The Colelgian March 8

Who is number 1?

SC State’s 15 Most Attractive Ladies Pages 4 & 5

www.thescsucollegian.com OUR 96th YEAR

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010

ISSUE 6

Sophomore’s research tops national competition THE COLLEGIAN

Probate Week

BY DERVEDIA THOMAS EDITOR IN CHIEF

You would have thought it was Homecoming.

SC State students packed the Smith-HammondMiddleton Memorial center on Feb 3, to watch the Alpha Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, unmask their 79 girls.

Two days later, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, unmasked a drastically smaller line; six new members in Dukes Gymnasium.

Miss SC State, Zuri Stackhouse who was the dean of pledges for the Zeta line 6 Z.O.R.R.O.S (Zetas of Royalty Rising Over Simplicity), said

that their members really had something special.

“I feel good,” she said. “We needed some new faces on the yard and these girls are really going to work hard and change the face of Zeta.”

Stackhouse went on to say that the new members have what it takes to inspire others to be finer women.

Senior Biology major Geneva Mackey who was the second member on the Zeta line, said that she was “really happy” to be a Zeta. “I did my research and I felt like they fit me,” she said. “This is the direction that my heart wanted to go in.”

Her line sister, Natasha Grey was equally SEE PROBATES ON PAGE 3

A Burning Passion

Greek member shares the story behind his 19 brands

Photo by Dervedia Thomas/The Collegian Genesis Peterson. On his upper arm two of his brands are visible . The larger of the two , has a lighting bolt running throuh it.

BY DERVEDIA THOMAS EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITOR’S NOTE: This article contains subject matter that may be deemed explicit . Reader discretion advised.

Branding is an undeniable part of the experience at a Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Everyone has either seen someone with a brand and been mortified, thought of getting one or felt the heat themselves.

Senior history major Genesis Peterson who is part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, has felt the heat

19 times.

He has brands on his back, both sides of his shoulders, his hips and both his wrists; one of which is dedicated to a deceased member of his chapter.

Many persons see this act as barbaric or simply gross. Most of the National Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO’s) including the Omegas have even publicly distanced themselves from this practice and underscore that it does not form part of their official rituals.

Fraternity members however, say it is a personal choice that shows their devotion to the organization and that legitimizes their membership.

“When I first came out I was just so excited to be an Omega,” said Peterson. “It was a goal that I always wanted to attain, and once I got here, I crossed, had my coming out show; I was wearing the shirts and doing everything I was supposed to, but it just didn’t feel real to me until I made it legit. The brand to me signified OK Genesis; you’re really an Omega now.”

Students pledging Greek organizations gain not just membership, but a new family which they often refer to as brothers or sisters. This bond is something he says he has never experienced.

“Before I pledged, I knew a lot of people, but I never really had any close friends. Omegas are about friendship. When two Omegas see each other, were just ecstatic, the way we greet each other and we just saw each other yesterday. It has also enabled me to become friends with people that I would probably have never talked to.”

Branding is a second degree burn inflicted by a heated iron. In this case, it is a clothes hanger twisted in the form of an Omega that is pressed on the skin for about five seconds. The person inflicting the burn is often called a Hit Master and many fraternities even have parties where branding is done.

“My first brand was on my chest,” he explained.

“This one actually hurt and right before he branded me I could see the hair on my chest burn and then I saw all the smoke from my skin come up to my face and I smelled my skin burning. It puts you in the mind-set of all the atrocities that happen in the world like people being burned by the stake or just being burned period because of dumb stuff people did then.”

When asked if he had any second thoughts before the brand was placed on his skin he said, “I was like, why the heck am I doing the dumb s@&#, but I was SEE BRANDING ON PAGE 3

SC State sophomore Kyle Childs, seated, won first place for his research presentation at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. He is joined by Visiting Associate Professor of Radio Chemistry Dr. Zheng Chang, standing left, and Research Associate for 1890 Research Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr., standing right.

SC State sophomore Kyle Childs captured first place for outstanding scientific research presentation at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, which was held Dec. 6-8 at Tuskegee University.

The Knoxville, Tenn. native received a plaque and will receive a cash award of $500 for presenting a research project entitled “Organic Scintillators for the Detection of Thermo Neutrons.” His presentation was based on a multi-university research project, “Synthesis of Boron-Loaded Organic Scintillators for Homeland Security Purpose.”

The study’s findings will aid the advancement of homeland security by helping professionals in the field better detect nuclear weapons.

Dr. Zheng Chang, visiting associate professor of radio chemistry at SC State, is leading the University’s research efforts for the project along with colleagues from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Dr. Laurence Miller, professor of nuclear engineering; Dr. George E. Schweitzer, professor of chemistry; and Dr. Indraneel Sen, post-doctoral research scholar.

Childs, a radio chemistry major, said the win proves that hard work has its reward.

“I’m glad I won. There were a lot of presentations of great caliber that were presented at the conference,” said Childs. It’s great to know I’m on the right path to building my career [in radio chemistry]. It’s good to know I’m doing something right,” he continued.

Childs joins several other SC State students who garnered top honors since 2005, the first year the University began participating in the PAWC oral and poster presentation competitions.

“The award-winning legacy of our students at the PAWC reflects the exceptional talent and academic excellence that SC State students demonstrate in and out the classroom,” said Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr., research associate for 1890 Research and advisor to conference participants.

For Childs, however, the experience was a valuable learning opportunity that will become the springboard for his future aspirations.

“Oftentimes, undergraduates don’t have the opportunity to work with such ground breaking SEE RESEARCH ON PAGE 3

INSIDE SC State to introduce Mandarin in the fall Page 3

ASK LORPU I still have feelings for my ex.

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CONNECT WITH US Send us a tweet@ twitter.com/SCSUCollegian

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The Collegian • MONDAY MARCH 8, 2010

Article Comments on the Web Article: Talent of the Week: Clifford Cartel • This is my lil brother right here...yes I am the

official real sister...I support my lil brother 3000 percent and im gonna keep supporting him on everything he does...I just want him 2 know that I love him and so do his nieces and his nephew and his mom and we always will...love u clifford cartel and always will...CARTEL FAMILY ALL DAY

Article: Debate rages over white step group’s win • This shows how ignorant are these “so-called” Black Greeks are by showing these far removed White girls how to do the Al Jolson Stepin and Fetchin dance.

If these “so-called “Black Greeks were familiar with entertainment history they would have known that Whites have always been able financially capitalize off the talents of Blacks after Blacks showed them how to dance, sing, and dress. Instead of getting upset with the results of the “fair competition,” those attending those HBCUs should be even more upset with the overall conditions of your schools. For example, how many of our beloved HBCUs are wireless campuses?

