Spartan Echo Volume 58 Issue 9

The voice of the Spartan community Vol. 58 Issue 9

SpartanEcho.com

BASEBALL WORKS TOWARD STRONG SEASON FINISH

By DA’MON BROWN Echo Correspondent Spartans baseball had a rough season as they finished with a record of 21-29-1. Once the MEAC tournament took place, the Spartans started to flourish offensively and defensively, but lost to North Carolina A&T, falling one game short of the MEAC Championship. This season, head coach Claudell Clark and his ball club looks to carry the momentum from the MEAC Tournament to the regular season.

The Spartans’ biggest issue last season was closing games.

“The players will be more mature to help us finish games. We let the game slip away in the absolute end of the game,” said Clark. “The disappointment and the hurt from those games and the let downs from those games, you want to use that as a fuel to help you play even harder this year,” he added.

To help the Spartans finish games, Clark and his coaching staff added more players to improve their depth.

The Spartans lost shortstops Drew Suttmiller and Ryan Story continued on p. 4

According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

QUAMÉ HAMLIN | SPARTAN ECHO The Spartans hope to improve on last season’s record of 21-29-1.

Abortion vs. Leading Causes

At least 203,991 black abortions in only 36 states and New York City and the District of Columbia.

NSU HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE

By BETHANY CARTWRIGHT

In 2005, the seven leading causes killed a total of 198,385 black people nationwide

GRAPHIC BRYON SUMMERS| SPARTAN ECHO According to statistics released by the CDC, over 13 million African-American babies have been aborted since 1973.

Is abortion the new silent killer of

black Americans?

By KEONA PRUDE

Abortion is becoming increasingly popular in the American culture, especially in the African-American culture.

According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2005, which are the latest years for available abortion statistics, abortion kills more African-Americans than heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, accidents, chronic

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Abortion kills more African-Americans than heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, accidents, chronic lower respiratory disease and homicides.

lower respiratory disease and homicides.

In 2005, the seven leading causes killed a total of 198,385 black people nationwide, while there were at least 203,991 black abortions in only 36 states and New York City and the District of Columbia.

Of the total number reported that does not reflect those aborted by “private physicians’ procedures.”

Alan Guttmacher Institute

Story continued on p. 3

Norfolk State University hosted a blood drive sponsored by the Nursing Department and Allied Health on Feb. 16 to help with a national shortage of blood in states hit by previous weeks’ record-breaking snowfall.

According to a recent report, relentless winter weather throughout much of the eastern half of the United States in recent weeks has already caused the cancellation of more than 23,000 blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross, with more expected as the winter progresses.

Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Red Cross Services region, based in Peoria, Ill., told chicago. cbslocal.com that a shortage like this hasn’t been seen in years.

“We have not seen the January supply drop this dramatically in a decade and we need to reverse this now,” said Heiden.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health are eligible to donate blood.

It’s not too late for students who missed the blood drive to participate. The next blood drive is on April 19.

“Give blood, it saves lives,” said Durrell Hargis, a junior mass communications major.

Any organizations on the campus of NSU interested in sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross should contact Richard Taliaferro at 823-2616. For more information on donating blood, visit redcrossblood.org.

SPARTAN ECHO · Norfolk State University · 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 NEWSROOM: 757. 823. 8562 · E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

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What would our ancestors think? editors DEBRA GOODE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JALIZA BRAXTON MANAGING EDITOR AP PHOTO | LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The famous ex-slave Booker T. Washington was a boy when Emancipation came to his Virginia plantation. He is now respected as a scholar and an example of success to African-Americans.

KEONA PRUDE NEWS EDITOR

DAN ADU-GYAMFI SPORTS EDITOR

BETHANY CARTWRIGHT STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

KESHARA COX ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

QUAMÉ HAMLIN MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

BRYON SUMMERS LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR

By KEONA PRUDE African-Americans have had an extremely hard time in the past. Being taken away from their homeland, slavery, Jim Crow laws and segregation had our ancestors bound and restricted from reaching their full potential. Nevertheless, they pushed forward and maintained a level of dignity, hoping and praying for a better day. They weren’t concerned about making a change for just themselves, but for generations to come.

