www.thescsucollegian.com MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
OUR 96th YEAR
ISSUE 1
ISA President: Haiti was Hope BY DERVEDIA THOMAS EDITOR IN CHIEF
O
ver 150,000 persons are dead in the capital of Haiti alone, thousands other are injured and some are still buried under the rubble. Relief efforts have started from all corners of the globe including SC State student organizations that have wasted no time organizing fund raisers as images of the dead and suffering struck a nerve with students. In the midst of all the relief efforts, International Students Association President (ISA) Janique Francis is encouraging students to appreciate the legacy of Haiti and revere the Caribbean nation for their contribution to black history. “Haiti is a country that should be revered by anyone of African descent,” she said. “When there was no hope, in 1804 Haiti was hope; hope because an entire nation of slaves could defy white colonialists rule and control.” The political science major from Trinidad and Tobago explained that Haiti has been a major topic with respect to historical studies in the Caribbean. She explained that Haiti served as an example to the rest of the world and even extended its arms to accept slaves in America and other parts of the world who wanted freedom. Haiti today is an impoverished country. Even before the quake, over 80 percent of Haitians lived in poverty. Since then, criticisms have also accompanied the relief efforts including the claim that the success of the slave revolt was as a result of a pact with the devil that has now caused a curse on the country. The occult practice of Voodoo which is associated with the Haiti, as also lead to some feelings of Photo courtesy 2ndlook.wordpress.com apathy towards the suffering. Toussaint L’Ouverture leader of the Haitian Revolution. SEE HAITI PAGE 5
All photos above courtesy ft.com
Anonymous Donor Gives $90,000 to SC State University The Collegian An anonymous graduate of SC State University recently donated a gift of $90,000 to the institution’s endowment fund. Funds will be placed in the University Foundation, and the interest earned will support future student scholarships. This marks the second time within six months that an anonymous graduate has donated to the University. The first gift of $250,000 was an unrestricted contribution given to SC State in August. Both gifts indicate progress, evident in the overall support from the alumni who increased their giving by 23 percent last year. The University also set a new record for private gifts during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. “With a recent decline in state appropriated funds to the University, and with possible budget cuts looming, this gift provides much needed support for our students and a wonderful start to 2010.
L to r) Dr. Jackie Epps, former interim vice-president of Institutional Advancement; Dr. George E. Cooper, president of SC State University; and Dr. Rodell Lawrence, assistant vice-president of Alumni Relations
SEE DONATION PAGE 3
Faculty Senate not confident that SC State is moving forward
Inside >>> Meet Matt Timmons our Random Bulldog
By Jonathan White and Dervedia Thomas Managing Editor and Editor In Chief
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Nation and World Was MLK Jr. a Republican? Page 5
Entertainment Ask Lorpu Why are men so afraid of commitment Page 6
SC State’s Faculty Senate feels the concerns of the body they represent are not being addressed by President George E. Cooper. The Senate met on January 12, 2010 and expressed their many concerns including, lack of responsiveness from administration, the “arbitrary” release of faculty including the release of the Dean Gail Joyner-Flemming and the removal of Dean Thomas Thompson. Recent academic appointments, the restructure proposal, what they see as mismanagement of enrollment,
a lack of shared governance, academic freedom, the budget and furloughs are also among the concerns. One member even motioned for a strike, but although the member was supported by others, no decision was reached about such a measure. President Cooper invited the Executive Committee of the Senate to a meeting the day prior. Dr. Evelyn Fields, faculty senate president, asked members of the Executive Committee to report on what transpired at the meeting. Even after a de-
tailed report, the senate said they are still unsatisfied with whether or not the University is moving forward, and if anything is actually being done about their concerns. The Senate said they have sent letters to the President, which they were unwilling to disclose to The Collegian, expressing a number of issues on numerous occasions, but indicated that he has failed to respond. The body also sought the opinion of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a body set up to advance academic
freedom and shared governance, about a letter sent to the senate president by Vice President for Academic Affairs Joyce Blackwell. In this letter, the senate indicated that Blackwell said the body was subordinate to her. The AAUP however in their response said that “under generally accepted principles of university governance, it is appropriate for the academic vice president to serve as the administration’s liaison to the Faculty but, the Senate is not SEE SENATE PAGE 3
Obama’s completes one eventfull year in Office By Jonathan White Managing Editor The anniversary of the first black president in office on Jan 20 has gone mostly un-noticed and without public celebration. President Barack Obama has had a turbulent year trying to rescue an economy in recession, a collapsed housing market and an inadequate heath care system. Here is a recap of the president’s highs and lows for 2009.
A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR Connect with us < The 44th and first African-American ever to hold the office of U.S. Commander-in-Chief., Barack Obama gets sworn into Presidency.
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A day that will always be remembered in history. The event was witnessed by well over one million attendees in chilly Washington D.C., and by many millions more through photos courtesy www.gratuitoussocks. coverage on television wordpress.com and the Internet.
< Racing to reverse the country’s economic spiral, President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package into law Tuesday, February 17, 2009 and readied a new $50 billion foreclosure rescue for legions of Americans who are in danger of losing photo courtesy smartypantalones.com their homes
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The Collegian • MONDAY JANUARY 25, 2010
SC State says Goodbye Kristi Kenyatta Manigault, a junior nursing major from Bamberg, SC, died in an automobile accident on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 in Cope, SC. According to media reports, Manigault, a passenger in a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer was killed in a collision with a 1994 Ford Ranger which slammed into her door. All occupants of both vehicles were believed to have been wearing seat belts. Manigault was born on March 26, 1983. She attended the Bamberg public schools and graduated from Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School. She went on to attend Norfolk State University to earn a BS degree in biology. Manigault enrolled in South Carolina State University’s Nursing Program in August 2008. Manigault was also an officer with the Student Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi, and served as a peer tutor in Kristi Kenyatta Manigault 1983-2010 the CARE learning center.
She is survived by her parents, Karen Johnson and Charles Brown; her son, Jaylen McKnight; her stepfather, Alex Sanders; one brother, Rhennevor Jamar Johnson; five half-brothers, E3 Keith Brown of the United States Air Force stationed in Japan, E3 Kevin Brown of the United States Air Force stationed in Germany, Charles Brown Jr., Charleston Brown and Blake Brown, all of Ehrhardt; two half-sisters, Shanell Brown of Ehrhardt and Shanek Brown of Atlanta. SC State is also mourning the death of former SC State volleyball player Erinn N. Phillips who passed away on Jan 22 in her hometown of Inkster, MI after battling an extended illness. Phillips, 22, was a setter for one season (2007) for the SC State women’s volleyball team. Phillips was a biology major who attended SC State from August 2007 until December 2008 when she was forced to leave school due to her ill-
Erinn N. Phillips 1988-2010 ness. Prior to attending SC State, she was a standout athlete at Wayne County Community College in Detroit, MI. While at the community college, Phillips finished in the top 50 in assists (2005-2006) and serves (20052007).