I would argue that you certainly should be upset with a few White sorority girls surpassed you in what you say is “ours” when you showed them with “open arms.” Will we ever learn?

I challenge all of these “so-called” Black Greeks to tell me the “Start point and the End point” of the Underground Railroad. For those hailing from SC, how many of you have ever visited the Drayton Hall Plantation in an effort to study a significant portion of Black people’s history?

• I think that the ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha deserve to keep the #1 spot without sharing. Yes, stepping evolved out of the black community and I agree when Ross said that if “black” people were told no or told to “share” the #1 spot, they would have an uproar and exclaim it’s fair.

They think that it is nice for the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha to share the title and get as much money. I wish our [black} people would open their minds to see that as much as we try to get on top and stay there, that we are pushing ourselves down when we think like this. To me this makes us look bad. Black people as a whole can be shisty sometimes, and that could possibly be the downfall of our race.

Article: Interracial Relationships (Love and Race) • Hmmm! To the black females that feel a black male would know your needs better. Does it also occur to you that, the same black male has NO intention of meeting those needs. To those black males that feel white women are easier and demand less. Does it occur to you that those same white women already have a bank of white MEN (family or friends) who will meet their needs,

so you don’t have to be a man, just genitalia. To those same black males, has it occurred to you that perhaps many black women JUST DON’T WANT TO DEAL WITH ADULT MALE CHILDREN ANY LONGER! I don’t talk to black males deliberately. RIDDANCE!!

• This disgusting nonsense is the worst kind of propaganda printable. If you want to throw your children into a den of lions go ahead, but more prudent individuals will share with their children the realities of race in America as opposed to the idealism. I’m a New Yorker who voted for Obama, but whether couples choose interracial partners is not something that should be forced.

• If this deeply skewed SCSU student survey is any indication of what many Blacks from the South think about interracial dating; this clearly shows that Blacks are committing an act of social disrespect for participating in such social deviant behavior. I should also note this clearly shows how millions of a historical and self-hating Blacks are yearning to be accepted by the larger White society. In fact, native born Blacks from the US are the only ethnic group in the US who share his/ her riches with those who don’t look like them and even brag about having White people (your collective oppressor,not individual of course).

Case in point, you don’t see Jewish people dating or marrying Germans or Palestinians in mass numbers.

We need to keep in mind that since SCSU is located in the South and many Blacks living there still view light-skinned (not fair-skinned for all of you buffoons out there)Blacks as the standard of “being pretty” or having “good hair(by the way, there is no such of an thing because its nothing more than a White Eurocentric standard).

In sum, until Blacks began to see themselves as being worthy of one another, “we” will continue to be incrementally diluted out as a Black race of people while every other ethnic group will continue to control us directly and indirectly (i.e., educationally, politically, financially, etc.) while “we” as a collective Black people go on a continual downslope.

• (Reply to comment above)

You have pointed out a few important issues, but proceeded to miss the cause entirely, and to be honest reading a post like this makes me embarrassed to be a black man.

You throw around terms like “social disrespect” and “deviant behavior”, which is already woefully ignorant, and you attempt to establish your argument on the back of simple un-truths.

We are the only people in the country who “share our riches with people that don’t look like them?” Did you do any research at all, or did you just say what you want and pass it off as fact? Because you are completely wrong, and that is including other ethnic groups in the US that have been historically oppressed. Have you forgotten the Native American population, who have intermarried very heavily? Or the Hispanic population, who have historically had their land stolen, their men killed, and their women raped? The Asian population, who were starved in internment camps while their families were being killed overseas? In fact, nearly every single ethnic group in the US has higher rates of interracial marriage by percentage than do whites and blacks, even the ones who were once “enemies” of white society.

Not to mention that you little side comment about

Germans and Jews in also entirely false. There are more marriages between people of German and Jewish descent than between white and black by a fairly large margin, unless you feel that you are more qualified than the United Nations Statistics Division and the Census Bureau.

Moving on, you still seem to be blaming interracial relationships for problems within our community when in reality they are a symptom, not a cause. Maybe we should focus on our health issues (why, for instance, is our average life span so much lower than other races?), our educational issues (88% of black 4th graders cannot read at a 4th grade level), or our mockery of a “culture” which embraces and glorifies drug abuse, misogyny, greed, violence, and pride. But no, that can’t be it, surely we bear no responsibility for anything, it must be interracial dating! What you are doing is painting an entire race of people as “oppressors” because it is convenient for your argument, which is exactly how prejudice was fostered in Nazi Germany.

I would also like to point out how truly offensive your claim of “dilution” is. Ignoring the fact that it would also “dilute” the white population, making it a pointless attack, you are essentially arguing for a concept of racial purity. Now who does that remind me of?

Purposeful isolation from the rest of the nation is in its own right a form of self-imposed oppression. Instead of trying to pin blame on something as harmless as interracial dating (perhaps you should go and look at Canada, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, etc. for countries who are so racially and culturally homogenized that such issues do not even arise).

Arguments such as yours do nothing except to ensure that the current attitudes and prejudices prevail. Our community needs to take responsibility for the things we can change and make better, and stop trying to blame others.

There is certainly oppression in this world, some of it imposed by our own people, and you are ignoring all of them. The next time you decide to make such broad, ignorant statements, perhaps you should at least get your facts straight.

Article: Musicians lobby could kill black radio • Some big corporate conglomerates have been trying to scare the public, artists and small stations with threats of what the Performance Rights Act would require.

Here’s the TRUTH: under the law, any commercial or nonprofit station that makes less than $100,000 annually will pay only $500 annually for unlimited use of music. That’s just $1.35 a day. Any station making between $100,000 and $500,000 annually will pay only $2500 per year, and those making between half a million and $1.25 million will pay just $5,000. For stations making under $5 million a year, the payments won’t even start for three years, providing time to weather this economic storm.

Three-quarters of all radio stations, including 90% of all African American-owned commercial music radio stations, would never pay more than $420 a month for all the music they can play. That makes the most culturally valuable intellectual property – music – also the least expensive. For more TRUTH, please visit www.musicfirstcoalition.org.

To comment on any article in The Collegian visit www.thescsucollegian.com Corrections The photo comment on page 2 under the photo of Dr. Butler Brewton should have read “SC State Professor and Poet in residence, Dr Butler Brown.”

