of Civil Rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson (Keith Stanfield) inspired Dr. King and other activists such as Diane Nash (Tessa Thompson), Ralph Abernathy (Colman Domingo) and James Bevel (Common) to pressure President Johnson to pass the Voting Rights Act. King’s pleas
...a must-see look at a moment in history to Johnson fall on deaf ears for the next two and a half years, the President even going as far as to try and end Dr. King’s tactics by calling in J. Edgar Hoover to destroy King’s marriage to wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo). The film beautifully captures the emotional appeal of our nation’s history of civil rights and racism. Oyelowo embodies King’s soft-spoken conversation and militant disposition, almost to an exact. Winfrey, Thompson, and Common deliver slight, but effective supporting roles, showing that King did not have what many call followers, but rather leaders who were fighting to make a change. DuVeray and Webb come together to provide a script that showcases the harsh reality that is our pre-civil rights era. In a particular scene we find Dr. King and members of the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) make their first trip to Selma, Alabama checking into a hotel. A white male calls Dr. King over as if to shake his hand and instead punches him in the face, to which one of King’s friends responds, “This place is perfect!” Viewers see that King and the others are in no way ignorant to the racial brutality they will be facing, all while maintaining their non-violent approach. Other horrid moments take place such as Bloody Sunday -- the brutal beating of the civil
rights marchers by Alabama state troopers in their first attempt to march through Selma -- and the death of white civil rights activist James Reeb for supporting the African American marchers, showing us that even in the wake of marching for peace, no one who supported civil rights was safe. Finally, King and others officially make their march through Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, passing along the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This third and final time, there were no clubs, no tyrannical state troopers on horses, no guns, and no tear gas. Instead, there were determined marchers -- from The Pope to Annie Lee Cooper -- marching the fifty miles from Selma to Montgomery, aiming to make a difference. DuVeray’s powerful film about politics and racial equality falls nothing short of amazing. Perhaps the best thing about “Selma” was the film’s display of the truth. The truth being racial brutality, discrimination, bloodshed, violence and that King’s amoral lifestyle outside of his wife did not always follow his moral beliefs. In light of this year’s moment in history and its nominations at this year’s 87th Academy Awards for Best Picture and Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song, “Selma” is an absolute must-see film.
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