“Sex, Love and Lies Part II.
News Briefs
SC State’s Honors Program and Golden Key International Honors Society Host “Courageous Conversation” When most students matriculate to college, they have several questions. These inquires and other issues that students are faced with were discussed recently during “Courageous Conversations,” a program hosted by SC State University’s Honors Program and Golden Key International Honors Society. “Courageous Conversations,” held every third Thursday of the month, will be used to promote healthy, comfortable and positive environments for students to share their ideas, thoughts and feelings about complex issues. “The program was
geous Conversations”is a platform for students to discuss topics that are banned from classrooms in an engaging, relaxed and comfortable environment,” said Maultsby. November’s topic was “Sex, Love and Lies”, focusing onunhealthy and healthy relationships among college students. The guest panelist was Dr. Carol Apt, professor of sociology at SC State. Also on the panel was Mark Anthony Brailsford, Sr., an alumnus of SC State who served 16 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Military Army and later served in
different issues that we face. “This is a very positive event,” said Louallen. “The more we continue to expose things like this, the more we can tap into what students are dealing with.” “This was the perfect time for me and my peers to share and receive information relative to the issues that we are facing, providing us with people that we can relate to, people that have gone through the same situations and are currently going through those situations,” said Chantel Knowling, a senior political science/ pre- law major at SC State.
“Courageous Conversations”is a platform for students to discuss topics that are banned from classrooms in an engaging, relaxed and comfortable environment.” -Juan Maultsby implemented so that students can have the opportunity to speak about sensitive situations that are affecting their everyday lives, such as roommate problems and how to have effective communication within relationships,” said Mary White, administrative specialist for the Honors Program. “This opportunity will support students with developing relationships by utilizing communication. Communication is the best policy,” she continued. Juan Maultsby, program coordinator for the Honors Program, echoed that sentiment. “Coura-
Desert Storm and Somalia. The student panelists were Kadeem Bartley, Jernai Ellis, Chassidy Hinton, Darius Louallen, Sheila Mainor and Markia Randle. These students are members of the Honors Program and Golden Key International Honors Society. Each member of the Honors Program and Golden Key International Honors Society will have the opportunity to be a panelist. Louallen, a junior mathematics education major, stated that “Courageous Conversations” will give students the opportunity to help each other out and offer advice to our peers about the
“I will definitely attend “Courageous Conversations” next semester,” she continued. Students, faculty, staff and individuals from the community are encouraged to attend the next “Courageous Conversations.” The event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, and the topic will be “Sex, Love and Lies Part II. For additional information about “Courageous Conversations,” contact Juan Maultsby at (803)516-4610, or Mary White at (803)533-3710.
SC State University Police Department Provides Crime Stoppers Tipline The SC State University Police Department’s priority is to decrease criminal activity on the SC State campus. According to Michael Bartley, interim police chief for the SC State University Police Department, we can meet this challenge if students and the administration will consistently report any suspicious activity. If you witness any illegal activity, you are asked to contact the Crime Stoppers Tipline at 536-8200. This anonymous, voice-activated line is checked hourly.
SGA President to Keynote Spring 2010 Executive Speaker Series Orientation Zachary Middleton will keynote the session, speaking on the topic, “Your Professional Image” at the first session of SC State’s Executive Speaker Series (ESS). As a part of the initial orientation of business students who are participating in the series will cover topics such as “how to dress for success”, “proper etiquette” and “available business resources” will be discussed. The Rules of ESS will also be covered. The newly formed wardrobe concept entitled “Wardrobe 101” will also be re-introduced to students.
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This Valentines in The Collegian Send in a picture of you & your significant other to the Student Media Office K.W. Green Student Center before Feb 3, 2010 Shout outs with pictures $10. without $5. Payment can be made at the Student Media Office or call 803 536 7522 for more information.
A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 < The New York Post stood behind a cartoon that some have interpreted as comparing the President to a violent chimpanzee gunned down by police on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 by Sean Delonas. The cartoon was said to be a parody of a news event to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. Many protested against this and even tried to boycott The New York Post. Though the cartoon clearly made its suggested point, why choose a chimp; a racist figure to the African American community? Why choose two “white officers?” Many feel that the correlation was a racist way to degrade not only President Obama, but also the black community.
< South Carolina Republican lawmaker, Joe Wilson shouted “You lie” at President Barack Obama as he addressed Congress on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, telling lawmakers that the Democratic plans for health care overhaul do not cover illegal immigrants. Rep. Wilson apologized for breaking with protocol and calling the President a liar during his speech before Congress that evening. photo courtesy smartypantalones.com
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CAMPUS NEWS The Collegian • MONDAY JANUARY 25, 2010
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Donations Continued from page 1 This gift also supports the University’s mission of garnering assistance from our community stakeholders,” stated President George E. Cooper. “We are ecstatic about receiving this gift contribution,” said President Cooper. “A University requires alumni support to continue to thrive. A gift to the
endowment fund is especially significant in that this is an investment which will provide endless support for our deserving students,” stated President Cooper. “It is only my hope that other SC State alumni will fervently pledge their support as we continue to implement programs of reform and change that are currently underway in our drive towards progress and growth.” Dr. Jackie Epps, former interim vice-president for Institutional Ad-
Senate Continued from page 1 subservient to any particular administrator. When asked to respond to the concerns of the faculty members, the vice president of Academic Affairs indicated that she could not respond to personnel issues specifically as it relates to Deans Thompson and Flemming because of legal constraints. With respect to the senate’s claim that faculty members were “arbitrarily removed” however, Blackwell explained that there was no Reduction in Force (RIF) in December, but that part-time temporary faculty assignments ended on December 15, 2009. “Any individuals brought back were allowed to do so based on the need for courses and to meet the needs of our students,” she explained “ This was based on justification received from department chairs and deans of the various colleges and schools. This is the traditional process used by the university. No full-time faculty were impacted.” In an interview with the senate president after the meeting, Fields indicated that the senate’s concern about academic freedom stems from public statements made by Blackwell. “It is my understanding that some members of the faculty were concerned when the VP of Academic
vancement, and Dr. Rodell Lawrence, assistant vice-president for Alumni Relations, presented the gift to Dr. Cooper, echoing his sentiment on its significance. “I am very pleased and excited about the unwavering support of our alumni during this severe economic downturn. This generous endowment gift will ensure that SC State students benefit in perpetuity as we continue to invest
Affairs implied in a University wide meeting that if a faculty member found that 20 percent of the students in his/her class has failed, then perhaps there is a need for intervention in regards to the faculty’s teaching methods.” In response, Blackwell says her words were misinterpreted. “I shared with faculty that if 20 percent or more of their students were failing their courses, they needed to examine the reasons for such failure rates.” She outlined a number of factors that could contribute to this, including instructional ineffectiveness, lack of preparation of students and a high number of absentees by students. “In all cases, it would require some assessment by faculty, which would include self-assessment and student assessment,” she continued. “As is occurring in all other institutions of higher learning, if faculty have high failure rates of students in their classes, they must implement intervention strategies in an effort to hopefully help the student to become successful. The responsibility for student retention is not solely the responsibility of the Office of Student Success and Retention. It is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, yes, faculty must assess their teaching methods from time to time.” She went on to explain that assessment of student learning in classes taught by faculty is critical and
in our children,” stated Epps. Lawrence agreed, stating, “I am appreciative of the trend that alumni have continued to set for the University. I am hopeful that this financial gift provides an incentive for other alumni to give their support, continuing this upward trend, and helping to ensure that SC State University offers an exceptional and educational experience for all of our students.”