The answer to the last question in “Campus Talent of the Week Clifford Cartel” was: The Grammys In the article “SC State’s 15 Most Attractive Men,” The corrections are as follows: Quincy Creamer is a marketing major. Gabriel M. Fernandez did not decline to answer on his status, J.R. Jackson is not in a relationship.

The Collegian sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

Success Workshops Student Success and Retention Program CARL E. JONES, PH.D., Executive Director “READING FOR SUCCESS”

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. 202 ADAM H. MOSS HALL

Need money for College?

WRITING FOR SUCCESS: “THE SUMMER CAMP LETTER APPROACH”

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. 202 ADAM H. MOSS HALL

“BLACK MALES: THE BIG-PICTURE PLAN”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. ALGERNON S. BELCHER HALL 4TH FLOOR AUDITORIUM REGISTRATION

Time is running out!

Complete your 2010-2011 FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov And remember SC State’s Title IV school code is 003446 Application deadline: May 1, 2010.

The Student Success and Retention Program in its effort to promote excellence in student achievement from orientation to graduation announces for March 2010 its Success Workshops.

The Success Workshops are free and open to all students.

Students, however, are asked to complete a brief registration available from SSRP not later than the day before the workshop and submit it to Student Success and Retention, 115 Adam H. Moss Hall, fax it to (803) 536-8432, telephone SSRP at (803) 536-7142 / (803) 536-8937 to complete your registration over the telephone, or email SSRP

3

NEWS

The Collegian • MONDAY MARCH 8, 2010

Mandarin to be offered Debate rages over white step group’s at SC State in the fall SC State will offer two section of Mandarin I (Standard Chinese) in the fall of 2010 and both Mandarin I and II in the spring of 2011.

This is according to Vice President for Academic Affairs, Joyce Blackwell.

Blackwell said that the introduction of this course will allow SC State to continue to internationalize its curriculum. “ In a global economy where China plays a major role, this will make our students more competitive,” she said.

Once the official process is completed, the VP indicated that the course will be taught by a professor from Taiwan

win

Research Continued from Page 1 research. I am glad to have had this experience while pursing my baccalaureate degree, and I am confident that what I gained from this opportunity will be useful when I conduct my postbaccalaureate work,” said Childs.

Several SC State faculty, staff and one other student presented or competed at the conference.

Dr. Mathis and Shobha Choudhari, 1890 Research statistician, presented “Distribution of the Free and Reduced Lunch Participation By Hispanics in Pee-Dee and Coastal Regions of South Carolina During the Period of 2000-2003.”

Dr. Thomas Thompson, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership; Dr. Donald Tetrault, associate professor of educational leadership; Dr. Jesulon Gibbs, assistant professor of educational leadership and Dr. Mathis delivered a presentation on “Legislative Initiative on Dropout Prevention: A 50 State Review.” Another student competitor, Cedric Shamley, a senior biology major and chemistry minor, presented “The Effects of a Warmer World.”

“SC State’s participation in forums like the Professional Agricultural Workers’ Conference gives faculty, staff and students opportunities to showcase our excellence in scholarship and research to other institutions,” said Dr. Louis Whitesides, 1890 Research administrator. “The awards that any member of the SC State family receives at these events are well deserving recognitions for the work we all do collectively,” he continued.

An annual event, the PAWC provides a forum for professionals in agriculture-related fields to discuss emerging policies and programs that are used for the advancement of people and communities.

Students or faculty interested in participating in next year’s PAWC, can contact Dr. Mathis at (803) 536-8974 or cmathis@scsu.edu.

Probates Continued from Page 1 excited. “I feel wonderful, excited and overwhelmed,” she said. “I chose the Zetas because they are unique ladies. It’s not about numbers it’s about quality; we have a very tight bond.”

In contrast to the Zetas, the 79 Pearls of Crimson Royalty, displayed by Delta Sigma Theta evoked criticism that it was impossible for the members to adequately bond with such a large line. New member, junior special education major Shelisa Blocker, said that this is “absolutely not true.”

“We made time to get to know everybody,” she said. “We were determined to do so.” Her line sister Briauna Perry who is a junior drama education major also disagreed and called it heresy.

“Most people who say that, have not gone through anything like this,” she said. “This is a different type of process. I love each and every one of my LS’s, you would have to be part of 79 Pearls of Crimson Royalty or 79 Pears of Crimson Distinction to understand.”

Both Perry and Blocker were chosen from a rush of 349 girls. Apparently, this is not uncommon for this organization as their President Kirsten Nash, said they have previously had a line 108 girls.

Nash, who became a member in the spring of 2008, is also the Student Government Association’s (SGA) Corresponding Secretary. She said that she thinks the large interest in her organization stems from the fact that Deltas have been making a positive impact not just at SC State, but at other college campuses.

She also pointed out the number of persons in leadership positions at SC State. These included

Photo by Zia Felder/Student Media Two Neophytes waiting to be unveiled at Delta Sigma Theta’s probate on Feb 3 2008-2009 SGA President Whitney McCrea, current SGA Recording Secretary Shenita Jackson and 2008-2009 Miss Junior Brittany Sade Jackson. The new line, she said, also includes campus leaders. Those mentioned were Senator at Large for the SGA, Chassidy Hinton, President of the Honors Program Chanel Lincoln and President of the National Society of Black Engineers, Fransha Wagner.

In an atmosphere where only four of the Pan Hellenic Greeks at SC State have active chapters, both the Deltas and the Zetas say they already have ideas for a resurgence of Greek life.

“We are already planning for our next event which will be called Finer Womanhood,” said Miss SC State, “as well as Greek Week where we will collaborate with the Sigmas, the Deltas and the SGRhos.”

Not to be outdone, the Deltas said “Look for us.” They already have ideas that they plan on implementing this year and with the help of their large membership, they expect to have high student involvement.

Branding Continued from Page 1 thinking this is actually something I want. It’s just like with anything in life, you’re going to do some stupid stuff to get what you want but at the end of the day you’ve got to think is it worth it, and to me it is.”

After getting the brand, many persons try to intensify the scar by itching it lightly or gently rubbing it with a loofah sponge as it begins to heal. Peterson, who became a member in the spring of 2008 said he used to hit them despite the excruciating pain that it caused to intensify the scar.

Healing isn’t easy either. The brands on his hip forced him to sleep sitting down for a month and even interfered with his ability to have intercourse.

Critics of procedure are not limited to non Greeks. According to the book “African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision” by Clarenda M. Phillips, members are often confronted by other members with the idea that branding is associated with cattle and slavery.