Though ,decades of brutal killings, lynching, rapes and other horrid things, our ancestors continued to fight. They were fighting for our freedom and our civil rights. They struggled so we could have the same rights as our white counterparts, like the right to vote, the right to go to better schools, the right to have better jobs—the right to be treated like a human and not an animal.

Because of their determination and hard work, we have everything that they fought for. Unfortunately, it seems like we do not exercise our rights. Instead of black people coming together to continue to progress forward, we are taking major steps backwards. We are still enslaved in our minds and our daily actions show it.

How many of us actually practice our right to vote? Let’s take the 2008 election into consideration.

More African-American people participated in this election than any other election. However, not every eligible black person did.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 55.4 percent of African-Americans in the 18-24 age group were reported to vote.

That means that there were still 44.6 percent of young eligible AfricanAmerican people that did not vote.

That is a large percentage of people that had an opportunity to exercise their rights but declined for whatever reason.

As of now, we have our first black president. Most of us thought we would never live to see this come true. Now that President Obama is in office, he has caught a lot of backlash because many people feel he isn’t keeping his promises.

However, one person cannot make a change in society by himself. It takes all of us as a working community to move forward with the black agenda.

While Obama is working in the White House, we should be working in our communities.

Politics, on the local level, often goes ignored by many of the cities’ constituents. We complain about who’s handling our cities, but we never put our two cents in when it’s time for the votes. Many people still believe our opinion doesn’t matter.

News flash! It does. We have to learn how to be more proactive instead of reactive.

In most of the urban communities, where AfricanAmericans live, there are several things that need to be fixed like trash on the streets, gang violence, potholes and crime. Voicing the opinions on these issues in city town hall meetings would help tremendously. Too often, AfricanAmericans complain about these issues but, they do not do anything to fix it.

Community programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Girls Scouts and Boys Scouts, and recreational centers used to be a pivotal part of

the African-American community.

Nowadays, not many AfricanAmerican children go to community centers. But when we think about it, there aren’t many adults around to run these centers.

Recreational centers were a place for kids to have fun, receive guidance, and keep themselves out of trouble. With those near extinction, our youth are at risk. Many of them turn to gangs and violence to fill the void where productivity should be. We need to get back into our community and give back.

We have better schools than our ancestors did, but on a regular basis too many young people refuse to go to school or they drop out. We need to value our education because it wasn’t offered to us at one point. The opportunity to go to an institution of higher learning is more available than before and yet many AfricanAmericans opt to decline higher education.

Being educated is extremely important. High school diplomas are becoming a requirement for fast food restaurants. With that being said, the competition for better jobs will require more educational and professional experience. If we aren’t taking advantage of our educational opportunities we will be behind forever.

With all the opportunities we have in front of us, African-Americans should be far more advanced and better off in society than we are.

We should be top students, great providers, wonderful business men and women, astute entrepreneurs and a strong community that looks out for one another. Who needs civil rights? What would our ancestors thunk if they saw us today?

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ABORTION:

spartan news

THE NEW SILENT KILLER? Continued from p. 1 (AGI), a center dedicated to the advancement of sexual and reproductive health worldwide, released a fact sheet on induced abortions in January 2011.

According to the fact sheet, 69 percent of pregnancies among black women are unintended, and 30 percent of all abortions are performed on black women.

Commercials, billboards, advertisements, PSAs and websites have been dedicated to putting an end to aborting African-American children.

Pro-life websites and groups have referred to the rise in African-American abortions as the “Black Holocaust.”

According to statistics released by the CDC, over 13 million African-American babies have been aborted since 1973. That is more than twice the number of people killed during the Jewish Holocaust.

AGI reported that most of the reasons given by women who want abortions are lack of financial stability, the desire to defer childbearing or relationship problems. Other notable reasons are being too young, fear of education or career being disturbed, or they simply do not want the child.

Junior computer science student Damita Lindsey believes that age and money issues are a major part of why

so many abortions occur.

“Some girls are too young and probably lack the finances to raise a baby at that moment,” said Lindsey.

In order to reverse this trend, Planned Parenthood® Federation of America came up with five ways to prevent abortion. They are: 1) make contraceptives more easily available, 2) give young people a better teacher than experience, 3) increase the involvement of men, 4) create new birth control methods, and 5) make America friendlier to children.

If you have questions about safe sex and abortion, please contact the Spartan Health Center at (757) 623-3090.