should be occurring on a regular basis. “SACS requires this type of assessment. Therefore, I am baffled as to why faculty would see this as a problem, especially since no directives were given on teaching styles, methods or evaluation strategies.” The major concerns of the Senate are budgetary. In fear of another furlough, the Senate requested that Dr. Cooper release a financial plan for the University that does not include furloughs. They contend that other universities have already done so. As of the day of the meeting the senate said they did not received any feedback on their request. One of the members expressed that he has been to other state institutions and has noticed that they’ve done things differently as far as financial issues. “Why can’t we look into doing things a little different, other than furloughs? These schools that I’ve visited didn’t have to resort to that.” In September, 2009, the Senate hosted a Town Hall meeting where the faculty discussed holding a vote of no confidence in SC State’s administration. Following that meeting, the President met with both faculty and staff on October 7, 2009 to discuss the university’s financial situation. No names of those attending the Faculty Senate meeting have been disclosed at the request of the body except that of the President.
A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR CONT’D FROM PAGE 2 <President Obama on Friday, October 9, 2009, won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, bringing the relatively novice leader a new measure of prestige on the world stage but also potential complications in carrying out a foreign policy that includes managing two wars. The President was only the fourth President to receive the award, which stirred a lot of controversy. Some felt it was too early into office for him to receive the award.
< President Barack signed into law the “cash for clunkers” program, which was approved by the Senate on Thursday, June 19, 2009. For owners of lowmileage models such as the 1994 Ford Bronco, 1998 Nissan Pathfinder or the 1995 Chevrolet Blazer, the plan could give them a reason to visit their local car dealer during an economic downturn. photo courtesy smartypantalones.com
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CAMPUS LIFE
The Collegian • MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
RANDOM BULLDOG Matthew Tim-
By Anthony Brooking Staff Writer
Major: Business Management Classification: Junior Hometown: Winter Haven, FL The Collegian: How did you learn about SC State? Matt Timmons: I was introduced to Buddy Pough through a family friend my senior year in high school. TC: If a stranger approached you instead of myself, at this very same moment, and asked you for help, what would you tell them? MT: Can’t do much right now, but I’ll see what I can do. TC: If you were president of SC State, what would be one of your initiatives? MT:I would first stop this “walking only” campus or add more student parking spots. TC: How do you feel about the no smoking rule on campus? MT:I understand no smoking in the buildings, but in your car or walking around on campus? That should be the times we should be allowed to smoke a Black ‘n Mild or a Newport. TC: Do you think marijuana should become legalized? MT: Truthfully, yes. The reason I think so is because the money we spend stopping marijuana traffickers could go to things needing more attention, such as deteriorating roads. TC: When was it when you decided that you wanted to attend college? MT: When I was little I attended a few of my uncle in-law’s football games. TC: If you had your own political party, what would it be called? MT: It would be the Polo & Cacky Party. I’m just tired of the suit and tie thing. TC: Are there more similarities of differences between Orangeburg, SC and your hometown? MT: To be real, Orangeburg is slower than my hometown even though it has a major HBCU. TC: If I give you $1 million with the stipulation being that you could only spend that money three ways, how would you spend it? MT: One way would be to set up college saving account for my little brother and three little sisters. Second would be to clear my mother’s and grandmother’s bills. The rest would go to a charity helping the people in Haiti.
SC State students join protest against confederate flag SC State students joined the counter protest in support of house bill 3588 that would remove the Confederate Flag from the State House grounds. Appropriately done on Martin Luther King Jr, day, the flag that is seen as a symbol of black oppression and support for slavery in America, was removed from the Dome, but still flies next to the Confederate Soldier Monument on the State House grounds. Here are some highlights in pictures of the activities of the day.
All photos by Eric Smith/The Collegian
Is Your Organization having an Event? or have you done something newsworthy
MAKE YOUR OWN NEWS Write a press release and e-mail it to thecollegian@scsu.edu to be featured in the newspaper Press releases should be no longer than 450 words and be written like a news articles. Submissions for Mondays’s paper should be sent in by the Thursday before with contact information. Pictures may accompany releases. All articles will be published at the discretion of the editor in chief.
A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR CONT’D FROM PAGE 3
President Barack Obama reaffirmed his campaign pledge to end the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military in a speech, but offered no timetable or specifics for acting on that promise.”I will end ‘don’t ask-don’t tell,’” Obama said to a standing ovation from the crowd of about 3,000 at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay civil rights advocacy group. (October 2009)
< Senator Harry Reid, the Democratic majority leader, apologized on Saturday, January 9, 2010 for once predicting that Barack Obama could become the country’s first black president because he was “light-skinned” and had “no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.” The President later accepted Reid’s apologies, stating, “I accepted Harry’s apology without question because I’ve known him for years. I’ve seen the passionate leadership he’s shown on issues of social justice, and I know what’s in his heart,…”This should show many Africans the power of forgiving and forgetting. The only way to move forphoto courtesy nydailynews.com ward is to move on.