The author cites the Black code of 1685 which states that slaves were punished by branding for unlawful assembly or escape. A few fraternity members including Ulysees Horn who emphatically stated that he disagrees with the practice were interviewed in this book. “These guys take it on themselves,” he said. “They think that that’s the only way you can be a real Q which is asinine…I just don’t believe that you need to disfigure your body. But if it’s something that people get a kick out of, fine.”

Men are not the only Greek members who engage in branding, while it is more taboo, Phillips explains that there has been a marked increase in women being branded after the 1990’s, with the upper thigh and bikini line being the more popular locations.

Despite the criticism, branding has a history of its own in the Omega culture. According to the ’08 member, [Peterson] during World War I, members could not be identified when their bodies came back from war. As such he said, many were not given the Omega funeral as is customary. As a result, “brothers” were branded on their torsos in case their limbs were blown off. Peterson also pointed out that branding was a ritual done in Africa to symbolize manhood.

To avoid discrimination in professional settings, his 19 brands which coincide with his line number, are not visible in a long sleeved shirt. He acknowledges that his brands could cause discrimination from potential employers and also deter other people from approaching him.

“If you look back in history, we as human beings, what we don’t understand we fear, but if you have an understanding of Greek life you will know; we love what we love.”

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In this photo provided by Sprite, members of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority from the University of Arkansas compete in the Sprite Step Off National Finals Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, in Atlanta. Eighty teams from fraternities and sororities at forty universities participated in the competition which featured a grand prize of $100,000 in scholarships, triumphing in the largest prize pool ever of $1.5 million in scholarships. After days of controversy over Zeta Tau Alpha group’s win in a step competition, sponsor Coca-Cola said Thursday Feb. 25, 2010, the second-place team Alpha Kappa Alpha will share top honors. (AP Photo/Sprite, John Amis) ATLANTA - Visit any of the nation’s more than 100 historically black colleges or universities and you’ll see clusters of men and women engaged in the rhythmic clapping and foot stomping routines known in black Greek circles as “stepping.”

Now a white Arkansas team’s win in an Atlanta step competition has started a fiery debate over the African-inspired tradition and whether the integration of a once-ethnically exclusive activity constitutes a form of cultural theft.

“What has happened is black youth culture, what people would call hip hop, sort of made black culture accessible and appealing to all kinds of people,” said Walter Kimbrough, president of historically black Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., and an expert on black Greek life. “It really now has become an American experience.”

The uproar began when the all-white Zeta Tau Alpha team from the University of Arkansas beat out five other sorority teams to win last weekend’s national final in the Sprite Step Off competition. A YouTube video of their performance, inspired by the movie “The Matrix,” generated hundreds of comments.

Posters questioned everything from whether a white group should have been allowed to compete to whether judges wowed by the unlikely competitors inflated their scores to let them win.

“Good Job but let the Black folks have their own thing for once!!!” wrote one commenter posting under the name “titetowers” who said the Zeta Tau Alpha team did well but should not have won.

On Thursday, sponsor Coca-Cola announced “scoring discrepancies” and said the runner-up - the Alpha Kappa Alpha team from Indiana University, whose members are black - would share first place and receive the same $100,000 in scholarships that the Zeta Tau Alphas won.

It was unclear what the discrepancies were and CocaCola would not elaborate. The tournament began in September with a series of regional qualifying rounds around the country.

While scholars have debated the origin of stepping, the phenomenon is generally believed to have originated with black Greeks around 1969. Some link it to a form of African “gumboot” dancing, which involves performers rhythmically slapping and stamping their feet. It’s a form of dance made popular by workers in South African mines.

Pulling from things like military cadences and dance routines, stepping usually involves stomping out rhythms in heavy boots or loud shoes, with emphasis on precision and flair. Step crews often travel from coast to coast to earn cash, trophies and bragging rights for the most precise or clever routine.

In the early 1990s the fierce competition began to gain attention off black campuses, with large sponsors hosting events, Kimbrough said. Before then, competitions were mostly organized by fraternity and sorority chapters.

As the phenomenon expanded, other Greek groups began participating. Now, it’s not uncommon for white or Latino Greek groups to participate.

Lawrence Ross, author of “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, said the increased interest in stepping is a natural evolution, much like other urban staples such as rap music that went from an underground phenomenon to mainstream.

“Others are always going to be attracted to what you’re doing and are going to want to participate,” said Ross, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, a historically black fraternity.

He said the nation is integrating more than ever and blacks who embrace President Barack Obama making inroads into previously all-white bastions can’t have a double standard.

“If (black Olympian) Shani Davis was prevented from speed skating simply because traditionally, no AfricanAmericans were in the field, we African-Americans would be up in arms,” he said.

Zeta Tau Alpha national spokeswoman Christy Barber said the University of Arkansas chapter started stepping 16 years ago and participants were originally mentored by the school’s Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter.

Arkansas senior Alexandra Kosmitis said she and her teammates had worked hard and were very excited when they heard they had won Saturday. They didn’t feel their title was diminished when Coca-Cola told them they’d have to share it.

“We feel truly blessed to have been part of the competition and to have gotten scholarship money to further our educations,” the 21-year-old Pine Bluff, Ark., native said.

“The AKA chapter from Indiana University were really nice girls throughout the competition, and we’re glad they are also getting scholarship money too.”

Kosmitis has been on the step team since she joined the sorority and said it gives her a chance to do an activity she’s come to love while bonding with her sorority sisters.

Melody McDowell, a spokeswoman for Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national office, attended the competition in Atlanta and said her sorority’s members were “very talented and deserved to win, so we’re delighted with the outcome.”

“We’re happy that whatever problem occurred with the judging has been resolved,” she said, adding that both teams were “very deserving winners.”

McDowell and Barber declined to comment on the Internet controversy, but both said they were disappointed that talented young women who were doing what they love got

SC State's 15 Most Attractive LADIES COMPILED BY JONATHAN WHITE/ STEPHANIE MANAGING EDITOR/ CONTRIBUTOR

1.

Shanee Mobley Classification: Senior Major: Professional Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: A sense of humor, confidence, and trustworthiness.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Being spontaneous and doing things “just because.”

Hobbies: Playing basketball, watching movies, playing games and just enjoying life.

Future Aspiration: To further my studies at UGA in Genetics and later join the FBI Forensic Science Unit

2.

CAUTION!! Sit back, relax, and grab a glass of water because its about to get hot.

These women are the real reason for global warming. After a twoweek voting period, 308 votes have been cast, the ballots have closed and the tallying is complete. What does the modern guy look for in his ideal companion? From freshman to senior, from Champagne to Entourage, the Top 15 Most Attractive Ladies are here! “I know that girl, she definitely has my vote,” guys said as they took minutes trying to decide which girl they would pick.