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GOVERNMENT REVOKES MILITARY’S ‘‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’’ POLICY

By MAYRENES FIGUEREO Echo Correspondent The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Thursday January 20, 2011, estimating that the military spent nearly $193 million from the fiscal years of 2004 to 2009 carrying out the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The cost consists of $185 million in recruiting and training replacement troops, and $7.7 in administrative costs.

According to the report, on average $52,800 was spent on each individual. Between 2004 and 2009, the military replaced more than 3,600 service members because of the policy. The GAO reported that about 98 percent of the troops discharged were enlisted and, out of those, about 67 percent had only served 2 years at the most.

About 39 percent of the troops had high ranking roles such as infantryman, intelligence specialist, security force and cryptologic linguist. Nearly 34 percent of those service members were women, who compose nearly 14 percent of the total active-duty force.

Almost 1 percent of those service members separated had important language skills, like Arabic or Chinese. GAO said that these statistics may be more than

Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American.

They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay.

what was reported because of the Air Force’s limited data.

On December 22, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” to mark the end the 17-yearold policy that banned openly gay and lesbian service members from serving in the military.

On January 25, 2011, President Obama mentioned this in his State of the Union Address: “Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and

AP PHOTO| MAYA ALLERUZZO As of January 20, 2011, it is estimated that the military spent nearly $193 million from the fiscal years of 2004 to 2009 carrying out the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move

forward as one nation.”

NSU’s Army ROTC Department is conforming to the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell repeal.

“We are just going to go with what the government said. It’s our policy,” said Army ROTC Enrollment Officer, Captain Neil Cutshaw.

This report is an update from a previous study from the GAO

that documented the first decade of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Because the Department of Defense did not have relevant data, the report could not accurately come up with the total costs between the fiscal years of 1993 and 2004.

During that time, the policy isolated about 9,500 service members, eight percent of them holding critical positions.

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SPARTANS BASEBALL LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG Continued from p. 1 Wiggins, so they brought in junior transfer Rafael Colon.

Other positions Clark and the coaching staff felt they need to improve were designated hitter and pitcher.

“We felt like we needed to shore up ourselves at the DH spot and we were able to add Hunter Kennedy, who is a tough left handed hitter. Justin Bhatti is a right handed pitcher that has three great pitches, good fastball and really matured in the fall.”

The key returning players this year are senior outfielder John Lynch, senior third baseman Chris Joyce, senior first baseman Brandon Hairston and junior pitcher Ryan Shook.

Lynch and Joyce are on pace

to break numerous records at NSU such as hits, at bats, games played, RBI and doubles. Joyce led the team in many categories such as batting average, RBI and doubles. Lynch led the team in runs and stolen bases, and was second in batting average and third in RBI. Senior first baseman Brandon Hairston showcased his power as he led the Spartans with eight home runs last season. Shook had a 4-3 record, with a 2.89 ERA, 48 strikeouts and six saves.

Clark is in his seventh season coaching the Spartans and believes that they can win a MEAC Championship.

“I expect the team to do better this season. I want our players to do well in conference play, so it will set us to do better

in the MEAC Tournament,” Clark said. “Ultimately winning the MEAC Championship with ten seniors, eight of those guys returning batting .300 or better, I feel like we have the fire power to do so.”

The MEAC is a competitive conference from top to bottom and, in a pre-season poll of conference head coaches and sports information directors, NSU is picked to finish third. The way to change this prediction is by learning to close the games that they couldn’t last season.

“I really want these guys to go out with something concrete,” said Clark. “Something I would feel is concrete is the MEAC Championship and a regional appearance,” he added

QUAMÉ HAMLIN | SPARTAN ECHO To help finish games this season, Head Coach Clark and his staff added more players to improve their depth charts.

SOFTBALL TEAM LOOKS TO IMPROVE RECORD AND STRENGTHEN TEAM TIES

PHOTOS QUAMÉ HAMLIN| SPARTAN ECHO (Above) The Spartan Softball team is ambitious and eager to improve on last season’s record of 14-28. (Right) The Spartans look to improve in several areas this season.

By TAQUAN PUGH Echo Correspondent In pre-season conference rankings the NSU softball team is picked to finish last place in the Southern Division of the MEAC. After a poor record of 14-28 last season, not much is expected from the Spartans this season. The last place prediction has made the ladies more ambitious and eager to prove that they are much better than people believe.