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NATION & WORLD The Collegian • MONDAY JANUARY 25 2010
Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a Republican? By Anthony Brooking Staff Writer Just in time for his birthday and national holiday, our second “Martin Luther King, Jr. Was a Republican” billboard has been erected in South Carolina by the National Black Republican Associom ation (NEBRA). adeen.c jam pa sy As one media photo courte eburg, SC. It reads: 6 in Orang ICAN.” report put it, the exit 145 of I-2 r King Jr. Was a REPUBL at ard lbo billboard is “loNBRA’s bil “Martin Luthe cated on US 601 in Orangeburg, SC; it’s smack in the middle of Rep. James Clyburn’s district….in the neighborhood of Historically Black Universities South Carolina State and Claflin University.” Orangeburg however, is not the only location where the billboard is located. Florida also has billboards that claim that Dr. King was a Republican. FOXnews.com reported in July 2009, that in Houston, public antipathy over the same billboard became so excessive that New Black Panther party head by Quanell X successfully campaigned for its removal. “Martin Luther King may have very well believed in some of the Christian principles of the Republican Party, but Dr. Martin Luther King was not a Republican or a Democrat,” said X. Professor of history at SC State Dr. William Hine, agreed emphatically that King was not a Republican. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not—that’s N-O-T—a Republican.” Hine went on to explain that his father, Dr. King, Sr., had been a Republican in his political upbringing, but he also asserts that “when the Kennedy family helped to get Dr. King released from a rural Georgia jail in 1960 (prior to the election of 1960), Dr. King, Sr. decided that he would not vote republican. He instead cast his ballot for John F. Kennedy, the democrat.” “I think the reason that you’re seeing these billboards personally, has a lot to do with Obama being president,” explained veteran actor in Orangeburg and manager for Ruby Tuesdays Tony Dealoia. “They are trying to say that not all African Americans are Democrat.” Why would the Republican Party go to such extremes to label such a historic figure as a member of their party? The simplistic but historically and politically complicated answer given by Deloia is, “Maybe it’s the way he originally registered to vote.” Could it be Dr. King, Jr.’s religious orientation caused the confusion of his political party identification? Student Government Association President Zachary Middleton thinks this could have been the source of confusion. “He [King Jr.] was very conservative; he was a pastor, so definitely a lot of his viewpoints
hinged around Christian ideals, which is very prevalent in the Republican Party.” Beginning in the 1970’s with President Richard Nixon’s ‘Southern Strategy’, republicans have been trying to change the color of the South from blue to red. As quoted from the East Texas Review, the ‘Southern Strategy’ was “an effort on the part on Nixon to get Christians in the South to stop voting for Democrats who did not share their values and were still discriminating against their fellow Christians who happened to be black.” Sounds to me that the old ‘Southern Strategy’ is still employed and out in force. “The republican party is trying to dig deep into history to say iconic figures in the black community had always been republicans,” states Dr. Benedict Jua, Professor of history and political science at SC State. “It’s just a claim; it’s a trick claim.” Would the Democrats be wrong to erect their own billboards but twist the statement in their favor? “Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, who were his close aides, ended up in the Democratic Party, but does that also mean that they are telegraphing King’s party affiliation?” questions Dr. Jua. So the big question… was Dr. King a Republican? “There is no truth whatsoever to the notion that Dr. King was a republican,” remarks Dr. Hine. “I knew the King family well,” said Frances Rice, chairwoman for the National Black Republican Association in an interview with TheRawStory.com, “We were all Republicans.” “That was not the Martin I know and I don’t think they can substantiate that by any shape, form, or fashion. It’s purely propaganda and poppycock,” says Rev. Joseph Lowery (also told to TheRawStory.com). Rev. Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a group which Dr. King was the first president of from 1957-1968. “Straight answer: I don’t know,” says Middleton. When asked to comment, South Carolina state student Derrell Jones, responded by saying “all I know is that he tried to be a life changer for everybody. As far as his political beliefs, his main belief was that everybody should be equal.” Why should it matter what the slain pacifist’s political party affiliation was anyway? “What he did for all people transcend politics, what he did in the voting booth was up to him,” said Middleton. Every time I travel to work, I see this billboard. “Martin Luther King Jr. Was A Republican.” If he was, good for him; if he wasn’t, good for him too, it is offending when political parties prey on black people’s emotions rather than trying to appeal to their intellect. That is what this billboard is; an object designed for the goal of making blacks cast their ballot on pure emotion, completely ignoring the real issues at hand. I share the sentiments of President Zach Middleton: “Dr. King represents a little more than a political party.” “To me, it’s not so much that party affiliation, it’s what you have inside the heart,” James A. Ham declares. “I measure a man by his character, not by his party affiliation.”
Alphas Ban Prairie View Chapter Until 2012 By Ryan Rudd Black College Wire Due to recent violations and counts of misconduct, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has made the decision to ban all of The Eta Gamma chapter of Prairie View A&M University’s activities until 2012, with a probationary period extending to 2014. The Eta Gamma Chapter of PVAMU was recently placed under sanctions by Alpha Phi Alpha for conducting and participating in inappropriate acts which violate federal laws surrounding hazing. According to members of Eta Gamma’s graduate chapter, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Eta Gamma began an unauthorized induction process in early
September 2009, in which prospective members were escorted to designated places outside of the campus. Once they arrived, they forced prospects to do a variety of inappropriate acts, including physical, mental, and financial abuse which all constitute hazing. “The fraternity does not condone any activities that would impede any student’s personal or academic success at the university,” said Frederick V. Roberts, assistant director for Career and Outreach Services and Vice President of the Epsilon Tau Lambda graduate chapter of Prairie View A&M University. The Organization Review Board (ORB) summoned Eta Gamma in October 2009, as they ran their investiga-
tion on the fraternity’s participation in the induction process. Although all allegations were denied at that time, the board then continued their investigation after a phone call they received from a concerned parent. According to sources, the parent called in a complaint alleging that her son had complained of bruises on his body as a result of taking part in an unauthorized induction process that was being carried out by the chapter. Shortly after completing their investigation, the ORB presented the evidence to Southwestern Regional Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Roderick Smothers. From that point, Smothers and his staff ran an additional investigation, before
eventually making their decision. The terms of the sanction include The Eta Gamma chapter not being able to bear letters of the organization, host any activities as part of the organization, or conduct any induction processes. However, the members of the chapter are allowed to participate in leadership and membership workshops and activities. Roberts and other concerned members of the fraternity’s alumni chapter have recently filed for appeal of the sanctions placed on Eta Gamma. Ryan Rudd writes for The Panther, the Prairie View A&M University student newspaper, which originally published this article.
Haiti Continued from page 1 Francis said that she felt such comments were unkind. “It was unfortunate to hear those remarks,” she said especially since it is not only a Caribbean country suffering, but the black race.” She instead wants students to look at the way Haiti was treated by the rest of the world after the revolt for the source of Haiti’s problems. “Haiti was a good example for blacks,” she said, “but whites saw it as a bad example, because it encouraged blacks to think thoughts of freedom and independence. Even though freedom had been achieved, the whites still sought to oppress them. What they could not achieve by oppression they did by isolation, similar to what was done to Cuba with trade embargoes.” Francis explained countries refused to trade with Haiti after the revolution and within itself the country began to crumble. As a result, Haiti was forced to go to France; the country they revolted against to ask for help. France in turn taxed Haiti for property loss [slaves and land]. “Haiti had problems moving forward politically, socially and economically,” she continued. “They had to pay reparations to France for recognition from the rest of the world. After years of paying all that money, Haiti was destroyed just trying to survive. That along with corrupt leaders who stole money from the country; American interference into the politics of the country, causing them to go on a downhill spiral.”