SC State has so many beautiful woman but these are our top 15!

4.

Brandi Patterson Classification: Sophomore Major: Psychology Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: A guy that is confident, funny, smart and one that know’s how to treat a woman.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Hobbies: Singing and dancing

3.

A’ Deana Jones Classification: Sophomore Major: English Education Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: His smile, personality, and intelligence.

He also has to be outgoing and confident.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Ambition, goals, and support Hobbies: Dancing (SC State Champagne Dancer), singing, shopping, and traveling Future Aspiration: After graduation, moving to NY to attend Columbia University and obtain a degree in Entertainment Law. Eduacation is the back up plan.

5.

Shannon Blair Davetta Davis Classification: Sophomore Major: Political Science Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: Sense of humor, intelligence and muscles What keeps you attracted to a guy: He has to keep the same qualities that he met me with.

Hobbies: Modeling, soccer and traveling Future Aspiration: To become a politician or a job with CNN

Classification: Senior Major: Biology Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: His intelligence, humor and the way he dresses.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: He most definitely has to be romantic, also his goals and the fun we have together.

Hobbies: Dancing (SC State Champagne Dancer), swimming, traveling and writing.

Future Aspiration: To become a dentist specializing in Maxillo facial surgery

Classification: Junior Major: Psychology Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: Confidence, personality and nice teeth.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Honesty, humor, intelligence.

Hobbies: Soccer, singing, and eating.

Future Aspiration: To become a school Psychologist

10.

6.

Brooke Ehinger Ashley Graham Classification: Junior Major: Health/Medical Physics Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: A guy who exudes confidence and displays love and dedication to God; someone who supports, compliments, influences and challenges me; someone who can be a real friend.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Our compatibility and willingness to compromise.

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, sky diving, bunjee jumping, and being proactive in the world today.

Future Aspiration: To become a Medical Health Physicist, educator, motivational speaker, and the holistic family woman.

7.

Classification: Junior Major: Marketing Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: Tall, funny, respectful, smart, attentive, and a gentlemen What keeps you attracted to a guy: Reliability and consistency. I hate when guys are one way in the beginning, and then slack off once they feel comfortable .

Hobbies: Dancing (Captain of SC State’s Champagne Dancers) Future Aspiration: Upon graduation, to move back to ATL, apply for graduate school to obtain an MBA concentrating in Marketing. To also try out for the ATL Hawks or ATL Falcons Dance Team.

11.

Simone Williams

12.

Classification: Freshman Major: Nursing Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: Personality, intelligence and looks.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Someone that’s honest, Hobbies: Modeling (Entourage), shopping, afriends.

Future Aspiration: Become an RN or famous model/ actress.

Kara McCullough Classification: Freshman Major: Radio Chemistry Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: Men who are well rounded and have a positive outlook on life, humorous and carries them self like a man. One who strives for success without the MAIN focus of money. He has to have my back and eligible to meet the parents.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Him giving me his time.

Hobbies: Listening to music, hanging out with family, making people laugh and watching sports Future Aspiration: Be known as a positive life changer, attend graduate school, have a big happy family.

8.

Kenna Thomas Classification: Senior Major: Professional Education Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: Sense of humor, nice teeth, presentable, nice style, clear skin and great hygene.

Looks; and if the looks match the personality, then were compatible.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: Repect and compatiblility Hobbies: Traveling with my sorors, make-up (Mac) and traveling with family.

Future Aspiration: Possibly returning to SC State for graduate school, starting my foundation

13.

DeAnna James

14.

Amani Williams Classification: Freshman Major: Biology Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: Intelligence, humor, personality, trustworthiness and dreads.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: If a guy keeps smiling, keeps, his self up as far as his appearance, stays sweet, trustworthiness and does anything to make me happy I’ll always be attracted to him.

Hobbies: Dancing (SC State Champagne Dancer) Future Aspiration: Attending Medical School after graduation and pursuing dreams of becoming a pediatrician.

9.

Latrell Williams

Classification: Junior Major: Family Consumer Science/ Fashion Merchandising Status: In a relationship What attracts you to a guy: Personality and intelligence What keeps you attracted to a guy: Honesty and ability to stay faithful.

Hobbies: Modeling and basketball Future Aspiration: Being America’s Next Top Model

Chanel Lincoln Classification: Freshman Major: Speech Pathology Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: Smile, style, and personality.

What keeps you attracted to a guy: His ability to keep me interested, not clingy, and trustworthy.

Hobbies: Modeling (SC State Entourage) Future Aspiration: To receive a Doctorate in Speech Pathology and open up a Speech Clinic.

Classification: Junior Major: Biology Status: Single What attracts you to a guy: Smile and sense of humor What keeps you attracted to a guy: Intellegence and loyalty Hobbies: Writing, poetry, doing hair, hanging out with friends, exploring new things and travelling.

Future Aspiration: To become a pediatric nurse.

15.

Erica Newsome

Photo Credits Photos 1, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, and14 by William Lewis Photo 2, 6, 7, 8, and 11 by LaCreatcia Adams Photo 3 and 9 by Jonathan White/ Managing Editor

View full length photos at

www.thescsucollegian.com

6

VOICES

The Collegian • MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010

Ask Lorpu:

“I really like my new girl, but I still have feelings for my ex. ”

Q A

Dear Lorpu, I need a female’s help on this one. I have been in a relationship with my girl for about five months. I really like her, but I have a huge problem. Before getting with her, I was in a long-term relationship with my ex-girlfriend for about three years. My ex and I are still friends.

She recently told me that she still has feelings for me and if the opportunity presented itself, she would want us to get back together. I really like my new girl, but I still have feelings for my ex. I do not want to hurt my girl or my ex; what do you suggest Lorpu?

First, I commend you for asking this question because many individuals would take an opportunity like this and use it to their advantage. In a situation such as this, it is important to evaluate what each individual has to bring to the table. Carefully consider what you want from a relationship then make the best decision for you. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that some one will be hurt no matter what decision you make. Honestly, I do not believe you should be in a relationship due to the fact that you are still emotionally attached to someone else. I am unaware of why you and your ex called it quits and although you all are still friends, obviously you all did not find the relationship strong enough to hold on to. When making this decision you should cautiously consider every aspect of this situation. Once your conclusion has been made, there is no guarantee however that either young lady will be willing to take you back if things do not work out with the other.