There are good things to look forward to as interim head coach Heidi Cavallo has already signed five early recruits and has received

three verbal commitments.

Since taking over as interim head coach in the summer, Cavallo has made great strides to earn trust and respect from her players. She feels the team’s biggest strengths are athleticism and strong mindedness, while their weaknesses are poor defense but still believes that they can finish in second or third place in the Southern Division.

In order for that to come into fruition, they must receive major contributions from three key players: senior first/third baseman Jeanette Sauceda, junior outfielder Danielle Wright and freshman catcher/third baseman Kathy Cortez.

Sauceda, the senior leader from Ontario, CA, has played softball in all of her four years at Norfolk State.

With a successful freshman year and disappointing sophomore and junior years, she plans to go out with her best in her last season.

“I plan to show leadership through good example and performance. This year is my fourth year on the team and I have been doing well with softball and my academics,” said Sauceda.

Wright is a very proud member of the team and takes great pride in it. She has been playing softball for 16 years. She describes the softball team as having a strong bond among each other and all the

ladies stick together.

“What we have with the team is a sisterhood; it’s basically like our own sorority,” said Wright.

Team unity is not even a question among the softball team who has a tough time letting outsiders and newcomers into their circle. Cortez has already showed her teammates that she is a great addition to the team.

“She is a freshman who plays like a senior. She is very wise

on the field and is a very good athlete,” said Sauceda.

With seven upperclassmen and a scrappy, hardworking freshman class, this united bunch knows they can prove many people wrong this season.

“Softball is a mental game.

We have the talent to beat anyone in the MEAC. We just have to get together and work hard in order to live up to our potential,” says Wright.

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SPARTANS BASEBALL PLAYER NSU BOWLING TEAM HOLDS TOOLS TO FUTURE CHANGING LANES WITH

RANKED PROGRAM

PHOTOS QUAMÉ HAMLIN | SPARTAN ECHO John Lynch was selected for All-MEAC honors after having 42 RBI, 76 hits, four home runs and a .380 batting average last season. Lynch also led the Spartans in stolen bases.

By MELVIN BROOKS Echo Correspondent In baseball, one of the biggest complements you can give an athlete is calling them a “five-tool player.” A player like this hits for average and power, has excellent baserunning skills, throwing ability and fielding skills. Senior outfielder John Lynch is worthy of having this title.

“John is a special player, (he) helps out on defense and offense…he’s ready to achieve big things,” said head baseball coach Claudell Clark.

Last season, the All-MEAC selection knocked in 42 RBI, had 76 hits, four home runs and a .380 batting average. He also led the Spartans in stolen bases (2829 in attempts) and most games started with all 51.

The Newport News native began playing organized baseball at the age of seven when his childhood friends encouraged him to sign up for Park View’s Little League. Since then, Lynch has become a notable player on the collegiate level earning accolades such as First Team All-MEAC, two-time Second Team All MEAC, Second Team All-State, Rookie of the Year, and most recent team Co-MVP of last season with senior third baseman Chris Joyce. The outfielder gave acclaim to his hometown by saying it helped him become the person he is.

“Growing up in Newport News was a great experience; it taught me a lot of things. The competitive nature of Newport

Prior to being recruited by Norfolk State, Lynch was a standout athlete at Heritage High School in Newport News.

News’ (sporting) environment has taught me a lot on the baseball field,” said Lynch.

Prior to being recruited by Norfolk State, Lynch was a standout athlete at Heritage High School in Newport News where he excelled on the varsity level for both football as a quarterback and baseball as an outfielder.

However, when the time came for him to choose which sport he would devote the majority of his time to, he chose baseball. This decision turned out beneficial for Lynch as he was recruited

by Norfolk State while playing for the state games in North Carolina.

Lynch says his time at NSU has been tremendous. He says his fondest memory was his freshman year when he was able to play every game as a rookie.

He also saw action in the MEAC Tournament that year as the Spartans placed second in the competition.

Away from the diamond, Lynch enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

He especially loves spending quality time with his mother Cassandra Lynch, who he gives all his credit to, and his three nephews AJ, Jacori and Jamari.

Lynch is also grateful for his mentor Deon Harris, who has assisted him with his transitions in life.