Francis’s claims are supported in several media reports including an article entitled “Behind Haiti’s extreme poverty” in the Pan-African News Wire. This article elaborated on the ills affecting Haiti including the U.S policy of “never” acknowledging Haiti’s independence after the revolt, extensive influence exerted by France and the United States in the running of the island, the exploitation of Haitian labor and state militarization during the Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier administrations that stretched from the 1950s through the 1980s. Haitian activists including former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide who as accused the United States and France of forcing his administration out of Haiti, have continuously called on France to repay Haiti for the reparations which the country was forced to pay. All eyes are now on Haiti, and this is something Francis sees as positive. “Its unfortunate that it took an earthquake and people dying for everyone to open their eyes and help rebuild,” she said “I can’t really blame people for not paying attention to Haiti because the media will only focus on issues directly affecting them [their own country].” Though the ISA has not begun fund raising, Francis said members are very interested in helping the Caribbean nation and several fund raisers are “in the works.” Members are also interested in going to Haiti to assist with relief efforts and have decided to make Haiti their focus for this semester.
A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR CONT’D FROM PAGE 4 <The Senate passed a historic $871 billion health care reform bill Thursday morning, December 24, 2009, handing President Obama a Christmas Eve victory on his top domestic priority. The bill passed in a 60-39 party line vote after months of heated partisan debate. Every member of the Democratic caucus backed the measure; every Republican opposed it. “We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people,” Obama photo courtesy frontpagemag.com said shortly after the vote.
< The Obama administration pledged a review of airline security after another scare at a Detroit Airport Sunday, December 27, 2009, after an alleged terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab bent on destroying a jetliner was thwarted only by a malfunctioning detonator and some quickthinking passengers. photo courtesy nydailynews.com Obama now stands a higher chance of > being a one-term President. Foreign aid programs are especially unpopular, especially relative to their small fiscal cost. Have you noticed how Rush Limbaugh and others are already making their rhetoric uglier than usual? It will be a test of the American populace; at what point will people start whispering that he is “favoring the other blacks?”
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VOICES
The Collegian • MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
Ask Lorpu: “Why are men so afraid of commitment?”
Q A
I have been dating a guy for about six months now, but he has not decided to take the relationship to the next level. I have hinted about the notion of making things official but never really pushed the issue. I have basically done everything I know in hopes that he would recognize that I am interested in being with him. At this point I am really confused about whether he even wants to be in a committed relationship with me. . I personally do not believe men are afraid of commitment. As hard as it may be for you to read this article, I have to say some things because I believe you need to read it. I do not believe men are afraid of commitment as a whole; I believe it is more of the type of girl the guy is dating and whether he can see himself in a relationship with her. If a man cannot picture himself taking a young lady home to meet his mother or any woman that has been instrumental in his life, then in most cases he will not be too serious about her. Women often assume that men have a weakness only thinking with and about one specific body part; therefore if they play on that weakness, they will have their way. As we have come to realize, men are smarter then we often give them credit for. I believe it is fair to say that men have standards and preferences just as women also do. Therefore, if he does not want to take it to the next level with you, then maybe he is just not interested. On the other hand it may just be a case in which he is not prepared to take it to that next level. This does not mean that he does not see a future with you; it just means that he is simply not in the right frame of mind to be in a relationship. In this case you have a decision to make; either you will decide to stay or leave. But before making this decision, it is very important that you all have a serious discussion regarding were you both stand in the situation. This discussion will allow you both to put everything out in the open and give you all the opportunity to clear the air and end the line of confusion.
Registration still a nightmare at SC State By Jonathan White Managing Editor Okay, so what was with all the registration problems on Sunday, January 10, 2010? Don’t remember the date? You did if, you had to wait in the long line at Moss Hall just to get access to your room. State has done it again! Many returning students had to hear the words, “I’m sorry, you’re not cleared! But everything is okay; all you have to do is go to Accounts and Receivables and get cleared to get back into your room.” Sounds easy right? Wrong! You got there and if you got lucky, you got pulled number 250. Wait, wait, and wait, until you finally got to see someone, and get told that you didn’t pay the mounds of money that you already paid! Over the break, you probably called STATE, got no
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STAFF Editor-In-Chief/News Editor Dervedia Thomas Managing Editor Jonathan White Sports Editor Nkosi Kennedy Copy Editor Jessica Teasdale Fashion Editor Charlotte Collins Circulation Manager William Champy Jr. Staff Writers Calhoun Cornwell, Lavantai Wynn, Moses O. Bell, Anthony Brooking, Simona Falana, Kirsten Pratt, LaCreatcia Adams, Elizabeth Watkins Contributors Janique Francis, LouAnne Wilkes, Kyle Williams SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY President Dr. George E. Cooper Vice President for Institutional Advancement Anthony Holloman Acting Director, University Relations and Marketing Tameka Keenan Adviser, Office of Student Media Rolondo Davis The Collegian is a student produced newspaper under the direction of University Relations and Marketing at South Carolina State University. The newspaper is distributed free to all students, faculty and staff members at various locations on campus. Editorial views and letters submitted to the editor express the opinions of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of South Carolina State University nor those of The Collegian staff as a whole.
answer, called again, and still got no answer. I know, because I did. I even got hung up on. But we wonder why customer satisfaction is so poor. How can you tell students and parents that the money that they already paid wasn’t updated in the computer, not to mention those out of STATE? And then they add, “Everything is fine, just come back tomorrow.” Just that easy! No kind of remorse, no sympathy, just come back tomorrow. STATE c’mon, we know you want your money, but seriously, update your financial list and sympathize with us. Luckily I got into my room after I paid more money out of my pocket, I’m sure most of you did, but what about my out-of-state roommate that was told to come back the next day? He PAID his money, boarded a plane from Boston, thinking that everything was cool; boy was he in for
a surprise. He had to get campus police involved to get back into his room. How can you tell someone that they only paid $1000 with a $2000 tuition pay plan? Your system may not have been updated, but did you forget how to do math too? And not to mention another outof-state student who drove from Georgia just to get turned down, and take that six hour trip right back; then come back the next day. I heard STATE was giving out scholarships, but are they lending gas money too? Well hopefully everyone as a whole will learn from their mistakes, and things will be better in the future. Or we can continue to do things that will give this great University a bad name? You decide.