Why I Won’t Say Bye

BY JEAN PAUL DIA CONTRIBUTOR

Why is it so hard to live, Because it’s so easy to die.

Like letting a tear from your face run; like the wine when people dine.

Why when I speak of Heaven, I look to the sky.

When heaven could be breathing around me and I wonder why?

Why do you leave me in despair without health? and why do material things become the value of my wealth?

Why can’t my individuality capture the beauty of my soul?

Why my words can’t be valued like I’m spitting out gold?

Why can’t my happiness just be eternal, but does it really leave me?

Why do I question myself, and does it really FREE me.

My words Spoken Heart Broken to tell you this path It has to be the right choice if you do the MATH. You made the decision.... so stingy that decision that you thought was for the best, but if I was there for you to sign that paper, I would strictly contest.

It had to be a HIGHER POWER must be the GOD IN SHE. How foolish do I sound it was the GOD in WE. If it was so simple I would invent something like that I-pod and touch every soul calling it I-GOD, but it’s not, because he’s the one who created me and he said he had bigger plans for you than I could ever imagine... see. Ha… You made me a stronger person by calling me your “G,” coming from the city that can put a lot of determination in me. See I sigh because I can’t.

Rather I won’t cry, expecting that you won’t die.

So in secret so I don’t have to say Bye. This is exactly why I won’t say BYE!!!

LIT TERAE THESARUM EST

ESTABLISHED IN 1914 The Collegian P O Box 8124, 300 College St. NE South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC 29117

STAFF Editor-In-Chief/News Editor Dervedia Thomas Managing Editor Jonathan White 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 Kenan Adviser, Office of Student Media Rolondo Davis Associate Adviser, Office of Student Media Stephanie McDuffie 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.

For More Visit

www.thescsucollegian.com

COLLEGIAN QUESTION

What are you doing for Spring Break? << I’m very excited for Spring Break because I get to go back home to the Caribbean’s warm weather and sun. I get to hang out with family, friends and eat.

-Mondele Colins, Junior Criminal Justice

Over the break I plan on getting some school work done, write music, and catch up on some TV shows that I haven’t watched in months.

-Mamill Lowe , Sophomore Music major. << I’m going home to Mexico to participate in the National Amateur Golf Championship.

I’m really ready to go home so I can eat some Mexican food.Rafael Gomez , Freshman Business Management

Are You “Write” for News?

JOIN US Conference Room 3 K.W Green Student Center 536 7522

I’m very excited about the break because it’s spring break! For the first couple of days I’ll be working, but for the weekend I’ll be partying at Daytona Beach and enjoying the week off!

-J Charlie , Senior Psychology Photos by William Lewis/The Collegian Question by Jonathan White/ Managing Editor

thecollegian@scsu.edu

7

SPORTS

The Collegian • MONDAY MARCH 8, 2010

Pistons edge Rockets in OT (AP) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Tayshaun Prince scored a season-high 29 points to help the Detroit Pistons snap a six-game losing streak with a 110107 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Richard Hamilton added 22 points for Detroit, while Kevin Martin had 27 points for Houston and Aaron Brooks scored 25. Martin and Brooks, though, both missed key 3-point attempts in the last 10 seconds of overtime.

Rodney Stuckey did not play, two days after collapsing on the bench during Detroit’s loss in Cleveland. Pistons coach John Kuester said Stuckey was still undergoing tests and the team expected to know more about his status within 48 hours.

The Rockets forced Detroit to miss 16 of 21 shots in one stretch, but the Pistons hit enough free throws to stay within 9690 midway through the fourth.

Back-to-back fast-break dunks by Prince narrowed the margin to 100-96 with 2:35 left, and another one tied the game at 102 with 45.8 seconds left.

Shane Battier missed a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired, giving Detroit a chance to win in regulation, but Hamilton missed at the buzzer.

The Rockets only scored three points in the first four minutes of overtime, allowing Detroit to build a 109-105 lead.

Houston Rockets’ Luis Scola, left, Prince, though, missed a pair of free of Argentina, takes a shot around throws with 11.3 seconds left. Brooks Detroit Pistons’ Jason Maxiell (54) in badly missed a go-ahead 3-pointer, but the first half of an NBA basketball Jonas Jerebko could only make one of game Sunday, March. 7, 2010, in two from the line, leaving the Pistons Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane ahead 110-107 with 4.8 seconds left.

This time, it was Martin who saw the Burleson) tying 3-pointer bounce off the rim.

The Pistons led 57-55 at the half, outshooting Houston 55 percent to 50 percent.

Houston regained the advantage in the third, getting 10 points each from Brooks and Martin, and took an 86-82 lead into the final period.

Note: Ben Wallace, who didn’t play because of a sore knee, picked up a technical foul for arguing a first-half call despite being in street clothes. Hamilton got one for the same reason in the third quarter.

Magic gets revenge, top Lakers in finals rematch ORLANDO, Fla. — Vince Carter had 25 points, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 96-94 on Sunday to hand Los Angeles its first three-game losing streak of the Pau Gasol-Kobe Bryant Era. Carter made his first 13 free throws and kept the Magic in control, showing signs of why Orlando made the move for the eight-time All-Star after losing to the Lakers in last year’s finals.

But Carter’s lone miss gave the Lakers a chance at the end, with Bryant’s 20-foot jumper falling short.

Bryant had 34 points and Gasol added 20 points for the Lakers, walking to the locker room distraught and dejected after their latest loss. And with quite a different feeling than that champagne-soaked championship celebration last June.

But this one had all the drama of that series.

Matt Barnes made a 3-pointer Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter, with ball, draws to push the Magic’s lead to six a foul from Los Angeles Lakers center Josh Powell with 1:10 remaining. A missed on a drive to the basket during the first half of free throw by Jameer Nelson an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, gave the Lakers a chance to tie, and Bryant delivered with a 3pointer — if only for a second — with 12.9 seconds remaining.

Bryant jumped into his teammates pouring out from the bench in what would be a premature celebration. Officials reviewed the play and ruled that it was only a two-pointer. And just like that, the Lakers are in the first threegame skid since they acquired Gasol from Memphis in February 2008.

The rematch had the physical feel of a finals.

Bryant and Barnes continuously traded elbows and were each hit with a technical foul in the third quarter after going chest-to-chest in a verbal spat.

Barnes had a put-back dunk a few plays later and dangled his legs on Bryant, who extended his right arm slightly into his opponent’s chest, leading to another confrontation.

Howard interjected and was called for a technical after muttering a few words at Bryant. The two All-Stars and Olympic teammates kept the verbal jabs going, showing no similar love when their NBA teams meet.