Understanding the value of mentoring and leadership, Lynch participates in community service activities with his frat brothers from the Pi Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. As Lynch looks forward to a promising career in the majors, he realizes he cannot play forever. After he finishes his playing career, he has aspirations to become a baseball coach and Division I athletic director.

“I love baseball...can’t see my life without it….want to play until I can’t play no more,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY NSUSPARTANS.COM NSU’s bowling team from left to right, (Top Row) Antoinette Drakeford, Shiela-Marie Smith, Blaire Joppy, Tiffany Hunt, and Chelsea Krall. (Bottom Row) Jessica Overton, Thea Aspiras, and Lauren Graupmann.

By ANTHONY IRABOR Echo Correspondent The NSU bowling team is a nationally ranked program with no limits, a young roster and a coach who have built the program from the ground up.

The new regimen spells success for many years to come.

The players on this team are not taking opponents lightly.

Wilhelmenia Harrison, head coach of the Spartans bowling team, has steadily built this potential powerhouse and hopes to continue dominating the lanes.

“We built this year by year, and the more we win the larger our budget so we can continue to grow as a program,” said Harrison.

The players on this team are not taking opponents lightly or lacking strength in performance because of their success.

“I don’t get overwhelmed

by the pressure,” said junior Sheila-Marie Smith. “I feel like I just contribute to this nationally ranked program. It means a lot,” she added.

Freshman sensation Thea Aspiras, who came from an undefeated program at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA, has been playing excellent all season.

“I’m used to winning but still it’s a great accomplishment to be a part of this program. And, in my senior year, I see the program and myself both with higher rankings and, of course, some trophies,” said Aspiras.

The future looks bright with only two players departing next year, and it is still possible for the Spartans to go undefeated if the players do not grow complacent.

Even though the bowling team has acquired many victories, they still seem to fly under the radar to many on campus. It may have to do with the team practicing off campus.

But, with NSU possibly building a bowling alley in the second part of the New Student Center, the bowling team will have an opportunity to host events bringing more awareness to the school and the program.

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spartan student life

HONORS STUDENTS MENTOR THE NEXT GENERATION

WHAT YOUR TEACHER NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT STUDYING

By BETHANY CARTWRIGHT Study advice for studying has always been the same: find a quiet location, use flash cards, set goals, etc. Yet it has already been proven that different students learn in different ways, which cracks the foundation of good study habits.

In a recent article by the New York Times, studies have shown that while some of these techniques are still useful, other methods can be proven more affective for students.

PHOTOS QUAMÉ HAMLIN | SPARTAN ECHO English professor Karen Tatum organizes weekly Honors4Kids mentoring groups.

By BETHANY CARTWRIGHT Every Monday morning, six kids come to the third floor of Norfolk State’s Lyman Beecher Brooks Library and its Honors College conference room. They talk about the activities of last session and have fun while learning more about English and literature and how it relates to the world around them.

Honors4Kids is a program designed for the children in ForKids, a homelessness prevention program based in Hampton Roads. ForKids provides housing services, case management, and a 24hr hotline to homeless families or those facing the threat of homelessness.

The program was first introduced to Dean of the Honors College Page Laws by Cedric Garrett, the director of education at ForKids and alumnus of Norfolk State. He proposed that six children from ForKids would come to Honors College on Mondays and be mentored and tutored by students and faculty.

On the first session of the program, they looked at the lyrics to “If I Ruled the World” by Nas and tried to relate it to what they learned by finding similes or metaphors.

“We’re trying to get the kids to make that connection,” said Samantha Gallop, president of the Kendra Butler Association of English Majors, who also contributes to this program.

The volunteers help to steer them in the right direction when

Student volunteers and children in Honors4kids both benefit from the mentoring program.

they need help with a question or doing a writing assignment.

Karen Tatum, a faculty advisor and English professor, organizes the weekly groups. She believes that working with Honors4Kids is a great mentoring opportunity for students.

Marquise Lawrence, freshman biology major, heard about the program at an Honors Café and decided he wanted to contribute.

“I just wanted to help the kids,” said Lawrence. “I thought it was going to be a tutoring activity, but it’s not.”

Marilyn Matthews, a freshman social work major, also volunteers with Honors4Kids.

She says the kids in the program were shy at first, but they aren’t like the homeless children seen in advertisements.

“They’re just like you and me,” said Matthews.