Strong Views on Interracial Dating By Vanessa Philogene Black College Wire Have we finally moved on from racial prejudice in this country? If it’s OK to have a black man in the White House, what about a black man in the embrace of a white woman? Or, vice-versa? How do individuals really and truly feel about that? According to a Gallup poll, 95 percent of young Americans between the age of 18-29, and 45 percent of those 65 or over of all races accept interracial dating. And almost half of all Americans of all races have been involved in an interracial relationship. Nevertheless, as I spoke informally to a number of students at UVI, I got a surprising amount of negative reaction to the notion of interracial dating –some who opposed it based on the history of slavery, some opposing it because of cultural differences, while others say it’s no big deal. Their Points of View I asked one of my black girlfriends from California, Irys Watson, sophomore in General Studies, if she would date a white man. Her response was startling. “I would rather date a Mexican before I date a white person.” A white man, she said, might try to be a “master” over her. As for her comparison to a Mexican man…I decided to leave that alone. One of my black classmates, April Glasgow, told me that given the stigma of slavery, she doesn’t know how the two races could live together, and therefore she would feel uncomfortable dating a white man. While she said she’s not suggesting a white man in today’s world would treat her as a slave, she couldn’t help being reminded of history. Besides, there’s the matter of chemistry. “I don’t find white men attractive,” said Glasgow. For Glasgow, there are things about a Black man, like his presence, the way he speaks, his skin, and the texture of his hair, that she is attracted to and wouldn’t trade for anything. Like Glasgow, Zuri Baker, freshman in Education, and Mahlik Baker, freshman in Biology, both of whom are black, believe that culture plays a big part in choosing a significant other. “It’s a (matter of) parental influence to prefer my own race,” said Zuri. She believes that it’s part of human nature to gravitate to what’s familiar. And, Mahlik told me that dating has to do with culture and culture reminds him to keep with his roots. Even people involved in interracial relationships can be challenged by racial stereotypes. Take this white woman I spoke to recently who is
involved with a black man. Although it was her first experience with a black man she concluded that white guys are more caring than black guys. “I didn’t have any concern before getting in the relationship, but I feared that he would date another woman while dating me,” she said, asking not to be named. She believes that it was part of his culture to date multiple women at once. I was quite surprised by the comment and thought it was very interesting how she boils it all down to race, and not personality. Monica Johnson, a sophomore in Communications, who is black, said that love has no color, and you can’t help who you love. She added that it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white. But she does feel it’s important for individuals to maintain their culture and roots. “When a black woman is dating a white man, she has two sets of identity,” Johnson said. “I hope that she knows who she is and stays that way.” Same thing for a white woman, according to Johnson, who said she believes that white women sometimes attempt to conform when dating a black man. “If a black man is attracted by that, they could just date a black woman,” she said. While she doesn’t have a problem with interracial dating, Johnson does worry that some black men disrespect black women, and she finds that offensive. “The black men who downplay the black women fail to realize they came from a black woman,” Johnson said. “So everything they say about black women, they’re saying it to their mother.” My Point of View Both of my parents are black and are natives of Haiti, but I was born in Connecticut. At two months old, my mom took me to Haiti, where I lived for 14 years. Then I moved to Brooklyn, and lived in a predominantly black and Jewish neighborhood. Four years later, I relocated to Iowa for college. Iowa is a very white world, totally the opposite of what I was used to. Many would say I carry in me Caribbean values and spent most of my life around black people, which is true. But, I’m in love with a white man. My choice to date a white man is personal, not cultural. All my past boyfriends have been black, but why limit myself because of culture? There’s nothing wrong with something new. We all know that true love is not based on physical characteristics alone, but on who the person is and how they treat you. Nevertheless, ever since we got together, nearly two years ago, I’ve been questioned
about my relationship. “What’s it like to date a white man?” “How could you possibly be with him as a black woman?” “Don’t you know your history?” I remember one time in one of my classes at Iowa State University we were doing a question and answer activity. After a couple of fun trials, one of my peers told me that she always wanted to know how my relationship was with my boyfriend in terms of race. Surprised, I told her that most times it’s like any other relationship I’ve been involved in. I told her that as a matter of fact, it is society that reminds us that we are different. Caleb and I don’t let the color of our skin get in the way of our happiness. We were aware of our skin color before we got into the relationship. “What about your boyfriend, who I know you love deeply,” I replied. “Let’s say he was white, would you still love him?” She was adamant that she couldn’t. He would be too aligned to the history of slavery and she couldn’t shake that perception. I totally understood where she was coming from. I know the history. I just don’t let it define my future or come in between my happiness. As a Haitian, I have a history that is a bit different than that of an AfricanAmerican. We’ve been independent since 1804 -- more than 200 years of freedom. I’m not using that as a justification for me dating a white man, but I grew up in a home that didn’t have mixed feelings about white people. I was always reminded that I was equal to them and should get along with them. Therefore when I’m with my boyfriend, history doesn’t cross my mind. He’s too good to me to judge him based on the past. I am comfortable enough to love him because, regardless of all stereotypes, he’s the one, of all my past boyfriends, who has introduced me to romance. The one who has let me experience the true definition of love. Today, I’m pleased to know there are many blacks who are open to date interracially. However, I’m still amazed in today’s world that race is such a big factor in finding love. One thing that I concluded is that the inclination to judge based on race still exists, even when it comes to dating. I simply hope that when my children start dating they won’t have to defend their choices if the person they love is not the same color. Like Martin Luther King Jr., I dream to one day live in a nation where a person will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Vanessa Philogene wrote this article for the UVI Voice, the University of the Virgin Islands student newspaper, where it originally appeared.
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SPORTS
The Collegian • MONDAY JANUARY 25, 2010
NY Jets fans’ Super Bowl dreams comes to a halt NEW YORK (AP) — New York Jets fans saw their underdog Super Bowl dream come to a halt on Sunday. The only consolation for many seemed to be next season. “They’re a young team,” said Warren Morgan, watching the game at ESPN Zone in Times Square. “They will be back next year.” Led by four-time MVP Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts beat the Jets 30-17 to win the AFC championship game Sunday. Longtime Jets fan Jack Thompson watched the game with friends at the
Plank Road Inn in Secaucus, N.J., which is just minutes away from Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. Thompson said he was flying high early on as Gang Green took a 176 lead late in the first half but had a feeling his glee wouldn’t last when the Colts scored just before halftime. “I’ve had my heart broke by these guys so many times, I just knew this was the sign of things to come today,” he said. “My friends told me not to worry, the Colts just got lucky, but I had my doubts and, unfortunately, I was right.”
After so many years without a Super Bowl appearance, some hoped this would be the year for the Jets to surprise everyone, with star quarterback Mark Sanchez leading the way. “This is our time. This is our destiny,” said Corey Borg before halftime at The Hill bar on Manhattan’s East Side, where a standing-room-only crowd watched the game on more than two dozen screens. Fans dressed in their favorite Jets jerseys and caps and hooted and hollered at the action. One fan had even brought green
food coloring to pour into his beer. Frankie Sesta was sharing a pitcher of it with friends. “I couldn’t chance them not having a green keg here,” he said. At the ESPN Zone, as it became clear that no amount of fanaticism could save the Jets this time around, the mood turned somber. David De Jesus shook his head when the Colts scored to go up 27-17. “Too much Peyton Manning. It’s hard to stop that guy,” he said.