All the rough and tough play gave way to a foul fest.

The teams combined to shoot 29 free throws — with Orlando going 17 for 18 — in the opening quarter alone. Howard and Andrew Bynum were sidelined in foul trouble for most of the first three quarters, but a strong effort from Carter and the Magic bench put Orlando ahead by 12 points late in the third.

Then the Lakers provided a reminder of the finals.

They came back just like they did in Games 4 and 5 last year in Orlando, scoring 10 straight points — including the first eight to start the fourth — to cut the Magic’s lead to 74-72.

Howard answered with a thunderous dunk over Gasol, who was called for a flagrant-one foul on the play about halfway through the fourth. Then like Game 4 — when Howard missed a pair of crucial free throws — he again missed badly on both, but still put Orlando ahead 81-74 in what would be a back-and-forth finish.

NOTES: Lakers F Ron Artest reached for his inner Dennis Rodman on Sunday. His hair was dyed blonde with letters in three different languages in Lakers purple. He didn’t want to talk about his hair before the game, but he posted on his Twitter page that the letters spelled “Defense” in Hebrew, Hindi and Japanese. ... Yankees pitchers CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte were sitting in the first row on the baseline.

SC State Splits Non-Conference Softball Double-Header with Youngstown 58-46

By SC State Sports Information Orangeburg, SC—The SC State women’s softball team split a non-conference softball doubleheader with Youngstown State, 6-4 and 0-12. The match-up, was contested at the Lady Bulldog Softball Field on the campus of SC State.

The offense for both teams started early in Game One as Youngstown State put up one run in its half of the first inning. SC State quickly rebounding So., Raven Johnson putting up two runs of their own in the bottom of the first. The Penguins put up one run in the second while the Lady Bulldogs put up three in the third to take a commanding 5-2 lead after three complete innings. Both teams went scoreless in the fourth before Youngstown put up two runs in the fifth to pull within one of the Lady Bulldogs, 5-4. The Lady Bulldogs put up one additional run in the bottom of the sixth while holding the Penguins scoreless in the sixth and seventh to pick up the 6-4 victory.

Game Two belonged solely to Youngstown, as they put up runs in four-offive innings while holding the Lady Bulldogs scoreless. The Penguins put up seven runs in the first, one in the second, three in the third and one in the fifth to secure the 12-0 victory.

The split puts the Lady Bulldogs at 3-11 on the season. Sophomore Raven Johnson (3-7) went 1-1 on the day.

The Lady Bulldogs will return to action on Wednesday, March 17 at 1 pm when they host Charleston Southern. All SC State home games, which are played at the Lady Bulldog Softball Field, are free and open to the public.

Ram’s Jackson Sinks 3-pointer At Buzzer To Defeat Bulldogs 61-59

By SC State Sports Information ORANGEBURG,SC—Junior guard Darnell Porter poured in a game-high 16 points, while Sr., Arsenio Williams senior guard/forward Jason Flagler chipped in 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds as SC State suffered an heartbreaking 61-59 loss to Winston-Salem State Thursday at SH-M. South Carolina State celebrating “Senior Night” saluted three seniors guard/ forward Jason Flagler, forward Arsenio Williams and guard Brandon Smalls who played there last home game at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center this evening.

A 3-pointer by Andrew Jackson gave Winston-Salem State their biggest lead of the half, nine 15-6 at the 9:37 mark. Freshman point guard Khalif Toombs nailed a 3-pointer to pull the Bulldogs within three, 14-17 with 4:10 left in the first-half.

Toombs sanked another 3-pointer with 2:32 left to tie the game 19-19. Senior Jason Flagler pull up jumper with 0: 15 seconds left closed out the half and gave SC State a 23-19 lead heading into the lock room.

“We had miss opportunities tonight and we didn’t take advantage of things,” said SC State head coach Tim Carter. “You have got to be on your game playing a team like WSSU on any given night.”

Winston-Salem State jumped out to an early six point advantage, 48-42 off a layup by Brian Fisher at the 6:40 mark. A tip-in by Arsenio Williams with 1:32 left pull the Bulldogs within two, 56-54.

Flagler hit a jumper with 0:44 seconds left in the contest to tie the game 5656. The Ram’s Brian Fisher would not be denied nailing a jumper with 0:15 seconds on the clock to put WSSU ahead two, 58-56.

Porter’s 3-pointer with 0:04 seconds gave South Carolina State the lead, 5958. Winston-Salem State’s last chance at survival came when Andrew Jackson nailed a 3-pointer as time expired to win the game 61-59 on “Senior Night”.

“Losing a game that close really hurts playing in front of family and friends my last home game as a Bulldog,” stated SC State senior captain Jason Flagler.

“I love this school and the people around me so I am really grateful of having the chance to put on an SC State uniform.”

Carter explained “The plan was to switch everything but I never thought we would leave him wide open for a good look at the basket.” We were our own worst enemies, missing shots, and free-throws.”

A pair of Bulldogs was selected to the All-MEAC team the league announced Thursday. Senior Jason Flagler was named to the First-Team All MEAC, while freshman Khalif Toombs was name to the 2010 All-Rookie Team.

Senior Arsenio Williams and freshman Khalif Toombs each had eight in the loss.Williams also finished with nine rebounds. Winston-Salem State had three people in double figures Andrew Jacskon(13),Brian Sifer(15) and Lamar Wonger (55).

South Carolina State will take on the winner between No.6 UMES/No.11 Copping State on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the opening round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Tournament held at Lawrence Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.

SC State Conducts First Scrimmage ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State conducted its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday, working out for approximately an hour and 45 minutes in the eighth of 15 spring practice dates. Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough, who is beginning his ninth season, said his team got in some good work, but that lots of work remain.

“It was our first scrimmage and we got in a good bit of work,” Pough said after the Saturday workout. “We looked good at times on both sides of the football. Our first team offense was able to move the ball and score against our second team defense, but that’s generally how it should be.

“But, I remember a few springs ago,” he continued, “that our offense couldn’t move the ball on the defense at all. But now, we have a guy back there (QB Malcolm Long) that can throw it around pretty good and our wide receiver corps, which is lacking some key guys, is doing pretty good.”

That’s good news for SC State, which lost its top two receivers – Oliver (Tre’) Young, who led the MEAC in catches, and Bulldog second-leading receiver Terrance Smith. A talented, but mostly inexperienced group of receivers will have to step in and provide targets for Long, who set several school passing records as a junior.