Student volunteers benefit from the program with the children. Lawrence is pursuing a career in pediatrics and he feels the program complements it.

“I think that having students teach the students is a great idea

because I think I intimidated them the first day,” Tatum said, lightheartedly.

Tatum has great plans for future activities, including having students act out Shakespearian plays in a modern context.

Tatum believes that this is a great opportunity for underprivileged children.

“Not only are they exposed to better communication skills, but coming to Norfolk State might hopefully inspire them to come to a university one day,” said Tatum. “That was Cedrick Garrett’s vision.”

According to Tatum, some of the students are interested in different majors on campus, like mass communications. The program will help students get more hands on experience in the field of their choice.

ForKids provides essential housing for those in dangerous financial situations, and has a high success rate for finding sufficient housing for those in need. For more information on programs or donations, go to www.homesforkids.org.

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Studying in different places can actually help a student learn their material.

Changing the scene While some teachers recommend finding a solitary area to study, research has shown that studying in different places can actually help a student learn their material more affectively.

“In one classic 1978 experiment, psychologists found that college students who studied a list of 40 vocabulary words in two different rooms — one windowless and cluttered, the other modern, with a view on a courtyard — did far better on a test than students who studied the words twice, in the same room,” said nytimes.com.

Changing the subject Studying different, but

related, subjects in one sitting seems to help students retain more knowledge. Studies show that students who study mixed problems on homework do better on single subjects tests.

Changing the routine While scientists will agree that cramming right before a test can help students pass, they usually forget the material right afterward and can’t use it for the next test or assignment.

Students would understand more by studying well before a test and during the week it will be taken. There are naturally more distractions during the weekend than during the week, and students will already be primed for learning between or after classes. Students should also be sure to take breaks in between studying.

Changing the habit Finding new ways to study isn’t going to make the perfect student. They will need to change the way to balance school work and leisure time, especially sleeping hours.

Getting average hours of sleep can keep students focused and alert when they need to learn. Other bad habits include shaky organizational skills and studying with the wrong people.

For more information on better way to study, visit these websites: http://www.nytimes. com/2010/09/07/ health/views/07mind. html?pagewanted=2&_ r=1&ref=homepage&src=me http://www.dartmouth. edu/~acskills/success/study.html http://www.collegetips.com/ college-classes/study-tips.php

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spartan student life Norfolk State University’s Graduate School

OPEN HOUSE March 2, 2011 3-5:30 p.m.

New Student Center, Room 138B Meet representatives from our 19 graduate programs Apply onsite and your application fee will be waived Light refreshments will be served

Master’s Degrees Offered Applied Sociology, Community/Clinical Psychology, Computer Science, Criminal Justice Electronics Engineering, Materials Science, Media and Communications, Music Optical Engineering, Pre-Elementary Education, Special Education, Social Work Teaching, Urban Affairs, Urban Education, Visual Studies Doctoral Degrees Offered Materials Science & Engineering, Psychology, Social Work

For additional information, please email gradstudies@nsu.edu or call the Norfolk State University Graduate School at (757) 823-8015.

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spartan entertainment

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Eleven for 2011 made believers out of those that doubted him as being a force in hip hop. Drake’s “Lights, Dreams and Nightmares” tour wrapped up in late 2010, and he is set to return to the studio upon his return home.

By QUAMÉ HAMLIN

Lupe Fiasco: Lasers, March 8 After a long battle with Atlantic Records, petition and protest from his fans outside Atlantic Records headquarters, it seems as if Lasers is finally going to be released. The first single “The Show Goes On” peaked at 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Fiasco seeks to deliver the great music that his fans demand be released.

Lady Gaga: Born This Way, May 23 This album will arguably be Lady Gaga’s second studio album because in some countries Gaga’s two albums, The Fame and The Fame Monster, were charted together as The Fame.Lady Gaga’s supremacy as an artist is unquestionable: she has over eight million followers on Twitter and all her “little monsters” are anxious for new material.

Beyoncé: TBD, TBD The last album she released, “I am... Sasha Fierce” sold over six million copies worldwide, had eight released singles, nearly a dozen Grammy nominations, six Grammy wins, and sparked a nearly year- long world tour. There is no further explanation needed as what to expect from the R&B diva.

Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers, March 29 The success of Wiz’s power single, “Black and Yellow” has landed Wiz Khalifa among the most anticipated albums of the year. He has shown success on the Billboard Rap and Pop charts with hit singles, leaving the music community wondering if he can put a third quality album together.

Kanye West and Jay Z: Watch the Throne, March 1 Kanye West revealed via his Twitter account that he and Jay Z finally found time to produce the dream album. The first single, “H.A.M,” released on January 11 has had successful iTunes sales and has dominated radio stations.

Drake: Take Care, April 2011 Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, satisfied all the hype that surrounded the former “Degrassi” star. He

Travis Barker: Give the Drummer Some, March 15 Travis Barker is set to release his first solo project, Give the Drummer Some later this year.

Barker’s album is set to have features from many genres including RZA, Bun B, Lil Wayne, Raekwon, Slash, Lupe Fiasco, The Cool Kids, Rick Ross, The Game and Swizz Beats.

Chris Brown: F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies), March 22 F.A.M.E. will be Chris Brown’s fourth studio album and Brown looks to regain his status as a top male force in Pop and R&B. His third, Graffiti, fell to number seven when debuted, but his three mixtapes released in 2010 totaled over 345,000 digital downloads. For Brown to cement his rise back, all he needs is F.A.M.E. becoming another top 10 album.

Dr. Dre: Detox, April 20 The world has been waiting

for this album in excess of ten years and even still his fan base has grown. After hearing about Dre in the studio numerous times and years of delays, it seems as if 2011 may be the year for the release of Detox. In late 2010 he delivered a single and a video, but it is ironic that The Chronic lovers are anxious for Dre’s follow up album, Detox.

Is anyone tired of going to Miami for #springbreak? #springbreak means no Britney Spears: Femme Fatale, March 29 Four out of Britney’s six albums have sold more than 500,000 copies in their first week, making her the only artist to achieve such feat. That consistency alone makes this a highly anticipated album for music lovers, and her success plus longevity place her as a top tier pop artist speaks for itself.

Lil Wayne: The Carter IV, TBD 2010 was a successful year for Wayne even though he spent the majority of it incarcerated. He released two gold albums while he was behind bars, Rebirth and I Am Not a Human Being.

Some say they were “buzz” albums or glorified mixtapes, either way The Carter IV looks to deliver. Wayne may finally be crowned as one of the “best rappers alive.”

A profound moment for Profound Sounds

By KESHARA COX Most people dream of making it big and ask for one opportunity to do so. Profound Sounds, a local production team, received that chance recently and have plans to take it to the next level.

Profound Sounds came together six years ago through the common interest of music. The group consists of Danilo Nunez, Jamaal Castang, Mikhail White, Kenny P and Shelby Arrington.

Jamaal Castang is a Norfolk State University graduate and Mikhail White is currently an undergrad student.

The team’s window of opportunity was thrust open when they found themselves in the right place at the right time. They were personally asked by VA’s

more #refundcheck.

Senioritis will be in full effect after #springbreak.

My failing midterm grades won’t ruin my #springbreak.

I forgot I was in a relationship over #springbreak.

Facebook tells everyone about your #springbreak.

Assignments over #springbreak are the worst.

I don’t need my parents to know anything about my #springbreak.

IMAGES COURTESY PROFOUND SOUNDS From left, Danilo Nunez, Kenny P, Shelby Arrington, Jamaal Castang, and Mikhail White make up the local production team, Profound Sounds. own rapper, Skillz (also known as Mad Skillz), to produce his famous end-of-the-year “Rap Up” after meeting them at a concert.

Following days and hours of toiling in the studio, the team was able come up with a sound that was fitting for the artist. On the day that the “2010 Rap Up” was released it had Twitter in frenzy because its annual release had been slightly delayed heightening fans’

anticipation.

Mikhail White of the group also received a special moment when he was asked to play keyboard for R&B artist Chrisette Michelle on the Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner morning radio shows, two of the most popular syndicated shows in the African American community.

Profound Sounds consider these opportunities as just milestones to their aspiring career in the

entertainment business. Since their breaking moment, they have been given countless opportunities to work with more artists and currently have numerous upcoming projects.

To get more on the interview with Profound Sounds check out www.spartanecho.com, or for information on the rising production team visit their site at www.profoundsounds.com.

People will come back from #springbreak looking completely different.

We’ll find out who all the Greek neos are before #springbreak.