Hartley kicks Saints past Vikes Bulldogs into Super Bowl with OT field Fall Short To Aggies goal (AP) NEW ORLEANS -- They sure ain’t the Aints anymore. The New Orleans Saints are heading to their first Super Bowl after battering Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime Sunday on unheralded Garrett Hartley’s 40-yard field goal. The team that had no home five years ago after Hurricane Katrina ravaged its city and the Superdome overcame a slew of mistakes in the biggest game the Big Easy has ever seen. But the biggest error was made by Favre. The 40-year-old quarterback threw away Minnesota’s chance for its first Super Bowl trip in 33 years with an interception deep in Saints territory in the final seconds of regulation. New Orleans won the coin toss, Drew Brees guided it to the Minnesota 22 and Hartley, suspended at the start of the season for using a banned stimulant, split the uprights 4:45 into OT. “Just helping my team get to Miami,” Hartley said. “Just doing my part.” Forget the paper bag masks and a long history of losing. Moments after Hartley’s kick, they were toasting their hometown winners on Bourbon Street. And in the Superdome, once a squalid refuge after Katrina, they boogied in the aisles as confetti covered the field. The Saints (15-3) will meet the Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts (16-2) in the Super Bowl in two weeks in Miami. It’s the first time the top seeds in each conference made the big game since the 1993 season.
Garcon’s big day meant to honor Haitians INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Colts receiver Pierre Garcon celebrated the best game of his NFL career by unfurling a large Haitian flag, honoring his relatives and hoping to draw attention to the earthquake-ravaged country. Moments after Indianapolis beat the New York Jets 30-17 Sunday in the AFC championship game, Garcon got up on a podium and displayed the flag for the second straight week. Garcon was born in New York and attended high school in Florida. His parents emigrated to the United States from Haiti and most of his relatives still live there. Garcon caught 11 passes for 153 yards, both career highs. He caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning midway through the third quarter for the go-ahead score.
The True BCS System By Nkosi Kennedy Sports Editor For the past decade, we as college football fans have been given various injustices. From coaches leaving programs early without regard to the students (Kiffin and Kelly), to academics being treated like a fresh roll of toilet paper. All of these offenses are sadly accepted, because the game is more important then the players. But there is a storm brewing among the masses; one that cannot be stopped. No longer can we as football fans go on without a playoff system, our pigskin appetites must be quenched! Most fans complain about the Bowl Championship Subdivision (BCS) ranking system along with the bowl system, and righteously so. The current ranking system is weighted heavily toward the BCS conferences, making it impossible for other division 1 schools to compete. The bowl games are automatic bids now only to give boosters a pat on the back, not to give the players any closure. Alas, my fellow football fans fear not, for I have the cure to this system of biased treatment. The BCS is an unfair system but it doesn’t need a complete overhaul, just a much revamp. 1. Reformat the BCS ranking system to redistribute and lessen conference weight, while favoring conference champions and strength of schedule at the end of the year. 2. Use the BCS system to pull the top 16 teams. 11 conference winners and 5 wild cards. 3. Separate and reseed the 16 teams into 4 regions dependent on the Bowl games (Orange, Rose, Fiesta, and Sugar). The top four teams will be the #1 seed in there respective region. The regional championship is played in that Stadium while all other games are played in neutral sites. 4. The final games are played at 3 neutral sites with the final game being in the same stadium as the super bowl. With this system in place, every conference winner is awarded a shot at playing for a championship. The deciding factor for a school’s seeding is the schedule, not the conference there in. Also, this plan makes wining your conference the number 1 goal, not going perfect. This plan gives a margin for error that college football just doesn’t have; hope.
In case you missed it By Nkosi Kennedy Sports Editor • The BCS championship doesn’t live up to expectations as Alabama wins and colt McCoy is knocked out on the fifth play from scrimmage. •Jets not only get into the playoffs but beat the Bengals like they stole something. •Brian Kelly and Lane Kiffin expose the dark side of college football by leaving there respective programs for greener pastures. •Michael Redd is done for the season while the Bucks are still in playoff contention. •Blake Griffin is lost for the season. • The Bulldogs lose to Appalachian State for the second time in the first round of the playoffs.
By SC State Sports Information Senior guard/forward Jason Flagler recorded his second double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Darnell Porter chipped in 17 points and grabbed seven boards, but it wasn’t enough as SC State fell short to N.C. A&T State 67-58 Saturday at S-H-M Center.
Sr., Jason Flagler
SC State Women Fall 67-60 to NC A&T By SC State Sports Information ORANGEBURG, SC – Defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion North Carolina A&T closed the game with 14-7 run to capture a 67-60 win over host South Carolina State Saturday G Whitney Wiley at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. After SC State’s Tiara Knotts made the second of two free throws to deadlock the contest at 53-all with 4:18 to play, the Lade Aggies’ Jaleesa Sams converted on two free throws at the 3:09 mark to trigger a 6-0 run that put the visitors ahead 59-53 with 2:11 showing. Reserve Shontay Wylie got a follow shot for the Lady Bulldogs and Trinese Fox made one of two from the line to pull the host to within 59-56 with just under a minute left. But Amber Calvin converted a three-point play on NC A&T’s next trip down court for a 62-56 advantage and the closest SC State could get after that was that six-point margin. Sams had 14 points and seven rebounds to lead NCA&T. Crystal Murdaugh came off the bench for 12 points and Calvin finished with 11 in the Lady Aggie victory, the 10th straight regular-season MEAC triumph and the 13th overall against conference competition for Coach Patricia Bibbs’ squad. NC A&T improved to 11-7 and 6-0 in the MEAC Whitney Wiley had 20 points and seven boards for SC State, which dipped to 5-12 overall and 0-5 in the MEAC. Wylie and Sophilia Hipps contributed 11 each for the Lady Bulldogs in the loss, their fifth in a row and their 10th in the last 11 outings. SC State, which trailed 30-26 at the half, outshot the visitors 43 percent (26-60) to 33 percent (21-63) from the field and had one more rebound (42 to 41) in the contest, however, NC A&T enjoyed a huge edge at the line, making 25 of 27 attempts to just 8 of 17 for the Lady Bulldogs, who also committed 24 turnovers, seven more than the Lady Aggies. Lady Bulldog head coach Doug Robertson acknowledged the effort of his team against the league heavyweight but said his team had an opportunity to capture its first MEAC game of the year but didn’t convert on a number of easy attempts inside and allowed too many second chances by NC A&T. “If we grab a few more crucial rebounds, especially on the defensive end, and make a few more layups, we could have gotten the win,” Robertson said. “I’m happy about the fight we put up, but we are not in the ‘moral victory’ business. I want to see these kids get a conference win. “I thought we executed our game plan pretty well,” continued Robertson, who is in his second season at the helm of the SC State women’s team. “We knew what that would come in doing and I think we surprised them defensively. But, we needed to do a better job on the boards and cut down on the turnovers and make the easy baskets inside. We just need one win to get out confidence going and I believe we can get rolling with a few victories.” The Lady Bulldogs return to action Monday when they host Norfolk State in the first game of an MEAC doubleheader
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The Collegian • MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
TIME DOESN’T STOP By Charlotte Collins
Time doesn’t stop. At any given moment something could happen to you. Clock strikes 10:29 at South Carolina State University and you sit in your dorm room or in your living space off campus. 52 seconds later, you think of resting your eyes to go to sleep or to just continue studying. At any given moment, any given time, something could happen to you. How serious do you take your life and do you believe in the life of others? Do you, student, teacher, faculty, Mothers, Fathers, Boyfriend, Girlfriends, Wives, and Children, take your life seriously. February 8 1968 you are here in the moment, in the time, in the seconds. What do you do? Clock Strikes 10:29, on South Carolina State College. Fifty-two seconds left. One Second later. Local policeman are lined on the outside of the campus with the FBI, Two seconds, you worked yourself up because you cant get off your campus Three seconds. You notice your friends and everything is ok, Four seconds I wonder what we are going to do tomorrow, five seconds, something went wrong; a policeman, FBI, militant, or White man, fired his weapon. Six second he fired his weapon. Seven seconds he fired his weapon. Eight seconds, you’re running. At the strike of 10:30 bullets are flying by your ears, in the backs, and soles of the people running next to you. Screams, crying of pain, and you… you are trampling over the innocent bodies that were hit, and you are yelling to just anyone for help. Hitting the ground and crawling some where….. any where that is safe. You end in the infirmary, were there is a complete room flooded with blood, friends injured, and three dying. Crawling in and just realizing that you have been shot in your leg, and blood is traveling behind you as you crawl. You lay on your back in desperation for help. Your head rolls to the side of a man who is gasping for air, and it is his last gasp; and it is Samuel Hammond Jr. You pant and cry and turn your head to the right, to hear the words of the 23rd Psalm being chanted over and over and those were the last words Delano Middleton heard.