He also said he was pleased to see some progress in another area where his team was hard hit – the secondary where SC State will be without three starters in cornerback Phillip Adams and safeties Rafael Bush and Markee Hamlin.

“The secondary is really coming around,” Pough said. “We lost some of our best skilled players in the secondary, but guys like (Samaj) Moody, Christian Thompson and Dominique Ellis have stepped up. We hope they will be up to the task. And, we get Yari King back. He looked pretty good his freshman year but missed last season due to an injury.”

In Saturday’s scrimmage, senior quarterback Malcolm Long directed a couple of scoring drives against the second team defense and was also at the throttle when the first team offense scored against the number one Bulldog defense.

Sophomore redshirt signal caller Derrick Wiley also directed a scoring drive.

The Bulldogs, who lost MEAC all-time rushing leader Will Ford, also got a good look at a bevy of running backs, led by junior Chris Massey, who was used at wide out down the stretch last season, but is the top candidate to take Ford’s place in the fall. Also getting a look were sophomore Chris Merrill, redshirt freshman Rock King, Citadel transfer Asheton Jordan and Devin Wherry, a fullback.

Spring drills will culminate Mar. 27 with the annual Garnet and Blue game.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

8

The Collegian • MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010

Mo’Nique is 5th black woman to win acting Oscar

(AP) LOS ANGELES — Mo’Nique became the fifth black woman to win an acting Oscar, 70 years after Hattie McDaniel won the same honor for “Gone With the Wind” — the first Academy Award ever given to a black performer.

The 42-year-old standup comedian portrayed an abusive mother in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’

by Sapphire.”

“I want to thank Miss Hat(Reuters) - Mo’Nique won the best supporting actress tie McDaniel for enduring Oscar on Sunday for her role as an abusive mother in “Precious,” claiming her first Academy Award. all she had to so that I would not have to,” Mo’Nique said in accepting the Oscar.

Mo’Nique, who has insisted on being considered a standup, not an actress, was asked backstage if she still feels that way.

“I am a standup comedian who won an Oscar,” she said, laughing. “Oh, baby, that tickled me.”

She noted that her outfit evoked McDaniel, who also wore a blue dress and a gardenia in her hair the night she received her award.

“For you Miss Hattie McDaniel,” she said. “I feel you all over me and it’s about time that the world feels you all over them.”

At the Golden Globes, Mo’Nique revealed hairy legs under her glamorous gown.

Did she clean up for the Academy Awards?

“Of course not!” she said earlier on the red carpet, laughing again. “I didn’t shave my arms nor did I shave my legs. I think Oscar would really like this.”

She was asked backstage what would happen if more actresses didn’t shave their legs or worry about their size.

“They’d win Oscars,” the full-figured entertainer said.

In “Precious,” Mo’Nique’s character, Mary Jones, inflicts relentless physical and verbal abuse on her daughter, allowing the teen’s own father to sexually assault the girl, impregnating her twice. It was an eye-opener for audiences accustomed to seeing Mo’Nique in brazen, bawdy comic roles. She is chilling in presenting Mary’s heartlessness and brutality, revealing startling dramatic depths in scene after scene.

Mo’Nique, who hosts “The Mo’Nique Show” on BET, was the overwhelming favorite in the run-up to the awards show, having racked up supporting actress wins at the Golden Globes, Spirit Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, among others.

The only other black women to win supporting actress Academy Awards were Jennifer Hudson for “Dreamgirls” (2006) and Whoopi Goldberg for “Ghost” (1990).

Halle Berry is the only black woman to win the best actress honor for “Monster’s Ball,” in 2001. Seven black men have won acting Oscars.

Associated Press Writer Beth Harris contributed to this report.

Top 5 Spring Break hot spots

BY JONATHAN WHITE MANAGING EDITOR

Daytona Beach, Florida Daytona Beach is one of the largest and hottest Spring Break destinations in Florida. There are 23 miles of this “world famous” beach that you can stroll down or if you prefer, take a leisurely drive.

At night Daytona Beach is a world class nightclub scene with bars like 600 North, Razzles, and The Ocean Deck offering you great music and nightlife. Also, Daytona’s close proximity to Orlando theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios can really add a little variety to your Spring Break vacation!

South Beach, Miami South Beach is the newest Spring Break hot spot. It is located on the south end of Miami Beach in the historic Deco District. South Beach has always been popular with models, movie stars, and musicians and is well known for it’s chic sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants and non-stop partying.

This city never sleeps! The nightlife is unrivaled and the clubs stay open until dawn. During the day enjoy Miami’s beautiful sun drenched beaches, and consistently great weather. Spend your Spring Break in the newest place to see and be seen…South Beach!

Nassau, Bahamas This is the island of beautiful beaches, clear waters, and friendly people. In the Bahamas, you can find accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

A short plane ride will bring you to the island of New Providence where Nassau and Paradise Island are located. Spend your days at a swinging beach party, shop in downtown Nassau or simply hang out on one of the world famous beaches.

At night, the island comes alive with top nightclubs and exciting casino gambling. Whatever your choice, the Bahamas remains a top Spring Break among students year after year.

Myrtle Beach, SC White sand, beaches, perfect weather, and HOT Nightclubs make Myrtle Beach one the most popular Spring Break destinations along the East Coast! It’s right up the road and worth your while! What better way to spend your Spring Break!

5 THINGS NOT TO DO ON SPRING BREAK 1. Don’t Get Arrested 2. Don’t update your twitter everytime you take a shot of vodka.

3. Don’t lift up your shirt everytime you see a video camera.

4. Don’t give out your phone number to random people.

5. Don’t take a loan from a shady bank to fund your trip.

JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY… 1. What’s wrong with Lady GaGa? 2. Why are our parents and grandparents texting?

3. Who took their sweet time and made up the “Flex” dance?

4. Why does every brown skin guy with dredlocks look like Wacka Flacka?

5. Did Dave Chapelle go back to Africa?

6. Is Lil Kim still in jail?

To contribute to “Just out of Curiosity” e-mail your questions to thecollegian@scsu.edu with “Just Curious” as the subject.

Cancun is the hottest Spring Break destination in the world. Cancun has been MTV’s Spring Break Headquarters every year because of its non-stop, highenergy clubbing, and huge parties that last until the sun comes up.

Average Spring temperatures are in the 80’s, and the intense sun and fun just can’t be beat. But know before you go! Mexico is on high alert. It seems like a couple of kidnappings have occurred, so if your plan on going, make sure you’re safe and with a friend at all times.

Probate Week

B

oth the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc brought out new members in the week of March 1.

Photos by Zia Felder Student Media