What Happened to the Grambling Band That I Loved? By Marvin Hurst Black College Wire To assume progress comes with the passing of a baton is conjecture operating at its optimum. In fact, assured progress is not a natural progression unless serious standards are implemented to guarantee that mastery is confirmed and continuous. That’s what came to mind as I watched a travesty in Jackson, Mississippi. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The once almost invincible World Famed Tiger Marching Band had become the locally lamed. The G-Man Band had fizzled down to a ghastly “geeee.” Someone please tell me what the hell happened to halftime? Better yet, where is the band I so love? Has it been “band-napped?” The name is still there but anything that resembled the former greatness of the Grambling band is DOA and/or MIA. It breaks my heart as an alumnus and a hardnosed fan. This is also problematic because the young men and women who are in the band deserve better. But to do better you need to know better. Subsequently, I submit to you the problem is leadership and lack of vision. If you need an example of how bad things have become for the band’s program, view their 2009 performance against Jackson State University. Musically, it was capital murder. Our show, although well-intentioned, would have been best performed for elementary students. I saw nothing that looked like a university band. And, certainly, not a thing that looked like GSU. I get the Michael Jackson tribute. But, the King of Pop impersonator? C’mon! The Thriller dance routine? That only works for the real MJ and award show tributes. Please believe this isn’t isolated nonsense. The same band had Santa Claus come on the field at the SWAC championship in recent years. WHAT?! It’s all been going downhill for years. We need change! This isn’t a personal attack against Dr. Larry Pannell. I like him. But folks, business is business. The marching band is a vital public relations and recruitment vehicle for Grambling State. Um … not so much these days. Another example of leadership lunacy is taking the
red out of the former band uniform for that “yellow stuff ” we march in now. Anyone who knows marketing and branding knows better. You don’t change a brand after working decades to establish it. Ask the folks at Coca-Cola about their experience with the new Coke. Other issues? The marching tempo is too slow. The arrangements are rudimentary. The breakdowns are lackluster. Who would think in an age where dance has become mainstream that we can’t engineer an interesting break down? In collegiate sports, when a coach continues to lose the alumni, the university’s symbolic upper brass demands more. That may lead to termination. It’s a sometimes painful process to achieve long term success. We need to take a step in returning our band to its rightful place. Our goal should be to continue a lasting legacy of marching magnificence. First, we need to exercise ourselves from the depths of being laughable. I welcome all civilized verbal debate on this issue. However, if you open your eyes and ears you can see what I’m seeing. We need to do this together. Demand change. The late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan spoke of change in the keynote address at the Democratic Convention in July 1992. I borrow and extend cuttings of her powerful words to my dear Gramblinites. “It is possible to win. It is possible but you must believe we can and will do it … Change: From what to what? … We are not strangers to change …We will do nothing to erode our essence …Our history bears witness to that statement … E Pluribus Unum was a good motto in the early days of our country and it is a good motto today. From the many, one … That is not an easy task, but it is a doable one.” Let us revive our renowned treasure before destruction befalls one of our greatest traditions. Marvin Hurst is an Emmy winning television producer who is also a Grambling alumnus. This article originally appeared in The Gramblinite, the Grambling State University student newspaper.
IS BULLDOG PRIDE BACK??? By Simona Falana Collegian Staff Writer With the new school year just beginning it’s truly off to a good start. Within the first two weeks The Campus Activity Board has jumped off the spring semester with a Welcome back melt-down in the plaza, a red carpet affair, and a game night in the newly remodel student center. Campus Activity Board president Cortney Burgess; has reassured that there are more events to come. It seems that the Campus Activity Board is here to serve the students and make sure their needs are satisfied. Hearing from many that last Wednesday’s meltdown was one of the best that they have experienced in a long time, gives me the feeling that the change for Bulldog Pride is in progress. If you are wondering what else is on the agenda for the spring semester you can consult with any Campus Activity Board Member, as well as make suggestions in the Campus Activity Board office for events you would like to see. Change starts within, so as students if we continue to support the events sponsored here on campus; campus life will be what every college student has ever dreamed of.
Spoken Word Wednesday Student Oratorical Contest Date: February 3, 2010 Location: Bulldog Lounge - Student Center Time: 7:00 pm Winners will receive a cash prize of: $200 - 1st place, $150 2nd place, $100 - 3rd place
The Music That Moved A Movement By Eric Smith Collegian Staff As a person of child could not reach color it is safe to say for the dreams that that there has always their God promised been three strong them; but as King driving forces in the marched on WashAfrican American ington, songs like “I society; God, Family Shall Not Be Moved”, and Music. “Oh Freedom” and During the time “This Little Light of of the Civil Rights Mine,” one can only movement, all three wonder about the they played a very power and universal photo courtesy www.frmarkdwhite.files.wordpress.comconnection of music big part in our struggle to gain the rights that helped our fore every man could have. Music being one of the most fathers gain the right so given and used by many as public of the three. if they were second nature. As we look a the old vinyl records like “We Shall But as with any good idea there is always a great Overcome” and “When Will We Be Paid For The soundtrack, a song, or even a jingle behind the enWork We Have Done,” they connect to the part of tire movement. You just have to take the time to pay American culture when the black man, woman and attention to the rallying cry.
Rules: 1. Participant must be an active undergraduate or graduate student. 2. Participants will have a 5 minute time maximum 3. Participants will be given artistic expression to touch on any issue pertaining to the Orangeburg Massacre. 4. Participants will be judged on Style, Content, Length, and Stage Presence. For More Information Contact: (803) 378-1917